帖撒罗尼迦前书 1:2-10

我们为你们众人常常感谢神，祷告的时候提到你们， 在神我们的父面前不住地记念你们因信心所做的工夫，因爱心所受的劳苦，因盼望我们主耶稣基督所存的忍耐。 被神所爱的弟兄啊，我知道你们是蒙拣选的， 因为我们的福音传到你们那里，不独在乎言语，也在乎权能和圣灵并充足的信心。正如你们知道，我们在你们那里，为你们的缘故是怎样为人。 并且你们在大难之中蒙了圣灵所赐的喜乐，领受真道，就效法我们，也效法了主， 甚至你们做了马其顿和亚该亚所有信主之人的榜样。 因为主的道从你们那里已经传扬出来，你们向神的信心不但在马其顿和亚该亚，就是在各处也都传开了，所以不用我们说什么话。 因为他们自己已经报明我们是怎样进到你们那里，你们是怎样离弃偶像归向神，要服侍那又真又活的神，等候他儿子从天降临，就是他从死里复活的，那位救我们脱离将来愤怒的耶稣。

9月15日

福音：发出响声！（上）

“主的道从你们那里已经传扬出来，你们向神的信心不但在马其顿和亚该亚，就是在各处，也都传开了。” - 帖前1:8

旧约圣经学者告诉我们，在希伯来写作中，文章的主要信息通常不会放在文章的起头或结尾，它往往是在文章的中间的。我们称这种修辞学为“对称交错结构”（chiasm）。这种文章结构特别出现在很多《诗篇》中，而《诗篇》23篇便是其中一个最美丽的例子，第4节这样说：“我不怕遭害，因为你与我同在。”耶和华既是我们的牧者，我们便毋需害怕了。

今天是九月份正中的日子，让我们以对称交错结构的角度来细看帖撒罗尼迦前书1章第8节吧。这个月的主题是“回响，”在帖撒罗尼迦前书1章第8节，我们看到“主的道……已经传扬出来……”—已发出回响了。有趣的是，在整本圣经中，只有这里用了希腊原文回响（resonate）这个字。我们将会在明天详细分析这个字的意思，现在就让我们单单思想这节美丽的经文，来捕捉我们这个月的灵修主题吧。我们与保罗一起庆祝，耶稣的福音正在以能力发出美好的响声。

愿这节经文，也能够有力地反映出我们每天的生活，以及耶稣的教会持续不断的事奉。

祷告

亲爱的耶稣，在今天，愿你的信息，在我们与遇到的每一个人的交谈和互动中发出响声来。愿别人能够清楚看到我们信心带来的喜乐，并且因此被吸引。阿们。

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

THE GOSPEL: RINGING OUT! (PART 1)

The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. —1 Thessalonians 1:8

Old Testament scholars will tell us that in Hebrew writing, the main message of a passage is not usually found at the beginning or the end of the passage but at its center. This literary device is called chiasm. We see chiasm at work especially in the Psalms. One of the most beautiful examples is in Psalm 23, where we read, in verse 4, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Because the Lord is our shepherd, there is no need for us to fear.

Today is the middle of September, and with the idea of chiasm in mind, let’s pay close attention to verse 8 of 1 Thessalonians 1. Our theme for this month is “Resonance,” and in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 we find that “the Lord’s message rang out . . .”—it resonated. It’s interesting that this is the only place in the Bible where the original Greek word for resonate is used. Tomorrow we will unpack its meaning, but, for now, let’s simply reflect on this beautiful verse to capture the central theme of our devotions for this month. We celebrate with the apostle Paul that the gospel of Jesus is ringing out with beauty and power.

May this verse also powerfully reflect our everyday lives and the ongoing service of the church of Jesus.

Dear Jesus, may your message ring out from our lives today—in our conversations and our interactions with everyone we meet. May the joy of our faith be clear and attractive to others, we pray. Amen.

使徒行传 1:4-11

耶稣和他们聚集的时候，嘱咐他们说：“不要离开耶路撒冷，要等候父所应许的，就是你们听见我说过的。 约翰是用水施洗，但不多几日，你们要受圣灵的洗。” 他们聚集的时候，问耶稣说：“主啊，你复兴以色列国就在这时候吗？” 耶稣对他们说：“父凭着自己的权柄所定的时候、日期，不是你们可以知道的。 但圣灵降临在你们身上，你们就必得着能力，并要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地和撒马利亚，直到地极，作我的见证。” 说了这话，他们正看的时候，他就被取上升，有一朵云彩把他接去，便看不见他了。当他往上去，他们定睛望天的时候，忽然有两个人身穿白衣站在旁边，说：“加利利人哪，你们为什么站着望天呢？这离开你们被接升天的耶稣，你们见他怎样往天上去，他还要怎样来。”

9月14日

发声传开去

“你们……要在耶路撒冷、犹太全地，和撒玛利亚，直到地极，作我的见证。” - 徒 1:8

想像管弦乐团或行进乐队的成员，正在用一根锣棒来敲击一个巨型的锣。锣棒敲击锣的中央时，便发出响亮和巨大的声音。我们甚少人家中会有锣，不过，如果你身边有一部手机或计算机，你可以花点时间在网上寻找“锣声”，然后把它大声播放出来。试着听听和感受一下，锣声怎样在你身处的空间回荡着。

在这个星期，让我们思想耶稣的福音像回荡的锣声那样，以震撼的声波传遍整个世界。让我们回到耶稣复活不久和在升天之前那段伤感的时间的事工。耶稣告诉祂的门徒，祂虽然要离开，但他们很快便会接受圣灵，来帮助他们继续祂的工作和使命。

读到耶稣差遣祂的门徒时，我们或许很容易会忽略祂差遣包括的地域。如果我们把这个使命比作发出回响的锣声，我们可以想像，他们在耶路撒冷敲响了锣，响起的锣声便传送到附近的地方，超越地域和文化，“直到地极”了。

在过去的差不多2,000年里，福音就是这样响起和传开去了，就让我们一同为此感恩吧！

祷告

主耶稣，你以你的圣灵装备我们，在你为我们安排去到的地方作你的见证。在今天，愿你的恩典和慈爱，能从我身上像响起的锣声那样传开去。阿们。

Acts 1:4-11

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

RESONATING OUTWARD

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8

Picture someone striking a large gong with a mallet, maybe as part of an orchestra or a marching band. The mallet hits the center of the gong, and the sound rings out powerfully. Not many of us have a gong in our homes, but if you have a phone or a computer nearby, take a moment to search online for “gong sound” and play it loud. Hear and feel the sound resonate through the space you are in.

This week let’s think about the spread of the good news of Jesus like a resounding gong, moving through the world like a reverberating sound wave.

Let’s revisit the poignant time in Jesus’ ministry shortly after his resurrection and just before he returned to heaven. Jesus tells his disciples that although he is leaving, they will soon receive the Holy Spirit to help them continue his work and mission.

It may be easy to gloss over the geography that Jesus mentions when he commissions his disciples at this time. But if we imagine this commissioning to be like a resounding gong, we can picture the gong being struck in Jerusalem and its sound ringing out into the surrounding regions, across geographical and cultural boundaries, all the way “to the ends of the earth.”

Let’s give thanks together that the gospel has been ringing out this way for nearly two thousand years!

Lord Jesus, you have equipped us with your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses wherever you have placed us. May your grace and love ring out from me today like a resounding gong. Amen.

以赛亚书 55:6-13

当趁耶和华可寻找的时候寻找他，相近的时候求告他。 恶人当离弃自己的道路，不义的人当除掉自己的意念。归向耶和华，耶和华就必怜恤他；当归向我们的神，因为神必广行赦免。 耶和华说：“我的意念非同你们的意念，我的道路非同你们的道路。 天怎样高过地，照样，我的道路高过你们的道路，我的意念高过你们的意念。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。你们必欢欢喜喜而出来，平平安安蒙引导，大山小山必在你们面前发声歌唱，田野的树木也都拍掌。松树长出代替荆棘，番石榴长出代替蒺藜，这要为耶和华留名，作为永远的证据，不能剪除。”

9月13日

神的话传开去了！

“我……的话……决不徒然返回，……在我发他去成就的事上必然亨通。” - 赛 55:11

今天是主日，让我们回到《以赛亚书》55章所说的，来思想神的话语传开去时的能力。

人与人之间的沟通往往充满错谚和误解，我们都是不完全的人，都会用很多不完全的方式来沟通。结果有时伤害了人，而有时也会生出笑话来。

有一次我在运动时受了伤，所以在跟着的主日不能在我的教会讲道。在崇拜开始之前，一位长老向会众解释，我“被球击中了眼睛。”（hit with a ball in the eye）后来我发现会众中一位青年听错了，她以为我“被球击中后死亡。”（hit with a ball and died）她大感震惊，她更觉得会众不大关注我突然去世。

教会的其中一个传统标志是传讲神的话语。在这个星期，让我们来集中思想让福音传遍世界意味着什么。忠心传讲是这件差事重要的一环。在《以赛亚书》55章，神提醒我们，他传递的信息必不徒然，在神发他去成就的事上必然亨通。这句话带给我们极大的保证。今天我们聚集一起敬拜时，让我们祈求神的话语能够以爱心、能力和恩典，清楚地被宣讲。

祷告

圣洁的神，在今天，愿你的话语在世界各地教会中忠心地被宣讲。又愿你的话语在我们生命中成就你发出的旨意。阿们。

Isaiah 55:6-13

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

THE WORD IS PROCLAIMED!

“My word . . . will not return to me empty, but will . . . achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” —Isaiah 55:11

On this day of worship let’s return to the words of Isaiah 55 and reflect on the power of the preached Word of God.

Human communication is often filled with mistakes and misunderstandings. We are imperfect people who communicate in many imperfect ways. Sometimes the results can be hurtful, and sometimes the results can be humorous.

I once suffered a sports injury and was unable to preach in my church on the following Sunday. Before the worship service, an elder explained to the congregation that I had been “hit with a ball in the eye.” I found out later that one of the young people at church had misunderstood him and thought I had been “hit with a ball and died.” She was shocked. She also thought that the congregation didn’t show much concern over my sudden demise.

One of the traditional marks of the church is the preaching of the Word of God. This week let’s focus on what it means for the gospel to ring out to the world. Faithful preaching is a vital piece of that task. In Isaiah 55, God reminds us that his communication is always effective. It will accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which he sent it.

This is profoundly reassuring. As we gather today for worship, let’s pray that God’s Word will be spoken clearly, with love, power, and grace.

Holy God, may your Word be preached faithfully in your church around the world today. And may your Word achieve the purpose for which you have sent it in our lives. Amen.

哥林多前书 1:18-25

因为十字架的道理，在那灭亡的人为愚拙，在我们得救的人却为神的大能。就如经上所记：“我要灭绝智慧人的智慧，废弃聪明人的聪明。”智慧人在哪里？文士在哪里？这世上的辩士在哪里？神岂不是叫这世上的智慧变成愚拙吗？世人凭自己的智慧既不认识神，神就乐意用人所当做愚拙的道理，拯救那些信的人，这就是神的智慧了。犹太人是要神迹，希腊人是求智慧，我们却是传钉十字架的基督——在犹太人为绊脚石，在外邦人为愚拙，但在那蒙召的，无论是犹太人、希腊人，基督总为神的能力、神的智慧。因神的愚拙总比人智慧，神的软弱总比人强壮。

9月12日

奇妙的十字架

“十字架的道理，在那灭亡的人为愚拙，在我们得救的人却为神的大能。” - 林前 1:18

我们福音机构的其中一位领导人曾探访当地教会的妇女查经小组。她知道大部分查经小组都会集中思想神的爱、耶稣的教导、或圣经中某一卷书的，然而当她探访这个小组时，看到她们用那么多时间来专一谈论十字架，她感到十分惊异。就问她们：“可否告诉我，你们为什么如此专注谈论十字架呢？”她们的回复是一个美好的见证。

其中一位组员说：“十字架证明我们深深被神所爱……耶稣为我们受死！”另一位说：“十字架显明我的罪是多么深重，我是多么需要帮助来偿还罪债。”又有一人补充说：“十字架告诉我，耶稣为每一个人受死，包括我在内，这是关乎我个人的事。”妇女们分享十字架对她们的信仰是何等真实，和十字架怎样以谦卑悔改、感恩、盼望和爱来充满她们。

那天，十字架大能的信息发出清晰的回响，圣灵感动那些忠心的妇女们说出心底的话，她们见证十字架不单单是一个宗教记号，更活生生地标志着救主的大爱，因为祂为所有信祂的人受死和复活了。

很多哲学思想都会成为过眼云烟，然而十字架的信息却在历代历世中继续发出回响。你听到耶稣也为你受死和复活这个好消息吗？

祷告

耶稣啊，你在十字架上叫我们罪得赦免和得荣耀，我们为这奇妙的十字架感谢你。愿我们能怀着对你感恩的心过生活。阿们。

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

THE WONDER OF THE CROSS

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. —1 Corinthians 1:18

One of the leaders in our mission organization visited a women’s Bible study in a local church. She knew that most study groups focus on God’s love, Jesus’ teachings, or a particular book of the Bible. But when she visited this group, she was surprised by how much they talked specifically about the cross.

“Can you tell me why you focus on the cross so much?” she asked them. Their responses were a beautiful testimony.

“The cross proves how much we are loved. . . . Jesus died for us!” said one participant. “The cross shows me how great my sins are and how powerful my need is for my sins to be paid for,” said another. “The cross tells me that Jesus died for everyone, including me. It’s so personal,” added another. The women shared how real the cross is to their faith and how it fills them with humble repentance, gratitude, hope, and love.

The power of the cross resounded clearly that day as the Holy Spirit moved those faithful women to speak with heartfelt words, testifying that the cross is not merely a religious symbol but a living sign of the love of the Savior who died and rose again for all who believe in him.

Many philosophies have come and gone. The message of the cross continues to resonate through the ages. Do you hear the good news that Jesus also died and rose for you?

Jesus, thank you for the wonder of the cross, where you made forgiveness and victory possible for us. May we live in gratitude to you. Amen.

马太福音 9:9-13

耶稣从那里往前走，看见一个人，名叫马太，坐在税关上，就对他说：“你跟从我来！”他就起来跟从了耶稣。耶稣在屋里坐席的时候，有好些税吏和罪人来，与耶稣和他的门徒一同坐席。法利赛人看见，就对耶稣的门徒说：“你们的先生为什么和税吏并罪人一同吃饭呢？”耶稣听见就说：“康健的人用不着医生，有病的人才用得着。经上说：‘我喜爱怜恤，不喜爱祭祀’，这句话的意思你们且去揣摩；我来本不是召义人，乃是召罪人。”

9月11日

跟从我

“〔耶稣〕就对他说：‘你跟从我来。’〔马太〕就起来，跟从了耶稣。” - 太 9:9

在加拿大我长大的地方，当地教会的青年团契每年都会举办戏剧比赛。我们撰写和演出自己的剧本，胜出的那一队会获得一个奖杯。我要清楚声明，这些剧本都不是莎士比亚水平的作品，它们的情节大多是滑稽、迂回曲折和超现实的，并且都是由演技有限的年轻人演出的。然而，这些比赛却带来很多欢乐。

在18岁那年，我身处一个高中校园的运动场里，全神贯注地参与另一个戏剧比赛。会场一片吵闹和混乱，有很多情绪高涨的青年在其中。在两场演出的小休时间中，有一个青年男子站起来，他邀请大家报名参加一个夏季事奉工作，他说任何人都可以参加。在那个嘈杂的运动场里，大概没有人在听他—除了我之外。那一刻，在环绕我的一片混乱中，圣灵好像抓住了我的心，对我说：“你需要报名参加这个事工。”像马太那样，我听到耶稣在说：“你跟从我来。”那个夏天的经历深深改变了我，不久我便踏上成为一个牧师的路程了。

今天耶稣有没有对你说话？尽管周围有很多杂声，你能否听到祂的声音，正在与你的心灵发出共鸣，邀请你去跟从祂呢？

祷告

主耶稣，感谢你呼召年轻人和成年人来跟从你，并以各种方式来事奉你。今天求你开我们的耳朵和安静我们的心，好叫我们听见你的声音。阿们。

Matthew 9:9-13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

FOLLOW ME

“Follow me,” [Jesus] told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. —Matthew 9:9

Where I grew up in Canada, the church youth groups in the area would host an annual play competition. We wrote and performed our own plays, and the winning group received a trophy. To be clear, these were not Shakespearean masterpieces. The plays were often silly, with winding and unrealistic plots performed by teenagers who had little in the way of acting skills. But it was tremendously fun.

When I was 18 years old, I found myself immersed in another play contest in a high school gym. The place was loud and chaotic, filled with hyper teens. Between two of the performances, a young guy stood up and invited people to sign up for a summer ministry program. Anyone could join, he said. In that noisy gymnasium, no one seemed to be listening to him. Except me. In that moment, in the midst of the chaos around me, it was as if the Holy Spirit grabbed hold of my heart and said, “You need to sign up for this ministry.” Like Matthew, I heard the words of Jesus speaking: “Follow me.” My experience that summer was transformative, and I was soon on the path toward becoming a minister.

Is Jesus speaking to you today? Despite the noise around you, can you hear his voice resonating with your spirit and inviting you to follow?

Lord Jesus, thank you for calling young people and adults to follow and serve you in all kinds of ways. Open our ears and still our hearts to hear your voice today. Amen.

使徒行传 2:29-41

弟兄们，先祖大卫的事，我可以明明地对你们说，他死了，也葬埋了，并且他的坟墓直到今日还在我们这里。大卫既是先知，又晓得神曾向他起誓，要从他的后裔中立一位坐在他的宝座上，就预先看明这事，讲论基督复活说：他的灵魂不撇在阴间，他的肉身也不见朽坏。这耶稣，神已经叫他复活了，我们都为这事作见证。他既被神的右手高举，又从父受了所应许的圣灵，就把你们所看见、所听见的浇灌下来。大卫并没有升到天上，但自己说：‘主对我主说：“你坐在我的右边，等我使你仇敌做你的脚凳。”’故此，以色列全家当确实地知道：你们钉在十字架上的这位耶稣，神已经立他为主、为基督了。”众人听见这话，觉得扎心，就对彼得和其余的使徒说：“弟兄们，我们当怎样行？”彼得说：“你们各人要悔改，奉耶稣基督的名受洗，叫你们的罪得赦，就必领受所赐的圣灵。因为这应许是给你们和你们的儿女，并一切在远方的人，就是主我们神所召来的。”彼得还用许多话作见证，劝勉他们说：“你们当救自己脱离这弯曲的世代！”于是，领受他话的人就受了洗，那一天，门徒约添了三千人；

9月10日

永活的灵

“众人听见这话，觉得扎心，就……说：‘弟兄们，我们当怎样行？’” - 使徒行传2:37

耶稣升天后（使徒行传1:9-11），便实行了祂应许祂的门徒的事。祂曾这样说：“我现在要离开了，但之后我会差圣灵到你们那里，祂会引导你们和与你们同在”（参看约翰福》16:1-15）。

我们在《使徒行传》2章看到，圣灵戏剧性地降临在门徒身上，引起一大群人在那里聚集。在一片混乱中，彼得站起来，第一次以使徒的身份传讲信息。留意彼得所作的，和耶稣在以马忤斯路上所作的一样，就是解释旧约圣经中关于弥赛亚耶稣的教导。

众人听见关于耶稣的福音信息，都觉得扎心，他们便问：“弟兄们，我们当怎样行？”“觉得扎心”—彼得对听众所说的话引起他们深切的共鸣，不是因为彼得的口才，而是因为神的灵透过彼得作工，让他指引人到永活的耶稣那里。在那一天，有3,000人悔改和开始跟从耶稣。

今天，耶稣仍然活在这个世界，继续在我们中间作工。我不知道你有没有遇见耶稣、觉得扎心，然后委身来跟从祂的经历。耶稣欢迎你接受祂做你的主和救主呢！

祷告

主耶稣，你宣告我们与你有一个新的开始，求你今天以这快乐的宣告来触动我们的心。又求你引导我们诚心悔改和信靠你。阿们。

Acts 2:29-41

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

THE LIVING SPIRIT

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said . . . “Brothers, what shall we do?’’ Acts 2:37

After Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), he did exactly as he had promised his disciples. He had said, “I am going away, but then I will send you the Holy Spirit, who will guide you and be with you” (see John 16:1-15).

And as we read in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came dramatically on the disciples, and a huge crowd gathered in response. In the commotion, Peter stood up and preached his first sermon as an apostle. Notice that, just as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, Peter explains the teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures about Jesus, the Messiah.

And when the people heard the gospel message about Jesus, they were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

“Cut to the heart”—the listeners resonated deeply with all that Peter was telling them— not because of Peter’s eloquence but because of God’s Spirit working through Peter as he pointed people to the living Jesus. Three thousand people repented that day and began to follow Christ.

Jesus lives and continues to work among us in the world today. I wonder if you have had the experience of meeting Jesus, being cut to the heart, and committing yourself to follow him. Jesus welcomes you to embrace him as your Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, move our hearts today with the joyful announcement of a new beginning with you. Lead us into genuine repentance and trust in you. Amen.

歌罗西书 1:15-20

爱子是那不能看见之神的像，是首生的，在一切被造的以先。因为万有都是靠他造的，无论是天上的、地上的，能看见的、不能看见的，或是有位的、主治的、执政的、掌权的，一概都是藉着他造的，又是为他造的。他在万有之先，万有也靠他而立。他也是教会全体之首。他是元始，是从死里首先复生的，使他可以在凡事上居首位，因为父喜欢叫一切的丰盛在他里面居住。既然藉着他在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，便藉着他叫万有，无论是地上的、天上的，都与自己和好了。

9月9日

永活的耶稣

“凡经上所指着自己的话，（耶稣）都给他们讲解明白了。” - 路 24:27

今天的主题经文仍然是出自以马忤斯路上的故事的。我们已经见到那两个门徒的心，因为遇见永活的道—耶稣而变得火热。今天我们将会见到他们的心与耶稣的教导所产生共鸣。

路加指出，在向他们解释《圣经》时，耶稣已有一个明确的计划，祂提醒那两个门徒，旧约圣经中指向弥赛亚的经文和故事。这两个门徒正在聆听永活的耶稣教导他们认识一切关乎祂自己的事情！

我们已经说过，我们正活在一个崇尚以自我为中心的时代。生命中所有事情都是关乎“我，我，我”的—我想得到什么和我需要什么。纵使耶稣的好消息是关乎个人的，然而事关重要的，就是我们必须提醒自己，《圣经》不是一本用作自我提升，或只是关乎“我”的书。

我很喜欢神学家和牧者Tim Keller 关于这方面的看法。他说读《圣经》只有两个方法：你抱着《圣经》都是关于你自己，和你必须做什么才能得福的态度去读，你也可以抱着《圣经》每一部分都是关于耶稣，和祂为你做了什么的态度去读。

基督教信仰的每一方面，都是以那位复活了的和正在作王的耶稣为中心的。耶稣是永活的道，愿我们以火热的心来爱祂。

祷告

永活的耶稣，无论我们身在何处，求你今天便与我们相会。你与我们相会时，愿我们乐意接受你的话语和你的声音。又求你帮助我们以信心和顺服来回应。阿们。

Colossians 1:15-20

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

THE LIVING JESUS

[Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. —Luke 24:27

Our theme verse today is from the Emmaus road story once again. We have seen that the two disciples’ hearts burned within them because of their encounter with Jesus, the living Word. Today we see that their hearts resonated with the teaching of the living Jesus.

Luke shows that as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, he had a clear plan. He was reminding the disciples of Old Testament texts and stories that pointed to the Messiah. These disciples were listening to the living Jesus teaching them all that they needed to know about him!

We have acknowledged that we live in an age in which focus on the self is a high ideal. Everything in life is about “me, me, me”—what I want and what I need. Although the good news of Jesus is deeply personal, it is vital to remind ourselves that the Bible is not a self-help book or just about what matters to “me.”

I love what theologian and pastor Tim Keller said about this. He said that there are only two ways to read the Bible. You can read it as if it is all about you and what you must do to be blessed. Or you can read every part of the Bible as if it’s about Jesus and what he has done for you.

Everything in our Christian faith centers on the resurrected, reigning Jesus. May our hearts burn with our love for him, the living Word.

Living Jesus, meet us today wherever we are. May you find us receptive to your Word and your voice. Help us to respond in faith and obedience. Amen.

诗篇 119:89-105

耶和华啊，你的话安定在天，直到永远。你的诚实存到万代，你坚定了地，地就长存。天地照你的安排存到今日，万物都是你的仆役。我若不是喜爱你的律法，早就在苦难中灭绝了。我永不忘记你的训词，因你用这训词将我救活了。我是属你的，求你救我，因我寻求了你的训词。恶人等待我，要灭绝我，我却要揣摩你的法度。我看万事尽都有限，唯有你的命令极其宽广。我何等爱慕你的律法，终日不住地思想。你的命令常存在我心里，使我比仇敌有智慧。我比我的师傅更通达，因我思想你的法度。我比年老的更明白，因我守了你的训词。我禁止我脚走一切的邪路，为要遵守你的话。我没有偏离你的典章，因为你教训了我。你的言语在我上膛何等甘美，在我口中比蜜更甜！我藉着你的训词得以明白，所以我恨一切的假道。

9月8日

永活的道

“在路上，他和我们说话，给我们讲解圣经的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的么？” - 路 24:32

让我们返回昨天思想过的以马忤斯路上的故事吧。两个非常沮丧的门徒，在回家途中遇见了复活的耶稣。当他们回想与耶稣相遇这件事，他们说当时他们的心是火热的—他们得到这改变生命的经历，其中一个主要原因是他们对《圣经》上的话有新的体会。他们形容耶稣怎样给他们讲解《圣经》，向他们说明经文的真正意思。

今天，在这个信息时代，我们很容易会视《圣经》为刷到的无穷无尽信息内容—一些值得我们投入追索的、或是随己意漠视的信息。然而《圣经》却指出，不经思索便漠视它的信息是错的。

《诗篇》119篇是圣经中最长的一篇经文，它是一首表达热爱神的话语的诗歌。它宣称：“我何等爱慕你的律法！”“你的言语在我上膛何等甘美，在我口中比蜜更甜！”在祂的一生和祂的事工中，耶稣也一直表明祂对《圣经》的热爱。道成了肉身，耶稣最终应验了圣经中宣告的每一件事。

《圣经》的原意不是让人去略读、或以敷衍的态度来阅读，它乃是要求人去尝试理解难明白的地方、去默想和领受之后，深深藏在心里。当我们这样腾出空间来聆听神的话语时，像在以马忤斯路上的那些门徒一样，我们也会被改变。

祷告

主耶稣，求你帮助我们明白《圣经》。愿我们能够坚定地说：你的话是我们脚前的灯和我们路上的光。阿们。

Psalm 119:89-105

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

THE LIVING WORD

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” —Luke 24:32

Let’s return to the Emmaus road story that we reflected on yesterday. Two disciples, walking home in deep discouragement, are met by the risen Jesus. As they recall this encounter, they speak of their hearts burning within them—and one of the key reasons for that transforming experience was their renewed encounter with the Scriptures. They describe how Jesus opened the Scriptures to them and revealed their true meaning.

In our information age today, it is easy to treat the Bible like much of the content that scrolls endlessly past us—stuff we can engage with or just ignore if we want to. Yet the Bible speaks against being casually indifferent to its message.

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture, is a passionate love song to God’s Word: “Oh, how I love your law!” it declares. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Jesus reflected this same deep devotion to Scripture throughout his life and ministry. As the Word made flesh, he is the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Scriptures proclaim.

The Bible is not meant to be skimmed or approached halfheartedly. Instead, it is meant to be wrestled with, meditated on, and absorbed deep into our hearts. When we create space to listen to God’s Word in this way, like those disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too will be changed.

Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures for us. May we be able to say with conviction that your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Amen.

路加福音 24:13-35

正当那日，门徒中有两个人往一个村子去。这村子名叫以马忤斯，离耶路撒冷约有二十五里。他们彼此谈论所遇见的这一切事。正谈论相问的时候，耶稣亲自就近他们，和他们同行，只是他们的眼睛迷糊了，不认识他。耶稣对他们说：“你们走路彼此谈论的是什么事呢？”他们就站住，脸上带着愁容。二人中有一个名叫革流巴的回答说：“你在耶路撒冷作客，还不知道这几天在那里所出的事吗？”耶稣说：“什么事呢？”他们说：“就是拿撒勒人耶稣的事。他是个先知，在神和众百姓面前说话行事都有大能，祭司长和我们的官府竟把他解去，定了死罪，钉在十字架上。但我们素来所盼望、要赎以色列民的就是他。不但如此，而且这事成就，现在已经三天了。再者，我们中间有几个妇女使我们惊奇，她们清早到了坟墓那里，不见他的身体，就回来告诉我们说看见了天使显现，说他活了。又有我们的几个人往坟墓那里去，所遇见的正如妇女们所说的，只是没有看见他。”耶稣对他们说：“无知的人哪，先知所说的一切话，你们的心信得太迟钝了！基督这样受害，又进入他的荣耀，岂不是应当的吗？”于是从摩西和众先知起，凡经上所指着自己的话，都给他们讲解明白了。将近他们所去的村子，耶稣好像还要往前行，他们却强留他，说：“时候晚了，日头已经平西了，请你同我们住下吧！”耶稣就进去，要同他们住下。到了坐席的时候，耶稣拿起饼来，祝谢了，掰开，递给他们。他们的眼睛明亮了，这才认出他来。忽然耶稣不见了。他们彼此说：“在路上他和我们说话，给我们讲解圣经的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的吗？”他们就立时起身，回耶路撒冷去。正遇见十一个使徒和他们的同人聚集在一处，说：“主果然复活，已经现给西门看了。”两个人就把路上所遇见和掰饼的时候怎么被他们认出来的事，都述说了一遍。

9月7日

我们的心是火热的

“他们彼此说：‘……我们的心岂不是火热的么？’” - 路 24:32

人际关系是我们可以谈到“共鸣”的其中一个例子。当有人说了一些深深触动我们的心的话时，我们或许会说：“是的，你的话引起我的共鸣。”又或许会说：“我也有同样的感受，我完全赞同你所说的。”

我们也可以在属灵的经历里找到共鸣。在今天这个关于两个在以马忤斯路上的门徒的故事中，我们看到了共鸣。他们在路上时，一个陌生人和他们同行，这人跟他们开始了一段冗长和有意义的交谈，内容是关于耶稣、祂的受死、和《圣经》中关于神应许的弥赛亚的教导。

然而，等到这陌生人与他们一起擘饼，然后不见了之后，门徒才领悟到他们一直是与耶稣同行和交谈。那时他们不知道耶稣已经从死里复活了！留意他们彼此说：“在路上，他和我们说话，给我们讲解《圣经》的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的么？”这里所说的火热的心，有力地描述了一个共鸣的经历。

当我们真正遇见耶稣时，我们心里会感受到被改变，我们正在面对一个改变生命的真理。在未来的几天，让我们来更深入思想这个引起共鸣的经历。耶稣临在我们的生命中时，愿我们好像那两个门徒，也能遇见这位永活的耶稣。

祷告

耶稣啊，愿我们有火热的心，来回应你在我们生命里所作的工。今天愿你的话语和圣灵奋兴我们，叫我们更像你。阿们。

Luke 24:13-35

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

HEARTS BURNING WITHIN US

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us . . . ?” —Luke 24:32

One of the ways we can speak of “resonance” is in terms of human connection. When a person says something that connects with us deeply, we might say, “Yes, that resonates with me,” or maybe, “I feel the same way. I’m totally in sync with you on that.”

We can find resonance in spiritual experiences as well. This happens in our story for today, about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walk along, a stranger joins them and engages with them in a long and meaningful conversation about Jesus, his death, and what the Scriptures taught about the promised Messiah.

Yet only after the stranger breaks bread with them and then disappears do the disciples realize that they were walking and talking with Jesus. They didn’t realize he had risen from the dead! Notice what they say to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” That description of burning hearts is a powerful description of resonance.

When we encounter Jesus in a true and meaningful way, we may sense that something is shifting within us. We are in the presence of life-changing truth.

Over the next few days, let’s explore more about this resonating experience. And, like those disciples, may we encounter the living Jesus as he breaks into our lives.

Jesus, may our hearts burn within us in response to your work in our lives. May your Word and Spirit enliven us today and make us more like you. Amen.

诗篇42:1-5

神啊，我的心切慕你，如鹿切慕溪水。 我的心渴想神，就是永生神，我几时得朝见神呢？ 我昼夜以眼泪当饮食，人不住地对我说：“你的神在哪里呢？” 我从前与众人同往，用欢呼称赞的声音，领他们到神的殿里，大家守节。我追想这些事，我的心极其悲伤。 我的心哪，你为何忧闷？为何在我里面烦躁？应当仰望神，因他笑脸帮助我，我还要称赞他。

9月6日

极度渴望敬拜神

“我的心渴想神，就是永生神。我几时得朝见神呢？” - 诗 42:2

基督徒作家鲁益师是一个深思熟虑的人。某天有人问他，世界上哪一种宗教能带给人最大的快乐。他想了一下便回答说：“在快乐仍未完结前，自我崇拜能做得到。”他指出，当我们只专注在自己的需要和欲望时，确实能够找到短暂的快乐—只是在“快乐仍未完结前”，但不能维持下去。

长远来看，我们发觉自我崇拜永远不能满足我们。我们想要更多快乐、更舒适、拥有更多的欲望，终必导致我们陷入无止境和徒劳无功的追寻。而最令人担忧的，就是当我们只往内看，把注意力集中在自己身上时，我们便听不到周围那些重要的声音，特别是听不到神的声音。

我们当中很多人置身于以自我为中心的文化背景。我们周围的人都在追随个人梦想和欲望，这些都离弃了神吩咐我们单单在祂里面找到生命的邀请—一个能带来真正成长的生命。我们真是活在一个干渴的世界。

在这个充满挑战性的环境中，我们在《诗篇》42篇听到神的邀请，祂邀请我们在敬拜中朝见祂。像诗人那样，愿我们的渴慕，引领我们来到永活的神面前，唯有祂能满足我们最深的渴求。

祷告

天上的父，在今天，世界各地很多人都会在敬拜中寻求你。求你满足你的子民的渴慕，又感动我们歌颂赞美你和聆听你的话语。阿们。

Psalm 42:1-5

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

DESPERATE FOR WORSHIP

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? —Psalm 42:2

The Christian writer C. S. Lewis was a careful thinker. One day he was asked which of the world’s religions gave people the greatest happiness. He thought for a moment and answered, “While it lasts, the religion of worshiping oneself” would do that. He was pointing out that when we focus on our own needs and wants, it is indeed possible to find happiness in the short term—“while it lasts,” but not for long.

In the long term we discover that worship of self can never satisfy. Our appetite for more pleasure, more comfort, more possessions, and so on will lead us on an endlessly futile quest. Most troubling is that when we focus inward and only on ourselves, that cuts us off from the important voices around us, particularly God's voice.

Many of us live in cultural settings where the focus on self has become the norm. All around us, people search for happiness as they follow personal dreams and pursue personal desires apart from God’s invitation to find life in him alone—life that brings true flourishing. We live in a thirsty world.

In this challenging environment, we hear the Lord’s invitation in Psalm 42 to meet with him in worship. May our thirst lead us, like the psalmist, to the living God, who alone can meet our deepest needs.

Heavenly Father, many people around the world will seek you in worship today. Quench the thirst of your people, we pray, and move us to sing your praises and listen to your Word. Amen.

诗篇 19:1-6

诸天述说神的荣耀，穹苍传扬他的手段。 这日到那日发出言语，这夜到那夜传出知识。 无言无语，也无声音可听。 他的量带通遍天下，他的言语传到地极。神在其间为太阳安设帐幕， 太阳如同新郎出洞房，又如勇士欢然奔路。 它从天这边出来，绕到天那边，没有一物被隐藏不得他的热气。

9月5日

诸天以赞美来回应

“诸天述说神的荣耀，穷苍传扬他的手段。” - 诗 19:1

《诗篇》19篇指出，诸天述说神的荣耀。最近我得悉一些关于哈勃太空望远镜的资料，以及它显示出关于人类已知的宇宙的实况。

天文学家这样形容这个宇宙：想像一只竖起的手指，上面附着一粒沙，然后，去观看被那粒沙挡着的那片天空，这就是哈勃望远镜能够放得最大的太空画面了。那一粒沙挡着的那一片细小天空里面，就有成千上万的星系。如果那一小片天空和天空其他部份是一样的，我们估计，眼睛可以见到的宇宙，包含大约2兆个星系，而每一个星系里面又大约有1,000亿颗星球。意思是说，宇宙中星星的数目，超过我们能想像得到的。天文学家说，在肉眼可以见到的宇宙中，星星的数目远超过地球上所有的沙的数目。

想到宇宙难以想像的广大时，我不禁想起《诗篇》19篇所说的内容，是多么真实：“穹苍传扬他的手段。这日到那日发出言语，这夜到那夜传出知识。”

受造物都以赞美来回应他的创造主啊！

祷告

亲爱的主，诸天虽然不懂得讲话，但我们与一切受造物都同声来传扬和赞美你。感谢你在爱中创造和救赎我们。阿们。

Psalm 19:1-6

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

THE HEAVENS RESOUND WITH PRAISE

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. —Psalm 19:1

Psalm 19 asserts that the heavens declare the glory of God. I recently learned some things about the Hubble Space Telescope and what it reveals about the known universe. Astronomers describe it in a way like this:

Imagine holding up your finger with a grain of sand on it and looking at the patch of sky that the grain of sand blocks out. That’s the field of space the Hubble telescope can zoom into. There are tens of thousands of galaxies in a patch of sky the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length. If that tiny patch of sky is like every other, then we can estimate that the visible universe includes about 2 trillion galaxies. Each one of those galaxies contains about 100 billion stars. And this means the universe contains a number of stars that goes beyond any number we can even imagine. Astronomers say that there are easily more stars in the visible universe than there are grains of sand on the earth.

When I think of the unimaginable size of the universe, I can’t help thinking how true Psalm 19 is: “The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Creation resounds with praise for the Creator!

Dear Lord, although the heavens use no words, we join our voices with all creation to proclaim your praise. Thank you for making and redeeming us in love. Amen.

以赛亚书 54:1-8

“你这不怀孕不生养的，要歌唱！你这未曾经过产难的，要发声歌唱，扬声欢呼！因为没有丈夫的，比有丈夫的儿女更多。”这是耶和华说的。 “要扩张你帐幕之地，张大你居所的幔子，不要限制；要放长你的绳子，坚固你的橛子。 因为你要向左向右开展，你的后裔必得多国为业，又使荒凉的城邑有人居住。 “不要惧怕，因你必不致蒙羞；也不要抱愧，因你必不致受辱。你必忘记幼年的羞愧，不再记念你寡居的羞辱。 因为造你的是你的丈夫，万军之耶和华是他的名；救赎你的是以色列的圣者，他必称为全地之神。 耶和华召你，如召被离弃心中忧伤的妻，就是幼年所娶被弃的妻。”这是你神所说的。 “我离弃你不过片时，却要施大恩将你收回。 我的怒气涨溢，顷刻之间向你掩面，却要以永远的慈爱怜恤你。”这是耶和华你的救赎主说的。

9月4日

我们以赞美之声来回应

“你这不怀孕不生养的……要发声歌唱， 扬声欢呼……” - 赛 54:1

我在一个崇拜气氛保守的基督教传统中长大（现在我仍然是在相同的环境中事奉）。在我的记忆中，有一次我的教会邀请了附近一间堂会的牧师来讲道，这位牧师来自一间惯于表达个人感受的教会，他在讲道时，会众时常会以“阿们！”和“主啊，是的”来回应他所讲的话。在崇拜开始之前，我对他说：“在你讲道时，若会众显得非常安静，你便知道他们是正在专心聆听的了。”他笑着说，他从来没有听过这种说法啊！

释经书的内容通常都是颇为沉闷的，然而我拥有的那本却是例外。书中的作者以兴奋的文笔来解释《以赛亚书》54-55章。作者特别指出《以赛亚书》54章1节。在这节经文中，神呼召祂的百姓来欢呼歌唱，因为他们知道自己已蒙救赎：“要发声歌唱，扬声欢呼。”解经的人以生动的字句来意译这句话为：“愿欢乐的歌声从你心里爆发出来！”

按照某些传统，基于我们对敬畏和礼仪规范的看法，类似上面的意译可能令我们觉得不甚合宜，我们可能会对热切表达对神的爱有所顾忌。然而，在《以赛亚书》的篇幅中，我们看见受造物本身都无拘无束地赞美它的创造主。受造物以赞美彼此和应，大山发声歌唱，树木也都拍掌，诸天在述说神的荣耀。因着耶稣，我们都是罪得赦免，蒙神修复的子民，这就是感动我们来欢呼赞美的原因！

祷告

耶稣啊，我们若没有热切地敬拜你，求你赦免。求你教导我们，怎样去表达发自我们内心的感激，来感谢你为我们所作的一切。阿们。

Isaiah 54:1-8

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

OUR VOICES RESONATE WITH PRAISE

“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy. . . .” —Isaiah 54:1

I grew up (and still serve) in a Christian tradition that tends to be reserved in worship. I remember inviting a pastor from a neighboring church to speak in our congregation. He came from a more expressive background, in which people often said “Amen!” and “Yes, Lord,” to statements he made while he was preaching. Before the worship service I said to him, “When you’re preaching, and the congregation gets really quiet, that’s when you know they are really listening.” He laughed and said he had never heard that before!

Bible commentaries are often fairly dry, yet I own one in which the author writes about Isaiah 54-55 with lots of enthusiasm. The writer highlights Isaiah 54:1, where God calls his people to sing with the joy of knowing they have been saved: “Burst into song, shout for joy.” The commentator rephrases that text vividly with these words: “Let joyful songs explode out of you!”

In some traditions, our sense of reverence and decorum can make us feel uncomfortable with statements like that. We can become shy about expressing our love for God with great enthusiasm. Yet throughout Isaiah we see that creation itself is not restrained in praising its Maker. Creation resounds with praise. The mountains sing, the trees clap their hands, and the heavens declare God’s glory. Because of Jesus, we are a forgiven, restored people, and that moves us to joyful praise!

Jesus, forgive us if we have been unenthusiastic in worship. Teach us to express heartfelt gratitude for all that you have done for us. Amen.

约翰福音 1:1-14

太初有道，道与神同在，道就是神。 这道太初与神同在。 万物是藉着他造的；凡被造的，没有一样不是藉着他造的。 生命在他里头，这生命就是人的光。 光照在黑暗里，黑暗却不接受光。 有一个人，是从神那里差来的，名叫约翰。 这人来，为要作见证，就是为光作见证，叫众人因他可以信。 他不是那光，乃是要为光作见证。 那光是真光，照亮一切生在世上的人。他在世界，世界也是藉着他造的，世界却不认识他。他到自己的地方来，自己的人倒不接待他。凡接待他的，就是信他名的人，他就赐他们权柄做神的儿女。这等人不是从血气生的，不是从情欲生的，也不是从人意生的，乃是从神生的。道成了肉身，住在我们中间，充充满满地有恩典有真理。我们也见过他的荣光，正是父独生子的荣光。

9月3日

世界与耶稣的话互相回应！

“我口所出的话……决不徒然返回，却要成就我所喜悦的，在我发他去成就的事上必然亨通。” - 赛 55:11

《约翰福音》以一个令人震惊的宣告开始：道—就是神的儿子耶稣，已降临到我们的世界，就如在第14节中那美丽的言词宣告说，这道“住在我们中间”。假若地上有值得我们以喜乐和歌声来回应的一刻，肯定是当神的儿子成为肉身进入人类历史的时候了，怪不得那时天上充满了天军天使的歌颂声：“听啊！天使高声唱：荣耀归于新生王！”了（参《路加福音》 2:13-14）。

《约翰福音》1章1-14节让我们看到《以赛亚书》55章11节中的预言已应验了—这道发出后决不徒然返回。主耶稣已按父的旨意，完成了祂的使命，祂担当了我们在世上的罪和叛逆，藉着在十架上受死，祂为我们偿还了极重的罪债。

主耶稣被埋葬在坟墓里，然后，以生命和救赎之主的身份复活，从坟墓里出来了。后来祂又在荣耀里，升到祂在天上应有的地方去。以赛亚的预言是真实的，他说神的道—耶稣要成就神差遣祂来作的一切事。

历代历世以来，基督作成的工的能力，都在地上每一个角落产生了回响。救恩已来到，我们可以得蒙赦免。你有一位爱你的神，在基督里你有一个永恒的盼望。

祷告

耶稣啊，感谢你为我们破碎的生命和世界，带来救恩和新生。愿你的好消息在各国各方都产生回响。今天我们再一次向你献上我们的心。阿们。

John 1:1-14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

THE WORLD RESONATES WITH JESUS!

“My word . . . will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” —Isaiah 55:11

The gospel account of John opens with an astonishing declaration: the Word, who is Jesus, the Son of God, has broken into our world. As verse 14 beautifully proclaims, the Word “made his dwelling among us.” If ever there was a moment when the earth could resound with joy and song, it was when the Son of God took on flesh and entered our human story. No wonder the skies were filled with the sound of a heavenly choir: “Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’” (see Luke 2:13-14).

John 1:1-14 reveals the fulfillment of Isaiah 55:11—the Word went out and did not return empty. Jesus accomplished his mission as the Father had intended. He took on the debt of our sin and rebellion in this world and paid its terrible price through his death on the cross.

He was buried in a tomb, and then he rose from the grave as the Lord of life and salvation. Later he also returned in victory by ascending to his rightful place in heaven. Isaiah had prophesied truly about the Word of God, Jesus, who achieved all that God had sent him to do.

Across the centuries, the power of Christ’s work has echoed to every corner of the earth. Salvation is here. Forgiveness is possible. There is a God who loves you, and in Christ you have an eternal future.

Jesus, thank you for bringing salvation and new life into our broken lives and our broken world. May your good news echo everywhere. We surrender our hearts to you again today. Amen.

以赛亚书 55:6-13

当趁耶和华可寻找的时候寻找他，相近的时候求告他。 恶人当离弃自己的道路，不义的人当除掉自己的意念。归向耶和华，耶和华就必怜恤他；当归向我们的神，因为神必广行赦免。 耶和华说：“我的意念非同你们的意念，我的道路非同你们的道路。 天怎样高过地，照样，我的道路高过你们的道路，我的意念高过你们的意念。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。你们必欢欢喜喜而出来，平平安安蒙引导，大山小山必在你们面前发声歌唱，田野的树木也都拍掌。松树长出代替荆棘，番石榴长出代替蒺藜，这要为耶和华留名，作为永远的证据，不能剪除。”

9月2日

受造物以颂赞回应

“大山小山必在你们面前发声歌唱；田野的树木也都拍掌。” - 赛 55:12

以赛亚书55章捕捉了神与祂创造的世界，那深厚和快乐的关系，这章圣经欢乐地倾流出造物主与祂的创造的联系。以赛亚描述的是回响—神的声音和世界的声音和谐地往来回荡。

以赛亚指出，地球的生命循环是何等奇妙：有播种和收割的季节，也有赐下来浇灌大地的雨和雪。我们或许不能实时看到某一场雨的效用，然而撒在泥土里的种子得到水的滋润便开始发芽。那些新芽长大成为谷物，谷物便为我们提供食粮。那个静静的开始，最终成为丰足的收获。

对神的子民来说，这个异象带着深厚的意思。他们明白，纵使他们有一条河或一个水源，如果神不赐下雨或雪，他们也没法生存下去。在面对旱灾时，他们当中有些人会转去敬拜其他国家的神，以为那些神或许能赐下雨水滋润他们的农作物，可是这种想法只会带来虚假的希望。神藉着以赛亚，呼唤百姓归回，信靠和感谢这位管理世界和其中一切的独一真神。

今天我们就拨出一些时间，来思想神是何等美丽，又聆听去寻求和信靠这位独一信实的真神的邀请吧，祂必为我们提供一切所需的。哈利路亚！

祷告

主啊，我们尊你为创造的君王。求你帮助我们看到，你必定会时常供应我们所需。愿我们能更深和单单信靠你。奉耶稣祈求，阿们。

Isaiah 55:6-13

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

CREATION RESONATES WITH PRAISE

“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” —Isaiah 55:12

Isaiah 55 captures the deep, joyful relationship between God and the world he has made. This chapter overflows with delight in the connection between Creator and creation. What Isaiah describes is resonance— the voice of God and the voice of the world echoing back and forth in harmony.

Isaiah points to the remarkable life cycle of the earth: the seasons for planting and harvesting, and the gifts of rain and snow that water the ground. We may not see the immediate effects of a rainfall; seeds planted in the soil respond to the moisture and begin to sprout. Those sprouts grow into crops, and the crops provide food. What begins quietly ends in abundance.

This imagery carried deep meaning for God’s people. Even if they had a river or a spring for water, they knew they could not survive without the gift of rain or snow. In periods of drought, some of the people turned to worship the gods of other nations, as if maybe those gods could bring rain for their crops. But those ideas yielded only false hope. Through Isaiah, God called the people back to trust and celebrate the only One who truly rules the world and everything in it.

Take some time today to reflect on the beauty of creation and hear the invitation to seek and trust in the one, true, faithful God, who provides for all our needs. Hallelujah!

Lord, we honor you as the King of creation. Help us to see that you always provide for us, and may we deepen our trust in you alone. In Jesus, Amen.

诗篇 96

你们要向耶和华唱新歌，全地都要向耶和华歌唱！ 要向耶和华歌唱，称颂他的名，天天传扬他的救恩。 在列邦中述说他的荣耀，在万民中述说他的奇事。 因耶和华为大，当受极大的赞美，他在万神之上，当受敬畏。 外邦的神都属虚无，唯独耶和华创造诸天。 有尊荣和威严在他面前，有能力与华美在他圣所。 民中的万族啊，你们要将荣耀、能力归给耶和华，都归给耶和华！ 要将耶和华的名所当得的荣耀归给他，拿供物来进入他的院宇！ 当以圣洁的装饰敬拜耶和华，全地要在他面前战抖！人在列邦中要说：“耶和华做王！”世界就坚定，不得动摇，他要按公正审判众民。愿天欢喜，愿地快乐，愿海和其中所充满的澎湃，愿田和其中所有的都欢乐！那时林中的树木都要在耶和华面前欢呼，因为他来了，他来要审判全地。他要按公义审判世界，按他的信实审判万民。

9月1日

在整个世界发出响声

“在列邦中述说他的荣耀，在万民中述说他的奇事。” - 诗 96:3

你体验过真正的回声吗？你可以对着一个空旷的地方大声呼喊“哈啰！”接着便会听到你自己的声音的回声：“哈啰！哈啰！哈啰！”记得在我大约7岁时，我曾对着一个被雾笼罩的湖大声呼叫——接着我便听到自己的声音飘荡回我耳边，我感到惊叹万分。

在这个月，让我们来探讨一件类似产生回声的事情。这个月的灵修主题是“回响”，“回响”是我热爱的观念，它也与我的事奉有很大的关系。我事奉的机构名叫“回响普世宣教机构”，此机构的事工中心是活出和分享耶稣的好消息，好叫这个好消息能产生回响，就像一把不断扩大和增强的声音、向四方八面散播出去。

回响就像回声，区别是它比回声更沉实有力。当我们想到我们灵命中的回响时，便会联想到神藉着祂的道、祂的灵、和祂的宇宙来发声，这是何等奇妙——祂的声音在我们生命中，和在我们周围的世界里不断回荡。

响起的钟声或铃声，是另一个让我们体验到回响的方式。当你参与研读这些灵修文章时，我鼓励你找一个小铃（或在手机上搜查一个“铃声”），在读完一天的文章后，便按起铃声来。

神正在与我们同在呢！神述说祂的好消息，并分享祂的爱！愿我们能用我们的声音，像回声那样，以喜乐和颂赞来回应神为我们作的一切美事！

祷告

主啊，为你奇妙的作为、和你以你的爱在我们周围回荡感谢你。我们庆幸能够以我们颂赞的歌声、像回声那样来回应你！奉耶稣的名祈求，阿们。

Psalm 96

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

RINGING OUT ACROSS THE WORLD

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. —Psalm 96:3

Have you ever experienced a genuine echo? Maybe you shouted “Hello!” into a wide empty space and then heard your own voice return: “Hello! Hello! Hello!” I remember being about seven years old and calling out across a misty lake—and then, with a sense of wonder, hearing my voice come drifting back to me.

This month let’s explore something that is similar to an echo. Our theme this month is “Resonance,” and the concept of resonance is close to my heart and my work. The agency I serve is called Resonate Global Mission, and this organization focuses on living out and sharing the good news of Jesus so that it resonates, going out in every direction like an expanding, amplifying sound.

Resonance is like an echo, yet deeper and more powerful. When we think about resonance in our spiritual lives, it can open us to the wonder of God’s voice speaking through his Word, his Spirit, and his world—reverberating within our lives and all around us.

The ringing of a bell or a chime provides another way to experience resonance. As you engage in these devotions, I encourage you to find a small chime (or search “chime sound” on your phone) and play it after each day’s reflection.

God is here with us! God speaks his good news and shares his love with us! May our voices echo back with joy and praise for all the great things God has done!

Lord, thank you for your marvelous deeds and the way your love resonates around us. What a privilege to echo back our songs of praise! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.