40/140 Devotionals Archive

Archive of our
40-Day Devotionals

As part of PPHBC’s 40/140 Anniversary celebration, we will be releasing a devotional every day from 19 July to 27 August 2022. Do check back daily to follow along!

Day 1 =>

Current day:

Day 40 | 27 August

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

2 Timothy 4:7

Running the Race

By Elder Timothy Shim – Men’s Network

Read: Hebrews 12:1–2

At one of our church camps a few years ago, a group of runners gathered for a daily early morning run before breakfast. It was a mixture of older and younger runners. The route was about 10km and involved several uphill segments. As you read this, you would think that the younger runners must have been pacing the group. Actually, the senior runners were the ones leading the pack – right at the front were our brothers Casey Teo and Paul Lim, both veteran marathoners and triathletes. The rest of us were barely making itup those hills. Our focus was kept by the breakfast awaiting us at the end!At the two-third mark, Casey and Paul, having finished the distance, turned back to encourage the rest of the pack. Simply amazing!

The Christian journey is sometimes likened to that of a race – one that lasts a lifetime! Running well requires consistent training and perseverance. In the Christian race, we must engage in spiritual disciplines and continually train ourselves in God’s ways. Like the hills, life’s journey is beset with trials that hinder us. But we are called to persevere and keep focused on Christ to claim the eternal prize. 

The ones ahead in life ought to also keep a lookout for those further back, encouraging and pushing them to keep running. Unlike conventional races where there is only one winner, we can all be winners if we finish well. Let us, as a church, together as one body, run this race together and finish well!

Prayer Pointers

  • The unity of the church – that we will continually support and encourage one another.
  • Each generation to pass on the flame well to the next so that collectively we will all remain faithful and finish well.

那美好的仗我已经打过了，当跑的路我已经跑尽了，所信的道我已经守住了。

‪提摩太后书‬4:7

奔跑天路

作者: 沈永好长老 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪希伯来书‬12:1-2

几年前的一次教会营会，一群跑步者聚在一起，准备进行早餐前的晨跑。队伍中既有年长一些的，也有年轻的。这条路线长约 10 公里，包含几个上坡路段。当你读到这篇文章时，你可能会认为年轻人一定是跑在前面引领节奏。而实际上，有经验的年长者才是领跑者——在最前面的Casey Teo和Paul Lim弟兄，他们都是马拉松运动员和铁人三项的老手。我们其他人能坚持到山顶已经不错了，我们的目标可能更多是在终点等待我们的美味早餐！我们在三分之二的位置，凯西和保罗已经完成了整段，并转回来鼓舞其他人。简直太神奇了！

基督徒的人生旅途有时被看作赛跑—— 一场持续一生的赛跑！跑得好需要持续的训练和忍耐。在这旅途中，我们必须进行属灵的操练，并不断地以上帝的方式训练自己。就像那座山一样，人生的旅程也充满了各种挡在我们面前的试炼。但上帝告诉我们要存心忍耐，要仰望耶稣基督，为要获得那永生的奖赏。

跑在前面的人也应留意那些落后的人，鼓励他们继续奔跑。与传统比赛的只有一名获胜者不同，如果我们完成得好，我们都可以成为获胜者。让我们作为一个教会，作为合一的整体，一起跑完这一程，跑好这一程！

祷告事项

  • 教会的合一 —— 我们可以不断地彼此扶持和鼓励。
  • 每一代人都把火传递给下一代，让我们所有人都可以忠心于上帝，好好跑完这旅程。

Day 39 | 26 August

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Ephesians 5:25-27

The Church We Will One Day Be

By Cheong Yu Jia – Woman to Woman

In the allegorical story, “Hind’s Feet on High Places”, a young woman named Much Afraid embarks on a journey up to the High Places that belong to the Good Shepherd, where she will be able to dance as sure-footed as a hind (a female deer). With her clubfoot and deformed hands, the climb is difficult and the going slow. On one occasion, she begins to complain aloud to her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering, whom the Shepherd has left to help her on the climb. Impatient about her weakness, and grumbling about the difficult path and the Shepherd’s absence, she suddenly realizes mid-lament that the Shepherd has been walking behind her for a while and has overheard her complaints. Ashamed, she falls silent. Yet instead of rebuking her, the Shepherd patiently encourages her that he is looking forward even then to the fully healed and radiant woman that she will be on the High Places. 

While praying for the church one night, God reminded me of this verse in Ephesians 5. Beyond the truths that the above allegory contains for us individually, it is also true for the church. Christ, the Good Shepherd, looks upon His church with love and awaits the day when she will be with Him in the high places. And not only the Church of all times and places, but our church, too – Jesus knows and loves Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Church, with our stains and blemishes (perhaps hidden under a new coat of paint!) and wrinkles (possibly remedied with younger elders…). In the moments where we are discouraged by where our church is, where we are tempted to compare ourselves with how other churches around us are doing, where believers around us seem disgruntled at each other for some reason or another, Jesus still loves PPH. 

When Much Afraid reaches the High Places, she looks back and realizes that “… you, my Lord, never regarded me as I actually was, lame and weak and crooked and cowardly. You saw me as I would be when you had done what you promised and had brought me to the High Places, when it could be truly said, ‘There is none that walks with such a queenly ease, nor with such grace, as she.’”

Are we discouraged or disgruntled with what is broken or left undone in PPH? Let us pray that in these moments we may temper our frustration with the same love for PPH that Jesus has. This is the church that He gave His life for – with his eyes fixed on the holy and blameless church that we will one day be. 

Prayer Pointers

  • At a recent ‘Gather’ event, a third of the women participating were young adults, and many of the discussion facilitators were younger women as well. Thank God that He has allowed us to gather and to get to know women of all ages in the Women2Women events, and for the willingness that different individuals have to share. Being able to hear stories of God’s faithfulness across different generations is a foretaste of what we will experience one day with the church of all ages. 
  • That God will continue to unite our hearts across generations, to be humble and loving towards each other.

你们作丈夫的，要爱你们的妻子，正如基督爱教会，为教会舍己。要用水藉着道把教会洗净，成为圣洁，可以献给自己，作个荣耀的教会，毫无玷污、皱纹等类的病，乃是圣洁没有瑕疵的。

‪以弗所书‬5:25-27

我们终有一天将会成为的教会

作者: 张于佳 – 姐妹事工

在经典寓言作品《稳行高处》中，一个名叫“惊恐小姐”的年轻女子踏上了去往好牧人所在高处的旅程，在那里她将能够像一只母鹿一样稳健地跳舞。她的手脚畸形，这旅程很慢，也很艰难。牧羊人让两个同伴:“忧伤” 和“ 苦难”帮她爬山。有一次，她对自己的软弱感到不耐烦，开始向她们抱怨道路的艰难和牧羊人的缺席，她在哀叹中突然意识到，牧羊人已经在她身后走了一段时间，也听到了她的抱怨，她羞愧地沉默了。牧人没有责备她，而是耐心地鼓励她说，他盼望着那完全痊愈、容光焕发的妇人，她将登上高处。

一天晚上，当我为教会祷告时，上帝提醒我‪以弗所书‬5中的这一节。上述寓言包含对于我们个人的真理，对教会也是如此。基督，好牧人，带着爱注视着他的教会，等待着她与他同在高处的那一天。不仅是对所有的教会，也是我们的教会——耶稣知道并爱着巴西班让山福音堂，他知道我们的污点瑕疵(也许隐藏在一层新的油漆下!)和皱纹(也许年轻的长老会补救…)。当我们对教会感到失望时，当我们试图与周围的其他教会比较时，当我们周围的信徒因为这样或那样的原因彼此不满时，耶稣仍然爱PPH我们的教会。

当“惊恐小姐”达到顶峰时，她回头看了看，意识到“… 你，我的主，从来没有看我如我本来的模样，瘸腿、软弱、驼背、胆怯。你看我如我将成的模样，当你实现你的应许，带我到了那高处之后将成的模样，那时终可以说:“没有人能像她那样行走如此高贵自如，如此优雅，满了恩典。””

我们是否有时会对PPH一些破碎或未尽的事情感到沮丧或不满?让我们就在这些时候祷告，使我们可以用耶稣对PPH同样的爱来移除我们的沮丧。这就是他为之献出生命的教会——他的眼睛注视着我们终有一天将会成为的那圣洁而无可指摘的教会。

祷告事项

  • 在最近的一次姐妹事工“再相聚”活动中，参与的姐妹中三分之一是年轻姐妹，许多小组讨论负责人也是年轻姐妹。感谢上帝，他让我们在“姐妹事工”活动中聚在一起，认识各个年龄段的姐妹，并且不同的人都愿意敞开分享。听到这些不同世代的关于上帝信实的故事，使我们提前尝到了自己在这个不同年龄层教会中所将会经历的。
  • 求神使我们世世代代更加同心合一，谦卑，彼此相爱。

Day 38 | 25 August

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Learning to Be Content

By Jackson Tan – Men’s Network

Our natural minds equate contentment with abundance. With nothing, we despair. In plenty, we think we will be happy, and then often we forget God. 

Even as a child of God, I hanker after things – a good career, a comfortable life, a secure retirement. Yet, Paul teaches that food and clothing are sufficient for contentment. He reasons that whatever else you have, you will not be able to take out of this world anyway.

Encouragingly, this perspective did not come naturally to Paul. In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes that he “learned” to be content, whatever the circumstances. Through the soaring heights and crushing depths of Paul’s life, God taught him that only one prize matters – his salvation in Jesus Christ. 

This prize is available to you and me, and all who call Jesus Lord. In Jesus, Paul finds the strength to be content in all his circumstances (Philippians 4:13). We find contentment in offering our simple trust and obedience to God, who gives and takes away. 

As we turn our eyes upon Jesus, all the things of earth will grow strangely dim. We see clearly that while we cannot take anything out of the world, we have a great reward in His peace – not a peace as the world gives, but as Jesus alone can give. Thus, we can declare as the psalmist did, “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you” (Psalm 116:7).

Prayer Pointers

  • That God would teach us, so that we may be content in any circumstance. 

然而，敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了；因为我们没有带什么到世上来，也不能带什么去。只要有衣有食，就当知足。

‪提摩太前书‬6:6-8

学会知足

作者: 陈泽盛 – 弟兄团契

常人的思维会将知足等同于富足。一无所有时，我们就很绝望。应有尽有时，我们就忘记了上帝。

即使作为上帝的孩子，我自己也渴望得到好的事业、舒适的生活、安逸的退休。

然而，保罗教导说，只要有衣食，就应当知足。他解释，无论你拥有其它任何东西，你都无法从这个世界带去。

令人鼓舞的是，这种认识对保罗来说并不是自然而然的。在‪腓立比书‬4:11中，保罗写道，他“学会”在任何情况下都知足。在保罗人生的高山低谷中，上帝教导他只有一个奖赏最重要——他在耶稣基督里的救恩。

在耶稣身上，保罗找到了那种让他在任何环境中都能知足的力量（‪腓立比书‬4:13）。

你和我也可以得着这奖赏，那就是主耶稣他自己。

当我们将目光转向耶稣时，世上一切都会变得黯淡。

我们在对上帝单纯的信靠和顺服中找到满足，知道他会给予也会索取。

我们清楚地看到，即使我们无法从世界上带走任何东西，但我们在他的平安中得到了巨大的赏赐，那不是这世界可以给予的，而是唯有耶稣才可以。

因此，我们可以像诗篇作者那样宣告，‪“我的心哪！你要仍归安乐，因为耶和华用厚恩待你。”（诗篇‬116:7）

祷告事项

  • 让神教导我们，让我们学会在任何环境中都能知足。

Day 37 | 24 August

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Psalm 92:14-15

Ageing Gracefully

By Lim Chwee Seng – Steadfast & Faithful

Read: Psalm 92:12-15

I remember attending a church in Australia in the late 1970s. I was very encouraged and inspired by elderly members, in their 80s/90s, who were faithfully serving as ushers, musicians or congregants. As a young Christian then, I thought to myself, “Will I still be serving God at that ripe old age?”

In PPH, we have a greying population. Do our seniors step back and watch the world pass by? Do they still have a role to play? The answer is clear. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. How can we help them to remain as such? Some do have practical concerns and face challenges even if they wish to play their part. For example, the environment and technologies are evolving so fast. Some seniors have difficulties coping with these changes. Will they be left behind? 

Living Well, Leaving Well

How can we bear fruit in old age when we feel we lack the drive and energy? As we get on in years, we often face challenges such as the feeling of isolation, loneliness, and physical and mental limitations. Close friends we knew have passed on. At times, we even question our usefulness. Should we leave this task of bearing fruit to the younger ones?

For seniors especially, the words in Psalm 92:12-15 are so relevant and encouraging. To produce fruit is to testify to God’s great name and His gracious, loving and holy character, as we see in Jesus. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Producing fruit is exhibiting Christ-likeness in word, deed and character. Our activities change over time but our life is always a testimony to who our Lord is and what He has done for and in us. It is not about how wonderful we are or how great things were back in our younger days but how great and wonderful God and his grace are and continue to be. Therefore, can we not bear fruit for the Lord, even in our old age?

Our hair may be turning grey. Our bodies are not as supple as they once were. Still, if we live the way God intends for us, if we continue to be rooted in Him, if we rely on His strength and grace, we can live a purposeful life. We will still bear fruit in old age. We will stay fresh and green. 

Prayer Pointers:

  • We will continue to live our lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith (Colossians 2:6-7), even in our old age.
  • We will flourish and bear fruit through the continuing work of our gracious, loving and faithful God in our lives and through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

他们年老的时候仍要结果子，要满了汁浆而常发青，好显明耶和华是正直的。他是我的磐石，在他毫无不义。

‪诗篇‬92:14-15

在恩典中老去

作者: 林水生 – 坚定&忠实

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪诗篇‬92:12-15

我记得在 1970 年代后期参加了澳大利亚的一个教会。我深受那些乐龄会众的鼓舞和启发，他们80/90岁高龄仍忠心地作为招待员、乐手或会众参与服事。那时，作为一个年轻的基督徒，我在想，“等我到了这个年纪，还会事奉上帝吗？”。

在 PPH ，我们的会众也趋于老龄化。我们的长辈会退后一步，“眼睁睁地看着世界过去”吗？他们还有发挥作用吗？答案很明确。他们年老时仍不断结果子，他们会保持青翠。我们如何帮助他们青翠？有些年长弟兄姐妹确实正在遇到一些实际问题或者挑战，即使他们也希望发挥自己的作用。例如，环境和技术发展得如此之快，一些老年人难以应对这些变化，他们会被抛在后面吗？

好好生活，好好离去

当我们觉得自己缺乏动力和精力时，我们如何能在晚年依然结出果子？随着岁月的流逝，我们经常面临诸如孤立感、孤独感以及身心限制等挑战。我们认识的亲密朋友已经过世了。有时，我们甚至质疑我们的用处。我们应该把结果子的任务留给年轻人吗？

特别是对于老年人来说，诗篇‬92:12-15 中的话是如此相关和鼓舞人心。结出果子是为了证明上帝的伟大圣名和他仁慈、慈爱和圣洁的品格，尤其是当我们在耶稣身上看到它们时。“圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制”（‪加拉太书‬5:22-23）。

结出果子就是在言行和品格上表现出基督的样式。我们的活动会随着时间而改变，但我们的生活总是证明我们的主是谁，以及他为我们所做的和在我们身上所做的。这不是关于我们有多好或我们年轻时做的事情有多大，而是关于上帝和他的恩典是多么伟大和美妙，这恩典会常存。所以，我们到老了，难道不能继续为主结果子吗？

我们的头发可能会变灰。我们的身体不像以前那么柔软了。如果我们按照上帝对我们的旨意生活，如果我们继续生根于他，如果我们继续依靠他的力量和恩典，我们就依然能过有目的的生活。我们年老时仍会结出果实。我们将保持青翠。

祷告事项

  • 祈祷在我们的晚年，我们可以继续在他里面生活，在他里面生根建造，在信心上坚固（‪歌罗西书‬2:6-7）。
  • 通过我们仁慈、慈爱和信实的上帝在我们生命中的持续工作和圣灵的力量，蓬勃发展并结出果子。

Day 36 | 23 August

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

Hebrews 12:1

Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Our Spiritual Journey

By Benny Tan – Men’s Network

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2

The book of Hebrews was written to former Judaists who were persecuted for their allegiance to Christ. Some had “fallen away” from their Christian faith. 

The author presents a wonderful picture of the supremacy of Jesus Christ and exhorts the readers to persevere in their faith, looking to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of their faith. Some of the glorious truths that are revealed about Jesus – His incarnation as God-Man, His superiority over angels, His obedience to the will of God unto death, Him as Mediator of the new covenant, merciful and faithful High Priest, and constant intercessor for the saints – must have been uplifting for the readers.

We face different kinds of outward challenges compared to the original audience of the book of Hebrews, but the enemies of our soul–the world, our flesh and Satan–are nonetheless real and can trip us in our journey with Christ. However, we can be encouraged by the truths about Christ and take heed of Hebrews 12:1-2, to fix our eyes on Him. Let’s make it our top priority to deepen our relationship with Him through consistent Bible reading and study, prayer, worship and service. He longs for us!

Prayer Pointers

  • To entrust the remaining years of our lives to do God’s will.
  • That Jesus will help us to prioritise our relationship with Christ. 

我们既有这许多的见证人，如同云彩围着我们，就当放下各样的重担，脱去容易缠累我们的罪，存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程

‪希伯来书‬12:1

让我们的眼目专注在我们的属灵旅途

作者: 陈光发 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪希伯来书‬12:1-2

希伯来书是写给因效忠基督而受到迫害的前犹太教徒。有些人已经“背离”了他们的基督信仰。

作者展示了耶稣基督至高无上的美妙画面，并劝告读者要持守信仰，仰望耶稣，为他们信心创始成终的那一位。所揭示的一些关于耶稣的荣耀真理——他的道成肉身，远超过天使，顺服上帝的旨意以至于死，新约的中保，慈悲忠信的大祭司，不断为圣徒代求——对读者来说一定是振奋人心的。

与希伯来书的最初读者相比，我们面临着不同的外在挑战，但我们灵魂的仇敌——世界、我们的肉体和撒旦——仍然是真实的，并可能在我们与基督的关系中绊倒我们。我们要被基督的真理所鼓舞；要注意‪希伯来书‬12:1-2，定睛仰望他；要通过持续的读经和学习、祷告、敬拜和服事来加深我们与他的关系，并以此作为我们的首要任务。他渴望得着我们！

祷告事项

  • 我们将余生交托在上帝的旨意中。
  • 耶稣帮助我们将我们与他的关系放在首位。

Day 35 | 22 August

Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”

Matthew 9:29-30

Am I Blind?

By Lincoln Teo – Men’s Network

Read: Matthew 9:27-31

I am blind too. I do not know the road ahead. Is it a wide road, a narrow path or a bend that leads to a dead-end. 

Who can help me to see? Only the One looking from above. Only He can help us to navigate round the potholes ahead. Only He can put a plank across the stream that I may walk through safely. 

But I need to be like the blind men. To cry out in earnest prayer. With urgency and believing that He can help me. 

Without prayer, without my seeking, asking and knocking, He cannot reach out His hand to touch my eyes. 

“two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Matthew 9:27)

What does this mean for us?

  • We must recognise that we are blind; we cannot forecast and control many things.
  • We need to follow Jesus closely to hear what He has to say to us.
  • We need God to grant us a humble spirit to seek His guidance.

Prayer Pointers

  • That PPH men may walk closely with Jesus
  • That PPH men will develop and deepen their roots in Him through daily quiet time

耶稣就摸他们的眼睛，说：“照着你们的信给你们成全了吧。”他们的眼睛就开了。耶稣切切地嘱咐他们说：“你们要小心，不可叫人知道。”

‪马太福音‬9:29-30

我是否也是个瞎子？

作者: 张天顺 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪马太福音‬9:27-31

我也是个瞎子，不知道前面的路在怎样，不知前方是一条宽阔的大路，一条窄路，亦或是一条弯曲的道路直通到死胡同。

谁可以帮助我看见呢？只有那一位坐在高天上观看的，只有他能帮助我们绕过前面的坑洼，只有他能在溪流上放一块木板，使我们可以安然渡过。

但我需要像那个瞎子一样，在恳切的祷告中呼求，急切地，相信他可以帮助我。

唯有祷告，寻求，向他叩门，主才会伸手帮助我，打开我的眼睛。

“有两个瞎子跟着他，喊叫说：“大卫的子孙，可怜我们吧！””（‪马太福音‬9:27）

这对我们来说意味着什么？

  • 认识到我们是盲目的；很多事情我们无法预测/掌控。
  • 我们需要紧紧跟随耶稣，听他要跟我们说什么。
  • 愿上帝赐我们谦卑的灵，以寻求他的指引。

祷告事项

  • PPH的弟兄们可以更加亲近耶稣，与主同行
  • PPH的弟兄们可以通过每天的安静灵修时光，更加成长，更深扎根在主的话语里

Day 34 | 21 August

For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Luke 22:27

One Who Serves

By Winston Chin – Men’s Network

Read: Luke 22:24-27

Titles – such as King, President, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Director – are marks of success, a sign that you have made it in life. Authority – having the power to direct and command others to do your will – is coveted by many. The way of the world was deeply ingrained even among the disciples who had spent three years with Jesus.

Titles and authority are not in themselves evil, but they have the power to change us. They can make us feel that we are superior to others. They can foster an entitlement mentality that we deserve to be served. And power can create a lust for more power. 

Jesus turns this natural hierarchy upside down, declaring that in the Kingdom of God, the greatest are those who serve others. And every day, if we are willing to open our eyes, there are opportunities to serve those around us. Perhaps that little chore at home or in the office that needs to be done. Perhaps that downhearted friend or colleague who needs a pat on the back or a word of encouragement. Perhaps that struggling foreigner who needs help adjusting. Perhaps that small sacrifice of money or time to help feed the hungry and homeless. But it may require us to put aside our titles and authority, swallow our pride and entitlement, and humble ourselves. 

Remember that Jesus had a title, “King of the Jews,” but it hung above a dreadful wooden cross where He suffered and died for you and me. Jesus had the authority to call down thousands of angels. Yet, He willingly laid that aside to go to the Cross. He is our supreme model of what it means to serve others, to the point of laying down His own life. May we follow His example. 

Prayer Pointers

  • That the members of the Men’s Network, and indeed all members of the church, will practise sacrificial service to others in everyday life, following the example of Jesus.
  • That the members of the Men’s Network will find new and creative ways to serve the families, communities and workplaces that God has placed us in, in demonstration of God’s love. 

是谁为大？是坐席的呢？是服侍人的呢？不是坐席的大吗？然而，我在你们中间如同服侍人的。

‪路加福音‬22:27

那服侍人的

作者: 秦志伟 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪路加福音‬22:24-27

诸如王、总裁、主席、首席执行官、董事之类的头衔是成功的标志，是你在生活中取得成功的标志。权柄—拥有力量可以指示和命令他人按你的意愿行事—为许多人所向往。这世界的方式是根深蒂固的，即使在那些与耶稣一起相处三年的门徒们当中也是一样。

头衔和权柄本身并不邪恶，但它们有能力改变我们。它们可能让我们觉得自己比别人优越，它们可能助长一种我们理当被服事的应得权力心态。权力会让人产生对更多权力的欲望。

耶稣颠倒了这种属世的等级制度，宣称在神的国度里，服侍人的是最大的。如果我们愿意睁开眼睛，每一天周围都有很多可以服侍人的机会。或许是在家里或办公室里需要做的那件小事，或许是心灰意冷的朋友或同事，需要一句称赞或鼓励的话；或许是正在苦苦挣扎，需要帮助的外国同事；又或许是为了帮助饥饿和无家可归的人所牺牲的那一点点金钱或时间。但这可能需要我们放下自己的头衔和权柄，咽下我们的骄傲和应得权力，来谦卑自己。

请记住，耶稣有一个头衔，“犹太人的王”，但这头衔挂在一个可怕的木制十字架上，在那里他为你我受苦至死。耶稣有权力召成千上万的天使，然而，他心甘情愿地把它放在一边，走向了十字架。他为服侍以至舍弃了自己的生命，是我们服侍人的至高典范。愿我们都能效法他的榜样。

祷告事项

  • 弟兄团契的众弟兄们，以及教会的所有兄弟姐妹们都能效法耶稣的榜样，在日常生活中操练舍己，服侍他人。
  • 弟兄团契的众弟兄们能够在上帝安排我们所在的家庭、社区和职场，找到新的和创造性的方法来服侍他人，彰显上帝的爱。

Day 33 | 20 August

Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

Exodus 3:6

Faithfulness

By Chek Poh Tin – Woman to Woman

I can vividly recall heartwarming memories of growing up in New Bridge Road Chapel (NBRC), from which grew the PPH we know today. My siblings and I walked to church every Sunday until a kind brother fetched us in a van which we nicknamed, “Carnation.” Other delightful yet purposeful moments include cooking a special dinner in the kitchen for children, presenting skits for announcements, raising funds to purchase the plot of land our church now stands on, and going on picnics and hikes. I was enriched by the teaching of God’s Word in Sunday School and at morning services. I was impacted by the pioneers of NBRC, as they evidenced their passion for the Lord and their love for people, as well as their commitment to serve. Those were the formative years of my spiritual journey. 

As I reflect on the history of PPH, I am reminded of Exodus 3:6, where God called Moses in the form of a burning bush and revealed Himself. God’s message to Moses was to assure him of God’s unchanging character and to remind Moses that His presence has endured through every generation. 

This is the same God who directed and guided our NBRC pioneers to start morning and evening services, and the Tiong Bahru, Nelson and Neil Road Sunday schools. He is the ONE who called men and women through each generation and established His work through them. We can trace the presence of a faithful God in every moment of our church history. This is a great privilege. 

The faithfulness of those who had served before us exemplifies a faith that had a long-term view, one which held tenaciously to God and His purposes for us and our church. It spurs us to faithfully persevere in the roles that God has called us to. 

Will you respond positively to God’s call and trust in His faithfulness? How will your life story read at the end of your generation?

Prayer Pointers

  • Endurance and faithfulness in stewarding the work begun for us as a church.
  • For whatever work we have personally begun – that we will carry on in God’s strength. 

 又说：“我是你父亲的神，是亚伯拉罕的神，以撒的神，雅各的神。”摩西蒙上脸，因为怕看神。

‪出埃及记‬3:6

信心

作者: 戚宝珍 – 姐妹事工

我可以生动地回忆起在新桥路教堂 (NBRC) 成长的温馨记忆，我们今天所熟悉的 PPH 就是从NBRC发展出来的。我和我的兄弟姐妹每个星期天都要步行去教堂，直到后来一位好心的弟兄驾一辆小货车来接我们，我们给这辆小货车起了个绰号叫“康乃馨”。其它一些愉快而有意义的时刻包括在厨房为孩子们准备一顿特别的晚餐；表演短剧来作报告；筹集资金购买我们教会现在所在的土地；去野餐和远足。主日学和早间聚会教导的上帝的话语让我非常充实。新桥路教堂的先辈们证明了他们对主的火热和对人的爱，以及他们对服事的承诺，使我深受影响。那就是我的属灵成长岁月。

当我回顾 PPH 的历史时，我想起了出埃及记‬3:6，上帝从燃烧的荆棘中向摩西显现他自己，上帝给摩西的信息，是再次让他确信上帝恒久不变的本质，提醒摩西上帝的同在持续在一代又一代人当中。

就是这同一位上帝，指引带领新桥路教堂的先辈们开始了早间和晚间的聚会，开始了中峇鲁、尼尔森和尼尔路的主日学。是这位上帝呼召每一个年代的每一个人，透过他们来成就他的工作。我们可以在教会历史的每一刻体会到这一位信实的上帝的同在。这是何等大地恩典。

那些在我们之前参与服事的人的信心，向我们展现了一种具有长远眼光的信念，一种紧紧抓住上帝以及他对我们和我们教会心意的信念。这信念激励我们忠实地回应上帝呼召我们去作的事。

你会积极回应上帝的呼召并相信他的信实吗？在你的时代结束时，您的人生故事将会如何解读？

祷告事项

  • 全教会合一，坚忍不拔，忠心作主的管家，作主的工
  • 无论我们开展任何的事工，我们都靠着神所赐的力量前进

Day 32 | 19 August

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Stirred Up

By Julia Spiess – Woman to Woman

Definition of “stir up”: To cause (someone) to feel a strong emotion and a desire to do something. 

As children of God, we experience His love when He heals our brokenness and overcomes our fears and insecurities. Knowing we are deeply loved and valued causes us to be stirred up with love and do the same for others. It pleases our Heavenly Father to give us abilities to do good works. Some are polished, but some still need to be rediscovered and worked on. It requires courage to overcome insecurities and believe that these gifts are worth pursuing as His instruments of love.

My childhood home was located just opposite one of the most famous music schools in Latvia. Every day, I would hear the sound of instruments and vocal warm-ups from my window. My mom was a graduate of that school, and it was natural for her to stir up in me a passion for singing from a very young age. However, after eight years of intensive training in the school, I was still only average compared to other students. I became so insecure that I totally gave up singing and playing the piano.

I remember the first time I stepped into PPH. During the first song, my heart broke and I burst into tears. Strong emotions were awakened in me, and every song brought healing. Not long after, I, a newborn Christian, was asked to join the worship team as a backup singer, and later as a keyboardist. It was challenging for me, having not touched the piano for 16 years. However, different members of the worship team encouraged me, stirring me to sharpen my skills to serve the body of Christ. After serving in church for a while, a brother approached me to teach his daughter piano. This opened the door for me to teach music to children. I was being stirred up to reach out to my community in Singapore. The more I use my gifts, the more I am strengthened, because the source is God’s love, not fear nor insecurity.

The world is in need of Love that transforms, as shown through our good deeds. As we see the Day draw near, let us respond to invitations to come out of our comfort zone, and see what God can do.

Prayer Pointers

  • Abba Father will help us recognise the potential in each one of us and will stir up the PPH body to love and do good deeds. 
  • Abba Father will help us let go of our past experiences and respond to invitations to use our gifts to serve in love. That He will fan the desire in our hearts and use our gifts to spread love and encouragement to those we meet who do not yet know Christ.

又要彼此相顾，激发爱心，勉励行善。你们不可停止聚会，好像那些停止惯了的人，倒要彼此劝勉，既知道（原文作“看见”）那日子临近，就更当如此。

‪希伯来书‬10:24-25

激励

作者: Julia Spiess – 姐妹事工

“激励”的定义: 使某人感受到强烈的感情或是渴望去做某些事。

作为神的孩子，当他医治我们的破碎，使我们战胜恐惧和不安全感时，我们就会经历到他的爱。知道我们是被神深爱和重视的，这使得我们被爱激励以致可以同样对待他人。我们的天父喜悦赐给我们行善的能力。有些能力已经被打磨了，有些仍需要被发现并在这上面努力。我们需要勇气去克服不安全感并且相信这些恩赐是值得追求的，因为可以用这些恩赐去爱别人。

我童年的时候，家住在拉脱维亚，家的对面是一所有名的音乐学校。 从我的窗口能听到乐器的声音。我的妈妈是从那所学校毕业的，在我小的时候她就自然而然的激起我对唱歌的热情。然而，我在那所学校经过了8年的强化训练后，和其他的学生相比，我的水平只是一般。我变得非常没有安全感，所以我最后完全的放弃了唱歌和弹钢琴。

我记得第一次来到PPH，当唱第一首歌时，我的心破碎了，我泪流满面。我深受感动，并且每一首歌都带给了我医治。不久后，当我还是一个新生的基督徒，我被邀请去做敬拜团队的伴唱，后来又成了司琴。这对我来说很有挑战的，因为我没有弹钢琴16年了。但是敬拜团队的人鼓励并激励我去提高我的钢琴技能，参与在主里面服事。在教会服事一段时间后，一位弟兄邀请我去教她的女儿弹钢琴，这又为我打开了一扇门去教小孩子钢琴，后来我又被激励去服事新加坡的社区。我越是使用我的恩赐，我越被坚固，因为这力量源自神的爱，而不是惧怕与不安。

世界需要爱心来转变，就如透过我们的善行所显露出的爱心。当我们看到日子近了，让我们回应邀请，走出自己的舒适区，看看上帝能做些什么。

祷告事项

  • 求阿爸天父帮助我们认识每个人的潜能，并激励PPH这个大家庭去爱去行善。
  • 求阿爸天父帮助我们放下过去的经历，回应邀请来使用我们的恩赐在爱里面服事。他会激起我们心中的渴望，并使用我们的恩赐将爱和鼓励传递给我们遇到但还不认识基督的人。

Day 31 | 18 August

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

Luke 10:27

The Neighbours in Our Midst

By Yap Chee Meng – Chinese Assembly

It is often said that we can choose our friends but not our family. Well, guess what? The church is our family. Since everyone in the church worships the same God, it should be easy to get along right? Maybe not. We may think, “Ignorant people fail to see gaps in their knowledge and disagree with me. Troublemakers in church, these people are.” 

Meanwhile, life in church continues as per normal: Sermons are preached, Bible studies conducted, small groups meet and missionaries sent. We pat ourselves on our back for being a wonderful church because we check all the right boxes.

But we must realise that everyone in church is our neighbour, disagreeable or not. If we cannot follow the edict of “Love your neighbour as yourself”, whatever we do, we are only a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Let us ask God to give us the courage to love those around us. It is much harder than giving money for missions; the challenges that come from interacting with others would not have to be dealt with. It is easy to love humanity but tough to love the person beside you. But, it is necessary for our souls that we love as true disciples manifesting the authentic love of God made visible through Christ.

Prayer Pointers

  • That we will renew our minds by adopting new thought patterns, if we have labelled others in our minds. That we will remember that we are all uniquely different. 
  • That we will be courageous and obedient enough to befriend and love those whom we find difficult to get along with. That we will do this in a tangible way – love is an action verb.
  • That each church member can form strong ties with at least three other church members from different families.
  • That we will love enough to make it a point to visit those who have stopped attending service.
  • That PPH will become a haven and light to the community, as church members extend their love to each other.

他回答说：“你要尽心、尽性、尽力、尽意爱主你的神；又要爱邻舍如同自己。”

‪路加福音‬10:27

我们当中的邻舍

作者: 叶志明 – 华文聚会

人们常说，我们可以选择我们的朋友，但不能选择我们的家人。好吧，你猜怎么着？教会就是我们的家。既然教会里每个人都敬拜同一位神，那彼此应该很容易相处吧？可能并不是。我们可能会认为：“那些人不认同我，他们竟看不到自己是多么无知，他们就是教会里的麻烦制造者。”

而与此同时，教会生活一切如常：道照样讲、经照样查、小组照样聚会，宣教士照样送出去。我们会觉得自己做的不错，教会一切都不错，那是因为我们只在自己觉得不错的事上打了勾。

每个人都是我们的邻舍，无论是你讨厌的人或喜欢的人。如果我们不能遵循“爱邻舍如同自己”的法则，无论我们做什么，我们都只是‪“鸣的锣，响的钹一般。”（‪哥林多前书‬13:1）

让我们祈求上帝给我们勇气去爱那些与我们不同的人，这比为宣教奉献金钱要难得多；因为那不必面对与他人互动所可能遇到的挑战。宣扬爱与人性很容易，但要爱你身边的人却很难。然而，作为真正主的门徒去活出爱，彰显神透过耶稣基督所显明的那真正的爱，这对我们的灵魂是必要的。

祷告事项

  • 如果我们在脑海中给别人贴了标签，让我们都可以有新的思维模式而心意更新。我们都是独一无二的。
  • 让我们有足够的勇气和顺服，以实际行动去爱和关怀那些我们觉得难以相处的人。爱是一个动词。
  • 每个弟兄姐妹都可以与至少三位来自不同家庭的其他弟兄姐妹建立紧密的联系
  • 我们有足够的爱心去探访那些停止来教会的人。
  • 当弟兄姐妹在教会里彼此相爱时，PPH可以成为整个社区的避风港和亮光。

Day 30 | 17 August

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Aligning Our Minds for Battle

By Brenda Tan – Woman to Woman

I have faced much discouragement in my 30+ years as a teacher. Whenever I set my thoughts on worldly standards, I would feel defeated. 

As a mother of four children, my priority was to always be available whenever they needed me. However, I would often feel guilty about not giving them enough time.

Read: Romans 7:15-18

Upon reflecting on this passage, the conflict between what I had ought to do and what I actually did taught me to be a “mind warrior” – to have control over my thoughts. I had to admit my failures to God truthfully, and anchor my thoughts on His Word. Through doing this consistently, I developed convictions and the will to act according to His Word.

I also discovered another powerful spiritual weapon – prayer, which can counter the fiery darts that the devil throws all the time. Specifically, I found that it counters pride, which can easily creep in, especially when our children excel in a certain area of their lives.

Prayer Pointers

  • For God to help our PPH mothers counter negative thinking or pride, by anchoring their thoughts on His Word; whatever is true, honorable, excellent, praiseworthy and right (Philippians 4:8). 
  • That God will help them to live this life well and never to seek a crown, for their reward is in giving glory to Him.
  • For grace to be good role models to their children and to each other. That they will know that they are not alone, and make time for building spiritual friendships in the Women2Women ministry.

不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为　神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。

‪罗马书‬12:2

调整心思，面对争战

作者: 傅慧萍 – 姐妹事工

我在30 多年的教师生涯中曾面临过很多挫折。每当我以世俗的标准来思考时，我都会感到挫败。

作为四个孩子的母亲，我的首要任务就是随时待命，无论任何他们需要我的时候。我经常会因为没有给他们足够的时间而感到愧疚。

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪罗马书‬7:15-18

我从这段经文有一些反思，我应该做的事情和我实际在做的事情之间的冲突确实教会了我成为一个“头脑战士”——有能力控制我自己的想法。我必须如实向上帝承认我的失败，并将我的思想立定在他的话语上。通过不断地这样做，我培养了自己的信心和遵行他话语的意愿。

我也发现了另一个强大的属灵武器——祷告，它可以对抗魔鬼随时随地向我们投来的火箭。我特别发现祷告可以帮我们对付人很容易陷入的骄傲，尤其是当我们的孩子在他们生活的某些领域或方面表现出色时。

祷告事项

  • 阿爸天父，请帮助PPH的妈妈们将思想锚定在你的话语上，来对抗消极的想法或骄傲；并思想那些凡是真实的、可敬的、有德行的、可称赞的和公义的（‪腓立比书‬4:8）。
  • 帮助这些姐妹们一生有丰盛的生命，不寻求今生的冠冕，而是将荣耀归给你所得的奖赏。
  • 施恩这些姐妹们，使她们成为孩子和彼此的好榜样。让她们知道她们并不孤单，并花时间在姐妹事工中建立起属灵的友谊。

Day 29 | 16 August

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

Exodus 35:35

The Creative Spirit of God

By Pastor Joanne Chow – Media

Read: Exodus 35:30-35

In this passage we see how Bezalel was filled with the Spirit, not for an overtly spiritual/religious purpose, but to make artistic designs and crafts. Others had God-given skills to engrave, design, embroider and weave. It appears that God likes His people to create things artistically for Him. Sometimes we may not think much of it when people serve in practical ways such as designing a PowerPoint slide, a post for social media or framing the stage well so it will look good on the livestream, but the talents and skills we are naturally gifted in are gifts from God; even things like photo-editing skills and expertise in media and communications! It is our job to take what God has given to us and use it! If God has blessed us with artistic talent, we would want to show our gratitude by using it to the best of our ability to glorify Him and serve His people.

Reflect: What are some skills and talents God has blessed you with? How can you use it to glorify God and serve His church? 

Prayer Pointers

  • Every effort by the media and livestreaming teams will be Spirit-filled and dedicated to the glory of God.
  • God will raise up more people with the right skills, talent and expertise to serve and lead in this area. 
  • Smooth running of the livestream every week. 

耶和华使他们的心满有智慧，能做各样的工，无论是雕刻的工，巧匠的工，用蓝色、紫色、朱红色线，和细麻、绣花的工，并机匠的工，他们都能做，也能想出奇巧的工。

‪出埃及记‬35:35

神的灵充满创造力

作者: 周恩惠传道 – 媒体

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪出埃及记‬35:30-35

在这段经文中，我们看到比撒列如何被圣灵充满，不是为了特别属灵或宗教的目的，而是为了艺术设计和制作手工艺品。其他人则拥有上帝赐予的雕刻、设计、刺绣和编织等技艺，看来上帝喜欢他的子民为他创造艺术品。有时，当有人以实用的方式服事时，例如设计 PowerPoint 幻灯片、社交媒体的帖子，或精心布置舞台以使其在直播中看起来不错，我们可能觉得这没什么。但我们自然而然的天赋和技能都是来自上帝的恩赐；甚至像照片编辑以及媒体和通信方面的技能！我们的工作就是把上帝赐给我们的拿去使用！如果上帝赐予我们艺术天赋，我们会想要尽我们最大的能力来荣耀他并服事他的子民，以此来表达我们的感恩之情。

反思：上帝赐予你哪些技能和恩赐？你怎么使用它来荣耀神和服侍他的教会？

祷告事项

  • 媒体和直播团队的每一份努力都能被圣灵充满，使神得荣耀。
  • 上帝兴起更多拥有合适技能、天赋和专长的人来服事和带领媒体领域。
  • 每周的线上直播都可以顺利流畅。

Day 28 | 15 August

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Family is the Bedrock of the Church, and of Society

By Tan Cheng Bin – Chinese Assembly

Read: Psalm 127

Over the years, I’ve seen some good examples of parents raising their children in a Godly manner. But this constitutes the minority. What saddens me is that many parents conform to the patterns of this world, leading secular lives and getting caught up in the competitiveness of our society. Where is God in the raising of their children at home? 

In Psalm 127:1, we see that without God’s work and blessing, we labour in vain. Just as God builds houses and cities, He also desires to build families! On our part, we need to work hard and depend on God to build Godly families. Families are the most fundamental and important building blocks of society. When families break down, society collapses. 

Children are God’s gift to us and are an important part of families. They are described as arrows in the hand of a warrior. Just like arrows, children must be:

  • Carefully and skilfully shaped
  • Guided with skill and strength in the right direction
  • Given care so that they hit the target of becoming who God intended them to be

We cannot raise a Godly family without God.Is God the centre of our lives? Is Christ the head of our homes? We need to be Godly archers to launch these arrows.

Let us raise a quiver full of children in Godly homes as well as spiritual children in the Church.

Prayer Pointers

  • That we will raise godly offspring (Malachi 2:15)
  • That we will have meaningful conversations around the family meal table, knowing that God is listening (Malachi 3:16) 
  • The hearts of the fathers will be restored to their children and the hearts of the children will be restored to their fathers (Malachi 4:5-6) 

儿女是耶和华所赐的产业；所怀的胎是他所给的赏赐。

‪诗篇‬127:3

家庭是教会和社群的基石

作者: 陈贞民 – 华文聚会

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪诗篇‬127

过去这些年，我看到一些父母树立了好的典范，他们按照神的心意教养孩子，但这只是少数。令人伤心的是，许多父母跟随了世界的潮流，过着世俗的生活，在这社会的各项争竞中被缠累。在家庭中养育孩子的时候，我们的神被放在了哪里？

在‪诗篇‬127:1，我们看到如果没有神的动工和祝福，我们就枉然劳力。神不只建造房屋和城池，神也希望建立家庭！我们所要做的，则是尽全力倚靠神，来建立敬虔的家庭。

儿女是神赐给我们的礼物，是家庭的重要一部分。他们被描述成勇士手中的箭。正如箭一样，儿女必须被：

  • 仔细和巧妙地塑造
  • 用技巧和力量以正确的方向来引导
  • 关爱，使他们可以命中目标，成为神想要他们成为的样式

没有神我们无法建立起敬虔的家庭。神是我们生活的中心吗？基督是我们家里的头吗？我们需要成为敬虔的勇士去发射我们手中的箭。

让我们在敬虔的家庭中培育敬虔属灵的儿女，充满我们的箭袋，在教会中也是如此。

祷告事项

  • 我们能养育虔诚的后裔 (玛拉基书‬2:15) 
  • 我们与家人在餐桌上能有有意义的交谈，时刻记得耶和华侧耳而听 (‪玛拉基书‬3:16)
  • 父亲的心转向儿女，儿女的心转向父亲 (‪玛拉基书‬4:5-6)

Day 27 | 14 August

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Recapturing the Child-Like Wonder of Our Lord

By Pastor Bernice Tan – KOOL

While I was teaching about the story of creation, a five-year-old child raised her hand and asked innocently, “Did God hiccup when He said, ‘Let there be light?’” The innocence and intense curiosity she displayed brought me such joy in engaging with her. The words of Jesus echoed in my ears, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Children matter greatly to God. They begin their lives full of innocence and joy, with a powerful capacity for faith. Today, let us learn from children to recapture child-like wonder at the work of our Lord.

It is written repeatedly in Scripture how people were astonished and amazed at the work of the Lord. How about us? The same God who was at work then, is the Prince of Peace at work today, working out His purposes through each of us. Have we lost our wonder of our Almighty Lord?

Children are experts at awe and wonder. We can reclaim our wonder as we learn to experience the Bible through their eyes. Often when telling Bible stories to children, I enjoy watching their expressions as they listen with wide-eyed wonder – could God have hiccupped while creating the world?

The next time we sit down and read our Bibles, let us invite God to blow our minds and remind us of how amazing He is, how sinful we are, and how much we need His mercy. Let us be awestruck by His steadfast love and His mercies which are new every morning.

This anniversary, we not only want to commemorate God’s hand and His faithfulness in building the church, we also want to look forward and continue to pray for the work of God amongst the next generation. We look on with anticipation as God continues to carry out His purpose in the Church through the young people.

Prayer Pointers

  • Think about all you have seen God do in PPHBC in your generation. Thank God for how you have seen Him at work within you and around you. Tell God all the things that come to mind as you reflect on His faithfulness, His power and strength. What do you want to see more in the next generation? You may refer to Philippians 1:9-11 to lead you in prayer.
  • That we will pass on the truths about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and mighty wonders to the next generation, that they may set their hope anew in God. That God will give us every grace we need to make known the path that leads to life (Psalm 78:4-7).
  • That God will stir within our hearts to pray for the next generation regularly, that God will encounter each of them personally, and that each child and youth will continue to follow after God.
  • That God will make us a generation of parents, grandparents, educators, resource developers, and more, who will teach the next generation faithfully according to His Word.

耶稣说：“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们；因为在天国的，正是这样的人。”

‪马太福音‬19:14

重拾主所赐孩子般的惊叹

作者: 陈瀅竹传道 – 儿童主日学

在讲关于创造的故事时，一个五岁的孩子举起手，天真地问：“神说 ‘要有光’的时候是不是打嗝了？” 她表现出的天真和强烈的好奇心在我与她交往时带给我莫大的喜乐。耶稣的话在我耳边回荡，“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们；因为在天国的，正是这样的人。”（马太福音‬19:14）

孩子对上帝来说非常重要。他们以单纯而有力的信心开始生活，充满了纯真和快乐。今天，让我们向孩子们学习，在主的作为当中重拾孩子般的惊叹。

圣经反复记载人们对主的作为感到惊讶和惊奇。我们呢？当时大行奇事的那一位，和今天仍旧在作工的和平之君是同一位神，他通过我们每个人来实现他的旨意。我们是否已经失去了对全能主的惊叹？

孩子们是敬畏和惊叹的专家。当我们学会通过他们的眼睛体会圣经时，我们可以重新获得我们的惊奇。通常在给孩子们讲圣经故事的时候，我喜欢看着他们的表情，他们睁大眼睛听着，纳闷上帝在创造世界的时候会打嗝吗？

下次我们坐下来读经的时候，让我们邀请上帝来震撼我们的心灵，提醒我们他是多么的奇妙，而我们是如何有罪，是多么需要他的怜悯。让我们为他恒久不变的爱和每天早晨新的怜悯而惊叹。

在我们庆祝教会周年之际，我们不仅要纪念上帝的手和信实帮助我们建立起PPH，更要期待并为上帝在下一代中的作为祷告。我们期待上帝继续透过年轻人在教会中实现他的旨意。

祷告事项

  • 想想在你自己的年代，你在 PPHBC 所看到神所作的一切。感谢上帝让你看到他在你的内心和周围所作的工。当你思想他的信实、他的大能大力时，将所有想到的一切告诉神。你想在下一代身上看到什么？你可以参考‪腓立比书‬1:9-11 带领你祷告。
  • ‪诗篇‬78:4-7——祈求我们将耶和华的美德和他的能力，并他奇妙的作为，述说给后代听，使他们对上帝有更新的盼望。祈求上帝赐给我们一切所需的恩典，让我们知道通往生命的道路。
  • 求神激动我们的心，不住为下一代祷告，让他们每一个人都亲自遇见神，每一个孩童和青年人都继续跟随神。
  • 祈求神使我们成为一代合神心意的父母、祖父母、教导者，开发者…能够按照神的话语教育敬虔的下一代。

Day 26 | 13 August

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

Genesis 4:7

Sacrifice, Sagacity, Sight

By Chua Xyn Yee – Young Adults

I’ve walked some years with Christ, but have I actually grown more mature? Or have I slowly fallen by the wayside?

Frankly, God, I think I struggle with being envious, foolish and blind. Sadly, I see myself in the three older brothers I know I should not be:

  1. Like Cain, I am envious: I angrily say, “Hello, I am better than him/her. Praise me instead.” (Genesis 4:4-9) 
    Cain was furious and envious of Abel for the Lord had regard for Abel and not Cain. However, unlike Abel, Cain had not offered God the sacrifice that God desired. Cain later killed Abel and asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 

    Reflect: Have I looked at someone else’s blessings and praises, and wanted them for myself? What am I envious about?

  2. Like Esau, I am foolish: I tiredly lament, “Why should I continue keeping my heart and hands clean?” (Genesis 25:29-34) 
    Esau was exhausted and just wanted to eat. He said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” So he sold his birthright, which he despised, to Jacob. 

    Reflect: Have I not myself said, “Hmm… what’s wrong with just one curse word / one pornographic photo? It’s not like I will lose my inheritance with God.”

  3. Like the prodigal son’s older brother, I am blind. I bitterly complain, “God loves and blesses him/her more.” (Luke 15:25-32)
    The older son was angry, envious and refused to go join the celebration. His father came out and entreated him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” 

    Reflect: How, God, can I crucify my flesh and my navel-gazing desires?

Looking at Jesus, I learn instead that:

  1. Jesus could have been very envious of me: Jesus could have said, “I am better than all of you, I should not be the One to die.” However, Jesus sacrificed Himself for me.
  2. Jesus could have foolishly given up His inheritance: Satan had offered Jesus all the world’s kingdoms when tempting Jesus. However, Jesus clung to His future exaltation in God (Philippians 2:9).
  3. Jesus could have blindly considered Himself short-changed on Earth, being made a servant: However, Jesus saw His true state, that He and the Father are one (John 17:11).

Prayer Pointers

  • For our young adults to be secure in God’s love, as God’s children, and in our inheritance in Christ.
  • For our young adults to trust in our heavenly Father’s provision and care, and not to be anxious about our future.
  • For our young adults to crucify our flesh (sinful desires) and keep in step with the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:24-25).

你若行得好，岂不蒙悦纳？你若行得不好，罪就伏在门前。它必恋慕你，你却要制伏它。

‪创世记‬4:7

牺牲、睿智、视野

作者: 蔡欣瑜 – 青年团契

我信主已经有些年了，但我是否有变得更成熟？还是渐渐偏离了呢？

坦白地说，上帝啊，我觉得自己挣扎于嫉妒、愚昧和盲目。可悲的是，我在下面三个大哥身上看到了自己，虽然我知道自己不应该这样：

  1. 我像该隐一样嫉妒：我生气地说：“喂，我比他/她做得好。我才应该被赞赏。” （创世记‬4:4-9）
    该隐对亚伯感到愤怒和嫉妒，因为主看中的是亚伯而不是该隐。然而，与亚伯不同的是，该隐并没有向神献上神想要的祭物。该隐后来杀死了亚伯并问道：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗？”

    反思：我是否看到别人得到的祝福和赞美，而想要据为己有？我在为什么嫉妒？

  2. 我像以扫一样愚昧：我疲倦地哀叹：“我为什么要继续保持手洁心清呢？” （创世记25:29-34）
    以扫筋疲力尽，只想吃东西。他说：“我将要死，这长子的名分于我有什么益处呢？”于是他把自己所轻看的长子名分卖给了雅各。

    反思：我自己不是说过，“嗯……仅仅一句脏话/一张黄色照片有什么问题？又不至于让我失去上帝所赐的福份。”

  3. 我和浪子的哥哥一样盲目。我痛苦地抱怨说：“上帝更爱他/她，更祝福他/她。” （路加福音15:25-32）
    大儿子很生气，很嫉妒，拒绝一起庆祝弟弟回家。他的父亲出来劝他：“儿啊！你常和我同在，我一切所有的都是你的。”

    反思：上帝啊，我怎样才能把自己的肉体和自我的欲望钉死在十字架上？

看看主耶稣，我学到了：

  1. 耶稣有理由非常嫉妒我：耶稣可以说：“我比你们所有人都好，我不应该成为那个将死的人。”然而，耶稣为我牺牲了自己。
  2. 耶稣有理由像人一样做出愚昧的决定：撒但在引诱耶稣的时候，已经说道能把世上的万国都给了耶稣。然而，耶稣持定神所说的要将祂升为至高（‪腓立比书‬2:9）。
  3. 耶稣有理由像人一样盲目地认为自己被亏负了，要在世成为仆人：然而，耶稣知道祂是谁，祂与父原为一（‪约翰福音‬17:11）。

祷告事项

  • 作为神的儿女，基督的后裔，安然于神的爱中。
  • 相信天父的供应和照顾，不要为我们的未来忧虑。
  • 将我们的肉体（罪的欲望）钉死在十字架上，每天靠圣灵而行（加拉太书‬5:24-25）。

Day 25 | 12 August

Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old.

Luke 1:36

Different Seasons, Same God

By Janet Yap – Woman to Woman

Read: Luke 1:34-39

In God’s wisdom and grace, God had the angel tell Mary, “Remember your relative Elizabeth” (Luke 1:36). Perhaps God wanted Mary to have a companion on her journey, and likewise for Elizabeth. Though Mary and Elizabeth were in different seasons of life, they had both been given “God-sized” assignments that no doubt left them feeling bewildered, frightened, and joyful! 

In our modern world, women have become more isolated as they balance many responsibilities and relationships. We often put ourselves last in terms of meaningful relationships beyond our husband or children. How wonderful to have an “Elizabeth” to go to for just a coffee or lunch break? Or a “Mary” to welcome in her time of need?

As a foreigner and young mother in Singapore, I was, and still am, greatly blessed by friendships with different women. Over the years, some have moved on and others have come in but the common thread is that we made time for each other and for sharing our journey with God. Our journeys were not as dramatic as Mary’s or Elizabeth’s, and yours may not be either, but they are valuable relationships all the same, and I don’t know what I would have done without these spiritual friendships! Woman to Woman was born for that reason–to help PPH women gather and build supportive relationships that are rooted in a common relationship with Jesus.

For those who have grown up in PPH, those relationships may just need re-visiting now and then. But for those who “marry in” or come by way of a friend, the relationships may not be as natural. What about when there’s a setback, will anyone be there to come alongside? We connect, not only for our own benefit, but to bless one another. As our church family enters a new era, let’s make sure we take advantage of opportunities to connect with Jesus and each other. Together, woman to woman, we will say nothing is impossible with God!

Prayer Pointers

  • A bond of love and unity among the women in PPH, that women will see the importance of intentional relationships with other women and set aside time for them, especially those who are new to our church family. 
  • The Women2Women team, for ongoing sensitivity and creativity in planning gatherings for our women, their friends and beyond!

况且你的亲戚伊利莎白，在年老的时候也怀了男胎，就是那素来称为不生育的，现在有孕六个月了。

‪路加福音‬1:36

不同的季节，同一位上帝

作者: Janet Yap – 姐妹事工

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪路加福音‬1:34-39

在上帝的智慧和恩典中，上帝让天使告诉玛利亚：“记得你的亲戚，伊利莎白”（‪路加福音‬1:36）。或许上帝希望玛利亚在她的生命旅途中有一个同伴，对伊丽莎白也是一样。尽管玛利亚和伊利莎白处于不同的人生阶段，但他们都被赋予了极其艰巨的任务，这无疑让他们感到困惑、恐惧，同时也有喜乐！

在我们的这个时代，女性由于要平衡许多责任和关系而变得更加孤立。当说到有意义的关系，除了与丈夫或孩子的关系之外，我们常常把自己放在最后一位。若有一位“伊利莎白”陪自己一起，哪怕只是喝杯咖啡或下午茶该是多美妙的一件事？或是有一位“玛利亚”，在她有需要的时候会义不容辞地帮助她？

作为一个在新加坡的外国人和年轻母亲，我过去和现在都因与不同女性的友谊而大大地被祝福。多年来，有些人离开或加入，但不变的是我们为彼此付出时间并分享自己与神同行的旅程。我们的旅程不像玛丽或伊利莎白那样戏剧化，你的可能也不是，但这都是一样宝贵的关系，如果没有这些属灵友谊，我不知道自己会做出什么来！姐妹事工的诞生就是为了帮助 PPH的姐妹们团契并建立彼此扶持的关系，而这关系是扎根于我们与耶稣的关系。

对于那些在 PPH 长大的人来说，这种关系可能只需时不时地重温。但是对于那些“嫁进来”或通过朋友介绍来到我们当中的人来说，这种关系可能并不那么自然。

当遇到挫折时怎么办，会有人陪伴吗？我们彼此联结，不只是为了我们自己的益处，也要彼此祝福。随着我们的教会大家庭进入一个新的时代，让我们确保利用机会和耶稣，也与彼此联结。姐妹同心，我们可以说，在神没有难成的事！

祷告事项：

  • 为PPH姐妹之间充满爱与团结的纽带祷告，祈求姐妹们看到与其他人刻意地建立关系的重要性，并为她们付出时间，尤其是那些刚加入我们教会大家庭的新朋友。
  • 为姐妹事工的团队祷告，祈求我们的姐妹们、她们的朋友及所有人在计划聚会方面有持续的敏感和创造力！

Day 24 | 11 August

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Revelation 2:4-5

Renew Our First Love

By Richard Wong – Men’s Network

Do you remember your “first love” for God? When we first tasted the goodness of God, it was so exciting; we would eagerly spend more time to learn more. We enjoyed God as the first place in our heart. We were delighted to do His will. Obedience came naturally from our sweet love for Him. Over time, however, we face internal struggles and spiritual battles that wear us out. We drift from God and our love grows cold. We lose the joy we once had. Our focus has turned to the form rather than the substance of our faith and we become insensitive to the Holy Spirit. We are content with the status quo instead of being driven to Christ-likeness. Consequently, we have little or no time for God daily and have grown to love something or someone more than Christ.

Reflect:

  • Do you find yourself unwilling to give your all to Jesus, but are content with investing time, energy and resources on entertainment, sporting or social events?
  • Are you afraid of witnessing because others may think you’re fanatical?
  • Has your life become focused on self-advancement rather than that of the Kingdom of God?

Maybe this is why you haven’t sensed the presence of God lately.

Let us seek renewal from our good and loving God.

  • Firstly, let us remember the intimacy and closeness we once enjoyed with the Lord.
  • Secondly, let us admit that forsaking our first love is a sin.
  • Finally, let us do the things we first did when we tasted the goodness of our first love.

As God has promised to draw near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8), let us pursue the Lord with all our being and surely our God will fully restore to us our first love!

Prayer Pointers

  • PPHBC’s men to stir up one another to love and good works
  • An increase in fellowship with the Holy Spirit amongst men

然而有一件事我要责备你，就是你把起初的爱心离弃了。所以，应当回想你是从哪里坠落的，并要悔改，行起初所行的事。你若不悔改，我就临到你那里，把你的灯台从原处挪去。

‪启示录‬2:4-5

重拾起初的爱心

作者: 王明华 – 弟兄团契

你还记得你对上帝那“起初的爱心”吗？当你初尝上帝美善的滋味时，是多么地兴奋；我们会热切地花更多的时间来了解他。我们将上帝摆在我们心中第一的位置，享受与他亲近。我们很乐意遵行他的旨意。从对上帝的深爱中，我们自然而然地顺服。然而，随着时间的推移，我们开始面临内心的挣扎和属灵的争战，这些使我们筋疲力尽。我们开始远离上帝，我们的爱变得冷淡。我们失去了曾经的快乐，我们的焦点转向信仰的形式而不是实质，我们对圣灵变得麻木，我们满足于现状，而不是寻求成为基督的样式。结果，我们每天很少或根本没有时间与上帝亲近，慢慢地我们爱上某样东西或某个人，超过了爱耶稣。

反思

  • 你是否发现自己不愿意将一切献给耶稣，但却乐于在娱乐、体育或社交活动上投入时间、精力和资源？
  • 你是否因为担心别人认为你太狂热，而害怕作见证？
  • 你的生活是否专注在自我提升而不是拓展神的国度？

也许这就是为什么你最近没有感觉到上帝的存在的原因。

让我们从良善慈爱的上帝那里寻求更新。

  • 首先，让我们记得自己曾经享受过的与主亲密无间
  • 其次，让我们承认放弃起初的爱心是一种罪过
  • 最后，让我们行起初尝到主恩滋味时所作的事

正如上帝应许要亲近那些亲近他的人（雅各书‬4:8），让我们全心追求主，我们的神一定会完全恢复我们起初的爱心！

祷告事项

  • PPH的弟兄们可以彼此激发爱心，勉励行善。
  • 年轻弟兄们在圣灵的引领之下更多地彼此相交。

Day 23 | 10 August

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:19-20

Sure and Steadfast

By Jonathan Seet – Boys’ Brigade

I learnt to dive at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where we were out at sea for three days living aboard a 25m dive boat. I remember after a dive one evening, we surfaced in the middle of a rain shower with dark clouds on the horizon. It took us by surprise as we had no idea of the surface conditions while we were underwater. We quickly got on the boat and stowed our gear and headed inside to seek shelter. The captain updated us that we would be staying the night moored at the same reef instead of travelling to a new location due to the weather. 

That night, as I slept in my windowless bunk down in the hull of the boat, I could hear the waves hitting the hull and, without a reference in the dark, every movement seemed amplified. Waking up the next morning, I noticed that the sea looked calmer than I had remembered it ever looking in the last few days, and that the reef we had dived at yesterday was still there, on the same side of the boat as before. Our moorings had held us steady through the storm of the night. The large movements I had felt below deck the night before had no impact on the boat’s location or operation. In fact, with the calm sea we were able to move to a new reef and continue our exploration.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that the hope that we have in Jesus of our salvation is an anchor for our soul. That though the storms of life may try to drag us away from the goodness of God, this anchor remains firm, something that can be relied on, and secure, something that is unchanging. Furthermore, this anchor is set on the priestly work that Jesus has performed for us once and for all. We now have full access to God through Jesus. So no matter how rough the storm may feel from where we are and when it feels like we do not have any point of reference to ride it out, our Anchor will hold, the storm will pass, and we will move forward on our journey through life with Christ.

As we reflect on the faithfulness of God over the past 40/140 years and how He has brought our church through the challenges of church-building to where we are today, remember that it is that same God who continues to see us through life today. We can continue to rely on His unchanging grace and look forward to the day where all is made right and we can see Him in person. In the words of the song “Cornerstone” by Hillsong: “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. Through every high and stormy gale, my Anchor holds within the veil.”

Prayer Pointers

  • Thank God for all your support over the years, both financially and in providing manpower to run the BB company!
  • Thank God for His faithfulness in providing good teachers, officers, and primers throughout the years who are dedicated to the growth of our Boys, and willing to go the extra mile for them.
  • Thank God for the many Boys who have come through our company, and are doing well in life.
  • Pray for continued good relations with the school, parents, Boys, and other stakeholders as we face increased pressure to show that we are beneficial for the students, or be shut down due to falling enrolment in schools.
  • That the Boys will continue to be interested in what we do and be able to grasp the values that we teach and the good news of Christ.
  • That we will continue to be able to teach about Christ and His Word in schools.

我们有这指望，如同灵魂的锚，又坚固又牢靠，且通入幔内。作先锋的耶稣，既照着麦基洗德的等次成了永远的大祭司，就为我们进入幔内。

‪希伯来书‬6:19-20

确信并坚定

作者: 薛宗豪 – 男军旅

我在澳大利亚的大堡礁学会了潜水，我们曾乘一艘 25m 的潜水船出海了三天。我记得有一天晚上我们潜水完，在一场阵雨中浮出水面，地平线上有乌云。这让我们大吃一惊，因为我们在水下时不知道水上的状况。我们很快上船，收起我们的装备，然后进去里面寻找避难所。船长告诉我们，由于天气原因，我们将在这礁石上下锚过夜，而不是前往下一个地点。

那天晚上，我睡在船舱里没有窗户的床铺上，我能听到海浪拍打船体的声音，在黑暗中没有任何参照物，任何摇动似乎都被放大了。第二天早上醒来，我注意到海面看起来很平静，比我过去几天记忆中都要平静，而且我们昨天潜水的礁石还在那里，和以前一样在船的一侧。我们的锚链使我们在一夜的风暴中保持稳定。前一天晚上我在甲板下感觉到的晃动对船的位置或操作没有任何影响。事实上，平静的大海使得我们能够出发去新的礁石并继续我们的探索。

同样的，圣经告诉我们，我们在耶稣里有得救的指望，这指望是我们灵魂的锚。尽管生活中的风暴也可能试图将我们拉离上帝的良善，但这个锚仍然牢固，是可以倚靠的，是稳固的，是永不改变的。而且，这锚是定在耶稣，我们永远的大祭司在十字架上为我们一劳永逸所成就的工作之上，现在我们可以通过耶稣完全地与上帝联结。因此，无论我们所处的风暴有多猛烈，当我们看不到任何方向来渡过它时，我们的锚会抓紧我们，风暴会过去，我们将继续前方与基督同行的生命旅程。

当我们思想上帝过去 40/140 年中的信实，以及他如何带领我们的教会渡过建立之初的种种挑战直到今天，请不要忘记，是那同一位上帝今天仍继续看顾我们每天的生活。我们可以继续倚靠他不变的恩典，盼望直到那日所有一切都与神和好，我们可以得见他的面。用Hillsong的一首歌曲“Cornerstone”中的歌词：“黑夜来临遮蔽荣面，安息在主恩典不变。每次经历狂风暴雨，我避难所在主里面。”

祷告事项

  • 感谢上帝多年来支撑男军旅的运营，包括经济以及人力方面
  • 感谢上帝多年来信实地提供优秀的教师、长官和少年军官，他们致力于我们男孩们的成长，并愿意为他们付出更多的努力
  • 感谢上帝这许多少年可以来参加男军旅，并且生活得很好
  • 我们面临越来越大的压力，需要证明我们做的对学生有益甚至生源不足面临关闭，祷告与学校、家长、孩子们和其他股东保持良好的关系

Day 22 | 9 August

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 1:7-8

May the Youth Arise

By Ng Wen Wen – LOUDGEN

Jeremiah was given a massive task as a youth. He was to declare God’s impending judgement to the people of Judah. Anyone given such a task would be terrified. Yet, God reminded Jeremiah not to let his youth or inexperience hinder him in fulfilling God’s call over his life. 

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Apostle Paul similarly exhorted Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth, but to be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in faith and in purity. God does not require us to equip ourselves; He equips the people He calls. Most importantly, He assures us of His presence that will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Takeaway:

  • Have you felt inadequate about yourself? Remember that your availability and obedience to God matter more than your competence or confidence.
  • Is God calling you to do something today? Will you surrender your doubts to Him, take this leap of faith saying, “Where You lead me, I will follow?” 

Prayer Pointers

  • That the youths will live their lives worthy of the calling they have received
  • That every youth will come to own his or her relationship and walk with God and not just be passed down an inherited faith
  • Strength and wisdom for Pastor Joanne and the leaders in LOUDGEN, who are shepherds over God’s flock, and for them to be good examples to the flock
  • That LOUDGEN will be a united, loving and Godly community, encouraging and spurring each other to love and good deeds
  • For an increased burden for souls; for the youths to have boldness to share the gospel with their friends and loved ones

耶和华对我说：“你不要说‘我是年幼的’，因为我差遣你到谁那里去，你都要去；我吩咐你说什么话，你都要说。你不要惧怕他们，因为我与你同在，要拯救你。这是耶和华说的。”

‪耶利米书‬1:7-8

愿青年人成长起来

作者: 黄温温 – 年轻一代

耶利米年轻时被赋予了一项艰巨的任务。 他要向犹大人宣告上帝即将来临的审判。 任何接到这样的任务的人都会感到害怕。 然而，上帝提醒耶利米不要让他的年轻或缺乏经验阻碍他履行上帝对他生命的呼召。

在提摩太前书‬4:12，使徒保罗同样劝告提摩太不要让任何人因为他的年轻而看不起他，总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心、清洁上，都作信徒的榜样。 神不需要我们自己装备自己； 他会装备他所呼召的人。 最重要的是，他向我们保证他永远不会离开我们，也不会抛弃我们。

领受

  • 你是否觉得自己不能胜任？ 请记住，你的摆上和顺服比你的能力或信心更重要。
  • 上帝今天呼召你做什么事吗？ 你是否愿意把你的疑虑交给他，迈出信心的一步向神说：“无论你要带领我到哪里，我会跟随你”？

祷告事项

  • 青年人走上与他们所接受的呼召相称的生活
  • 每一个人都亲自与神建立关系，与神同行，而不是被动继承上一辈的信仰
  • 周恩惠传道和年轻一代 (LOUDGEN) 的领袖们作为上帝群羊的牧人能够满有力量和智慧，可以成为羊群的好榜样
  • 年轻一代 (LOUDGEN) 成为一个团结、有爱和充满敬虔的团契，互相鼓励激发彼此的爱心和善行
  • 更有负担去拯救灵魂； 让年轻人有勇气向他们的朋友和亲人分享福音

Day 21 | 8 August

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

Matthew 26:10

An Excellent Thing for the Lord

By Elder Edwin Chua – Men’s Network

Read: Matthew 26:6-13, Luke 23:39-41,43

How many stories do you remember of beautiful things people did for the Lord? I can think of two. 

I recall Mary’s choicest possession of very costly ointment which she used on Jesus. When the perfume was used on Jesus, the disciples were indignant. Can you hear them saying, “What is that stupid woman trying to prove in wasting all this perfume?” Our Lord, deeply touched, said, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Matthew 26:10)

One day a lady brought to church chrysanthemum flowers which she said she wanted to present to God. I thought to myself, “Would anyone even notice or appreciate her flowers? Why waste the money on what we won’t use?” I told her we had no need for them. I regretted my words immediately. I sensed in my spirit that the Lord had something else to say–money may be more useful, but her gift was more beautiful. 

The second narrative is even lovelier. From the moment of Jesus’ arrest, all the Lord heard were malicious lies, hateful accusations, cruel insults and scornful laughter. The barrage of jeering, ridicule and mockery drowned the faint sounds of weeping. Towards the end of that dreadful day, someone mastered all his strength and spoke out for Jesus, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “… We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:39-41)

Those were the first kind words spoken the whole day. This criminal was completely immobilised by the nails hammered through his hands and feet. He could only move his lips. With his mouth, he offered a word in defence of Jesus’ innocence. Those words must have meant so much to the Lord. Using every bit of energy that was fast waning, Jesus responded, “today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

I recall having had an opportunity to speak up for Jesus in a situation where he was misrepresented, but the environment was unfriendly. It was easier to remain quiet. A testimony of God’s goodness would have been a fitting gift to my Master, and His presence would have changed the atmosphere. But that didn’t happen.

Reflect:

  • Have you held back doing something lovely (maybe “silly”) because you cared too much about what others may think? 
  • What can you bring to the Lord this year that is “holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship” (Romans 12:1)?

Prayer Pointers

  • That we may be encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12) as we offer our best to God, even if people do not understand our intention.
  • That we may stimulate one another to love and good works, by our own example and our devotion (Hebrews 10:24).

耶稣看出他们的意思，就说：“为什么难为这女人呢？她在我身上做的是一件美事。”

‪马太福音‬26:10

为主做的一件美事

作者: 蔡仲南长老 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪马太福音‬26:6-13，‪路加福音‬23:39-41, 43

你是否记得哪些关于人为主所做的美事？我能想到两件。

我想到当马利亚将她最宝贵的香膏用在主耶稣身上时，门徒很愤怒。你好像能听到他们在说，“那个愚蠢的女人浪费这些香膏是想证明什么？”而我们的主耶稣深受感动，说：“‪她在我身上做的是一件美事。” （‪马太福音‬26:10）

一天，一位女士带着一些菊花来到教堂，她说她想献给上帝。我心想：“会有人注意到或欣赏她的花吗？为什么要把钱浪费在我们不会用到的东西上？”我告诉她我们应该用不到菊花，随即我便为自己的话感到后悔。我在灵里感觉到主有话要说——金钱奉献可能更实用，但她的礼物更美。

第二个故事更温馨。从耶稣被捕的那一刻起，主听到的都是恶意的谎言、可恨的指责、冷酷的侮辱和轻蔑的讥笑。嘲讽奚落的弹幕淹没了那微弱的悲泣声。在那可怕的一天将要结束时，有人用尽全力为耶稣说话：““你不是基督吗？可以救自己和我们吧！” 那一个就应声责备他，说：“… 我们是应该的，因我们所受的与我们所做的相称，但这个人没有做过一件不好的事。””（‪路加福音‬23:39-41）

这是在那一天里人对主说的第一句好话。这个犯人的手脚被钉子钉死完全动弹不得，他只能动动嘴唇，用嘴说出这一句为耶稣的清白辩护的话。这些话对主来说一定意义重大。主耶稣使用他仅剩的一点点力气，回答说：“今日你要同我在乐园里了。”（‪路加福音‬23:43）

我记得曾有机会在主耶稣被误解的情况下为他说话，而当时的环境并不友好，保持安静更加容易。为上帝的良善去作见证本应是我献给主的一份适合礼物，而他的同在也会改变环境。但当时那并没有发生。

反思:

  • 你有没有因为太在意别人的想法而不愿为主去做一些“美事”（也许是“愚蠢的”）？
  • 今年你能带给主什么“神所喜悦的，理所当然的侍奉”（‪罗马书‬12:1）？

祷告事项

  • 当我们将最好的献给神，我们可能会因彼此的信心而同得安慰（‪罗马书‬1:12），即使人可能不理解我们的意图。
  • 我们可以透过自己的见证和奉献来彼此激发爱心，勉励行善（‪希伯来书‬10:24）

Day 20 | 7 August

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:2-3

Legacy

By Pastor Wu Xia – Chinese Assembly

Read: Genesis 12:1-3 

In Genesis 15, God’s covenant with Abram included the following promises:

  1. His descendants would be numerous
  2. The whole land of Canaan, where he had resided as a foreigner, would be given to him
  3. He would be greatly blessed, and that blessing would be passed on to many nations through him 

This sacred covenant was passed down from generation to generation. Abram and his wife, Sarai (later known as Abraham and Sarah), tried to use their own means to fulfil God’s covenant, which resulted in the birth of Ishmael through their slave, Hagar. In spite of this, God firmly kept His word and prepared Isaac, whom Sarah gave birth to in her old age, as the promised son, thus sustaining the purity of the covenant.

And each generation experienced the fulfilment of God’s covenant differently.

Even though Isaac wanted to stick to his own plan and give his blessing to Esau, God gave the birthright to Jacob instead, continuing with His covenant plan. 

Jacob found that all his gains eventually slipped away from his fingertips, regardless of the tricks he had used to fight or win. Only a life surrendered to God would ultimately prevail. 

Joseph learned that when he feared God, the worst circumstances could eventually turn around and usher in the blessing of the covenant. 

It was only from the third generation that we see God fulfilling His covenant with Abraham that his descendants would be numerous; the Israelites still didn’t possess Canaan, even after Joseph’s death. However, what was always there was the blessing of God’s presence. To this day, God’s blessings continue to flow to all nations and peoples, including you and me, through His covenant with Abraham’s family.

What kind of spiritual legacy will we pass down to the next generation? “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9) These verses are at the centre of the Bible and hopefully, they will also be how we centre our lives today.

Prayer Pointers

  • For our Chinese Assembly leaders to be fully committed to God’s family
  • For our leaders to have healthy relationships with God
  • For our leaders to be Christ–like in all their interactions with one another 
  • That our leaders will pass on a spiritual legacy

我必叫你成为大国。我必赐福给你，叫你的名为大；你也要叫别人得福。为你祝福的，我必赐福与他；那咒诅你的，我必咒诅他。地上的万族都要因你得福。

创世记‬12:2-3

传承

作者: 吴霞传道 – 华文聚会

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪‪创世记‬12:1-3

上帝与亚伯兰立约（创世记），约的内容包括：
1.后裔极其繁多
2.得目前寄居的迦南地为业
3.神同在带来的祝福，并传递祝福给万邦

这个神圣之约代代相传。亚伯兰在这圣约中经历：即使他和妻子撒莱 (后来的亚伯拉罕和撒拉) 尝试靠自己的方法来实现神的约，最后通过奴隶夏甲留后以实玛利，上帝依然坚定地为他预备了亲生儿子，撒拉年老才出生的以撒，延续圣约的纯正。

每一代人对上帝圣约的实现都有不同的经历。

以撒经历了这圣约如何在神的旨意中延续：尽管自己想要按自己的计划将祝福给长子以扫，而上帝的计划，却让以扫把长子名份给了弟弟雅各。

雅各发现：无论自己用什么聪明伎俩，「争」和「取」到的最终都从指尖漏走，唯有降服在上帝的手中，才开始过得胜的生活。

约瑟在这圣约中认识到：敬畏神，无论什么环境，都可以凡事顺利，峰回路转。

上帝与亚伯兰所立之约，直到第三代才开始看到；直到约瑟死去以色列还没有得到迦南地，然而一直维系帮助他们持守的是神同在的祝福，尽管开始的几代人并未看到神的应许成就。神透过这个圣约家族把祝福带给万邦万民，直到今天的你和我。

我们要带给子孙后代什么样的属灵产业呢？“‪投靠耶和华，强似倚赖人；投靠耶和华，强似倚赖王子。”（诗篇‬118:8-9）这是整本圣经的中心章节，盼望也成为你我人生的核心思想。

祷告事项

  • PPH领袖们完全委身在神的家
  • PPH领袖们与神有健康的关系
  • PPH领袖们可以调整自己与人的互动方式，活出基督
  • PPH领袖们更加注重属灵的薪火相传

Day 19 | 6 August

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:1

In His Time

By Patsy Tan – Library

Read: Romans 8:28

In times of change and transitions, it’s easy to lose direction or feel overwhelmed due to all the uncertainties; for example, when a loved one leaves, a change of career, growing up, marriage or becoming parents. Have you ever experienced this?

I recall the months and years after 15 October 2011, the day my husband died – the drastic and many changes that I had to make then, to adapt and accept these changes. It was not easy. I recall the many initial months digging into God’s Word, looking for answers to questions that flooded my mind. As I read His Word, God, in His perfect time, convicted me to look at things not from my human perspective but from His. In the many seasons of one’s life, at the appointed time, He would work all things together for good! Indeed, my God is in full control! Accepting life according to His will and time gave me renewed strength and purpose. 

As much as I felt loved by God being there for me, in return, I wanted to do more for God. God provided the Library Ministry as a source of comfort. In His good time, He provided me with more opportunities to serve in other areas in church and also in para-church services. Through it all, after 10 years, I can indeed say, “there is an appointed time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and “You still reign and You’re still God.” 

No experience nor time is wasted and God is not just with us during the good times but also in our darkest moments, embracing and carrying us through. Knowing God is always there, emboldens one to come out stronger for the Almighty God after each difficult moment. So whatever season you are going through now, take heart, trust and hope in our Lord, Jesus Christ, for “there is a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Prayer Pointers

  • Direction for the Library Ministry in this digital age
  • For God to provide talents to help with revamping, if we digitise the PPHBC library

凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。

‪传道书‬3:1

他的时间

作者: 蔡丽贞 – 图书馆

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪‪罗马书‬8:28

在经历变化和过渡的时期，人很容易因为所有的不确定性而迷失方向或感到不知所措；例如，当我们挚爱的亲人离开我们、转换职业、成长、结婚或为人父母，你曾有过这样的经历吗？

2011年10月15日我的丈夫去世，我经常回想起那之后的那些日子；以及当时的我为了适应和接受现实所必须做出的巨大的，众多的改变。这并不容易。我记得最初的几个月自己埋头在上帝的话语中，试图为那些充斥我脑海的问题寻找答案。当我读到神的话语时，神在他完美的时间，说服我不要从人的角度，而是从他的角度来看待事物。在人生的许多季节，在特定的时间，他会让万事互相效力，为人的益处！的确，我的神掌管一切！我按照神的旨意和时间，接受发生在我生活中的一切，这给了我更新的力量和目标。

我感到神对我的爱，促使我想为他做更多事情。神提供我参与图书馆服事的机会，从中我得到许多安慰的话语。按照神的时间，他为我提供更多在教会其他领域以及福音机构服事的机会。纵观这一切，10 年后，是的，我只能说，确实我只能说是的，“凡事都有定时”（‪传道书‬3:1），“你仍然掌权，你仍是那一位神”。

这段经历和时光不会白费，神与我们同在，不只是在一帆风顺的时候，同样在我们经历最黑暗光景时，他怀抱我们并领我们度过难关。神一直在那里，坚固我们，让一个刚强壮胆，从每一个困难时刻走出来，见证他。因此，无论你现在正经历人生哪个季节，振作起来，信靠盼望我们的主耶稣基督，因为“天下万务都有定时。”（‪传道书‬3:1）

祷告事项

  • 数字时代文字事工的方向
  • 为可能的PPHBC图书馆数字化求主预备人才和资源

Day 18 | 5 August

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6

Purpose for the Season Ahead

By Lim Se Ern – Young Adults

Read: 2 Timothy

For better or worse, 2 Timothy 1:6 is among the most commonly quoted verses of Scripture. Yet the fleeting Instagram post or beautified postcards often fail to capture the deep sentiment behind Paul’s words to his pupil and co-worker Timothy. The letter comes at a time in Paul’s life when he fears the worst: His prospects in prison are bleak and he has been forsaken by other followers, such as Demas. He wonders if his ministry on Earth may be drawing to a close. There is an air of finality, tinged with hope, that echoes throughout this intensely personal letter. Paul sees a new generation, embodied in Timothy, taking the baton from him.

The closing of every chapter also marks a new one. It seems that Timothy, a faithful servant of Christ, has already begun his part in this new chapter of the church. We know from the earlier letter of 1 Timothy that he has been on assignment in Ephesus, dealing with issues such as false teaching, divisions amongst different social groups in the church, and the appointment of new leaders. The gravity of Paul’s words spelt out Timothy’s purpose for the season ahead–to guard the faith that has been entrusted to him by Paul, and to fan into flame the gift of God.

Scripture does not reveal to us how Timothy felt upon reading Paul’s words, nor do we ever hear from Timothy’s perspective on how his life and faith have brought him to this point of service in the church’s history. Yet, we see plainly, by the grace of God, that he was someone who was called, and has gone before us in serving and being part of the church.

Likewise today, we have PPH, by the grace of God, participating in this unique chapter of the church: In Singapore in the 2020s, building on our history at New Bridge Road; with an English, Chinese and Telugu ministry; and serving in Teban Gardens, through Care Channels International and our missionaries abroad. My prayer is for the young adults in PPH, like Timothy, to be ready to embrace a new season and to discern our purpose for the road ahead. As a young adult myself, I would like to exhort my contemporaries–to cultivate our peculiar burdens for God’s church, to grasp on to a greater sense of ownership of our ministries in PPH, and to hunger for God’s word and spiritual maturity in a world where it is easier to be superficial and distracted.

Prayer Pointers

  • For the young adults in PPH to cultivate a burden for God’s church in PPH, starting with the opening of our eyes and ears to the needs of those around us in church, and to those whom we have been called to serve in Singapore and abroad.
  • For the young adults in PPH to build a greater sense of ownership of our ministries: up to this point, we may have been more used to following rather than leading, due to our age or stage in life. We need to start building the habit of having ownership over the work in church, and to not hesitate due to our age.
  • For the young adults in PPH to hunger for God’s word and spiritual maturity. Perhaps the greatest struggle for a young adult is how to prioritise our many new responsibilities in life. We are at a stage of our life where there are never-ending changes and it may be tempting to instead prioritise what society tells us to (be it hustle culture, or the Singaporean dream).

为此我提醒你，使你将神藉我按手所给你的恩赐再如火挑旺起来。

‪提摩太后书‬1:6

未来的目标

作者: 林溪恩 – 青年团契

阅读: ‪‪‪‪‪‪提摩太后书

或好或坏，这节经文是圣经中最常被引用的经文之一。然而，转瞬即逝的 Instagram帖子或精美的明信片往往无法捕捉到保罗对提摩太，他的这位学生和同工所说这些话背后的深刻情感。这封信是在保罗一生中最低谷的时期写成的：他在狱中的前景黯淡，他已被底马等其他门徒抛弃。他想知道他在地上的事工是否即将结束。在这封感性的私人信件中回荡着一种终结的气氛，但却有曙光。保罗看到了以提摩太为代表的新一代，从他手中接过接力棒。

每一章的结束也标志着新一章的开始。基督的忠心仆人提摩太似乎已经开始了他在教会新篇章中的角色。我们从提摩太前书的书信中知道，他一直在以弗所服事，处理诸如错误教导、教会不同社会群体之间的分裂以及任命新领袖等问题。保罗的话的严肃性说明了提摩太未来阶段的目标——捍卫保罗托付给他的信仰，并将上帝的恩赐再如火挑旺起来。

圣经没有告诉我们提摩太在读到保罗的话时的感受，我们也从未从提摩太的角度听到他的生活和信仰是如何将他带到教会历史这一个服事的时刻。然而，我们清楚地看到，靠着神的恩典，他是一个蒙召的人，在我们之前作为教会的一份子并服事。

同样在今天，我们有 PPH，靠着上帝的恩典，参与了教会这一独特的篇章：在 2020 年代的新加坡，在新桥路书写我们自己的历史；我们的英文、华文和泰卢固语事工；在德曼花园的服事，Care Channels International的服事，以及我们的宣教士在海外的服事。我的祷告是希望 PPH 的青年人能像提摩太一样，准备好迎接新的季节，并确定我们前面道路的目标。我自己作为一个青年人，想与我的同辈共勉——让我们培养自己对上帝教会的特殊负担，以更强的主人翁意识对待我们在 PPH 的服事，在这个容易让我们分心和停留在表面的世界里，继续渴慕上帝的话语和属灵的成熟。

祷告事项

  • PPH 的青年人会在 PPH 中培养对上帝教会的负担，首先求神开我们的眼睛和耳朵，看到教会中我们周围的人的需要，以及在新加坡和海外我们被呼召去服事的人群的需要。
  • PPH 的青年人会以更强的主人翁意识对待我们的服事：到目前为止，由于我们的年龄或人生阶段，我们可能更习惯于跟随而不是带领。我们需要开始培养对于教会事工的主人翁意识，并且不要因为我们年轻而犹豫不决。
  • PPH 的青年人会渴慕神的话语和属灵的成熟：对于一个青年人来说，最大的挣扎也许是如何优先考虑我们在生活中的许多新责任。我们正处在一个不断变化的人生阶段，有可能会被诱惑去优先考虑这个世界所教导我们的事情（无论是喧嚣的文化，还是新加坡的梦想）。

Day 17 | 4 August

because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79

Jesus, the Rising Sun

Anonymous – Chinese Assembly

Have you ever sat in darkness, in the shadow of death? In 2010, the San Jose copper mine in Chile collapsed and 33 people were trapped 600 meters deep. The flashlights were out of power and there was darkness everywhere. After all the food was consumed, people were so hungry that they could not even stand; they were literally in the middle of the shadow of death. Fortunately, these miners were rescued after 67 days. Can you imagine how they felt when they first saw the sunshine after two months of darkness?

Although we may not have such extreme physical experiences, our spirits would have also sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, in despair and helplessness. But Jesus is the morning sun that came to us from heaven. His light is full of love and hope that will lead us out of darkness and the shadow of death and into the path of peace. Dear brothers and sisters, think back to the time when you were saved and born again. How sweet is salvation! The best gift we can give to those around us is the gospel; it is Jesus!

Dear brothers and sisters, let us take on the great mission–whether it is at work or among our neighbours and relatives–let us be lampstands, and illuminate our little area through our separation from the world and our good deeds, and let people see the light of Jesus. When many little lamps come together, we become like the rising sun of Jesus giving light to the whole earth, bringing love and hope.

Prayer Pointers

  • For God to unite the Chinese Assembly around Jesus.
  • For God to move people in the church to boldly witness for Jesus in their workplace, and among their family and friends.
  • For the annual Alpha course to bear fruit.

因我们神怜悯的心肠，叫清晨的日光从高天临到我们，要照亮坐在黑暗中死荫里的人，把我们的脚引到平安的路上。

‪路加福音‬1:78-79

耶稣，清晨的阳光

作者: 匿名 – 华文聚会

你有没有坐在黑暗中，死荫里的经历？2010年智利圣何塞铜矿发生塌方，33人被困600米深的井下。手电筒的电用完了，四处都是黑暗。食物吃完了，人们饥饿难耐，甚至无法站立，死亡在一步步逼近。庆幸的是，这些矿工在等待六十七天后终被救出，你可以想象他们见到阳光时的心情吗？

我们肉身虽然可能没有这样极端的经历，但是我们的灵也曾坐在黑暗和死荫中，在绝望和无助里，耶稣就是那清晨的阳光，从高天临到我们，他的光里面充满了爱和希望，将我们从黑暗和死荫里领出，走上平安的道路。亲爱的弟兄姐妹，回想一下自己得救重生时的情景，那救恩是多么的甜美，我们能给周围人最好的礼物就是福音，就是耶稣！

亲爱的弟兄姐妹们，让我们承担起宣教的使命，不论是工作中，还是邻里亲朋间，都让我们成为一盏盏灯台，通过从世界中分别为圣和自己的好行为，照亮我们小小的圈子，让人们看到耶稣之光。当无数小灯聚在一起，我们就成了主的光，犹如初升的太阳一样，给整个黑暗的大地带来爱和希望。

祷告事项

  • 求神带领我们使一年一度的启发课程富有成果，并将整个华文部团结围绕在耶稣周围。
  • 求神感动弟兄姐妹们，在他们的工作场所，家人和朋友中间，大胆地为耶稣作见证。

Day 16 | 3 August

But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.

Psalm 115:4-5

The God Who Speaks

By Wan Jun Mei – Ushers

One day, on a bus journey, I felt my stomach churning and as I responded to how my body felt, I realised it was because I was really scared and worried about all these uncertainties with my research project. I told God my fears, and tears just streamed down. To hide my tears I had to turn my face to the side panel of the bus. I tried to stop crying and in the spur of the moment, I told God, “I really need Your answer for this situation.” Then I closed my eyes and waited for Him.

After a few seconds of waiting, I was beginning to lose confidence, “Perhaps He will not respond after all,” But at this moment, an image came to my mind. It was a picture of a tall man stretching out his arms and encouraging a little girl who stood across the other side of the chasm saying, ‘Jump, don’t be scared, I am here. I will protect you and help you’. The man looked like Jesus, while I was the little girl. My tears streamed down again – only this time, they were tears of joy and gratitude.

I used to envy my friends who could receive God’s words during their prayer and devotional time. Not only was I envious, I felt greatly disappointed and helpless. I could not help wondering: Why could I not have the same close, conversational relationship with God? Does God show favouritism just like people would?

However, after the above event, I often received God’s conversational response in prayer. What changed in my communication with God? I believe several factors made the difference:

  1. Firstly, being in touch with one’s emotions is an essential condition to connect with others, including God.
  2. Secondly, the sincere expression of my emotions, both verbally and bodily, somehow drew God’s response. I believe it was God who created human emotions, and healthy emotions have certain adaptive capabilities; for example, sadness attracts others to give comfort. 
  3. Thirdly, calling on the Lord’s presence awakens my awareness of Him.
  4. Finally, waiting provides time and space for me to receive His reply.

The picture of Jesus and the little girl that day was God’s way of showing me the conflicting desires of my heart – how I long for adventure yet am struggling with fear and at the same time. God’s reply to me deeply impacted me far beyond what I asked for. He showed me that He is present with me and is not a distant God far beyond my reach. Neither does He show favouritism, for He loves me, and I am safe in Him.

That’s why He is different from idols made by human hands. God is a God who speaks – and His words bring love, truth and healing.

Prayer Pointers

  • Do you have sadness, disappointment or fear that you don’t think you can easily share with anyone, not even God? You are not alone. I used to be like this, due to the fear of being judged or denied, of not being understood. Tell God your deepest pain, and give him space and time to respond to you.
  • Do you have a hard time recognising your own emotions or connecting emotionally with people and God? Pray for a heart-to-heart connection with people and with God.
  • Do you find it challenging to host new friends or invite people back to church? Pray for God to help you.

他们的偶像是金的，银的，是人手所造的，有口却不能言，有眼却不能看

‪诗篇‬115:4-5

会说话的神

作者: 万俊梅 – 招待

一天乘车的时候，我突然感到反胃，当我思想为何身体会有这样的感觉时，我意识到这是因为：“我很害怕，为这个充满了未知的研究项目感到害怕和忧虑。“ 我向神诉说了我的恐惧，顿时，泪流满面。我把头转向车壁，不想让其他乘客看到我的满脸泪水。当我渐渐收住自己的眼泪，突然异想天开的对神说：我想要你给我一个回应。然后闭上眼睛，想像他就在附近，等待着。

短短几秒的等待，我已经失去了信心：“这不太可能吧！“ 就在这时，脑海中出现了一幅画面。一位高大的成年男子伸出双臂鼓励和接应他对面的小女儿跳过一个鸿沟， 说：‘跳，不用害怕，我在这里。我会保护和帮助你。’ 这位成年男子看起来像耶稣，而我就是那个小女孩。再次泪流满面，这回却是喜极而泣惊喜感恩的眼泪。

我曾经羡慕我的朋友们可以在祷告中接收到上帝的话语。羡慕的同时是失望和无助。我怎么就做不到和神有这么亲密的关系呢？ 难道神和人一样是会偏心的吗？

在上述的祷告之后，我时常接收到上帝对话式的回应。是什么改变了我和神的对话模式呢？ 我的假设是：

  1. 人的情感是与他人（包括与神）连接的必要条件。
  2. 用语言或者身体语言真诚地表达自己的情感在这里吸引了神的回应。我相信神造了人类的情感，健康的情绪有适应性的功能， 比如表达悲伤能够吸引他人给与安慰。
  3. 想象上帝的在场唤醒我对他的感知。
  4. 等待留出时间和空间接收他的回应。

这幅耶稣和小女孩的画面回应了我想要冒险却充满恐惧的矛盾心情。上帝对我的回应意义深远。他让我知道他是与我同在的，不是高高在上的；他也不是偏心的，他是爱我的，我是安全的。

这就是上帝和人手所造的偶像的不同。上帝是会说话的。他的话语传达爱，真理和医治。

祷告事项

  • 你有没有悲伤、失望或恐惧，你认为你不能轻易地与任何人分享，甚至上帝？您并不孤单。我曾经是这样的，因为害怕被评判或否定，不被理解或失去帮助。你可以试着告诉上帝你最深的痛苦，给他空间和时间来回应。
  • 你很难感受到自己的情感或者与人和上帝有情感上的连接吗？你可以祈求上帝恢复你的情感以及为你与人和上帝有心与心的连接而祷告。
  • 你会觉得接待新朋友或邀请人们回到教会是具有挑战性的吗？祈求上帝帮助你。

Day 15 | 2 August

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

The Joy of Prayer

By Koh Seng Loo – Prayer

Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of talking to You, as a child to the Father. Grant to us the joy of a child coming to the Father who is ever so attentive to us, knowing that You will provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do you remember yourself as a child waiting for your father to return home, and rushing to tell him all that had happened in the day? The sheer joy of being in his embrace, wrapped in his arms or sitting on his lap, as he listens patiently to you. For many of us as parents and/or grandparents, I am quite sure you would have experienced your child and/or grandchild coming to you seeking your attention. Our hearts fill with joy as we listen to them. I believe the same is true when we come before our Heavenly Father in prayer. He is delighted when we choose to confide in Him. In fact, He says in Isaiah 65:24, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

Our Heavenly Father knows what we are going through, yet He desires to hear from us. Prayer helps us to gather our thoughts. It allows us to pause, review the day, and give thanks for God’s leading and protection. It shifts our focus onto God and away from the problems. It is not so much telling God how big our problems are, but to remind ourselves how big our God is. God Himself says in Jeremiah 32:27, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

So, you see, this joy works both ways, we experience joy as we bring before our Heavenly Father our cares and burdens knowing that He is able to do what we ask of Him, and our Heavenly Father delights in our thanksgivings and praises, as we trust in Him.

May God grant us joy and delight as we come before Him!

Prayer Pointers

  • That God will stir within the hearts of our church members a deeper desire to draw closer to God in prayer, both individually and corporately as a church
  • That we will find it a delight to converse with and encounter God through prayer, to know Him more, to know the “awe of praising his glory, the intimacy of finding his grace, and the struggle of asking his help, all of which can lead us to know the spiritual reality of his presence.” (Timothy Keller)

他们尚未求告，我就应允；正说话的时候，我就垂听。

‪以赛亚书‬65:24

祷告的喜乐

作者: 许成裕 – 祷告

祷告：亲爱的天父，感谢祢拣选，使我们可以像孩子和父亲一样与祢交谈。祢是如此关爱我们的天父，求祢赐给我们如兒女来到祢面前的喜乐，并知道祢必预备我们需要的一切。奉主耶稣的名祷告，阿门。

你还记得自己小时候等着父亲回家，急着告诉他这一天发生的一切吗？当他耐心地倾听你的声音时，在他的怀抱里、在他的膀臂中或坐在他的腿上，那种纯粹的喜悦。对于我们中的许多人来说，作为父母和/或祖父母，我很确定你曾经历过孩子和/或孙子来到你身边寻求注意，我们听他们讲话时，心中充满了喜悦。我相信当我们来到天父面前祷告时也是如此。当我们选择向祂倾诉时，祂会很高兴。事实上，祂在‪以赛亚书‬65:24 中说：“他们尚未求告，我就应允；正说话的时候，我就垂听。”

我们的天父知道我们正在经历什么，但祂渴望听到我们的声音。祷告帮助我们收集想法。它让我们停下来，回顾一天，并感谢上帝的带领和保护。它将我们的注意力从自己的问题转移到上帝身上。与其说是向上帝倾诉我们的问题有多大，不如说是提醒我们的问题自己的上帝有多大。神自己在‪耶利米书‬32:27 中说：“我是耶和华，是凡有血气者的神，岂有我难成的事吗？”

所以你看，这种喜乐是双向的，当我们将我们的忧虑和负担带到天父面前时，我们会体验到喜乐，因为我们知道祂能够满足我们向祂所求的，而我们的天父因我们的感恩和赞美而高兴，因为我们信靠祂。

当我们来到祂面前时，愿上帝赐给我们无限的喜乐和喜悦！

祷告事项

  • 上帝在我们弟兄姐妹心中激起一种更深的渴望，即在祷告中更亲近上帝，无论是个人的还是教会作为一个整体。
  • 我们可以乐于通过祷告与神交谈、遇见神，更多地认识祂，知道“赞美祂荣耀而来的敬畏，数算祂恩典而来的亲密，以及寻求祂帮助而来的挣扎，这一切都可以带领我们更经历祂同在的属灵现实”（蒂莫西·凯勒（Timothy Keller））

Day 14 | 1 August

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Psalm 71:9

God’s Work

By Guo Xian Jing – St. Luke’s Eldercare

In early 2022, I had the chance to join the St. Luke’s Eldercare Ministry. The team and I meet with the elderly; we sing songs, play games and listen to Bible stories with them. We also pray for them, and introduce them to our Heavenly Father. 

I used to feel that caring for the elderly and talking with them was quite a task. I don’t speak any Chinese dialects like Hokkien, and sometimes, they don’t quite understand my accent either. Some of them don’t even know what’s going on, as they are suffering from dementia. However, I feel God’s love the moment I step into the eldercare centre. This is God’s hand at work, shining His light upon these 80, 90, even 100 year olds. This is because they are all made by His hand, and they are His children. 

Read: Leviticus 19:32

What God wants us to do is actually quite simple–to respect the elderly, and to honour and care for them with a heart that fears God. Regardless of whether we can communicate with the elderly or not, His love will flow freely among us, as long as we fear God and rely on Him. With just a wink, a smile or a short prayer, God’s love will enter the heart of everyone, including those with dementia. 

In ministering to the elderly, the elderly have ministered to me. A grandma shared with me how her children have come to believe in Jesus, and how her family is blessed. Her grandchildren and she herself have gotten to know Jesus and believe in him. She is 80 years old and has many illnesses, yet she feels joyful every day. She said it is just like in the old song: Jesus is really good. I can’t help thinking of my parents, my children, my grandma and family members who have yet to accept Jesus into their lives. May they all come to know the Lord and follow Him one day. How beautiful would that be!

As Psalm 71:9 says, even one day when we are old and our strength is gone, may the Lord still be pleased with us and be with us.

Prayer Pointers

  • For the health/salvation of the elderly at St. Luke’s/Teban Gardens
  • For God’s love to fill all our brothers and sisters who serve in the eldercare ministry, and for more volunteers to join this ministry

我年老的时候，求你不要丢弃我！我力气衰弱的时候，求你不要离弃我！

‪诗篇‬71:9

神的工作

作者: 郭贤京 – 圣路加乐龄关怀

2022年初我有幸参与到圣路加乐龄关怀事工，我跟随团队进入到这些老人家当中，与他们一同唱歌，做游戏，听圣经故事，一起庆祝生日，跟他们聊天，也替他们祷告，向他们分享那位爱我们的天父。

我曾认为关怀老人，跟老人家沟通是很困难的一件事。我不懂得福建话等方言，而他们有时也听不太清楚我的发音和表达。特别当中一些老人因为老年痴呆等病症，他们根本不清楚发生了什么…然而，当我踏入关怀中心的那一刻，我感受到神的爱在这个地方，这是神手所要作的工作，他要光照这些80，90岁甚至100岁的老人家，因为他们都是他手所造的，是他所爱的孩子。

阅读: ‪‪‪‪利未记‬19:32

而神要我们做的其实很简单，怀着一颗敬畏神的心，去尊重这些老人，关怀他们。即使没有流畅的语言沟通，但只要我们敬畏神，倚靠他，神的爱会在我们当中自由地流动，藉着一个眼神，一个笑容，一句祷告，可以进入每一个老人的心中，即使是罹患痴呆症的老人也一样。

我虽然去到老人们当中关怀他们，但神透过这些老人家也帮助了我。有一位阿嫲分享她的儿女是如何信主，然后他们一家如何蒙福，后来阿嫲和她的孙子孙女们也都一起认识主，跟随主，即使她现在岁数大了身体很多病痛，但她每天都很喜乐，她说就像那首歌里唱的，耶稣真正好！我不禁想起我的父母，我的孩子，我未信主的长辈和家人们，愿他们都能认识主，跟随主，这是多么美好的事啊！

就像‪诗篇‬71:9所说，即使有一天我们年老力衰，愿主依然喜悦我们，与我们同在。

祷告事项

  • 为圣路加/德曼的乐龄长辈，以及其他所有乐龄长辈在疫情中的身体健康/救恩祷告
  • 神的爱充满所有参与服事的弟兄姐妹，更多人参与到乐龄关怀服事中

Day 13 | 31 July

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us

2 Corinthians 1:10

Hoping Against All Hope

By Matthew Ng – Men’s Network

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

I first encountered what I now label as burnout in my second year of university in 2018.

As a young person, I had grown accustomed to being able to power through sleep deficits from procrastination and unhurried time spent with others. It was strange to now experience this persistent weariness that hung over my daily life. Regular breaks and changes to habits helped, but as each academic term progressed, all too common became the feeling of thinness, like butter spread over too much bread (to borrow an expression from Tolkien). 

As the year passed, things did not improve, and I found myself feeling greatly overwhelmed and ill-prepared as my final exams (100% weightage) drew closer. The weekend before my exams, it was a late Saturday night, after a Bible study when some friends stayed with me to pray and to worship. I had decided to and had shared about my intention to rusticate (repeat the year). But as we lingered in the presence of God, the Spirit came upon one of my friends, who felt led in the stead of God to ask what it was that I would ask the Lord for. Very much shaken to the depths of my heart by this, I asked for God’s nearness and the ability to carry on. This request was answered in tremendous ways over the coming days, especially on painfully early mornings where I would get up at 4/5-ish to prepare for an exam at half past nine.

The week before that Saturday, late one night (Day 1) in the college’s gardens where I usually took my breaks, God was near when I was feeling very overwhelmed. It felt like that moment in 2 Kings 13 where Elisha was dying and told the king of Israel who came to see him, to take some arrows and strike the ground; arrows of victory over Aram. As the simple of heart are often rather fond of doing, I took God at His word, and decided to strike the ground a truly ridiculous 35 times without thinking too much about it, one for each day that I wanted Him to see me through. An early Friday morning weeks later, the logistics company had just come to collect my boxes for shipping for which I had woken up very early to pack, when the realisation suddenly hit — it was the 35th day. Much laughter and many tears followed; the emotions of everything that I was seen through both recently and in the previous 3 years.

Why is it that these kinds of things happen to us? Do we feel like Moses, who wrote in Psalm 90:10 of the trouble and sorrow that accompany even the best of our days. Like David in Psalm 62 who felt like a bending wall about to give way, assailed on all sides by his enemies?

There is a fragility in being a jar of clay that contains a surpassingly great power—it’s from God and not from us. If we keep looking at what we can see, outwardly we might be wasting away; the smallness and frailness of the vessel is keenly visible. Instead, it’s like the widow in 2 Kings 4 who cried out to Elisha for help when creditors came to enslave her two sons. Her small jar of oil was able to keep pouring out into other vessels to be sold to pay off her husband’s debts—something is happening beyond what we can see. 

Our Shepherd is shaping our hearts to rely not on ourselves, but on Him, who raises the dead.

Prayer Pointers

  • An overflow of hope (Romans 15:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:3)
  • Opportunities to comfort others with the comfort that we have received; praying for them with confidence as recipients of God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:3-7,11,20)
  • Power to endure and have patience as we wait (Psalm 40, Psalm 121, Colossians 1:11)

他曾救我们脱离那极大的死亡，现在仍要救我们，并且我们指望他将来还要救我们。

‪哥林多后书‬1:10

因信仍有指望

作者: 黄智仁 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪‪‪哥林多后书‬1:8-10

我在 2018 年大学二年级时第一次经历我现在称之为力竭的一段时间。

作为一个年轻人，我早已习惯不慌不忙与人相处的时光，并从随之而来的睡眠不足中快速恢复，而现在所体会到的这种一整天的持续疲倦是很奇怪的。我尝试定时休息和改变一些习惯，但随着每个学期的进行，我开始体会到一种无力感，就像一点点黄油要涂在许多的面包上（借用托尔金的说法）。

一年过去了，情况并没有好转，随着期末考试（100% 的分数比重）越来越近，我发现自己不知所措，准备不足。考试前的那个周末，是一个星期六的深夜，一些朋友和我在学习圣经之后一起祷告和敬拜。我向他们分享了我打算复读一年的决定。但是当我们在寻求神时，圣灵降临在我的一位朋友身上，他觉得神感动他，并问我要向神求什么。这让我内心深处非常地震撼，我祈求神的亲近和让自己坚持的力量。在接下来的几天里，我的祷告得到了极大的回应，尤其是在那个痛苦的清晨，我要在早上 四五点起床准备九点半的考试。

那个星期六的一周之前，深夜，在我通常休息的大学花园里（第一天），当我感到非常不知所措时，上帝来到我身边。那感觉就像在列王纪下13章，以利沙将死的时候让以色列王来到他面前，拿一些弓箭击打地面；战胜亚兰的胜利之箭。像许多怀着简单信心的人喜欢作的一样，我没有多想，按照神所说的话，击打地面35次，而每一次代表我希望他与我同在的一天。几周后的一个周五清晨，物流公司来取一些我很早就起来打包要邮寄的箱子，我突然意识到——今天是第 35 天！欢笑和泪水随之而来；最近以及过去3年所经历的，神带领我走过的这一切，所有的情绪都在那一刻倾倒出来。

为什么这些事情会发生在我们身上？我们是否也和摩西一样，他在‪诗篇‬90:10中写到的劳苦愁烦，即使是我们最好的年日也伴随着我们。我们是否也像大卫在‪诗篇‬62一样，感觉自己就像一面歪斜将倒的墙壁，被四面八方的敌人攻击？

一罐带有超乎寻常力量的粘土依旧有他的软弱——这力量来自上帝，而不是来自我们自己。如果我们只继续看我们能看到的东西，表面上我们可能正在消瘦；这器皿的渺小和脆弱是显而易见的。相反地，就像列王纪下‬4中，那个寡妇在债主来抓她的两个儿子作奴仆时向以利沙寻求帮助。她的一小罐油能够不断地倒在其他容器中，最后出售以偿还丈夫的债务 – 一些正在发生的事情是超过我们所能看见的。

我们的大牧者正在塑造我们的心，使我们不再倚靠自己，而是倚靠那使死人复活的主。

祷告事项

  • 神所赐的盼望充满我们 (罗马书‬15:13, 帖撒罗尼迦前书‬1:3)
  • 有机会用神给我们的安慰来安慰其他人；为他人可以凭信心承受神的应许祷告 (哥林多后书‬1:3-7,11,20)
  • 神赐给我们力量和耐性来等候他 (‪诗篇‬40, ‪诗篇‬121, ‪歌罗西书‬1:11)

Day 12 | 30 July

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

Worship

By Teh Ai Kian – Chinese Assembly

Read: 1 Kings 9:1-5

Worship can be divided broadly into two categories: corporate or personal worship.

In the Old Testament, perhaps the most impressive corporate worship is found in the dedication of Solomon’s temple. In 1 Kings 9:1-5, God appeared to Solomon a second time after the temple dedication and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever”

Men may have been impressed with Solomon’s temple but God was more concerned about Solomon’s heart, that he should walk before God in integrity and uprightness. 

Worship of God was commanded in the first of the 10 commandments, In both the Old and New testaments, our coming together in corporate worship is not only to glorify and thank Him for all He has done in our lives, but it is to be a beacon of light drawing believers and unbelievers alike to a greater knowledge and understanding of this holy God we worship. 

Worship is more than coming together on Sundays as a congregation. It is worshipping God with our lives, our words and choices. Romans 12:1 says “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

As the people of God today, how are we worshipping Him as living sacrifices?

Prayer Pointers

  • That worship team members will each offer their best at every worship session.
  • That God will use the worship team to inspire the congregation to truly worship God in spirit and in truth, offering holy and acceptable worship to God.

所以，弟兄们，我以　神的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此侍奉乃是理所当然的。

‪罗马书‬12:1

敬拜

作者: 周爱虔 – 华文聚会

阅读: ‪‪‪列王纪上‬9:1-5

敬拜大致可分为两类：团体敬拜或个人敬拜。

在旧约中，最令人印象深刻的团体敬拜可能是在所罗门圣殿的奉献的时候了。在列王纪上 9:1-5 中，神在圣殿奉献后第二次向所罗门显现，并对他说：“你向我所祷告祈求的，我都应允了。我已将你所建的这殿分别为圣，使我的名永远在其中；我的眼、我的心也必常在那里。你若效法你父大卫，存诚实正直的心行在我面前，遵行我一切所吩咐你的，谨守我的律例典章，我就必坚固你的国位在以色列中，直到永远，正如我应许你父大卫说：‘你的子孙必不断人坐以色列的国位。’”

人可能对所罗门的圣殿印象深刻，但上帝更关心所罗门的心，他应该存诚实正直的心行走在上帝面前。

敬拜神是十诫中的第一条，在旧约和新约中，我们聚在一起共同敬拜不仅是为了荣耀神并感谢他在我们生命中所做的一切，也是为他作光作盐，吸引信徒还有非信徒来更多地认识和理解我们所敬拜的这位圣洁上帝。

敬拜不仅仅是主日信徒的一个聚会，敬拜是用我们的生命、我们的言语和选择来敬拜上帝。‪罗马书‬12:1 说：“将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此侍奉乃是理所当然的。”

今天作为神的子民，我们是如何将自己献作活祭，来敬拜他？

祷告事项

  • 敬拜团队在每次敬拜中都竭尽全力，献上最好的给神。
  • 神使用敬拜团队来激励会众，真正用心灵诚实来敬拜神，向神献上圣洁、神所喜悦的敬拜。

Day 11 | 29 July

You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.

Luke 7:46-47

What Worth Have We Attributed to Our God?

By Elder Caleb Phang – Worship

Read: Luke 7:44-47

A sinful, outcast woman. She brought her most valuable possession and poured it out in an expression of worship. Pressing through fear, shame, prejudices, she exemplified one of the most intimate and loving moments of worship in the Bible. The woman knew that Jesus’ honour and worth were far more important than her insecurities. Wiping Jesus’ dusty feet with her hair was not beneath her. She did not think twice before pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. She gave all she had, recognising His worth and lordship. Her worship to Jesus was humble yet extravagant.

Reflect:

  • There should be no difference in our approach to worship on Sundays, and worship on other days. Songs of worship arise from a life of worship. How have I been worshipping God on days when I am not worshipping with God’s family?
  • Take a snapshot of your life today – what does it say about God’s place in our life? Pause and pray for yourself.
  • “Oh come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” – are we approaching God with an all-too-easy familiarity, or do we still approach God’s throne with reverence and awe?

Prayer Pointers

  • That the worship ministry will continue exercising creativity in serving a creative God, and pursuing excellence in serving an all-deserving God.
  • That the worship ministry will be grounded and united in prayer, so that we remain single-minded in giving our best.
  • Protection over and strength for the worship team; since the start of 2022, there have been many instances of members on duty falling sick. While the evil one seeks to hinder our worship to God, we will pray more and praise more. 
  • That we will realise the magnitude of God’s being. Being reminded that God is not merely a god of convenience or god of Sundays, our songs will become more than songs, and our worship will become our role, not our duty.

你没有用油抹我的头；但这女人用香膏抹我的脚。所以我告诉你，她许多的罪都赦免了，因为她的爱多；但那赦免少的，他的爱就少。

‪路加福音‬7:46-47

我们把什么献给我们的上帝？

作者: 彭君凯长老 – 敬拜

阅读: ‪‪‪路加福音‬7:44-47

一个有罪的、被抛弃的女人。她带来她最宝贵的香膏，并以一种敬拜的方式将其倒出。克服恐惧、羞耻和偏见，她展现出了圣经中最亲密、最充满爱的敬拜时刻。女人知道耶稣的荣耀和宝贵远比她的不安全感重要。用头发擦耶稣沾满灰尘的脚并不会让她觉得不舒服。她没有多想，就把昂贵的香膏倒在耶稣的脚上，她付出了所有，承认了他的宝贵和主权。她对耶稣的敬拜既谦卑又奢侈。

反思:

  • 我们在星期天的敬拜方式与其他日子的敬拜方式应该没有区别。敬拜的歌曲源自于敬拜的生活。在不与上帝的家人一起敬拜的日子里，我是如何敬拜上帝的？
  • 拍下你今天的生活快照——它说明了上帝在我们生活中的位置？停下来为自己祈祷。
  • “来吧，让我们敬拜跪拜，跪在我们的造物主面前”——我们是带着一种轻车熟路的感觉来敬拜神，还是怀着敬畏之心走近神的宝座？

祷告事项

  • 敬拜事工能继续发挥创造力来服事有创造力的上帝，追求更优秀的敬拜来服事配得所有一切的上帝，在祷告中脚踏实地与合一，使我们可以专心地将自己最好的献上。
  • 祈求上帝保护敬拜团队并赐力量；从2022年初以来，已经发生多次带领者生病的状况。当恶者试图阻碍我们对上帝的敬拜时，我们要更多地祷告和赞美。
  • 认识上帝的重要，常提醒我们自己不要只在我们需要时或主日才想起上帝，我们的歌曲将超过歌曲本身，我们的敬拜将变成我们的身份，而不是我们的责任。

Day 10 | 28 July

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18

Reconciled That We May Reconcile

By Pastor Sharon Tay – Missions

One was hated by his own people. Another so ashamed that she did not want to be seen. Still another, so tormented that he had to be locked up. Such was their lives before they met the Lord Jesus: Zacchaeus, the hated tax-collector; the anonymous Samaritan woman at the well’ and the demon-possessed man at Gerasene. 

They had one thing in common. Their encounter with Jesus so changed their lives that they could not help but speak of what Christ had done for them! Neither of them were super evangelists like the apostle Paul or Billy Graham. They simply had a story to share. Their lives were a mess, but Christ stepped in, made things right and so the next natural thing to do was to tell others about it. Absolutely no shame!

Perhaps not all of us have such dramatic encounters, but we certainly have our own pain and struggles. Just like these Bible characters, our lives needed hope and restoration that only Christ can bring. And how can we who have tasted God’s goodness not tell others? How can we not do unto others what Jesus has done for us?

My eldest brother brought me to church and I came to know Christ when I was 7 years old. There were no dramatic turning points and I used to think that my experiences were too plain and ordinary. Can the Lord possibly use me? As I pondered, the Holy Spirit reminded me that the One who calms the raging storms is also the same Lord who used five loaves, two fishes and a little boy to feed five thousand. It is not about me. It is all about what He can do. 

So, I said, “Yes Lord, use me in any way for Your glory.” With that yes, I answered the Lord’s call for missions and in His amazing way, God led me to PPH in 2005 as a Bible school student intern and three years later, PPH sent me in partnership with WEC International to the mission field in 2008. And since then, it has been a continuous journey of allowing God to show me His heart for those who are lost. 

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, what has God done for you? What is He continuing to do in your life? Like Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman and the demon-possessed man from Gerasene, would you consider reflecting on what God has done and is still doing, so that you also can share what He has done for you? In doing so, you not only reveal your restoration to God, but at the same time, God can use you to bring about reconciliation to your listeners as well. For such is our privilege: We have been reconciled in order that we may reconcile.

Pray: Lord, give me Your heart and help me to see those around me as You see them. Show me the opportunities and help me to be bold yet gentle for the gospel. Enable me to be wise in my speech and Godly in my actions so that others can see Jesus in me.

Prayer Pointers

  • Our eyes will be open to see, our ears open to hear, and our legs and hands ready to act.
  • Many more souls be reached in the places where our workers are placed, and that these lives be built and be discipled to maturity. Our joy is to see Christ in each soul – the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
  • The Lord will encourage our missionaries and refresh them in all their endeavours. 

一切都是出于神；他藉着基督使我们与他和好，又将劝人与他和好的职分赐给我们。

‪哥林多后书‬5:18

已经和好，并使人和好

作者: 郑佩芬传道 – 宣教

一个被他自己的同胞所憎恨。另一个如此羞愧，以致她不想被看见。还有一个，他受尽折磨，不得不被捆锁起来。他们在遇见主耶稣之前所过的生活是这样的：撒该，被憎恨的税吏；井边匿名的撒玛利亚妇人和格拉森那被鬼附身的人。

他们都有一个共同点。他们与耶稣的相遇，改变了他们的生命，以至于他们禁不住要诉说基督为他们所做的一切！他们都不是像使徒保罗或葛培理那样的超级布道家。他们只是有故事要分享。他们的生活一团糟，但基督介入将一切导正，所以接着自然要做的就是告诉别人他们的故事。丝毫不感到羞耻！

并非所有人都有如此戏剧性的遭遇，但我们肯定有自己的痛苦和挣扎。就像这些圣经人物一样，我们的生命需要只有基督才能带来的希望和修复。而我们这些尝过神的美善的人，怎能不告诉他人呢？耶稣为我们所做的，我们又怎能不如此做在他人身上呢？

我的大哥带我去教堂，我在 7 岁时认识了基督。没有戏剧性的转折点，我曾经认为我的经历太平淡和普通。主有可能使用我吗？当我深思时，圣灵提醒我，平息风浪的那一位，也是用五饼二鱼和一个小男孩喂饱五千人的主。这并非关于我自己。一切乃在于祂能。

因此，我说，“是的，主啊，为了祢的荣耀，请以任何方式使用我。” 以那一声是的，我回应了主对宣教的呼召，主以祂奇妙的方式，在 2005 年带领我这位神学生来到 PPH 实习，三年之后，PPH与环球福音会（WEC International）合作，于 2008 年差派我到宣教禾场。自此之后，这是一个持续的旅程，顺服上帝使祂向我显明祂对那些失丧者的心意。

所以，主内弟兄姊妹，神为你做了什么？祂持续在你的生命中做了什么？像撒该、撒玛利亚妇人和格拉森被鬼附身的人一样，你是否会考量反思神已经做过和仍在做的事，以便你也可以分享祂为你所做的？这样去做，不仅显出你与神的和好修复，与此同时，神也可以使用你为听者带来和好。这是我们的特殊荣幸：我们已经和好了，以致我们可以使人和好。

祷告：主啊，把祢的心赐给我，帮助我看到周围的人，如祢看到他们一样。让我看到机会，帮助我为福音勇敢而温柔。赐我智慧的言语，敬虔的行为，以便他人可以在我身上看到耶稣。

祷告事项

  • 开启我们的眼睛去看见，打开我们的耳朵去倾听，使我们的手脚准备好行动。
  • 在我们的同工所被安置之处，可以接触到更多的灵魂，并且这些生命被建造并培训以至成熟。我们的喜乐是在每个灵魂中看到基督 – 荣耀的盼望（歌罗西书‬1:27）。
  • 主将鼓励我们的宣教士，让他们在各自的竭尽全力中得更新滋润。

Day 9 | 27 July

and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:24-25

A Home Away From Home

By Yeoh Chwen Hwe – Foreign Worker Fellowship

Have you ever been away from home for long periods of time? Have you ever experienced homesickness? What did you miss most? For most Singaporeans, it is usually a food or a dish. That is why we have the term “comfort food”. In the movie “Ratatouille”, the food critic was brought back to his childhood days after smelling and tasting the dish his mother had cooked specially for him.

We have in our midst Filipinas, Indonesians and Myanmar domestic helpers who have been in Singapore from a few months to many years. How do they cope with homesickness? Some are single moms who worry for the children they leave behind under the care of others. 

My husband and I realized we can open our home to be hospitable to these ladies. Since the Covid restrictions, we have had at least five ladies come to our home once a month for worship and fellowship. After online church service, they cook or potluck their favorite dishes and we join them for a simple meal together. I am beginning to see how eating together engages the senses of smell, vision, taste and touch. I also understand “comfort food” better when I see them eat their familiar dishes. 

After the dishes are cleared away, we play some card games. When they are comfortable and relaxed, that’s when they joke, say silly things and tease one another. Also, during the games, some are very competitive, some quite innocent of the schemes of others, but all having a good time. I would say it is a true Sabbath for them. 

I used to wonder why the holy communion is such an important event in the life of the church? Just like the Israelites, it is easy to forget the goodness of God very quickly. The holy communion, when we assemble together and God engages our senses of sight and taste, to eat bread and drink the fruit of the vine, is also a time for believers to come together to worship, remember the death of Christ, be grateful for his sacrifice, and to pray for His second coming. 

As hosts in our own country, let us be hospitable to foreigners in our midst. Let us welcome them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us invite them to join in the feast that Jesus invites all who follow him.

Prayer Pointers

  • For newly arrived women to adjust well in their foreign environments. 
  • For peace in their hearts, safety and good health for the family they leave behind. 
  • For salvation during their time in Singapore.
  • For their spiritual growth, and that they may glorify God wherever they are.

祝谢了，就擘开，说：“这是我的身体，为你们舍（“舍”有古卷作“擘开”）的，你们应当如此行，为的是记念我。”饭后，也照样拿起杯来，说：“这杯是用我的血所立的新约，你们每逢喝的时候，要如此行，为的是记念我。”

‪哥林多前书‬11:24-25

异乡的家

作者: 周淳慧 – 外籍劳工团契

您是否曾长时间离家？你有过乡愁吗？你最想念什么？对于大多数新加坡人来说，想念得最多的通常是一种食物或一道菜。这就是为什么我们有“家的味道”这个词。在电影《料理鼠王》中，这位美食评论家在闻到并品尝了他母亲专门为他烹制的菜肴后，记忆马上回到童年时代。

我们中间来自菲律宾、印度尼西亚和缅甸的女佣姐妹，她们在新加坡有的工作了几个月，有的待了很多年。她们如何应对乡愁？有些甚至是单身妈妈，她们担心的是自己必须托付给别人照顾的孩子。

我丈夫和我意识到我们可以开放我们的家来照顾这些姐妹。自从疫情管控，我们每月至少有五位姐妹来我们家做礼拜和团契。线上主日结束后，她们会烹饪家乡的味道，准备她们最喜欢的菜肴，我们和她们一起吃饭。我渐渐看到一起吃饭是如何的带动嗅觉、视觉、味觉和触觉。当我看到她们享用着熟悉的菜肴时，我也更体会到了什么是家的味道。

收拾完盘子后，我们会一起玩一些纸牌游戏。当她们感受到舒适和放松时，她们自然地开起了玩笑、互相嬉闹。在游戏中，她们也放松地展示自己最自然地一面，有些认真地要赢得比赛，有些非常天真不懂得任何的算计，但大家都玩得很开心。我觉得这对她们来说是真正的安息日。

我曾经在想为什么圣餐是教会聚会中如此重要的一部分？就像以色列人一样，我们很容易忘记上帝的良善。当我们聚集在一起用圣餐的时候，上帝就开启了我们的视觉和味觉。吃饼和杯的时候，就是信徒们聚集在一起敬拜、纪念基督的死、并为他的再次降临祷告。

我们在新加坡作为东道主，让我们开放家庭，用爱来接纳身处异乡的外国人，让我们欢迎这些在基督里的兄弟姐妹，让我们邀请他们一同参加主耶稣邀请所有跟随他的人的盛宴。

祷告事项

  • 为新来新加坡的姐妹祷告，求主带领她们很好地适应异国环境。
  • 求神赐给她们平安，也赐给远在家乡的家人平安和健康。
  • 为她们在新加坡期间的救恩祷告。为她们的属灵成长祷告，愿她们无论身在何处都能荣耀神。

Day 8 | 26 July

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Luke 10:27

Who is the Neighbour? The One Who Showed Him Mercy.

By Lee Chee Yeng – Community Services Centre (CSC)

Read: Luke 10:25-37

We often view this merciful Samaritan as an exceptional model, impossible to follow. Yet Jesus tells his followers, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

Ordinary ways of showing mercy to hurting people follow the Good Samaritan pattern. First, seeing (and discerning) the vital need of the person. Not just looking and then “passing by the other side” because we are busy or leaving the “problem” to other passers-by. 

Secondly, feeling compassion for the person needing help. The Samaritan’s heart compels him to stop. His conscience prompts him to respond. 

Thirdly, taking practical action. It would take our time. Disrupt our schedule. Touch our pockets sometimes.

Let us draw near and get involved with people who are poor and needy. Ask your friend for support. Who is your innkeeper, your partner in serving others?

Mother Teresa reminds us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Look out for those who are “Jesus-in-distress,” disguised as strangers on the path of life. Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

Through the Community Services Centre (CSC), our church has been serving the residents of Teban and Pandan Gardens for 20 years. They have been blessed through numerous acts of love. Some of us may recall these three stories:

  1. A sister befriended Mdm L, a divorcee looking after two unemployed, schizophrenic sons. In despair, Mdm L wanted to commit suicide. She was dissuaded and counselled. After some months, she accepted Jesus and was baptised at PPH.
  2. CSC helped a troubled three-generation family in various ways. 
    • M, the grandmother, has received emotional and spiritual support. CSC also facilitated the renovation of her flat, which was funded by a generous donor. 
    • D, M’s wayward son, has turned for the better. He now serves as an usher on Sunday mornings at PPH. 
    • Both M. and D. have received Christ and were baptised in PPH.
    • B, M’s grandson, was given counselling support; he joined CSC’s tuition programme, without having to pay any fees. 
    • A, M’s granddaughter, has received help in managing her medical issues. 
  3. An elderly gentleman, Mr T, used to endure backbreaking tasks in caring for his adult son (now deceased), who had been incapacitated with cerebral palsy since he was young. CSC arranged for his flat’s renovation, and also got them an adjustable hospital bed and a bed commode. Mr and Mrs T now receive groceries on a bi-monthly basis and join CSC programmes regularly.

We can do more at Teban Gardens. Help could be given to young families at newer flats. We should befriend lonely seniors and rebuild relationships disrupted by COVID. To serve well, CSC is looking for additional staff and volunteers.

Prayer Pointers

  • Thank the Lord for CSC staff members, friends, and relationships in Teban Gardens as well as His blessings and provision.
  • Opportunities and discernment to serve more residents. 
  • More staff and volunteers.

他回答说：“你要尽心、尽性、尽力、尽意爱主你的神；又要爱邻舍如同自己。”

‪路加福音‬10:27

谁是邻舍？是那怜悯他的

作者: 李志营 – 社区关怀中心

阅读: ‪‪‪路加福音‬10:25-37

我们经常将这个好撒玛利亚人视为杰出的榜样，觉得很难效仿。然而，耶稣告诉他的门徒们说：“你去照样行吧。” （路加福音‬10:37）

对受伤的人表示怜悯的一般方式是遵循好撒玛利亚人的模式。首先，看到（并辨别）这个人的重要需求。不是因为我们忙就只是旁观然后“从另一边经过”，或将“问题”留给其他人。

其次，对需要帮助的人感到同情。撒玛利亚人的心迫使他停下来，他的良心促使他做出回应。

最后是采取实际行动。这需要我们付上时间，打乱我们的日程，有时可能也需要付出金钱。

让我们亲近并接触那些贫困和有需要的人。为他们向你的朋友寻求帮助，谁又是你的旅店老板，是你服事他人时的伙伴？

特蕾莎修女提醒我们：“并非所有人都能做出伟大的事，但我们可以用大爱做小事。”留意那些在人生道路上伪装成陌生人的“遇险耶稣”。‪“因为我饿了，你们给我吃，渴了，你们给我喝；我作客旅，你们留我住；我赤身露体，你们给我穿；我病了，你们看顾我；我在监里，你们来看我。”（马太福音‬25:35-36）

我们的教会通过社区关怀中心 (CSC) 服事德曼花园和班丹花园的居民已经20 年，他们因无数爱的行动而被祝福。我们中的一些人可能还记得这三个故事：

  1. 一位姐妹关爱的L女士, 她离异并照顾两个失业的、患有精神分裂症的儿子。绝望中，L女士想自杀，最终她被劝阻和开解。几个月后，她接受了耶稣，并在 PPH受洗
  2. CSC 以多种方式帮助一个陷入困境的三代家庭。
    • 祖母 M 得到了情感和精神上的支持。 CSC 还协助翻新了她的公寓，该公寓由一位慷慨的捐助者资助。
    • M任性的儿子D变好了。他现在在 PPH 担任主日早上的招待员。
    • M和 D 都接受了基督并在 PPH 受洗。
    • M 的孙子 B 获得辅导支持；他加入了 CSC 的辅导课程，无需支付任何费用。
    • M 的孙女 A 在处理就医方面得到了帮助。
  3. 年迈的T先生，为了照顾从小就患有脑瘫的成年儿子（现已去世），曾经承担着繁重的工作。 CSC 为他的公寓安排了翻新，还为他们准备了一张可调节的病床和一个床头柜。现在，T 先生和 T 夫人每两个月领取免费杂货，并定期参加 CSC的各项活动。

我们可以在德曼花园做更多的事情。我们可以向新祖屋区的年轻家庭提供帮助。我们应该与孤独的老年人交朋友，重建被疫情破坏的关系。为了更好地服事居民，CSC 正在寻找更多的全职同工和志愿者。

祷告事项

  • 为关怀中心的员工、朋友、在德曼花园的美好关系感谢主，也感谢主的祝福和供应
  • 主赐机会和更敏锐的洞察力来服事更多居民
  • 更多的员工和志愿者加入

Day 7 | 25 July

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

Assemble to Encourage

By Pastor Kevin Lim – Care Groups

Read: Hebrews 10:19-25

Our Lord Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all so that we could be restored to relationship and fellowship with God. In light of this, we are told to:

  1. Draw near to God (v. 22) 
  2. Hold fast to our hope without wavering (v. 23)
  3. Pursue the community of God (v. 24-25)

The community of God is one of His great blessings to help us stay near Him and hold fast to our hope. In v. 24-25, we are instructed to:

  • Consider and exhort one another
    If we each come together with an attitude of thinking about others, encouraging others, our group meetings and we ourselves will be so much more blessed.
  • Not forsake assembling together 
    There can be a tendency sometimes for us to give up meeting together–when it conflicts with other life commitments or when we are faced with life’s challenges. Does it take much for you to forsake meeting together? The Hebrew Christians were facing persecution and discouragement. Yet the injunction was not to avoid community as this was the time that they needed it most. 

Here are testimonies from some Care Group (CG) members:

“My life has drastically been changed for the better…. We study the Bible together, discuss how it applies to our life and pray for one another. The Christian life is hard to live on your own. It is much easier when you have good friends living life with you.”

“CG has been a place to have discussions and a place to be vulnerable. If it wasn’t for the gathering of like-minded people, I know I wouldn’t have grown closer to God.” 

“… my CG members are always there to care for, encourage and support me. From their love, I feel the love of God. And from their living examples, I learn discipleship.”

Join a CG to bless and be blessed!

Prayer Pointers

  • For yourself–that you will not give up meeting with God’s people (whether or not you are in a CG) at the slightest distraction or even the toughest discouragement.
  • That in our meetings, we will be an encouragement to one another–to draw near to God, to hold unswervingly to our hope, and to spur one another to love and good works.
  • For more CG leaders to be raised so that more people can meet regularly together to journey as disciples and make disciples.

你们不可停止聚会，好像那些停止惯了的人，倒要彼此劝勉，既知道（原文作“看见”）那日子临近，就更当如此。

‪希伯来书‬10:25

聚会并彼此鼓励

作者: 林启文长老 – 关怀小组

阅读: ‪‪希伯来书‬10:19-25

我们的主耶稣献上了他自己，为我们成就了一次而永远的完美的赎罪祭，使得我们可以恢复与神的关系。在这光照中，神告诉我们要:

  1. 来到神面前 (22节)
  2. 坚守所承认的指望，不至摇动 (23节)
  3. 追求神里面的聚会 (24-25节)

神里的团聚是神给我们的大大的祝福，帮助我们亲近他，持守我们的盼望。在24-25节中，神教导我们要：

  • 彼此劝勉
    如果我们以互相关怀，鼓励的态度一起聚会的时候，我们的小组和我们自己都将被大大地祝福
  • 不要停止聚会
    有些时候我们可能倾向于放弃聚会 – 当聚会与生活中其它责任冲突时或我们面对生活的挑战时。我们为聚会需要付上多少代价？当时的犹太基督徒曾面对的是迫害和灰心，然而这命令并不是要他们免去聚会，因为这正是他们最需要聚会的时候。

以下是一些关怀小组 (CG) 组员的见证：

“我的生活发生了翻天覆地的变化…我们一起学习圣经，讨论如何应用在我们的生活，并彼此代祷。 基督徒的生活靠自己一个人将会很难过。 而当你有好朋友们一起度过时，则会容易得多。”

“CG一直是一个有很多讨论的地方，也有很多的脆弱。 如果不是这些意念相像的人在一起的相聚，我知道我不会变得更亲近上帝。”

“……我的 CG 成员总是在关心、鼓励和支持我。 从他们关爱中我感受到了上帝的爱。 从他们生命见证中，我学会如何做主的门徒。”

加入CG来祝福他人，也领受祝福！

祷告事项

  • 为自己祷告 – 即使在任何小小的分心或极大的灰心失望里，让我们自己不要停止在神家里的聚会 (无论你是否在小组中)。
  • 在聚会中我们可以成为彼此的鼓励 – 亲近神，坚守不至摇动的指望，彼此激发爱心，勉励行善
  • 有更多的小组长成长起来，让更多人可以固定地聚会，门徒们一同行走天路，并带领人来做主的门徒。

Day 6 | 24 July

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

1 John 4:12

How God’s Love is Perfected in You

By Rebecca Yeo – Woman to Woman

Read: 1 John 2:5, 1 John 4:12

The love of God is perfected in us when we keep His word.

The love of God is perfected in us if we love one another.

What is “perfected”? Is this saying that God’s love is not perfect and it has to be made perfect? The Greek word for “perfected” is “teleioo”, and it means “to complete”, i.e. to add what is yet lacking in order to render a thing full. It is the same word used in James 2:22, that by works, faith was perfected; and in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

What 1 John shows is not that God’s love is lacking. His love lacks nothing. Instead, what I learnt from the verses is that the love that I received and experienced from God should result in:

  • Keeping His word, and 
  • Loving one another

If we, as a people of God, do not keep His word and love one another, His love in us has not yet been perfected. It is incomplete and it is not supposed to be that way.

We know God is love. Many of those around us have not seen God; how are they to see and know that God is love? Through us, His people! Jesus said the same thing–love one another, by this, all men will know you are my disciples (John 13:35).

I recall that my dad was moved when the church showed love to my grandma who came to Christ when she was hospitalized. The church fully supported the funeral arrangements and wake services. My dad said he saw the love of these brothers and sisters, and decided to go to church to know this God. My dad became a Christian and was baptized some years later. How marvelous is that?

Prayer Pointers

  • How would it look like if the love of God is perfected in you and I at our workplaces, in our families, and in church? May we allow God to accomplish and complete what His love is supposed to do, both individually and as a collective church body.
  • That the world would see Him through us.

从来没有人见过神，我们若彼此相爱，神就住在我们里面，爱他的心在我们里面得以完全了。

‪约翰一书‬4:12

神的爱如何在你里面“完美”

作者: 杨慧霞 – 姐妹事工

阅读: ‪‪约翰一书‬2:5，‪约翰一书‬4:12

我们若遵守主的道，神的爱就在我们里面得以完全

我们若彼此相爱，神的爱就在我们里面得以完全

什么是”完美”？难道是说神的爱并不完美，需要成为完美吗？希腊文中的“完美”是“teleioo”，它的意思是完全，即添加尚未完成的东西以使事物变得完整。雅各书‬2:22 中使用的同一个词，信心因着行为，得以成全。在哥林多后书‬12:9 说道，他的能力在人的软弱上显得完全。

约翰一书要表明的并不是上帝的爱不足，他的爱没有任何欠缺。而我从这段经文中学到的是，我从上帝那里得到和经历的爱所带来的应该是：

  • 遵守他的道
  • 彼此相爱

我们作为神的子民，如果不遵守他的道并彼此相爱，那么他的爱在我们里面还没有完全。它是不完整的，也不应该是那样。

我们知道神就是爱。我们周围的大多数人没有见过神；他们怎么看到和知道上帝就是爱？透过我们，他的子民！耶稣说了同样的话——你们若有彼此相爱的心，众人因此就认出你们是我的门徒了。（约翰福音‬13:35）

我回想起当初祖母在住院期间归信基督，而教会对祖母的关爱令我的父亲深受感动。教会全力协助葬礼安排和安葬礼拜。我父亲说他看到这些兄弟姐妹的爱，决定去教会认识这位神。我父亲成了一名基督徒，若干年后受洗。这是何等的奇妙！

祷告事项

  • 如果上帝的爱在你我里面得以完全，在我们的工作场所、我们的家庭和教会中得以完全，那将会是什么样子？
  • 愿我们顺服，让神在我们个人和整个教会完成他的爱所本应成就的，让世界透过我们可以看见神。

Day 5 | 23 July

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:31-32

God’s Gift of Grace

By Teo Shu May – Woman to Woman

“What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing, “All is mine”
Yet not I, but through Christ in me”
From “Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me” by CityAlight

What I am most grateful for is how the PPH family and my parents planted the seeds of faith in my heart since I was a child. I recall how I was exposed to the Gospel from my time in PPH Kindergarten and Sunday School, and the faithful Sunday School teachers who taught me about who Jesus is and God’s incredible love for me. Over the years, these seeds have grown and blossomed, and I give thanks for the joy of knowing Jesus from a tender age and seeing His transforming work in my life.

Romans 8:31-32 reads, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” 

How amazing that God, who had every right to punish us, chose instead to give His Son and redeem us from our sins! Indeed, ‘there is no more for heaven now to give’. My prayer for PPH as we step into the next 40 years is that we will continue to hold fast to Jesus and bind our lives wholly to Him. As we serve each other and the community around us, may we always remember that it’s not by our own effort, but ‘through Christ in us.’ God has been and always will be faithful. To Him be all glory!

Prayer Pointers

  • That we will continue to plant seeds of faith in the lives of the next generation
  • That Jesus will continue to be lifted high and glorified through all our church programmes
  • For men and women to devote themselves sacrificially to serving God, whether locally or overseas

既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不爱惜自己的儿子，为我们众人舍了，岂不也把万物和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？

‪罗马书‬8:31-32

上帝恩典的礼物

作者: 张淑媚 – 姐妹事工

“如此恩典的礼物 耶稣我的救赎主
在天上我还有何所求
他是我的喜乐，我的公义和自由
我不变的所爱，我深沉无际的平安
我坚定 唯有耶稣 我的盼望
因我的生命完全连于他
哦如此奇妙又神圣，我可以唱“一切都是我的”
然而不是我，乃是基督在我里面活”
选自“不是我，乃是基督在我里面活”（CityAlight）

PPH家人和我的父母在我小时候就在我心中播下了信仰的种子，这是我最感恩的事。我回忆自己是如何在PPH幼稚园和主日学接触到福音，以及负责的主日学老师们教我耶稣是谁，还有上帝对我难以置信的爱。那些年里，这种子成长开花，因为小时候就认识耶稣，并看到他在我生命中的作为而充满喜乐，我为此感恩。

羅馬書8:31-32说:“既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不爱惜自己的儿子，为我们众人舍了，岂不也把万物和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？”

神本有一切权柄可以惩罚我们，他却选择将独生爱子赐给我们，把我们从罪中救赎出来，这是多么令人奇异的事啊! 事实上，我们真的“在天上还有何所求”呢？当我们步入下一个40年，对PPH我的祷告是，我们可以继续紧紧抓住耶稣，使我们的生命完全与他相连。当我们彼此服事，及服事周围的社区时，让我们永远记住，不是靠我们自己的努力，而是靠“基督在我们里面活着”。神一直是，并且永远是信实的。一切荣耀归给他！

祷告事项

  • 我们将继续在下一代的生命中播下信仰的种子
  • 透过教会的一切事工，耶稣将继续被高举被荣耀
  • 无论在本地或国外，所有人都能将自己分别为圣献给神，来事奉他

Day 4 | 22 July

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

Luke 10:33

See, Stop and Spend

By Pastor Tang Kok Fai – Men’s Network

Read: Luke 10:30-35

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and the Levite looked at the stranger by the road, but they did not really see him. They saw just enough to change their pace and pass by on the other side of the road. They were absorbed in whatever more important religious activities they had in mind, except the practice of compassion.

Compassion starts with seeing, at times behind the people’s masks, but it also requires one to stop. To stop long enough to make a human-to-human connection, to see, to hear, and to empathise. And then to take the action of “spending” or investing in someone’s life–to help, to bless. We leave the “return on investment” to God.

The Good Samaritan bound the wounds of the injured man, spent two days’ wages to house him at a safe inn, and wrote a blank cheque to the innkeeper to underwrite any additional expenses. The injured man was a stranger, but also a neighbour, someone who was near enough to elicit the milk of human kindness.

In our going out and coming in, what do we really see? And if we see, do we stop? And if we stop, do we “spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10)

Prayer Pointers

  • Eyes to really see
  • Compassion to stop and to bless
  • Hearts that will never be self-absorbed nor hardened, but always flowing with the milk of human kindness

惟有一个撒玛利亚人行路来到那里，看见他就动了慈心

‪路加福音‬10:33

看见，停下，付出

作者: 邓国辉牧师 – 弟兄团契

阅读: ‪路加福音‬10:30-35

在好撒玛利亚人的比喻中，祭司和利未人看了一眼被撇弃在路边的陌生人，但是他们没有真正的“看见”他。他们所看见的只是些许减缓了自己的步伐，随后便从路边绕过去。他们过度专注并看见的是他们心目中重要的服事或宗教活动，却始终没有行出真正的怜悯。

怜悯的心是从看见开始的 ， 有时我们需要‘看到’人面具后真实的一面，但这也需要我们停顿下来。我们要停下足够的时间来建立人与人之间的联结，去看，去听，去感同身受。然后采取行动去“付出” ，或是投资在某个人的生命当中，去帮助，去祝福。我们把 “投资的回报” 交托给神。

好撒玛利亚人为伤者包裹伤口，花两天的工资将他安置到一个安全的旅馆，并且签下一张空白支票，承诺旅店老板会支付任何多余的花费。伤者是一个陌生人，却也是我们的邻舍，近到足以去激发出人的怜悯之心。

在我们的日常生活中，我们到底‘看见’了什么？如果我们看到了，我们是否有停下脚步？如果我们有停下，我们有没有做到以赛亚书‬58:10所说的：“向饥饿的人发怜悯，使困苦的人得满足，你的光就必在黑暗中发现；你的幽暗必变如正午。”‪

祷告事项

  • 让我们的眼目能‘真正看见’
  • 有怜悯的心停下脚步，去祝福他人
  • 不以自我为中心，不使我们的心刚硬，而是常常怀有一颗怜悯善良的心

Day 3 | 21 July

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Before They Call, I Will Answer

Anonymous – Men’s Network

What reassurance is His word, though we are used to the idea that God has three answers to our prayers – yes, no and wait. It does not help that God’s time frame is drastically different from ours–a thousand years may be equivalent to a day. So it is often implicit that we are to pray hard and long for our petitions to deserve the attention of God and to badger Him to get what we asked for.

In reality, God sometimes acts even before we finish our prayers!

Read: Genesis 24:12-15

“Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.” (Genesis 24:15)

The account of how Abraham’s servant found a wife for Isaac shows how promptly God took action. No pestering was necessary. God puts events into motion even while we are still praying, though they can be behind the scenes and away from our view.

God may be slow to anger but He is certainly not slow to act for our welfare.

Let us remember what God says – “Before they call I will answer” (Isaiah 65:24).

Prayer Pointers

  • That the men of PPHBC will call on the Lord frequently in prayer, and that their walk with God will be ever strengthened by their personal prayer life.
  • That the Men’s Network can be an impetus for PPHBC men to bond with God and with men.

他们尚未求告，我就应允；正说话的时候，我就垂听。

‪以赛亚书‬65:24

他们尚未求告，我就应允

作者: 匿名 – 弟兄团契

虽然我们习惯认为神对祷告不外乎三个回应: 是，不，或等待，而他的话语总是如此宝贵的确据。诚然，神的时间表与我们自己的是截然不同的——在神眼中千年如一日。因此，我们常常觉得要迫切祷告，期望我们的恳求得到上帝的注意，不断地求直到我们得到自己想要的。

上帝甚至在我们完成祷告完之前就已经行动了！

阅读: ‪创世记‬24:12-15

“话还没有说完，不料，利百加肩头上扛着水瓶出来。”（创世记‬24:15）

亚伯拉罕的仆人如何为以撒找到妻子的讲述表明上帝采取行动是多么地迅速。我们没有必要纠缠，即使我们正在祷告的时候，神已经推动事情向前发展，尽管我们可能看不到这些正在发生的事情。

上帝虽不轻易发怒，但在对我们有益的事上他绝不会等待。

让我们记住上帝的话……“他们尚未求告，我就应允”（以赛亚书‬65:24）

祷告事项

  • PPH的弟兄姐妹可以常倚靠主，向主祷告，他们与神同行的路因着个人的祷告生活更加被坚固
  • 弟兄团契可以推动PPH教会弟兄与神与人的联结

Day 2 | 20 July

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Cultivating Our New Selves

By Julia Kwek – Woman to Woman

Learning about my faith often gives me two opposing feelings, that of grief and of joy. Grief at how susceptible I am to sin and how damaged our world is. Yet, joy knowing that I am redeemed and loved by God. At times, I find myself holding on to that grief, and even questioning how I could be a child of God if I still have that sinful self inside of me. There were times when I held on to my old self instead of letting the new self take over my life. Eric Johnson, a professor in Christian Psychology talked about how the old and the new self come with their own desires, emotions, beliefs and ways of relating. I know I want to be that new creation in Christ.

When we were redeemed, a seed of new life was sown in us; this seed requires embracing and intentional cultivation! Timothy Keller’s book, “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness”, spoke about how a truly gospel-humble person is not a self-hating person or self-loving person, but a self-forgetful person. Let us stop holding on to our identity that is connected to sin, but embrace more tightly our redeemed selves, in enjoyment, love and worship as we remember the beauty of who our God is. 

Prayer Pointers

  • Take time to reflect if you have truly been embracing the new self that you have in Christ or are being weighed down by sin. 
  • Give thanks to God that sin no longer has its hold on us and we now have the freedom to embrace our new lives in Christ with joy 

若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，都变成新的了。

‪哥林多后书‬5:17

塑造新的自己

作者: 郭美吟 – 姐妹事工

了解自己的信仰，常常使我产生两种相反的感觉，一种是悲伤，一种是喜悦。我为我是多么容易受到罪的影响而悲伤，为我们的世界是多么破碎而悲伤。然而，我又很高兴知道我被上帝救赎，被上帝疼爱。有时，我发现自己一直沉浸在悲痛之中，甚至质疑自己，如果我内心仍然被那个充满罪恶的自我占据，我怎么可能成为上帝的孩子。一段时间，我一直纠缠于过去的自己，而不是让新的自己掌管我的生活。基督教心理学教授埃里克·约翰逊(Eric Johnson)谈到了新旧自我是如何带着各自的欲望、情感、信仰和联系方式而来的。我知道我想要成为那个在基督里新造的人。

我们蒙救赎的时候，新生命的种子已经在我们心里，这颗种子需要特别有意识的培育。提摩太·凯勒(Timothy Keller)的书《自我遗忘的自由》(The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness)讲述了一个真正谦卑的人不是一个自怨或自恋的人，而是一个自我遗忘的人。让我们不再纠缠于自己与罪相连的旧我身份，而是在愉悦、爱和敬拜当中紧紧拥抱已经得蒙救赎的新的自己，时刻记得我们的神是如何美善。

祷告事项

  • 花点时间反思，你是否已真正拥抱在基督里的新的自己，还是正被罪压得喘不过气来。
  • 感谢上帝，罪已不再能辖制我们，我们现在可以自由地，喜乐地拥抱在基督里的新生命。

Day 1 | 19 July

He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Luke 24:46-47

Staying on the Mission

By Helena Huey – Woman to Woman

Read: Luke 24:44-48

Jesus’ utmost priority was to proclaim his death, resurrection and the forgiveness of sins for the humbly repentant. Similarly, this formed the crux and the core of the early church. This proclamation, fuelled by the Holy Spirit, was mandated to reach the nations (Acts 1:8). These would be unsurprisingly familiar to us, but hopefully not in the manner of contemptuous familiarity. The age-old message of repentance and forgiveness remains the one thing we must preach in our sermons, in our Bible studies and in our outreach. Just as the model of the early church in Acts has demonstrated; the mission of the church. whether global or local, remains to preach, proclaim and speak the key message concerning Jesus’ death, resurrection, and his blood-bought forgiveness for repentant sinners. 

How easily are we tempted by the felt needs and contemporary issues of the world today, that we neglect preaching the gospel to the world – in word, as well as, in deed! Personally, it has been easy to sweep the mandate of proclaiming the saving gospel under the rug of Christian service and the humdrum of life. Yet, I have been repeatedly reminded that we are all walking immortals, only differing in our path at the diverging fork, one which leads to eternal life,the other to eternal suffering. And precisely because there is “no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), the gospel of salvation has to be proclaimed, despite the feelings of fear, incompetence and sometimes even slothfulness, that we may have. 

PPHBC has been privileged to be recipients of the saving gospel of our good King Jesus, and then to have been able to do the work of the Lord, which is the work of proclaiming the gospel,as a church, to sinners over the past 40 years! Though the world’s work is often frustrating and fleeting, how exciting that gospel-work bears fruit for eternity! And the time is now. There is no more waiting for the ‘right’ moment, for the Lord declares the harvest ready (John 4:35). In the next 40 years, let us relentlessly and faithfully stay on the mission of preaching the gospel that our Lord died to give us, even as the world grows increasingly hostile to it.

Prayer Pointers

  • Boldness, amongst the women in PPH, to use every opportunity to hold out the truth of the gospel to the non-believers around us. 
  • Mutual edification amongst the church community, that will encourage one another to be steadfast in their proclamation of Jesus, even in the midst of persecution and fear.
  • Deeper conviction of the need for the preaching of the gospel, that leads to fruit.
  • The community of believers at PPH to be laser-focused, not distracted by the demands of life, but growing in intentionality to engage and preach the gospel to others in the workplace, at home, and even amongst strangers.

又对他们说：“照经上所写的，基督必受害，第三日从死里复活，并且人要奉他的名传悔改、赦罪的道，从耶路撒冷起直传到万邦。”

‪路加福音‬24:46-47

坚持大使命

作者: 许莉萱 – 姐妹事工

阅读: ‪路加福音24:44-48

耶稣最首要的工作是向谦卑悔改的人宣告他的死、复活以及罪得赦免。同样，向世人宣告这见证也成了早期教会的挑战和核心任务。而在圣灵的推动之下，这宣告要被传扬，直到地极（使徒行传 1:8）。这对我们来说是再熟悉不过了，并不奇怪，但希望我们不要过于熟悉以致于轻忽。悔改和宽恕的老旧信息仍然是我们在讲道、查经和外展活动中必须宣讲的。正如使徒行传中早期教会所做出的榜样；教会的大使命。无论在全世界还是本地，关于耶稣受死、复活以及他宝血使罪人悔改得蒙救赎的关键信息，仍要被不断宣讲，宣告和提及。

我们太容易被今天世界的各种需要和时代的问题所诱惑，以至于忽视了传福音的大使命——在口头上，还有行动上！就个人而言，在基督徒的崇拜和单调的生活表象之下，可能很容易已将传扬救恩福音的大使命扔到一旁了。然而，我一再地被提醒，我们行走在这世上，必死的总要变成不死的，区别只是我们道路上那个岔路口，一条通往永生，另一条则通往永恒的苦难。正因为“在天下人间，没有赐下别的名，我们可以靠着得救。”（使徒行传‬4:12），尽管我们可能会感到惧怕、无法胜任，有时甚至懈怠，但救恩的福音必要被宣扬。

PPHBC有幸从救主耶稣基督承受了救赎的福音，使得我们可以在过去 40 年里为主做工，即作为一个教会向罪人传福音！世上的工作常常令人沮丧，转瞬即逝，而福音工作所结出永生的果子是多么地令人兴奋！现在就是时候了，再没有所谓的等待“正确”的时刻，因为主说庄稼已经熟了（约翰福音‬4:35）。即使世界越来越充满敌意，让我们在接下来的 40 年里坚持不懈，忠于传福音的大使命，这是主为我们牺牲生命而赐下的。

祷告事项

  • PPH 姐妹们能刚强壮胆，勇敢利用每一个机会向我们周围的非信徒宣扬福音的真理。
  • 教会肢体之间互相造就，即使在逼迫和恐惧中依旧能彼此鼓励，坚定传扬耶稣的名。
  • 对传福音的必要性有更深的认识，并结出果子。
  • PPH 的弟兄姐妹能够完全专注，不会被生活的需要分心，而是有意识地在工作场所、家庭甚至陌生人当中传扬福音。

Come back on 19th July!

See today’s devotional