Tuesday
In a recent survey of the math, science, and reading test scores of students from various countries, students from Shanghai were at the top in all subjects while students from Hong Kong ranked in the top three. Education experts attribute the high results for Chinese students to a "unique dedication to education of Chinese parents". Chinese parents devote much attention and effort to the education of their child. We pray that Christian parents will realize that God desires to have our children love and serve Him and will likewise devote attention to teaching them spiritual things.
Wednesday
Eighty percent of the high school students in Shanghai are taking extracurricular studies or attend cram schools to prepare for the college entrance examination. Their parents usually closely supervise their nightly homework which averages three to four hours daily. Eighty percent of the high school students in Shanghai go on to college--among the highest in all of China. We pray the Lord will bless the Christian parents who do their best to help their children with their education. May He remind us all that He has a good plan for our children and help us to trust Him for that plan rather than just asking Him to bless them.
Thursday
Shanghai began to provide free education for the children of migrant workers last year, a thing previously unheard of in China. This year in the public schools in that city, students whose parents are not residents of Shanghai outnumber those who are residents. Many parents in rural churches feel their children will never have a good education. Above all, it is our responsibility to teach our children to fear God. May the Lord give us assurance that He will take care of our children and their futures.
Friday
According to an international survey of forty countries, “How's Life?” ranked China last in a report aiming to offer a picture of how people subjectively assess their lives. The survey used indicators ranging from income to jobs, housing, education, environment, health, and security as elements to measure the well-being of people. It is easy for Christians to forget to give thanks for everything they have. In the same vein, it is easy for believers to be critical of their church and the people in it as well. We pray that believers will be truly thankful and learn to accept those who disagree with them in the church.
Saturday
Although China has become the world's second largest economy, it still lags behind developed countries in living standards. The income of people in China is lower than that of people in developed countries but prices are often higher. Take housing as an example, many Chinese people will probably never be able to own their own house. Buying a home for their only child is now the passion and a big goal for parents in China. We pray for those believers who do not own a home. May the Lord help them to know that He has not forgotten them and may they learn to trust God for everything they need.
Sunday
In terms of their "satisfaction with life", people in China have to deal with the worry of safe food. There are many scandals regarding recycled cooking oil, poisonous milk powder, and pork with questionable origins that have rocked the confidence of consumers in the food they buy. This is unheard of in developed countries. It is natural for average Chinese people to be cynical about what they buy and eat. May the Lord grant all of us the peace and faith to know that He is faithful to care for us and that "God's blessing adds no anxiety".
Monday
China's one-child policy is a bit of a misnomer. In most cities couples are allowed only one child but there are exceptions. Couples in which both partners are single children are allowed to have two children. There are also some Christian families who have after much prayer, decided to have more than one child so they have to pay the penalty for it as well as paying for the education of the "extra" child. We lift these families in our prayers as they try to instill Biblical values in their children's lives and determinate to love them as a special gift from the Lord.
星期二
最近發佈的國際性學生評估項目(PISA)測試,在數學、科學和閱讀的測試,上海學生在各個科目中全都名列第一。而香港學生則排名在第三名。教育專家把這樣的成績歸功於「中國父母對教育的全心投入遠高於其他國家的父母」。中國家長們對孩子的教育是如此的投入和關注。讓我們禱告基督徒家長對於神的心意也是如此的投入和關注,知道神盼望我們的孩子能夠一生愛祂、服事祂。
星期三
上海的中學有80%以上的高年級生參加課外輔導班。此外他們每天還在家長的密切監督下做3到4個小時的家庭作業。上海高中畢業生約有80%進入大學就讀,遠高於全國的平均大學升學率。求神讓基督徒父母也能盡最大的努力教育神所賜的兒女。知道神在孩子的生命中已有最好的計劃,相信主會帶領他們走人生道路, 而不只是單單要求神祝福、保佑孩子屬世上的亨通發達。
星期四
從去年開始,上海是中國第一個向所有外來人口的子弟提供免費義務教育的城市。今年公立小學裡的外來人口學生數首次超過了設籍上海的孩子。許多農村教會的家長,覺得子女因為他們沒有好的教育機會而永遠無法出人頭地。 求主賜給農村信徒們願意為主養育敬畏神的後代,相信祂信實的應許,照顧我們的孩子,引領他們一生。
星期五
根據一份全球性權威調查,包括40個國家的人民生活品質報告:中國老百姓對生活的滿意度排名倒數第一。該項調查的衡量標準包括收入、就業、教育,環境,醫療,住房等11項指標。對基督徒而言,忘記「凡事謝恩」是我們常犯的毛病。信徒在教會中也是如此,弟兄姐妹之間,彼此挑剔不合,不能相愛。求主賜給我們一顆感恩的心,學會用數算恩典的心態來感激神與別人的付出,並尊重、接納那些在主裡和我們有不同意見、看法的弟兄姐妹。
星期六
中國目前雖然已經是世界第二大經濟體,但老百姓的生活水平,和己開發國家還有一段差距。中國人收入並不比己開發國家的人民多,但物價卻比他們高;許多人辛苦一輩子,很可能還買不起房子。為子女買房,已經是中國父母天經地義的任務與生命目的。我們特別為那些買不起房子的信徒禱告,願神賜給他們信心,學會信靠神,體驗神並不放棄或忽略他們,神必供應我們一切所需。
星期日
論及所謂的生活品質滿意度,中國許多的老百姓曾經吃到而且可能還正在吃著地溝油、毒奶粉、問題豬肉,這樣的現象在己開發國家是不會有的, 而他們的人民也完全不需要擔心有這樣的事發生。中國老百姓對所買的食物沒有信心是能了解的。求主賜給信徒們屬天的平安,也有信心, 相信神的照顧是美善的,是不改變的,如同箴言十章22所說, 我們有信心「耶和華神所賜的福,使人富足,並不加上憂慮。」
星期一
中國的一胎化政策其實有例外情況,雖然在大多數城市裡,夫婦一般只允許生一個孩子,但是如夫妻雙方均是獨生,他們則有機會獲准生兩個孩子。有些基督徒家庭,經過禱告後,決定生第二個孩子,他們清楚知道有罰款,也要為孩子的教育費用張羅。我們為這些「超生」的家庭禱告,求主堅固他們的信心,認定孩子是神所賜的產業,並為主教養敬虔的後裔。
2011年10月25日星期二
2011年10月18日星期二
Prayer Request 10/18 - 10/24
Tuesday
The regulatory agency for radio and TV stations in China has demanded great self-discipline from those station in handling any commercials that claim to boost virility. They say that commercial advertisements should not be aired under the guise of a news report or as an interview on the news and that news anchors should never endorse products for commercials. It is nearly impossible to avoid any advertisements related to sex in China. They are found on telephone poles in villages and even on the walls of elementary schools. We pray for purity and holiness for all believers, especially for those who are young and that we will all flee from all forms of sexual immorality.
Wednesday
Many in China argue that China's one-child policy is increasingly damaging since the balance between young, middle-aged and old people is becoming skewed causing the birthrate to fall below the level needed to replace the population. The churches in China in consequence have fewer children. We must pray about this alarming phenomenon. May the Lord revive His church and burden church leaders to reach out to and focus on young families with children. More churches need to put a greater emphasis on their Sunday school ministry and use more of their resources there.
Thursday
Some parents are allowed a second child if their first is a girl or they suffer "hardship", a criterion determined by local officials. Minority groups such as Tibetans or Ughurs are permitted a second, and sometimes a third child, no matter the sex of the first one. Who will share the gospel with the Tibetan or Urghur children? They are really the most difficult group to reach of all of the "unreached people groups". We pray for a softening of hearts and open doors for those who minister to these two groups.
Friday
The combination of a strong cultural preference for boys and ultrasound imaging has led to a nationwide problem of couples identifying and aborting female fetuses so that their sole permitted child is a male. Young Christian couples face tremendous pressure from their parents to produce a made child, too. We pray especially for those who have girls. May the Lord give them confidence and joy that God gave them the very best and it is His will that parents raise up Godly children whether they are boys or girls.
Saturday
Guangdong province has consistently had some of the worst sex ratios of all of China. Normally 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. In 2010 Guangdong had 119males babies for every 100 females. Churches in this most populous province need much prayer. People in Guangdong are known for being affluent and extremely busy. May the Lord revive believers there and give them a burden to share the gospel and not be ashamed of His name.
Sunday
The boom in Guangdong has sucked in large numbers of young migrants from elsewhere. However, children and elderly migrants are deterred from moving there by the household-registration or hukou system. Prostitution and co-habitation are definitely worse there than in other parts of China which also presents a great temptation for believers. Let us pray for those who work alone in Guangdong that they flee sexual temptation, guard their hearts and stay in fellowship with believers.
Monday
Most demographers think the one-child policy has imposed huge costs on China. The 2010 census showed that population growth was even slower than they had expected, rising just 0.57% a year over the past decade. Churches in China are known for having many old and female believers. Many elderly people become homebound and unable to attend church. We pray for the joy and abiding presence of the Lord for all of these old saints, and that they will continue to have a strong testimony before their families.
星期二
中國官方下令各級電視廣播機構自律,嚴禁播放宣傳任何提高男女性功能的產品廣告,或是出現主持人「叫賣」違規廣告等。在中國與性有關的廣告幾乎無處不在,就是鄉間小學的牆壁和電桿上都有,幾乎不可能避免看到。求主保守眾信徒的心思意念(尤其年輕信徒),靠主謹慎自守,追求聖潔,約束自己的心,遠避一切的邪慾淫行。
星期三
近年,中國社會開始討論一胎化政策是否需要修改,因為目前的生育率太低造成人口減少,不但影響中國人口結構,各年齡層的比率更嚴重失衡。教會信徒的孩子數目比率之低也特別嚴重,願主復興祂的教會,加給教會領袖負擔,有智慧牧養有子女的年輕家庭。更求主幫助教會重視第二代事工,願意在主日學事工上投入更多資源。
星期四
中國部份地區開始通容第一胎是女孩或有某些「特殊難處」的家庭生第二個,可由地方官員酌情處理。此外,少數民族(如藏族,維吾爾族)不論第一胎是男是女,亦可以生兩個,甚至三個孩子。我們要問有誰願意去與這些少數民族的兒童分享基督耶穌的福音?他們是極困難分享福音的族群,是真正的「未得之民」。讓我們為這些民族能有柔軟的心禱告,求主為有志投入聖工的人,廣開傳福音的大門。
星期五
在中國傳統的重男輕女價值觀下,再加上產前超音波掃描技術的進步,導致夫婦在懷孕初期便終止女性胎兒的生命。雖然中國法律禁止此行為,但人工流產情形卻依然嚴重。年輕信徒夫婦也面臨其父母要生男孩傳宗接代的巨大壓力。我們特別為那些有女兒的家庭禱告,願主加添他們信心與喜樂,堅定相信神為人預備是最好的。願每位信徒家長明白神的心意,不論是男孩或女孩,神是要父母教養孩子敬虔愛主。
星期六
廣東省一直有嚴重的性別失衡問題。中國整體的男女出生比率是105男嬰對100個女嬰,但在2010年,廣東省的出生比率卻是119個男嬰對100個女嬰。廣東人較富裕,生活繁忙是中國聞名的。我們為處於人口眾多的省份的教會禱告,願主興起信徒,看見莊稼已經熟了,能夠體貼主耶穌焦急的心腸,不但為神的事工擺上更多禱告,且在傳福音上更有負擔,不以主耶穌基督的名為恥。
星期日
廣東經濟發展蓬勃,吸引了大量來自各省的年輕農民工,但這批工人家中的孩子及長者,卻因戶口制度問題,無法跟著遷居到廣東。廣東的色情業和同居率之高也是出名的,對血氣方剛的青年人有極大的誘惑。我們為單身在廣東工作的信徒禱告,求主保守他們逃避性的引誘,能常參與聚會,與主內肢體相互扶持,彼此守望。
星期一
許多人口學專家均認為,中國為其一胎化政策付上了沉重代價。2010年的人口普查顯示,中國人口增長速度遠遠少於政府預期的,在過去十年中,中國每年的人口增長僅0.57%。中國教會老人多和姐妹多是眾所周知的。現時許多老信徒沒有家人帶他們外出,更無法上教會。讓我們在禱告中記念他們,願神自己的同在,賜下的平安和喜樂,幫助這些年長的聖徒們,繼續在家人中為祂作美好的見證。
The regulatory agency for radio and TV stations in China has demanded great self-discipline from those station in handling any commercials that claim to boost virility. They say that commercial advertisements should not be aired under the guise of a news report or as an interview on the news and that news anchors should never endorse products for commercials. It is nearly impossible to avoid any advertisements related to sex in China. They are found on telephone poles in villages and even on the walls of elementary schools. We pray for purity and holiness for all believers, especially for those who are young and that we will all flee from all forms of sexual immorality.
Wednesday
Many in China argue that China's one-child policy is increasingly damaging since the balance between young, middle-aged and old people is becoming skewed causing the birthrate to fall below the level needed to replace the population. The churches in China in consequence have fewer children. We must pray about this alarming phenomenon. May the Lord revive His church and burden church leaders to reach out to and focus on young families with children. More churches need to put a greater emphasis on their Sunday school ministry and use more of their resources there.
Thursday
Some parents are allowed a second child if their first is a girl or they suffer "hardship", a criterion determined by local officials. Minority groups such as Tibetans or Ughurs are permitted a second, and sometimes a third child, no matter the sex of the first one. Who will share the gospel with the Tibetan or Urghur children? They are really the most difficult group to reach of all of the "unreached people groups". We pray for a softening of hearts and open doors for those who minister to these two groups.
Friday
The combination of a strong cultural preference for boys and ultrasound imaging has led to a nationwide problem of couples identifying and aborting female fetuses so that their sole permitted child is a male. Young Christian couples face tremendous pressure from their parents to produce a made child, too. We pray especially for those who have girls. May the Lord give them confidence and joy that God gave them the very best and it is His will that parents raise up Godly children whether they are boys or girls.
Saturday
Guangdong province has consistently had some of the worst sex ratios of all of China. Normally 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. In 2010 Guangdong had 119males babies for every 100 females. Churches in this most populous province need much prayer. People in Guangdong are known for being affluent and extremely busy. May the Lord revive believers there and give them a burden to share the gospel and not be ashamed of His name.
Sunday
The boom in Guangdong has sucked in large numbers of young migrants from elsewhere. However, children and elderly migrants are deterred from moving there by the household-registration or hukou system. Prostitution and co-habitation are definitely worse there than in other parts of China which also presents a great temptation for believers. Let us pray for those who work alone in Guangdong that they flee sexual temptation, guard their hearts and stay in fellowship with believers.
Monday
Most demographers think the one-child policy has imposed huge costs on China. The 2010 census showed that population growth was even slower than they had expected, rising just 0.57% a year over the past decade. Churches in China are known for having many old and female believers. Many elderly people become homebound and unable to attend church. We pray for the joy and abiding presence of the Lord for all of these old saints, and that they will continue to have a strong testimony before their families.
星期二
中國官方下令各級電視廣播機構自律,嚴禁播放宣傳任何提高男女性功能的產品廣告,或是出現主持人「叫賣」違規廣告等。在中國與性有關的廣告幾乎無處不在,就是鄉間小學的牆壁和電桿上都有,幾乎不可能避免看到。求主保守眾信徒的心思意念(尤其年輕信徒),靠主謹慎自守,追求聖潔,約束自己的心,遠避一切的邪慾淫行。
星期三
近年,中國社會開始討論一胎化政策是否需要修改,因為目前的生育率太低造成人口減少,不但影響中國人口結構,各年齡層的比率更嚴重失衡。教會信徒的孩子數目比率之低也特別嚴重,願主復興祂的教會,加給教會領袖負擔,有智慧牧養有子女的年輕家庭。更求主幫助教會重視第二代事工,願意在主日學事工上投入更多資源。
星期四
中國部份地區開始通容第一胎是女孩或有某些「特殊難處」的家庭生第二個,可由地方官員酌情處理。此外,少數民族(如藏族,維吾爾族)不論第一胎是男是女,亦可以生兩個,甚至三個孩子。我們要問有誰願意去與這些少數民族的兒童分享基督耶穌的福音?他們是極困難分享福音的族群,是真正的「未得之民」。讓我們為這些民族能有柔軟的心禱告,求主為有志投入聖工的人,廣開傳福音的大門。
星期五
在中國傳統的重男輕女價值觀下,再加上產前超音波掃描技術的進步,導致夫婦在懷孕初期便終止女性胎兒的生命。雖然中國法律禁止此行為,但人工流產情形卻依然嚴重。年輕信徒夫婦也面臨其父母要生男孩傳宗接代的巨大壓力。我們特別為那些有女兒的家庭禱告,願主加添他們信心與喜樂,堅定相信神為人預備是最好的。願每位信徒家長明白神的心意,不論是男孩或女孩,神是要父母教養孩子敬虔愛主。
星期六
廣東省一直有嚴重的性別失衡問題。中國整體的男女出生比率是105男嬰對100個女嬰,但在2010年,廣東省的出生比率卻是119個男嬰對100個女嬰。廣東人較富裕,生活繁忙是中國聞名的。我們為處於人口眾多的省份的教會禱告,願主興起信徒,看見莊稼已經熟了,能夠體貼主耶穌焦急的心腸,不但為神的事工擺上更多禱告,且在傳福音上更有負擔,不以主耶穌基督的名為恥。
星期日
廣東經濟發展蓬勃,吸引了大量來自各省的年輕農民工,但這批工人家中的孩子及長者,卻因戶口制度問題,無法跟著遷居到廣東。廣東的色情業和同居率之高也是出名的,對血氣方剛的青年人有極大的誘惑。我們為單身在廣東工作的信徒禱告,求主保守他們逃避性的引誘,能常參與聚會,與主內肢體相互扶持,彼此守望。
星期一
許多人口學專家均認為,中國為其一胎化政策付上了沉重代價。2010年的人口普查顯示,中國人口增長速度遠遠少於政府預期的,在過去十年中,中國每年的人口增長僅0.57%。中國教會老人多和姐妹多是眾所周知的。現時許多老信徒沒有家人帶他們外出,更無法上教會。讓我們在禱告中記念他們,願神自己的同在,賜下的平安和喜樂,幫助這些年長的聖徒們,繼續在家人中為祂作美好的見證。
2011年10月11日星期二
Prayer Request 10/11 - 10/17
Tuesday
Although in the past farmers were not allowed to sell directly to customers in the cities without paying other fees, the premier of China recently went to the Farmers' Marker in Beijing and encouraged the farmers to sell their produce directly to urban consumers in order to lower retail prices. Many urban believers use going to the market as an excuse for not going to church. We pray for those believers who are lukewarm or inconsistent in attending services. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts and remind them that God loves them and desires all of us to put Him first above all other things we do.
Wednesday
The consumer price index (CPI), a main guage of inflation in China, rose 6.2 percent for the year ending in August which is much greater than the government's target of four percent for the year. Food prices account for about a third of this rise. The price of vegetables has remained stubbornly high this past year. When people feel that everything is more expensive, believers tend to feel less generous in their giving at church. We remember all those who are living on a fixed income, as well as those who are retired or dependent on their children for support. May the Lord give them great faith to trust Him to provide for all of their needs.
Thursday
"Xinhua Zidian" from the very first edition in 1953, it has mirrored social, political and economic changes in Chinese society and government. The first print run of the most influential Xinhua Chinese dictionary counts 4 million copies. As the Chinese language changes, the most popular and beloved version of Bible (Union) is nearly a century old. Many of the terms used are archaic or seldom used today. We pray that Christian faith can be communicated effectively in modern language, both inside the church, to the younger generations and to the non-believers.
Friday
In this new edition, all terms associated with class struggle, and hence do not correspond to China today, have been deleted. For example of the pronoun “Zanmen” (all together): in the 2004 edition, the sample given for its meaning was: “All together, we the poor have revolutionized our village.” It is now changed to: “All together, we have become rich in our village.”We praise the Lord for the dramatic changes and improvement in rural China in the past 30 years. We know spiritual revival does comes and goes, but we still pray rural churches will stay healthy, believers will grow mature spiritually and God's revival will come again.
Saturday
Of all the criminal cases in China, those involving corrupt officials sentenced to death arouse the greatest interest. There are plenty of morbid examples of how the public cheered for the recent death sentences for the two deputy mayors to outright demand of executions of corrupt officials. Chinese, believers included, are too bloodthirsty to give up the death penalty as the favorite punishment or method for sweet revenge. May the Spirit convict us all, so we do not just accuse those who steals a lot, but rather be ever reminded that it is the grace of God that protects us from temptations and sins.
Sunday
China leads the world in the number of corrupt officials sentenced and executed each year. But, judging by the seemingly endless "public demand" for such punishment and the surging popular anger, it would seem that there is actually not enough of it. Chinese knows death penalty cannot stop corruption, but still demands it, such cynicism merely perpetuates itself. May the Lord grant us a constant desire for holiness.
Monday
Strictly speaking, China has no "justice," relying only on "political law" in punishing corrupt officials. The so-called "double regulation" (the Communist Party's disciplinary procedure) means that sentences are delivered under the guidance of the Communist Party's, and that the code of criminal procedure is only a reference. Many believers feel cohabitation is acceptable and no longer a God's commandment. May the Lord convict us of all the "double standards", excuses we have, so we will be separated from all manners of sin, darkness and corruption.
星期二
從前農民不許直接在一般巿場販賣產品,現己取消此規定。最近中國總理訪問了北京郊區的周末蔬菜直銷市場,他要求減少農民和社區市民的中間環節,鼓勵更多農民將產品直銷到市場、學校、與社區。一來可降低巿場價格,二來農民的獲利較高。不少城市信徒不去聚會的理由之一是週日需上市場買菜。我們特別為那些靈命冷淡或許久不參加聚會的信徒代禱,願神的靈提醒、催逼,盼望他們能因神的愛將祂自己放在生命的首位。
星期三
中國居民消費價格指數(CPI),即通貨膨脹主要指標,在今年八8月份,比去年上升了6.2%,遠遠高於政府想控制的4%目標。其中食物佔了消費物價指數約三分之一的比重,蔬菜價錢在2011年一直都居高不下,物價上漲亦影響到信徒減少奉獻。我們在禱告中記念所有靠固定收入養生過日子的肢體們,尤其是退休或依賴子女經濟支援的信徒。願主賜他們信心,堅信上帝必供應他們的一切需要。
星期四
中國民眾最熟悉的《新華字典》最近推出第11版。新華字典具有反映中國社會、政治和經濟的變革,乃最有影響力的中國字典。在1953年的初版印刷量就己高達400萬份。中國教會使用最廣泛及信徒最愛的聖經,仍然是已經有一個世紀歷史的和合本。中文己有極大的變化下,和合本使用的字句許多都巳老舊或不易為這世代人所理解。我們祈求能藉著現代的語言更有效地傳達基督的信仰,讓教會中的年輕一代及慕道友能更明白真道與基督的愛。
星期五
在最新一版的《新華字典》,所有與階級鬥爭有關聯的句子,因已不符合現今中國的狀況,全都被刪除。例如代名詞「咱們」,在2004年版本所使用的例句是:「咱們窮人已經解放了村子」,新版則改為:「咱們使我們的村子富起來。」過去的30年,農村有了急劇的變化和改善,為此我們感謝神。雖然屬靈的復興是有時間性,但我們還是為農村教會禱告, 希望農村教會保持聖潔,成熟的信徒增加及神的復興即將再來。
星期六
在中國所有的犯罪事例中,涉及腐敗官員的審判總能激起人們最大的注意。病態的例子很多:例如民眾為蘇杭兩名副市長被判處死刑而歡呼,或是網上要求槍斃所有的貪官。中國人因認為這是最大快人心的報仇,以牙還牙,以眼還眼的想法,仍存在於大多數人的觀念中,包括在基督徒在內,求聖靈幫助我們存心謙卑恩慈,不專著眼指控別人的過犯,再次提醒自己,全是神的恩典免了我們的罪債,又保守我們不為誘惑和罪惡所勝。
星期日
中國腐敗官員判處死刑的案件數量是全球第一。不過從「公眾需求」和民意衝擊來看,這些判決與死刑的執行似乎還不足以平息人民的憤恨。明知死刑不能喝阻貪污腐敗,但中國老百姓仍堅持要維持這樣的刑罰,真是十分嘲諷與矛盾的現象。求主憐憫更是提醒我們信靠祂的人,不為金錢網羅、罪惡引誘,要恆渴慕及追求神的公義與聖潔。
星期一
政府在處理腐敗官員時,嚴格說來並未依循司法的标准,而是以「政治」為主要考量。共產黨有套特殊的調查程序,意味著共產黨的紀檢部門主導判決的結果,刑事訴訟只是個过程。信徒中也有不少人認為,婚前同居沒什麼大不了,忘卻了神要求我們對婚姻誓約的尊重。求聖靈光照我們,看見自己在生活中也慣用「雙重標準」及不合神喜悅的理由自圓其說。幫助我們脫離黑暗,棄絕曖昧及所有不討神喜悅的事。
Although in the past farmers were not allowed to sell directly to customers in the cities without paying other fees, the premier of China recently went to the Farmers' Marker in Beijing and encouraged the farmers to sell their produce directly to urban consumers in order to lower retail prices. Many urban believers use going to the market as an excuse for not going to church. We pray for those believers who are lukewarm or inconsistent in attending services. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts and remind them that God loves them and desires all of us to put Him first above all other things we do.
Wednesday
The consumer price index (CPI), a main guage of inflation in China, rose 6.2 percent for the year ending in August which is much greater than the government's target of four percent for the year. Food prices account for about a third of this rise. The price of vegetables has remained stubbornly high this past year. When people feel that everything is more expensive, believers tend to feel less generous in their giving at church. We remember all those who are living on a fixed income, as well as those who are retired or dependent on their children for support. May the Lord give them great faith to trust Him to provide for all of their needs.
Thursday
"Xinhua Zidian" from the very first edition in 1953, it has mirrored social, political and economic changes in Chinese society and government. The first print run of the most influential Xinhua Chinese dictionary counts 4 million copies. As the Chinese language changes, the most popular and beloved version of Bible (Union) is nearly a century old. Many of the terms used are archaic or seldom used today. We pray that Christian faith can be communicated effectively in modern language, both inside the church, to the younger generations and to the non-believers.
Friday
In this new edition, all terms associated with class struggle, and hence do not correspond to China today, have been deleted. For example of the pronoun “Zanmen” (all together): in the 2004 edition, the sample given for its meaning was: “All together, we the poor have revolutionized our village.” It is now changed to: “All together, we have become rich in our village.”We praise the Lord for the dramatic changes and improvement in rural China in the past 30 years. We know spiritual revival does comes and goes, but we still pray rural churches will stay healthy, believers will grow mature spiritually and God's revival will come again.
Saturday
Of all the criminal cases in China, those involving corrupt officials sentenced to death arouse the greatest interest. There are plenty of morbid examples of how the public cheered for the recent death sentences for the two deputy mayors to outright demand of executions of corrupt officials. Chinese, believers included, are too bloodthirsty to give up the death penalty as the favorite punishment or method for sweet revenge. May the Spirit convict us all, so we do not just accuse those who steals a lot, but rather be ever reminded that it is the grace of God that protects us from temptations and sins.
Sunday
China leads the world in the number of corrupt officials sentenced and executed each year. But, judging by the seemingly endless "public demand" for such punishment and the surging popular anger, it would seem that there is actually not enough of it. Chinese knows death penalty cannot stop corruption, but still demands it, such cynicism merely perpetuates itself. May the Lord grant us a constant desire for holiness.
Monday
Strictly speaking, China has no "justice," relying only on "political law" in punishing corrupt officials. The so-called "double regulation" (the Communist Party's disciplinary procedure) means that sentences are delivered under the guidance of the Communist Party's, and that the code of criminal procedure is only a reference. Many believers feel cohabitation is acceptable and no longer a God's commandment. May the Lord convict us of all the "double standards", excuses we have, so we will be separated from all manners of sin, darkness and corruption.
星期二
從前農民不許直接在一般巿場販賣產品,現己取消此規定。最近中國總理訪問了北京郊區的周末蔬菜直銷市場,他要求減少農民和社區市民的中間環節,鼓勵更多農民將產品直銷到市場、學校、與社區。一來可降低巿場價格,二來農民的獲利較高。不少城市信徒不去聚會的理由之一是週日需上市場買菜。我們特別為那些靈命冷淡或許久不參加聚會的信徒代禱,願神的靈提醒、催逼,盼望他們能因神的愛將祂自己放在生命的首位。
星期三
中國居民消費價格指數(CPI),即通貨膨脹主要指標,在今年八8月份,比去年上升了6.2%,遠遠高於政府想控制的4%目標。其中食物佔了消費物價指數約三分之一的比重,蔬菜價錢在2011年一直都居高不下,物價上漲亦影響到信徒減少奉獻。我們在禱告中記念所有靠固定收入養生過日子的肢體們,尤其是退休或依賴子女經濟支援的信徒。願主賜他們信心,堅信上帝必供應他們的一切需要。
星期四
中國民眾最熟悉的《新華字典》最近推出第11版。新華字典具有反映中國社會、政治和經濟的變革,乃最有影響力的中國字典。在1953年的初版印刷量就己高達400萬份。中國教會使用最廣泛及信徒最愛的聖經,仍然是已經有一個世紀歷史的和合本。中文己有極大的變化下,和合本使用的字句許多都巳老舊或不易為這世代人所理解。我們祈求能藉著現代的語言更有效地傳達基督的信仰,讓教會中的年輕一代及慕道友能更明白真道與基督的愛。
星期五
在最新一版的《新華字典》,所有與階級鬥爭有關聯的句子,因已不符合現今中國的狀況,全都被刪除。例如代名詞「咱們」,在2004年版本所使用的例句是:「咱們窮人已經解放了村子」,新版則改為:「咱們使我們的村子富起來。」過去的30年,農村有了急劇的變化和改善,為此我們感謝神。雖然屬靈的復興是有時間性,但我們還是為農村教會禱告, 希望農村教會保持聖潔,成熟的信徒增加及神的復興即將再來。
星期六
在中國所有的犯罪事例中,涉及腐敗官員的審判總能激起人們最大的注意。病態的例子很多:例如民眾為蘇杭兩名副市長被判處死刑而歡呼,或是網上要求槍斃所有的貪官。中國人因認為這是最大快人心的報仇,以牙還牙,以眼還眼的想法,仍存在於大多數人的觀念中,包括在基督徒在內,求聖靈幫助我們存心謙卑恩慈,不專著眼指控別人的過犯,再次提醒自己,全是神的恩典免了我們的罪債,又保守我們不為誘惑和罪惡所勝。
星期日
中國腐敗官員判處死刑的案件數量是全球第一。不過從「公眾需求」和民意衝擊來看,這些判決與死刑的執行似乎還不足以平息人民的憤恨。明知死刑不能喝阻貪污腐敗,但中國老百姓仍堅持要維持這樣的刑罰,真是十分嘲諷與矛盾的現象。求主憐憫更是提醒我們信靠祂的人,不為金錢網羅、罪惡引誘,要恆渴慕及追求神的公義與聖潔。
星期一
政府在處理腐敗官員時,嚴格說來並未依循司法的标准,而是以「政治」為主要考量。共產黨有套特殊的調查程序,意味著共產黨的紀檢部門主導判決的結果,刑事訴訟只是個过程。信徒中也有不少人認為,婚前同居沒什麼大不了,忘卻了神要求我們對婚姻誓約的尊重。求聖靈光照我們,看見自己在生活中也慣用「雙重標準」及不合神喜悅的理由自圓其說。幫助我們脫離黑暗,棄絕曖昧及所有不討神喜悅的事。
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