“不要惧怕，因为我与你同在；不要四处张望，因为我是你的神，我必坚固你，我必帮助你；我必用公义的右手扶持你。”
以赛亚书 41:10
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10)
Sometimes humans feel entangled and react in fear to the Lord. Through the centuries, He has offered rescue and hope to people—yet we resist Him, not understanding the help He provides. In Isaiah 41, the prophet quotes the Lord as saying, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not; I will help you’” (v.13).
As you think about your situation, how do you see God’s role? Are you afraid to turn things over to Him—for fear that He might harm you? He is good and He is near, wanting to free you from life’s entanglements. You can trust Him with your life.
In what area of your life do you need freedom? Ask the Lord to show you and to give you the faith to trust Him for His deliverance.
Faith is the best antidote for fear.
Saturday, 31 December 2016
Friday, 30 December 2016
Verse from Matthew
“他解散了群众，就独自上山去祷告。到了晚上，他还是独自一人在那里。”
马太福音 14:23
“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.”
Matthew 14:23
Jesus looked for opportunities to spend time with His heavenly Father in prayer. Some might say this was how He coped with the demands that depleted His human energy. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was headed to a solitary place when a crowd of people followed Him. Noticing their needs, Jesus miraculously healed and fed them. After that, however, He “went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (v. 23).
Jesus repeatedly helped multitudes of people, yet He didn’t allow Himself to become haggard and hurried. He nurtured His connection with God through prayer. How is it with you?
Will you take time alone with God to experience His strength and fulfillment?
马太福音 14:23
“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.”
Matthew 14:23
Jesus looked for opportunities to spend time with His heavenly Father in prayer. Some might say this was how He coped with the demands that depleted His human energy. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was headed to a solitary place when a crowd of people followed Him. Noticing their needs, Jesus miraculously healed and fed them. After that, however, He “went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (v. 23).
Jesus repeatedly helped multitudes of people, yet He didn’t allow Himself to become haggard and hurried. He nurtured His connection with God through prayer. How is it with you?
Will you take time alone with God to experience His strength and fulfillment?
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Verse from Hebrews
“我们不可放弃聚会，好象有些人的习惯一样；却要互相劝勉。你们既然知道那日子临近，就更应该这样。”
希伯来书 10:25
“not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25
Going to church and even cell group for most folks just isn't very attractive. But, that shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular. Doing things for others isn't seen as something necessary.
The Holy Spirit's message, however, reminds us that we need to go to be with God's people because they need us — to encourage and to motivate Them! In fact, the Lord would prefer us to think of it as "being" church rather than "going" to church.
希伯来书 10:25
“not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25
Going to church and even cell group for most folks just isn't very attractive. But, that shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular. Doing things for others isn't seen as something necessary.
The Holy Spirit's message, however, reminds us that we need to go to be with God's people because they need us — to encourage and to motivate Them! In fact, the Lord would prefer us to think of it as "being" church rather than "going" to church.
Wednesday, 28 December 2016
Verse from Psalms
“你们要赞美耶和华。你们要称谢耶和华，因为他是美善的；他的慈爱永远长存。”
诗篇 106:1
“Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Psalms 106:1
In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.
After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love.” Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”
The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.
But there is one constant and enduring love—the love of God. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39).
Christ’s death and resurrection are the measure of God’s love for us.
诗篇 106:1
“Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Psalms 106:1
In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.
After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love.” Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”
The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.
But there is one constant and enduring love—the love of God. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39).
Christ’s death and resurrection are the measure of God’s love for us.
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Verse from 2 Peter
“我们从前把我们主耶稣基督的大能和降临的事告诉你们，并不是随从巧妙捏造传奇的故事，我们却是亲眼看见过他威荣的人。”
彼得后书 1:16
“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
2 Peter 1:16
Raucous laughter marked the guests in Randy's father's hospital room: Two old truck drivers, one former country/western singer, one craftsman, two women from neighboring farms, and Randy.
"...and then he got up and busted the bottle over my head," the craftsman said, finishing his story about a bar fight.
The room bursts into laughter at this now-humorous memory. Randy's dad, struggling for breath as his laughing fought with his cancer for the air in his lungs, puffs out a reminder to everybody that “Randy is a preacher" so they need to watch what they say. Everything got quiet for about two seconds, then the whole room exploded as this news makes them laugh harder and louder.
Suddenly, about forty minutes into this visit, the craftsman clears his throat, turns to Randy's dad, and gets serious. "No more drinking and bar fights for me, Howard. Those days are behind me. Now I have a different reason to live. I want to tell you about my Savior."
He then proceeded to do just that, over Howard's surprisingly mild protests. He listened and watched, and some years later believed in Jesus too.
It was a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life, reminding Randy again that simple isn't naïve or stupid; it's direct and unpretentious.
Just like Jesus. And salvation.
Insight
Nothing hits home for people like a straightforward, unembroidered recounting of personal testimony about how Christ has changed our lives. The blind man of John 9:25 blurted out, “One thing I know. I was blind but now I see.” His healing was unarguable. There is nothing quite like the unadorned truth of testimony—“Tell it like it is.”
彼得后书 1:16
“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
2 Peter 1:16
Raucous laughter marked the guests in Randy's father's hospital room: Two old truck drivers, one former country/western singer, one craftsman, two women from neighboring farms, and Randy.
"...and then he got up and busted the bottle over my head," the craftsman said, finishing his story about a bar fight.
The room bursts into laughter at this now-humorous memory. Randy's dad, struggling for breath as his laughing fought with his cancer for the air in his lungs, puffs out a reminder to everybody that “Randy is a preacher" so they need to watch what they say. Everything got quiet for about two seconds, then the whole room exploded as this news makes them laugh harder and louder.
Suddenly, about forty minutes into this visit, the craftsman clears his throat, turns to Randy's dad, and gets serious. "No more drinking and bar fights for me, Howard. Those days are behind me. Now I have a different reason to live. I want to tell you about my Savior."
He then proceeded to do just that, over Howard's surprisingly mild protests. He listened and watched, and some years later believed in Jesus too.
It was a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life, reminding Randy again that simple isn't naïve or stupid; it's direct and unpretentious.
Just like Jesus. And salvation.
Insight
Nothing hits home for people like a straightforward, unembroidered recounting of personal testimony about how Christ has changed our lives. The blind man of John 9:25 blurted out, “One thing I know. I was blind but now I see.” His healing was unarguable. There is nothing quite like the unadorned truth of testimony—“Tell it like it is.”
Monday, 26 December 2016
Verse from Galatians
“但到了时机成熟，神就差遣他的儿子，由女人所生，而且生在律法之下，”
加拉太书 4:4
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”
Galatians 4:4
God is always on time. We may think He's late, but He's not. Throughout Scripture we read about people becoming impatient with God’s timing.
The Israelites waited and waited for the promised Messiah. Some gave up hope. But Simeon and Anna did not. They were in the temple daily praying and waiting (Luke 2:25–26, 37). And their faith was rewarded. They got to see the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be dedicated (vv. 27–32, 38).
When we become discouraged because God doesn't respond according to our timetable, Christmas reminds us in Galatians 4:4 that God’s timing is always perfect, and it is worth the wait.
Heavenly Father,
I confess that I become impatient and discouraged,
wanting answers to prayer in my own time and on my schedule.
Help me to wait patiently for Your timing in all things.
God’s timing is always right—wait patiently for Him.
加拉太书 4:4
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”
Galatians 4:4
God is always on time. We may think He's late, but He's not. Throughout Scripture we read about people becoming impatient with God’s timing.
The Israelites waited and waited for the promised Messiah. Some gave up hope. But Simeon and Anna did not. They were in the temple daily praying and waiting (Luke 2:25–26, 37). And their faith was rewarded. They got to see the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be dedicated (vv. 27–32, 38).
When we become discouraged because God doesn't respond according to our timetable, Christmas reminds us in Galatians 4:4 that God’s timing is always perfect, and it is worth the wait.
Heavenly Father,
I confess that I become impatient and discouraged,
wanting answers to prayer in my own time and on my schedule.
Help me to wait patiently for Your timing in all things.
God’s timing is always right—wait patiently for Him.
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Verse from John
““神爱世人，甚至把他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。”
约翰福音 3:16
“"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
On the final day of a Christian publishing conference in Singapore, 280 participants from 50 countries gathered in the outdoor plaza of a hotel for a group photo. From the second-floor balcony, the photographer took many shots from different angles before finally saying, “We’re through.” A voice from the crowd shouted with relief, “Well, joy to the world!” Immediately, someone replied by singing, “The Lord is come.” Others began to join in. Soon the entire group was singing the familiar carol in beautiful harmony. It was a moving display of unity and joy.
In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, an angel announced the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Father,
give us eyes to see people of all nations as recipients of Your grace and joy.i
The good news of Jesus’s birth is a source of joy for all people.
约翰福音 3:16
“"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
On the final day of a Christian publishing conference in Singapore, 280 participants from 50 countries gathered in the outdoor plaza of a hotel for a group photo. From the second-floor balcony, the photographer took many shots from different angles before finally saying, “We’re through.” A voice from the crowd shouted with relief, “Well, joy to the world!” Immediately, someone replied by singing, “The Lord is come.” Others began to join in. Soon the entire group was singing the familiar carol in beautiful harmony. It was a moving display of unity and joy.
In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, an angel announced the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
Father,
give us eyes to see people of all nations as recipients of Your grace and joy.i
The good news of Jesus’s birth is a source of joy for all people.
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