BSS - How to Achieve Success

BSS - How to Achieve Success
(go to Chinese 华文 text)

1 Courage to face Realities

Fear Not

• Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
• Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
• Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
• Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
• Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

2 Purpose & Vision - Set Goals

• Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
• Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
• follow God's purpose and methods if you want success
• Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
• Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
• Habakkuk 2:2 - "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'"
• Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

3 Find the Realities - The Truth

Relate to the External Environment

• The truth will set you free - John 8:32
  Go by the truth, and facts and not opinions, interpretations, or political stands

4 Get Counsel & Networking

• Proverbs 15:22: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."
• Proverbs 24:6: "Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."

5 Understand How Things Work

The Principles of Life & Work - And follow them in designing your plan

• Proverbs 2:3-6: "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
• Ecclesiastes 7:25: "So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly."
• Job 12:7-8: "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you, and the fish of the sea will declare to you."
• Proverbs 18:15: "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."
• Psalm 111:2: "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them."
• Principles are in the working of the universe & nature created by God.
• Proverbs 25:2: "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."

6 Plan before Action - Feasibility Check

• Luke 14:28: "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
• Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

7 Get Started & Pursue Righteousness

Do the right things rightly

• Mat 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
• Psalm 34:17-18: "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
• Have faith that God's principles work. God make sure they do
• James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
• Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

8 Lead by Serving

• "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:26-28

9 Work with Joy + Hope

• James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
• Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
• Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
• Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

10 Work Hard With Prudence

• Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
• Proverbs 14:23 - "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
• Proverbs 10:4 - "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
• Proverbs 13:4 - "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
• Ecclesiastes 9:10 - "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

11 Rest & Learn from Jesus Endlessly

Humility & Gentleness

• Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
• Proverbs 1:5 - "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
• Proverbs 9:9 - "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."

See also: Success Principles for Life - The Wisdom from East & West - From Ray Dalio to i-Ching
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读经分享 如何取得成功

1 勇敢面对现实 - 不要害怕

• 以赛亚书 41:10 - 「你不要害怕，因为我与你同在；不要惊慌，因为我是你的神。我必坚固你，我必帮助你，我必用我公义的右手扶持你。」
• 约书亚记 1:9 - 「我岂没有吩咐你吗？你当刚强壮胆，不要惧怕，也不要惊惶，因为你无论往哪里去，耶和华你的神必与你同在。」
• 诗篇 27:1 - 「耶和华是我的亮光，是我的拯救，我还怕谁呢？耶和华是我性命的保障，我还惧怕谁呢？」
• 腓立比书 4:13 - 「我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。」
• 申命记 31:6 - 「你们当刚强壮胆，不要惧怕，也不要惊惶，因为耶和华你的神和你同去。他必不撇下你，也不丢弃你。」
• 马太福音 28:20 - 「看哪！我天天与你们同在，直到世界的末了。」

2 目标与愿景 - 设定目标

• 箴言 19:21 - 「人心多有计谋，惟有耶和华的筹算，纔能立定。」
• 箴言 16:9 - 「人心筹算自己的道路，惟耶和华指引他的脚步。」
• 若你想要成功，就要追随神的目的和方法。
• 箴言 16:3 - 「你所做的事，都要交托耶和华，你的计谋就必成立。」
• 箴言 29:18 - 「没有异象，民就放肆；惟遵守律法的，便为有福。」
• 哈巴谷书 2:2 - 「耶和华回答我说：将这默示明明地写在版上，使读的人容易读。」
• 诗篇 37:4 - 「你要以耶和华为乐，他就将你心里所求的赐给你。」

3 真相 - 认识现实 - 与外部环境相关

• 真理使你自由 - 约翰福音 8:32
  根据真相和事实行动，而不是意见、解释或政治立场。

4 寻求咨询和建立人际关系

• 箴言 15:22 - 「谋事须凭筹算，打仗要凭智谋。」
• 箴言 24:6 - 「因智谋可以打仗，谋士众多便得胜。」

5 理解事物的运作方式 - 生活和工作的原则 
并在制定计划时遵循这些原则

• 箴言 2:3-6 - 「你若呼求聪明，扬声求聪达；你若寻找她，如寻找银子，搜求她，如搜求隐藏的珍宝，你就明白敬畏耶和华，得以认识神。因为，耶和华赐人智慧；知识和聪明都由他口而出。」
• 传道书 7:25 - 「我专心寻求，要智慧，要参透一切所行的，乃知那恶人的愚昧，和那愚顽人的狂妄。」
• 约伯记 12:7-8 - 「只有走兽可以指教你，空中的鸟可以告诉你。或问地，地必指教你；海中的鱼也必向你说明。」
• 箴言 18:15 - 「明哲人的心得智慧，聪明人的耳求知识。」
• 诗篇 111:2 - 「耶和华的作为是大的，凡喜爱的都考察。」
• 原则存在于上帝创造的宇宙和自然的运作中。
• 箴言 25:2 - 「将事隐秘乃神的荣耀；将事察清乃君王的荣耀。」

6. 行动前先规划 - 可行性检查

• 路加福音 14:28 - 「你们那一个人要盖一座楼，岂不先坐下算计花费，能盖成不成？」
• 箴言 21:5 - 「殷勤筹划的，足见利益；行事急躁的，都必致穷。」

7 开始行动并追求公义
正确地做正确的事情

• 马太福音 6:33 - 「你们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给你们了。」
• 诗篇 34:17-18 - 「义人呼求，耶和华听见了，便救他们脱离一切患难。耶和华靠近伤心的人，拯救灵性痛悔的人。」
• 相信上帝的原则有效，上帝确保这一点
• 雅各书 1:22 - 「只是你们要行道，不要单单听道，自己欺哄自己。」
• 马太福音 7:24 - 「所以，凡听见我这话就去行的，好比一个聪明人，把房子盖在磐石上。」

8 以服务为领导

•  马太福音 20:26-28：「凡愿意在你们中间为大的，必要作你们的用人；凡愿意在你们中间为首的，必要作你们的仆人；正如人子来，不是要受人的服事，乃是要服事人，並且要舍命，作多人的赎价。」

9 带着喜乐和希望工作

• 雅各书 1:2-4 - 「我的弟兄们，你们落在百般试炼中，都要以为大喜乐；因为知道你们的信心经过试验，就生忍耐。但忍耐也当成功，使你们成全完备，毫无缺欠。」
• 腓立比书 3:13-14 - 「弟兄们，我不是以为自己已经得着了，我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，向着标竿直跑，要得神在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏。」
• 耶利米书 29:11 - 「耶和华说：我知道我向你们所怀的意念是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们末后有指望。」
• 加拉太书 6:9 - 「我们行善，不可丧志；若不灰心，到了时候，就要收成。」

10 勤奋与谨慎地工作

• 歌罗西书 3:23-24 - 「无论做什么，都要从心里作，像是给主做的，不是给人作的。因为你们知道从主那里必得着基业为赏赐；你们所事奉的乃是主基督。」
• 箴言 14:23 - 「凡勤劳的，都有益处；嘴上多言，乃致穷乏。」
• 箴言 10:4 - 「手懒的，要受贫穷；手勤的，却要富足。」
• 箴言 13:4 - 「懒惰人羨慕，却无所得；殷勤人必得丰裕。」
• 哥林多前书 15:58 - 「所以，我亲爱的弟兄们，你们务要坚固，不可摇动，常常竭力多做主工，因为知道你们的劳苦在主里面不是徒然的。」
• 传道书 9:10 - 「凡你手所当作的，要尽力去作；因为在你所去的阴间，没有工作、没有谋事、没有知识、也没有智慧。」

11 休息并无止境地向耶稣学习

谦卑与温柔

• 马太福音 11:28-30 - 「凡劳苦担重担的人可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式，这样，你们心里就必得享安息。因为我的轭是容易的，我的担子是轻省的。」
• 箴言 1:5 - 「智慧人听见，必增长学问；聪明人得着智谋。」
• 箴言 9:9 - 「授教导智慧人，他就越发有智慧；指示义人，他就增长学问。」

Lim Liat (c) 30-6-23

BSS-Children How to be a Godly Child

BSS-Children How to be a Godly Child 

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

• 1 Children Belong To God

  !Know who you are

  • Matthew 19:14
    • "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"

      ! You are precious to God and are to be with God.

• 2 To Obey & Honor Their Parents

  ！ When you are young

  • Ephesians 6:1-3
    • "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."

      ! When you are a child. You are to obey your parents.

      When you grow up and have your own family. You are to honor your parent. Then you will have a good and long life.

  • Colossians 3:20
    • "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

      Obedience brings blessing and authority. Your authority comes from being obedient to your higher authority.

• 3 Respect & Care For Their Parents:

  ! When you have grown up

  • The Bible teaches children to respect and care for their parents, especially as they grow older while you grow stronger and wiser.

  • Leviticus 19:3: "Each of you must respect your mother and father."

  • Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old.
• 4 To Learn From Their Parents.

  ! Growth comes from Learning

  • Proverbs 1:8
    • "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
  • Proverbs 6:20:
    • "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching."
  • Proverbs 4:1-5
    • Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
    • I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
    • For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
    • Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
  • Proverbs 15:5:
    • "A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent."

      ! You are to appreciate your parents' correction

• 5 To Have Gratitude & Love:

  ！You are to be grateful to them and repay them with love

  • Children are called to express gratitude and love towards their parents.
  • 1 Timothy 5:4:
    • "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

      ! Caring for your own parents brings blessing.

  • Proverbs 30:17:
    • "The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures."

      ! The ungrateful children are under a curse.

• 6 To Grow In Wisdom & Stature
  • Children are to grow in wisdom and stature, both physically and spiritually. They are to learn and develop their talents, and they are to become mature and responsible adults. Proverbs 4
  • Proverbs 4:1:
    • "Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding."

      ! The first step to growing up is to learn by obeying your parents.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11:
    • "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."

      ! Growing up is changing from dependence on parents to becoming independent.

  • Ephesians 4:14-15:
    • "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

      ! Growing up means knowing right and wrong, sticking to the truth, and not being deceived.

    • Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

      ! It is to know and share the truth in love, becoming like Jesus as the standard.

  • Colossians 1:28:
    • "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ."

      ! Our standard is Jesus Christ - think, feel and walk like Him.

  • 1 Timothy 4:12:
    • "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

      ! Be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

  • Proverbs 20:11:
    • "Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?"

      ! You are to learn and grow up when young.

• 7 To Be A Blessing To Their Parents
  • Children are a gift from God, and they are to be a blessing to their parents. Bringing them joy, happiness, and love.
  • Psalm 127:3-5
    • "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"
• Prayer:
• May we obey our parents when we are small and they are young. May we grow up to be wise and independent adults and honor and care for them when they are old. May we always be grateful to our parents and be proud of them. May our Lord take care of our parents and bless them with good health and wisdom. May we all bring glory and honor to our Lord with our conduct. Praise and thanks be to our Heavenly Father who loves, saves, and care for us. Amen.






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读经分享 1031 如何成为一个虔诚的儿女 

1 孩子们属于上帝 - 认清你的身份

 马太福音19:14 "耶稣说：'让小孩子们到我这里来，不要阻挡他们，因为天国正是属于这样的人。'" 

！你对上帝来说是宝贵的，并且应该与上帝同在。

2 孝敬并尊重父母 - 在你年幼时




以弗所书6:1-3 "孩子们，你们要在主里顺从父母，因为这是正当的。要尊重父母（这是带着应许的第一条诫命），这样你就可以得福，并在世上长寿。"
！当你还是个孩子时，你应该顺从你的父母。

当你长大并有了自己的家庭，你应该尊敬你的父母。那样你将会有美好而长寿的生活。




歌罗西书3:20 "孩子们，凡事要顺从父母，因为这在主里是可喜悦的。"
! 顺从带来祝福和权柄。你的权柄来自于对更高权柄的顺从。




3 尊重和关心父母：- 当你长大了




圣经教导孩子要尊重和关心他们的父母，尤其是当你们长大、变得更强大和更有智慧的时候。

利未记19:3："你们各人都当敬畏父母。"




箴言23:22 你要听从生你的父亲，不可轻看生你的母亲，她年老的时候也不可藐视她。


4 向父母学习 - 成长来自学习

箴言1:8 "我儿，你要听父亲的训诲，不可离弃母亲的法则。"

箴言6:20: "我儿，要谨守你父亲的诫命，不可离弃你母亲的法则。"

箴言4:1-5 "儿啊，要听父亲的教训，留心领悟，不可忘记我口中的言语。因为，我是依据诚实的教导给你们训练的，你们不可离弃我口中的教训。你们不可离弃我宝贵的教诲。你们要爱惜我的训诲，因为我曾是我父亲的儿子，是我母亲眼中的独一宠儿。我父亲教导我说：'你要抓住我的话，要把我的命令存在心中，这样，你必得生命。要得智慧，要得聪明。不可忘记，也不可偏离我口中的言语。'"
箴言15:5："愚妄的人藐视父亲的管教，但领受训诫的是聪明人。"
！你要欣赏你父母的纠正。




5 心存感激与关爱 - 你应该对他们心存感激，并以爱回报他们




孩子们被呼召要向父母表达感激和爱意。

提摩太前书5:4："若有寡妇有儿女，或有孙子孙女，她们就应该先在自己家里行孝敬的责任，报答亲人，因为这在上帝面前是可悦纳的。"
！照顾自己的父母会带来祝福。




箴言30:17："那嘲笑父亲、藐视、不听从母亲训诲的眼睛，必为谷中的乌鸦啄出，为鹰雀所吃。"
！那些忘恩负义的子女受到诅咒。




6 成长智慧与身材 - 孩子们要在智慧和身材上成长，无论是身体上的成长还是灵性上的成长。他们要学习和发展自己的才能，他们要成为成熟负责任的成年人。 箴言4




箴言4:1："儿啊，要听父亲的教诲，留心领悟。"
！成长的第一步是通过顺从父母来学习。




哥林多前书13:11："当我还是孩子的时候，我说话像孩子，思想像孩子，推理像孩子。既成了人，就要抛弃孩子的样式。"

！长大意味着从依赖父母变为独立。




以弗所书4:14-15：
"这样，我们就不再作小孩子，被浪潮的风吹来吹去，被各样的教训摇荡，被人的诡计引入歧途。我们却要凭着爱心说诚实话，凭着爱心努力增长，在各方面像以基督长成全备的身量。"
！长大意味着知道是非对错，坚持真理，不受欺骗。

反倒是凭着爱心说诚实话，我们要在各方面像以基督长成全备的身量，他是元首。"
！明白并用爱传达真理，成为像耶稣那样的典范。




歌罗西书1:28："我们传扬他，是用诸般的智慧劝戒各人，教导各人，要把各人在基督里完全的引到上帝面前。"
！我们的标准是耶稣基督——思想、感受和行走都像祂。




提摩太前书4:12："不可叫人小看你年轻，总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心和清洁上，都作信徒的榜样。"
！在言语、行为、爱心、信心和清洁方面做一个榜样。




箴言20:11："连小孩子的行动都可以显出他是清洁、正直的人吗？"
！你要在年幼时学习和成长。


7 成为父母的祝福 - 孩子们是上帝的恩赐，他们应该成为父母的祝福，给他们带来喜乐、幸福和爱。


诗篇127:3-5
"看哪，儿女是上帝赐给人的产业，所怀的胎是上帝所赐的赏赐。像勇士手中的箭，他所生的儿子，他的少年时代有福！那人手里满满的箭囊，他就有福了！"




祷告：


愿我们在年幼时顺从我们的父母，当他们年轻时照顾他们。愿我们长大成为有智慧和独立的成年人，并在他们年老时尊敬和关爱他们。愿我们永远感激我们的父母，并以他们为荣。愿我们的主保守我们的父母，赐给他们健康和智慧。愿我们的行为带给我们的主荣耀和尊贵。赞美和感谢我们的天父，祂爱我们、拯救我们、关心我们。阿们。



 
Lim Liat (c) 23 Jun 23

BSS-Mother How to be a Godly Mother

How to be a Godly Mother 

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

1 Nurturer & Caregiver:

Mothers are nurturers and caregivers who provide love, care, and support to their children. They are responsible for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their children.

• Isaiah 49:15:
  "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"
• Proverbs 31:27-28 
  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
• Hosea 11:3-4:
  "It was I [God] who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them, I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."

2 Teacher & Mentor:

teaching their children in matters of faith, character, and wisdom.

• Proverbs 1:8 "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
• Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it."
• Proverbs 31:30: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

3 Role Model: exhibiting godly character

• Exemplifying virtues and godly qualities. Children learn more by following examples.
• Proverbs 31:26 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
• Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

4 Prayerful Intercessor:Mothers are encouraged to pray for their children and intercede on their behalf.

• 1 Samuel 1:27-28: 
• "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
• Isaiah 54:13 “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of Thy children.”
• 3 John 4 “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

5 Disciplinarian:
to discipline their children in love and with wisdom, guiding their children to know right and wrong and toward righteousness.

• Proverbs 29:15 
• "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."
• Don't overdo it. See Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
• Ephesians 6:1-3:
• "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'

6 Comforter:

Isaiah 66:13

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I [God] comfort you."

7 As Wife:
! Manage the Household & Finances

• Titus 2:3-5:
• "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
• Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,
• to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
• Proverbs 31:10-12:
• "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
• Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
• She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

8 Legacy:

• 2 Timothy 1:5:
• "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 
  ! Passing through at least 3 generations.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we prayed for all mothers and soon-to-be mothers. May You give them the love, wisdom, and courage to be godly mothers taking good care and character development of their children. May they love their husbands and create a secure and loving environment for their children. May she make fine decisions in the running of the house and the finances. May her family be a light and testimony for You, bringing praises 

=================

读经分享1030 如何成为一个虔诚的母亲

育儿与照顾者：
母亲是育儿和照顾孩子的人，给予他们爱、关心和支持。她们负责照顾孩子的身体、情感和灵性健康。

• 以赛亚书 49:15： "母亲岂能忘记她正在哺乳的婴儿，不怜恤她亲生的儿子？即或有忘记的，我却不忘记你！"
• 箴言 31:27-28： 她留心家务，不吃闲饭。她的儿女起来称她有福，她的丈夫也称赞她。
• 何西阿书 11:3-4：是我教导以法莲行走，用膀臂抱着他们，他们却不知道是我医治他们。我用慈绳系着他们，以爱细绳包裹他们，我自己怎样扶他们，他们也不知道。

教导与指导者：
母亲教导孩子信仰、品格和智慧等方面的事物。

• 箴言 1:8："我儿，你当听你父亲的训诲，不可离弃你母亲的法则。"
• 箴言 22:6："教养孩童，使他走当行的道，就是到老他也不偏离。"
• 箴言 31:30："魅力是虚假的，美容是虚浮的，惟敬畏耶和华的妇女，必得称赞。"

模范：
树立虔诚品格的榜样。

• 箴言 31:26：她开口就发智慧，在她舌头上有仁慈的法则。
• 箴言 31:25：能力和威仪是她的衣服，她想到日后的景况就喜笑。

祈祷代求者：
鼓励母亲为孩子祈祷，代求他们。

• 撒母耳记上 1:27-28：我就将这孩子献给耶和华，使他终生归于耶和华。于是他们在那里敬拜耶和华。
• 以赛亚书 54:13：你的儿女都要蒙耶和华的教训，你的儿女必大享平安。
• 约翰三书 4：我听见我的儿女们在真理中行事，我就甚喜乐。

纪律者：
用爱和智慧来纪律孩子，引导他们认识是非，朝向公义的方向。

• 箴言 29:15：杖打和责备能加给智慧，放纵的儿子使母亲羞愧。
• 不要过分。查考 以弗所书 6:4：你们作父亲的，不要惹儿女的气，只要照着主的教训和警戒养育他们。
• 以弗所书 6:1-3：孩子们，你们要在主里听从父母，这是理所当然的。要孝敬父母，使你得福，在世长寿。"

安慰者：

• 以赛亚书 66:13：耶和华如此说："我必安慰你们，就如母亲安慰她的儿子一样。"

妻子的角色：
管理家务与财务。

• 提多书 2:3-5：又劝老年妇女举止行动要恭敬，不说谗言，不给酒作奴仆，用善道教训少年妇女，使她们爱丈夫，爱儿女，谨守，贞洁，料理家务，待人有恩，顺服自己的丈夫，免得神的道理受到亵渎。
• 箴言 31:10-12：才德的妇人谁能得着呢？她的价值远胜过珍珠。她丈夫心里倚靠她，并不缺少利益。她一生使丈夫有益无损。

传承：

• 提摩太后书 1:5：我想起你心里无伪之信，这信是先在你外祖母罗以和你母亲友尼基心里的，我深信也在你的心里。
• 通过至少三代的传承。

祷告：

亲爱的天父，我们为所有的母亲和即将成为母亲的人祈祷。求您赐予她们爱心、智慧和勇气，成为敬虔的母亲，关心和塑造孩子们的品格。愿她们爱护丈夫，为孩子们创造一个安全和充满爱的环境。愿她在管理家务和财务方面作出明智的决策。愿她的家庭成为您的见证，为您带来赞美。阿门。

Lim Liat (c) 21 Jun 23

BSS-Father How to be a Godly Father

BSS-Father How to be a Godly Father 

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

• 1 Leader of Family:
  • Fathers are called to be the leaders or heads of their families. They are to provide for their families physically, emotionally, and spiritually and also to protect them from harm.
  • Joshua 24:15: 
  • "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

    # Father as Spiritual Leader of the family.

  • Psalm 103:13: 
  • "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."

    # Father loves his family

  • 1 Timothy 3:4-5
  •  "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect."

    # As a good Manager of his family earning respect from all.

  • 
    

• 2 Build & Lead a Family Altar

  A time of Family Worship, Sharing, Prayers & Teaching

  • to foster spiritual growth and unity within your household.
  • dedicating time to worship, instructing children in the ways of the Lord, and fostering unity within the family. Have discussions, prayers, and reflections during your gatherings.
  • Colossians 3:16
    • "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
  • Matthew 18:20
    • "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
  • Exodus 20:24-26
    • You shall build an altar to me, and sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings on it. I will come to you and bless you if you obey my commandments and keep my statutes as I have given them to you.
    • 
      
• 3 Teacher & role model:
  • Deuteronomy 6:6-9:
    • "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.

      # Father must first learn from God, the Heavenly Father.

    • Impress them on your children.

      # Teach & Live Out the Godly teaching.

    • Talk about them when you sit at home and
    • when you walk along the road,
    • when you lie down, and when you get up.

      # All the time

    • Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

      # Use various methods to memorize and retrieve the Words of God.

    • Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

      # Write them in obvious places as reminders for all in the family

  • Proverbs 22:6:
    • "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not depart from it."

      # Teach them when they are young.

  • Colossians 3:21
    • "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead,

      # Do not force it on them. Teach them according to their stages of development. Do not overwhelm them. When they get older they will learn it.

      The inability to learn creates frustration and hatred for the subjects.

    • bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

      # So, teach according to their ability to absorb.

    • 
      

• 4 Provider:
  • Fathers are called to provide for their families financially. This means working hard to earn a living and being wise with their money.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8:
    • "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:12:
    • "And to work hard and to be kind to others, to be generous and willing to share."
    • 
      
• 5 Husband:
  • Fathers are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This means being selfless, sacrificial, and committed to their wives.
  • Ephesians 5:25:
    • "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
  • Colossians 3:19:
    • "Husbands, love your wives and be considerate of them."
    • 
      
• 6 Disciplinarian:

  A Painful Act of Love

  • Fathers are called to discipline their children in a loving and consistent way. Discipline is not about punishment; it is about teaching children right from wrong and helping them to grow into responsible adults.
  • Psalm 127:3
    • "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."
  • Proverbs 13:24:
    • "The one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."
  • Ephesians 6:4:
    • "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

      # Punishment without loving care first will result in rebellion. Need to listen to their point of view and explain the reasons for the discipline. Later, reassure them of your love. Separate the wrong doing from the child.

  • Colossians 3:21
    • "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead,

      # Do not force it on them. Teach them according to their stages of development. Do not overwhelm them. When they get older they will learn it.

      The inability to learn creates frustration and hatred for the subjects.

    • bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

      # So, teach according to their ability to absorb.

  • Proverbs 3:11-12
    • "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
  • Hebrews 12:7:
    • "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
    • 
      
• 7 Friend:
  • Fathers are called to be friends with their children. This means listening to them, understanding them, and being there for them through good times and bad.
  • Proverbs 17:6:
    • "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
  • Proverbs 27:17
    • "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
  • See also Eph 6:4 & Col 3:21
  • 
    
• 8 Legacy & Heritage: Bless their Children
• Psalm 78:4
  • "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."

    #The best legacy is not money but wisdom - knowledge of God

• Proverbs 13:22
• "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous."

  # Leave an inheritance for their grandchildren

• Proverbs 20:7:
• "The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them."
  # Genesis 27:4: Issac blessed ...Genesis 48:15-16: "Then he [Jacob] blessed Joseph...Deuteronomy 33:1: "This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, pronounced upon the Israelites before his death."

• Prayer:
• Teach us, Lord, to be like you, as a loving Father with grace and wisdom. May we love our spouse and children with the love that you gave us. A love that spoils us not but with guidance and discipline for our development and growth. May we pass on Your Words by not just teaching but living them out for our children to see. May we be blessed to be able to live a legacy and inheritance for our children and grandchildren. May we be a light bringing glory to You. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Lim Liat (c) 18 Jun 23

================

读经分享1029 如何做个虔诚的好父亲 

1 家庭的领导者： 父亲被称为家庭的领导者或家长。他们要在物质、情感和精神上为家人提供支持，同时保护他们免受伤害。

• 约书亚记24:15：
• “至于我和我家，我们必定事奉耶和华。” #父亲作为家庭的属灵领袖。
• 诗篇103:13：
• “正如父亲怜恤他的儿女，耶和华也怜恤敬畏他的人。”#父亲热爱他的家人。
• 提摩太前书3:4-5：
• “他务要好好管理自己的家，使儿女凡事端庄顺服（或作“敬畏”），因为人若不能管理自己的家，焉能照管上帝的教会呢？” #成为家庭的良好管理者，赢得全家人的尊重。

2. 建立和引领家庭的祭坛 家庭崇拜、分享、祷告和教导的时间

• 以促进家庭的属灵成长和团结。在家庭聚会中进行讨论、祷告和思考。
• 歌罗西书3:16：“当以基督的道理丰丰富富地住在你们心里，用各样的智慧彼此教导，用诗章、颂词、灵歌，谢主，用恩感颂赞神。”
• 马太福音18:20：“因为无论在哪里，有两三个人奉我的名聚会，那里就有我在他们中间。”
• 出埃及记20:24-26：“你要为我筑一座坛，就要在上面献燔祭和平安祭，羊群、牛群都可以献在那里。凡我要赐福给你的地方，我都要到那里赐福给你。我若在那里为我名召唤你，你就要为我筑一座坛，不可用凿成的石头为你的祭坛，因你用凿成的石头篡改了它的原样。”

3 教师和榜样：

• 申命记6:6-9：
• “我今日所吩咐你的话都要记在心上。 也要殷勤教训你的儿女。无论你坐在家里，行在路上，躺下，起来，都要谈论。也要系在手上为记号，戴在额上为经文，又要写在你房屋的门框上，并你的城门上。” #父亲必须首先从上帝、天父学习。
• 把它们铭记在你们儿女的心上。#教导并践行神的教导。
• 无论你坐在家里，行在路上，躺下和起来时，都要谈论它们。#无时无刻
• 把它们系为记号在你们的手上，戴在你们的额上。#使用各种方法记忆和回想上帝的话语。
• 也要写在你房屋的门框上，并你的城门上。#在显眼的地方写下提醒全家人的话语。
• 箴言22:6：
• “教养孩童，使他走当行的道，就是到老他也不偏离。” #当他们年幼时教导他们。
• 歌罗西书3:21：
• “父亲，不要惹儿女的气，恐怕他们失了志气。” #不要强迫他们。根据他们的发展阶段教导他们。不要压垮他们。当他们长大后，他们会学会的。不能学习会导致挫折和对学科的憎恨。
• 当你们教养他们时，要以主的训诲和警戒为准。 #因此，根据他们吸收知识的能力进行教导。

4 供应者： 父亲被呼召为家庭提供物质支持。这意味着要努力工作谋生，并明智地管理金钱。

• 提摩太前书5:8：“人若不看顾亲属，就是背了真道，比不信的人还不好。”
• 帖撒罗尼迦前书4:12：“又叫你们在外人面前行事端正，自己也有所需用。”

5 丈夫：父亲被呼召爱妻子，就像基督爱教会一样。这意味着要无私、牺牲，并对妻子忠诚。

• 以弗所书5:25：“丈夫们要爱你们的妻子，正如基督爱教会，为教会舍己。”
• 歌罗西书3:19：“丈夫们要爱你们的妻子，不可苦待她们。”

6 纪律者： 一种痛苦的爱的行为

• 父亲被呼召以充满爱和一贯的方式管教他们的孩子。纪律不是关于惩罚，而是关于教导孩子分辨是非，帮助他们成长为负责任的成年人。
• 诗篇127:3：“看哪，子孙是耶和华所赐的产业，所怀的胎是他所给的赏赐。”
• 箴言13:24：“不忍用杖打儿子的，是恨恶他。疼爱儿子的，随时管教。”
• 以弗所书6:4：“你们作父亲的，不要惹儿女的气，只要照着主的教训和警戒养育他们。” # 没有爱的纪律只会导致叛逆。需要倾听他们的观点，并解释纪律的原因。随后，向他们保证你的爱。把错误行为与孩子分开。
• 歌罗西书3:21：“父亲们，不要激动你们的儿女，免得他们失了志气。” #不要强迫他们。根据他们的发展阶段教导他们。不要压垮他们。当他们长大后，他们会学会的。不能学习会导致挫折和对学科的憎恨。
• 希伯来书12:7：“你们所受的苦，是作儿子的神管教你们；焉有儿子不被父亲管教的呢？”
• 箴言3:11-12：“我儿，你不可厌烦耶和华的管教，也不可厌恶他的责备；因为耶和华所爱的，他必责备，正如父亲责备所喜爱的儿子。”

朋友： 父亲被呼召与他们的孩子成为朋友。这意味着倾听他们，理解他们，并在好时光和困难时刻与他们在一起。

• 箴言17:6：“子孙是老人的冠冕，父亲是儿女的荣耀。”
• 箴言27:17：“铁磨铁，磨出刃来；朋友相感，领悟事理。”
• 另见以弗所书6:4和歌罗西书3:21

传承与遗产：祝福他们的孩子

• 诗篇78:4：“我们不向他们的子孙隐瞒，要将耶和华的美德和他的能力，并他奇妙的作为述说给后代听。” #最好的传承不是金钱，而是智慧 - 对上帝的认识
• 箴言13:22：“善人给子孙遗留产业，罪人为义人积存资财。” #给他们一个坚实的基础，好让他们在生活中取得成功。
• 箴言 20:7： “义人过着无可指摘的生活；他们的后代是有福的。” # 创世记 27:4：以撒要祝福孩子......创世记 48:15-16：“然后他 [雅各] 祝福约瑟...... 申命记 33:1：“这是上帝的仆人摩西对他死前的以色列人。”

祷告：

    主啊，教导我们像你一样，作为慈爱的父亲，带着恩典和智慧。愿我们用你给我们的爱来爱我们的配偶和孩子。一种不会宠坏我们的爱，但会为我们的发展和成长提供指导和纪律。愿我们传递您的话语，不仅要教导，还要让我们的孩子们看到。愿我们蒙福，能够为我们的子孙留下一份遗产。愿我们成为荣耀你的光。奉耶稣的名，阿们。

BSS-Temptations vs Trials

BSS-Temptations vs Trials

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

• Temptations 

  • are experiences that lead us to sin.

  • triggered by
    • our own desires & the influence of others in a particular situation
    • James 1:13-15
      • "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
  • begins with a thought and if followed by action leads to sin
    • when an evil thought comes, we should reject it and not dwell on it to result in action.
  • opportunity for bondage
  • gratification of the flesh for short-term and regrets afterwards.
• Trials

  • are experiences that test and develop our faith.

  • They are often difficult and painful
  • Trials can be a physical illness, financial hardship. loss of love ones, accidents, disasters, persecutions, etc.
  • opportunities for growth.
    • James 1:2-4
      • "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
• Both temptations and trials can be used by God for our good.

  • Temptations can help us to grow in our understanding of sin and to develop our self-control.

  • Trials can help us to grow in our faith and to become more reliant on God.
• Overcoming
  • Pray
    • Ask God for help in resisting temptation or overcoming the trial.
  • Seek
    • the counsel of a trusted friend or mentor.
  • Read
    • the Bible for guidance, hope and encouragement.
• Trust in God.
  • God is with you and that He will help you through whatever you are facing.
  • Temptations:

    God enables You to overcome

    • 1 Corinthians 10:13
      • "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
    • Matthew 26:41
      • "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
  • Trials:

    Brings Growth

    • Romans 8:28
      • "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
    • 1 Peter 1:6-7
      • "In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
• Prayer:
• Lord, please give us to grace to overcome temptations and trials so that we may grow in maturity in the image of Christ. May we bear witness of your grace and love. Hallelujah. Amen.

Lim Liat (c) 18 Jun 23

=========================

读经分享 1028 诱惑与试炼

诱惑（Temptations）

• 是导致我们犯罪的经历。
• 由特定情境中的我们自己的欲望和他人的影响引发
• 雅各书 1:13-15 "人被试探，不可说：“我是被神试探。”因为神不能被恶试探，他也不试探人。但各人被试探，乃是被自己的私欲牵引诱惑的。私欲既怀了胎，就生出罪来；罪既长成，就产生死亡。"
• 始于思想，如果继续而跟随行动就导致犯罪。当邪恶的思想出现时，我们应该拒绝它，不要沉迷其中导致行动。
• 是束缚的机会 - 为了短期的肉体满足而带来以后的后悔。

试炼（Trials）

• 是考验和培养我们信仰的经历。
• 它们通常是困难和痛苦的
• 试炼可以是身体疾病、经济困难、失去亲人、意外事故、灾难、迫害等。
• 是成长的机会。
• 雅各书 1:2-4 "我的弟兄们，你们落在百般试炼中，都要以为大喜乐。因为知道你们的信心经过试验，就生忍耐。但忍耐也当成功，使你们成全完备，毫无缺欠。"

诱惑和试炼都可以被神用于我们的益处。

• 诱惑可以帮助我们在理解罪的同时培养自我控制力。
• 试炼可以帮助我们在信仰上成长，并更加依靠神。

克服

• 祈祷 - 向神祈求帮助以抵制诱惑或克服试炼。
• 寻求 - 亲信朋友或导师的忠告。
• 阅读 -圣经以获取指导、希望和鼓励。

信靠神

相信神与你同在，并会在你面对任何困难时帮助你。

• 诱惑：神使你得胜
• 哥林多前书 10:13 "你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。神是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的；在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住。"
• 马太福音 26:41 "你们要警醒祈祷，免得入了迷惑；你们心灵固然愿意，肉体却软弱了。"
• 试炼：带来成长
• 罗马书 8:28 "我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处，就是按他旨意被召的人。" 
• 彼得前书 1:6-7 "因此，你们是大有喜乐，但如今，在百般的试炼中暂时忧愁。这是要叫你们的信心既被试验，就比那被火试验仍然能坏的金子更显宝贵，可以在耶稣基督显现的时候，得着称赞、荣耀、尊贵。"

祈祷：

主啊，请赐给我们克服诱惑和试炼的恩典，使我们在基督的形象中长大成熟。愿我们见证您的恩典和爱。哈利路亚。阿门。

BSS-Your Calling - Discovering Your Calling

Discovering Your Calling

go to Chinese 华文 text

• 1 You are God's Masterpiece

  God has a good plan for your life

  • Ephesians 2:10
    • (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,(1 Your Calling) which God hath before ordained(2 is ordained by God) that we should walk in them. (3 Follow Your Calling)
    • (ISV) For we are God's masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.
• 2 Seek God through prayer:

  Listen to His guidance

  • Jeremiah 29:12-13
    • "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
• 3 Study the Word of God:

  Let His Word speaks to you

  • Psalm 119:105
    • "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
    • "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
  • Romans 12:2:
    • "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

      # Be open to the prompting of His Word.

• 4 Understand your gifts & passions:
  • Romans 12:6-8:
    • "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us... If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."
  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7:
    • "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
• 5 Seek counsel from wise & mature believers:
  • Share your thoughts and desires with trusted Christian mentors, pastors, or spiritual advisors. They can offer guidance, provide different perspectives, and help you discern God's will.
  • Proverbs 11:14:
    • "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."
  • Proverbs 15:22:
    • "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."
• 6 Be open to opportunities:
  • Pay attention to the doors that God opens for you. Sometimes, your calling may be revealed through unexpected circumstances or opportunities that align with your passions and abilities.
  • Colossians 4:3
    • "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ."
  • Proverbs 16:9:
    • "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
• 7 Test your calling:
  • Test it against the teachings of the Bible and seek confirmation from God. Look for signs of fruitfulness, peace, and alignment with biblical principles.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
    • "Test everything. Hold on to the good."
  • Galatians 5:22-23
    • "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
• 8 Serve others:

  Serving is a test to find your calling

  • Engage in various serving ministries. By helping others, you may discover areas where you have a passion and an impact.
  • 1 Peter 4:10
    • "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
  • Matthew 20:28
    • "...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
• 
  
• Summary: Discovering your calling:
• • seeking God's guidance with prayer and studying His Word
  • matching your gifts/abilities, passions/interests, and opportunities.
    • Affinity (What human needs do I “vibrate” to? What interests me? What are my passions?);

      
      

    • 能力Ability (What am I good at? What do people say I am effective in?)

      
      

    • 机会 Opportunity (What doors for service are open? What needs to be done?).

      
      

  • Remember, discovering your calling is a journey that requires patience, listening to God's voice, and seeking His will. Be open to His leading and trust that He will guide you in the right direction.
• Prayer
• Thank you, God, our Heavenly Father, for creating us with a purpose and calling. We are created in Christ Jesus as a Masterpiece. We are worthy in God's eyes to do good work. May God show and guide us to discover and live out our calling from You in this life. May we find satisfaction and joy in glorifying You. Praise be to Your Name, in Jesus Christ's Name, amen.

See also: 

• Spiritual Gifts, Grace & Ministry - Learning from Tim Keller.
• Be True to Your Calling says Lao Zi in DaoDeJing 16

 Lim Liat (c) 16-6-23

===========================

读经分享 1027 发觉你的呼召 

1 你是上帝的杰作

上帝为你的生活有美好的计划

• 以弗所书 2:10 （KJV）因为我们是他的工作，在基督耶稣里创造的，是为了行善的事（1你的使命），上帝早已安排好（2由上帝安排）我们要行在其中（3跟随你的使命）。 （ISV）因为我们是上帝的杰作，在弥赛亚耶稣里创造的，为了执行上帝早已预备的善行，作为我们生活的方式。

2 通过祷告寻求上帝： 倾听他的引导

• 耶利米书 29:12-13 “你们要呼求我，祷告我，我就应允你们。你们要寻求我，寻求我，必定寻见。当你们全心寻求我的时候，我就向你们显现。”

3 研读上帝的话语： 让他的话语对你说话

• 诗篇 119:105 “你的话是我脚前的灯，是我路上的光。”
• 提摩太后书 3:16-17： “圣经都是神所默示的，于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义，都是有益的，叫属神的人得以完全，预备行各样的善事。”
• 罗马书 12:2： “不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。” #你要要敞开心扉听从他话语的感动。

4 了解你的恩赐和兴趣：

• 罗马书 12:6-8： “我们各人的恩赐，因着所给我们的恩赐，都要彼此相合。或作若是预言，就当照着信心的程度说预言；或作执事，就当专一执事；或作教导的，就当专一教导；或作劝化的，就当专一劝化；施舍的，就当诚实；治理的，就当殷勤；怜悯人的，就当甘心。”
• 哥林多前书 12:4-7： “恩赐原有分别，圣灵却是一位。职事也有分别，主却是一位。功用也有分别，神却是一位，在众人里面运行一切的事。圣灵显在各人身上，是叫人得益处。”

5 向智慧成熟的信徒寻求指导： 与信任的基督徒导师、牧师或灵修顾问分享你的思想和愿望。他们可以提供指导，提供不同的观点，并帮助你辨别上帝的旨意。

• 箴言 11:14： “无智谋，民就败落；谋士多，人便安居。”
• 箴言 15:22： “人无谋算，计谋落空；谋士多，所立之事乃成立。”

6 对机会持开放态度： 留意上帝为你打开的门。有时，你的使命可能会通过意想不到的情况或与你的激情和能力相契合的机会来显露。

• 歌罗西书 4:3 “同时也为我们祷告，求上帝给我们开传道的门，能以讲基督的奥秘，（我为此被捆锁的时候）可以明说这奥秘如何。”
• 箴言 16:9： “人心筹算自己的道路，惟耶和华指引他的脚步。”

7 测试你的使命： 用圣经的教导来测试它，并寻求上帝的确认。寻找结果丰富、平安和与圣经原则相一致的迹象。

• 帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:21 “但要凡事察验，善美的要持守。”
• 加拉太书 5:22-23 “圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制。”

8 事奉他人： 事奉是测试找到你的使命的一种方式。参与各种事奉的事工。通过帮助他人，你可能会发现自己对某些领域有激情和影响力。

• 彼得前书 4:10 “各人要照所得的恩赐彼此服侍，作上帝百般恩赐的好管家。”
• 马太福音 20:28 “人子来，不是要受人的服侍，乃是要服侍人，并且要舍命，作多人的赎价。”

总结：

• 寻求上帝的引导，通过祷告和研读他的话语；
• 将你的恩赐/能力、激情/兴趣和机会相匹配。 亲和力（我对哪些人类需求有共鸣？我对什么感兴趣？我有什么激情？）； 能力（我擅长什么？人们说我在哪方面有效？） 机会（什么为服务而敞开的门？有什么需要完成的任务？）。
• 记住，发现你的使命是一段需要耐心、倾听上帝的声音并寻求他的旨意的旅程。对他的引领持开放态度，并相信他会引导你走向正确的方向。

祷告：

• 感谢上帝，我们的天父，创造我们有目标和使命。我们是在基督耶稣里创造的杰作。在上帝眼中，我们是值得去做善工的。愿上帝向我们展示和引导我们在这个生命中发现并履行你从你那里得到的使命。愿我们在荣耀你中找到满足和喜乐。奉耶稣基督的名求，阿们。