Prayer Request 3/29 - 4/4

Tuesday
China is coming across as being very smug recently as she shows off her new military capabilities. She has begun to project her power in Asia and elsewhere and directly challenge the domination of the United States which is commonly referred to as the Bruce Lee Syndrome". Bruce Lee was not only a master of kung-fu in movies and philosophy, he is also regarded as a nationalistic hero who defeats oppressive foreigners. Some believers naturally feel that God has given the churches in China the unique role to complete the evangelization of the world and in their zeal, they look down on the prior missionary efforts of Western nations and even those of the Korean people. We pray that believers will approach evangelism, not with ethnic and nationalistic pride but with humility and a repentant heart.
Wednesday
In recent years the number of scientific papers published by Chinese scholars has dramatically increased so that they surpass the number of those published by people in the United States. However, despite the volume of these "reseach results" very little is being quoted from them by other scientists which shows that the quality of their research is still not up international standards. It also presents an ethical dilemma when someone uses a sermon or Bible study materials from the internet as if it were his/her own. Let us pray for everyone who teaches in the churches in China. May the Lord give them an understanding of God's word, and conviction by the Holy Spirit of how to make the Scripture practical and applicable for their listeners.
Thursday
The quality of scientific research in China is not up to the international standard which is evidenced by the fact that research by China's scholars is rarely referenced by other scholars (ranked 100th in the world). The big problem is that so much of this "research" is fraudulent since many colleges reward the writing of scientific papers without requiring actual research. Many would say that Chinese believers have good testimonies but they are lacking in original and fresh theological thinking. The Chinese church is still young and is only beginning to have believers who are truly gifted with reasoning. Let us pray for all the seminarians and Bible scholars in China. May their study and writing become an influential force and their godly lives be an inspiration to all believers.
Friday
Some Chinese colleges and universities use various financial incentives to boost their ranking, enhance the image of the school, and increase their publications. Such drives lead to faculty members publishing as many fake scientific papers as possible without doing any reasearch. The ethical standard of professors and teachers is often neglected in the pursuit of a financial reward. In most Chinese house churches it is hard to actually count the number of members and the temptation (and tendency) to claim huge numbers is always there. Again, we pray for revival for all of the house churches, not merely in numbers but in individual spiritual growth and a healthy leadership structure.
Saturday
For college professors in China, the more papers or books they publish, the more money they receive from the school, the faster they get promoted and the better their tenures. Under such pressure, it seems that everyone is doing fake "research", buying results from other people, having someone else write the paper, or even publishing textbooks of poor quality knowlingly. There is a great deal of fake goods on the market, even basic nutritional items such as milk powders and cooking oils. We pray for genuine Biblical teaching, not just the promise of prosperity and healing for those who clamor for them but instruction on the true cost of discipleship and carrying one's cross as a follower of Christ.
Sunday
Experts believe that the current plight of the college education system in China stems from their trying so hard to become research institutions without doing good research. Many professors do not possess the ability or proper training to do research so the quality of their scientific papers reflects this deficit. One big need is the improvement in the moral standard of the faculties in colleges. It is a natural tendency to want to have more members and bigger buildings than the next person. Let us pray for those churches that have more than five hundred members. The majority of them are Three-self churches but few have full-time pastors. We pray for those members who are responsible for caring for the congregation and even do the teaching without a title or pay.
Monday
The one-child policy in China has resulted in the unique phenomenon of the stealing of children. It is very common for children to be kidnapped and it is unofficially estimated that about 70,000 children a year are sold on the black market. Anhui province is well-known as a region where there is large-scale kidnapping, then maiming them, and forcing the children to beg. We pray for divine comfort for those parents who have lost their only child because of kidnapping, illness, or an accident, and that a Christian may enter their lives to share Jesus' compassion with them. We also pray for all believers whose only child has been kidnapped by the god of this world so that he no longer walks with Jesus. May the Lord have mercy and bring them back to Him.

星期二
憑藉新增的國力，中國開始在亞洲及其他地方展現其影響力，挑戰美國超級大國的獨霸地位，此舉被稱為「李小龍症候群」。李小龍不僅聞名於其功夫電影和哲學，也因勇於對抗外國勢力而成為當代最著名、最受讚揚的中國民族主義者。一些信徒認定神賦予了中國教會完成福音遍傳全世界的獨特使命，甚至輕忽過去西方宣教士或近年韓裔教士曾付出的開荒努力。我們禱告求神讓信徒們摒除種族、國家的自負，懷一顆向神謙遜悔罪，向人柔和、虧欠福音債的心，投入宣教。
星期三
中國學者近年來發表論文數量驟增，最新的媒體數據顯示，科研論文數量已經超過美國，位居世界第一。然而據統計顯示：這些科研論文的平均引用率甚微，似乎真正達到國際標準的論文還是不多。在教會中負責教導的人，往往自覺江郎才盡時，則掙扎於是否把網路上的研經資料或講章引為己用。求主幫助每一位傳講神話語的人，都能憑聖靈所賜領悟和確據來明白神的話，讓自己先被神的真道建立，進而使聽的人更能活用經文，把神的話扎實的行出來。
星期四
中國學術論文發表目前的數量為世界第一，但被學術界引用的比例卻排在世界一百名之後，可見大部分論文尚未及國際水平。原因在於許多學校有高額的獎勵制度鼓勵論文發表，造成學者們不惜學術造假，剽竊論文、抄襲事件不斷。許多人都認為中國信徒有很好的見證，但在神學思想上仍有進步的空間。中國教會相對較年輕，有理性分析恩賜的信徒也開始產生。讓我們為神學生和聖經學者禱告，求神使他們的學習和著作大有能力，也藉個人的生活敬虔，讓眾信徒深受感化。
星期五
大學為追求排名，提高學校知名度，單純追求論文數量，紛紛出臺重獎措施，這些做法客觀上誘使一些學術素養不高的教師急功近利，發表虛構性論文，走向極端。教師的品德修養和師德，在利誘之下蕩然無存。中國家庭教會的實際人數並不容易統計，因為其中難免有許多虛報大數者。讓我們再一次為中國教會的復興來禱告，願神引導我們不單只看重人數增長，更在信徒的個人靈命和教會領導結構上茁壯成長。
星期六
部份大學教授不惜鋌而走險，弄虛作假現象層出不窮，發表論文多，代表學術成就大，自然得到獎勵多，職稱晉陞快，獲得提拔重用的機會也大。由此還衍生出購買者-仲介-槍手-出版機構等一條龍的「產業鏈」。中國市場上的贋品、假貨亦層出不窮，就連最基本的奶粉和食用油都能造假。我們為講台有純正的聖經教導來禱告，讓教會不一味偏重傳講人所愛聼的成功、財富和治病的應許；而是平衡整全地教導神的話，叫人真正明白救恩及做主門徒的代價，樂意背負十字架跟從主。
星期日
專家認為，當前中國一些大學辦學紛紛走「研究型」之路，這本無可厚非，但有的不做確實的研究，只追求論文數量。許多教授因缺乏實質研究的訓練與能力，只能濫竽充數。同時，加強教師品德修養、提高師德水準，也是當務之急。一般人常常以聚會人數多寡和建築規模大小衡量教會，希望自己的能領先於他人，是人之常情。我們為逾五百人的大教會禱告，他們多半是三自教會，會友雖多但全職同工少，關懷和教導工作常需會友們參與。求主記念祝福所有不受薪的服事。
星期一
中國一胎化政策的一個獨特可怕後果就是偷小孩拐賣的現象盛行。據估計，每年有七萬名兒童被綁架，在黑市上出售。安徽某地是長期大規模拐賣兒童、殘害兒童、逼迫兒童乞討的據點。懇求神安慰幫助所有失去孩子的父母，無論是因拐帶，疾病或意外，我們都求主撫平他們的傷痛。也求主為他們預備好接待福音的心，及能與他們分享基督恩慈的人。此外，我們也為被這世界拐帶而離開耶穌基督的道路之獨生子女和他們的父母禱告，求主憐憫並且挽回他們。

Prayer Request 3/15 - 3/21

Tuesday
While Japan suffers from its worst earthquake in centuries, China is also dealing with the aftermath of its own deadly earthquake in Yunnan. China and Japan are closely linked economically but their ties are often strained with lingering bitterness over Japan's brutal occupation of China during World War II. However, the Chinese have expressed admiration for the orderly manner in which Japan has seemed to handle this disaster.We pray that this would be an opportunity for Chinese believers to reflect on how the love of Christ compels us to forgive, especially since Japan is the biggest mission field nearby.
Wednesday
With the booming economy in China coupled with the emerging middle class that is willing to buy expensive products, it is expected China will become the world's largest market for luxury goods by 2020. The sheer number of Chinese consumers which includes a swelling number of millionaires will account for the consumption of 44% of global luxury goods. In the churches in China it is no longer a big deal to own name brand clothing and accessories. We know it is not what we own or wear that defines a person so we want to pray that all believers will have a sound Biblically-based value system and realize the danger of materialism.
Thursday
The consumers of luxury goods in China love to show off their wealth and achievement by not only buying for themselves but also buying for their friends and families. More than half of the consumers surveyed said they have been or are planning to buy luxury goods. Currently 875,000 Chinese are said to have a net worth of a million US dollars. Chinese are generally modest people, not usually wanting to flaunt their wealth, except when they become "rich". However, the young people today are very different. They feel they must have the "hottest" and "coolest" stuff. We pray for young Chinese Christians that the Lord will show them what it really means to be content, not greedy and also not to envy.
Friday
With the one-child policy in place in China, there is one younger couple to take care of four elderly parents. The cost of caring for seniors has also skyrocketed as rural communities become more urbanized. Chinese know that if they do not save enough money themselves there might not be anyone to take care of them when they get old. We as Christians should honor our parents and take care of them when they get old. Let us pray that young believers will not only care for their elderly parents but that they will do it in gentleness and love so they can be a good witness for Jesus and be able to share the salvation of Jesus with them.
Saturday
One of the reasons Chinese people save more than they spend is the lack of financial services in the country. They are unable to obtain loans and those who go from villages to work in cities feel they must save to buy a house there so they will not be excluded from the basic services a city offers. We remember those believers who work in cities. They all try to save enough money to send home. May the Lord give them strength, faith in God, and the desire to continue to walk closely with Him. So often, they manage to save some money but pay a huge price in a faltering marriage and their relationshp with their child.
Sunday
With the rise of urban churches and more highly-educated believers, the churches in China must naturally respond to social and cultural events by declaring their position. This is good because many churches act as if they are totally disconnected with current events and it shows their concern. Young Chinese believers are ready to accept whatever is in vogue and have very different opinions from those of the older generation. May the Lord give these churches discerning, convincing, and wise leaders whose Biblical views will provide guidance and direction for the many younger believers.
Monday
Religious tours have become very trendy and popular in China. The faithful join tours of major temples that include stays in the temples and other religious activities such as meditation and lectures on Buddhism or Taoism. This tourism has also become a major source of income for the temples.Religions, especially Buddhism and Taoism, are enjoying a resurgence in China and the local government openly promotes and welcomes tourism to religious sites. Believers often give up sharing with their Buddhist or Taoist neighbors. Let us pray that churche s will redouble their efforts in reaching out to the lost and not give up sharing Jesus with their neighbors.

星期二
當下日本正面對有記錄以來最嚴重的地震，世界各國也積極伸出援手，其中也包括正處理雲南震災的中國。一般人對日本人在災難之後極有秩序的反應和善後，都自嘆不如。中、日兩國近年有密切的經濟關係，但許多人仍然無法忘記二戰期間日軍帶來的傷痛。求主藉著這次機會，讓仍帶著傷痛的，因著基督的愛，能放下仇恨，也體會日本其實就是中國最大、也是最近的宣教工場。
星期三
隨著中國經濟日益繁榮，加上新興的中產階層在高端產品上大灑金錢，名牌名品之風盛行。預料到2020年，中國將成為世界上最大的奢侈品市場。中國消費者將占全球商品消費的44%，這些商品包括手提包、汽車、手表、鞋和衣服等。在中國教會裡，穿戴名牌服裝配件已經不是稀罕。我們知道一個人的價值不是因著所擁有的或是衣裝來決定。我們要為所有的信徒們禱告，求主給我們，一個健全，以聖經為基礎的價值體系，更是知道物質主義的危險。
星期四
中國消費者享受到炫耀財富和成就，他們不光為了自己的消費，也會買禮物予朋友和家人。有一半以上受訪的消費者表示曾經或正計劃購買奢侈品。目前有87.5萬中國人擁有百萬美元身價。中國人一般不太願意炫耀他們的財富，但是當今的富人不再是如此。年輕人的價值觀也是非常的不同，他們認為自己必須有最新款的，最酷的東西。讓我們為中國年輕基督徒來禱告，願神讓他們體會何謂真正的知足，不貪婪，也不羨慕別人。
星期五
計劃生育政策導致四個老人只有一對年輕夫婦照顧，也由於城市化和沉重的養老負擔，過去中國人養兒防老的「社會保障」模式已不無法運行，所以更需要儲蓄以供不時之需。 「人若不看顧親屬，就是背了真道，比不信的人還不好，不看顧自己家裏的人，更是如此。」(提前5:8)。我們為所有年輕信徒禱告，求主幫助他們不僅願意照顧年邁的父母，更是能流露主的溫柔和愛，在父母面前為主做美好的見證，從而分享主耶穌救贖的大好消息。
星期六
在中國為個人提供理財服務的市場還未發展純熟，「理財」的觀念仍停留在「存款」。城市對農民工的限制逼使他們存錢以應對金融風險。同時，那些幾乎享受不到社會福利的農民，也需存錢以應對不確定的收入。我們特別記念在城市打工的農村信徒，他們省吃儉用，将錢寄回家。求主供應他們屬靈上的需要，使他們的靈命茁壯。這些信徒為了家計付上極大的代價，夫妻關係，親子關係難免有影響，求主額外施恩憐憫。
星期日
由著中國城市教會興起，信徒的教育水平增高，教會對現今社會所發生的事情，自然的需要做出回應或批判，等等。這些都是好的，也是無可避免的。許多中國教會根本就採取迴避，不回應的態度。年輕一代的中國信徒能接受時尚流行，他們的看法和老一代信徒也常會格格不入。願上帝給中國教會智慧，興起堅守聖經教導，能給服年輕一代提供指導和方向的領導者。
星期一
帶有宗教性質的旅遊在中國已變得非常時髦與流行。善男信女們紛紛參加旅行團到寺廟觀光，除了觀光之外還住在寺廟，參與宗教活動如冥想和演講等。旅遊現已成為中國寺廟的主要收入來源之一。傳統宗教特別是佛道兩教正在捲土重來，政府也公開支持並投資佛教和道教廟宇成為觀光點來賺取門票。基督徒們往往放棄向他們信奉佛道兩教的鄰居們傳福音。讓我們禱告求主幫助教會加倍努力，廣傳福音，更不要放棄向那些信奉佛教或道教的鄰居們分享主耶穌。

Prayer Request 3/8 - 3/14

Tuesday
Since 1978, it is mandatory that Chinese male workers and Party members retire at age 60; female workers retire at age 50, but female Party members get to retire at 55. Government is considering changing such rigid requirement because of the inequality and huge waste of human potential. There are untold numbers of sisters who have retired early and have helped in all aspects of church ministry. The visitation, caring and teaching they perform make up for the shortage of pastors in their churches. We praise the Lord for all of their service and we pray that many will be blessed because of their dedication, both as Mary and Martha.
Wednesday
Although the tradition has been giving money to the groom to buy an apartment or a car, the new judicial rule regarding marital properties is that whoever buys the house before marriage gets to keep it. This gives confidence to many parents of daughters to buy a house for their daughter. All parents want the marriage of their children to be successful. We pray that Christian parents will have the wisdom to teach their children the fear of God and that to serve Him is to be blessed. We pray that above all they will continue to pray for the young family and always be a godly influence on the new couples.
Thursday
hat the groom buys the house and the bride pays for a car is a longstanding wedding tradition in Zhejiang Province. However, when the the cost of a house is figured in the millions and even tens of millions, it has become a touchy subject for young couples and their parents to decide who does own the house. Given the high divorce rate, even a Christian couple in China is at risk of breaking up. We lift up those who are Christians but are married to non-believers. May the Lord give them special grace and an extra measure of patience knowing that God loves their family.
Friday
The most recent judicial interpretation of China's "Marriage Law" states that when a married person lives with someone and that person seeks monetary compensation to quit living with that person, the court does NOT support it. There are many couples in the churches in China who have broken marriages and the spouse is living with someone else. We pray for those who are going through not merely rough patches but turbulent times in their marriages. May the Lord give them special grace knowing that He will not abandon them and through all of this may their faith in Jesus grow even more.
Saturday
There are many young female college graduates who cannot find a good job so have decided to find a Sugar Daddy and be a mistress.The new "Marriage Law" has put an end to the dream that young women have had that they could be compensated legally for being a mistress. Nearly everyone in China knows of someone who has a mistress or has had an affair. Unfortunately, even Christian men are not immune from such actions. We pray again for the guarding of hearts and that they will stay away from temptation and live with a renewed commitment to their families and those of all of the other brothers.
Sunday
The new interpretation of China's "Marriage Law" states that if a wife decides to have an abortion her husband has no right to stop her and cannot seek compensation. If a couple fights over the issue of conception and wants a divorce, the court will allow it. There are many Chinese believers who have no children and are unable to have them. We remember them in our prayers. May the Lord bless them with His joy. May they have spiritual maturity and be able to help others in the church and become a great blessing to them.
Monday
The Supreme Court of China's new judicial interpretation of the "Marriage Law"which says, "After marriage, the parents of one member of the couple must buy real estate and record it in their child's name as a gift to their child. It is not joint communal property of the couple." has caused a heated debate. We pray for believers who must help pay for the house of their soon-to-be-married child. It is indeed stressful financially and emotionally. We pray that Christian parents will not only give their child a piece of valuable property but also their faith that "Christ is the Head of our house".

星期二
自1978年起，男性幹部和工人是六十歲退休，女幹部五十五歲，女工人則是五十歲。此制度影響婦女權益，也是一種人力資源的浪費，近年政府考慮更改退休年齡之性別差異。中國教會裡，有無數退休卻仍事主不休的姐妹，參與教會各項事工，如關懷探訪會友、教導聖經等等，補上教會牧者同工不足的難題。我們為此感謝讚美主，求主記念使用她們有如馬大和馬利亞的服事般，成為多人的祝福。
星期三
中國式婚姻最糾結的是房產房子：「婚前誰買婚後歸誰」。現在很多父母認為，即便自己生了女兒，也要給她買房。與其在婚嫁時將錢貼給男方買車、裝修，還不如直接給女兒，保障最大。父母都希望子女的婚姻美滿幸福。我們為基督徒父母代禱，求主賜他們智慧，能教導守望，並成為他們學習敬虔的榜樣。
星期四
男主房、女主車，幾乎已成浙江人習以為常的婚嫁習慣。如今各地房價居高不下，房產價值動輒幾百萬，甚至上千萬。面對不斷上漲的離婚率，婚前房子的歸屬的確成了最敏感、觸及利益最大的一項。離婚的普遍性已滲入信徒間，求主教導我們以基督的愛彼此相待，將婚姻難處帶到神面前，讓祂來管理。也為有不信的配偶的弟兄姊妹禱告，求主賜下額外恩惠、忍耐，相信神的愛與自己同在。
星期五
中國最高法院《婚姻法》新的司法解釋提出，「有配偶者與他人同居，為解除同居關係約定了財產性補償，一方要求支付該補償或支付補償後反悔主張返還的，人民法院不予支持。」教會也有許多破碎的家庭，婚姻中存著第三者或婚外情。我們切切為婚姻不單遇到小風波，且正面臨狂風巨浪的信徒禱告，求主施恩憐憫，幫助祂的兒女經歷祂豐盛的恩典、永不撇棄的愛，也在這一切難處中，信心不斷成長。
星期六
中國有所謂的「小三」惡風，一些大學畢業的女孩，未能找到一份好工作，就不惜去做「小三」傍富人。她們盼望至少能得到一筆分手費，然而最新的《婚姻法》司法解釋已斷了這條美夢。 中年男人出軌在當下已成普遍現象，誰有情婦甚至是人所共知。讓人難過的是，教會當中亦不乏其人。求聖靈光照人心，叫人悔改離開不忠的罪。求主時刻管理我們的心，遠避私慾、試探，重新向主、向家庭委身，也對其他弟兄守望負責。
星期日
中國最高法院《婚姻法》新司法解釋提出，妻子墮胎丈夫無權問責。「夫以妻擅自中止妊娠侵犯其生育權為由請求損害賠償的，人民法院不予支持；夫妻雙方因生育問題發生糾紛，致使夫妻感情破裂，一方請求離婚經調解無效的，人民法院應准予離婚。」我們為無子女(或不能生育)的主內夫妻禱告，願他們以神自己為喜樂滿足。求主幫助這些弟兄姊妹，能專一服事教會，成為許多年輕信徒靈命成長的祝福。
星期一
中國最高法院對《婚姻法》的新司法解釋，一出爐即引來熱議。「婚後由一方父母出資購買的不動產，產權登記在出資人子女名下的，可視為對自己子女一方的贈與，應認定該不動產為夫妻一方的個人財產。」我們為這些父母禱告，有些父母必須幫助即將結婚的子女置業，這在經濟上和心理上都帶來壓力。求主提醒他們不僅為孩子預備房產，更能教導孩子學習對主耶穌的信心，以基督作「我家之主」。

Prayer Request 3/1 - 3/7

Tuesday
China is the world's second largest market for luxury goods and in ten years it is expected to be the top one, consuming 44% of the world's luxury goods. Ironically a recent report siad that the phenomenon of having a mistress (er naior second wife) accounts for the consumption of a third of the luxury items in China so we can see the staggering problem of corruption there. It is disheartening for believers to see wicked people prosper and still go unpunished. The greatest challenge of being a Christian in China is no longer standing up for one's faith but rather staying faithful to God. May the Lord have mercy on each of us as His church and may He guard our eyes and minds from evil. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. (Psa 73:25 )
Wednesday
In China men are more likely to buy luxury goods than women. These items are used as a "lubricant" to make smooth business deals and seal such transactions. Another reason for buying them is to please a mistress. The culture of giving luxurious gifts in business is very prevalent as a means of showing trust among businessmen and explains why luxury items are uniquely popular in China. Giving gifts is a long-standing tradition in China but the intentions for such giving are often blurry ethically. We pray for wisdom, integrity, and a strong Christian testimony for all believers, not only in the workplace but also in personal dealings and even in the church.
Thursday
In China, mistresses love to dazzle people by wearing luxury items in public as a way to show off the fact that they have a wealthy benefactor. To understand such a phenomenon, one needs to realize that mistresses are very insecure people and when a government official boasts that he has a mistress, he is spending beyond his salary and the money invariably comes from corrupted means and deals. It is said that those who can afford it, wear name brands and those who cannot, buy fake things. This mentality can also be found among believers. As we point fingers at so much corruption around us, we pray that the Holy Spirt will remind us what it means to live a life of contentment and purity.
Friday
China is grappling with a prolonged drought which affects wheat production in the northern region of the country. Inflation coupled with drought has driven the cost of flour up eight percent in the past two months. In the last two years China has even stopped exporting wheat. We do believe that God listens to our prayers, even those about the weather and rainfall, so we remember all of the farmers who are facing a poor harvest this year, especially those who are believers. We pray, too, for rural churches in the northern part of China, especially those that are weak and without a shepherd as well as the churches that are now stagnant and even unfed. May the Lord provide physical, financial, and spiritual nourishment for them.
Saturday
The White House is opening an internship program for students from mainland China. Ten students from Chongqing will be selected to participate in a month-long internship at the White House this year. Applicants must be independent, sociable students with skills in leadership and debating. They must enjoy challenging the viewpoints of others and defending their own. The vast majority of pastors in China who are in training in seminary are thrust into serving in churches without the benefit of learning from a more experienced worker. Let us pray for wisdom, great interpersonal skills, and support from believers in addition to a close walk with Jesus each day for each of these seminary students.
Sunday
In 2000, Chinese aged 65 and over made up 6.8% of the population of China but by 2009, this age group composed a total of 8.3% of the population which is significantly higher than the world average of 7.5%. One thing that is unique to China is that the elderly are not financially well off. It is fair to say that older believers make up the majority of people in the churches in China. Seniors may not be able to give financially but they have a lot of time. We pray for their spiritual vitality and all of the time they give to visitation, teaching, and service in the churches. May their efforts be fruitful and be a great inspiration for all of the young believers.
Monday
Educators in China say that the culture of cheating there takes root in high school where the competition for slots in the country's best colleges is unrelenting and high marks on the standardized tests are the most important criterion for admission to college. Students focus on studying how to take tests and memorizing answers rather than learning to apply what they learn and think for themselves. Thus, they resort cheating to graduate. Many Chinese believers are very impressive in their ability to memorize Bible verses. It is our prayer that all of us would be doers of God's word rather than merely having it stored up in our heads and thereby justifying ourselves as spiritual and superior to others.

星期二
現今中國是全球第二大奢侈品消費市場，預計未來十年將消費掉全球44%的奢侈品，超越美國躍升全球之冠，。「二奶」是支撐奢侈品市場的主力，佔了三分之一，反映中國男性驚人的腐敗。惡人和狂傲人享平安，常使人心懷不平。信徒最大挑戰，不單是見證自己的信仰，且要不效法世界，持守純正。求主保守我們遠離邪惡，以主為滿足。「除祢以外，在天上我有誰呢？除祢以外，在地上我也沒有所愛慕的。」(詩73:25)
星期三
中國奢侈禮品文化盛行於男人之間，男人購買奢侈品比女人更多。一方面用作商業往來的「潤滑劑」，增進信任；，另一方面則是買給「二奶」的禮物。這是奢侈品市場日益蓬勃的獨特因素之一。送禮是華人的傳統，用途和目的往往並非單純的禮尚往來，而「醉翁之意」惟當事人才知。我們為信徒禱告，無論在職場上或教會中，與人交往都能有從上頭來的智慧，手潔心清地活出討主喜悅的生命見證。
星期四
「二奶」喜歡炫目的奢侈品，藉此向別人展現男人對她們的忠誠。她們通常過著非常沒有保障的日子，需要向外界展示「我有資助者」的事實。官員養「二奶」是支出與收入不相稱的，金錢來源明顯是通過不正當渠道而得。買得起的穿名牌，買不起的穿冒牌，當中也不乏信徒。求聖靈不斷提醒我們，在這彎曲悖謬的世代裡，要敬虔度日，做以神為滿足的兒女。
星期五
中國正經歷嚴重乾旱，影響到華北地區小麥產量。由於通脹和乾旱以致小麥價格上升，麵粉1月份平均價格比前兩個月上漲了8%。中國過去兩年沒有出口過小麥。我們有信心，神是聽禱告，能改變天氣和降雨的神。我們在禱告中紀念面臨收成不佳的農民，尤其是那些農村信徒。更求主恩待中國北方的農村教會，許多是荒涼缺靈糧，教會事工也常停滯不前。願主賜下他們所需的恩雨和資源。
星期六
美國白宮今年將推行中國實習生計畫。申請人必須獨立、善交際、具領導能力、也善於辯論。他們不單能挑戰別人的觀點，也能為自己的看法辯護。 10名優秀的重慶學生通過選拔，將在白宮當實習生，為期一個月。在中國神學院受裝備的年輕牧者，絕大多數沒有受惠於老一代傳道人從旁教導，就到教會事奉。讓我們特別為這群年輕牧者祈求，願主賜下屬天的智慧，幫助他們有好的人際技巧和信徒的鼓勵支持，天天與主親密同行。
星期日
2000年，中國65歲以上老人占人口結構比重為6.8%。至2009年，這年齡組別的比例已達8.3%，顯著超出世界平均水平7.5%。其中不容忽視的是中國的老人經濟上不大富裕。 中國教會裏大部分都是老信徒，他們在金錢上或許沒什麽奉獻能力，但卻有很多時間參與教會事工。求神使他們靈命上滿有活力，並在代禱，關懷探訪、教導和教會服侍上大有果效，成為年輕信徒的屬靈榜樣。
星期一
教育專家認為，作弊問題源於中學。要進中國頂尖大學，競爭十分激烈。要獲這些大學錄取，公開考試能否拿到高分更是至為關鍵。學生只專注在怎樣應試和背誦答案，常忽略運用所學和獨立思考。為了要畢業，甚至不惜選擇作弊。 許多中國信徒都能滾瓜爛熟地背誦聖經經文。求主幫助我們每個人，不要將神的話語僅變成頭腦裡的知識，或以此自義傲人，而是要將真理活出來，用好見証榮神益人。