Verse from Genesis

“神说：“带着你的儿子，就是你所爱的独生子以撒，到摩利亚地去，在我所要指示你的一座山上，把他献为燔祭。””

‭‭创世记‬ ‭22:2‬ ‭

“He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." (‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭2‬)

Abraham bound his son and laid him on an altar, but then God provided an alternate sacrifice. Hundreds of years later, God would supply another sacrifice—the final sacrifice—His own Son. Think of how agonizing it must have been for God to sacrifice His Son, His only Son whom He loved! And He went through all of that because He loves you.

If you wonder whether you are loved by God, wonder no more.

God has already proven His love for you.

The question is: do you love God? How much? 

Verse from James

““你奉耶和华的名对我们所说的话，我们不听从。”

‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭44:16‬ ‭

““We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord!”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭44:16‬ ‭

The people of Judah had a life-and-death question. Weary from war and famine, God’s people wondered whether their problem was too much idolatry or not enough. They concluded they should offer more sacrifices to a false god and see if she would protect and prosper them (Jeremiah 44:17).

Jeremiah said they had wildly misdiagnosed their situation. Their problem wasn’t a lack of commitment to idols; their problem was that they had them.

Like Judah, we may be tempted to double down on sinful choices that have landed us in trouble. Relationship problems? We can be more aloof. Financial issues? We’ll spend our way to happiness. Pushed aside? We’ll be equally ruthless. But the idols that contributed to our problems can’t save us. Only Jesus can carry us through our troubles as we turn to Him.

Verse from James

“我的弟兄们，你们遭遇各种试炼的时候，都要看为喜乐；”

‭‭雅各书‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭

Sometimes it’s easy to praise the victories and triumphs in our lives without similarly acknowledging that growth in our character often comes through time and struggle. James instructs us to “consider it pure joy” when we “face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). But what could possibly be delightful about trials?

God will sometimes allow us to go through challenges and hardships so that we can be molded into who He’s called us to be. He waits in anticipation for us to come out of the trials of life “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4). 

By staying grounded in Jesus, we can persevere through any challenge, growing stronger and ultimately allowing the fruit of the Spirit to blossom in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). His wisdom gives us the nourishment we need to truly flourish each and every day (John 15:5).

Verses from 1 Corinthians

“但是神却拣选了世上愚笨的，使那些有智慧的羞愧。他也拣选了世上软弱的，使那些刚强的羞愧。 他也拣选了世上卑贱的和被人轻视的，以及算不得甚么的，为了要废弃那些自以为是的， 使所有的人在神面前都不能自夸。”

‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭1:27-29‬ ‭

“but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:27-29‬ ‭

The Bible is filled with stories of how God used weak, unlikely, or flawed characters to bring about His purposes. Included in that lineup are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, and Peter—just to name a few. 

God chose elderly Abraham and his barren wife to be “the father [and mother] of many nations” (Genesis 17:5). He used Isaac, who played favorites (25:27–28), and Jacob, a deceiver, to continue that line (25:29–34; 27:1–29). God called the reluctant Moses, a murderer on the run, to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 2:11–15; 14:1–31). 

God chose the prostitute Rahab to hide the spies in Jericho (Joshua 2) and to be included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5); He called Gideon, who cowered in fear, to serve as judge and rescue the Israelites from the Midianites (Judges 6–8); and He appointed Peter, an outspoken fisherman, to be His disciple (Matthew 16:22). 

God still uses flawed characters—you and me—to fulfill His purposes.

Verse from 1 Timothy

“总要弃绝世俗以及老妇的无稽之谈；要操练自己达到敬虔的地步。”

‭‭提摩太前书‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

Just as certain regimens are essential for our physical well-being, the same is true spiritually. Paul’s choice of words in 1 Timothy 4:6–13 stresses the value of spiritual discipline for believers in Jesus—regardless of age. The word nourished (v. 6) translates the Greek word entrephō, which means to “educate” or “to nourish through feeding [the mind].” 

The Greek word from which we get our word gymnasium (gymnazō, to exercise vigorously body or mind) is used in verse 7 (“train”) and a noun form in verse 8 (“physical training”). “Godless myths and old wives’ tales” (v. 7) and their contemporary counterparts don’t nourish those who desire to live God-honoring lives. 

Paul’s personal discipline comes into focus in verse 10 where another colorful Greek word is used. The word labor translates the word kopiaō. What’s in view here is labor to the point of fatigue and exhaustion.

Verse from 2 Samuel

“他从高处伸手抓住我， 把我从大水中拉上来。”

‭‭撒母耳记下‬ ‭22:17‬ ‭

““He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22:17‬ ‭

After God rescued the psalmist David from his enemies, he wrote a song to express his feelings. “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies,” he said (2 Samuel 22:4). He praised God as his rock, fortress, shield, and stronghold (vv. 2–3), and then went on to narrate a poetic response of God’s response: The earth trembled. God came down from heaven. Lightning bolts flew from His presence. His voice thundered, and He drew him out of deep water (vv. 8, 10, 13–15, 17).

Maybe today you feel opposition around you. Maybe you’re stuck in sin that makes it hard to advance spiritually. Reflect on how God has helped you in the past, and then praise Him and ask Him to do it again. Thank Him especially for rescuing you by bringing you into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13).

Verse from Psalms

“因为他知道我们的本体，记得我们不过是尘土。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭103:14‬ ‭

“For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:14‬ ‭

One doesn’t have to live long before sensing our inadequacies, imperfections, and weaknesses—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. God, in the person of His Son, Jesus, stepped into our fallen world and cares for those who experience the liabilities of human existence (Psalm 103:13). 

Furthermore, David wrote, “He knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (v. 14). The term dust takes us back to Genesis: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (2:7).

Are you feeling dusty these days? Welcome to the realities of earthly living. Remember, however, that when we feel most vulnerable, we’re not left alone. Our compassionate God “knows” and “remembers.” He demonstrated His love to us by sending His Son to provide forgiveness for earthly people like you and me. Whatever life may bring, may we trust in Him.

Verse from Romans

“所以，我们总要追求和睦的事，与彼此造就的事。”

‭‭罗马书‬ ‭14:19‬ ‭

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:19‬ ‭

People were divided in Paul’s day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being “fully convinced in their own mind” on whichever position they held, Paul reminds them of their common ground: living for Jesus (Romans 14:5–9). Instead of passing judgment on one another, he encouraged them to “do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (v. 19).

In an era when many countries, churches, and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point one another to the unifying truth of Christ’s work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paul’s reminder that we ought not “destroy the work of God” (v. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgment on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honors our brothers and sisters.

Verse from Genesis

“耶和华神把那人安置在伊甸园里，叫他耕种和看守那园子。”

‭‭创世记‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭

In Genesis, we learn that God created the entire universe and formed the earth as a place for humans to dwell. Not only did He fashion the mountain peaks and lush plains, God also created the garden of Eden, a beautiful place providing food, shelter, and beauty for its inhabitants (Genesis 2:8–9).

After breathing life into His most important creation, humans, God placed them in this garden (vv. 8, 22) and gave them the responsibility “to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). After Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, caring for God’s creation became more difficult (3:17–19), but to this day God Himself cares for our planet and its creatures (Psalm 65:9–13) and asks us to do the same (Proverbs 12:10).

Whether we live in crowded cities or rural areas, we all have ways we can care for the areas God has entrusted to us. And as we tend the earth, may it be an act of gratitude to Him for this beautiful planet.

Verse from Revelation

“我听见有大声音从宝座那里发出来，说：“看哪！神的帐幕在人间，他要与人同住，他们要作他的子民。神要亲自与他们同在，要作他们的神。”

‭‭启示录‬ ‭21:3‬ ‭

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:3‬ ‭

Today’s passage gives us a glimpse of heaven, describing it as a physical place (Revelation 21:1–2). Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2–3), and this promise is fulfilled in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, (Revelation 21:2). While it’s a great comfort that heaven is a perfect place (v. 4), the most important thing is that it’s the dwelling place of God (v. 3).

In this final vision of the beginning of eternity (21:1–22:9), John hears Christ declaring, “It is done” (21:6). The New Living Translation renders it, “It is finished!” echoing Christ’s victorious cry from the cross (John 19:30). Sin’s curse will one day be completely removed and reversed (Revelation 21:4–5; see Genesis 3:16–19).

Verse from John

“他们吃了早饭，耶稣问西门．彼得：“约翰的儿子西门，你爱我比这些更深吗？”他回答：“主啊，是的，你知道我爱你。”耶稣说：“你喂养我的小羊。””

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭21:15‬ ‭

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.””

‭‭John‬ ‭21:15‬ ‭

The two verbs translated “love” in the Greek New Testament are phileō (“to be a friend of” [person or object] or to “have tender affection for”) and agapaō (“love founded in admiration, veneration, esteem”).

Both words are used in John 21:15–16. Jesus uses agapaō while Peter uses phileō. In verse 17, however, both Jesus and Peter use phileō. Some scholars find significance in the use of these two different words in John 21 while others don’t. Commentator Craig Keener notes: “The two Greek words for ‘love’ here are used interchangeably elsewhere in John.”

Peter had denied Christ three times (see John 18:15–18, 25–27). How gracious of Jesus to prompt him to affirm his love three times. Was Peter’s love authentic? Yes, authentic enough for him to live a life and die a death by which he would glorify God (see 21:18–19).

Verse from Deuteronomy

“你要召集人民、男人、女人、孩子，以及你城里的寄居者，叫他们可以听见，叫他们可以学习，好敬畏耶和华你们的神，谨守遵行这律法的一切话，”

‭‭申命记‬ ‭31:12‬ ‭

“Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:12‬ ‭

God has always intended that all His people worship Him—men and women, old and young, longtime believers, and newcomers. As Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before they entered the promised land, he urged them all to meet together (Deuteronomy 31:12). 

It honors God when we make it possible for His people to worship Him together, no matter our stage of life.

Verse from 1 Peter

“你们若因犯罪受责打而能忍耐，有甚么可夸的呢？但你们若因行善而受苦，能忍耐，在神看来，这是有福的。”

‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭

“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭

Encouraging believers in Jesus living in an unbelieving and hostile world, Peter exhorted them to live godly lives—to submit to authorities, respect everyone, love fellow believers, fear God, do good works, and persevere when unjustly treated. We’re called to do good and to follow Christ’s example in enduring suffering. 

Paul made similar calls to live such God-honoring lives in a pagan world in Romans 13:12–14; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; and Titus 2:7–8; 3:8, 14. His instructions for the slave-master relationship in Ephesians 6:5–8; Colossians 3:22–24; 1 Timothy 6:1–3; and Titus 2:9–10 would have resonated with Peter’s audience (1 Peter 2:18–21).

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“现在基督已经从死人中复活，成为睡了的人初熟的果子。”

‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭15:20‬ ‭

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:20‬ ‭

Jaroslav Pelikan, longtime Yale professor considered one of “his generation’s preeminent authorities on Christian history,” was renowned for his extensive academic career. He published more than thirty books and won the esteemed Kluge Prize as a lifetime award for his voluminous writing. One of his students, however, recounted what he considered his teacher’s most important words, spoken from his deathbed: “If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not—nothing else matters.”

Pelikan echoed Paul’s conviction: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). The apostle made such a bold statement because he knew that the resurrection was not merely a one-off miracle but rather the pinnacle of God’s redeeming work in human history. 

The promise of resurrection wasn’t only His assurance that Jesus would rise from the dead but His bold affirmation that other dead and ruined things (lives, neighborhoods, relationships) would also one day be brought back to life through Christ. If there’s no resurrection, however, Paul knew that we’re in deep trouble. If there’s no resurrection, then death and destruction win.

But, of course, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (v. 20). Destroyed by the Victor, death loses. And Jesus is the “firstfruits” of all the life that will follow. He conquered evil and death so that we could live bold and free. This changes everything.

Verse from Luke

“与耶稣熟悉的人，和从加利利跟随他来的妇女，都远远地站着，看这些事。”

‭‭路加福音‬ ‭23:49‬ ‭

“And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:49‬ ‭

“I wanted somehow to make it not so,” lamented the man, eulogizing a friend who died young. His words gave poignancy to humanity’s ageless heart-cry. Death stuns and scars us all. We ache to undo what can’t be undone.

The longing to “make it not so” might well describe how Jesus’ followers felt after His death. The Gospels say little about those awful hours, but they do record the actions of a few faithful friends.

Joseph, a religious leader who secretly believed in Jesus (see John 19:38), suddenly found the courage to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body (Luke 23:52). Ponder for a moment what it would take to remove a body from a grisly crucifixion and tenderly prepare it for burial (v. 53). Consider too the devotion and bravery of the women who stayed with Jesus every step of the way, even to the tomb (v. 55).

These followers weren’t anticipating a resurrection; they were coming to terms with grief. The chapter ends without hope, merely a somber, “Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes [to embalm Jesus’ body]. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment” (v. 56).

Little did they know the Sabbath intermission was setting the stage for history’s most dramatic scene. Jesus was about to do the unimaginable. He would make death itself “not so.”

Verse from Mark

“有一个古利奈人西门，就是亚历山大和鲁孚的父亲，从乡下来到，经过那里，士兵就强迫他背着耶稣的十字架。”

‭‭马可福音‬ ‭15:21‬ ‭

“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭15:21‬ ‭

Somber eyes peer out from the painting Simon of Cyrene by contemporary Dutch artist Egbert Modderman. Simon’s eyes reveal the immense physical and emotional burden of his responsibility. In the biblical account from Mark 15, we learn that Simon was pulled from the watching crowd and forced to carry Jesus’ cross.

Mark tells us that Simon was from Cyrene, a big city in North Africa with a large population of Jews during Jesus’ time. Most likely Simon had journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. There he found himself in the middle of this unjust execution but was able to perform a small but meaningful act of assistance to Jesus (Mark 15:21).

Earlier in the gospel of Mark, Jesus tells His followers, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (8:34). On the road to Golgotha, Simon literally did what Jesus figuratively asks His disciples to do: he took up the cross given to him and carried it for Jesus’ sake.

We too have “crosses” to bear: perhaps an illness, a challenging ministry assignment, the loss of a loved one, or persecution for our faith. As we carry these sufferings by faith, we point people to the sufferings of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. It was His cross that gave us peace with God and strength for our own journey.

Verse from John

“犹大吃了饼，立刻就出去；那时是黑夜了。”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭13:30‬ ‭

“As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.”

‭‭John‬ ‭13:30‬ ‭

Elie Wiesel’s book Night starkly confronts us with the horrors of the Holocaust. Based on his own experiences in Nazi death camps, Wiesel’s account flips the biblical story of the Exodus. While Moses and the Israelites escaped slavery at the first Passover (Exodus 12), Wiesel tells of the Nazis arresting Jewish leaders following Passover.

Lest we criticize Wiesel and his dark irony, consider that the Bible contains a similar plot twist. On the night of Passover, Jesus, expected to free God’s people from suffering, instead permits Himself to be arrested by those who would kill Him.

John ushers us into the holy scene before Jesus’ arrest. “Troubled in spirit” over what awaited Him, at the Last Supper Jesus predicted His betrayal (John 13:21). Then, in an act we can scarcely comprehend, Christ served His betrayer bread. The account reads: “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night” (v. 30). History’s greatest injustice was underway, yet Jesus declared, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him” (v. 31). In a few hours, the disciples would experience panic, defeat, and dejection. But Jesus saw God’s plan unfolding as it should.

When it seems as though the darkness is winning, we can recall that God faced His dark night and defeated it. He walks with us. It won’t always be night.

Verses from Isaiah

“直到你们年老，我还是一样；直到你们发白，我仍然怀抱你。我以前既然这样作了，以后我仍必提携你；我必怀抱你，也必拯救你。

他们把神像抬起来，扛在肩头上，然后把它安置在固定的地方, 它就立在那里，总不离开它的本位. 虽然有人向它呼求，它也不能回答；它也不能救人脱离患难。”

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭46:4, 7‬ ‭

“Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; And I will carry you and I will save you. 

They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, And set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; It cannot save him from his distress.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46:4, 7‬ ‭

Through the words of Isaiah, God compares the strength of Babylonian gods to Himself. 

The specific gods mentioned are Bel and Nebo (Isaiah 46:1–2). Bel, also known as Marduk (Jeremiah 50:2), was the chief god of the city of Babylon and the national god of Babylonia. He was the considered to be the god of order and destiny. Nabu was believed to be the son of Marduk and the one who knows all and sees all. 

With a twist of irony, God says that He does what these two gods can’t do—rescue His people (Isaiah 46:3–7).

Verse from Hebrews

“所以，他必须在各方面和他的弟兄们相同，为了要在神的事上，成为仁慈忠信的大祭司，好为人民赎罪。”

‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭

“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭

Jesus helped us overcome our problem-slavery to death. He overcame it for us by making Himself like us, bearing the consequence of our sin by dying in our place.

Jesus’ willingness to share in our humanity not only secured our right relationship with God but enables us to trust Him in our moments of struggle. 

When we face temptation and hardship, we can lean on Him for strength and support because “he is able to help” (v. 18). Like a loving father, He understands and cares.

Verse from Matthew

“因此，你们要警醒，因为不知道你们的主甚么时候要来。”

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭24:42‬ ‭

““Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:42‬ ‭

Jesus clearly indicates that none of us knows either the moment He’ll return and establish His kingdom forever or when He may summon us to leave this world and come to Him. But He tells us to be prepared and “keep watch” (v. 42).

Tick . . . tick . . . The “clockwork” of our lives is still in motion—but for how long? May we live our moments in love with our merciful Savior, waiting and working for Him.

Verse from Matthew

““要对锡安的居民说： ‘看哪，你的王来到你这里了； 他是温柔的，他骑着驴，骑的是小驴。’””

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭21:5‬ ‭

““Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:5‬ ‭

It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this wasn’t Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, He would’ve gone to the city every year for the three great feasts (Luke 2:41–42; John 2:13; 5:1). In the past three years, Christ had also ministered and taught in Jerusalem. But this Sunday His coming into the city was radically different.

By riding a young donkey into Jerusalem at a time when thousands of worshipers were coming into the city, Jesus was the center of attention (Matthew 21:9–11). Why would He take the place of prominence before thousands of people when for the past three years He’d deliberately kept a low profile? Why would He accept the people’s proclamation that He was King just five days before His death? 

Matthew says that this took place to fulfill a five-hundred-year-old prophecy (Matthew 21:4–5) that God’s chosen king would come into Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, [yet] lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9; see also Genesis 49:10–11).

This was a truly unusual way for a triumphant king to enter a city. Conquering kings normally rode on mighty stallions. But Jesus didn’t come riding a warhorse. This reveals what kind of King Jesus is. He came in meekness and lowliness. Jesus came not for war, but for peace, establishing peace between God and us (Acts 10:36; Colossians 1:20).

Verse from Colossians

“你们的话要常常温和，好象是用盐调和的，使你们知道应当怎样回答各人。”

‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

At the end of his letter to the Colossian church, Paul encouraged his readers with principles of authentic living for believers in Jesus, including ways our conversations can exhibit love to everyone we encounter. The apostle wrote, “Let your conversation be always full of grace” (4:6), reminding his readers that it is not simply the presence of words but the quality of those words—“full of grace”—that would allow them to be a true encouragement to others.

The next time you have the opportunity to connect deeply in conversation—with a friend, co-worker, or even a stranger seated next to you on a bus or in a waiting room—look for ways your time together might bring blessing into both of your lives.

Verse from Psalms

“有一件事我求过耶和华，我还要寻求； 我要一生一世住在耶和华的殿里， 瞻仰他的荣美，在他的殿中求问。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭27:4‬ ‭

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:4‬ ‭

For part of his life, David lacked a physical home. He lived life on the run from King Saul. As David was God’s appointed successor to the throne, Saul perceived him as a threat and sought to kill him. David fled his home and slept wherever he found shelter. Though he had companions with him, David’s most earnest desire was to “dwell in the house of the Lord”—to enjoy permanent fellowship with Him (Psalm 27:4).

Jesus is our constant companion, our sense of “home” no matter where we are. He’s with us in our present troubles and even prepares a place for us to live with Him forever (John 14:3). 

Despite the uncertainty and change we might experience as citizens of this earth, we can dwell permanently in our fellowship with Him every day and everywhere.

Verses from Genesis

“然后祷告说：“耶和华我主人亚伯拉罕的神啊，求你今日使我遇见好机会，施慈爱给我的主人亚伯拉罕。我现在站在水泉旁边，城内居民的女儿正出来打水。我对哪一个少女说：‘请你放下水瓶来，让我喝点水。’如果她回答：‘请喝，我也给你的骆驼喝。’愿那少女就作你选定给你仆人以撒的妻子。这样，我就知道你施慈爱给我的主人了。””

‭‭创世记‬ ‭24:12-14‬ ‭

“Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭24:12-14‬ ‭

Some might believe that the prayer of Abraham’s servant equated to testing God (Genesis 24:12–14). But the servant was in no way trying to manipulate the Almighty. He lived in a thoroughly pagan culture that habitually sought the guidance of false gods and inanimate idols. 

His prayer indicates a deep abiding faith in the one true God. The servant brought the challenge facing him to God, and He honored that faith. Verse 15 states that “before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.” Whenever we truly turn to God, He meets us where we are.

Verse from James

“你们应该作行道的人，不要单作听道的人，自己欺骗自己；”

‭‭雅各书‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭

James was calling on his readers not only to read and reflect on God’s instruction, but also to do what it says (v. 22). A complete faith, he noted, means both knowing Scripture and putting it into action.

Life’s circumstances can make it hard to apply what Scripture reveals. But if we ask the Father, He’ll surely help us obey His words and please Him with our actions.

Verse from Psalms

“我的脏腑是你所造的，在我母腹中你塑造了我。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭139:13‬ ‭

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:13‬ ‭

As a teenager, Charles Spurgeon wrestled with God. He’d grown up going to church, but what was preached seemed bland and meaningless. It was a struggle for him to believe in God, and Charles, in his own words, “rebelled and revolted.” One night a fierce snowstorm forced the sixteen-year-old Spurgeon to seek shelter in a tiny Methodist church. The pastor’s sermon seemed directed at him personally. In that moment, God won the wrestling match, and Charles gave his heart to Jesus.

Spurgeon later wrote, “Long before I began with Christ, He began with me.” In fact, our life with God doesn’t begin with the moment of salvation. The psalmist notes that God “created [our] inmost being,” knitting us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). 

The apostle Paul writes, “Even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace” (Galatians 1:15 nlt). And God doesn’t stop working with us when we’re saved: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

We’re all works-in-progress in the hands of a loving God. He leads us through our rebellious wrestling and into His warm embrace. But His purpose with us then is only beginning. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13 nlt). 

Rest assured, we’re His good work regardless of how old we are or what stage of life we’re in.

Verse from Exodus

“你必疲乏不堪；不但你自己，连与你在一起的人民也必疲乏不堪，因为这事太重，你不能独自一人去作。”

‭‭出埃及记‬ ‭18:18‬ ‭

“You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18:18‬ ‭

Moses was diligently working, serving as Israel’s judge (Exodus 18:13). Yet he chose to listen to his father-in-law’s warning (vv. 17–18). Jethro wasn’t in the thick of things, but he loved Moses and his family and could see trouble ahead. 

Perhaps that’s why Moses was able to listen to Jethro and heed his advice. Moses set up a system for “capable men from all the people” to take on the smaller disputes, and he took the more difficult cases (vv. 21–22). Because he listened to Jethro, rearranged his work, and entrusted others to shoulder the load, he was able to avoid burnout during that season of life.

Many of us take our work for God, our families, and others seriously—passionately even. But we still need to heed the advice of trusted loved ones and to rely on the wisdom and power of God in all we do.

Verse from Lamentations

“耶和华的慈爱永不断绝，他的怜悯永不止息。”

‭‭耶利米哀歌‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭

“The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail.”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭

God understands our laments over our afflictions and the consequences of our past sins. However, He empowers His people to overcome despair, turn from our sins, and arise with hope in His great “love,” “compassion,” and “faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:19–23). 

Scripture says that God Himself is our “portion”—our hope and salvation—and we can learn to trust His goodness (vv. 24–26).

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们就是基督的身体，并且每一个人都是作肢体的。”

‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭12:27‬ ‭

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:27‬ ‭

In rural Amish culture, the building of a barn is a social event. It would take months for a single farmer and his family to construct a barn, but the Amish, doing it together, make quick work of it. Lumber is stocked ahead of time; tools are prepped. On the designated day, the entire Amish community gathers early, divvies up tasks, and together pitches in to raise a barn—sometimes in a single day.

This is a good picture of God’s vision for the church and our role in it. The Bible says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27 nlt). God has equipped each of us differently and divvied up tasks in which we each do our “own special work” as part of a body “fit together perfectly” (Ephesians 4:16 nlt).  In community, we’re encouraged to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Yet too often we go it alone. We keep our needs to ourselves, wanting control of our circumstance. Or we fail to reach out and help shoulder the weight of someone else’s need. But God longs for us to connect with others. He knows beautiful things happen when we ask for others’ help and pray for others’ needs.

Only by depending on one another can we experience what God has for us and accomplish His amazing plan for our lives—like building a barn in a day.