Relationship with God Dear brothers and sisters, peace be with you. In the hustle and bustle of city life, it often feels as though we are racing against time every day. Work, family, ministry, and the trivialities of daily life form an invisible web that tightly entangles our energy and thoughts. Yet, amidst all this busyness, have we ever paused to ask ourselves: what is the true state of my relationship with God? In the Bible, Jesus said to Martha: "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41–42) Our relationship with God is by no means an "elective course" in the Christian life; rather, it is the sole core and source of all our spiritual vitality. Let us consider this from three perspectives: 1. Relationship Precedes Ministry: The Foundation for the Fruit of Life We often assume that working for the Lord, serving zealously, and participating in various ministries are the true expressions of loving God. Yet, the Lord Jesus reminds us: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) For a branch to bear fruit, it does not need to struggle to "squeeze" the fruit out; the only thing required is to remain closely connected to the vine. Likewise, if we do not establish an intimate connection with God through prayer, His Word, and silence, our service easily devolves into toil driven by the flesh and self-effort—leaving us ultimately feeling parched, exhausted, and discouraged. What God values most is always our heart toward Him—the person—rather than the amount of work we do for Him—the ministry. II. Refuge and Strength: True Rest Amidst the Storms The journey of life is not always smooth; adversity, weakness, temptation, and disappointment can strike at any moment. If we anchor ourselves merely to our careers, finances, relationships, or health, our inner selves will crumble when our circumstances are shaken. Yet, the Psalmist tells us: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1) Only by cultivating deep trust and intimacy with God in our daily lives can we recognize His voice when the storms arise and immediately take shelter under the shadow of His wings. Those who walk closely with God are not immune to suffering; rather, in the midst of hardship, they know that a loving Heavenly Father is weathering the storm alongside them—and from this assurance springs a peace that surpasses all understanding. III. Affirming Identity and Belonging: From Law to the Enjoyment of Love In a world that prizes performance, achievement, and utility, we often unconsciously import this mindset into our faith—believing that if we are better behaved, give more, or are more diligent in reading Scripture, God will love us a little more. Yet, the heart of the Gospel is relationship, not rules. Through faith, we have already become honored princes and princesses—precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Our relationship with God is not a system of "working for wages" to curry His favor; rather, it is an adventure of enjoying love—both loving and being loved. As we frequently come into God’s presence and bask in His company, our lives find true rest and renewal. We no longer worry about tomorrow, knowing that our Heavenly Father holds all things in His hands. Let us quiet our hearts once more and examine the state of our relationship with God. If we find that the distance between us has grown, or that prayer has become perfunctory and Bible reading merely a chore, do not be afraid or condemn yourself. Our Heavenly Father stands with open arms, waiting for us to return.

與神的關係 親愛的弟兄姊妹平安： 在忙碌的都市生活中，我們的每一天彷彿都在與時間賽跑。工作、家庭、服事、生活瑣事，像是一張張看不見的網，將我們的精力和心思緊緊纏繞。然而，我們是否曾捫心自問，在眾多的忙碌之中，我與神之間的關係，處在什麼樣的光景？ 聖經中，耶穌曾對馬大說：「馬大！馬大！你為許多的事思慮煩擾，但是不可少的只有一件；馬利亞已經選擇那上好的福分，是不能奪去的。」（路加福音 10:41-42） 與神的關係，絕不是基督徒生活中的「選修科」，而是我們一切生命力量的唯一核心與泉源。 讓我們從以下三個方面來思量： 一、 關係先於事工：生命果子的根基 我們常以為，為主作工、熱心服事、參與各樣事工就是愛神的表現。然而，主耶穌提醒我們： 「我是葡萄樹，你們是枝子。常在我裏面的，這人就多結果子；因為離了我，你們就不能做什麼。」約翰福音 15:5 枝子若要結果子，不需要費力去「擠」出果子，唯一需要做的事，就是緊緊連於葡萄樹。同樣地，我們若沒有在禱告、神的話語和靜默中與神建立親密的連結，我們的服事就容易變成「靠血氣、靠自己」的勞碌，最終感到乾涸、疲憊與沮喪。神所看重的，永遠是我們對祂的心 - 人 ，過於我們為祂做了多少事-事工。 二、 避難所與力量：面對風浪的真實安息 人生的道路並非總是平坦，患難、軟弱、試探與不如意隨時可能臨到。如果我們的錨只是拋在工作、金錢、人際關係或健康上，當環境震動時，我們的內心就會隨之崩潰。 但詩人告訴我們： 「神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。」（詩篇 46:1） 唯有當我們平日裡就與神建立深厚的信任與親密感，在風浪臨到時，我們才認得祂的聲音，能第一時間躲進祂翅膀的蔭下。與神關係好的人，並非不會遇見苦難，而是在苦難中，他知道有一位愛他的天父正與他同舟共濟，因而能生出出人意外的平安。 三、 身份與歸屬的確認：從律法到愛的享受 在這個看重表現、績效與價值的世界裡，我們常常不自覺地把這套邏輯帶進信仰中：覺得自己今天要乖一點、奉獻多一點、讀經勤勞一點，神才會多愛我一點。 然而，福音的核心是關係而非條文。我們因著信，已經成為尊貴的王子與公主，是天父眼中的寶貝。與神的關係，不是為了博取神歡心的打工制度，而是一場享受愛與被愛的冒險。當我們常常回到神的面前，享受祂的同在時，我們的生命就得著真正的安息與更新，不再為明天憂慮，因為知道天父掌管一切。 讓我們再次安靜己心，檢視一下自己與神的光景。如果我們發現彼此的距離好像變遠了，或者禱告變得敷衍、讀經成了任務，別害怕，也別自責，因為天父正張開雙臂，等待我們轉回。