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4   主耶和華賜給了我一個受教者的舌頭，使我知道怎樣用言語扶助疲乏的人；主每天清晨喚醒我，他每天清晨喚醒我的耳朵，使我能像受教者一樣靜聽。

5   主耶和華開啟了我的耳朵，我並沒有違抗，也沒有後退。

6   我把我的背給打我的人打，把我的腮頰給拔我鬍鬚的人拔；我並沒有掩面躲避人的羞辱和人的唾液。

7   但主耶和華必幫助我，所以我必不羞愧，因此我板著臉好像堅硬的燧石，我也知道我必不會蒙羞。

8   那稱我為義的，與我相近；誰與我爭訟呢？讓我們一同站起來吧！誰是指控我的？讓他就近我來。

9   看哪！主耶和華幫助我，誰能定我有罪呢？看哪！他們都要像衣服漸漸破舊，蛀蟲必把他們吃光。

 

誦讀：以敞開的心緩慢，柔和地讀，小心地聆聽一字一句，細細體味誦讀的每一部分。注意哪些字、句的部分是今天特別為自己的。

默想：在誦讀中，如果發現某一字或某一句對自己有個別意義，就要對這字或句子反覆思想；可能是感動，欣慰，難過等等。

禱告：然後跟神說話。和神互動時，就像你與愛你、接納你的人交往一樣。告訴神你在默想時，在内心深處的自我覺察和發現。

安歇：最後，安歇在神的愛內；在愛我的神的臨在中，我歡愉地安歇著，無論是對話，或是我無言寂靜地安歇著（詩篇131：2）。

筆錄：將心中的思想，剛才的體驗，或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

另外讀經：馬太福音26：14-25

耶穌與門徒的逾越節筵席

⁴ The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
⁵ The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears;
I have not been rebellious,
I have not turned away.
⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.
⁷ Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.
⁸ He who vindicates me is near.
Who then will bring charges against me?
Let us face each other!
Who is my accuser?
Let him confront me!
⁹ It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
Who will condemn me?
They will all wear out like a garment;
the moths will eat them up.

 

Read slowly and gently through the passage.  Savor each portion of the reading, listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.”

TAKE in the word or phrase that touches you. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories and ideas.

SPEAK to God.  Interact with God as you would with one who loves and accepts you. And give to Him what you have discovered in reading and reflection.

REST in God. Rejoicing in the knowledge that God is with you in both words and silence, in spiritual activity and inner receptivity.

Journaling: Write down your experience, any thought, and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Suggested Passion Week additional devotional reading: Matthew 26:14-25
Jesus and his disciples at the last Passover Feast

1   眾海島啊！你們要聽我的話。遠方的萬族啊！你們要留心聽。我在母胎的時候，耶和華就呼召了我；我出母腹的時候，他就提了我的名。

2   他使我的口如快刀，把我藏在他手的陰影之下；他又使我成為磨亮的箭，把我藏在他的箭袋裡。

3   他對我說：“你是我的僕人以色列，我要藉著你得榮耀。”

4   但我說：“我勞碌是徒然的；我用盡氣力，是虛無虛空的；然而我當得的公理是在耶和華那裡，我的賞賜是在我的　神那裡。”

5   現在，耶和華說：（他自我還在母胎的時候，就造了我作他的僕人，好使雅各回轉歸向他，使以色列可以聚集到他那裡；我在耶和華眼中被看為尊貴，我的　神是我的力量。）

6   “你作我的僕人，使雅各眾支派復興，使以色列中得保全的歸回，只是小事，我還要使你作列國的光，使我的救恩傳到地極。”

 

誦讀：以敞開的心緩慢，柔和地讀，小心地聆聽一字一句，細細體味誦讀的每一部分。注意哪些字、句的部分是今天特別為自己的。

默想：在誦讀中，如果發現某一字或某一句對自己有個別意義，就要對這字或句子反覆思想；可能是感動，欣慰，難過等等。

禱告：然後跟神說話。和神互動時，就像你與愛你、接納你的人交往一樣。告訴神你在默想時，在内心深處的自我覺察和發現。

安歇：最後，安歇在神的愛內；在愛我的神的臨在中，我歡愉地安歇著，無論是對話，或是我無言寂靜地安歇著（詩篇131：2）。

筆錄：將心中的思想，剛才的體驗，或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

另外讀經：約翰福音13：21-38

最後晚餐，耶穌預指賣祂的人。

 

¹ Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the LORD called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
² He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
³ He said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”
⁴ But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand,
and my reward is with my God.”

⁵ And now the LORD says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD
and my God has been my strength—
⁶ he says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

 

Read slowly and gently through the passage.  Savor each portion of the reading, listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.”

TAKE in the word or phrase that touches you. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories and ideas.

SPEAK to God.  Interact with God as you would with one who loves and accepts you. And give to Him what you have discovered in reading and reflection.

REST in God. Rejoicing in the knowledge that God is with you in both words and silence, in spiritual activity and inner receptivity.

Journaling: Write down your experience, any thought, and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Suggested Passion Week additional devotional reading: John 13:21-38
Jesus predicts his betrayal.

1   看哪！這是我的僕人，我扶持他；我所揀選的，我的心喜悅他；我已經把我的靈賜給他，他必把公理帶給萬國。

2   他不呼喊，也不揚聲，也不叫人在街上聽見他的聲音。

3   壓傷的蘆葦，他不折斷；將熄滅的燈火，他不吹滅；他忠實地傳出公理。4   他不灰心，也不沮喪，直到他在地上設立公理，眾海島的人都等候他的教訓。

5   那創造諸天，展開穹蒼，鋪張大地和大地所出的一切，賜氣息給地上的眾人，又賜靈性給在地上行的人的耶和華　神這樣說：

6   “我耶和華憑著公義呼召了你；我必緊拉著你的手，我必保護你，立你作人民的約，作列國的光，

7   為要開瞎子的眼，領被囚的出牢獄，領住在黑暗中的出監牢。

 

誦讀：以敞開的心緩慢，柔和地讀，小心地聆聽一字一句，細細體味誦讀的每一部分。注意哪些字、句的部分是今天特別為自己的。

默想：在誦讀中，如果發現某一字或某一句對自己有個別意義，就要對這字或句子反覆思想；可能是感動，欣慰，難過等等。

禱告：然後跟神說話。和神互動時，就像你與愛你、接納你的人交往一樣。告訴神你在默想時，内心深處的自我覺察和發現。

安歇：最後，安歇在神的愛內；在愛我的神的臨在中，我歡愉地安歇著，無論是對話，或是我無言寂靜地安歇著（詩篇131：2）。

筆錄：將心中的思想，剛才的體驗，或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

另外讀經：約翰福音12：1-11

耶穌在伯大尼被膏抹

 

¹ “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.
² He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.
³ A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
⁴ he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

⁵ This is what God the LORD says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:
⁶ “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
⁷ to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

 

Read slowly and gently through the passage.  Savor each portion of the reading, listening to the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.”

TAKE in the word or phrase that touches you. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories and ideas.

SPEAK to God.  Interact with God as you would with one who loves and accepts you. And give to Him what you have discovered in reading and reflection.

REST in God. Rejoicing in the knowledge that God is with you in both words and silence, in spiritual activity and inner receptivity.

Journaling: Write down your experience, any thought, and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Suggested Passion Week additional devotional reading: John 12:1-11
Jesus anointed at Bethany

第一章

^3神以他神聖的能力，因著我們確實認識那位用自己的榮耀和美善呼召我們的，把一切有關生命和敬虔的事，都賜給了我們。⁴ 藉著這些，他把又寶貴又極大的應許賜給了我們，好叫你們既然逃脫世上因私慾而來的敗壞，就可以分享神的本性。⁵ 正因這緣故，你們要多多努力：有了信心，又要增添美德；有了美德，又要增添知識；⁶ 有了知識，又要增添節制；有了節制，又要增添忍耐；有了忍耐，又要增添敬虔；⁷ 有了敬虔，又要增添弟兄的愛；有了弟兄的愛，還要增添神聖的愛。⁸ 因為你們有了這幾樣，並且繼續增長，就必叫你們在確實認識我們的主耶穌基督上，不至於閒懶不結果子。⁹ 人若沒有這幾樣，就是近視，簡直是瞎眼的，忘記他過去的罪已經得了潔淨。

 

默想：

1. 現代中文譯本第3節的翻譯為：「上帝的神能已經把我們過敬虔生活所需的一切給了我們；這恩賜是藉著認識那位呼召我們來分享他自己的榮耀和善德的上帝而得的。」。彼得教導我們說道：接受福音認識基督後，神就將自己神聖的性情放在我們裡面，並使我們經歷神的能力，能夠「逃脫世上因私慾而來的敗壞」（4節），來過敬虔的生活。
2. 接著彼得提醒我們「要多多努力」，來過基督徒的生活，也就是由基本的信心開始，我們需要繼續培養下面的品格 ：美德，屬靈知識，節制，忍耐，敬虔，弟兄的愛，神聖的愛（愛眾人的心）。當我們不斷在這些方面繼續成長時，我們就不會「閒懶」也不會「不結果子」。
3. 花些時間思想每一個品格，再想想那些我做的不錯，那些我需要改進。
4. 向神承認我需要祂的指引與幫助。求神幫助我在最需要改進的幾方面來成長。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

Chapter1

³His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

⁵For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

 

Meditation

1. Through believing the promise of the gospel, God implants his own divine nature in us, and we experience His spiritual power.  In knowing Christ, we have everything we need to “escape the corruption in the world” that is caused by “evil desires” (v4).  And God has given us His power to live godly lives.
2. Peter than reminded us to make every effort to live a Christian life (v5) means we begin with faith and we go on to develop the other Christian virtues: Good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, generous love.  These qualities “in increasing measure” will help us from being “ineffective and unproductive” (v8).
3. Take time to ponder each character trait.  Then think about those I am doing well in.  Think about those I need to grow in.
4. Admit my need for God’s guidance and help in my growth in him.  Ask him to help me grow in those areas where I recognize I need the most improvement.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第五章

⁶ 所以你們要謙卑，服在神大能的手下，到了時候，他必叫你們升高。⁷ 你們要把一切憂慮卸給神，因為他顧念你們。

⁸ 你們要謹守、警醒。你們的仇敵魔鬼，好像吼叫的獅子走來走去，尋找可以吞吃的人；⁹ 你們要用堅強的信心抵擋他，因為知道你們在世上的弟兄，也經歷過同樣的苦難。

¹⁰ 但滿有恩典的神，就是在基督裡召你們進入他永遠榮耀的那一位，在你們受了短暫的苦難之後，必定親自成全你們，堅固你們，賜力量給你們，建立你們。¹¹ 願權能歸給他，直到永遠。阿們。

 

默想：

1. 當我們受苦時，很難不去擔憂；在焦慮煩躁中，要我們把每一件事都交托給神，似乎是件很困難的事。但彼得說，我們所受的苦難只是短暫的，之後神必要「成全我們，堅固我們」。並且到時候，必要接我們到天堂，在那裡永遠與祂在神的榮耀裡。所以，無論今天的苦難是什麼，不要憂慮，神應許賜給我們力量與永遠榮耀的盼望。
2. 思想一下，我心頭上還有什麼煩惱？將它們一項項寫下來。重讀這段經文，學習將這一切的憂慮卸給神一一地將我的煩惱告訴神，並請求神眷顧與引導。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

Chapter 5

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Meditation

1. It’s hard not to be anxious when we’re suffering.  Leaving everything to God when we are desperate and stressed out seems difficult indeed.  But Peter has a promise that will help.  Suffering lasts only for a little while.  God will restore you, and make you strong.  And in His time will call you up to heaven to share in His own eternal glory.  Whatever today’s pain, we have the promise of strength, and the prospect of glory – forever.
2. Many things in today’s life cause anxiety for us – finances, jobs, school, illness, conflict.
3. What anxieties do I have?  Write them down.  Read this passage again.  Cast the cares upon God by telling Him my worries one by one and ask for His guidance and care.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第四章

¹ 基督既然在肉身受過苦，你們也應當以同樣的心志裝備自己（因為在肉身受過苦的，就已經與罪斷絕了），² 好叫你們不再隨從人的私慾，只順從神的旨意，在世上度餘下的光陰。³ 因為你們過去隨從教外人的心意，行邪淫、私慾、醉酒、荒宴、狂飲和可憎拜偶像的事，時候已經夠了。⁴ 他們見你們不再與他們同奔那縱情放蕩的路，就覺得奇怪，毀謗你們。⁵ 他們必要向那位預備要審判活人死人的主交帳。⁶ 因此，那些死人也曾有福音傳給他們，好使他們的肉體受了人要受的審判，他們的靈卻靠神活著。

 

 

默想：

1. 彼得所生活的那時代的羅馬世界是個失去理智的社會。暴力、壓迫、殘忍、濫權、性變態等罪行，比比皆是。這正如在今天，我們這性慾橫流的社會裡，信徒是否有可能保持聖潔的性觀念呢？學校裡，同學嘲諷基督徒 不參與飲酒與濫交的活動；公司裡同事不明白，為何我們不與他們一起在星期五晚上去飲酒狂歡。而很多非基督徒很誠懇地問道：究竟你們有什麼娛樂消遣？他們很不解為何我們不與他們一同閑遊浪蕩。
2. 不但如此，彼得還警告道：他們見我們「不再與他們同奔那縱情放蕩的路，就覺得奇怪，毀謗你們」；這就是我們所處的社會。當遇見這樣的情況，要記住，世界一直就是這樣的；但我改變了。有神的幫助，無論要付多大的代價，我決心不再犯罪。神呼召我，「只順從神的旨意」，向那些尚未認識基督的人，傳講福音的真理。
3. 在神面前安靜思想，世界的潮流與文化，對我有多大的影響？我如何活出不同於周圍的人的生命，一心追求神的使命，為要在他們中間，與他們重建破裂的關係？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

Chapter 4

¹Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. ²As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

 

Meditation

1. Peter describes the Roman world of his day as a society that has lost its mind in excess.  Violence, oppression, cruelty, the abuse of power, and sexual insanity dominate the landscape.  How is it possible for Christians to maintain sexual sanity in a sexually overheated society?  At school, teens ridicule Christian young people for not being involved in drinking and premarital sex.  Coworkers can’t understand why we don’t stop off at the local bar after work to get drunk on Friday night.  And yet so many non-Christians quite sincerely ask, “What do you do for fun?” They think it strange that we don’t plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation.
2. And, as Peter warned, they “heap abuse on you.”  When that happens, remember that you have been transformed by the love of Jesus.  With God’s help, I will determine to be done with sin.  And my calling is to do the “will of God”(v2)—to speak the truth of the gospel into the lives of those who do not  yet know Christ as Lord.
3. Take some time to be silent before God and reflect:  How big is the influence of the world, its trend, culture or value, to me? How can I live my life out in contrast with those around me, but continue to pursue God’s mission in building restored relationships with them?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第三章

¹³ 如果你們熱心行善，有誰能害你們呢？¹⁴ 就算你們要為義受苦，也是有福的。「不要怕人的恐嚇，也不要畏懼。」¹⁵ 只要心裡尊基督為聖，以他為主；常常作好準備，去回答那些問你們為甚麼懷有盼望的人，¹⁶ 但要用溫柔敬畏的心回答。當存無愧的良心，使那些誣賴你們這在基督裡有好品行的人，在毀謗你們的事上蒙羞。¹⁷ 如果神的旨意是要你們受苦，那麼為行善受苦，總比為行惡受苦好。¹⁸ 因為基督也曾一次為你們的罪死了，就是義的代替不義的，為要領你們到神面前。就肉體的方面說，他曾死去；就靈的方面說，他復活了。

 

默想：

1. 平白地受到不公的待遇，是很讓人難受的。彼得開始時並不能理解這點，當耶穌宣講彌賽亞必須受苦，最後並要無辜受死時，彼得無法接受，他甚至試圖阻止耶穌。但在這裡，彼得已經明白，不公平的受苦確實可能帶來最驚奇的結果。彼得提醒我們，耶穌也曾受到極度不公的對待；然而因著耶穌的苦難，祂將我們帶到神的面前（18節）。神就將這樁極大的不公平事件，轉化為全人類的恩典與祝福。
2. 所以，當我們受到不合理的遭遇時，我們可以確實的知道，神並沒有忘記我們，也沒有丟棄我們。並且從這樣的過犯中，神會帶出極為美好的果效。因此，彼得在這裡說「你們……是有福的。」（13節）
3. 我是否曾因為跟隨主而受到苦難或不公平待遇？禱告，求主幫助我知道，在今天，這個星期，這個月，我當怎樣效法耶穌的榜樣，跟隨耶穌的腳蹤行。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

Chapter 3

¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. ¹⁷It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. ¹⁸For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

 

MEDITATION

1. It is always difficult to suffer unjustly.  Peter did not always understand this.  When Jesus first taught that the Messiah must suffer and die unjustly, Peter attempted to stop Jesus.  However, Peter now understands that unjust suffering could bear the most surprising fruit.   Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered innocently too.  And yet through the injustice of Christ’s suffering, He brought us to God (v18).   And God turned injustice into a means of grace and of blessing for all mankind.
2. When we suffer unjustly, we can be sure that God hasn’t forgotten or forsaken us.  And out of the evil God will bring some very real good.   Therefore, Peter says that if injustice happens, “you are blessed.”
3. Have I ever experienced unjust treatment or hardship because of following the Lord?  Pray and ask God to show me how I might imitate Jesus today, this week, this month.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第二章

¹¹ 親愛的，我勸你們作客旅和寄居的人，要禁戒肉體的私慾，這私慾是與靈魂爭戰的。¹² 你們在教外人中，應當品行端正，使那些人，雖然毀謗你們是作惡的，但因為看見你們的好行為，就要在鑒察的日子頌讚神。

¹³ 你們為主的緣故，要順服人的一切制度，無論是至尊的君王，¹⁴ 或是君王所派賞善罰惡的官員；¹⁵ 因為這是神的旨意，要藉著你們的善行，塞住糊塗無知人的口。¹⁶ 你們是自由的人，但不要用自由來掩飾邪惡，總要像神的僕人。¹⁷ 要尊重眾人，愛護弟兄，敬畏神，尊敬君王。

²¹ 你們就是為此蒙召，因基督也為你們受過苦，給你們留下榜樣，叫你們跟隨他的腳蹤行。

 

 

默想：

1. 初期信徒很多時候被人批評指責，因為他們在公開場合中不肯敬拜皇帝或其他的神明。但是，當時羅馬政府一項調查指出，在基督徒的聚會中，他們宣誓要過正直樂善的生活，為皇帝祈禱，並順從當權者。
2. 然而，過順從領袖的生活，並不表示我們就不會被人誹謗，或不會受到不公平的待遇。但是，當我們使用自己的自由，在社會上選擇過屬神兒女的生活，亦即，在社會上做個好公民，必會帶來別人的讚賞，並歸榮耀給神。
3. 我能夠在所居住的城市、省份、國家，如何做個好公民？有什麼是我應當，但尚未做到的事情？求主幫助我。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

Chapter 2

¹¹Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. ¹²Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

¹³Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. ¹⁶Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. ¹⁷Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

²¹To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

 

Meditation

1. Early Christians were at times criticized as misfits because they did not take part in worship at social events honouring the Emperor or state deities.  Yet, the earliest investigation by Roman authorities reports that in Christian meetings they bound themselves by oath to live good lives, to pray for the Emperor, and to obey the authorities.
2. A life of submission to authorities will not prevent us from being slandered or unfairly treated.  But using our freedom to live as God’s servant in our society, to be good citizens in our community, will surely win praises from people and bring glory to God.
3. What can I do to be good citizen of my city, province and nation?  What are the things I need to do but haven’t done?  Ask God to help me.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第一章

¹³所以要準備好你們的心，警醒謹慎，專心盼望耶穌基督顯現的時候所要帶給你們的恩典。¹⁴你們既是順服的兒女，就不要再效法從前無知的時候放縱私慾的生活。¹⁵那召你們的既是聖潔的，你們在一切所行的事上也要聖潔。¹⁶因為聖經上記著說：“你們要聖潔，因為我是聖潔的。”¹⁷你們既稱那不偏待人、按各人行為審判的主為父，就當存敬畏的心，過你們寄居的日子；¹⁸因為知道你們得贖，脫去你們祖先傳下的妄行，不是憑著能壞的金銀等物，¹⁹而是憑著基督的寶血，就像無瑕疵無玷污的羊羔的血。²⁰基督是在創立世界以前，是神所預知的，卻在這末後的世代才為你們顯現出來。²¹藉著他，你們信那使他從死人中復活、又給他榮耀的神，叫你們的信心和盼望都在於神。

²²你們既因順從真理，潔淨了自己的心靈，以致能真誠地愛弟兄，就應當從清潔的心裡彼此切實相愛。

 

默想：

1. 彼得對聖潔的教導可能令我們很困惑且有威脅感；因為我們常常受傳媒影響，認為「聖潔」的人就一定是沉悶、拘謹、寡慾、枯燥、自以為是、主觀、並極度偽善的。但聖經中所說的聖潔，並非如此，乃是說要成為聖潔，就是要將我們改變成基督的樣式。
2. 耶穌在世時，罪人蜂擁地靠近祂，但自以為義的宗教領袖，則盡量設法廻避祂。彼得曾親歷基督那滲入人心、充滿愛的聖潔；他雖犯了極大的過錯，他也不會離開耶穌。究竟聖潔與愛心有什麼關連？彼得的指示：「愛弟兄沒有虛假、就當從心裡彼此切實相愛」。我要怎樣活出這樣的生命？
3. 禱告，求神教導我活出獨特、分別、與世隔離的聖潔真實生活。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

I Peter

Chapter 1

¹³Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵But just as he who called you is holy, so; ¹⁶for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

¹⁷Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. ¹⁸For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

²²Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

 

Meditation:

1. Peter’s call to holiness can be confusing and intimidating.  We are often bombarded by the media depicting “holy” people as stiff, sexuality repressed, boring, lifeless, self-righteous, judgemental, and deeply hypocritical.  Yet the picture we see in the Bible is that to be holy is to be transformed into Christ’s image.
2. While Jesus was on earth, sinful people flocked to him, while self-righteous folk tended to avoid an encounter.  Peter experienced firsthand Christ’s penetrating, loving holiness, and even after his greatest mistakes he couldn’t keep away from Jesus.  How are holiness and love related?  Peter further instructed: “have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart”.
3. Pray.  Ask God to teach me to live an authentic holy life that is different and separated from the world.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第四章

¹ 我在神面前，並且在那將要審判活人死人的基督耶穌面前，憑著他的顯現和國度叮囑你： ² 務要傳道；無論時機是否適合，都要常作準備；要以多方的忍耐和教訓責備人、警戒人、勸勉人。 ³ 因為時候快要到了，人必容不下純正的道理，反而耳朵發癢，隨著自己的私慾，增添許多教師， ⁴ 而且轉離不聽真理，反倒趨向無稽之談。 ⁵ 你卻要凡事謹慎，忍受磨難、作傳福音者的工作，完成你的職務。 ⁶ 我已經被澆奠；我離世的時候也到了。 ⁷ 那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，所持的信仰我已經守住了。 ⁸ 從此以後，有公義的冠冕為我存留，就是按公義審判的主在那日要賞給我的；不但賞給我，也賞給所有愛慕他顯現的人。

默想：

1. 保羅一生中，經歷了許多的失望，和極多的迫害。但當他回首他的一生時，他心中充滿了滿足；雖然經歷了這麼多，保羅仍然堅持服事。他打了美好的杖，跑了當跑的路，守住了所持的信仰；現在，他期望將要得到的獎賞。
2. 保羅要我們知道神也有獎賞要給我們每一個人。我們生活在這世界上，知道這些都是暫時的，其中的享樂也都會過去。我們所嚮往的並非世上的事物，而是耶穌的再來。就是這個渴慕，促使我們，以及保羅，忠心地持守神所託付我們的事工。
3. 我是否也有保羅那種對未來的盼望及眼光？唱或讀下面的短詩，作為我對神的感恩與讚美：

一切都必得償，因得見恩主；今生患難顯小，因得見主；

與主歡聚非遙，那時愁苦全消；當勇向前奔跑，直到見主。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 4

¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ²Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

MEDITATION

1. Paul has known plenty of discouragement, and abundant persecution.  But he looked back over his life with a sense of satisfaction.  Through it all, Paul kept on serving.  He fought a good fight.  He ran a good race.  He kept the faith.  And now he looked forward to his reward. 
2. Paul wants us to know that God has the same reward for each of us.  We have lived our life here aware that this earth is temporary, and all its pleasures are passing.  We have yearned not for the things of earth, but for Jesus to return.  And this longing has kept us, as it kept Paul, faithfully committed to whatever ministry God has given us.
3. Do I share Paul’s hope and perspective for the future?  Sing or read this chorus as my thanksgiving and praise to God:

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第三章

¹ 你應當知道，末後的日子必有艱難的時期來到。 ² 那時，人會專愛自己、貪愛錢財、自誇、高傲、褻瀆、悖逆父母、忘恩負義、不聖潔、 ³ 沒有親情、不肯和解、惡言中傷、不能自律、橫蠻兇暴、不愛良善、 ⁴ 賣主賣友、容易衝動、傲慢自大、愛享樂過於愛神， ⁵ 有敬虔的形式，卻否定敬虔的能力；這些人你應當避開。

¹⁵ 並且知道自己從小就明白聖經，這聖經能夠使你有智慧，可以因信基督耶穌得著救恩。¹⁶ 全部聖經都是神所默示的，在教訓、責備、矯正和公義的訓練各方面，都是有益的，¹⁷ 為要使屬神的人裝備好，可以完成各樣的善工。

默想：

1. 慢慢地讀經文，不要以為這經文是在描述別人而不是自己的行為，要認清現在的社會是個自我中心，自我宣揚，玩世不恭、以及沉溺私慾的社會。
2. 再讀一遍這段，留意第一段與第二段的極大區別：

–          聖經如何幫助我從社會流行的風氣中改變過來（16節）？

–          聖經是神默示的——是與我有親密關係的天父向我說的話語，而不是一長列的規條。想一下神 以“教訓、責備、矯正和公義的訓練”向我說話。

3. 是否能想像到，神以輕柔但堅定、或絕對正確的方式，「教訓、責備、矯正和公義的訓練」我？在我還沒有完全搞砸之前，來幫助我？求神幫助我向祂開放，並求神指出我在這時刻需要知道應當改變的細節。
4. 想像一下和神過這種互動的生活：一整天內，都能體會到祂輕柔地教訓，向我指出什麼是真實的；責備我，暴露出我的悖逆；矯正我的錯誤；訓練我活出祂的旨意來。為什麼這會是最好的生活？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 3

¹But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

MEDITATION

1. Paul’s remarks here, in fact, are directed and relevant to our own age,  considering that modern culture, in general, tends to be self-absorbed, self-promoting, cynical, and addicted to lust. 
2. Read the passages again slowly.  Notice the big change from the first paragraph to the second. 

–          How does the way the Scripture moves us (v 16) help us to be different from the general culture?

–          Scripture is God-breathed – words breathed to me from our relational God, not a bunch of rules.  Picture God speaking to me in “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”.

3. Can I imagine God doing these things in ways exactly right for me?  In gentle yet firm ways?  To rescue me before I mess up?  Ask God to help me be open to him.  Ask God to show me specific details that I need to know at this moment. 
4. Imagine such an interactive life with God, one in which all day long I experience him gently showing me truth, exposing my rebellion, correcting my mistakes, and training me to live his way.  Would this be the best way to live?  Why?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第二章

²² 你應當逃避年輕人的私慾，要和那些以清潔的心求告主的人，一同追求公義、信心、愛心、和平。 ²³ 你要拒絕愚蠢無知的問難；你知道這些事會引起爭論。 ²⁴ 但主的僕人卻不可爭論，總要待人溫和，善於教導，存心忍耐， ²⁵ 以溫柔勸導那些對抗的人，或許神給他們悔改的心，可以認識真理。 ²⁶ 他們雖然曾經被魔鬼擄去，隨從他的意思而行，或許也能醒悟過來，脫離魔鬼的陷阱。

 

默想:

1. 慢慢地讀幾遍這段經文，想像保羅就坐在身旁，對我直接說這些話。我心中有什麼感受？有那句觸動我的心？或許我在抗拒「年輕人的私慾」，或是我專門喜歡提出刁難的 問題，或是我心中尚有苦毒，總是喜歡和別人「爭論」，又或是我覺得屬靈的成熟，例如「待人溫和，善於教導，存心忍耐」對我實在是太難，太遙不可及了；又或者對某些人，我已經完全放棄希望，認為他不有可能「醒悟過來」。
2. 繼續靜默地坐在神的面前，不要心急；安靜，靜坐，留意聆聽，神在靜默中微小的聲音。可能祂要指出我心中一塊幼稚的地方，或是成熟的地方；也許祂要賜給我對某事或某人的盼望。
3. 在靜默中繼續思考神要我對祂的指示作什麼回應？我今天要怎樣活出神的指引？這個禮拜？這個月？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 2

²²Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

1. Slowly read these verses.  Imagine Paul is sitting beside me, speaking these words to me directly.  How do I feel when I hear them?  What part of the passage resonates most with me?  Why?  Maybe the “evil desires of youth” seem a little patronizing.  Maybe I just like to have “foolish and stupid arguments”, or there is still bitterness in me that I get into “quarrels” a lot.  Perhaps Christian maturity such as “be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” seems impossible or defeating.  Maybe with some people I’ve lost hope that they might “come to their senses”.
2. Continue to sit in a comfortable position being as still and silent as possible.  Silent, still.  Listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice in the midst of the silence.  Maybe he will show me a spot of childishness or one of righteousness.  Maybe he will offer me hope.
3. Continue to sit in silence and explore what God might want me to do with this instruction.  How am I to live it out today? This week? This month?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第一章

⁶ 為了這緣故，我提醒你，要把神藉著我按手給你的恩賜，像火一樣再挑旺起來。 ⁷ 因為神所賜給我們的，不是膽怯的靈，而是有能力、仁愛、自律的靈。 ⁸ 所以，不要以給我們的主作見證當作羞恥，也不要以我這為主被囚的當作羞恥，卻要為了福音的緣故，靠著神的大能，與我同受磨難。 ⁹神救了我們，以聖召呼召我們，不是按照我們的行為，卻是按照他自己的計劃和恩典；這恩典是在永世之先，在基督耶穌裡賜給了我們的， ¹⁰ 但現在藉著我們救主基督耶穌的顯現，才表明出來。他廢掉了死亡，藉著福音把生命和不朽彰顯出來。 ¹¹ 為這福音，我被派作傳道的、使徒和教師。 ¹² 為了這緣故，我也受這些苦，但我不以為恥，因為我知道我所信的是誰，也深信他能保守我所交託他的，直到那日。

 

默想:

1. 我們很稀奇有些人為了某些目標，情願犧牲受苦：運動員願意接受嚴格訓練，為要得到金牌；有些人願意受苦，以攀登高峰；有些人願意受苦，獲得魁偉的身材；還有人為賺更多錢，願意犧牲家庭生活。有些人為了兒女而犧牲一切；有人經歷一次又一次的心碎，為要尋求那理想的丈夫或妻子。
2. 保羅在這裡要求我們為更有意義的事來受磨難。福音是神賜的奇妙恩典，是藉著耶穌表明出來的；福音向人宣告神勝過死亡，並呼喚每個人來接受基督，以得到永遠的生命；這才是值得犧牲受苦的目標。況且，若我們是因為忠於作主門徒的本分而受苦，並將苦難視作學習依靠神大能的機會，這些苦難就成為塑造我們生命的重要時刻。
3. 回想一件我曾受過的苦。思想一下，神怎樣透過這個痛苦的經歷，是我的 生命得到塑造？我對神有怎樣進深的認識與體會？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 1

⁶For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

⁸So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, ⁹who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. ¹²That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

 

MEDITATION

1. It’s amazing what some people are willing to suffer for.  Athletes are willing to suffer through training to receive a gold medal.  Some are willing to suffer to reach a mountaintop.  Some are willing to suffer to obtain certain physique.  Others sacrifice home and family to make more money on a job that takes them constantly on the road. Some sacrifice everything at the altar of their children. Others suffer through heartbreak after heartbreak as they seek “the one” perfect husband/wife.
2. Paul asks us to suffer for something far more worthwhile.  The Gospel is that amazing expression of God’s grace, revealed in Christ’s appearance, that announces God’s victory over death and invites everyone to come to Him for “life and immortality”.  Now that is something worth suffering for.  Besides, our times of suffering become spiritually significant when they are induced by faithful discipleship and when we see them as opportunities to rely on the power of God.
3. Recall one experience of suffering in the past.  Consider how God through this suffering brought transformation to my life?  What deeper understanding and appreciation of God have I gained from it?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第六章

⁶ 其實敬虔而又知足，就是得大利的途徑， ⁷ 因為我們沒有帶甚麼到世上來，也不能帶甚麼去。⁸ 只要有衣有食，就應當知足。⁹ 但那些想要發財的人，就落在試探中和陷阱裡；又落在許多無知而有害的私慾裡，使人沉淪在敗壞和滅亡中； ¹⁰ 因為貪財是萬惡之根。有人貪愛錢財，就被引誘離開真道，用許多痛苦把自己刺透了。

¹¹ 但你這屬神的人啊，應該逃避這些事，要追求公義、敬虔、信心、愛心、忍耐和溫柔。

 

默想：

1. 第10節常常被人誤用為「金錢是萬惡之根」；其實，保羅警告的是「貪財」，因為貪愛錢財會使人作出許多惡事。而且一個人一心想要致富，至終會「用許多痛苦把自己刺透」。對我們很多人來講，金錢是很大的偶像，甚至已經取代了神在我們生命中的地位。
2. 保羅告訴提摩太要逃避那些會拖垮一個人的事情，然後還要盡一切的努力去追求屬神的德行；不去貪愛錢財，反而去熱愛並「追求公義、敬虔、信心、愛心、忍耐和溫柔」。
3. 祈求聖靈向我顯明，在我心中是否有任何因為貪愛錢財，而不顧別人、不顧更重要的品德價值？當我面對困境時，「錢財」是否是我做決定的主要關鍵？
4. 再慢慢重讀這段經文，聆聽神對我的說話，並與神對話。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 6

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

 

MEDITATION:

1. The common misquote of v 10 says “Money is the root of all evil.”  In fact, what Paul warned against is a love for money, for that passion for wealth can motivate a person to any and every sort of evil deed.  A person whose goal is to get rich is sure to be betrayed by that passion.  For many of us, money is a powerful idol that has taken the place of God in our lives.
2. Instead of a desire for money, Paul said flee this and then listed values to hold in money’s place.  What are we to love and pursue if we don’t love and pursue money?  Why, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me if there is any love for money in me that is pushing out consideration of other, more important values?  In facing a situation, is “eagerness for money” a key value to make my decision?
4. Read over this passage again and talk to God about what is revealed to me.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第五章

¹ 不要嚴厲責備老年人，卻要勸他好像勸父親；勸青年人好像勸弟兄； ² 勸年老的婦人好像勸母親；存著純潔的心，勸青年女子好像勸姊妹。³ 要敬重供養那些無依無靠的寡婦。 ⁴ 寡婦若有兒孫，就應當讓兒孫先在自己家裡學習孝道，報答親恩，因為這在神面前是蒙悅納的。

⁷ 這些事你要囑咐她們，使她們無可指摘。 ⁸ 人若不看顧自己的人，尤其不看顧自己一家的人，就是背棄信仰，比不信的人還壞。 ⁹ 寡婦登記，年紀必須到達六十歲，只作過一個丈夫的妻子， ¹⁰ 並且要有善行的見證：就如養育兒女，接待客旅，替聖徒洗腳，救濟困苦的人，盡力行各樣的善事等。

 

默想：

1. 在保羅寫這封信當時的社會背景中，寡婦是所有窮乏、無依無靠的代表。因此，提摩太前書用了不少篇幅來描述教會對她們的責任。作為基督徒，我們要操練服事，就是經常紀念我們當中，在社會上最有需要的人。
2. 服事的定義（生命陶造版聖經）：「滿有愛心和體貼，積極謀求他人的好處，並跟隨神在我們這個世界所定下的目標。我們這樣服事，便能成長，超越自我，經歷老我的日益衰微」。我當如何在這方面更多積極操練？我的小組是否可以一同採取什麼行動，來操練服事他人？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 5

¹Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, ²older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.  ³Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. ⁴But 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.

⁷Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.  ⁹No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, ¹⁰and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

 

MEDITATION:

1. A church is judged by its care of its most vulnerable.  At the time the letter was written, widows were the epitome of need and dependency; therefore, 1 Timothy expends much text dealing with the community’s responsibility for them.  As Christians we are obligated to cultivate those Spiritual Disciplines that constantly call to mind the needs of the most vulnerable and form our lives in service to those needs.
2. The definition of “service” according the Spiritual Formation Bible is: Loving, thoughtful, active promotion of the good of others and the causes of God in our world, through which we experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves.  What practical endeavors should I make in this area? Is there a way that my small group can actively take steps to serve others?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第四章

⁶ 你若把這些事提醒弟兄們，就是基督耶穌的好僕役，常在信仰的話語上，和你所遵從美善的教訓上得著培養。 ⁷ 總要棄絕世俗以及老婦的無稽之談；要操練自己達到敬虔的地步。 ⁸ 因為操練身體，益處還少；唯獨操練敬虔，凡事有益，享有今生和來世的應許。 ⁹ 這話是可信的，是值得完全接納的。 ¹⁰ 我們也是為這緣故勞苦努力，因為我們的盼望在於永活的神。他是萬人的救主，更是信徒的救主。 ¹¹ 這些事你要囑咐人，教導人。 ¹² 不要叫人小看你年輕，總要在言語、行為、愛心、信心和純潔上，都作信徒的榜樣。 ¹³ 在我來以前，你要專心宣讀聖經、勸勉和教導。 ¹⁴ 不要忽略你所得的恩賜，就是眾長老按手時藉著預言賜給你的。 ¹⁵ 這些事你要認真實行，專心去作，使眾人看出你的長進來。 ¹⁶ 你要謹慎自己，留心自己的教訓。在這些事上要有恆心，因為你這樣作，不但能救自己，也能救那些聽你的人。

 

默想：

1. 一般人以運動來發展體能或維持健美；基督徒也要運動（操練）來達到屬靈的成長。舉重選手練習舉重，來增強他的舉重能力；基督徒希望靈命成長，就當操練信心的生活，操練愛神、愛人。
2. 在1到10 的度量表上，1代表屬靈肌肉的鬆弛，10代表屬靈肌肉的結實，我的屬靈健康是多少分？為什麼？我在下列五項中，如何以我的生命來影響他人？「言語、行為、愛心、信心和純潔」？我怎樣可以在這幾方面成為更好的榜樣？
3. 將這五個詞抄寫在一張卡片上，「言語、行為、愛心、信心和純潔」，提醒自己要常常依靠神，操練在這五方面做別人的榜樣。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 4

⁶If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  ⁹This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance ¹⁰(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.  ¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  ¹⁵Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

MEDITATION

1. People work out to develop themselves physically.  Christians are to “work out” to develop spiritually.  A weight lifter develops his skill by lifting weights.  A Christian develops his ability to live a godly life by making godly choices.  To grow spiritually, I need to concentrate on those acts which show my love for God and for others.
2. On a scale of one to ten – one being spiritual flabbiness and ten being spiritually fit – how would I rate my spiritual fitness?  Why?  How well am I “teaching believers with my life” in these five areas: “by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity”?  How could I make my life a better example for others in these areas?
3. Write these five words on an index card: word, demeanor, love, faith, and integrity.  Ask God to help me live out these areas throughout the day.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第三章

¹ 「如果有人渴慕監督的職分，他就是愛慕善工。」這話是可信的。 ² 所以作監督的，必須無可指摘，只作一個妻子的丈夫，有節制，自律，莊重，樂意接待客旅，善於教導， ³ 不好酒，不打人，只要溫和，與人無爭，不貪財， ⁴ 好好管理自己的家，使兒女凡事敬重順服。 ⁵ （人若不知道怎樣管理自己的家，怎能照料神的教會呢？） ⁶ 初信主的不可作監督，恐怕他驕傲，就落在魔鬼所受的刑罰裡。 ⁷ 作監督的也必須在教外有好聲譽，免得他被人毀謗，就落在魔鬼的陷阱裡。

默想:

1. 本段經文列出負責教會的屬靈狀況的長老牧者當有的品格條件。慢慢仔細地讀幾遍這段經文，對經文中所提到道德上的要求，我有什麼想法？花多幾分鐘再讀一遍，每讀到一個要求，就求聖靈引導我省察自己的內心，有什麼地方，目前我的舉止與聖經所列有出入？
2. 懇求神來幫助並賜力量給我，在這些事上開始改變，經歷聖靈的塑造，使我的生命彰顯屬靈的生命質素。
3. 為教會的領袖，牧者，事工會成員，小組長等禱告，求主也在他們生命中繼續塑造的工作。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 3

¹Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. ²Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. ⁵(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

 

MEDITATION

1. This passage lists some qualifications for church leaders.  Read it over slowly and carefully.  Upon each qualification, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to guide me to examine my heart.  What areas in my life are they different from the list here?
2. Ask God to help and empower me to make the necessary changes so that the transformation may begin in me and that I may display qualities of genuine spiritual life.
3. Pray for the leaders of our church: pastors, ministry committee members, cell leaders, etc.  Pray that their lives may continue to be transformed by God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第二章

^1-2 因此，我勸你最重要的是要為萬人、君王和一切有權位的懇求、禱告、代求和感恩，好讓我們可以敬虔莊重地過平靜安穩的日子。 ³ 在我們的救主神看來，這是美好的，可蒙悅納的。 ⁴ 他願意萬人得救，並且充分認識真理。 ⁵ 因為神只有一位，在神和人中間也只有一位中保，就是降世為人的基督耶穌。 ⁶ 他捨了自己作萬人的贖價，到了適當的時候，這事就證實了。 ⁷ 為了這事，我也被派作傳道的和使徒（我說的是真話，不是謊言），在信仰和真理上作外族人的教師。⁸ 因此，我願意男人沒有忿怒，沒有爭論，舉起聖潔的手隨處禱告。 ⁹ 照樣，我也願意女人以端正、、自律為裝飾；不要以鬈髮、金飾、珠寶，或名貴衣裳為裝飾¹⁰ 卻要以善行作裝飾，這才配稱為敬畏神的女人。

 

默想：

1. 保羅要我們為萬人的得救來禱告（1，4，6，7節）；我們為當權者禱告，祈求和平，為使萬人可以在基督裡找到平安，大家能夠「敬虔莊重地過平靜安穩的日子」。
2. 基督徒傳福音最有效的方法，就是在日常生活中「敬虔莊重地過平靜安穩的日子」的見證。使人接受福音最有效的工具，並非要等到遇見危險急難的時候；而是藉著基督徒在平時所流露出來的平安與喜樂、樂善助人，使得非信徒對這種生命日趨渴望的心。

1. 安靜在神面前等候聖靈將一些人與他們的需要放在我的心裡，然後誠懇地「舉起聖潔的手」來，恒切地為他們禱告；也為我的國家、及地方首長禱告，求神在我居住的地方賜下平安。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

CHAPTER 2

¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. ⁷And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. ⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

 

MEDITATION

1. Paul wants us to pray for the salvation of everyone (vv1, 4, 6,7).  We pray for our rulers and for peace that others may find peace in Christ so that we all may “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”.
2. The most effective evangelism is supported by the evidence of “quiet lives” lived “in all godliness and holiness”.  The most powerful aid to the Gospel is not sudden fear created by danger, but a growing hunger for the peace and goodness observed in the lives of ordinary Christians.

1. Sit quietly before God and wait.  Lift up hands and pray earnestly for those people and needs that the Holy Spirit brings to mind.  Pray also for the political leaders in my country, and local leaders.  Pray for peace for my city.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第一章

³ 我往馬其頓去的時候，曾經勸你留在以弗所，為要囑咐某些人，不可傳別的教義， ⁴ 也不可沉迷於無稽之談和無窮的家譜；這些事只能引起爭論，對於神在信仰上所定的計劃是毫無幫助的。 ⁵ 這囑咐的目的是出於愛；這愛是發自純潔的心、無愧的良心和無偽的信心。 ⁶ 有些人偏離了這些，就轉向無意義的辯論， ⁷ 想要作律法教師，卻不明白自己講的是甚麼，主張的又是甚麼。

 

默想:

1. 保羅在他的書信中經常強調「純正教導」（10節），以及防備教導錯誤道理的假教師。他提到純正的教導會產生一種獨特的生活形態 ——就是有愛特徵，「這愛是發自純潔的心、無愧的良心和無偽的信心」（5節）。
2. 神的真理能激發我們的信心，清潔我們的良心，純化我們的內心，因為神的真理事實上，就是耶穌（約14：6）。一個人被神的真理觸摸過，就會變得有愛心、會關懷人。因此，我們不要與神的真理爭鬥，而是要向真理敞開心門，讓它來改造我們。
3. 繼續安靜在神的面前，思想下面的問題：

我的愛是來自純潔的心嗎？或是已經被自我中心污染了？
求神幫助我除去生命中自私的污染。

我的愛是出自無虧的良心，真實無偽的？或是虛假、冒牌的？
求神賜我勇氣來真實地面對神、他人、自己。

我的生命和愛表明我對神真實的信心嗎？或是對神及神的旨意封閉？
求主讓我願意對祂的旨意更加開放，既或如此作會讓我感覺更加不安與懼怕。

4. 我是否願意今天就活出無私、真實、敞開的愛？

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

1 Timothy (NIV)

Chapter 1

³As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. ⁵The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. ⁷They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

 

MEDITATION:

1. In his letters Paul often emphasized the importance of teaching “sound doctrine” as well as guarding against those who teach “false doctrines.”  Paul noted that teaching sound doctrine produces a distinctive lifestyle characterized by love, “which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v5).
2. God’s truth has the power to stimulate faith, to cleanse the conscience, and purify the heart, because God’s truth is in fact, the Truth—Jesus (John 14:6).  A person touched by Truth will become a loving, caring individual.  We are not to fight for God’s Truth.  We are to open our hearts to the Truth, and let Him transform us.
3. Stay quiet before God and consider the following:

Does my love come from a pure heart?  Or has it been contaminated by self-centeredness?  Ask God to help remove the selfishness in my life.

Is my love real, and from a good conscience, not fake?  Ask for courage to be authentic with God, others and myself.

Does my life and love demonstrate a sincere faith in God?  Or is it closed off, or resistant to God and His purposes?  Ask God to give me the willingness to be more open to his purposes, even if doing so feels uncertain and scary.

4. Am I willing to live and love selflessly, authentically, and openly today?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2012 “Spiritual Journal” book.

第十三章

⁵ 你們為人不要貪愛錢財，要以現在所有的為滿足；因為神親自說過：“我決不撇下你，也不離棄你。” ⁶所以我們可以放膽說：“主是我的幫助，我決不害怕，人能把我怎麼樣呢？” ⁷你們要記念那些領導過你們，把神的道傳給你們的人；你們要觀察他們一生的成果，要效法他們的信心。 ⁸耶穌基督昨天、今天、一直到永遠都是一樣的。 ⁹你們不要被各樣怪異的教訓勾引去了。人心靠著恩典，而不是靠著食物得到堅定，才是好的；因為那些拘守食物的人，從來沒有得過益處。

默想

1. 出聲讀這段經文。花些時間思考作者所寫有關貪愛錢財、物質，以及相信神不會撇下我們，不會離棄我們，這兩方面的敘述。你認為這兩者有什麼關連嗎？
2. 花些時間反省我的生命，我對物質事物的看法是什麼？我是否常常希望更多的擁有？我是否覺得我擁有的越多，就越有安全感？若是神不照我的祈求應允，我會有何反應？「知足」對我是什麼意義？和神交談這些話題，仔細地聆聽神的回應。
3. 禱告。神啊，求你助我不貪愛金錢，而以我所有的為滿足；因為你說過「我決不撇下你，也不離棄你」。留意我的內心，求神改變我的不甘與不願。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

CHAPTER 13

⁵Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,  “Never will I leave you;   never will I forsake you.” ⁶So we say with confidence,    “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.   What can man do to me?”   ⁷Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. ⁸Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.   ⁹Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.

MEDITATION

1. Read the passage aloud.  Spend time pondering the connection the writer is making between obsession with material possessions and the belief that God will never leave us or let us down.  What do you make of this?  How are the two ideas related to each other?
2. Take several minutes to explore my life in light of this instruction.  How do I relate to material things?  Do I often wish I had more?  Do I feel that nothing can harm me because of what I have?  What fears do I have about God letting me down?  What would it be like to “be content with what I have”?  Talk with Him about this subject.  Attentively listen for his input.
3. Prayer.  May I keep my life free from the love of money and be content with what I have, for You have said, “I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you.”   Pause to notice my internal reaction to what I’m saying.  Ask God to change my reluctance and unwillingness.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

第十二章

 

⁷為了接受管教，你們要忍受，因為神待你們好像待兒子一樣；哪有兒子不受父親管教的呢？ ⁸作兒子的都受過管教。如果你們沒有受管教，就是私生子，不是兒子了。 ⁹還有，肉身的父親管教我們，我們尚且敬重他們；何況那萬靈的父，我們不是更要順服他而得生嗎？ ¹⁰肉身的父親照著自己的意思管教我們，只有短暫的日子；唯有神管教我們，是為著我們的好處，使我們在他的聖潔上有分。 ¹¹但是一切管教，在當時似乎不覺得快樂，反覺得痛苦；後來卻為那些經過這種操練的人，結出平安的果子來，就是義。

 

默想

1. 慢慢地出聲讀兩遍這段經文。
2. 神怎樣使用「所遇的困難」來訓練（管教）我？不要急於回答，安靜的坐一會兒，看看神會讓我想到些什麼？我如何在這個經歷中，更與神合作？慢慢地思想，慢慢地聆聽。
3. 禱告。請求聖靈搜索我的內心，將我尚未認的罪顯露出來。向神認罪，並感謝祂的赦免。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

CHAPTER 12

⁷Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ⁸If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  ¹²Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

MEDITATION

1. Read the passage aloud slowly.  Read the passage again.
2. How might God use the “trouble you’re in” to train you?  Don’t jump on the first thing that comes to mind.  Sit quietly for a while and see what God brings to mind.  How might I cooperate better with God in this training?  Once again, the first thing that comes to mind might not be from God, but an old tape from the past.  So take time to listen.
3. Pray.  Ask the Spirit to search my heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.  Take some time to confess and repent before the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

第十一章

¹ 信就是對所盼望的事的把握，是還沒有看見的事的明證。 ² 因著這信心，古人得到了稱許。 ³ 因著信，我們就明白宇宙（“宇宙”或譯：“諸世界”或“眾世代”）是因著神的話造成的。這樣，那看得見的就是從那看不見的造出來的。

³⁹ 所有這些人都藉著信得了稱許，卻還沒有得著所應許的； ⁴⁰ 因為神已經為我們預備了更美的事，使他們若不跟我們在一起，就不能完全。

默想

1. 若時間許可，將十一章全部讀一遍，但專注在1-3及39-40節。
2. 本章可說是“信心偉人名人榜”，所羅列的人物，有些為要榮耀神，而作了很大的犧牲。作者首先給信心作了定義，「信就是對所盼望的事的把握，是還沒有看見的事的明證」。
3. 禱告：我願意存著信心生活到底，雖然知道在世不可能得著神所應許的，「只是從遠處看見，就表示歡迎」。我承認我在世上「是異鄉人，是客旅。但是我所嚮往的，是一個更美的、在天上的家鄉。所以，神不以我稱祂為神而覺得羞恥；因為祂已經為我預備了一座城。願我看為基督受的羞辱，比世界的財物更寶貴，因為我切盼期待將來的賞賜。」

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

 

CHAPTER 11

¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for.  ³By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

³⁹These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. ⁴⁰God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

 

MEDITATION

1. If time allows, read all Hebrews 11, but focus on verses 1-3 and 39-40.
2. This familiar passage is often called the Faith Hall of Fame.  Some of the people listed made great personal sacrifices to bring glory to God.  We’ve all heard, and possibly even uttered, the saying “seeing is believing”.  The writer of Hebrews begins with a definition of faith.  Faith, he writes, is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.  So, really, not seeing… is believing.
3. Pray: By God’s grace I want to live to the end in faith, knowing that I will not receive the promises on earth, but seeing them and welcoming them from a distance, I confess that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth.  Instead, I long for a better country, a heavenly one.  In this way, God will not be ashamed to be called my God, for He has prepared a city for me.  Like Moses, may I esteem reproach for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of this world, because I am looking to the reward.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第十章

¹⁹所以，弟兄們！我們憑著耶穌的血，可以坦然無懼地進入至聖所。²⁰這進入的路，是他給我們開闢的，是一條通過幔子、又新又活的路，這幔子就是他的身體。²¹我們既然有一位偉大的祭司治理神的家，²²我們良心的邪惡既然被灑淨，身體也用清水洗淨了，那麼，我們就應該懷著真誠的心和完備的信，進到神面前；²³又應該堅持我們所宣認的盼望，毫不動搖，因為那應許我們的是信實的。²⁴我們又應該彼此關心，激發愛心，勉勵行善。²⁵我們不可放棄聚會，好像有些人的習慣一樣；卻要互相勸勉。你們既然知道那日子臨近，就更應該這樣。

 

默想

1. 23節「堅持我們所宣認（承認）的盼望（指望）」，與6：19「這盼望」都提到信徒的盼望。究竟我「為甚麼懷有盼望」（彼前3:15）？基督徒在社會上多少都承受著一些壓力，覺得對身邊的人分享信仰並不容易。我上一次坦然地與人分享基督耶穌的信仰，是多久以前的事？我是否不敢開口跟人分享信仰？

1. 基督徒聚會及信徒相交，能叫我們彼此相顧，互相勸勉，激發愛心，勉勵行善。嘗試在小組中分享我對分享信仰的困難，請求組員為我禱告，以達肢體相顧勉勵的功用。
2. 今天個人獨處時，嘗試安靜心靈，求神加添力量，使我不論處於任何環境都能為主作見證。

 

禱告與筆錄：

繼續安靜在神面前，與神對話，並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想（心得），或是與神的禱告，記錄在「靈程筆記簿」上面。

 

 

 

CHAPTER 10

¹⁹Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Meditation

1. Both v23 and 6:19 mention the hope: “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (v23) and “this hope” (6:19).  What is “the reason for the hope” (1 Peter 3:15) that I have?  Many Christians feel the tension of being Christians in this secular society and find it difficult to share their faith with others.  When was the last time I felt free to express my faith in Jesus Christ and the hope that this gives me?
2. Christian fellowship and gatherings provide opportunities for believers to care for one another, encourage one another, etc.  This week, share in my cell meeting the difficulty I have in sharing my faith with others.  Ask the other members to pray for me and to encourage each other.
3. During my quiet time alone today take a moment to ask God for the strength to express my faith in all circumstances.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the  “Spiritual Journal” book.