The Inner Voice

 June 1, 2020 (Monday)
Outdo One Another in Showing Respect 

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour.” 

– Romans 12:9-10

Memory Verse: “Outdo one another in showing honour.” (Romans 12:10)

Love and respect go together. Let us not wait for others to show their respect first. Let us outdo one another in showing respect. Love makes us strong. Weak people are rude but strong people are respectful.

Lord, help me to live showing respect to everyone. Amen.

June 2, 2020 (Tuesday)
In the Morning 

“The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due to you. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

– Psalm 90:10-14 

Memory Verse: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14)

The days of our life pass by quickly. They are soon gone and we fly away. Even in short time of life, we see a lot of toil and trouble. We are just thankful because in the morning, God satisfies us with his steadfast love. As we experience this every morning, we will rejoice and be glad all our days.

Lord, thank you for satisfying me with your steadfast love every morning. Amen. 

June 3, 2020 (Wednesday)
Look To the Lord Our God 

“To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.”

– Psalm 123:1-4 

Memory Verse: “Our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.” (Psalm 123:2)

Let us fix our eyes on the Lord our God. He will grant us justice. God will have mercy on the weak and the powerless. He will listen to their outcries. When the powerful practices injustice, we look to the Lord our God. God will strike those powerful ones who do injustice and he will establish his righteousness.

Lord, I look to you and wait for you. May your justice be done in this land. Amen. 

June 4, 2020 (Thursday)
Our Neighbours

“One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.”

– Mark 12:28-31 

Memory Verse: “Which commandment is the first of all?” (Mark 12:28)

Our neighbors are not those who are of the same skin color. They are not our blood families. Neighbors are those who need our help. That was what Jesus showed in the story of a good Samaritan. We are all neighbors because we all need each other. As we share our needs with each other, we all become neighbors and become one. That is what loving your neighbors looks like. That is what people who love God do.

Lord, help me to clearly see who my neighbors are. Amen.

June 5, 2020 (Friday)
God’s Word

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”

– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Memory Verse: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

It is a great blessing to have the Word of God. His word guides us to the right path. God’s thoughts and his will are in his word. We cannot see God but we can know God’s thoughts and will through his word. Through his word, we know that God exists.

Lord, help me to encounter you when I read your word. Amen. 

 June 6, 2020 (Saturday)
Offering

“He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

– Mark 12:41-44 

Memory Verse: “For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44)

When we give ourselves to God, we should give our everything. We give to God out of joy and out of gratitude, not out of obligation. The desire to offer ourselves to God is beautiful. It comes from our love for God. Our offering is the expression of our love for God.

Lord, I give my all to you. Amen. 

June 7, 2020 (Sunday)
Bless Each Other

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

– 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 

Memory Verse: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:13)

Blessing each other is a beautiful thing to do. God calls us to bless each other. While on earth, that is what we need to do; blessing others. God blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. Let us bless each other.

Lord, help me to be a blessing to others. Amen. 

 June 8, 2020 (Monday)
God’s Hand

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.” 

– Psalm 121 

Memory Verse: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.” (Psalm 121)

When we were born, God was there to keep us safe. When we die, God will be there to keep us. God keeps our going out and our coming in from this time on and for evermore. God holds our hands. When we have weak hands and cannot hold unto God any more, God’s strong hand holds us tight. 

Lord, you are my only hope. Amen. 

June 9, 2020 (Tuesday)
The Light of the World

“‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

– Matthew 5:13-16 

Memory Verse: “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

Salt adds taste to our life. Light brightens our heart. Tasteless life is meaningless life. Life without light becomes dark and gloomy. Let us come to the light. When Jesus shines his light upon us, our life will become brighter and we can brighten the world.

Lord, shine on me. Amen. 

June 10, 2020 (Wednesday)
The Path of Life

“‘I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.”

– Psalm 16:8-11

Memory Verse: “You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

God will not give us up to Sheol. God will not let us see the Pit. God will show us the path of life. This gives us joy and pleasure. The real joy comes from knowing that God is with us and leads us to the path of life.

Lord, please guide me to the path of life. Amen. 

June 11, 2020 (Thursday)
Hope In God

“O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

– Psalm 43:3-5 

Memory Verse: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” (Psalm 43:5)

Let us hope in God. God will show himself to us and lead us. He will shine upon us with his light and convict us with his truth. Our joy will be restored and we will praise God. God will never disappoint us. 

Lord, I put my hope in you. Amen. 

 June 13, 2020 (Saturday)
Speak From Your Heart

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

– Matthew 5:33-37 

Memory Verse: “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

Our mouth can be deceitful. With our mouth, we manipulate others and hide ourselves. Let us speak from the heart. Let us not speak with exaggeration. Let us humbly speak from our heart with love. God listens to our heart.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. Amen. 

 June 14, 2020 (Sunday)
Thirst

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?”

– Psalm 42:1-2 

Memory Verse: “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)


To meet God, we need to thirst for God. In our spiritual discipline, the most important thing we need to do is to cultivate this thirst in our heart. Hope is not merely waiting. Hope is waiting with the thirst. God will fulfill our hope.


O Lord, my soul thirsts for you. Amen. 

 June 15, 2020 (Monday)
Self-Protection

“‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”

– Matthew 5:38-42 

Memory Verse: “Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42)

If we have too much need of self-protection, it is very difficult to practice love. Love always demands self-sacrifice. That is Jesus’ love. Jesus gave his life to love us. Let us reflect on what it means to live a life of love.

O Lord, thank you for your love. Amen. 

 June 16, 2020 (Tuesday)
The Essence of Love

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

– Matthew 5:38-42 

Memory Verse: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

The essence of love is well captured in the love of our enemies. That is the perfect love. Love has no discrimination. That is God’s love. The true love comes only from God. We have received that kind of love from God and now we are called to love others with God’s perfect love. Be perfect as God is perfect.

O Lord, help me abide more deeply in your love. Amen. 

June 18, 2020 (Thursday)
Forgiveness and Grace

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

– Matthew 6:14-15 

Memory Verse: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

Our forgiveness is deeply connected with God’s forgiveness. We can forgive others as much as we understand God’s forgiveness for our sins. Since God’s grace heals our wounds, we can forgive those who inflict those wounds on us. Let us ask for God’s grace. It will give us the power to forgive others.

O Lord, thank you for your grace that forgives me. Amen.

June 19, 2020 (Friday)
Treasures

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

– Matthew 6:14-15 

Memory Verse: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

We have to ask ourselves what our treasures are. What are the treasures that moth or rust cannot consume and thieves cannot steal? Isn’t it life? God gives us life. As we value our life, our heart will move towards God.

O Lord, thank you for giving me the treasure of life. Amen. 

 June 20, 2020 (Saturday)
What Do We Serve?

“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

– Matthew 6:24-25 

Memory Verse: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)


What do we serve in our heart? Do we serve our life or the one who gives us life? If we serve our life, we will be filled with fear and anxiety. But if we serve God who gives us life, we will find peace. God provides us with all we need. Let us serve God.


O Lord, thank you for giving me the abundant life. Amen.

 June 21, 2020 (Sunday)
What Do We Fear?

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

– Matthew 10:28-31 

Memory Verse: “Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 6:24)


Many people live with fear. Fear binds them and paralyzes them. The way to overcome our fear is not to get rid of fear. It is to know whom we should really fear. The one whom we should fear is God who can destroy both soul and body in hell. However, this God who can destroy our soul and body puts so much value in us and so we have nothing to fear now.


O Lord, thank you for putting so much value in me. Amen.

 June 22, 2020 (Monday)
Eyes That Can See Our Inner Self

 “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.”

– Matthew 7:1-5 

Memory Verse: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)


Our eyes are made to be able to see what’s out there. But with our eyes, we cannot see what’s within us. The eyes that can see what is within us are eyes of humility. When we see our inner self with the eyes of humility, we can see the log within us. Also, we can see God’s grace that is working within us. Then we can be gracious to others.


O Lord, thank you for the grace that forgives my sins. Amen. 

June 23, 2020 (Tuesday)
The Road That Leads To Life

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

– Matthew 7:13-14 

Memory Verse: “The gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:1)


Jesus said that the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road is hard and therefore only few will find it. Everybody wants life but not everyone finds it. Life is given not to those who want it but to those who find it. Jesus will always lead us to the road that leads to life. Let us follow the road even though it is hard.


O Lord, help me not to be afraid of the hardship but to boldly walk on the road that leads to life. Amen. 

June 24, 2020 (Wednesday)
Good Religion

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

– Galatians 3:28 

Memory Verse: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)


Religion makes us feel superior because we feel that God is with us. Religion is dangerous when it makes us feel that we are superior over others. It allows people to be abusive. We are all valuable in God’s eyes regardless of how the world treats us. The good religion upholds the value of all human beings.


O Lord, thank you for making me understand the value of all people. Amen.

 June 25, 2020 (Thursday)
God’s Will

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.”

– Matthew 7:21-23 

Memory Verse: “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)


What is important is not the fact that we worship God but the fact that we know God’s will and live accordingly. Let us not mistake my will as God’s will but humbly seek God’s will in our daily living. The door to the kingdom of heaven will be opened for us.


O Lord, please show me your will. Amen. 

 June 26, 2020 (Friday)
God’s Will

“When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

– Matthew 8:1-4 

Memory Verse: “I do choose. Be made clean!” (Matthew 8:3)


The leper said to Jesus, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He thought nobody wanted him. He thought he was unclean. Not because he was unclean but because the people and the society told him so. Jesus told him that he did choose. It gives us  great strength to know that somebody wants us. Jesus wants us.


O Lord, thank you for your love of wanting me even though I am unclean. Amen. 

June 27, 2020 (Saturday)
The Joy of God’s Salvation

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

– Psalm 51:10-12

Memory Verse: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10)


We don’t know ourselves but God knows us. We have no choice but to be humble when we come before God who knows everything about us. We recognize our own weaknesses. Real joy is possible when God restores the joy of his salvation within us. Let us come before God. He will touch us and restore the joy of his salvation.


O Lord, please do not take your holy Spirit from me. Amen. 

 June 28, 2020 (Sunday)
Caring Heart

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

– Matthew 10:40-42 

Memory Verse: “whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)


Giving a cup of cold water is not a big deal. It doesn’t cost money. It doesn’t require a great sacrifice. But the heart that gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones is a big deal. God is pleased with our caring heart. God appreciates our small actions that come from our caring heart. Let us have the heart of taking care of others and welcoming them.


O Lord, let my life be a sweet fragrance to others. Amen. 

June 29, 2020 (Monday)
Good Fight

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

– 2 Timothy 4:7-8 

Memory Verse: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)


Life is a fight. It is a fight not with others but with ourselves. When we can overcome ourselves, we can overcome the world. Fighting with oneself is the most difficult fight. To do that, we need faith. It is faith that pushes us not to give up when we fail. Because we have faith, we can fight the good fight and finish the race. Let us keep our faith.


O Lord, help me fight the good fight with faith. Amen. 

 June 30, 2020 (Tuesday)
Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’”

– Matthew 8:23-27 

Memory Verse: “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27)


The disciples experienced Jesus and they got to know him more deeply through that experience. Their eyes used to be fixed on their circumstances. But after knowing Jesus, their eyes became fixed on Jesus. They were not afraid anymore. Let us experience Jesus. Let us know Jesus and let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us not fear anymore.


O Lord, help me fixe my eyes on you. Amen. 

 May 1, 2020 (Friday)
In the Name of Jesus

“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” 

– John 14:12-14 

Memory Verse: “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

When we ask, we ask in the name of Jesus. That means we are asking for Jesus’ will to be done. That is the best thing we can ask for. Jesus knows our needs and will grant us what we ask for. Jesus will also grant what we ask in his name for this world. Let us pray in Jesus’ name.

Lord, may your will be done. Amen. 

May 2, 2020 (Saturday)
Anxiety

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help 6and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.”

Psalm 42:5-6  

Memory Verse: “Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God.” (Psalm 42:5)

It is a natural human reaction to be cast down when we experience life’s crises. As our body hurts when harm is done to it, our heart worries when it sees crises. But it is not good to leave our anxiety to take control of us. When worries and anxiety start taking over our soul, we should command our soul to hope in God. 

Lord, please take control of my thoughts. Amen.

 May 3, 2020 (Sunday)
The Shepherd

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”

– John 10:10-12  

Memory Verse: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

We should be very thankful for the shepherd. The shepherd leads us and without the shepherd, we will be lost. The shepherd leads us to life, an abundant life. When we are guided by the shepherd, we will enjoy the abundant life. Let us listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow the voice.

Lord, thank you for leading me. Amen. 

May 4, 2020 (Monday)
The Extraordinary Power

“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:7-10  

Memory Verse: “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

We appear weak but we are strong. We seem shaky on the outside, but on the inside, there is something that gives us the unshakable foundation. That’s why we are not driven to despair. We are not forsaken and crushed. There is this extraordinary power working within us. That power belongs to God.

Lord, thank you for the extraordinary power that is working within me. Amen.

 May 5, 2020 (Tuesday)
In Jesus’ Hand

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

– John 10:27-30 

Memory Verse: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

We are in Jesus’ hand. No one and nothing can snatch us out of Lord’s hand. Jesus gave us the eternal life. We will never perish. What we need is faith to believe in that. When we are one with the Lord through our faith, we will find the anchor of our life. We will not be drifted away into chaos.

Lord, thank you for holding me in your hand in difficult times. Amen.

 May 6, 2020 (Wednesday)
God Who Loves Us All

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.” 

– Psalm 67:1-4 

Memory Verse: “You judge the peoples with equity
   and guide the nations upon earth.” (Psalm 67:4)

God judges the peoples with equity. He loves all the peoples equally and takes care of them. What God wants is for the peoples of the world to help each other, love each other, and take care of each other. God’s love is deep and wide enough to embrace all the peoples. 

Loving God, give this humanity the heart to love and take care of each other. Amen. 

May 7, 2020 (Thursday)
Be Filled with the Spirit

“Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.”

– Ephesians 5:15-18  

Memory Verse: “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)

We need to be filled with the Spirit. When we empty ourselves, open our heart and ask the Spirit, the Spirit will fill our heart. When we are filled with the Spirit, we will be awake. When we are drunk, we don’t know what is going on around us but when we are filled with the Spirit, all our consciousness becomes awake. We will understand what the will of the Lord is. That is how we live as wise people.

O Spirit, fill my heart. Amen. 

 May 8, 2020 (Friday)
Eternal Home

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”

– John 14:1-3

  Memory Verse: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

We have an eternal home. The house we are living in right now is not our eternal home. We have the eternal home that Jesus prepared for us. There will be no worries and anxiety in that home. There will be peace that the world cannot give. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Jesus will take us to where he is.

Lord, please take away our worries and anxiety. Amen. 

 May 9, 2020 (Saturday)
Life of Doing Good

“Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.”

– Psalm 34:12-15  

Memory Verse: “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15)

Deceit will not last long. Evil will ultimately be destroyed. Truth will live to the end. Doing good will overcome everything after all. Let us do good and seek peace. We will see God’s guiding hands at the end. We will find God’s blessings.

Lord, help me build my life on your truth. Amen. 

May 10, 2020 (Sunday)
Our Mother

“Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”

– John 19:25-27  

Memory Verse: “Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.” (John 19:27)

Even in his last moment of death at the cross, Jesus took care of his mother. He expressed his gratitude for his mother who had raised him. Mother’s love is special love. It is painful love. We can see the painful love in Mary. Mothers internalize the pain of their children and that is why their heart is always painful. Let us always be thankful to our mother.

Lord, thank you for letting me experience the beautiful love through my mother. Amen. 

 May 11, 2020 (Monday)
Peace That the Spirit Gives Us

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

– John 14:26-27  

Memory Verse: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

The Spirit teaches us everything we need to know. If we have difficulties, the Spirit will show us the way to overcome them. If we have problems, the Spirit will show us the way to solve them. So we do not need to let our hearts be troubled and be afraid. We experience the peace that the world cannot give through the Spirit.

Lord, thank you for granting me the peace. Amen. 

 May 12, 2020 (Tuesday)
Setting All Our Hope on God’s Grace

“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

– 1 Peter 1:13-16  

Memory Verse: “Prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Spiritual discipline is disciplining our mindset. We train our minds to set all our hope on God’s grace. Sometimes our situation is too much for us to be able to handle on our own. This is when our spirituality takes over. If we have disciplined ourselves to set our hope on God’s grace, we will be able to overcome our difficult situation. In the process of disciplining, God’s grace will fill us and holiness will become formed within us.

Lord, fill me with your grace. That is all I need. Amen.

May 13, 2020 (Wednesday)
Abide In Jesus

“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

– John 15:4-5 

Memory Verse: “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

If we abide in Jesus, Jesus abides in us. This is Jesus’ promise and gift. Jesus gave us this great promise and gift. As Jesus told Zacchaeus that he would stay at his house, Jesus tells us that he would stay with us who are not clean. When Jesus is with us, we can overcome anything. Abiding in Jesus means to be always conscious of his presence. 

Lord, please abide in me. Amen. 

 May 14, 2020 (Thursday)
Press On

“Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

– Philippians 13:13-14  

Memory Verse: “I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 13:14)

We should not give up. We should not throw in the towel. We should stand up. We should strain forward. We should press on.

Lord, give me your strength. Amen. 

May 15, 2020 (Friday)
Good Friend

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.”

– John 15:12-15  

Memory Verse: “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends….” (John 15:15)

Our relationship with God has changed through Jesus. Jesus didn’t call us his servants but his friends. And he gave his life as our friend. He did that as a friend, not for any other reasons. Then he taught us that that was love. When we are all alone, let us remember that our best friend is with us. He cries with us. He feels our pain. He embraces our fears.

Lord, thank you for being my best friend. Amen. 

 May 16, 2020 (Saturday)
Clear Conscience

“Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear.”

– 1 Peter 3:13-16  

Memory Verse: “Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13)

Doing what is good with a clear conscience is a beautiful thing to do. When that becomes our lifestyle, fear will lose its power and we can live with confidence. Even if we do suffer, the suffering will only strengthen us rather than destroy us. The suffering will sanctify us and give us greater hope. 

Lord, help me to live always with a clear conscience. Amen. 

 May 17, 2020 (Sunday)
Let Us Praise God

“Bless our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard, who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.” 

– Psalm 66:8-10 

Memory Verse: “(God) has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip.” (Psalm 66:9)

God does not let our feet slip. Through our suffering and sadness, God disciplines us and strengthens us. Let us praise God. The more difficult life becomes, the more let us praise God. He will let us live.

Lord, I praise you from the bottom of my heart. Amen. 

 May 18, 2020 (Monday)
Right Attitude Towards the End Time

“The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

– 1 Peter 4:7-10  

Memory Verse: “The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)

The end of all things comes to everyone. It comes without invitation. It doesn’t give us time to prepare. That’s why we need to always discipline ourselves to be alert in our prayer. Our hearts should be ready to go when God calls us. But meanwhile, we should love others. We should be hospitable to them. And serve them with whatever gift we have received. That is the right attitude towards the end time.

Lord, please awaken me. Amen. 

 May 19, 2020 (Tuesday)
God Who Knows Us

“For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”  

– Psalm 138:6-8

Memory Verse: “For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.” (Psalm 138:6)

God knows us. God knows our heart. The Lord is high but he is not distant from us. He is near us and takes care of us. God resists the proud but regards the lowly. Even though we walk in the midst of trouble, God’s right hand will deliver us.

Lord, please do not forsake the work of your hands. Amen.

 May 20, 2020 (Wednesday)
Set Your Minds on Things That Are Above

“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:1-4

Memory Verse: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Let us set our minds on things that are above. If we set our minds on things that are on earth, we cannot overcome death. What we see on earth is death. When we set our minds on death, we will be destroyed. Let us set our minds on Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead. When we focus on him, life that is hidden in God will be revealed to us.

Lord, I set my eyes on Jesus who is alive. Amen. 

May 22, 2020 (Friday)
Birth Pangs

“Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

– John 16:20-22  

Memory Verse: “So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)

In life, we experience pain. That pain is like labour pain. It is the pain that gives birth to life. Let us endure our pain through our faith. There will be a time when our pain will turn into joy. All the hardships will be gone and we will taste the joy of life.

Lord, give me the strength to endure my pain. Amen.

 May 23, 2020 (Saturday)
What Is Eternal

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever.”

– 1 John 2:15-17  

Memory Verse: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” (1 John 2:15)

Do not love what is here for a while and vanishes. It will leave us only with emptiness. Let us love what remains to the end. God’s will for us is eternal. Whoever does the will of God will live for ever. 

Lord, help me love what is eternal. Amen. 

 May 24, 2020 (Sunday)
Final Destination

“On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.”  

– John 16:26-28

Memory Verse: “I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” (John 16:28)

Jesus knew exactly where he came from and where he was going. He came from God and he returned to God. This world was not his final destination. People who take this world as their final destination are to be pitied. Through Jesus, now we have found a way to God. That is our final destination.

Lord, thank you for leading me where God is. Amen. 

 May 25, 2020 (Monday)
Cast All Your Anxiety on God

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you”

– 1 Peter 5:7-10  

Memory Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Let us cast all our anxiety on God. Let us discipline ourselves to do that. Suffering will help us to discipline ourselves. Our suffering is for a while and once it is finished, God will restore us, strengthen us, and establish us.

Lord, help me not to be afraid of the suffering that I go through. Amen. 

 May 26, 2020 (Tuesday)
Lay Down Your Burdens

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death.”

Psalm 68:19-20

Memory Verse: “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up.” (Psalm 68:19)

God takes away our burden daily. God does not want us to be oppressed by our burdens. Let us bring our burdens before God every day. God will lighten our heavy heart. Then we can be liberated from darkness.

Lord, I lay down my burdens before you. Amen. 

May 28, 2020 (Thursday)
Becoming One

“‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

– John 17:20-23  

Memory Verse: “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.” (John 17:22)

It is not easy to become one. Oneness cannot be achieved by domination. So oneness cannot be achieved by power. To be one, we need sacrifice and love. When we sacrifice for each other in love, we will experience the unity as its fruit. 

Lord, grant me your love. Amen. 

 May 29, 2020 (Friday)
Bless the Lord, O My Soul

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

– Psalm 103:1-5  

Memory Verse: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

Blessing God itself is a blessing to us. When we bless God, God comes to us and wraps us with his mighty arms. God gives us the strength and renews us to be like the eagles.

Lord, I praise you with all my heart. Amen. 

 May 30, 2020 (Saturday)
God’s Steadfast Love

“By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

– Psalm 42:8, 11  

Memory Verse: “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” (Psalm 42:8)

Let us remember God’s steadfast love by day and at night let us sing praises and pray. When we put our hope in ourselves, we cannot sing praises. Let us put our hope in God. Then the praise will come out of our mouth.

Lord, thank you for taking care of me with your steadfast love. Amen. 

May 31, 2020 (Sunday)
God’s Steadfast Love

“On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

– John 7:37-39  

Memory Verse: “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Don’t let your life be dried up. There should be rivers of living water flowing within us. Then we can live with vitality. When a branch is connected with the tree, it can receive water. Let us meditate on Jesus. Let us accept Jesus in our heart. Rivers of living water shall flow out of our heart.

Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

허물의 사함을 받고 자신의 죄가 가려진 자는 복이 있도다 마음에 간사함이 없고 여호와께 정죄를 당하지 아니하는 자는 복이 있도다 내가 입을 열지 아니할 때에 종일 신음하므로 내 뼈가 쇠하였도다 주의 손이 주야로 나를 누르시오니 내 진액이 빠져서 여름 가뭄에 마름 같이 되었나이다 내가 이르기를 내 허물을 여호와께 자복하리라 하고 주께 내 죄를 아뢰고 내 죄악을 숨기지 아니하였더니 곧 주께서 내 죄악을 사하셨나이다.

                                                                 – 시편 32:1-5

암송구절: “허물의 사함을 받고 자신의 죄가 가려진 자는 복이 있도다.” (시편 32:1)

하나님 앞에서 우리는 숨길 필요가 없다. 모든 것을 아시기 때문이다. 이것이 우리에게 큰 치유의 길이 될 수 있다. 나의 모든 것을 있는 그대로 누군가에게 내 놓을 수 있다는 것 자체가 치유다. 하나님께서는 우리의 모든 것을 아심에도 불구하고 우리를 사랑하신다. 그것이 은혜의 본질이다. 그것이 바로 복음이다.

주님, 주님의 사랑에 감사합니다. 아멘.

Healing

“Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’, and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

– Psalm 32:1-5

Memory Verse: “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)

We don’t need to hide anything from God. God knows everything about us. This itself can be healing to us. Being able to completely expose ourselves to someone can heal us. God loves us even though he knows everything about us. This is the essence of God’s grace. This is the good news.

Lord, thank you for your love. Amen.

---

자기 허물을 능히 깨달을 자 누구리요 나를 숨은 허물에서 벗어나게 하소서 또 주의 종에게 고의로 죄를 짓지 말게 하사 그 죄가 나를 주장하지 못하게 하소서 그리하면 내가 정직하여 큰 죄과에서 벗어나겠나이다 나의 반석이시요 나의 구속자이신 여호와여 내 입의 말과 마음의 묵상이 주님 앞에 열납되기를 원하나이다.

                                                              – 시편 19:12-14

암송구절: “자기 허물을 능히 깨달을 자 누구리요 나를 숨은 허물에서 벗어나게 하소서.” (시편 19:12)

자기 허물을 깨달을 때 그 죄가 나를 주장하지 못한다. 내가 하나님 앞에 정직할 때 큰 죄과에서 벗어날 수 있다. 죄는 인정하면 그 힘을 잃는다. 하나님 앞에 나와 정직하게 우리의 죄를 고백하자. 하나님의 용서를 경험할 수 있을 것이다. 그것이 고백의 힘이다.

주님, 나의 죄를 용서하여 주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

 

“But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Memory Verse: “But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12)

When we recognize our sins, they cannot control us. When we confess our sins honestly, they cannot have dominion over us. Let us come before God and honestly confess our sins. We will experience God’s forgiveness. That is the power of confession.

Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins. Amen.

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너희가 사람의 잘못을 용서하면 너희 하늘 아버지께서도 너희 잘못을 용서하시려니와 너희가 사람의 잘못을 용서하지 아니하면 너희 아버지께서도 너희 잘못을 용서하지 아니하시리라.

                                                         – 마태복음 6:14-15

암송구절: “너희가 사람의 잘못을 용서하면 너희 하늘 아버지께서도 너희 잘못을 용서하시려니와.” (마태복음 6:14)

용서는 용서 받은 사람들이 할 수 있는 것이다. 용서 받은 경험이 없이 남을 용서하기가 힘들다. 용서함을 받았을 때, 우리 안에 자비로운 마음이 형성이 된다. 이 자비로운 마음에서 용서가 나온다.

주님, 나의 죄를 용서하여 주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

– Matthew 6:14-15

Memory Verse: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Psalm 19:12)

Forgiving others is something that we can do only when we experience the forgiveness for ourselves. Without the experience of having our own sins forgiven, it is hard to forgive others. The experience of being forgiven creates a merciful heart within us. From the merciful heart, comes the forgiveness.

Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins. Amen.

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그리스도께서 우리를 자유롭게 하려고 자유를 주셨으니 그러므로 굳건하게 서서 다시는 종의 멍에를 메지 말라 보라 나 바울은 너희에게 말하노니 너희가 만일 할례를 받으면 그리스도께서 너희에게 아무 유익이 없으리라 내가 할례를 받는 각 사람에게 다시 증언하노니 그는 율법 전체를 행할 의무를 가진 자라 율법 안에서 의롭다 함을 얻으려 하는 너희는 그리스도에게서 끊어지고 은혜에서 떨어진 자로다 우리가 성령으로 믿음을 따라 의의 소망을 기다리노니 그리스도 예수 안에서는 할례나 무할례나 효력이 없으되 사랑으로써 역사하는 믿음뿐이니라.

                                                         – 갈라디아서 5:1-6

암송구절: “그리스도께서 우리를 자유롭게 하려고 자유를 주셨으니 그러므로 굳건하게 서서 다시는 종의 멍에를 메지 말라.” (갈라디아서 5:1)

예수 그리스도께서 우리에게 자유함을 주셨다. 어느 누구도 이제 우리를 판단하고 그리스도 안에 있는 자유를 앗아갈 수 없다. 오직 사랑으로써 역사하는 믿음만이 우리를 의롭게 한다. 굳건하게 서서 다시는 종의 멍에를 메지 말자.

주님, 나에게 자유함을 주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

Freedom

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”

– Galatians 5:1-6

Memory Verse: “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

Jesus Christ gave us freedom. No one can judge us and take away the freedom we have in Christ. The only thing that makes us righteous is faith working through love. Let us stand firm and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Lord, thank you for the freedom you gave me. Amen.

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그러므로 무엇이든지 남에게 대접을 받고자 하는 대로 너희도 남을 대접하라 이것이 율법이요 선지자니라.

                                                              – 마태복음 7:12

암송구절: “그러므로 무엇이든지 남에게 대접을 받고자 하는 대로 너희도 남을 대접하라 이것이 율법이요 선지자니라.” (마태복음 7:12)

나 자신을 귀하게 여기면 다른 사람들을 귀하게 여기게 된다. 하나님을 만날 때, 우리 자신의 존귀함을 깨닫게 된다. 한 사람을 천하보다 귀하게 여기는 것, 그것이 바로 하나님의 마음이시다. 한 사람, 한 사람을 귀하게 여기며 살다보면 우리의 인생이 귀해지는 것을 깨닫게 된다.

주님, 나를 사랑과 존귀함으로 대해 주심을 감사합니다. 아멘.

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”

– Matthew 7:12

Memory Verse: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

When we value ourselves, we will value others. When we experience God, we discover our own dignity. Putting the highest value on a person’s life is what God does. As we treat each person with dignity and respect, our life becomes valuable.

Lord, thank you for treating me with love and respect. Amen.

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나 곧 내 영혼은 여호와를 기다리며 나는 주의 말씀을 바라는도다 파수꾼이 아침을 기다림보다 내 영혼이 주를 더 기다리나니 참으로 파수꾼이 아침을 기다림보다 더하도다 이스라엘아 여호와를 바랄지어다 여호와께서는 인자하심과 풍성한 속량이 있음이라.

                                                               – 시편 130:5-7

암송구절: “나 곧 내 영혼은 여호와를 기다리며 나는 주의 말씀을 바라는도다.” (시편 130:5)

기다린다고 하는 것은 소망이 있기 때문이다. 소망을 가지고 산다고 하는 것은 아름다운 것이다. 믿음으로 기다리자. 우리의 기다림은 헛되지 않을 것이다. 반드시 하나님의 풍성한 속량이 있을 것이다.

주님, 간절한 소망으로 주님을 기다립니다. 아멘.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”

– Psalm 130:5-7

Memory Verse: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

We wait because we have hope. It is beautiful to live with hope. Let us wait with faith. Our waiting will not be in vain. God will redeem us in the end.

Lord, I eagerly wait for you with hope. Amen.

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또 네 이웃을 사랑하고 네 원수를 미워하라 하였다는 것을 너희가 들었으나 나는 너희에게 이르노니 너희 원수를 사랑하며 너희를 박해하는 자를 위하여 기도하라 이같이 한즉 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지의 아들이 되리니 이는 하나님이 그 해를 악인과 선인에게 비추시며 비를 의로운 자와 불의한 자에게 내려주심이라 너희가 너희를 사랑하는 자를 사랑하면 무슨 상이 있으리요 세리도 이같이 아니하느냐 또 너희가 너희 형제에게만 문안하면 남보다 더하는 것이 무엇이냐 이방인들도 이같이 아니하느냐 그러므로 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지의 온전하심과 같이 너희도 온전하라.

                                                         – 마태복음 5:43-48

암송구절: “그러므로 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지의 온전하심과 같이 너희도 온전하라.”(마태복음 5:48)

온전함은 흠이 없는 것이 아니다. 온전함은 원수를 사랑하는 것이다. 원수를 사랑할 수 있을 때, 온전함을 이룬다. 사랑을 배우자. 사랑을 실천하자. 우리의 마음을 사랑으로 가득 채우자. 그것이 우리의 삐뚤어진 마음을 바로 잡을 것이고, 마음의 불결한 것들을 녹여줄 것이다. 그때 우리는 온전해진다.

주님, 내 마음을 주님의 사랑으로 가득 채워주소서. 아멘.

“‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

– Matthew 5:43-48

Memory Verse: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Being perfect does not mean being flawless. Being perfect means to love our enemies. When we are able to love our enemies, we become perfect. Learn to love. Practice to love. Let us fill our hearts with love. Love will straighten our crooked heart. It will melt all our impurities. That’s when we become perfect.

Lord, fill my heart with your love. Amen.

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내가 산을 향하여 눈을 들리라 나의 도움이 어디서 올까 나의 도움은 천지를 지으신 여호와에게서로다 여호와께서 너를 실족하지 아니하게 하시며 너를 지키시는 이가 졸지 아니하시리로다 이스라엘을 지키시는 이는 졸지도 아니하시고 주무시지도 아니하시리로다.

        – 시편 121:1-4

암송구절: “나의 도움은 천지를 지으신 여호와에게서로다.” (시편 121:2)

하나님은 우리를 도우신다. 우리를 지키신다. 낮의 해가 우리를 상하게 하지 아니하며 밤의 달도 우리를 해치지 못할 것이다. 하나님께서 우리를 지켜 모든 환난을 면하게 하시며 또 우리의 영혼을 지키실 것이다. 두려워하지 말자. 하나님을 의지하자.

주님, 나를 지켜주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

–    Psalm 121:1-4

Memory Verse: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

God helps us. God keeps us safe. The sun shall not strike us by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep us from all evil; he will keep our life. Let us not fear. Let us trust the Lord.

Lord, thank you for keeping me safe. Amen.

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너희 아버지의 자비로우심 같이 너희도 자비로운 자가 되라 비판하지 말라 그리하면 너희가 비판을 받지 않을 것이요 정죄하지 말라 그리하면 너희가 정죄를 받지 않을 것이요 용서하라 그리하면 너희가 용서를 받을 것이요 주라 그리하면 너희에게 줄 것이니 곧 후히 되어 누르고 흔들어 넘치도록 하여 너희에게 안겨 주리라 너희가 헤아리는 그 헤아림으로 너희도 헤아림을 도로 받을 것이니라.

                                                         – 누가복음 6:36-38

암송구절: “비판하지 말라 그리하면 너희가 비판을 받지 않을 것이요 정죄하지 말라 그리하면 너희가 정죄를 받지 않을 것이요.” (누가복음 6:37)

판단하지 말자. 자비를 베풀자. 정죄하지 말자. 용서하자. 판단하면 판단을 받을 것이고 자비를 베풀면 자비를 받을 것이다. 정죄하면 정죄함을 받을 것이고 용서하면 용서함을 받을 것이다. 우리가 헤아리는 그 헤아림으로 도로 받을 것이다.

주님, 내 속에 자비가 넘치게 하소서. 아멘.

Do Not Judge

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

– Luke 6:36-38

Memory Verse: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.” (Luke 6:37)

Let us not judge. Let us be merciful. Let us not condemn. Let us forgive. If we judge, we will be judged and if we are merciful, we will receive mercy. If we condemn, we will be condemned and if we forgive, we will be forgiven. The measure we give will be the measure we get back.

Lord, let my heart be filled with mercy. Amen.

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너희 중에 큰 자는 너희를 섬기는 자가 되어야 하리라 누구든지 자기를 높이는 자는 낮아지고 누구든지 자기를 낮추는 자는 높아지리라.

                                                        – 마태복음 23:11-12

암송구절: “너희 중에 큰 자는 너희를 섬기는 자가 되어야 하리라.” (마태복음 23:11)

큰 자가 되어야 한다. 큰 자는 겸손으로 남을 섬길 수 있는 자이다. 겸손이 그들의 특징이다. 우리는 남을 큰 사람으로 여김으로 큰 자가 된다. 다른 사람들의 존엄성을 지켜 주며 그들을 높이 여기는 삶을 살자.

주님, 큰 자가 되게 하소서. 아멘.

March 10, 2020 (Tuesday)

The Greatest

“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

– Matthew 23:11-12

Memory Verse: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

We should be the greatest. A big person is the one who can serve others with humility. Humility is the trademark of a big person. We can become the greatest by making others great. Let us lift others up, respecting their dignity.

Lord, help me become a bigger person. Amen.

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나의 앞날이 주의 손에 있사오니 내 원수들과 나를 핍박하는 자들의 손에서 나를 건져 주소서 주의 얼굴을 주의 종에게 비추시고 주의 사랑하심으로 나를 구원하소서.

                                                              – 시편 31:15-16

암송구절: “나의 앞날이 주의 손에 있사오니 내 원수들과 나를 핍박하는 자들의 손에서 나를 건져 주소서.” (시편 31:15)

우리의 앞날이 하나님의 손에 있다. 지금은 많이 힘들고 어려울지라도 하나님께서 우리를 건져 주실 것이다. 하나님의 밝은 얼굴이 우리를 향해 비추신다. 하나님께서 함께 하시기 때문에 우리의 내일은 더 밝을 것이다.

주님, 주의 빛을 내게 비추소서. 아멘.

My Future

“My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.”

– Psalm 31:15-16

Memory Verse: “My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.” (Psalm 31:15)

Our times are in God’s hand. Even though we go through much suffering right now, God will deliver us from hardships. God’s bright face will shine upon us. Tomorrow will be brighter because God is with us.

Lord, may your light shine upon me. Amen.

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그러나 무릇 여호와를 의지하며 여호와를 의뢰하는 그 사람은 복을 받을 것이라 그는 물 가에 심어진 나무가 그 뿌리를 강변에 뻗치고 더위가 올지라도 두려워하지 아니하며 그 잎이 청청하며 가무는 해에도 걱정이 없고 결실이 그치지 아니함 같으리라.

                                                           – 예레미야 17:7-8

암송구절: “무릇 여호와를 의지하며 여호와를 의뢰하는 그 사람은 복을 받을 것이라.”(예레미야 17:7)

여호와를 의지하며 의뢰할 때 삶이 풍성해진다. 많은 열매를 맺게 된다. 좋은 열매는 좋은 나무에서 나온다. 여호와를 온전히 믿을 때 하나님께서 우리를 좋은 나무로 만들어 주신다. 내 스스로 좋은 열매를 맺을 수 없다. 하나님께서 나를 아름다운 사람으로 만들어주실 것이다. 그때 거기서 나오는 아름다운 열매들이 있을 것이다.

주님, 주님을 의지합니다. 아멘.

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

– Jeremiah 17:7-8

Memory Verse: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

When we trust in the Lord, our life becomes abundant. We can be fruitful. A good fruit comes from a good tree. When we completely trust in the Lord, God makes us a good tree. We cannot bear fruit on our own. God will make us a beautiful person. Then we can bear beautiful fruit.

Lord, I trust in you. Amen.

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여호와여 주의 긍휼을 내게서 거두지 마시고 주의 인자와 진리로 나를 항상 보호하소서 수많은 재앙이 나를 둘러싸고 나의 죄악이 나를 덮치므로 우러러볼 수도 없으며 죄가 나의 머리털보다 많으므로 내가 낙심하였음이니이다 여호와여 은총을 베푸사 나를 구원하소서 여호와여 속히 나를 도우소서.

                                                              – 시편 40:11-13

암송구절: “여호와여 주의 긍휼을 내게서 거두지 마시고 주의 인자와 진리로 나를 항상 보호하소서.” (시편 40:11)

요즘 COVID-19 때문에 전 세계가 두려움에 떨고 있다. 하나님의 긍휼이 필요할 때이다. 기도하자. 우리의 죄가 머리털보다도 많지만 하나님의 긍휼은 우리의 죄보다 크다. 하나님의 은총을 구하자. 하나님께서 우리를 사랑하신다는 것을 잊지 말자. 두려워하지 말고 이 위기를 함께 헤쳐 나가자.

주님, 주의 긍휼을 내게서 거두지 마소서. 아멘.

God’s Mercy

“Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever. For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me.”

– Psalm 40:11-13

Memory Verse: “Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me.” (Psalm 40:11)

The whole world is trembling with fear because of COVID-19. It is time when we need God’s mercy. Let us pray. Even though our sins are more numerous than the hairs of our head, God’s mercy is greater than that. Let us seek God’s mercy. Let us not forget that God loves us. Let us not fear but let us work together to deal with this crisis.

Lord, please do not withhold your mercy from me. Amen.

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아버지가 자식을 긍휼히 여김 같이 여호와께서는 자기를 경외하는 자를 긍휼히 여기시나니 이는 그가 우리의 체질을 아시며 우리가 단지 먼지뿐임을 기억하심이로다 인생은 그 날이 풀과 같으며 그 영화가 들의 꽃과 같도다.

                                                            – 시편 103:13-15

암송구절: “인생은 그 날이 풀과 같으며 그 영화가 들의 꽃과 같도다.” (시편 103:15)

우리는 다시 한번 우리가 얼마나 연약한 존재인가를 지금 당하고 있는 covid-19 위기를 통해서 깨닫습니다. 하나님은 우리의 연약함을 아십니다. 하루 아침에 우리의 단단했던 몸이 무너지고, 공동체가 무너지고, 경제 체제가 무너질 수 있다는 것을 우리는 경험합니다. 하나님을 경외하는 자를 하나님께서 긍휼히 여기십니다. 늘 겸손하게 하나님 안에서 이 어려움을 이겨 나갑시다.

주님, 주의 긍휼을 베푸소서. 아멘.

God’s Mercy

“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust. As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field.”

– Psalm 103:13-15

Memory Verse: “As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field.” (Psalm 103:15)

We realize how weak and vulnerable we are through this crisis of COVID-19. God knows how weak we are. Our strong body can collapse, our tight community can be dispersed, and our seemingly invincible economy can be crushed down instantly. God has compassion for those who fear him. Let us humbly deal with our situations with the help of God.

Lord, have mercy on me. Amen.

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우리가 환난 중에도 즐거워하나니 이는 환난은 인내를, 인내는 연단을, 연단은 소망을 이루는 줄 앎이로다 소망이 우리를 부끄럽게 하지 아니함은 우리에게 주신 성령으로 말미암아 하나님의 사랑이 우리 마음에 부은 바 됨이니 우리가 아직 연약할 때에 기약대로 그리스도께서 경건하지 않은 자를 위하여 죽으셨도다.

                                                               – 로마서 5:3-6

암송구절: “인내는 연단을, 연단은 소망을 이루는 줄 앎이로다.” (로마서 5:4)

소망은 저절로 생기는 것도 아니고 내가 마음을 먹는다고 가질 수 있는 것도 아니다. 소망은 환난을 인내로 견디는 가운데 우리 가운데 세워진다. 이것은 마치 근육과도 같다. 믿음으로 환난을 대하지 못하면 그 환난이 우리를 무너뜨릴 것이다 믿음으로 환난을 이기면 그것이 우리 안에 소망의 근육을 세울 것이다.

주님, 환난을 이기는 믿음을 허락하소서. 아멘.

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

– Romans 5:3-6

Memory Verse: “Endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4)

Hope does not arise within us automatically. Hope is not something that we can have just because we decide to have it. Hope becomes strong within us as we overcome our suffering through our endurance. It is like muscle. If we do not face our suffering with faith, it will destroy us. But if we face our suffering with faith, it will build the muscle of hope within us.

Lord, give me faith that overcomes my suffering. Amen.

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하나님이여 사슴이 시냇물을 찾기에 갈급함 같이 내 영혼이 주를 찾기에 갈급하니이다. 내 영혼이 하나님 곧 살아 계시는 하나님을 갈망하나니 내가 어느 때에 나아가서 하나님의 얼굴을 뵈올까 내 영혼아 네가 어찌하여 낙심하며 어찌하여 내 속에서 불안해 하는가 너는 하나님께 소망을 두라 그가 나타나 도우심으로 말미암아 내가 여전히 찬송하리로다.

                                                            – 시편 42:1, 2, 5

암송구절: “사슴이 시냇물을 찾기에 갈급함 같이 내 영혼이 주를 찾기에 갈급하니이다.” (시편 42:1)

낙심될 때에 하나님을 찾자. 불안할 때 하나님을 찾자. 사슴이 시냇물을 찾기에 갈급함 같이 갈급한 마음으로 하나님을 찾자. 모든 소망을 하나님께 두자. 하나님께서 우리에게 나타나실 것이다. 그때 하나님을 찬송하자.

주님, 갈급한 마음으로 주를 찾게 하소서. 아멘.

Thirsty Heart

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God”

– Psalm 42:1, 2, 5

Memory Verse: “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you.” (Psalm 42:1)

When we are down, let us seek God. When we are disquieted within us, let us seek God. As a deer longs for flowing streams, let us long for God. Let us put our hope in God. God will show Himself to us. Then let us praise God.

Lord, help me seek you with thirsty heart. Amen.

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내 눈이 항상 여호와를 바라봄은 내 발을 그물에서 벗어나게 하실 것임이로다 주여 나는 외롭고 괴로우니 내게 돌이키사 나에게 은혜를 베푸소서 내 마음의 근심이 많사오니 나를 고난에서 끌어내소서 나의 곤고와 환난을 보시고 내 모든 죄를 사하소서.

                                                              – 시편 25:15-18

암송구절: “내 눈이 항상 여호와를 바라봄은 내 발을 그물에서 벗어나게 하실 것임이로다.” (시편 25:15)

우리의 눈을 여호와께 둘 때, 우리는 삶의 그물에서 벗어날 수 있다. 불안하고 외로울 때, 우리는 하나님을 바라봐야 한다. 하나님께서 우리 주위를 둘러싸고 있는 검은 구름을 물러가게 하실 것이다. 하나님을 바라볼 때 우리는 평안함을 가질 수 있다. 그 평안함에서 새로운 자신감을 얻을 수 있다.

주님, 주님만을 바라봅니다. 아멘.

“My eyes are ever towards the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”

– Psalm 25:15-18

Memory Verse: “My eyes are ever towards the Lord,
   for he will pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15)

When we focus on God, we can be free from the snare of life. When we are anxious and lonely, we should look to God. God will remove the dark clouds that surround us. When our eyes are turned towards the Lord, we will experience peace. And from the peace, comes new confidence.

Lord, may my eyes focus on you. Amen.

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하나님이 아브라함에게 약속하실 때에 가리켜 맹세할 자가 자기보다 더 큰 이가 없으므로 자기를 가리켜 맹세하여
이르시되 내가 반드시 너에게 복 주고 복 주며 너를 번성하게 하고 번성하게 하리라 하셨더니 그가 이같이 오래 참아 약속을 받았느니라.

                                                         – 히브리서 6:13-15

암송구절: “그가 이같이 오래 참아 약속을 받았느니라.” (히브리서 6:15)

아브라함은 오래 참았다. 그것은 그에게 믿음이 있었기 때문이다. 하나님께 소망을 둘 때, 우리는 참을 수 있다. 참는 것은 그저 기다리는 것은 아니다. 간절히 하나님을 구하는 것이다. 구하는 자에게 반드시 하나님께서 주실 것이다.

주님, 우리를 구원하소서. 아멘.

“When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and multiply you.’ And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.”

– Hebrews 6:13-15

Memory Verse: “And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:15)

Abraham patiently endured. It was because he had faith. When we put our hope in God, we can endure patiently. Enduring does not mean merely waiting. It is to seek God earnestly. We will obtain God’s promise when we earnestly seek it.

Lord, save us. Amen.

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기록된 바 내가 너를 많은 민족의 조상으로 세웠다 하심과 같으니 그가 믿은 바 하나님은 죽은 자를 살리시며 없는 것을 있는 것으로 부르시는 이시니라 아브라함이 바랄 수 없는 중에 바라고 믿었으니 이는 네 후손이 이같으리라 하신 말씀대로 많은 민족의 조상이 되게 하려 하심이라.

                                                            – 로마서 4:17-18

암송구절: “하나님은 죽은 자를 살리시며 없는 것을 있는 것으로 부르시는 이시니라 아브라함이 바랄 수 없는 중에 바라고 믿었으니.” (로마서 4:17, 18)

하나님은 없는 것을 있는 것으로 부르신다. 아브라함은 아직 약속의 증거를 보지 못했을 때 믿음으로 약속을 붙잡았다. 믿음은 보이는 것을 받아들이는 것이 아니다. 믿음을 통하여 보이지 않는 하나님의 손을 붙잡는 것이다. 보이지 않는 바이러스가 우리를 위협하지만 보이지 않는 하나님의 손이 우리 인류를 보호하실 것이다.

주님, 보이지 않는 주님의 손을 붙잡게 하소서. 아멘.

God’s Invisible Hand

“…as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’”

– Romans 4:17-18

Memory Verse: “Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations.” (Romans 4:18)

God calls into existence the things that do not exist. When Abraham did not see the evidence of God’s promise yet, he held onto God’s promise with his faith. Faith is not to accept what is visible. Through faith, we hold onto God’s hand that is invisible. Even though invisible virus threatens us, God’s invisible hand will protect the humanity.

Lord, help me hold onto your invisible hand. Amen.

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또 자기를 의롭다고 믿고 다른 사람을 멸시하는 자들에게 이 비유로 말씀하시되 두 사람이 기도하러 성전에 올라가니 하나는 바리새인이요 하나는 세리라 바리새인은 서서 따로 기도하여 이르되 하나님이여 나는 다른 사람들 곧 토색, 불의, 간음을 하는 자들과 같지 아니하고 이 세리와도 같지 아니함을 감사하나이다 나는 이레에 두 번씩 금식하고 또 소득의 십일조를 드리나이다 하고 세리는 멀리 서서 감히 눈을 들어 하늘을 쳐다보지도 못하고 다만 가슴을 치며 이르되 하나님이여 불쌍히 여기소서 나는 죄인이로소이다 하였느니라 내가 너희에게 이르노니 이에 저 바리새인이 아니고 이 사람이 의롭다 하심을 받고 그의 집으로 내려갔느니라 무릇 자기를 높이는 자는 낮아지고 자기를 낮추는 자는 높아지리라 하시니라.

                                                         – 누가복음 18:9-14

암송구절: “자기를 높이는 자는 낮아지고 자기를 낮추는 자는 높아지리라.” (누가복음 18:14)

삶이 어려울 때 일수록 우리는 겸손해져야 한다. 고통 가운데 있는 사람들을 깔보면 안된다. 나의 의를 드러내려고 해서는 안된다. 겸손하고 부드러워야 한다. 그리고 하나님의 긍휼을 기다리자. 우리의 깨진 심령이 우리를 하나로 만들고 우리의 거짓된 자기 의가 우리를 갈라놓는다.

주님, 겸손하게 주님의 긍휼을 구합니다. 아멘.

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

– Luke 18:9-14

Memory Verse: “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

When life is getting harder, the humbler we should become. We should not look at those who are suffering with contempt. We should not brag about our righteousness. We should be humble and gentle and let us wait for God’s mercy. Our self-righteousness will divide us but our brokenness will unite us.

Lord, I humbly seek your mercy. Amen.

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여호와는 나의 목자시니 내게 부족함이 없으리로다 그가 나를 푸른 풀밭에 누이시며 쉴 만한 물 가로 인도하시는도다 내 영혼을 소생시키시고 자기 이름을 위하여 의의 길로 인도하시는도다 내가 사망의 음침한 골짜기로 다닐지라도 해를 두려워하지 않을 것은 주께서 나와 함께 하심이라 주의 지팡이와 막대기가 나를 안위하시나이다 주께서 내 원수의 목전에서 내게 상을 차려 주시고 기름을 내 머리에 부으셨으니 내 잔이 넘치나이다 내 평생에 선하심과 인자하심이 반드시 나를 따르리니 내가 여호와의 집에 영원히 살리로다.

                                                                      – 시편 23

암송구절: “내가 사망의 음침한 골짜기로 다닐지라도 해를 두려워하지 않을 것은 주께서 나와 함께 하심이라.” (시편 23:4)

인도함을 받는 것은 참 좋다. 맡기면 된다. 걱정할 것이 하나도 없다. 하나님께서 우리를 인도하신다. 쉴 만한 물가로 인도하신다. 좋은 길로 인도하신다. 사망의 음침한 골짜기로 다닐 때도 주의 지팡이와 막대기가 우리를 인도하신다. 두려워하지 말자. 하나님께서 우리를 인도하신다.

주님, 주의 손을 붙잡고 주님의 인도하심을 받게 하소서. 아멘.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”

– Psalm 23

Memory Verse: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Being led is good. We just have to leave it in the leading hands. We don’t need to worry about anything. God leads us. God leads us beside still waters. He leads us to the right way. Even though we walk through the darkest valley, his rod and his staff will guide us. Let us not fear. God leads us.

Lord, help me hold your guiding hands. Amen.

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여호와여 들으시고 내게 은혜를 베푸소서 여호와여 나를 돕는 자가 되소서 하였나이다 주께서 나의 슬픔이 변하여 내게 춤이 되게 하시며 나의 베옷을 벗기고 기쁨으로 띠 띠우셨나이다. 이는 잠잠하지 아니하고 내 영광으로 주를 찬송하게 하심이니 여호와 나의 하나님이여 내가 주께 영원히 감사하리이다

                                                              – 시편 30:10-12

암송구절: “주께서 나의 슬픔이 변하여 내게 춤이 되게 하시며.” (시편 30:11)

우리의 슬픔이 변하여 춤이 되는 날이 있을 것이다. 나의 베옷이 벗겨지고 기쁨으로 띠 띠우는 날이 있을 것이다. 현재의 고난은 장차 나타날 영광에 족히 비교할 수 없다. 소망으로 기다리자. 하나님의 은혜를 구하자.

주님, 나의 슬픔이 바뀌어 춤이 되는 날을 기다립니다. 아멘.

“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!’ You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.”

– Psalm 30:10-12

Memory Verse: “You have turned my mourning into dancing.” (Psalm 30:11)

There will be a day when our mourning will turn into dancing. There will be a day when our sackcloth will be taken off from us and we will be clothed with joy. Our present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that is to come. Let us wait with hope. Let us seek God’s grace.

Lord, I am waiting for the day when my mourning turns into dancing. Amen.

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하나님은 우리의 피난처시요 힘이시니 환난 중에 만날 큰 도움이시라. 그러므로 땅이 변하든지 산이 흔들려 바다 가운데에 빠지든지 바닷물이 솟아나고 뛰놀든지 그것이 넘침으로 산이 흔들릴지라도 우리는 두려워하지 아니하리로다.

                                                                 – 시편 46:1-3

암송구절: “하나님은 우리의 피난처시요 힘이시니 환난 중에 만날 큰 도움이시라.” (시편 46:1)

요즘은 집이 피난처이다. 바이러스 때문에 밖에도 나가지 못하고 집에 피해 있다. 피할 곳이 있는 사람들은 다행이다. 그런데 그렇지 못한 사람들도 있다. 그들에게도 피난처가 되시는 하나님께서 그들을 지켜 주시기를 바란다. 이 어려운 시기에 가장 연약한 자들을 기억하자. 그들을 위해 기도하고 도움의 손길을 아끼지 말자.

나의 피난처가 되시는 하나님, 피할 곳이 없는 사람들에게 피난처가 되어 주소서. 아멘.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, through the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

– Psalm 46:1-3

Memory Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

These days, our home is our refuge. Because of this virus, we cannot even go out and instead, we find refuge in our home. People who have a home are fortunate. But there are people who don’t have homes. We pray that God become their refuge and keep them safe. Let us not forget those who are the most vulnerable in this difficult time. Let us pray for them and be generous in lending a helping hand.

God our refuge, be an ever-present help to the most vulnerable. Amen.

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여호와여 주의 긍휼을 내게서 거두지 마시고 주의 인자와 진리로 나를 항상 보호하소서 수많은 재앙이 나를 둘러싸고 나의 죄악이 나를 덮치므로 우러러볼 수도 없으며 죄가 나의 머리털보다 많으므로 내가 낙심하였음이니이다 여호와여 은총을 베푸사 나를 구원하소서 여호와여 속히 나를 도우소서.

                                                              – 시편 40:11-13

암송구절: “여호와여 은총을 베푸사 나를 구원하소서 여호와여 속히 나를 도우소서.”(시편 40:13)

자기의 부족함을 보지 못하는 것보다 더 큰 죄는 없다. 겸손함은 자기의 죄를 인정하는 것이다. 겸손함으로 우리의 죄를 진정으로 깨닫게 될 때에 우리가 발견하는 것은 정죄함이 아니라 바로 하나님의 긍휼이다. 하나님의 따뜻한 마음을 접하게 된다. 그때 죄가 나를 붙잡고 있는 힘을 잃게 되고 우리는 자유함을 얻게 된다.

주의 따뜻한 마음을 경험하게 하시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever. For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me.”

– Psalm 40:11-13

Memory Verse: “O Lord, make haste to help me.” (Psalm 40:13)

There is no greater sin than the sin of not seeing one’s own shortcomings. Humility is to accept one’s own faults. When we accept our own faults with humility, what we experience is not the condemnation but God’s mercy. We come to experience God’s warm heart. That’s when our sin loses its power to take hold of us and we become free.

Lord, thank you for letting me experience your warm heart. Amen.

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무릇 주는 위대하사 기이한 일들을 행하시오니 주만이 하나님이시니이다 여호와여 주의 도를 내게 가르치소서 내가 주의 진리에 행하오리니 일심으로 주의 이름을 경외하게 하소서.

                                                              – 시편 86:10-11

암송구절: “무릇 주는 위대하사 기이한 일들을 행하시오니 주만이 하나님이시니이다.”(시편 86:10)

하나님은 기이한 일들을 행하신다. 하나님의 하시는 일을 우리는 다 이해하지 못한다. 인간의 작은 생각으로 이렇다 저렇다 판단을 하는 것보다 겸손하게 주의 도를 배우자. 그리고 일심으로 주의 이름을 경외하자. 하나님께서 우리에게 놀라운 일을 보여주실 것이다.

주여, 이제까지 놀라운 일을 행하셨습니다. 지금 어려움에 있는 우리 모두를 긍휼히 여겨 주시고 주의 기이한 일을 볼 수 있게 하옵소서. 아멘.

“For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.”

– Psalm 86:10-11

Memory Verse: “For you are great and do wondrous things;
   you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10)

God does wondrous things. We don’t understand fully what God is doing in our lives. Instead of making hasty judgments with our shallow thoughts, let us humbly learn God’s way. Let us revere God with our undivided heart. God will show us wonderful things.

Lord, you have done wondrous things in my life. Now have mercy on all of us who are going through tough times and let us see your wonderful works. Amen.

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악을 버리고 선을 행하며 화평을 찾아 따를지어다 여호와의 눈은 의인을 향하시고 그의 귀는 그들의 부르짖음에 기울이시는도다 여호와의 얼굴은 악을 행하는 자를 향하사 그들의 자취를 땅에서 끊으려 하시는도다 의인이 부르짖으매 여호와께서 들으시고 그들의 모든 환난에서 건지셨도다 여호와는 마음이 상한 자를 가까이 하시고 충심으로 통회하는 자를 구원하시는도다.

                                                              – 시편 34:14-18

암송구절: “악을 버리고 선을 행하며 화평을 찾아 따를지어다.” (시편 34:14)

악을 버리고 선을 행하자. 악은 미움에서 나오고 선은 사랑에서 나온다. 악은 욕심에서 나오고 선은 욕심을 비우는데서 나온다. 악은 분노에서 나오고 선은 오래참음에서 나온다. 악을 버리고 선을 행하면 화평이 있을 것이다.

주님, 악을 버리게 하시고 선을 행하게 하소서. 아멘.

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.”

– Psalm 34:14-18

Memory Verse: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)

Let us depart from evil and do good. Evil comes from hatred and good comes from love. Evil comes from greed and good comes from letting go of our greed. Evil comes from anger and good comes from patience. When we depart from evil and do good, there will be peace.

Lord, help me depart from evil and do good. Amen.

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믿음은 바라는 것들의 실상이요 보이지 않는 것들의 증거니…믿음이 없이는 하나님을 기쁘시게 하지 못하나니 하나님께 나아가는 자는 반드시 그가 계신 것과 또한 그가 자기를 찾는 자들에게 상 주시는 이심을 믿어야 할지니라

                                                          – 히브리서11:1, 6

암송구절: “믿음은 바라는 것들의 실상이요 보이지 않는 것들의 증거니.” (히브리서11:1)

우리의 믿음은 늘 test 된다. 삶의 어려운 일이 닥치고, 문제가 밀려오고, 앞이 보이지 않을 때, 우리의 믿음은 흔들린다. 믿음은 내 의지로 갖는 것이 아니다. 믿음은 매일 매일의 훈련을 통해 내 속에 쌓이게 되는 것이다. 그 믿음이 쌓일 때 우리는 이전에 보지 못했던 것을 볼 수 있게 된다. 삶의 어려움은 우리의 훈련장이다. 삶의 도전을 두려움으로 대하지 말고 믿음을 키우는 도구로 삼자.

주님, 매일 믿음의 훈련을 하게 하소서. 아멘.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

– Hebrews 11:1, 6

Memory Verse: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Our faith is always tested. When life’s difficulties come at us and problems overwhelm us, and when we cannot see what is ahead of us, our faith becomes shaky. Faith is not something that we attain by our own will, but it is something that we can find through daily discipline. When faith finds its place within us, we will be able to see what we could not see before in life. Life’s difficulties are our training ground. Let us not respond to life’s difficulties with fear but take them as a training ground.

Lord, help me to exercise the daily discipline of faith. Amen.

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육신의 생각은 사망이요 영의 생각은 생명과 평안이니라.

                                                                   – 로마서8:6

암송구절: “육신의 생각은 사망이요 영의 생각은 생명과 평안이니라.” (로마서8:6)

우리가 어디에 생각을 두는가에 따라 보는 것이 다를 것이다. 우리의 육신에 생각을 두면 사망을 볼 것이고, 영에 두면 생명과 평안을 볼 것이다. 영에 우리의 생각을 두자. 마음의 평강을 찾을 수 있을 것이다. 마음이 편해질 것이다.

성령이여, 나의 생각을 주장하소서. 아멘.

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

–  Romans 8:6

Memory Verse: “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Depending on where we set our mind, what we will see will be different. If we set our mind on the flesh, we will see death. If we set our mind on the Spirit, we will see life and peace. Let us set our mind on the Spirit. You will find peace. You will feel better.

O Spirit, guide my thoughts. Amen.

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내가 산을 향하여 눈을 들리라 나의 도움이 어디서 올까 나의 도움은 천지를 지으신 여호와에게서로다. 여호와께서 너를 실족하지 아니하게 하시며 너를 지키시는 이가 졸지 아니하시리로다. 이스라엘을 지키시는 이는 졸지도 아니하시고 주무시지도 아니하시리로다. 여호와는 너를 지키시는 이시라 여호와께서 네 오른쪽에서 네 그늘이 되시나니 낮의 해가 너를 상하게 하지 아니하며 밤의 달도 너를 해치지 아니하리로다. 여호와께서 너를 지켜 모든 환난을 면하게 하시며 또 네 영혼을 지키시리로다. 여호와께서 너의 출입을 지금부터 영원까지 지키시리로다.

                                                                     – 시편 121

암송구절: “여호와께서 너를 지켜 모든 환난을 면하게 하시며 또 네 영혼을 지키시리로다.” (시편121:7)

하나님께서 우리를 지키신다. 하나님을 의지하자. 하나님께 맡기자. 우리의 믿음을 키우자. 두려움을 사랑으로 이기자. 사랑은 두려움을 몰아낸다. 사랑하면 두려움이 사라질 것이다. 하나님은 우리를 지키실 것이고 우리는 사랑을 실천하는 것 – 그것이 이 Pandemic을 이겨나가는 길이다.

나를 지켜주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.”

–  Psalm 121

Memory Verse: “The Lord will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.” (Psalm 121:7)

God will keep us. Let us depend on God. Let us leave our lives in God’s hands. Let us grow in our faith. Let us overcome our fear with our love. Love casts out fear. When we live a life of love, fear will soon disappear. God protects us and we live a life of love. That is the way to overcome this pandemic.

Thank you for always keeping me. Amen.

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무릇 징계가 당시에는 즐거워 보이지 않고 슬퍼 보이나 후에 그로 말미암아 연단 받은 자들은 의와 평강의 열매를 맺느니라. 그러므로 피곤한 손과 연약한 무릎을 일으켜 세우고 너희 발을 위하여 곧은 길을 만들어 저는 다리로 하여금 어그러지지 않고 고침을 받게 하라.

                                                        – 히브리서 12:11-13

암송구절: “무릇 징계가 당시에는 즐거워 보이지 않고 슬퍼 보이나 후에 그로 말미암아 연단 받은 자들은 의와 평강의 열매를 맺느니라.” (히브리서12:11)

때로는 삶이 처벌처럼 느껴질 때가 있다. 삶의 어려움을 지날 때, 우리의 마음이 아프다. 삶의 고통을 자책감으로 받아들일 때 우리는 쓰러진다. 우리를 훈련시키는 하나님의 사랑을 깨닫자. 하나님께서 피곤한 손과 연약한 무릎을 일으켜 세우고 궁극적으로 고침을 받게 하신다. 하나님은 사랑하는 자를 훈련시킨다.

주님, 삶의 고통을 이겨나갈 힘을 주소서. 아멘.

“Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”

–  Hebrews 12:11-13

Memory Verse: “Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Sometimes we feel that life is like punishment. It is painful to go through suffering. When we take life’s difficulties with guilt, we will collapse. Let us recognize the love of God who trains his loving child. God lifts our drooping hands and strengthens our weak knees and ultimately brings healing. God trains those whom he loves.

Lord, give me strength to go through life’s hardships. Amen.

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예수께서 깨어 바람을 꾸짖으시며 바다더러 이르시되 잠잠하라 고요하라 하시니 바람이 그치고 아주 잔잔하여지더라 이에 제자들에게 이르시되 어찌하여 이렇게 무서워하느냐 너희가 어찌 믿음이 없느냐 하시니 그들이 심히 두려워하여 서로 말하되 그가 누구이기에 바람과 바다도 순종하는가 하였더라.

                                                         – 마가복음 4:39-41

암송구절: “어찌하여 이렇게 무서워하느냐 너희가 어찌 믿음이 없느냐.” (마가복음 4:40)

많은 사람들이 두려움을 갖고 산다. 특히 어려운 풍파가 우리를 들이 닥칠 때 제일 먼저 우리에게 올라오는 감정은 두려운 감정이다. 두려움이 우리를 사로잡으면 우리의 눈이 어두워지고 볼 것을 보지 못하게 된다. 두려움으로 삶을 살지 말고 믿음 가운데 우리의 문제를 해결할 수 있는 길을 살펴보자. 주님께서 길을 보여주실 것이다.

주님, 두려움을 이길 수 있는 믿음을 허락하소서. 아멘.

“He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

– Mark 4:39-41

Memory Verse: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Many people live with fear. When life’s storms hit us, the first reaction is fear. When fear traps us, we become blind and we cannot see what we ought to see. Let us not fear but with faith let us find a way to deal with our problems. Jesus will show us the way.

Lord, grant me faith that can overcome our fear. Amen.

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그가 시험을 받아 고난을 당하셨은즉 시험 받는 자들을 능히 도우실 수 있느니라.

                                                              – 히브리서 2:18

암송구절: “그가 시험을 받아 고난을 당하셨은즉 시험 받는 자들을 능히 도우실 수 있느니라.” (히브리서 2:18)

예수님도 우리와 똑같이 시험을 당하셨다. 시험이 그를 연약하게 만들었고 시험 때문에 그도 갈등을 해야만 했다. 그러나 그가 시험을 이길 수 있었던 것은 그에게 힘이 있어서가 아니라 바로 하나님을 믿었기 때문이었다. 우리가 시험에 넘어지는 것은 우리 자신의 힘을 믿기 때문이다. 하나님을 믿을 때 우리는 어떤 시험도 이길 수 있다.

주님, 시험을 이길 수 있는 믿음을 허락하소서. 아멘.

Testing

“Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”

– Hebrews 2:18

Memory Verse: “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:18)

Jesus was tested as we are tested. He was tested by what he suffered and became vulnerable. He was able to overcome his own suffering and temptation not because he was strong but because he believed in God. We fall into temptation because we believe in our own strength. When we believe in God, we can overcome all kinds of testing.

Lord, grant me faith that can overcome our testing. Amen.

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내가 누워 자고 깨었으니 여호와께서 나를 붙드심이로다 천만인이 나를 에워싸 진 친다 하여도 나는 두려워하지 아니하리이다 여호와여 일어나소서 나의 하나님이여 나를 구원하소서 주께서 나의 모든 원수의 뺨을 치시며 악인의 이를 꺾으셨나이다 구원은 여호와께 있사오니 주의 복을 주의 백성에게 내리소서.

                                                                  – 시편 3:5-8

암송구절: “내가 누워 자고 깨었으니 여호와께서 나를 붙드심이로다.” (시편 3:5)

내가 누워 자고 깨었으니 여호와께서 나를 붙드셨다고 다윗은 고백한다. 수 많은 사람들이 그를 공격했기 때문에 다윗은 잠을 편히 잘 수도 없었다. 그러나 하나님께서 그를 붙드시고 계신다는 것을 알았기 때문에 그는 잠을 잘 수 있었다. 내가 아무 것도 할 수 없을 때 하나님께서는 나를 붙드시고 계신다. 모든 것을 하나님께 맡길 때 우리는 쉼을 얻을 수 있다. 잠을 잘 자자.

주님, 모든 것을 주님께 맡기게 하소서. 아멘.

 February 3, 2020 (Monday)

True Rest

“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!”

– Psalm 3:5-8

Memory Verse: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5)

David confessed that God sustained him while he lied down, slept and woke. So many people tried to attack David and that was why he could not even have a good sleep. He was able to sleep only because he knew that God would sustain him. When we cannot do anything, God sustains us. When we leave everything to God, we can have true rest. Let us have a good sleep.

Lord, help me leave everything to you. Amen.

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여호와여 나는 가난하고 궁핍하오니 주의 귀를 기울여 내게 응답하소서 나는 경건하오니 내 영혼을 보존하소서 내 주 하나님이여 주를 의지하는 종을 구원하소서 주여 내게 은혜를 베푸소서 내가 종일 주께 부르짖나이다 주여 내 영혼이 주를 우러러보오니 주여 내 영혼을 기쁘게 하소서.

                                                                 – 시편 86:1-4

암송구절: “여호와여 나는 가난하고 궁핍하오니 주의 귀를 기울여 내게 응답하소서.”(시편 86:1)

구하는 삶이 기쁜 삶이다. 하나님을 전심으로 구할 때 우리 속에 기쁨이 생긴다. 부르짖는 자에게 하나님께서 은혜를 베푸실 것을 알기 때문이다. 하나님을 바라보자. 하나님께 부르짖자. 그것이 인생의 기쁨을 찾는 비결이다.

주님, 오늘도 주님을 바라보며 살게 하소서. 아멘.

Look To God

“Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”

– Psalm 86:1-4

Memory Verse: “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
   for I am poor and needy.” (Psalm 86:1)

As we seek God, our soul is lifted up. As we seek God with all our heart, we experience the joy arising from within us. It is because we know that God will be gracious to answer us when we cry out to him. Let us look to God. That is the secret of finding the joy of life.

Lord, help me today to look to you. Amen.

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안식일이 되어 회당에서 가르치시니 많은 사람이 듣고 놀라 이르되 이 사람이 어디서 이런 것을 얻었느냐 이 사람이 받은 지혜와 그 손으로 이루어지는 이런 권능이 어찌됨이냐 이 사람이 마리아의 아들 목수가 아니냐 야고보와 요셉과 유다와 시몬의 형제가 아니냐 그 누이들이 우리와 함께 여기 있지 아니하냐 하고 예수를 배척한지라 예수께서 그들에게 이르시되 선지자가 자기 고향과 자기 친척과 자기 집 외에서는 존경을 받지 못함이 없느니라 하시며 거기서는 아무 권능도 행하실 수 없어 다만 소수의 병자에게 안수하여 고치실 뿐이었고 그들이 믿지 않음을 이상히 여기셨더라.

                                                            – 마가복음 6:1-6

암송구절: “선지자가 자기 고향과 자기 친척과 자기 집 외에서는 존경을 받지 못함이 없느니라.” (마가복음 6:4)

안다고 생각하기 때문에 모르는 것이다. 모른다고 생각했다면 알려고 하였을 것이다. 그들은 예수님을 안다고 생각했기 때문에 그를 알 수 없었다. 그들이 안다고 하였던 것은 그들의 작은 잣대로 전체를 안다고 착각했던 편견일 뿐이었다. 그들에게 예수님은 아무 권능도 행하실 수 없으셨다. 편견을 버리자. 편견이 아닌 진정한 깨달음을 갖자.

주님, 주님을 알기 원합니다. 아멘.

Prejudice

“He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.”

– Mark 6:1-6

Memory Verse: “Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” (Mark 6:4)

We don’t know because we think we know. If we know that we don’t know, we would have tried. They thought they knew Jesus but they didn’t know. Their knowledge came from their prejudice. They measured Jesus with their small measuring stick. That’s why they could not know who Jesus really was. Jesus could not do any deed of power there. Let us put down our prejudice. Let us have true understanding of Jesus, not shallow knowledge that comes from our prejudice.

Lord, I want to know you. Amen.

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어느 곳에서든지 너희를 영접하지 아니하고 너희 말을 듣지도 아니하거든 거기서 나갈 때에 발 아래 먼지를 떨어버려 그들에게 증거를 삼으라 하시니 제자들이 나가서 회개하라 전파하고 많은 귀신을 쫓아내며 많은 병자에게 기름을 발라 고치더라.

                                                         – 마가복음 6:11-13

암송구절: “어느 곳에서든지 너희를 영접하지 아니하고 너희 말을 듣지도 아니하거든 거기서 나갈 때에 발 아래 먼지를 떨어버려 그들에게 증거를 삼으라.” (마가복음 6:11)

이 세상이 우리를 환영하지 않을 때가 있다. 그것으로 인하여 낙심하지 말자. 또한 환영 받으려고 노력도 하지 말자. 우리의 삶의 목적은 사람들의 칭찬을 받는 것이 아니다. 환영을 받던 안 받던 우리는 우리의 할 일을 할 뿐이다.

주님, 주님 안에서 위로를 찾게 하소서. 아멘.

“If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.”

– Mark 6:11-13

Memory Verse: “If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” (Mark 6:11)

Sometimes we may not be welcomed by the world. Let us not be discouraged because of that. Let us not even try to be welcomed. Our purpose of life is not to be praised by people. Whether we are welcomed or not, we just do what we have to do.

Lord, help me to find comfort in you. Amen.

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하나님의 도는 완전하고 여호와의 말씀은 순수하니 그는 자기에게 피하는 모든 자의 방패시로다 여호와 외에 누가 하나님이며 우리 하나님 외에 누가 반석이냐 이 하나님이 힘으로 내게 띠 띠우시며 내 길을 완전하게 하시며.

                                                              – 시편 18:30-32

암송구절: “하나님의 도는 완전하고 여호와의 말씀은 순수하니 그는 자기에게 피하는 모든 자의 방패시로다.” (시편 18:30)

하나님은 우리의 방패이시다. 내가 나 자신의 방패가 될 때 우리는 방어적인 태도로 삶을 살게 된다. 사람들을 의심하게 되고, 그들을 호전적으로 대하게 된다. 하나님께서 우리의 방패가 되실 때 다른 사람들과 갖는 우리의 관계가 편해진다. 그들을 밀어내기 보다는 끌어안을 수 있다.

주님, 나의 방패가 되어주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

“This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock besides our God?— the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.”

– Psalm 18:30-32

Memory Verse: “This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)

God is our shield. When we become our own shield, we become defensive. We look at others with suspicion and hostility. When God is our shield, our relationship with others becomes amicable. Instead of pushing them out, we can embrace them.

Lord, thank you for being my shield. Amen.

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청년이 무엇으로 그의 행실을 깨끗하게 하리이까 주의 말씀만 지킬 따름이니이다 내가 전심으로 주를 찾았사오니 주의 계명에서 떠나지 말게 하소서 내가 주께 범죄하지 아니하려 하여 주의 말씀을 내 마음에 두었나이다.

                                                              – 시편 119:9-11

암송구절: “내가 전심으로 주를 찾았사오니 주의 계명에서 떠나지 말게 하소서.” (시편 119:10)

우리는 오직 전심으로 주를 찾을 수 있다. 그것이 주를 찾는 모습이다. 전심으로 주를 찾을 때 우리의 마음이 깨끗해진다.

주님, 나를 깨끗게 하소서. 아멘.

 February 8, 2020 (Saturday)

“How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.”

– Psalm 119:9-11

Memory Verse: “With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.” (Psalm 110:10)

We can seek God only with our whole heart. That is what it means to seek God. When we seek God with our whole heart, we will become pure and clean.

Lord, make my heart pure and clean. Amen.

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내가 율법이나 선지자를 폐하러 온 줄로 생각하지 말라 폐하러 온 것이 아니요 완전하게 하려 함이라 진실로 너희에게 이르노니 천지가 없어지기 전에는 율법의 일점 일획도 결코 없어지지 아니하고 다 이루리라 그러므로 누구든지 이 계명 중의 지극히 작은 것 하나라도 버리고 또 그같이 사람을 가르치는 자는 천국에서 지극히 작다 일컬음을 받을 것이요 누구든지 이를 행하며 가르치는 자는 천국에서 크다 일컬음을 받으리라 내가 너희에게 이르노니 너희 의가 서기관과 바리새인보다 더 낫지 못하면 결코 천국에 들어가지 못하리라.

                                                         – 마태복음 5:17-20

암송구절: “내가 너희에게 이르노니 너희 의가 서기관과 바리새인보다 더 낫지 못하면 결코 천국에 들어가지 못하리라.” (마태복음 5:20)

우리가 의롭지 않다면 천국에 들어가지 못한다고 주님께서 말씀하셨다. 우리가 율법을 지킴으로 스스로 의로와질 수 없기 때문에 우리는 절망감을 갖게 된다. 우리의 소망은 하나님에게 있지 우리 자신에게 있지 않다. 우리가 힘으로 이루는 의로움이 아니라 하나님께서 우리의 믿음을 통하여 우리 안에서 이루시는 의로움으로 우리는 의로와질 수 있다.

주님, 내 안에 하나님의 의를 이루소서. 아멘.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

– Matthew 5:17-20

Memory Verse: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)

Jesus said unless we are righteous, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. This makes us feel hopeless because we can never be righteous by fulfilling the requirement of the law. Our hope is in God, not in us. We become righteous not by our own strength but only by the righteousness God brings to fruition within us through our faith.

Lord, may your righteousness be accomplished within me. Amen.

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그러나 자족하는 마음이 있으면 경건은 큰 이익이 되느니라
우리가 세상에 아무 것도 가지고 온 것이 없으매 또한 아무 것도 가지고 가지 못하리니 우리가 먹을 것과 입을 것이 있은즉 족한 줄로 알 것이니라 부하려 하는 자들은 시험과 올무와 여러 가지 어리석고 해로운 욕심에 떨어지나니 곧 사람으로 파멸과 멸망에 빠지게 하는 것이라 돈을 사랑함이 일만 악의 뿌리가 되나니 이것을 탐내는 자들은 미혹을 받아 믿음에서 떠나 많은 근심으로써 자기를 찔렀도다.

                                                        – 디모데전서 6:6-10

암송구절: “자족하는 마음이 있으면 경건은 큰 이익이 되느니.” (디모데전서 6:6)

자족하는 삶은 경건한 삶이다. 많이 있어서 자족하는 것이 아니다. 많이 가진다고 자족할 수 없는 것이 돈이다. 하나님께서 우리의 먹을 것과 입을 것을 주신다는 믿음이 있을 때 우리는 자족함을 가질 수 있게 된다. 돈이 우리를 망가뜨리게 하는 것은 어리석은 것이다.

주님, 나의 필요한 것을 채워주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

February 10, 2020 (Monday)

“Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.”

– 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Memory Verse: “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

Life of being content is a godly life. We are not content because we have a lot. Money is one of those that don’t give us contentment because we have a lot. We can be content when we believe that God will provide food and clothing, our basic necessity. It is foolish if we let money destroy us.

Lord, thank you for providing what I need. Amen.

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이에 바리새인들과 서기관들이 예수께 묻되 어찌하여 당신의 제자들은 장로들의 전통을 준행하지 아니하고 부정한 손으로 떡을 먹나이까 이르시되 이사야가 너희 외식하는 자에 대하여 잘 예언하였도다 기록하였으되 이 백성이 입술로는 나를 공경하되 마음은 내게서 멀도다 사람의 계명으로 교훈을 삼아 가르치니 나를 헛되이 경배하는도다 하였느니라 너희가 하나님의 계명은 버리고 사람의 전통을 지키느니라 또 이르시되 너희가 너희 전통을 지키려고 하나님의 계명을 잘 저버리는도다.

                                                            – 마가복음 7:5-9

암송구절: “이 백성이 입술로는 나를 공경하되 마음은 내게서 멀도다.” (마가복음 7:6)

하나님의 계명은 하나님을 사랑하는 마음에서 지키는 것이다. 하나님을 사랑하기 때문에 그 계명이 중요해지는 것이다. 사람의 전통은 오랫동안 반복하며 해왔기 때문에 지키는 것이다. 때로는 마음에도 없이 그저 생각 없이 반복하는 것이다. 하나님을 사랑하는 마음으로 모든 것을 하자.

주님, 주님을 사랑하는 마음에서 주님의 뜻을 받들게 하소서. 아멘.

 February 11, 2020 (Tuesday)

“So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?’ He said to them, ‘Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.” You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.’ Then he said to them, ‘You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition!”

– Mark 7:5-9

Memory Verse: “This people honours me with their lips,
   but their hearts are far from me.” (6Mark 7:5)

We try to keep God’s commandment because we love God. When we love God, God’s commandment becomes important. We keep human tradition because we have been doing it repeatedly for a long time. Sometimes we just repeat it mindlessly and heartlessly. Let us do everything with a love for God.

Lord, I honour your will because of my love for you. Amen.

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무리를 다시 불러 이르시되 너희는 다 내 말을 듣고 깨달으라 무엇이든지 밖에서 사람에게로 들어가는 것은 능히 사람을 더럽게 하지 못하되 사람 안에서 나오는 것이 사람을 더럽게 하는 것이니라.

                                                         – 마가복음 7:14-16

암송구절: “사람 안에서 나오는 것이 사람을 더럽게 하는 것이니라.” (마가복음 7:16)

요즘은 우리가 먹는 것에 대해 많은 신경을 쓴다. 우리에게로 들어가는 것에 많이 신경을 쓴다는 말이다. 그것이 우리의 몸을 망가뜨리기 때문이다. 그런데 우리 안에서 나오는 것이 우리를 더럽게 한다. 우리가 나쁜 생각을 우리의 마음 속에 들어오게 하면 그것이 우리의 마음을 더럽힐 것이고 그렇게 될 때 우리 안에서 나오는 것이 우리를 더럽게 할 것이다. 먹는 것을 조심하고 생각하는 것을 조심하자.

주님, 늘 주님을 묵상하게 하소서. 아멘.

“Then he called the crowd again and said to them, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.’”

– Mark 7:14-16

Memory Verse: “the things that come out are what defile.” (Mark 7:16)

These days we are very careful with what we eat. We are careful with what goes into our body because it damages our body. But what comes out from us damages our soul. If we let bad thoughts enter into our heart, then they will damage our soul and what comes out from our soul will defile us. Let us be careful with what we eat and what we think.

Lord, help me daily meditate on you daily. Amen.

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정의를 지키는 자들과 항상 공의를 행하는 자는 복이 있도다 여호와여 주의 백성에게 베푸시는 은혜로 나를 기억하시며 주의 구원으로 나를 돌보사 내가 주의 택하신 자가 형통함을 보고 주의 나라의 기쁨을 나누어 가지게 하사 주의 유산을 자랑하게 하소서.

                                                               – 시편 106:3-5

암송구절: “정의를 지키는 자들과 항상 공의를 행하는 자는 복이 있도다.” (시편 106:3)

우리에게 형통함을 주시는 것은 하나님이시고 우리가 해야 할 일은 정의를 지키고 항상 공의를 행하는 것이다. 억울한 사람의 편에 서주고 늘 올바른 일을 하려고 노력할 때에 하나님께서는 우리에게 필요한 모든 것을 차고 넘치게 허락하실 것이다.

주님, 늘 정의를 지키고 공의를 행하게 하소서. 아멘.

“Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times. Remember me, O Lord, when you show favour to your people; help me when you deliver them; that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory in your heritage.”

– Psalm 106:3-5

Memory Verse: “Happy are those who observe justice,
   who do righteousness at all times.” (Psalm 106:3)

It is God who gives us the prosperity and it is we who observe justice, and righteousness at all times. When we take side with those who are unjustly oppressed and try to do the right things at all times, God will provide us with overflowing blessings.

Lord, help me see justice and righteousness at all times. Amen.

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주를 두려워하는 자를 위하여 쌓아 두신 은혜 곧 주께 피하는 자를 위하여 인생 앞에 베푸신 은혜가 어찌 그리 큰지요 주께서 그들을 주의 은밀한 곳에 숨기사 사람의 꾀에서 벗어나게 하시고 비밀히 장막에 감추사 말 다툼에서 면하게 하시리이다.

                                                              – 시편 31:19-20

암송구절: “주를 두려워하는 자를 위하여 쌓아 두신 은혜 곧 주께 피하는 자를 위하여 인생 앞에 베푸신 은혜가 어찌 그리 큰지요.” (시편 31:19)

주를 두려워하는 자들을 위해 하나님께서 은혜를 쌓아 두신다. 그들을 은밀한 곳에 숨기시고 비밀히 장막에 감추신다. 주를 두려워하지 않은 자들은 아무 말이나 막 할 것이고 그 말이 그들을 결국은 치게 될 것이다. 겸손하게 하나님을 두려워하는 마음으로 살자. 그가 우리를 보호하실 것이다.

주님, 고요한 가운데 주님의 보호하심을 느끼게 하소서. 아멘.

“O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues.”

– Psalm 31:19-20

Memory Verse: “O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone!” (Psalm 31:19)

God lays up his abundant goodness for those who fear him. God will hide them in his shelter and hold them safe. Those who do not fear God, they will speak whatever that come out of their mouth and their words will ultimately strike them. Let us live humbly with the fear of God. He will protect us.

Lord, let me be silent and feel your protection. Amen.

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가난한 자를 보살피는 자에게 복이 있음이여 재앙의 날에 여호와께서 그를 건지시리로다 여호와께서 그를 지키사 살게 하시리니 그가 이 세상에서 복을 받을 것이라 주여 그를 그 원수들의 뜻에 맡기지 마소서 여호와께서 그를 병상에서 붙드시고 그가 누워 있을 때마다 그의 병을 고쳐 주시나이다.

                                                                 – 시편 41:1-3

암송구절: “가난한 자를 보살피는 자에게 복이 있음이여.” (시편 41:1)

가난한 자를 보살피는 자를 하나님께서 복을 주신다. 재앙의 날에 그를 건지시고, 이 세상에서 복을 받을 것이고, 병상에서 붙드시고, 그의 병을 고쳐주실 것이다. 가난한 자를 보살피는 자를 이렇게 하시는 이유는 삶이 서로를 돌보며 사는 것이고, 특별히 가난한 사람들을 돌보며 사는 것이라는 것을 깨닫게 하심이다.

주님, 내 주위에 있는 가난한 자들을 늘 생각하고 돌보게 하소서. 아멘.

“Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land. You do not give them up to the will of their enemies. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed; in their illness you heal all their infirmities.”

– Psalm 41:1-3

Memory Verse: “Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.” (Psalm 41:1)

God blesses those who consider the poor and makes them happy. God will deliver them in the day of trouble, make them prosperous, sustain them on their sick bed, and heal all their infirmities. The reason God blesses those who consider the poor is because God wants us to understand that life is about taking care of each other, especially the poor.

Lord, help me always consider the poor and help them out. Amen.

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그러므로 내가 너희에게 이르노니 목숨을 위하여 무엇을 먹을까 무엇을 마실까 몸을 위하여 무엇을 입을까 염려하지 말라 목숨이 음식보다 중하지 아니하며 몸이 의복보다 중하지 아니하냐 공중의 새를 보라 심지도 않고 거두지도 않고 창고에 모아들이지도 아니하되 너희 하늘 아버지께서 기르시나니 너희는 이것들보다 귀하지 아니하냐 너희 중에 누가 염려함으로 그 키를 한 자라도 더할 수 있겠느냐.

                                                         – 마태복음 6:25-27

암송구절: “그러므로 내가 너희에게 이르노니 목숨을 위하여 무엇을 먹을까 무엇을 마실까 몸을 위하여 무엇을 입을까 염려하지 말라.” (마태복음 6:25)

염려하지 말자. 우리는 귀한 존재이다. 염려하는 것은 우리 자신을 천한 존재로 만든다. 누군가 우리를 귀하게 여긴다고 생각하며 살 때 우리는 귀한 존재가 된다. 우리는 떠내려 가지 않을 것이다. 누군가 나를 붙잡고 있기 때문이다. 오늘 구절을 깊이 묵상하자.

주님, 늘 돌봐주심에 감사 합니다. 아멘.

Do Not Worry

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

– Matthew 6:25-27

Memory Verse: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25)

Let us not worry about our life. We are very precious. By worrying, we are making ourselves worthless. When we know that we are very valuable to somebody, we become precious. We will not be swept away. Someone is holding us tight. Let us deeply meditate on today’s Scripture passage.

Lord, thank you for taking care of me. Amen.

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너희 중에 누구든지 지혜가 부족하거든 모든 사람에게 후히 주시고 꾸짖지 아니하시는 하나님께 구하라 그리하면 주시리라 오직 믿음으로 구하고 조금도 의심하지 말라 의심하는 자는 마치 바람에 밀려 요동하는 바다 물결 같으니 이런 사람은 무엇이든지 주께 얻기를 생각하지 말라 두 마음을 품어 모든 일에 정함이 없는 자로다.

                                                            – 야고보서 1:5-8

암송구절: “너희 중에 누구든지 지혜가 부족하거든 모든 사람에게 후히 주시고 꾸짖지 아니하시는 하나님께 구하라 그리하면 주시리라.” (야고보서 1:5)

하나님께 지혜를 구하자. 하나님께서 우리에게 필요한 지혜를 반드시 주실 것이다. 인생을 살아가려면 지혜가 필요하다. 내가 생각한대로 인생이 흘러가는 것이 아니다. 삶의 문제를 풀 수 있는 공식이 있는 것도 아니다. 지혜가 있어야 우리의 주어진 환경에서 우리가 무엇을 해야 할지 알 수 있다. 하나님께 지혜를 구하자.

주님, 나의 상황에 꼭 맞는 지혜를 주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

– James 1:5-8

Memory Verse: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (James 1:5)

Let us ask God for wisdom. God will surely give it to us. We need wisdom to deal with our life situations. Life will not turn out as we expect. There is no formula that we can use to deal with life questions. We need wisdom to know what to do in a given context. Let us ask God for wisdom.

Lord, thank you for giving me your wisdom that is perfect for my situation. Amen.

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사람이 시험을 받을 때에 내가 하나님께 시험을 받는다 하지 말지니 하나님은 악에게 시험을 받지도 아니하시고 친히 아무도 시험하지 아니하시느니라 오직 각 사람이 시험을 받는 것은 자기 욕심에 끌려 미혹됨이니 욕심이 잉태한즉 죄를 낳고 죄가 장성한즉 사망을 낳느니라.

                                                         – 야고보서 1:13-15

암송구절: “욕심이 잉태한즉 죄를 낳고 죄가 장성한즉 사망을 낳느니라.” (야고보서 1:15)

욕심은 시험을 초대한다. 욕심을 버리자. 욕심을 버릴 수 있는 것은 감사함이다. 감사함은 만족을 가져온다. 감사하는 마음이 있을 때 욕심은 사라진다.

주님, 모든 것에 감사합니다. 아멘.

Greed and Thanksgiving

“No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.”

– James 1:13-15

Memory Verse: “When that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15)

Greed invites temptation. We should let go of our greed. It is a thankful heart that allows us to let go of our greed. Thankfulness gives us contentment. When we have thankful heart, greed goes away.

Lord, thank you for everything. Amen.

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내 사랑하는 형제들아 너희가 알지니 사람마다 듣기는 속히 하고 말하기는 더디 하며 성내기도 더디 하라 사람이 성내는 것이 하나님의 의를 이루지 못함이라.

                                                         – 야고보서 1:19-20

암송구절: “사람마다 듣기는 속히 하고 말하기는 더디 하며 성내기도 더디 하라.” (야고보서 1:19)

화가 입으로 나올 때 그것은 독이 된다. 사람들의 영혼을 죽이는 독이 된다. 우리의 말은 위험하다. 우리 안에 화가 있을 때 우리의 말은 저주가 되고 우리의 행동은 폭력이 되고 우리의 마음은 미움이 된다. 내 속에 있는 화가 사라지도록 사랑의 영적 훈련을 매일 하자.

주님, 주님의 사랑으로 나의 화를 다스려 주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.”

– James 1:19-20

Memory Verse: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

When anger comes out of our mouth, our words become poison that kills the soul of others. Our words become dangerous. When we have anger within us, our words become curse, our actions produce violence, and our hearts become filled with hatred. Let us do the daily discipline of love so that the anger may lose its power.

Lord, thank you taking care of my anger with your love. Amen.

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예수와 제자들이 빌립보 가이사랴 여러 마을로 나가실새 길에서 제자들에게 물어 이르시되 사람들이 나를 누구라고 하느냐 제자들이 여짜와 이르되 세례 요한이라 하고 더러는 엘리야, 더러는 선지자 중의 하나라 하나이다 또 물으시되 너희는 나를 누구라 하느냐 베드로가 대답하여 이르되 주는 그리스도시니이다 하매 이에 자기의 일을 아무에게도 말하지 말라 경고하시고 인자가 많은 고난을 받고 장로들과 대제사장들과 서기관들에게 버린 바 되어 죽임을 당하고 사흘 만에 살아나야 할 것을 비로소 그들에게 가르치시되 드러내 놓고 이 말씀을 하시니 베드로가 예수를 붙들고 항변하매 예수께서 돌이키사 제자들을 보시며 베드로를 꾸짖어 이르시되 사탄아 내 뒤로 물러가라 네가 하나님의 일을 생각하지 아니하고 도리어 사람의 일을 생각하는도다.

                                                         – 마가복음 8:27-33

암송구절: “네가 하나님의 일을 생각하지 아니하고 도리어 사람의 일을 생각하는도다.”(마가복음 8:33)

고백이 사랑과 연결되지 않으면 힘이 없다. 주님을 따를 수 있는 힘은 오직 사랑에서 나온다. 베드로는 예수님에 대해 위대한 고백을 하였지만 결국 예수님에게 꾸지람을 들었고 또한 예수님을 후에 부인했다. 그가 예수님을 따를 수 있었던 것은 그의 속에 사랑이 회복되었을 때였다. 내 속에 사랑을 키우자. 주님을 따를 수 있는 힘이 주어질 것이다.

주님, 부족한 나를 사랑하여 주신 은혜 감사합니다. 아멘.

Confession and Love

“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

– Mark 8:27-33

Memory Verse: “You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Mark 8:33)

When a confession is not combined with love, it has no power. The power to follow Jesus comes only from love. Peter made a great confession about Jesus but he was rebuked by Jesus and later he denied Jesus. It was when love was restored in him that he was able to follow Jesus. Let us grow love within us. We will have the power to follow Jesus.

Lord, thank you for your grace of loving me even though I am weak. Amen.

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무리와 제자들을 불러 이르시되 누구든지 나를 따라오려거든 자기를 부인하고 자기 십자가를 지고 나를 따를 것이니라 누구든지 자기 목숨을 구원하고자 하면 잃을 것이요 누구든지 나와 복음을 위하여 자기 목숨을 잃으면 구원하리라 사람이 만일 온 천하를 얻고도 자기 목숨을 잃으면 무엇이 유익하리요 사람이 무엇을 주고 자기 목숨과 바꾸겠느냐.

                                                         – 마가복음 8:34-37

암송구절: “누구든지 자기 목숨을 구원하고자 하면 잃을 것이요 누구든지 나와 복음을 위하여 자기 목숨을 잃으면 구원하리라.” (마가복음 8:35)

목숨이 가장 중요한 것인데 목숨은 구할 수 없는 것이다. 목숨은 구하면 사라진다. 그러나 뜻 있는 것을 위하여 목숨을 바치면 우리는 그 목숨을 영원히 보존할 수 있을 것이다.

주님, 주님과 주님의 복음이 가장 뜻 있는 것이라는 것을 알게 해주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?”

– Mark 8:34-37

Memory Verse: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

Life is the most important thing and yet we cannot save it. The moment we try to save it, we lose it. But if we give our life for the meaningful things in life, we will be able to save life forever.

Thank you Jesus for helping me realize that you and your gospel are the most meaningful things in my life. Amen.

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우리가 다 실수가 많으니 만일 말에 실수가 없는 자라면 곧 온전한 사람이라 능히 온 몸도 굴레 씌우리라 우리가 말들의 입에 재갈 물리는 것은 우리에게 순종하게 하려고 그 온 몸을 제어하는 것이라.

                                                            – 야고보서 3:2-3

암송구절: “우리가 다 실수가 많으니 만일 말에 실수가 없는 자라면 곧 온전한 사람이라.” (야고보서 3:2)

말 속에 우리의 모든 인격이 담겨 있다. 내 속에 있는 인격이 입으로 나온다. 내 마음 속에 있는 말을 하자. 또한 내 마음을 다스리자. 그때 우리가 하는 말로 많은 사람들을 격려할 수 있고 힘을 줄 수 있게 될 것이다.

주님, 그들의 말로 나를 위로하는 많은 사람들을 주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

“For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies.”

– James 3:2-3

Memory Verse: “Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect.” (James 3:2)

Our integrity is hidden in our speech. The integrity that is within us comes out of our mouth. Let us speak what is in our heart. And let us cultivate our heart. Then through what we say, we will be able to encourage and empower many people.

Lord, thank you for giving me many people who encourage me with their words. Amen.

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우리가 다 실수가 많으니 만일 말에 실수가 없는 자라면 곧 온전한 사람이라 능히 온 몸도 굴레 씌우리라 우리가 말들의 입에 재갈 물리는 것은 우리에게 순종하게 하려고 그 온 몸을 제어하는 것이라.

                                                            – 야고보서 3:2-3

암송구절: “우리가 다 실수가 많으니 만일 말에 실수가 없는 자라면 곧 온전한 사람이라.” (야고보서 3:2)

말 속에 우리의 모든 인격이 담겨 있다. 내 속에 있는 인격이 입으로 나온다. 내 마음 속에 있는 말을 하자. 또한 내 마음을 다스리자. 그때 우리가 하는 말로 많은 사람들을 격려할 수 있고 힘을 줄 수 있게 될 것이다.

주님, 그들의 말로 나를 위로하는 많은 사람들을 주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

Speaking

“For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies.”

– James 3:2-3

Memory Verse: “Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect.” (James 3:2)

Our integrity is hidden in our speech. The integrity that is within us comes out of our mouth. Let us speak what is in our heart. And let us cultivate our heart. Then through what we say, we will be able to encourage and empower many people.

Lord, thank you for giving me many people who encourage me with their words. Amen.

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시기와 다툼이 있는 곳에는 혼란과 모든 악한 일이 있음이라 오직 위로부터 난 지혜는 첫째 성결하고 다음에 화평하고 관용하고 양순하며 긍휼과 선한 열매가 가득하고 편견과 거짓이 없나니 화평하게 하는 자들은 화평으로 심어 의의 열매를 거두느니라.

                                                         – 야고보서 3:16-18

암송구절: “화평하게 하는 자들은 화평으로 심어 의의 열매를 거두느니라.” (야고보서 3:18)

위로부터 난 지혜는 편견과 거짓이 없다. 그 지혜는 화평하고 관용하고 양순하며 긍휼과 선한 열매가 가득하다. 궁극적으로 화평을 가져온다. 위로부터 난 지혜를 구하자.

주님, 나에게 필요한 지혜를 허락하여 주셔서 감사합니다. 아멘.

“For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.”

– James 3:16-18

Memory Verse: “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:18)

The wisdom from above does not have prejudice and hypocrisy. The wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. Ultimately it brings peace. Let us seek the wisdom from above.

Lord, thank you for granting me the wisdom that I need. Amen.

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나는 말하기를 만일 내게 비둘기 같이 날개가 있다면 날아가서 편히 쉬로로다. 내가 멀리 날아가서 광야에 머무르리로다. 내가 나의 피난처로 속히 가서 폭풍과 광풍을 피하리라 하였도다. 네 짐을 여호와께 맡기라 그가 너를 붙드시고 의인의 요동함을 영원히 허락하지 아니하시리로다.

                                                           – 시편 55:6-8, 22

암송구절: “네 짐을 여호와께 맡기라 그가 너를 붙드시고 의인의 요동함을 영원히 허락하지 아니하시리로다.” (시편 55:22)

우리에게는 날개가 없다. 그러나 하나님은 날개가 있으시다. 하나님께서 우리를 그의 날개 아래 품으신다. 우리의 짐을 하나님께 맡길 때, 우리는 진정한 피난처를 찾을 수 있다. 하나님께서 우리를 도우실 것이고 우리를 안전하게 보호하실 것이다.

주님, 나의 피난처가 되시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“And I said: ‘O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest. Then would I flee far away and make my lodging in the wilderness. I would make haste to escape from the stormy wind and tempest. Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you, and will not let the righteous fall for ever.”

– Psalm 55:7-9, 24

Memory Verse: “Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you, and will not let the righteous fall for ever.” (Psalm 55:24)

We don’t have wings like a dove. We cannot fly away from the stormy wind and tempest. But God has wings and he hides us under his wings. When we cast our burden upon God, we will find a true refuge. God will help us and protect us.

Lord, thank you for being my refuge. Amen.

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무명한 자 같으나 유명한 자요 죽은 자 같으나 보라 우리가 살아 있고 징계를 받는 자 같으나 죽임을 당하지 아니하고 근심하는 자 같으나 항상 기뻐하고 가난한 자 같으나 많은 사람을 부요하게 하고 아무 것도 없는 자 같으나 모든 것을 가진 자로다.

                                                        – 고린도후서 6:9-10

암송구절: “아무 것도 없는 자 같으나 모든 것을 가진 자로다.” (고린도후서 6:10)

우리의 존재감은 겉으로 보이고 인정받는 모습이 아니다. 아무도 알아주지 않을 수 있다. 겉으로는 마치 징계를 받는 자 같이 보일 수 있다. 다른 사람의 눈에는 우리가 근심하고, 가난하고 아무 것도 없는 사람처럼 보일 수 있다. 우리의 존재감은 다른 사람들을 풍성하고 부요케 하는 삶에서 나타난다.

주님, 모든 사람을 부요하게 하는 삶을 살게 하소서. 아멘.

“…as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

– 2 Corinthians 6:9-10

Memory Verse: “…yet making many rich; as having nothing.” (2 Corinthians 6:10)

A sense of existence we have is not what is visible and recognized on the outside. Others may not recognize what we have. We may look like we are punished on the outside. We may look sorrowful, poor, and having nothing when other people see us. Our sense of existence comes from making other people’s lives rich and abundant.

Lord, help me live a life that makes other people’s lives rich and abundant. Amen.

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내가 기뻐하는 금식은 흉악의 결박을 풀어 주며 멍에의 줄을 끌러 주며 압제 당하는 자를 자유하게 하며 모든 멍에를 꺾는 것이 아니겠느냐 또 주린 자에게 네 양식을 나누어 주며 유리하는 빈민을 집에 들이며 헐벗은 자를 보면 입히며 또 네 골육을 피하여 스스로 숨지 아니하는 것이 아니겠느냐 그리하면 네 빛이 새벽 같이 비칠 것이며 네 치유가 급속할 것이며 네 공의가 네 앞에 행하고 여호와의 영광이 네 뒤에 호위하리니 네가 부를 때에는 나 여호와가 응답하겠고 네가 부르짖을 때에는 내가 여기 있다 하리라.

                                                              – 이사야 58:6-9

암송구절: “네가 부를 때에는 나 여호와가 응답하겠고 네가 부르짖을 때에는 내가 여기 있다 하리라.” (이사야 58:9)

진정한 금식은 음식을 금하는 것이 아니라 나 자신만을 위해 살아가려고 하는 나의 이기심을 금하는 것이다. 진정한 금식이 이루어질 때 하나님의 빛이 우리에게 비칠 것이고 우리는 치유함을 얻게 될 것이다. 그때 우리는 하나님께 도움을 청할 수 있고 하나님은 우리의 기도를 응답하실 것이다.

주님, 이기심을 버리는 금식을 하게 하소서. 아멘.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.”

– Isaiah 58:6-9

Memory Verse: “You shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.” (Isaiah 58:9)

True fasting is not to restrain ourselves from food but from selfishness and desire to live only for ourselves. When true fasting is practiced, God’s light will shine upon us and we will experience the healing. Then we can call God for help and God will answer us.

Lord, help me to do the fasting that restrains ourselves from selfishness. Amen.

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네 짐을 여호와께 맡기라 그가 너를 붙드시고 의인의 요동함을 영원히 허락하지 아니하시리로다 하나님이여 주께서 그들로 파멸의 웅덩이에 빠지게 하시리이다 피를 흘리게 하며 속이는 자들은 그들의 날의 반도 살지 못할 것이나 나는 주를 의지하리이다.

                                                              – 시편 55:22-23

암송구절: “네 짐을 여호와께 맡기라.” (시편 55:22)

우리는 많은 짐을 안고 산다. 이 짐이 우리를 짓누른다. 우리의 짐을 하나님께 맡기자. 우리의 삶이 한결 가벼워질 것이다. 짐을 하나님께 맡긴다고 하는 것은 나 홀로 해결하려고 하는 것이 아니라 하나님께서 해결해 주실 것을 믿고 앞으로 나가는 것이다.

주님, 나의 짐을 가볍게 해주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. But you, O God, will cast them down into the lowest pit; the bloodthirsty and treacherous shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.”

– Psalm 55:22-23

Memory Verse: “Cast your burden on the Lord.” (Psalm 55:22)

We live with a big burden. This burden weighs down on us. Let us cast our burden on God. Our life will become much lighter. Casting our burden on God means to trust God and move on instead of trying to solve our problems on our own and being stuck in them.

Lord, thank you for lightening my burden. Amen.

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네가 부를 때에는 나 여호와가 응답하겠고 네가 부르짖을 때에는 내가 여기 있다 하리라 만일 네가 너희 중에서 멍에와 손가락질과 허망한 말을 제하여 버리고 주린 자에게 네 심정이 동하며 괴로워하는 자의 심정을 만족하게 하면 네 빛이 흑암 중에서 떠올라 네 어둠이 낮과 같이 될 것이며 여호와가 너를 항상 인도하여 메마른 곳에서도 네 영혼을 만족하게 하며 네 뼈를 견고하게 하리니 너는 물 댄 동산 같겠고 물이 끊어지지 아니하는 샘 같을 것이라.

                                                            – 이사야 58:9-11

암송구절: “너는 물 댄 동산 같겠고 물이 끊어지지 아니하는 샘 같을 것이라.” (시편 58:11)

하나님께서는 따뜻한 마음, 사랑하는 마음을 가진 자를 축복하신다. 남을 욕하고 비난하는 말을 버리고 괴로워하는 자의 심정을 만족하게 하면 하나님의 빛이 떠올라 우리의 어두운 마음을 비출 것이고 우리의 영혼을 만족하게 할 것이다. 우리는 물 댄 동산 같겠고 물이 끊어지지 아니하는 샘 같을 것이다.

주님, 밝은 빛을 나의 마음에 비추어 주시니 감사합니다. 아멘.

“If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.”

– Isaiah 58:9-11

Memory Verse: “you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

God blesses those who have a warm and compassionate heart. Instead of pointing the finger at others and speaking of evil, if we satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then God’s light shall rise and shine our dark hearts and satisfy our soul. We will be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

Lord, thank you for shining your light upon my soul. Amen.