Tuesday
One of the most popular Chinese posts circulating online this week says, "The Chinese team went to the Olympics like a professional gambler arriving for a casual weekend of mahjong but is trying to go home with everyone's money."Winning the most gold medals does boost national pride but we ask the Lord to remove pride from each of us, especially leaders in the church that we will not brag about the size of our congregations, or the number of meeting places, but rather the desire of the believers to live out God's Word.
Wednesday
When a Chinese weightlifter missed out on a gold medal in the Olympics he cried with despair right in front of the camera, which reminded Chinese viewers of the pressure he felt to win a gold medal in the name of the motherland. He said of his silver medal, "I feel ashamed to face my country and my team." We all have problems coping with disappointment and shame. As Christians we need to know God has given us the very best and that our Lord loves us unconditionally. Many Chinese believers feel they are not good enough to deserve God's love.
Thursday
For many athletes not from China, winning or losing is part of the sport itself but for Chinese people who participate in the Olympics, losing is unacceptable because there is too much at stake in their winning the medals. Financial rewards, better schooling for the children in their family and even promotion in their jobs are on the line. Many, especially in rural China, have turned to Christianity because they believe God will bless them financially. Let us pray for genuine faith for every believer in China that they will believe in Jesus for the right reason, not merely because they want to go to heaven or live well, but that they seek to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Friday
China is discouraging some Muslims in Xinjiang from fasting during Ramadan. The government says the move is motivated by health concerns. Attempts to restrict participation in Ramadan are not new, but this year's campaign is more intense. Xinjiang is home to the Muslim Uighur ethnic group. Once again, we pray for an opportunity for all Muslims in China to know about Jesus Christ. We ask the Holy Spirit to remove the pride and prejudice we Han Chinese believers have toward the Muslim minorities.
Saturday
Chinese bureaucrats have been told to cut down on perks like restaurant meals, cars and expensive liquor. The Chinese government told its civil servants to stick to "a frugal working style" and banned them from using government funds to purchase luxury goods or go on vacation. Corruption is not limited to non-believers at all. We pray for integrity of all who serve in China churches, especially those who are leaders. Money, sex, and pride have become major temptations which lead to the collapse of many house churches.
Sunday
China continues to try to curb its expenses on what it dubs the "three public's" referring to cars, banquets, and foreign travel. This latest edict from the central government comes just a week after it said it would stop serving shark's fin, a controversial and expensive ingredient, at state banquets. China churches have always had issue with financial transparency for many reasons. This is one reason why believers are generally hesitant to give offering. We pray for financial accountability of churches and for believers lacking faith in their leaders and how their offering is used.
Monday
Wenzhou government has limited its civil servants to meals that cost no more than 60 yuan ($9.40) per person. The number of hosts cannot be more than the number of guests, they cannot order abalone and shark’s fins, and a detailed account must be reported monthly. It has been ingrained in the Chinese mind that only a fool would not take advantage of someone else paying the tab. We know that only the Word of God can transform our mind and thought. So, we pray that the Holy Spirit will always convict us and remind us of His holiness.
One of the most popular Chinese posts circulating online this week says, "The Chinese team went to the Olympics like a professional gambler arriving for a casual weekend of mahjong but is trying to go home with everyone's money."Winning the most gold medals does boost national pride but we ask the Lord to remove pride from each of us, especially leaders in the church that we will not brag about the size of our congregations, or the number of meeting places, but rather the desire of the believers to live out God's Word.
Wednesday
When a Chinese weightlifter missed out on a gold medal in the Olympics he cried with despair right in front of the camera, which reminded Chinese viewers of the pressure he felt to win a gold medal in the name of the motherland. He said of his silver medal, "I feel ashamed to face my country and my team." We all have problems coping with disappointment and shame. As Christians we need to know God has given us the very best and that our Lord loves us unconditionally. Many Chinese believers feel they are not good enough to deserve God's love.
Thursday
For many athletes not from China, winning or losing is part of the sport itself but for Chinese people who participate in the Olympics, losing is unacceptable because there is too much at stake in their winning the medals. Financial rewards, better schooling for the children in their family and even promotion in their jobs are on the line. Many, especially in rural China, have turned to Christianity because they believe God will bless them financially. Let us pray for genuine faith for every believer in China that they will believe in Jesus for the right reason, not merely because they want to go to heaven or live well, but that they seek to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Friday
China is discouraging some Muslims in Xinjiang from fasting during Ramadan. The government says the move is motivated by health concerns. Attempts to restrict participation in Ramadan are not new, but this year's campaign is more intense. Xinjiang is home to the Muslim Uighur ethnic group. Once again, we pray for an opportunity for all Muslims in China to know about Jesus Christ. We ask the Holy Spirit to remove the pride and prejudice we Han Chinese believers have toward the Muslim minorities.
Saturday
Chinese bureaucrats have been told to cut down on perks like restaurant meals, cars and expensive liquor. The Chinese government told its civil servants to stick to "a frugal working style" and banned them from using government funds to purchase luxury goods or go on vacation. Corruption is not limited to non-believers at all. We pray for integrity of all who serve in China churches, especially those who are leaders. Money, sex, and pride have become major temptations which lead to the collapse of many house churches.
Sunday
China continues to try to curb its expenses on what it dubs the "three public's" referring to cars, banquets, and foreign travel. This latest edict from the central government comes just a week after it said it would stop serving shark's fin, a controversial and expensive ingredient, at state banquets. China churches have always had issue with financial transparency for many reasons. This is one reason why believers are generally hesitant to give offering. We pray for financial accountability of churches and for believers lacking faith in their leaders and how their offering is used.
Monday
Wenzhou government has limited its civil servants to meals that cost no more than 60 yuan ($9.40) per person. The number of hosts cannot be more than the number of guests, they cannot order abalone and shark’s fins, and a detailed account must be reported monthly. It has been ingrained in the Chinese mind that only a fool would not take advantage of someone else paying the tab. We know that only the Word of God can transform our mind and thought. So, we pray that the Holy Spirit will always convict us and remind us of His holiness.
星期二
本週中國網上流傳最廣的一句話：「奧運會加入了中國隊的感覺就像……一幫朋友開開心心週末聚在一起打個麻將，突然來了一個職業賭徒，想方設法贏走大家的錢……」無疑，獲得最多的金牌確實使我們為國家感到自豪。我們祈求主除去我們心中的驕傲，尤其是教會的領袖們，切記不要吹噓禮拜堂的宏偉、信徒的眾多，要誇的就只誇主耶穌基督的十字架，它如何在我們這些滅亡的人身上的奇妙作為。
星期三
中國男舉重選手在決賽獲得了銀牌，賽後他含淚鞠躬致歉，痛哭表示：「我有愧於祖國，有愧於所有關心我的人，對不起大家！」這一幕令人心情極其難受。每個人都有面對失敗與羞恥的時候，身為基督徒，我們需要確信神已經將最好的給了我們。許多中國信徒認為自己不夠好，不配得神的愛，求主校正此觀念，認識神豐盛的愛是無條件樂意賜予的。
星期四
對許多外國運動員而言，輸贏僅是體育本身所能詮釋的內容。中國運動員就不同了，勝利或失敗都關係到太多人利益的得失和進退，於是贏了就相當於進了天堂，輸了則無異於世界末日。許多人紛紛轉向基督教，特別在中國農村，因為他們以為神必定會在經濟上供應和賜福他們。求主幫助我們都有單純的信心，信耶穌並不是為得一張天堂的入場票，乃是深深體會祂的愛，甚願與祂有親密的關係。
星期五
中國政府對禁止新疆穆斯林在齋月期間封齋的解釋乃是：出於對他們健康的考量。新疆好幾個市、縣發出通知，禁止或不鼓勵黨員、公務員、學生及教師參加禁食活動。新疆是維吾爾穆斯林族最多的地區。我們為中國的穆斯林都有機會能認識耶穌基督來禱告，更求聖靈挪去漢族人對回民等少數民族的自傲心態與偏見、歧視，落實真正的平等互助，和諧共榮。
星期六
中國政府新規定：各級幹部一定要貫徹勤儉節約，不能過度使用公款消費，必須嚴格控制經費。不准用公款採購奢侈品、超標準的服務或者購建豪華辦公大樓. 違反規定的公職人員,可以被撤職。腐敗絕不僅限於非信徒。我們應當為所有在中國教會服事的主僕，尤其是那些屬靈的領袖們來禱告，求主賜給他們有正直、敬畏神的心志。遠離金錢、女色與自大等最主要讓傳道人跌倒的陷阱，為此往往導致了許多家庭教會的沒落。
星期日
中國政府嚴格控制「三公」。三公是指不得將政府預算用於公務餐宴接待、公務用車購置和奢華的海外旅遊。這項最新的中央指示，恰好出爐於公布了規定「公費吃飯不再准許食用魚翅」一週之後。教會財政不透明是中國教會一直存有的問題，也是阻礙一般信徒樂意奉獻的原因之一。我們為教會財務問責制能有公信交代，及信徒對教會領袖的品格能充份信任來祈求恩主。
星期一
溫州市政府發布公務接待新條例 ：商業用餐每人每餐不得超過人民幣60元，陪餐人員不得超過客人人數，不得食用鮑魚、魚翅等高檔菜餚，接待情況要逐月公示。中國人的心態是別人付錢的飯局不吃是傻瓜，願主的聖靈常常提醒、指正我們，也願神的話改變我們的心意， 好叫我們在世上行事為人時時保有主的聖潔與純全品格。
本週中國網上流傳最廣的一句話：「奧運會加入了中國隊的感覺就像……一幫朋友開開心心週末聚在一起打個麻將，突然來了一個職業賭徒，想方設法贏走大家的錢……」無疑，獲得最多的金牌確實使我們為國家感到自豪。我們祈求主除去我們心中的驕傲，尤其是教會的領袖們，切記不要吹噓禮拜堂的宏偉、信徒的眾多，要誇的就只誇主耶穌基督的十字架，它如何在我們這些滅亡的人身上的奇妙作為。
星期三
中國男舉重選手在決賽獲得了銀牌，賽後他含淚鞠躬致歉，痛哭表示：「我有愧於祖國，有愧於所有關心我的人，對不起大家！」這一幕令人心情極其難受。每個人都有面對失敗與羞恥的時候，身為基督徒，我們需要確信神已經將最好的給了我們。許多中國信徒認為自己不夠好，不配得神的愛，求主校正此觀念，認識神豐盛的愛是無條件樂意賜予的。
星期四
對許多外國運動員而言，輸贏僅是體育本身所能詮釋的內容。中國運動員就不同了，勝利或失敗都關係到太多人利益的得失和進退，於是贏了就相當於進了天堂，輸了則無異於世界末日。許多人紛紛轉向基督教，特別在中國農村，因為他們以為神必定會在經濟上供應和賜福他們。求主幫助我們都有單純的信心，信耶穌並不是為得一張天堂的入場票，乃是深深體會祂的愛，甚願與祂有親密的關係。
星期五
中國政府對禁止新疆穆斯林在齋月期間封齋的解釋乃是：出於對他們健康的考量。新疆好幾個市、縣發出通知，禁止或不鼓勵黨員、公務員、學生及教師參加禁食活動。新疆是維吾爾穆斯林族最多的地區。我們為中國的穆斯林都有機會能認識耶穌基督來禱告，更求聖靈挪去漢族人對回民等少數民族的自傲心態與偏見、歧視，落實真正的平等互助，和諧共榮。
星期六
中國政府新規定：各級幹部一定要貫徹勤儉節約，不能過度使用公款消費，必須嚴格控制經費。不准用公款採購奢侈品、超標準的服務或者購建豪華辦公大樓. 違反規定的公職人員,可以被撤職。腐敗絕不僅限於非信徒。我們應當為所有在中國教會服事的主僕，尤其是那些屬靈的領袖們來禱告，求主賜給他們有正直、敬畏神的心志。遠離金錢、女色與自大等最主要讓傳道人跌倒的陷阱，為此往往導致了許多家庭教會的沒落。
星期日
中國政府嚴格控制「三公」。三公是指不得將政府預算用於公務餐宴接待、公務用車購置和奢華的海外旅遊。這項最新的中央指示，恰好出爐於公布了規定「公費吃飯不再准許食用魚翅」一週之後。教會財政不透明是中國教會一直存有的問題，也是阻礙一般信徒樂意奉獻的原因之一。我們為教會財務問責制能有公信交代，及信徒對教會領袖的品格能充份信任來祈求恩主。
星期一
溫州市政府發布公務接待新條例 ：商業用餐每人每餐不得超過人民幣60元，陪餐人員不得超過客人人數，不得食用鮑魚、魚翅等高檔菜餚，接待情況要逐月公示。中國人的心態是別人付錢的飯局不吃是傻瓜，願主的聖靈常常提醒、指正我們，也願神的話改變我們的心意， 好叫我們在世上行事為人時時保有主的聖潔與純全品格。
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