随走随传——回中国之旅随感（二）

太10:7：“随走随传，说：天国近了。”

一提到传福音，许多人脑海中首先浮现出的是种种障碍：该怎么开口？该从哪讲起？会不会被拒绝？事实上，传福音从不是复杂的神学讲座，不是高深的文字艺术，更不是机械性的工作任务。它是生命的自然流露，是灵性上的活人向死人传递生命的信息，是一个“找着食物的乞丐告诉另一个乞丐哪里可以找到食物”。福音，是我们甘心乐意地向人诉说：耶稣基督为罪人钉十字架、并从死里复活，为要拯救像你我这样无望的人。
        今年暑假回国，我的传福音理念有四个字：“随走随传”（太10:7）。不是靠技巧，不是靠策略，而是凭信靠圣灵的引导、存祷告的心，随时随地与人分享基督。我发现，这种“随走随传”的实践，主要体现在三个层面：
一、为所遇的人祝福：关心，是福音的起点
        曾听傅凯彬牧师挑战我们：“你们是否真的对人感兴趣？若你对人不感兴趣，那就该向神悔改。”这话我至今记得。确实，若我们不真心关心人，又怎能关心他/她是否得永生呢？
        我已有八年没回中国了。从上海入境时，一位海关工作人员核对我的资料，我便亲切地与他攀谈：“你这份公务员工作挺不错啊！”他笑着回应：“我老婆是北方人，她家人一直觉得公务员挺稳定的。”离开前，我真诚地说了一句：“愿上帝赐福给你！”他愣了一下，随即回了句：“谢谢！”或许这是他人生中第一次，有人以“上帝”的名义为他祝福。谁会拒绝那来自上天的祝福呢？
       在中国坐出租车是常有的事，我也很享受与司机师傅的交流。有的司机情绪低落，满腹牢骚；有的则乐观开朗，心中阳光。一次，我刚上车便像老朋友般地问：“你今天过得怎么样？”那位师傅爽朗地说：“特别好啊！开心是一天，不开心也是一天，干嘛不开心呢？”我立刻回应：“你的心态太好了，跟我们基督徒很像！我们常说：凡事感恩。希望你有机会去教会认识上帝！愿主耶稣赐福你！”
        还有一次父亲节家人聚餐，场中有七位小朋友。我抓住时机带他们玩起“萝卜蹲”的游戏，最后还教他们齐声对在场所有父亲说：“父亲节快乐！愿耶稣赐福你们！”虽然当时在座的父亲们尚未信主，但那一刻，他们听见了“耶稣”这个名字，或许就在心中种下了福音的种子。耶稣的名字才是所有人真正蒙福的源头。

二、与人分享故事：讲出福音，让故事成桥梁
       人人都喜欢听故事。5月31日早晨，我在哈尔滨宾馆大厅读经时，注意到一位年轻员工在值班。我心中默祷后便与他攀谈起来。他说自己20岁，我便从这个年龄展开话题：“二十年前我第一次来到哈尔滨时，你还只是个刚出生的小宝宝呢……”我的故事是铺垫，耶稣的故事是重点。
       我讲到人生的方向与意义，向他介绍圣经如何指引我们的人生。我打开圣经，邀请他读一节经文：“你的话是我脚前的灯，是我路上的光”（诗119:105）。他好奇地走过来，大声读了出来。随后我讲述上帝的爱、人类的罪、以及耶稣的救恩，并说明每一个人都需要耶稣。当我问他是否愿意让我为他做一个祝福的祷告时，他有些迟疑，最终以“还不太了解”为由婉拒了，但他愿意加我微信，他的名字叫韩雨桐。
       令我惊讶的是，一个在中国北方成长到20岁的年轻人，竟从未听过任何一位基督徒向他提起耶稣的名字。感恩的是，主让我成为他生命中第一个见证基督的人。我我为他祷告，求主继续差派第二个、第三个工人接续给他传讲，直到他归信基督。

三、领人归主：神动工，我们回应
       此次回国最奇妙的果子之一，是莎莎师母的表哥决志信主。6月15日，家人聚餐时，莎莎的父亲突然说：“春海，今天是礼拜日，你跟大家讲讲信主的事吧！”我便顺势分享基督的福音，并述说自己的蒙恩见证。表哥听得很认真，还提出不少问题。他这些年学业、工作、身体都屡遭挫折，对人生也多了不少困惑。
       第二个主日，我特意请弟兄姊妹在晨祷会中为表哥和大姑（表哥的妈妈）的得救代祷。主垂听祷告！主日清晨，大姑和表哥按时赴约，一起参加锦州市基督教堂的敬拜。聚会时我陪在他们身边，不住为他们的心祷告。当敬拜唱到“我们呼求你，阿爸父”时，表哥说：“不知为何，听了这歌，我想流泪，觉得有点尴尬。”我告诉他：“这是圣灵在感动你。你向神认罪、求耶稣掌管你的人生！”那天讲道的题目正是：“谁需要被拯救？”讲员提到“世人重今生，轻永生”时，表哥频频点头。散会后，我带他们去认识那间教会的牧师和教士，并建立起后续的牧养联系。
        离开锦州前一天我与莎莎再次探访表哥。我再次清楚传讲救恩，邀请他全心归主，并挑战他除掉一切有形与无形的偶像。我对他说：“我们可以奉耶稣的名，今天就帮助你清除所有偶像，但决定权在你。”他沉默了一会儿，说：“让我再考虑考虑。” 我们临走前祷告，当祷告一结束，他突然说：“好吧，今天你们帮我清除这些偶像，我愿意全心跟随耶稣了！”随后他翻箱倒柜，找出了观音像、佛像、十几串念珠、十多本佛教书籍，装满了三大袋子。我为他们家做了洁净祷告，把这些偶像全数处理干净，投入“环境卫生箱”。这是一个新生命开始的记号，让我们持续为他的信仰成长守望祷告。
       我们走到哪里，福音就要分享到哪里。传福音并非总意味着每次都能完整讲述四个属灵原则或讲完一篇布道。它可能只是一次简单的祝福、一段心灵的对话、一个生命的见证。重要的是，我们心中立定这个志向：凡遇见的人，若主感动我，就勇敢为主作见证。有些人，也许你为他撒种；有些人，也许你为他浇灌；一些人，也许主会让你亲眼见证他重生归主；还有一些人，你可以伴随他们在灵里一起成长、同做主的门徒。
       福音的大使命不是留给少数“专业传道人”的，而是主托付给每一个信徒的。若我们每一个人都能“随走随传”，那福音传到“地极”的距离就不再遥远。弟兄姊妹， “随走随传”，分享福音，让我们行动起来，直到主再来——神荣耀的国度降临！ 

Proclaim As You Go:
Reflections on My Trip to China (II)
Matthew 10:7 “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”

        When evangelism is mentioned, many people immediately think of various obstacles: How          should I begin? Where should I start? What if I get rejected? In reality, sharing the gospel is not a complex theological lecture, nor is it a refined literary craft or a mechanical task to be completed. It is a natural outflow of life, a message of life from someone spiritually alive to those still dead in sin. It’s simply “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” The gospel is our joyful declaration that Jesus Christ was crucified for sinners and rose from the dead, to save hopeless people like you and me.
       During my trip back to China this summer, one phrase defined my principle for evangelism: “Proclaim as you go” (Matt. 10:7). Not relying on techniques or strategies but trusting the leading of the Holy Spirit and maintaining a prayerful heart, I sought to share Christ with people anytime and anywhere. I discovered that this “proclaim as you go” lifestyle took shape in three primary ways:
 
1. Blessing Those I Encounter: Care is the Starting Point of the Gospel
       I once heard Pastor Fu Kaibin challenge us: “Are you truly interested in people? If not, you need to repent.” His words stayed with me. Indeed, if we do not genuinely care about people, how can we care whether they receive eternal life?
       I hadn’t returned to China in eight years. Upon arriving in Shanghai, a custom officer checked my information. I chatted warmly with him: “This government job (Pinyin: Gongwuyuan) of yours is quite good, isn’t it?” He smiled and replied, “My wife is from the North. Her family always thought civil service jobs were stable.” Before leaving, I said sincerely, “May God bless you!” He was taken aback for a moment, then replied, “Thank you!” Perhaps that was the first time in his life someone had blessed him in the name of God. Who would refuse a blessing from above with a warm heart?
      Taxis are a common means of travel in China, and I greatly enjoyed chatting with drivers. Some were discouraged and full of complaints; others were upbeat and cheerful. One time, as soon as I got in the car, I asked like an old friend, “How’s your day going?” The driver responded enthusiastically, “Great! “Whether you’re happy or not, it’s still a day — so why not be happy?” I replied, “What a great attitude—you remind me of us Christians! We often say: give thanks in all circumstances. I hope you’ll visit a church someday and get to know God! May the Lord Jesus bless you!”
       Another time, during a family Father’s Day dinner, there were seven children present. I seized the opportunity to lead them in a game and eventually had them all say aloud to the fathers: “Happy Father’s Day! May Jesus bless you all!” Though none of the fathers were believers yet, they heard the name of Jesus at that moment. Perhaps the seed of the gospel was planted in their hearts. The name of Jesus is the true source of all blessing.
 
2. Sharing Stories: Let the Gospel Ride on the Bridge of Testimony
        Everyone loves a good story. On the morning of May 31, while reading the Bible in the lobby of a hotel in Harbin, I noticed a young staff member on duty. After a silent prayer, I struck up a conversation with him. He told me he was 20 years old, so I used his age as a starting point: “The first time I came to Harbin was 20 years ago—you were just a new-born baby then…” My story was the setting while Jesus’ story was the focus.
        I talked about life’s direction and meaning and shared how the Bible gives us guidance. I opened the Bible and invited him to read a verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). He walked over curiously and read it aloud. I then spoke of God’s love, humanity’s sin, and Christ’s redemption, emphasizing that everyone needs Jesus. When I asked if I could pray a blessing for him, he hesitated and politely declined, saying he didn’t know much about it yet. But he did agree to add me on WeChat—his name is Han Yutong.
       What surprised me was that this 20-year-old young man, raised in northern China, had never once heard a Christian talk to him about Jesus. I’m grateful that the Lord allowed me to be the first to witness to him. I continue to pray that the Lord will send a second and third messenger to share with him until he comes to faith in Christ.
 
3. Leading Others to Christ: When God Moves, We Respond
        One of the most wonderful fruits of this trip was the conversion of Sister Shasha’s cousin. On June 15, during a family meal, Shasha’s father suddenly said, “Chunhai, it’s Sunday today—why don’t you share something about believing in Jesus?” I took the opportunity to present the gospel and shared my testimony. Her cousin listened intently and asked several questions. In recent years, he had faced setbacks in academics, work, and health, and was searching for deeper answers in life.
       The following Sunday, I asked brothers and sisters to pray during morning prayer for the salvation of both him and his mother. The Lord answered our prayers! That Sunday morning, both his mother (Shasha’s aunt) and he arrived punctually at the Jinzhou Christian Church (a registered public church). I stayed with them during the service, praying silently for their hearts. When the congregation sang “We call out, Abba Father,” he said, “I don’t know why, but I feel like crying… it’s kind of embarrassing.” I told him, “That’s the Holy Spirit touching your heart. Confess your sins and ask Jesus to take charge of your life!” That day’s sermon was titled “Who Needs to Be Saved?” When the preacher said, “People value this life and neglect eternal life,” he nodded repeatedly. After the service, I introduced them to the church’s pastor and minister to ensure follow-up care.
        The day before we left Jinzhou, Shasha and I visited him again. I shared the gospel clearly once more and invited him to fully commit to Christ, challenging him to remove all visible and invisible idols. I said, “We can help you clear them out today in Jesus’ name—but the decision is yours.” He was silent for a moment and said, “Let me think about it later.” Before we left, we prayed together. As soon as the prayer ended, he suddenly said, “Alright, today you can help me get rid of these idols — I’m ready to follow Jesus with all my heart!” He then began rummaging through his house, gathering up statues of Guanyin and Buddha, over a dozen prayer beads, and more than ten Buddhist books—three full bags in total. I prayed over their home for cleansing and disposed of all the idols in the public sanitation bin. That marked the beginning of a new life. Let us continue to intercede for his spiritual growth.
        Wherever we go, the gospel should go with us. Evangelism doesn’t always mean delivering a full gospel outline or preaching a full sermon. Sometimes it’s a simple blessing, a heartfelt conversation, or a personal testimony. What matters is that we resolve in our hearts: Whenever the Lord prompts me, I will bear witness to Him. For some, you may be the one who sows; for others, the one who waters; and sometimes, the Lord will allow you to witness a new birth into His kingdom; and there are also people with whom you can grow together spiritually and walk as fellow disciples of the Lord.
        The Great Commission was not given only to “professional preachers,” but to every believer. If each of us is willing to “proclaim as we go,” then the distance between here and “the ends of the earth” is no longer so far. Brothers and sisters, “proclaim as you go,” share the gospel—let us act, until the Lord returns and His glorious kingdom comes! 

探访林丽宏等
——回中国之旅随感之一

“我凡事给你们作榜样，叫你们知道，应当这样扶助软弱的人；又当记念主耶稣的话，说：‘施比受更为有福。’”（徒20:35）
“只是愿意我们记念穷人，这也是我本来热心去行的。”（加2:10）
         感谢主的丰富恩典，在2025年暑假，为我预备了一个月的回国机会。临行前，我特别请弟兄姊妹为旅程代祷，其中一项祷告是：“愿我在旅途中，能遇见主所预备的人。”5月29日，当飞机即将抵达哈尔滨的那一刻，我心中祷告寻求主：“主啊，在这座城市，我该去见谁？”那一刻，一个名字清晰地浮现在我脑海中——林丽宏。
        当天上午10:30，我和我母亲以及我女儿天心一起抵达哈尔滨机场。主的预备实在奇妙——我外甥在外地读研究生，原本没有计划当天回老家，但临时决定买票，也于上午11:30抵达同一机场。我们没有事先沟通，但神却奇妙地将我们的脚步安排在一起。对于九年未回国、对本地早已陌生的我而言，有熟门熟路的外甥做向导，真是再方便不过了。
        下午两点，我们一同前往探访丽宏姊妹。
         我认识林丽宏已经22年了。她比我年长两岁，出生时便没有双腿，行动全靠轮椅。2004年夏天，我在金陵协和神学院攻读研究生一年级时，曾和同校的徐建民弟兄（他当时是本科一年级）一同在暑期去探访她。徐弟兄曾在黑龙江哈尔滨万宝镇圣经学校就读三年，每个主日都把她背到自行车上，然后推着自行车带她去参加主日崇拜，风雨无阻。他毕业之后，圣经学校一批又一批神学生轮流肩负接送她去教会的任务。
         那是我第一次见到丽宏。她苦难的命运，以及她坚定与宁静的生命，使我当晚彻夜难眠。她的经历让我联想到神子民共同的遭遇：“你使人坐车轧我们的头；我们经过水火，你却使我们到丰富之地”（诗篇66:12）。
          丽宏的人生常让我想到一句西方谚语：“一个小女孩总是抱怨自己没有一双新鞋，直到有一天她遇见了一个没有脚的人。”丽红的生命深深教导我：不要为自己的境遇怨天尤人，而要心存感恩，知足常乐（提前6:6）。
         当年她与她母亲同住，几年前她母亲离世后，她一个人生活在大哥家的八楼公寓。如今再次见面，她依旧平静安详。当我们走进她的小屋，她睁着大大的眼睛，闪闪发光，满是惊喜，也带着些许泪光。她仍坐在轮椅上，却能自如地在屋中穿梭。我问她：“你还祷告和读经吗？”她坚定而平静地回答：“每天都有。”
          我又问：“还参加聚会吗？”她叹了口气说：“附近没有合适的教会，我只能偶尔参加网上微信群里的学习。”
         我关切地问：“那些我们熟悉的老朋友们还来看你吗？”她轻声道：“很少联系了，只有几位偶尔来过。”
         她把屋子收拾得整整齐齐。至于生活起居，她说：“我自己做饭，偶尔也叫外卖。当我们下楼时，门口有一道小门槛（或小台阶），轮椅不容易通过。我需要等到有人路过时请人帮我一下，才能过去。所以，我也很少出门。”
         我们短短相聚一个小时，但这段宝贵的时间不仅触动了我，也影响了天心与外甥。这次探访让我们更深体会“施比受更为有福”的真理，也在下一代心中播种了关愛与怜恤的种子。
         几天后，我在鹤岗老家，又与几位曾在黑龙江圣经学校毕业的学生重聚。我们的相聚唤起了他们拾回往事的夙愿。他们立刻决定一起重返母校，顺道再去探望丽宏姊妹，回顾当年主的恩典。
         6月6日至7日，我转往南京，也特别去探望了曾在神学院时期常常照顾学生的两位阿姨。那时每逢新学期，她们总会带着牙膏、毛巾等生活用品来关怀神学生们。如今，一位阿姨刚动完心脏手术正在康复中，另一位则在照顾住院的丈夫。我和我的另一位同学为她们献上祷告，求主的怜悯与医治常与她们相伴。
         回首这一路的探访之旅，我深深体会：许多曾在我生命中默默播种的信徒，是主特别赐下的恩典。他们虽然无名，却被神和人所纪念。他们用实际的愛心温暖了我，影响了我，使我学习了珍惜、感恩与回应。“受人滴水之恩，当以涌泉相报。”感恩，是属灵生命成熟的标志之一；探访，则是愛心的实践和恩典传递的工具之一。当我再一次注视丽红姊妹期许的眼神、再一次留意南京阿姨们脸上的微笑，再一次给她们一个温暖的拥抱时，我知道，这是主的安排，也是我们生命中一份无法抹去的托付。这份托付虽然简单，却不轻浮；虽然不会在人心中荡起巨大波澜，却可泛起一丝盼望的涟漪。那丝涟漪来自于约翰所说：“我们愛，因为神先愛我们”（约一4：19）的真实与厚重。

Visiting Lin Lihong & Others: 
Reflections from My Homecoming Trip, Part One

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.” (Galatians 2:10) 
        I give thanks for the Lord’s abundant grace: in the summer of 2025, He prepared a month-long opportunity for me to return to China. Before departure, I especially asked brothers and sisters to pray—one key request being: “Lord, may I meet those You have prepared for me along this journey.” On May 29, as the plane was about to land in Harbin, I prayed in my heart: “Lord, whom should I go visit in this city?” In that moment, a familiar name came clearly to mind—Lin Lihong.
        That morning at 10:30, my mother, my daughter Tiffany, and I arrived at Harbin airport. God’s providence was remarkable—my nephew, now studying graduate school away from home, hadn’t planned to travel back that day. But on a sudden decision, he bought a ticket and arrived at the same airport at 11:30. Without prior coordination, our paths crossed through God’s divine orchestration. For someone like me, who hadn’t returned to China in nine years and had almost no familiarity with this place, having my nephew as a guide was truly a blessing.
        At 2 pm, we made our way to visit Sister Lihong.
        I have known Lin Lihong for 22 years. She is two years older than I am, born without legs, relying entirely on a wheelchair. In the summer of 2004, when I was in my first year of graduate studies at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, I went with Brother Xu Jianmin (then an undergrad) to visit her at the Harbin Wanbao Bible School. Xu once studied for three years at the Bible School in Wanbao Town, Harbin, Heilongjiang. Every Sunday, he would carry her onto a bicycle and then push the bike to take her to the Sunday worship service, regardless of what the weather was. After he graduated, one group of Bible school students after another took turns carrying on the responsibility of bringing her to church.
       That was my first time meeting Lihong. Her suffering circumstances and her steadfast, calm faith moved me deeply, keeping me awake that night. Her life reminded me of the Lord’s people in Scripture: “You let men ride over my heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.” (Psa 66:12)
        Her life also recalls a Western proverb in my mind: “A little girl kept complaining she didn’t have a new pair of shoes until one day she met someone with no feet at all.” Lihong’s life taught me never to pity myself—but to live with gratitude and contentment—for godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim 6:6).
        Back then, she lived with her mother. A few years ago, her mother passed away, and since then she’s been living alone in her older brother’s eighth-floor apartment. When I met her again this time, she remained peaceful and serene. As we entered her small apartment, her eyes were wide, bright with surprise, and there were tears in them. She still sat in her wheelchair yet moved freely about the room. I asked, “Do you still pray and read the Bible?” She replied firmly and calmly, “Every single day.”
          I asked again, “Do you still attend gatherings?” She let out a sigh and said, “There’s no suitable church nearby. I can only occasionally join some Bible studies in a WeChat group.”
I continued, “Do the friends we used to know still come to see you?” She replied softly, “Not often—only a few come now and then.”
        She had her place clean and tidy. When I asked about daily life, she said, “I cook for myself sometimes and get food delivery occasionally. But when I go downstair, there’s a little threshold (or step) at the doorway. The wheelchair can’t go over it easily. I have to wait for someone to pass by to help me. That’s why I rarely go out.”
         Our visit lasted a mere hour, yet those sixty minutes were precious—not only did they impact me, but they also touched Tianxin and my nephew. That visitation helped us grasp more deeply what it means that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” It planted seeds of compassion and care in the next generation from a young age in my daughter and my nephew’s life.
       A few days later, back in my hometown of Hegang, I reunited with several graduates of the Harbin Bible School. Our time together stirred up their longing for the past—and they immediately decided to return to the old Wanbao school campus together and pay a second visit to Lihong, remembering God’s gracious work in those days.
        From June 6 to 7, I traveled to Nanjing and made a special effort to visit two dear senior sisters who supported seminary students during my seminary years. At the start of each semester, they would often bring toothpaste, towels, and other small necessities to show their care for the students. Now, one has recently had open-heart surgery and is in recovery, while the other cares for her husband who is hospitalized. My classmate and I prayed fervently for their healing and for the Lord’s mercy to be with them.
       Looking back on these visits, I deeply realize: the many saints who once sowed quietly into my life are gifts from the Lord. Though unnamed, they are remembered by God and cherished by people. Their love, expressed in everyday actions, warmed my heart and taught me to cherish, to be grateful, and to respond. Gratitude is a sign of spiritual maturity; visiting others is a way to practice love and pass along divine grace. This time when I observed Sister Lihong’s expectant eyes, when I saw the tender smiles on the faces of the Nanjing senior sisters, and when I give them a warm hug, I know—this is God’s arrangement. It is a burden and a responsibility laid upon my heart, one that cannot be erased. This burden may appear simple, yet it is not trivial. It may not stir great waves among people—but it can produce gentle ripples of hope in lonely hearts. Those ripples come from the truth and depth of John’s words: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

操练感恩五

阅读经文：腓立比书 4:8-9

        如果你每天都操练感恩，你认为结果会是什么？

        圣经应许，看见日常生活中的美好会带来平安。

         “若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。你们在我身上所学习的、所领受的、所听见的、所看见的，这些事你们都要去行，赐平安的神就必与你们同在。”

                                                                                                                   （腓立比书 4:8-9）

        医学研究也证实了感恩与心理健康之间的联系。当受试者每天写下三件好事（Seligman 等人，2005年）、保持感恩日记（Kerr, O’Donovan 和 Pepping, 2014年），或写感恩信给他人（Toepfer 等人，2012年），他们的焦虑、抑郁以及生活满意度都有所改善。

        圣经和科学研究都证明，简单的感恩操练很有效。如果你想加深内心的平安和与神的关系，感恩是一个很好的起点。

操练：

        回想过去一周，哪种感恩操练最能带给你平安？是每天觉察三件好事？是在困境中找到感恩？是感谢他人？还是用感恩取代比较？

        无论哪种方式最有效，今天就开始操练吧。

        制定未来计划：你如何将感恩操练融入日常生活？

祷告：

         神啊，感谢祢赐给我的一切。请赐我一颗感恩的心，并让我与祢建立更深的关系。今日求祢赐我平安。阿们。

引自：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/devotions/practicing-gratitude

  Practicing Gratitude, Part 5

 Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9

          If you practice gratitude every day, what do you think the result will be?

          The Bible promises that seeing the good in daily life leads to peace.

          “If there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9).

         Medical studies confirm the link between gratitude and mental health. When test subjects wrote down three good things (Seligman et al., 2005), kept a gratitude journal (Kerr, O’Donovan, & Pepping, 2014), or wrote letters of gratitude to other people (Toepfer et al., 2012) all demonstrated improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction.

        The Bible and the scientific material both attest to the effectiveness of simple gratitude practices. If you want to deepen your level of peace and your relationship with God, gratitude is a great place to start.

Practice:

        Reflect on the past week. Which practice of gratitude gave you the most peace? Was it noticing something good three times a day? Finding gratitude in something hard? Thanking another person? Replacing the urge to compare with gratitude for what you have right now?

Whichever discipline most helped you to experience gratitude, make that your practice today.

       Make a plan for the future: How can you build a practice of gratitude into your daily life?

Prayer: God, thank you for all that you’ve given me. Please give me a grateful heart and a deeper relationship with you. Grant me peace today. Amen.

       If you enjoyed this plan, find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Quote: Called To Work dcrandall-keeptouch.com@shared1.ccsend.com,Mon, Mar 17, 4:33 PM. 

操练感恩四

阅读经文：诗篇 16:5-6，出埃及记 20:17
        当你试图激起感恩的火焰时，“比较”就像一桶冷水把它浇熄。
        “比较”意味着看着别人拥有的，然后衡量它比自己的是好还是差。这是如此危险，以致第十诫特别警告我们不要这样做：“不可贪恋人的房屋；也不可贪恋人的妻子、仆婢、牛驴，并他一切所有的。”（出埃及记 20:17）
        “比较”会破坏两种关系：你与神的关系，以及你与他人的关系。当你嫉妒别人或试图胜过别人时，就无法完全地爱他们。同样地，当你认为神对你不公平时，也难以爱神。
       当你忍不住拿自己与他人比较时，把这个念头转为感恩的祷告。诗篇第16篇是一个好例子：“耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。”（诗篇 16:5-6）
         诗人承认神是他一切供应的源头，并宣告神赐给他的一切都是美好的。这正是对抗“比较”的解药。

操练：
         回想你上一次与别人比较自己或自己所拥有的是什么时候。
         为那人所蒙的祝福感谢神。
         为神赐给你的人生样貌感谢祂。
         今天，当你发现自己在比较，列出神在这方面赐给你的祝福。
         今晚睡前进行一次“比较盘点”：我是否嫉妒任何人？我是否需要对神说：“谢谢祢赐给我所拥有的一切”？

祷告：
         神啊，感谢祢为我设下生活的边界。感谢祢赐给我所拥有的一切。求祢成为我对抗嫉妒和不满的见证。阿们。
引自：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/devotions/practicing-gratitude

Practicing Gratitude, Part 4

Scripture Reading: Psalms 16:5-6, Exodus 20:17
       When you’re trying to fan your flame of gratitude, comparison douses it like a bucket of ice water.
       Comparison means looking at what someone else has and thinking about how much better or worse it is than what you have. It’s so dangerous that the 10th commandment warns against it. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).
       Comparison sabotages two relationships at the same time: your relationship with God, and your relationship with other people. You can’t fully love others when you’re jealous of them or trying to outperform them. And you can’t love God when you think maybe God has given you a bad deal.
       When you feel the urge to compare your lot in life with someone else’s, replace that thought with a prayer of gratitude. A good example comes from Psalm 16. “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.” (Psalm 16:5–6).
        The writer of the psalm acknowledges God as the source of his provision. He declares that what God has given him is good. This is an antidote to comparison.

Practice:
       Think about the last time you compared yourself to someone else or compared what you have to what someone else has.
       Thank God for blessing that person.
       Thank God for your lot in life – exactly the way it is right now.
       Today when you notice yourself making a comparison, make a list of the good things that God has blessed you with in this area.
       Before you go to bed tonight, do a comparison inventory. Ask yourself: Am I jealous of anyone else? Do I need to say “thank you, God” for what I have?
Prayer: God, thank you for setting boundaries around what is mine. I am grateful for the lot you’ve given me. Be my proof against envy and unhappiness. Amen.

Further Exploration: Read this reflection on loving other people without jealousy .

Quote: Called To Work dcrandall-keeptouch.com@shared1.ccsend.com,Mon, Mar 10, 9:06 AM

天父的爱
杜嘉

　　“严父慈母”这是中国人再熟悉不过的对父母的描述。大多数中国人对父亲的印象都是严肃的，威严的，让人敬畏害怕的。心中无数次想奔向父亲的怀抱，好像奔向母亲的怀抱一样，但无数次都可能被一张无形的帐幕骤然阻挡，亲而不能相近，这是无数儿女心灵中难以释怀的创痛。
　　曾有一个中年妇人泪流满面地说着自己的故事：从有记忆开始，就完全没有被爸爸抱过的印象，爸爸近在眼前，却远在天边。直到有一次（都少年人了），她不小心踩了钉子，锥心之痛啊！这时，爸爸一手抱过她来，很焦急、很专注、很细心地清洗护理她的伤口。她感到无比幸福，希望钉子的伤口不要那么快痊愈，让爸爸可以再抱她一次……如果受伤能换取爸爸的关注和拥抱，她宁愿再次受伤！
  　这让人伤心的故事，多少都会在我们的心里引起共鸣。我们渴望父亲的爱，父亲的爱却不能完全满足我们心里的渴望。为什么呢？原来，父亲心里的渴望也没有被他的父亲完全满足啊！
 　可是，我们在天上的父亲，却能满足人类心灵深处一切的渴望！
 　“慈爱的天父”，这是基督徒每次祷告开头说的话，这是何等温暖亲切的称呼啊！原来，我们在天上有一位父亲，祂是慈爱的父亲，祂是伟大的父亲，祂是永远的父亲。
　   有人说，人的一生都在尽力取悦父亲，期望得着父亲的赞赏。但我们的天父却是天天巴望流浪在外的，破败不堪的儿子回家。圣经记载了一个浪子回家的故事，记载在路加福音第十五章。那个浪子拿了父亲的财产，离家出走，以为外面的世界很精彩，却发现外面的世界不但很无奈，而且很悲哀。于是，浪子怀着忐忑不安的心回家找父亲，想着，就算回家做父亲的雇工都很幸福。没想到，父亲一见到自己的儿子，二话不说，就张开怀抱，把这个心灵破碎的孩子紧紧地抱在怀里！连连地亲嘴（估计这浪子很久没有沐浴洗脸了，污秽臊臭）；急急地把外袍披在孩子的身上，把戒指戴在孩子的手指上（这是尊贵身分的象征）；快快地让仆人们预备丰盛的宴席，表达无比喜乐的心情，并让所有的人都一同高兴快乐！原来，我们不需要拼命地取悦天父，我们是天父的孩子，这就够了。神就是爱，天父本身就是爱，祂给予祂孩子们的，是完全的爱，是能够满足孩子们心灵一切需要的爱。
　　有人把父亲比作家里的银行，他负责养家糊口，培养孩子。有一首诗歌叫〈这是天父世界〉，歌词说到：“这是天父世界，我心满有安宁，树木花草，苍天碧海，述说天父全能。这是天父世界，小鸟长翅飞鸣，清晨明亮好花美丽，证明天理精深……”天父上帝是世界的创造主，天地万物都是祂的，祂毫不吝啬地都赐给我们了，并且在其中教导我们：野地的花，无比艳丽，那是天父给他们披上的彩衣，何况我们呢？不必为衣裳忧虑；天上的飞鸟，不种不收，天父上帝尚且养活他们，何况我们呢？不必为食物忧虑。天父上帝养活我们，并且赐给我们富足又不加上忧虑的福分。
　　这么伟大的天父上帝，对祂的孩子们却是无比的温柔慈爱，祂曾如此说：“你们要从中享受〔从中享受原文是咂〕；你们必蒙抱在肋旁，摇弄在膝上。母亲怎样安慰儿子，我就照样安慰你们。”（圣经以赛亚书66:12-13）咂？咂！这是亲嘴发出来的声音吧？抱在肋旁，摇弄在膝上，这是在逗乐吧？母亲怎样安慰儿子？足够的温柔细腻吧？这幅图画，温馨得令全人类都震惊了！
　　“慈爱的天父……”能够如此呼唤上帝的人有福了，因为他们必称为天父的孩子。

（引自金灯台活页刊第237期 2025年5月）

The Father’s Love
By Du Jia

       “Strict father, gentle mother”—this is a description of parents that Chinese people are all too familiar with. Most Chinese associate fathers with seriousness, authority, and a sense of awe or fear. Countless times, children may long to run into their father’s arms just as they would their mother’s, but an invisible curtain often suddenly stops them. Close, yet unreachable—this is a lingering pain buried deep in the hearts of many sons and daughters.
       There was once a middle-aged woman who tearfully told her story: ever since she could remember, she had no memory of being embraced by her father. Her father was physically near but emotionally distant. Until one time—as a teenager—she accidentally stepped on a nail. The pain was excruciating! Her father immediately scooped her up in his arms, anxiously, attentively, and carefully cleaning and treating her wound. She felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and secretly wished that the wound wouldn’t heal so quickly—so that her father might hold her just once more. If getting hurt could win her father’s attention and embrace, she would rather be hurt again!
        This heartbreaking story resonates with many of us. We long for a father’s love, yet find it unable to fully satisfy the deep hunger of our hearts. Why? Because our fathers themselves never fully received the love they needed from their own fathers.
        But our Heavenly Father—He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human soul!
“Loving Heavenly Father”—this is how Christians often begin their prayers. What a warm and tender address! It turns out we have a Father in heaven—He is a loving Father, a great Father, and an everlasting Father.
        Someone once said, a person spends their whole life trying to win their father’s approval, hoping to gain his affirmation. But our Heavenly Father is the one who is daily longing for His wandering, broken children to come home. The Bible tells the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The son took his father’s inheritance and ran off, thinking the world outside was exciting. But he soon found it disappointing, even miserable. So the prodigal returned home with a heart full of fear and uncertainty, thinking, “Even if I can only be my father’s hired servant, it would be enough.” But as soon as the father saw him, he ran toward him, wrapped him in a warm embrace, and kissed him repeatedly (even though the son hadn’t likely bathed in a long time and probably smelled awful). The father hurried to put the best robe on him, a ring on his finger (a sign of honor and sonship), and ordered a feast to celebrate, calling everyone to rejoice together!
It turns out, we don’t need to try hard to please the Heavenly Father. We are His children—that’s enough. God is love. The Father Himself is love. What He gives His children is perfect love—love that fully satisfies every need of the human heart.
        Some people compare a father to the “bank of the household,” responsible for providing and educating. There’s a hymn called This Is My Father’s World. One stanza goes:
 This is my Father’s world; Oh, let me ne’er forget,
 That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
 This is my Father’s world: The birds their carols raise,
 The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise…
        God the Father is the Creator of the world—everything in heaven and earth belongs to Him, and He generously gives it to us. Through all of it, He teaches us: the flowers of the field are arrayed in splendor—God clothes them. How much more will He care for us? We need not worry about clothing. The birds of the air neither sow nor reap, yet the Father feeds them—how much more will He provide for us? We need not worry about food. God our Father provides for us and grants us blessings that are abundant and free from sorrow.
        Such a great Heavenly Father deals with His children with immeasurable tenderness and love. He once said,
        “You will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.
          As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”
 (Isaiah 66:12–13)
       “Nurse”? The original Hebrew word suggests the sound of a kiss. To be carried on the hip, to be bounced on the knees—this is playful joy! “As a mother comforts her child”—such gentle intimacy! This picture is so warm and tender it astonishes all humanity.
       “Loving Heavenly Father…” How blessed are those who can call God by this name, for they shall be called children of the Father.
(From Golden Lampstand Leaflet, Issue 237, May 2025)

操练感恩三

阅读经文：腓立比书 1:3-4，民数记 6:24-26

        当你开始说话时，父母可能就教你说“谢谢”。
        父母教导孩子这基本礼貌并不令人意外。因为表达感恩，会让关系更加稳固。一句发自内心的“谢谢”不仅能让他人感到被欣赏，也提醒我们彼此之间是互相依赖的。
       “谢谢”不是你离开童年后就不再需要表达的词语。
        腓立比书的作者为我们树立了榜样：“我每逢想念你们，就感谢我的神；每逢为你们众人祈求的时候，常是欢欢喜喜地祈求。”（腓立比书 1:3-4）
       在旧约中，人们彼此祝福来表达感恩。圣经中最著名的祝福之一是：“愿耶和华赐福给你，保护你；愿耶和华使祂的脸光照你，赐恩给你。”（民数记 6:24-25）
       当你向别人表达感恩，就如同神的脸光照你们二人。一句真诚的“谢谢”能彰显对方的美善，并使其流露出来。

操练：
       今天向三个人说“谢谢”——可以是熟人，也可以是偶然遇见的人。
       具体表达感恩。指出对方做得好的地方，以及你看到的美善。例如：“谢谢你这么快回复我的邮件。我注意到你很用心工作，透过工作你真正在爱身边的人。”
       记录别人对你真诚感谢的反应。他听到“谢谢”时，脸上有什么变化？你表达感恩后感觉如何？
       一天结束时，反思你的感恩操练。

祷告：
神啊，感谢祢赐给我生命中的这些人。求祢赐福给他们。感谢他们给予我的各样祝福，帮助我说“谢谢”。奉耶稣的名，阿们。
引自：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/devotions/practicing-gratitude

Practicing Gratitude, Part 3

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:3-4, Number 6:24-26

As soon as you started to talk, your parents probably taught you to say, “thank you.”
        It’s no surprise that parents teach children this basic rule. Relationships grow stronger when you express gratitude. A heartfelt “thank you” makes other people feel appreciated. And it reminds you of your dependence upon other people.
        Saying “thank you” isn’t something you grow out of when you leave childhood.
        The writer of the letter to the Philippians modeled practicing gratitude for other people. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you” (Philippians 1:3–4).
        In the Old Testament, people express gratitude to one another by blessing them. One of the most famous biblical blessings reads, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you” (Numbers 6:24–25).
        When you express your gratitude to someone else, it can be as if God is shining his face on both of you. A sincere “thank you” points out the good in another person and brings it to the surface.

Practice:
        Say, “thank you” to three people today. It could be someone you know well, or someone you only meet in passing.
        Use specifics. Point out exactly what the other person did and the good that you see in them. For example, you could say: “Thank you for responding so quickly to my email. I notice you put a lot of care into your work. You really love the people around you through your work.”
        Make a note of how someone reacts to a genuine “thank you.” Did the person’s face change when they heard it? How did you feel after expressing your gratitude?
        At the end of your day today, reflect on your gratitude experiment.

Prayer: God, thank you for the people in my life. Give them your blessing. Help me say “thank you” for the ways they bless me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Exploration: Read a personal story about expressing gratitude at work.
Quote:
Called To Work dcrandall-keeptouch.com@shared1.ccsend.com, Mon, Mar 3, 1:31 PM

操练感恩二

阅读经文：帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:18，约拿书 4:6

       当你诸事顺利的时候，很容易察觉周围美好的事物。当你行事不顺，操练感恩就会更困难。

       然而，这正是你最需要与神连接的时候。人生艰难时，你比任何时候都更需要神。

       帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:18 说，基督向你所定的旨意是“凡事”谢恩。当你经历困难时，该如何谢恩呢？在你能感恩之前，可能要先向神倾诉你的伤痛和挫败。

       耶稣自己也经历过苦难。如果你正在经历苦难，就从思想耶稣开始。然后求问神你可以为何感恩。

       你可能会发现许多美好的事情跃入脑海。即使只是想到耶稣看顾和关爱你，也会令人鼓舞。

       当先知约拿在服事中经历糟糕的一天，他从现实中看到了神的供应，并因此感恩。神安排一棵植物为他遮荫，“约拿因这棵蓖麻大大喜乐”（约拿书 4:6）。

操练：

         思考你目前面临的困难。诚实地告诉神你的感受。分享每一个哀伤和埋怨。

         问自己，在这个处境中有什么是我可以感恩的？

         察觉自然环境中，有什么感觉像是来自神的礼物。

         每当你感到不堪重负，求耶稣分担你的苦楚。然后问：有什么是我可以感恩的？神在这里成就什么美好的事？

祷告：

          神啊，祢了解我的心。感谢祢聆听我的痛苦。帮助我凡事谢恩。

引自：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/devotions/practicing-gratitude

Practicing Gratitude, Part 2

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jonah 4:6

        It’s easy to notice the good around you when things are going well. It can be harder to practice gratitude when things go poorly.

         And yet, that’s exactly when you need to connect with God. When life is tough, you need God more than ever.

         1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that Christ’s will for you is to give thanks “in all circumstances.” How can you give thanks when things are hard? It may take venting your hurt or frustration to God before you can get to gratitude. 

        Jesus himself suffered. If you’re suffering, start there with Jesus. Then ask God what you can be grateful for. 

        You may find many good things springing to mind. Even the thought that Jesus sees you and cares for you can be encouraging. 

         When the prophet Jonah was having a terrible day at work, he found gratitude by looking at God’s provision through the physical environment. God made a bush for shade and “Jonah was very happy about the bush.” (Jonah 4:6). 

Practice: 

• Think about a current hardship you face. Tell God truthfully how you feel about it. Share every lament and complaint. 
• Ask yourself: is there anything I can be grateful for in this circumstance? 
• Notice anything in your natural environment that feels like a gift from God.
• Anytime you feel your shoulders sink today, ask Jesus to share in your suffering. Then ask: is there anything I can be grateful for? What has God done here that’s good?

Prayer: God, you know my heart. Thank you for hearing my suffering. Help me thank you in all circumstances. 

Further Exploration: Read Ann Voskamp’s answer to the question: “How do I fully live when life is full of hurt?” 

Quote: Called To Work <dcrandall-keeptouch.com@shared1.ccsend.com>,Mon, Feb 24, 2:41 PM

操练感恩一

阅读经文：创世记 1:12，马可福音 6:37-44         感恩是一种属灵操练，帮助你察觉并感谢神在日常生活中的作为。在这个计划中，你将学习 4 种不同的技巧，让感恩成为你日常生活的一部分。         感谢《工作神学项目》为我们提供这个计划。欲了解更多信息，请浏览：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/ 灵修材料。         感恩是理解和赞美周围世界美好事物的一种属灵操练。这说来容易，做来却不容易。         现代生活常常迫使你专注于不好的事情——哪些需要立即修复，哪些危机必须预防，你现在需要什么新东西才能让生活变得更好。         学习察觉美好的一面需要操练。幸运的是，每当你展现感恩的心时，你就会变得更擅长。你会得到正面的反馈——心存感恩的感觉真好。而且这会让你与神连接，祂是一切良善的泉源。         你不需要寻找伟大的神迹奇事来感恩。耶稣示范感恩可以从很小的事情开始。那一天，当耶稣和祂的朋友们似乎没有足够的食物时，祂抬头望着天，感谢神赐给他们已有的食物（马可福音 6:37-44）。当耶稣这样做时，他们所拥有的一点点就变成了丰盛。         透过简单地察觉周围世界的美好事物，开始你的感恩操练。这可以追溯到圣经的第一章，神“看着”祂的创造是好的。 操练：         现在你周围的世界有什么是美好的？如果你坐的座位很舒服，感谢神。         在你的一天中，特别察觉一件美好的事。如果同事对你微笑，这可能是感恩的提醒。         今晚睡觉前，回想一下今天的经历。有些什么美好的事可以感谢神？列一个清单。 祷告：        神啊，感谢祢今日为我的生命带来益处。借着祢的良善显明祢自己。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。 引自：https://zh-hant.theologyofwork.org/devotions/practicing-gratitude

PRACTICING GRATITUDE, PART ONEScripture Reading: Genesis 1:12, Mark 6:37-44         Gratitude is a spiritual practice that helps you notice and appreciate God’s work in your day to day. In this plan you’ll learn 4 different techniques for making gratitude a part of your daily life.         We would like to thank the Theology of Work Project for providing this plan. For more information, please visit www.theologyofwork.org/devotions.         Gratitude is a spiritual practice of seeing and celebrating the good in the world around you. This is easier said than done.         Modern life often forces you to focus on what is bad – what needs to be fixed immediately, what crisis must be prevented, what new thing you need now to make your life better.         Learning to notice the good takes practice. Thankfully, every time you flex your gratitude muscle you get stronger. You get positive feedback – it feels good to be grateful. And you connect with God who is the source of all goodness.          You don’t need to look for big miraculous things to be grateful for. Jesus showed that gratitude can begin with very little. On a day when it seemed like he and his friends wouldn’t have enough to eat, Jesus looked up to heaven and thanked God for the food they had (Mark 6:37-44). When Jesus did this, the little they had turned into an abundance.          Start your gratitude practice by simply noticing what is good in the world around you. This goes back to the very first chapter of the Bible, when God “sees” what is good in his creation (Genesis 1:12). Practice:        What is good in the world around you right now? If the seat you’re sitting on is comfortable, thank God for that.        During your day, make it a point to notice one thing that’s good. If a coworker smiles at you, this can be a prompt to gratitude.        Before you go to bed tonight, think back on your day. What was good today that you can thank God for? Make a list. Prayer: God, thank you for the good you have put in my life today. Reveal yourself to me through your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Further Exploration: Read the article From an Attitude of Ingratitude to Gratitude. Quote: Called To Work dcrandall-keeptouch.com@shared1.ccsend.com, Mon, Feb 17, 9:04 AM.

我们在神的话语中发现信实 魏愛玲師母 2025年5月8日早祷会分享以赛亚书55:10-11 “雨雪从天而降并不返回，却滋润地土，使地上发芽结实，使撒种的有种，使要吃的有粮。我口所出的话也必如此，决不徒然返回，却要成就我所喜悦的，在我发它去成就的事上必然亨通”。        这段经文在我们的心中呈现了一幅美丽的图画，彰显了神创造的伟大，也见证了神话语的能力与目的！就在不久前，在我们的城市，我们看到了雪花从天而降的美丽景象。 尽管它让出行变得困难甚至几乎不可能，但我们不得不承认，我们很喜欢看着雪花飘落的样子！它让我们感到平静。之后下起了雨，因为是春天，春天的雨水滋润大地，使青草生长、花朵绽放，这一切都是我们从神所创造的季节中获得的美好。        好像春天的鸟儿也更欢快地歌唱，我们可以享受它们的歌声。第10节使用了雨雪的比喻。雨雪从天而降，并不会蒸发后就返回天上。它们履行了自己的使命；滋润大地，使其肥沃，并为撒种的人提供种子。        在春天，魏牧师喜欢种一个小花园。我们做一个简单的花园，因为准备、种植和照料它都是辛苦的工作。我们会看着它，希望它能成长，甚至会为蔬菜的生长祷告！我们非常喜欢去看植物生长的进展。        我们期待着能吃到丰收的食物！第11节将雨雪与神的话语进行了类比。就像雨雪履行了它们的使命，神的话语也是如此。它不会徒然返回，而是必定成就它所要完成的事，成功地完成它被差遣的任务。        因此，神说这就是他话语的运作方式。祂的话从祂的口中发出，并不会直接回到祂那里。它不空空返回，必定成就祂的目的。祂的话带来果实与成功！这就是祂话语的作用。 它成功地完成了祂差遣它去做的事。在以赛亚书55:10-11中，神的话语挑战我们不只是做听众！让我们想一想…这是不是在引导我们祷告，让神的话语在我们心中结出这样的果实？        我们不只是听见话语然后忘记它，而是要以一种使其在我们生活中每天结出果实的方式去接收神的话语。我们应该以顺服和行动来回应神的话语。        雅各书1:22说：“你们要行道，不要单单听道，自己欺哄自己。”因此，如果我们按照神的话语去做，我们的行为将结出果实，这是神的话语在我们生活中的结果。然后我们将传播神的话语，并记住神的话语从不只是为了停留在我们这里。它的目的是通过我们来传递出去。         即便在此刻，我们正在阅读并听见神通过以赛亚书55:10-11在讲述祂话语的力量。 今天我们可以与谁分享神话语的力量？我们今天可以鼓励谁，用神的话语来鼓励他们？我们能否与那些尚未认识耶稣的人分享神的话语？         想一想，今天神的话语如何通过我们结出果实，影响他人的生命！意识到这一切都是神话语的目的……让我们接收它，让它在我们的生活中结出果实，通过我们的生命，进入他人的生命，并在世界上扩展。         这就是祂的目的！祂的话语出去，使得祂的话语通过我们，祂的子民，让它在全世界被认识！以赛亚书55:10-11鼓励我们让神的话语塑造我们生命的每一部分，并提醒我们将神的话语传给他人！        魏牧师和我曾与大家分享，在我们作为台湾的宣教士的时光中，我们与不同年龄组的人开展了许多圣经学习。这是我们与人建立联系、培养关系的方式。我们用英语开展圣经学习，因为学生们想提高他们的英语水平，他们很兴奋能进行练习。         我们也能和他们练习中文，他们非常乐意帮忙、鼓励我们。虽然他们并不信主，但他们依然很乐意来参加英语学习。我们告诉他们，课本就是圣经，神的圣言！当然，他们总是听到福音的分享。多年来，一些人信主了，许多人没有。虽然他们并未立刻信主，但我们在台湾待了32年，因此我们时不时地听到有些人信主了。他们会找到我们并告诉我们！我们总是告诉我们的学生，信耶稣是他们一生中最重要的决定，并且是一个他们永远不会后悔的决定。但他们必须为自己做出决定。当学生们完成学习时，我们会赠送给他们一本圣经作为礼物。这就是我们分享神话语并看到果实的方式。        魏牧师和我每周都有一天禁食祷告，为我们的儿子和他们的家庭祷告圣经经文。当然，我们每天都会为我们的孩子、朋友和教会祷告，但这一天对他们来说是特别的一天。 他们知道我们会这样做，所以他们经常告诉我们他们希望我们为他们祷告的事情。他们依赖我们的祷告，我们看到了神回应祷告的答案！我也会通过短信给孙子们发圣经经文。 由于我们不常见面，所以我觉得这是一种鼓励他们的好方式。我们希望他们记住神的话语！我知道他们可能会忘记我的话，但我相信神的话会留在他们的心里，并成就祂的目的。        我也喜欢为朋友们祷告神的话。我觉得这样很有意义，因为那是神的话，比我的话更有力量。魏牧师和我也喜欢在美国赠送圣经给人，尤其是像我们的邻居Jack这样的新信徒。这些只是我们通过传递神的话语来分享它的一些方式。我们知道你们也在做这些事情，并且有其他的方式与他人分享神的话语。          我将以分享耶稣在马太福音28:18-20中的话语来结束。这段话被称为“大使命”，他说：“耶稣进前来，对他们说：‘天上地下的权柄都赐给我了。 所以，你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父子圣灵的名给他们施洗，凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守。 我就常常与你们同在，直到世界的末了。’”         这段经文有很多值得说的地方，但我只想说，耶稣提醒我们要“教训他们遵守我所吩咐你们的。”祂会与你同在去完成这个使命！如果我们要顺服祂，就必须读祂的话语，以行动回应祂的话，并与他人分享祂的话！神的话语成就了祂的目的，并通过我们在我们和他人生命中结出果实。感谢主！         (*除了我个人的见证和心得，本文的思想来自于华盛顿麦克林圣经教会的牧师兼教师David Platt博士。)Bottom of Form

5/18/25 Pastor’s Word WE FIND FAITHFULNESS IN GOD’S WORD Elinda West Sharing at Morning Prayer Meeting on MAY 8, 2025Isaiah 55: 10-11  “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it.”         This scripture is a beautiful picture in our minds of God’s creation and a testimony of  the power and the purpose of God’s Word! It wasn’t so long ago here in our city that we saw the beauty of the snow falling down to earth.          Even though it made traveling around difficult to impossible we have to admit we loved watching it !  It made us feel peaceful.  After that the rain came because it’s springtime and in the springtime we get rain to water the earth and make the grass grow and the flowers bloom and we have more beauty from seeing this season that God created for us to enjoy.          It seems like the birds even sing more happily in the springtime and we can enjoy their song. In verse 10 it uses this imagery of rain and snow. When they fall from heaven they don’t just evaporate and return. Instead they fulfill their purpose, watering the earth, making it fertile, and providing seed for the sower.            In the springtime likes to plant a little garden.  We do a simple garden because it is hard work to prepare, plant and take care of it.  We watch and hope and even pray for the vegetables to grow! We really enjoy going out to see the progress of the growing.          We look forward to the good food to eat! In verse 11 we see a parallel between the rain and snow and God’s Word. Just as the rain and snow fulfill their purpose, so does God’s Word . It will not return to Him empty, but it will accomplish what He intends and be successful in the task it was sent to do.         So God says this is how His Word works. His Word goes out from His mouth, and it doesn’t go right back to Him. It doesn’t return to Him empty. It accomplishes His purpose. His Word brings fruit and success! That’s what His Word does.          It succeeds in the thing it was sent for. In Isaiah 55: 10-11 God’s Word CHALLENGES us to be more than just listeners!  Let’s think about it…Doesn’t this lead us to pray that God’s Word in our hearts would bear this kind of fruit?          That we wouldn’t just hear the Word and then forget it. That we would receive God’s Word in a way that it bears fruit in our lives on a daily basis.  We should respond to God’s Word in obedience and action in our lives.         James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” So if we do what God’s Word says there will be fruit flowing from our actions as a result of God’s Word in our lives.          Then we would spread God’s Word and remember that God’s Word is never intended to stop with us. It’s always intended to spread THROUGH us.  Even in this moment right now we are reading and hearing God speaking in Isaiah 55:10-11 about the power of His Word.         Who can we share the power of God’s Word with today? Who can we encourage today with God’s Word? Who can we share God’s Word with that may not know Jesus?          Just think about the opportunities for God’s Word to bear fruit in other people’s lives through us today! Just realize all of this is the purpose of God’s Word……for us to receive it, for it to bear fruit IN our lives, THROUGH our lives and IN the lives of other people as it spreads in the world.          That is His purpose! His Word goes out, that it might be made known in all the world through US as His people!  Isaiah 55: 10-11 ENCOURAGES us to let God’s Word shape every part of our lives and Isaiah 55:10-11 REMINDS us to pass God’s Word on to others!         Wei Mushr and I have shared with you before that in our time as missionaries in Taiwan we had many bible studies with different age groups. That’s how we connected and built relationships with people. We did our bible studies in English because the students wanted to improve their English and were excited to practice.         We could practice our Chinese with them, and they were so helpful and encouraging. They were not believers, but they still were eager to come for the English. We told them the textbook is the Bible God’s Holy Word!  Of course, they always got to hear the gospel.         Over the years some people believed but many did not.  Some didn’t believe right away but we stayed 32 years so we would hear from time to time that others came to believe.         They would find us and come tell us! We always told our students that to believe in Jesus was the most important decision they could make in their lifetime, and we told them it’s the one decision they would never ever regret.         But they had to decide for themselves. When the students finished the study we gave them a Bible as a gift.  So, this was a way we shared God’s Word and saw fruit.          Wei Mushr and I have a fasting day each week and pray scripture over our sons and their families. Now of course we pray every day for our children and friends and church. But this one day is a special day for them. They know we do this, so they often tell us things they want us to pray for. They depend on our prayers. We see God’s answers to the prayers! I also send bible verses to the grandchildren by text message. We don’t see them often, so we find it’s a good way to encourage them. We want them to know and remember God’s Word!  I know they might forget MY words but I’m trusting God’s Word will stay in their hearts and accomplish His purpose.         I also like to pray God’s Word over friends. I feel it is meaningful because it is God’s Word and much greater than my words. Wei Mushr and I also like to give Bibles as gifts to people here in America too, especially new believers like our neighbor Jack.         These are just some ways we share God’s Word by passing it on! We know you do these things and have other ways to share God’s Word with others. I will close by sharing the Words of Jesus in Matthew 28: 18-20 These words are called The Great Commission, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”            There is a lot to say about these scriptures, but I will just say that Jesus reminds us to “teach them to obey everything (He) has commanded you.” And He will be with you to do it!  If WE are to obey Him, we must read His Word, respond to His Word with our actions and share His Word with others! God’s Word accomplishes His purposes and bears fruit in our lives and in other people’s lives through us. Thank you, Lord!         (*Other than my own personal words and testimonies in this devotional, credit for these thoughts goes to Dr. David Platt, pastor-teacher at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C.)

在母亲节，领受喜乐：在旅程中发现满足
在旅程中的喜乐

“愿一切寻求你的，因你高兴欢喜。愿那些喜爱你救恩的，常说：‘当尊耶和华为大！’”

 诗篇 40:16

        一百六十九英里。这是 Ellie 一天内为送孩子们参加课外活动所开车的总里程数，而且这样的一天一周要发生好几次。我们当中的许多人都经历过这样的情形吧？不管是通勤、送学步的孩子去上学前班，或是接送大孩子去排球训练、青少年聚会——或甚至这些全都包含在内——很多女性都能理解花大量时间坐在车里的感受。
        这样的生活很容易让人觉得：“我被造不是为了这样的琐事。”觉得沉重、觉得被压得喘不过气。
        Ellie 起初记录行车里程只是为了好玩。但随着里程表数字的不断跳动，她的心情却愈发烦躁。每次坐进驾驶座，她心里都会泛起一阵厌烦。如果孩子们在车里因为久坐而发脾气，那就更糟糕了——那个温柔体贴的妈妈不见了，取而代之的是一个情绪紧绷、容易暴怒的女人，她会怒斥孩子：“这是你们选择的活动，又不是我非要你们去！”
       有一天，交通特别糟糕，女儿们情绪低落，而且她们还迟到了。Ellie 再也忍不住了。她送完孩子后，决定不去赶行程，而是出去走走。她边走边感到沮丧和紧张……这时，竟然下起了雨。
       她终于抬起头来向神倾诉这一切。（“真的？现在下雨？”）但她这才发现，居然只下在她一个人身上！这正是神对她心情的一个完美写照。但更重要的是，她惊讶地看到，其余的天空竟然布满了难以形容、如电影般壮观的云朵。若不是这场雨，她根本不会停下来抬头仰望这壮丽的画面。
 若不是下雨，她根本不会停下来仰望这壮丽的画面。
        “谢谢你，上帝。”她轻声说道，“谢谢你让我停下来，看见这一切。”
         她拍了许多照片，想着要和女儿们分享。然后她意识到：这景象不仅让她从沮丧中暂时抽离，转而看见值得称颂的美好，也让她想到可以与孩子们一同分享、一起赞美神的理由。
        她也意识到另一个事实：这些云彩可能在她整个开车途中就已经在那里了，但她却完全错过了。她开始思考：如果她不再对每次接送心生厌烦，而是期待着每天神要向她展示的事物，会发生什么？
        姐妹们，我们多少次都是这样？那样的美好常常就在我们头顶之上，只是我们直到神差来一场小雨，才被唤醒、才愿意抬头。下次当你因突发的延误、抛锚的汽车，或是排得满满的行程被打断而情绪濒临崩溃时——抬头吧。去看看神要向你显明什么，看看那能带给你旅途喜乐的事物。
 “有福的人，是那些在卑微之处仍能看见美好的人，而别人却看不见。”

 ——卡米耶·毕沙罗（Camille Pissarro）
摘自Revelation Media于2025年5月3日星期六上午7:59发送的电子邮件

Receive Find Joy in Time for Mother’s Day
Joy in the Journey

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”  — Psalm 40:16, NLT

        One hundred and sixty-nine miles. That is the distance Ellie drove her kids in one day. Multiple times a week. Just for after-school activities. Many of us have been there, right? Whether we are commuting, driving toddlers to preschool or older students to volleyball or youth group—or all of the above—many women can relate to spending lots of time in the car.
        It is easy to start feeling, I was made for more than this. To feel burdened. Put upon.
        Ellie had originally started tracking her miles for fun. But watching the odometer tick over soon brought frustration. Every time she got into the driver’s seat, dread bubbled to the surface. And if her children acted irritable about being in the car for so long, watch out! Long gone was the compassionate mom—she was replaced by an on-edge woman who snapped that it was their choice to do the activities, not hers.
        One particular day, the traffic was horrible, her girls were grumpy, and they were late. Ellie was fed up. She dropped them off and decided to walk outside instead of trying to cram in an errand. She walked along, discouraged and stressed…and then it started to rain.
        She finally looked up to the sky to talk to God about this. (Because really? Rain? Now?!) That’s when she noticed that it was raining only on her. What a perfect message from God about her mood. But more importantly, she was stunned to see that the rest of the sky was filled with indescribable, movie-worthy clouds. If it had not started raining, she would not have paused to look up and see this glorious sight.
         If it had not started raining, she would not have paused to look up and see this glorious sight.
        Thank you, God, she whispered. Thank you for forcing me to pause and see this.
        She took tons of pictures, eager to share them with her girls. Then she realized: the beauty had not only caused her to pause her discouragement long enough to see something worthy of praise, it had also caused her to turn her thoughts to something she could show her kids, something they could praise God for as well.
        She also realized something else. Those cloud formations had probably been their during her whole drive, and she had totally missed them. What would happen if she stopped dreading each drive and started eagerly looking for what God would show her each day?
Sisters, how often is there such beauty above us—something we miss until God sends a little rainstorm to wake us up? The next time we are on our last nerve because of an unexpected delay, a broken-down car, or an interruption in a packed schedule, look up. Let’s look for what God is trying to show us that will give us joy in the journey.
        “Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”                     

—Camille Pissarro
Quote from an email from Revelation Media, Sat, May 3 at 7:59 AM, 2025.