260靈修 Feb. 15, 2012: 提多書第一章Titus 1

第一章

1 神的僕人、耶穌基督的使徒保羅(這是為著 神選民的信心,和那合乎敬虔真理的知識;2這都是根據永生的盼望,這永生就是沒有謊言的 神在萬世以前所應許的。3到了適當的時候, 神就藉著福音的宣講,把他的道顯明出來。照著 神我們救主的命令,這宣講的使命交託了我),4寫信給提多,就是那在共同的信仰上作我真兒子的。願恩惠平安從父 神和我們的救主基督耶穌臨到你。

 

默想:

  1. 保羅自覺自己位居一個榮耀的地位,是傳揚神永生應許的使徒。我傳福音時是否也有這樣榮耀的自覺?
  2. 我是神的僕人嗎?我在從事這個榮耀的召命嗎?為什麼?我的生命要怎樣,才能在別人當中,以言說和行為來傳揚這信仰?用些時間,仔細且實際地思想這些問題,找出幾個可行的意見。
  3. 禱告祈求神幫助我成為祂的僕人。然後,記得,我是以基督的僕人開始今天的一天。

 

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 (NIV)

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,  4To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

 

Meditation:

  1. Paul described his mission of proclaiming God’s promise of eternal life as a high calling.  Do I also share this understanding when I share the gospel?
  2. Am I a servant of God? Am I engaged in this high calling?  Why or why not?  How can my life be promoting the faith among others by word and action?  Take time to consider these questions, being specific.
  3. Ask Christ to help me be His servant.   Then, remember that I go into this day as a servant of 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.

260靈修 Feb. 14, 2012: 歌羅西書第四章Colossians 4

第四章

2   你們要恆切禱告,在禱告的時候存著感恩的心警醒;   3   也要為我們禱告,求神為我們開傳道的門,宣講基督的奧祕(我就是為了這個緣故被捆鎖),   4   使我照著我所應當說的,把這奧祕顯明出來。   5   你們要把握時機,用智慧與外人來往。   6   你們的話要常常溫和,好像是用鹽調和的,使你們知道應當怎樣回答各人。

 

默想:

  1. 以生命來見證基督是很有效的見證方式,但是這並不足夠。福音是需要以話語來傳遞,並以生命來證實的;話語及生命兩者缺一不可。
  2. 我在分享福音的事上,表現如何?我應當在話語或是生命方面,更加改善,以便更有效的傳揚福音?
  3. 從5-6節中,我可以學習用什麼原則,來向未信的人接觸?
  4. 祈求聖靈,在我所認識的人中,賜給我一、兩個熟悉的面孔,敦促我為他們的得救禱告,並找機會向他們傳福音。

 

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

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

 

Meditation

  1. Expressing Christ in my life is vital to an effective witness.  But it is not enough.  The gospel is a message delivered in words, and authenticated by life.  Both word and life must be shared.
  2. How well am I doing in sharing the gospel?  Which do I need to improve (word or life) to become more effective in advancing the gospel?
  3. From vv5-6, what principles do I want to build into my life as I relate to non-believers?
  4. Pray and ask the Spirit to give me one or two faces of people in your life whom He wants me to pray for and share the gospel with.

 

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.

 

260靈修 Feb. 13, 2012: 歌羅西書第三章Colossians 3

第三章

1   所以,你們既然與基督一同復活,就應當尋求天上的事,那裡有基督坐在神的右邊。   2   你們要思念的,是天上的事,不是地上的事。   3   因為你們已經死了,你們的生命與基督一同隱藏在神裡面。   4   基督就是你們的生命,他顯現的時候,你們也要和他一同在榮耀裡顯現。   5   所以要治死你們在地上的肢體,就如淫亂、污穢、邪情、惡慾和貪心,貪心就是拜偶像。。。。

12   所以,你們既然是神所揀選的,是聖潔、蒙愛的人,就要存憐憫的心腸、恩慈、謙卑、溫柔和忍耐。   13   如果有人對別人有嫌隙,總要彼此寬容,互相饒恕;主怎樣饒恕了你們,你們也要照樣饒恕人。   14   在這一切之上,還要有愛心,愛心是聯繫全德的。   15   又要讓基督的平安在你們心裡作主;你們蒙召歸為一體,也是為了這個緣故。你們要有感謝的心。   16   你們要讓基督的道豐豐富富地住在你們心裡,以各樣的智慧,彼此教導,互相勸戒,用詩章、聖詩、靈歌,懷著感恩的心歌頌神。   17   凡你們所作的,無論是言語或行為,都要奉主耶穌的名,藉著他感謝父神。

 

默想:

  1. 慢慢地讀這段經文,仔細的思考穿上新人過程中的幾個部分:

–          新生命是可能的 (3-4節)

–          除去舊生命(5節)

–          穿上新生命(12-14節)

–          穿上新生命所需的內心及行為的改變(15-17節)

  1. 那個部分對我是特別需要的?重新回去讀那些經文,再看這個部分的哪個字詞特別觸動我?為什麼?這與其他部分有什麼關連?這又與“聯繫全德的愛心”有什麼關連?
  2. 以個人化的經文來向神禱告,例:13節“如果對別人有嫌隙,求主助我對那人寬容,並饒恕他;主怎樣饒恕了我,我也要照樣饒恕人他。”(可以將自己和對方的名字放進去來禱告。)

 

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

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ……

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Meditation:

  1. Read the passage and consider these segments included in the process of putting on the new life.

–          A new life is possible (vv3-4)

–          Get rid of the old life (v5)

–          Put on the new life (v12-14)

–          Inner thoughts and behavior needed to put on new life (vv15-17)

  1. Which segment of this process speaks to me most right now?  Reread the verses that correspond to that segment.  What word or phrase in that segment speaks to me?  Why?  How does that idea relate to the other segments?  How does it relate to love “which binds them all together in perfect unit”?
  2. Pray back to God the segment that speaks to me, personalizing it.  For example, based on v13, Please help me to bear with XX(someone’s name) and forgive XX for the grievances I have against XX.  Help me to forgive as the Lord forgave 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.

 

祈禱週誌 2012年2月12-18日

「我的心哪、你要稱頌耶和華、不可忘記他的一切恩惠。他赦免你的一切罪孽、醫治你的一切疾病。他救贖你的命脫離死亡、以仁愛和慈悲為你的冠冕。他用美物、使你所願的得以知足、以致你如鷹返老還童。」結103:2-5

星期日:「我成長」為教會事工禱告

  • 教會於2013年1月自立的諸多策劃安排,求主施恩,帶領教會,跟從聖靈的指引,同心擺上,齊心努力。
  • 三月4日萬民堂成立七週年慶祝,數算過往的恩典,仰望神繼續帶領前面的路。
  • 弟兄姐妹愛慕主話,恆心使用 260 靈修來親近神,並藉默想、禱告,學效基督的樣式。

星期一:「我相愛」為教會領袖禱告

  • 牧師、傳道與神有親密的關係,更深認識神、經歷神(神的慈愛、憐憫、公義、喜樂……)
  • 事工委員會及眾同工們,像亞倫與戶珥一樣,成為牧師的支援,敬重他、體諒他。

星期二:「我傳揚」為教會福音事工,及未信主的親友禱告

  • 為尚未信主的親人恆切禱告,在生活行為上作好見證,並把握機會分享福音。
  • 帶領家中的兒女認識神,走當行的路,到老也不偏離。

星期三:「我成長」為細胞小組及牧區禱告

  • 為各小組的組長禱告,在生活與工作上,經歷神的同在;關心並鼓勵組員及Oikos。
  • 為IGC區的三組組員禱告,使每位弟兄姐妹在繁忙的生活中,依然與神親近,並抽時間,全家人一起作260 靈修分享。

星期四:「我相愛」為教會信徒禱告

  • 弟兄姐妹在主裡學習彼此順服、支持、互助、相愛,同心興旺神的事工。
  • 在工作職業上面臨困境的弟兄姐妹,願主賜智慧、能力來面對,更存依靠基督的心,盡上當盡的本分並仰望基督的引領。

星期五:「我傳揚」為宣教事工禱告

  • Leslie Lai 在溫哥華大學宿舍中的查經班,求主賜福,使學生得聽福音而得救。 Leslie 需籌募的經費尚未達目標,請代禱關懷奉獻。
  • 求主興起有志參與短宣的弟兄姐妹,懇求禱告尋求神的旨意,順服神的引領、接受培訓裝備、憑信心踏出去。

星期六:「我成長」為主日崇拜禱告

  • 聖靈引導主日崇拜的講員李勤基執事,使他有能力,清晰地傳講神的信息。
  • 敬拜小組被聖靈充滿,全心、全意地帶領會眾進入神的面前。

260靈修 Feb. 10, 2012: 歌羅西書第二章Colossians 2

第二章

8 你們要謹慎,免得有人不照著基督,而照著人的傳統,和世俗的言論,藉著哲學和騙人的空談,把你們擄去。

16  所以不要讓人因著飲食、節期、月朔、安息日批評你們,17 這些不過是將來的事的影子,那真體卻是屬於基督的。17這些不過是將來的事的影子,那真體卻是屬於基督的。18 不要讓人奪去你們的獎賞,他們以故意謙卑,敬拜天使為樂;迷於自己所見過的;憑著肉體的意念,無故地自高自大;19 不與頭緊密相連。其實全身都是藉著關節和筋絡從頭得著供應和聯繫,就照著 神所要求的,生長起來。20 你們若與基督一同死了,脫離了世俗的言論,為甚麼仍然好像活在世俗中一樣,21 拘守那“不可摸、不可嘗、不可觸”的規條呢?22 (這一切東西,一經使用,就都朽壞了。)這些規條是照著人的命令和教訓而定的,23在隨著己意敬拜,故作謙卑,和苦待己身等事上,似乎是智慧之言,其實只能叫人放縱肉體,再沒有任何價值。

 

默想:

  1. 從8節開始,保羅就批判歌羅西的異端,不是照神在基督裡的啟示,而是根據「人的傳統」和「世俗的言論」所發展出來的一套哲學,是達不到生命豐盛的虛空妄言。
  2. 在本段更清楚說明「世俗的言論」就是指舊約中的禮儀規條(16~17、20節)。當然這異端具多重面貌,但其基本精神,就是要靠守規條來得神喜悅,並以為藉此可以達到聖潔豐盛之境。
  3. 這類異端的教導,有了根本的錯誤,自然發展出許多錯誤的表現:

    錯誤的敬拜:敬拜天使,按私意敬拜(18、23節)

    錯誤的成長之道:嚴守規條,苦待己身以求聖潔(20~23節)

    錯誤的標榜:沈迷靈異經驗,並以此為誇(18節)

    錯誤的持定:不持定基督,卻謹守舊約的律例規條(16、19節)

  4. 在我自己的信仰生活中,或是我周圍的圈子中,是否察覺到有哪些錯誤的救恩教導?將它們逐一列出,帶到小組中討論,若仍有不明之處,盡快找牧者詢問。

 

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

8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Meditation:

  1. In v8, Paul criticized the Colossian false teaching that is not based on God’s revelation in Christ but the “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world”.
  2. In this passage, it was clear that the “elemental spiritual forces of this world” refer to the rituals and rules of the Old Testament (vv16-17,20).  The legalistic false teachers were probably advocating obedience to the Law of Moses for justification and sanctification.
  3. From these basic mistakes, many wrong manifestations developed:

    self-imposed worship of angels, (vv18, 23); strict adhering to rules and self-denial (vv20-23); indulging in mystic experience it (v18); not focusing on Christ the head, but rule and rituals of the Old Testament (vv16,19)

  4. Am I aware of any false teachings of Christ’s salvation in my own faith belief or my church or other churches?  List them down and bring for a discussion at the cell.  Bring it to the pastors if still not clear.

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.

260靈修 Feb. 9, 2012: 歌羅西書第一章Colossians 1

第一章

15   這愛子是那看不見的神的形象,是首先的,在一切被造的之上。   16   因為天上地上的萬有:看得見的和看不見的,無論是坐王位的,或是作主的,或是執政的,或是掌權的,都是本著他造的;萬有都是藉著他,又是為著他而造的。   17   他在萬有之先;萬有也一同靠著他而存在。   18   他是身體的頭,這身體就是教會。他是元始,是死人中首先復生的,好讓他在凡事上居首位;   19   因為神樂意使所有的豐盛都住在愛子裡面,   20   並且藉著他在十字架上所流的血成就了和平,使萬有,無論是地上天上的,都藉著他與神和好了。

 

默想:

  1. 站著開聲讀這段經文,以恭敬的姿勢表達我對神話語的尊敬和接納。
  2. 這段經文是一首偉大的讚美詩,表達了基督信仰的核心真理。基督是萬有的主,超過世界上一切被造的,祂使神與一切被造物和好。我們的生活建造在其上,個人被塑造改變;藉著基督復和的工作,得以回到神面前,成為聖潔、無有瑕疵、無可指摘的人。基督的超越性表示祂是宇宙的全能統治者;道成肉身表明神的至大權能,藉著耶穌基督彰顯在世界上。基督的內住,意味神繼續透過我們,在這世界彰顯祂的能力。因為基督的內住,我們對將來有盼望;現今在世能過得勝的生活,將來必與基督同在榮耀中。
  3. 重讀這段經文,讓自己沉浸在基督崇高的超越性中,思想在這偉大的宇宙主宰的心目中,竟然有我的位置,而且祂居然“內住”我心!“深哉!神豐富的智慧和知識。”(羅11:33)用這節經文作為對至高神由衷的感恩。

 

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。

 

 

Colossians (NIV)

Chapter 1

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

 

Meditation

  1. Stand up and read this passage aloud.  Stand prayerfully in a posture that communicates to God respect and receptivity to His word.
  2. This great hymn of acclamation expresses the central truth of Christian faith.  Christ is Lord over all creation and is the reconciler between God and this creation.  Our lives are built upon it, shaped in every way by it, so that now through Christ’s reconciliation we may be given back to God as persons who are holy, blameless, and irreproachable.  Christ’s preeminence means that God is the all-powerful Ruler of heaven and earth.  The Incarnation means that God expresses His supreme power in this world of space and time in the person of Jesus.  “Christ in you” means that God still expresses His supreme power in this world – through us!  Because this Christ is in us, we do have hope for glorious things ahead.  We will triumph today and tomorrow will join Christ in glory!
  3. Read this passage again.  Immerse myself in the supremacy of Christ and remember that I am in Him and He is in me!  Read this verse as a humble thanksgiving to the mighty God: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”(Rom 11:33)

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.

260靈修 Feb. 8, 2012: 腓立比書第四章Philippians 4

第四章

10 我在主裡大大地喜樂,因為你們現在又再想起我來;其實你們一向都在想念我,只是沒有機會表示。 11 我並不是因為缺乏才這樣說:我已經學會了,無論在甚麼情況之下都可以知足。 12 我知道怎樣處卑賤,也知道怎樣處富裕;我已經得了祕訣,無論在任何情況之下,或是飽足,或是飢餓,或是富裕,或是缺乏,都可以知足。 13 我靠著那加給我能力的,凡事都能作。 14 然而,你們一同分擔了我的患難,實在是好的。

 

默想:

1.  一個屬靈生命成熟的信徒,他會學習無論在怎樣的經濟景況下,都能安之若素。保羅就是如此;他感謝腓立比信徒對他經濟的資助,同時他也和他們分享他的心態——他雖然對他們很感激們的慷慨,但也希望教會眾人知道,他即使身陷獄中,因為在基督裡,他可以滿足於任何的生活環境中。

2.  傅士德為“簡樸”作了這樣的定義:“從內在的真實光景,流露出來的外在生活方式”。對保羅來說,內在的真實光景是什麼呢?我的生活中有類似的經驗嗎?怎樣可以更加進步?

 

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

10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for.   I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

 

Meditation:

  1. One of the lessons of spiritual maturity is the secret of living well whatever our financial means.  Paul shares this lesson as he thanks the Philippians for their financial support.  Although he is grateful for their generosity, Paul wants the church to know that in Christ he can be satisfied with any standard of living, even in prison.
  2. In defining simplicity, Richard Foster writes that it is “an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle” (Celebration of Discipline).  According to Paul, what is the inward reality?  How close am I to experiencing this in my life?  What can I do to encourage 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.

260靈修 Feb. 7, 2012: 腓立比書第三章Philippians 3

第三章

7 然而以前對我有益的,現在因著基督的緣故,我都當作是有損的。 8 不但這樣,我也把萬事當作是有損的,因為我以認識我主基督耶穌為至寶。為了他,我把萬事都拋棄了,看作廢物,為了要得著基督。 9 並且得以在他裡面,不是有自己因律法而得的義,而是有因信基督而得的義,就是基於信心,從神而來的義, 10 使我認識基督和他復活的大能,並且在他所受的苦上有分,受他所受的死; 11 這樣,我也許可以從死人中復活。

 

默想:

1.  保羅本有傲人的資歷,他的家世、教育、和宗教熱忱,本可使他穩守高位,前途無量。但保羅在與基督相遇時,徹底改變了;他傲人的履歷在主面前毫無用處,所有他以前認為有益的,如今都當作有損了;唯一要緊的,就是他與基督的關係。我們因遇見基督,也必須將一些東西看作是有損的(財產、資歷、和態度等等)。靈命的塑造過程,就是一路上學習認清並捨棄這樣的東西,如此,我們才能專心尋求得著基督。

2.  在我心目中,生命裡,有什麼東西是我引以為傲、甚為珍惜,但卻成為我走天路歷程上毫無價值,反而成為“重擔” 和“纏累的罪”(來12:1)?我當怎樣改變觀點,而將認識我主為至寶,而其他每件事都看為次等?

 

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

7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

 

Meditation:

  1. Paul had credentials.  His family heritage, training, and zeal would have secured him a prominent place in the society.  But Paul’s encounter with Christ radically changed his values.  When Paul stood face to face with the risen Christ, his resume did nothing for him.  And all that Paul had once considered assets he now counted as losses.  What mattered now was relationship with Christ.  Spiritual formation is learning to recognize and abandon those things that must be counted as losses in light of our encounter with Christ (possessions, credentials, attitudes, etc.), so that we might focus on the “gain” of relationship with Christ.
  2. What are the things that I count “gain” but actually are “loss” and may become “the weight and the sin that clings so closely” (Heb 12:1) for my heavenward journey?  How can I change my perspective and consider everything as secondary to knowing Jesus as my Lord?

 

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.

 

260靈修 Feb. 6, 2012: 腓立比書第二章Philippians 2

第二章

1 所以,你們在基督裡若有甚麼勸勉,有甚麼愛心的安慰,有甚麼靈裡的契通,有甚麼慈悲和憐憫, 2 就應當有同樣的思想,同樣的愛心,要心志相同,思想一致,使我充滿喜樂。 3 不要自私自利,也不要貪圖虛榮,只要謙卑,看別人比自己強; 4 各人不要單顧自己的事,也要顧別人的事。 5 你們應當有這樣的意念,這也是基督耶穌的意念。(全節或譯:“你們當以基督耶穌的心為心。”) 6 他本來有神的形象,卻不堅持自己與神平等的地位, 7 反而倒空自己,取了奴僕的形象,成為人的樣式; 8 既然有人的樣子,就自甘卑微,順服至死,而且死在十字架上。 9 因此神把他升為至高,並且賜給他超過萬名之上的名。 10 使天上、地上和地底下的一切,因著耶穌的名,都要屈膝, 11 並且口裡承認耶穌基督為主,使榮耀歸給父神。

 

默想:

1.  這首教會初期的詩歌(6-11節)描述基督是“他本來有神的形象,卻不堅持自己與神平等的地位,反而倒空自己,取了奴僕的形象,成為人的樣式;既然有人的樣子,就自甘卑微,順服至死,而且死在十字架上。”詩歌繼續強調耶穌不但從死裡復活,並且被神升至最高位。

2.  保羅以此鼓勵信徒留意耶穌的謙卑態度,並以此應用在我們與人關係之中。也因此,難怪世人誤以為基督徒是軟弱、遲鈍、一絲不苟、膽卻懦弱,無法在世上出人頭地的一類。其實世人不明白,基督徒選擇謙卑,並非出於軟弱,而是出於剛強壯。

3.  所有讓我們認為高人一等,出類拔萃的理由,當我們看見耶穌的時候,都變得蒼白無力;祂甘願放棄與神同等的身份,不單成為卑微的人,並且死在十字架上。

4.  如果我秉持3-8節的教導,持續地應用在家中、教會中、工作中,事情會有怎樣的改變?有什麼是我現在就應該開始做的?

 

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

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;  7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!   9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,  10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Meditation:

1.  This early church hymn (vv6-11) portrays Christ as was “in very nature God’, but emptied Himself to take on human nature and suffered a shameful death.  It affirms not only Jesus’ resurrection but His ultimate exaltation over all.

2.  Here Paul encouraged Christians to look at the attitude of humility Jesus displayed, and adopt it in our relationships with others.  It’s no wonder that Christians have been considered weak, dull, too scrupulous or too cowardly, to make it big in the world.  What the world doesn’t understand is that Christians choose humility not out of weakness, but out of strength.

3.  Whatever basis we might have for believing we are better than others, all pale to utter insignificance when we see Jesus, willing to abandon His rightful claim of full equality with God, to not only become a human being, but even to die on a cross.

4.  How would things change if I consistently applied v v3-8 in my family? Church?  Work?  Which do I need to work on now?

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.

祈禱週誌 2012年2月5-11日

「主耶和華說、我必親自作我羊的牧人、使他們得以躺臥。失喪的、我必尋找、被逐的、我必領回、受傷的、我必纏裹、有病的、我必醫治‧只是肥的壯的、我必除滅‧也要秉公牧養他們。」結34:15-16

星期日: 為今天崇拜中的領受禱告「我成長」

  • 為今日蕭智雄牧師的信息感謝,求主讓各人反思所聽的道,以敞開的心來接受、省察、並在生活切實應用出來。
  • 求主幫助弟兄姐妹,每日固定使用260靈修,並藉默想,禱告,與神親近,生活得力。

星期一: 為萬民堂禱告「我相愛」

  • 求神的聖靈保守教會領袖們,同心合意地規畫教會事工,按照神的心意,帶領教會增長,並面對獨立以及持續發展的需要。
  • 求神賜下合一、禱告的靈,讓弟兄姐妹在小組裡,在各人的家中,經常思念教會的事,樂意以金錢財力、恩賜能力,以及忠心恆切的禱告來服侍。
  • 為五月教會退修會的籌備小組禱告,有智慧與聖靈的能力,妥善籌劃與安排。

星期二: 為未信主的親友鄰居禱告「我傳揚」

  • 為主日學的福音班禱告,求主保守老師們,清楚講解福音,引領慕道友決志信主。
  • 求主賜下對尚未信主的親人的深切負擔,經常為他們禱告,在生活中有好見證,並賜勇氣與智慧,與他們分享福音。

星期三: 為教會肢體禱告「我相愛」

  • 為羅珞琦傳道禱告,求主賜下體力、靈力、智力,帶領英文堂青少年的各項事工與牧養關懷。
  • 為目前患病,接受治療的弟兄姐妹禱告,求主安慰與醫治,體驗神的同在與弟兄姐妹的關愛。

星期四: 為細胞小組及牧區禱告「我成長」

  • 為各小組的組長禱告,在生活與工作上,經歷神的同在;服事鼓勵組員及Oikos。
  • 為迦密區的兩組組員禱告,使每位弟兄姐妹靈命更新成長,愛主愛人。

星期五: 為本地、世界及遠方的宣教士禱告「我傳揚」

  • 張家齊牧師一家,在南非的工作證續期經獲批核,感謝主。
  • Leslie Lai 在溫哥華UBC大學宿舍中的查經班,求主賜福,使學生得聽福音而得救。Leslie 需籌募的經費尚未達目標,請代禱關懷奉獻。

星期六: 為教會牧者和明天崇拜/主日學禱告「我成長」

  • 明天主日講員為蕭智雄牧師,求主使講員得智慧的話語,且弟兄姐妹存受教的心,得幫助,受造就。

260靈修 Feb. 3, 2012: 腓立比書第一章Philippians 1

第一章

3  我每逢想到你們,就感謝我的神;  4每次為你們大家祈求的時候,總是歡歡喜喜地祈求。 5 為了你們從頭一天直到現在都在福音的事工上有分,我就感謝我的神。 6 我深信那在你們中間開始了美好工作的,到了基督耶穌的日子,必成全這工作。

 

默想:

  1. 有的時候,基督徒會認為,禱告時在我們面對急難、害怕的時候,才會想到的。但是保羅在此的禱告時出於喜樂,並且充滿了信心的禱告。腓立比教會的信徒,從開始就曾與保羅一同傳揚福音。保羅深信神會保守祂在他們中間開始的工作,且到耶穌基督再來的時候,必成全祂的工作。
  2. 當我為別人禱告的時候,我也可以有同樣的信心,相信神必不會丟棄祂的任何一個兒女。因此我可以帶著喜樂為其他信徒禱告,也全心地相信神在他們的心中工作。為什麼要禱告呢?因為禱告是我表達愛的方式,並且因為我相信,神會使用我的禱告,使得祂在別人生命中的工作更加充實。
  3. 花幾分鐘的時間,用我自己的話,改寫保羅的禱告,來為我的小組,我的教會禱告。

 

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。

 

 

Philippians (NIV)

Chapter 1

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

Meditation

  1. Sometimes Christians think of prayer as a last resort when we’re desperate, or when we are fearful for others.  But Paul prayed out of joy, and with supreme confidence.  The Philippian believers had worked in partnership with Paul in spreading the gospel from the first.  And Paul had total confidence that the work God began in their lives would be carried on to completion, “until the day of Christ Jesus.”
  2. We can have the same confidence when we pray for one another.  God won’t abandon any of His own.  We pray for other Christians with joy, and with total confidence that God is at work in their lives.  Why then do we pray?  We pray as an expression of love.  And we pray because we believe that God in some mysterious way uses our prayers to enrich that good work He is committed to do in His children’s lives.
  3. Take a few minutes to put Paul’s prayer into my own words, then apply the prayer for my cell group and my church.

 

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.

 

260靈修 Feb. 2, 2012: 以弗所書第六章Ephesians 6

第六章

1 你們作兒女的,要在主裡聽從父母,因為這是理所當然的。 2 “要孝敬父母,使你得福,在世長壽。”這是第一條帶著應許的誡命。 4 你們作父親的,不要激怒兒女,卻要照著主的教訓和勸戒,養育他們。 5 你們作僕人的,要存著敬畏、戰兢和真誠的心,聽從世上的主人,好像聽從基督一樣。 6 作事不要只作給人看,像那些討人歡心的一樣,卻要像基督的僕人,從心裡遵行神的旨意, 7 甘心服務,像是服事主,不是服事人。 8 你們知道,無論是奴僕或自由的人,如果作了甚麼善事,都必從主那裡得到賞賜。 9 你們作主人的,也要照樣對待僕人,不要威嚇他們;你們知道,他們和你們在天上同有一位主,他並不偏待人。

 

 

默想

1.  慢慢地讀這段經文,請求聖靈提醒我,一些熟悉的面孔。用些時間來反省,我是怎樣的孩子,怎樣的父母,怎樣的雇員或學生,等。我在這個角色上的表現與保羅的標準有何差距?回想一下:我父母是怎樣的?我所尊重的導師或其他人,他們是怎樣與雇主老板相處?

2.  和耶穌對話,與祂分享我對自己和他人的表現而得的感受,告訴耶穌我心中的失望、感激或沮喪……。

3.  聆聽耶穌要我在這個關係中,是繼續成長?或是有所改變?寫下來,並為此禱告,祈求主的幫助與提醒。

 

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

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

 

Meditation

  1. Read the passage; ask the Spirit to call to mind the face of someone that I know.  Take a few minutes to reflect on what kind of child, parent, employee, or student I am.  How do my actions in this relationship compare to the standard Paul sets?  Ponder the models in my life for that role.  How were my parents?  How do my role models relate to their employers?
  2. Talk to Jesus about this and share with Him any disappointment, gratitude, or frustration I feel about my own role and my role models.
  3. Listen to what Jesus’ telling me in this relationship, to continue growing in this relationship? Or to change in some specific action?  Write it down and ask for God’s help and reminding.

 

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.

 

260靈修 Feb. 1, 2012: 以弗所書第五章Ephesians 5

第五章

1 因此,你們既然是蒙愛的兒女,就應當效法神。 2 要憑著愛心行事,好像基督愛我們,為我們捨己,當作馨香的供品和祭物獻給神。

 

默想:

  1. 我們若要被神塑造成為基督的樣式,最基本的屬靈操練就是“效法神”;耶穌訓練門徒的重心就在於此。當我們想要裝扮成那原非自己本相的基督模樣時,卻往往不得其法;而基督卻奇妙地將祂自己的生命“注入”我們的生命裡。這就是最不可思議的事——我們竟然可以效法神。
  2. 安靜在神面前幾分鐘,專注在“效法神”幾個字上。有什麼念頭?興奮?喜樂?慚愧?失望?沮喪?恐懼?
  3. 與神對話,心中是否浮現什麼要我特別留意的事?有什麼態度需要改變?有什麼需要採取的行動?求主幫助我今天,在所作、所說的事上,能成為“效法神”的人。

 

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

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

Meditation

  1. No spiritual practice is as fundamental to our being formed into the Christ life as imitation.  The whole of Jesus’ ministry with His disciples turned on this practice.  When we pretend to be what we are not naturally, Jesus mysteriously “injects” His kind of life into ours.  And here is the most unthinkable of all – we can imitate God!
  2. Stay quietly for a few moments dwell on the words “imitator of God”.  What comes to mind, Excitement? Joy? Shame? Disappointment? Frustration? Fear?
  3. Talk to God about it.  Any specific things brought to mind that I should pay attention to? A change of attitude? Any action to take? Ask for God’s help today for me to be an “imitator of 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.

 

 

260靈修 Jan.31, 2012: 以弗所書第四章Ephesians 4

第四章

7 我們各人蒙恩,是照著基督量給我們的恩賜。 8 所以他說:“他升上高天的時候,擄了許多俘虜,把賞賜給了人。” 9 (“他升上”這句話是甚麼意思呢?他不是也曾降到地上嗎? 10 那降下的,就是那升到諸天之上的,為了要使他充滿萬有。) 11 他所賜的,有作使徒的,有作先知的,有作傳福音的,也有作牧養和教導的, 12 為的是要裝備聖徒,去承擔聖工,建立基督的身體; 13 直到我們眾人對神的兒子都有一致的信仰和認識,可以長大成人,達到基督豐盛長成的身量;

 

默想

  1. 這段經文保羅並沒有羅列所有的恩賜,他在其他的書信中,有提到類似以及別的恩賜。在12 節,保羅指出恩賜的目的是為“裝備(訓練)聖徒”。聖靈賜給我們恩賜,當我們都使用這些恩賜時,我們就能幫助彼此,越來越像基督。
  2. 神給了我怎樣的恩賜?我如何使用它們?是為了修補、糾正、整合基督的身體嗎?
  3. 為神給我及教會其他弟兄姐妹的恩賜感謝神,求主助我能盡我的本分,參與在建立教會上。

 

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

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.” 9(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 

Meditation

  1. This list of gifts is by no means exhaustive.  Similar lists appear in Paul’s other letters.  Here, he says that the purpose of these gifts is “to train (prepare… for work) Christ’s followers, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (v12).  The Spirit gives gifts to us so that, by all of us exercising these gifts, we will build each other up to be more and more like Christ.
  2. What gifts has God given me?  How am I using them?  Are they for mending, setting right, or putting together in the body of Christ?
  3. Thank God for the gifts he’s given me and other members of the church.  Pray that I will do my part to help build up the church.

 

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.

 

260靈修 Jan.30, 2012: 以弗所書第三章Ephesians 3

第三章

14 因此,我在父面前屈膝, 15 (天上地上所有的家族都是由他命名的,) 16 求他按著他榮耀的豐盛,藉著他的靈,用大能使你們內在的人剛強起來, 17 使基督藉著你們的信,住在你們心裡,使你們既然在愛中扎根建基, 18 就能和眾聖徒一同領悟基督的愛是多麼的長闊高深, 19 並且知道他的愛是超過人所能理解的,使你們被充滿,得著神的一切豐盛。 20 願榮耀歸給神,就是歸給那能照著運行在我們裡面的大能,充充足足地成就一切,超過我們所求所想的。 21 願榮耀在教會中和基督耶穌裡歸給他,直到萬代,永世無窮。阿們。

 

默想:

  1. 保羅這裡所說的“愛”並非神的愛或對神的愛,而是家庭的愛—即在基督裡信徒彼此的愛。保羅熱切地希望神的百姓“愛心有根有基(在愛中扎根建基)”,以致我們“能和眾聖徒一同明白(領悟)基督的愛是何等長闊高深”(18-19節)我們怎樣能領悟明白愛呢?就是在家庭的環境中,藉著相愛和珍惜,培育和支持,關心和分享,來學習體驗基督的愛的長闊高深。
  2. “基督如今在地上,除了你的身體,祂沒有身體,

你的手是祂唯一的手,祂可用來工作,

你的腳是祂唯一的腳,祂可以走遍世界,

你的眼是祂唯一的眼,可以將祂的關愛照耀在困苦的世界,

基督如今在地上,除了你的身體,祂沒有身體。——大德蘭

  1. 今天一個真正屬靈教會的標記仍然是“彼此相愛”。用這段經文來為教會及信徒禱告,求主使我的教會家庭有“彼此相愛”的標記,能深刻體驗並明白基督的愛是何等長闊高深。

 

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

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

 

Meditation

  1. The “love” Paul spoke of here isn’t the love of God, or love for God.  His theme was family love –love for one another in Christ.  Paul earnestly desired that God’s people be “rooted and established in love” in order that we have power “together with all the saints” to grasp and know the love of Christ (vv18-19).  How can we grasp or understand love?  In the context of the family that loves and cherishes, that nurtures and supports, that cares and shares, we are to learn by experience the width and length and height and depth of the love of Christ.
  2. “Christ has no body now on earth but yours;

Yours are the only hands with which He can do His work,

Yours are the only feet with which He can go about the world,

Yours are the only eyes through which His compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world,

Christ has no body now on earth but yours” – Teresa of Avila

  1. The mark of a truly spiritual church is still, “See how they love one another.”  With this passage in mind, pray for my church that we, as a church family, may bear the mark of “loving one another” and may experience deeply the love of 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.

三十兩銀子的執著

23/1/2012 龍年,牧者心聲

今年一月份的主日講道,都是圍繞著「愛主更深」這個主題;在這段日子,我的腦海裏,不住迴響著主對彼得的話:「你愛我比這些更深嗎?…… 你愛我嗎?」

還記得初信主的時候,每逢聽到十字架的信息,都會深被主愛感動,不禁熱淚盈眶。這些年來,多次在聖餐和一些培靈會中,一再被主愛觸摸,心靈的激動,仍不減當年。 Continue reading 三十兩銀子的執著

祈禱週誌 2012年1月29-2月4日

「普天下當向耶和華歡呼!你們當樂意事奉耶和華,當來向他歌唱! 你們當曉得耶和華是神!我們是他造的,也是屬他的;我們是他的民,也是他草場的羊。當稱謝進入他的門;當讚美進入他的院。當感謝他,稱頌他的名!因為耶和華本為善。他的慈愛存到永遠;他的信實直到萬代。」詩100

星期日: 為今天崇拜中的領受禱告「我成長」

  • 為今日楊世禮醫生的信息感謝,求主讓各人反思所聽的道,以敞開的心來接受、 省察、並在生活切實應用出來。
  • 求主幫助弟兄姐妹,每日固定使用260靈修,並藉默想,禱告,與神親近,生活 得力。

星期一: 為萬民堂禱告「我相愛」

  • 求神的聖靈保守教會領袖們,同心合意地規畫教會事工,按照神的心意,帶領教會增長,並面對獨立以及持續發展的需要。
  • 為教會的教牧同工團隊禱告,個人與神有親密關係,活潑靈命,忠心教導,關懷 牧養。

星期二: 為未信主的親友鄰居禱告「我傳揚」

  • 本週末,迦密組及Oasis將有新年聚餐,求主賜福邀約未信主的家人與親友參加共歡,並建立傳福音機會。
  • 為主日學的福音班禱告,求主保守老師們,清楚講解福音,引領慕道友決志信主。

星期三: 為教會肢體禱告「我相愛」

  • 為蕭牧師禱告,求主賜下體力、靈力、智力,帶領教會各項事工與信徒牧養關懷。
  • 為各小組的組長禱告,在生活與工作上,經歷神的同在;服事鼓勵組員及Oikos。
  • 為五月教會退修會的籌備小組禱告,有智慧與聖靈的能力,妥善籌劃與安排。

星期四: 為細胞小組及牧區禱告「我相愛」

  • 為目前患病,接受治療的弟兄姐妹禱告,求主安慰與醫治,體驗神的同在與弟兄姐妹的關愛。
  • 為最近有家人去世的弟兄姐妹禱告,讓他們在主裡得到主親自的安慰,也能成為其他家人的安慰與支持。

星期五: 為本地、世界及遠方的宣教士禱告「我傳揚」

  • 張家齊牧師一家,在南非的工作證續期經獲批核,感謝主。
  • Leslie Lai 在溫哥華UBC大學宿舍中的查經班,求主賜福,使學生得聽福音而得救。 Leslie 需籌募的經費尚未達目標,請代禱關懷奉獻。

星期六: 為教會牧者和明天崇拜/主日學禱告「我成長」

  • 明天主日講員為蕭智雄牧師,求主使講員得智慧的話語,且弟兄姐妹存受教的心, 得幫助,受造就。

260靈修 Jan.27, 2012: 以弗所書第二章Ephesians 2

第二章

1 你們因著自己的過犯和罪惡,原是死的。 2 那時你們在過犯和罪惡中行事為人,隨著時代的潮流,也服從空中掌權的首領,就是現今在悖逆的人身上運行的靈。 3 我們從前也都和他們在一起,放縱肉體的私慾,隨著肉體和心意所喜好的去行;我們與別人一樣,生來都是可怒的兒女。 4 然而神滿有憐憫,因著他愛我們的大愛, 5 就在我們因過犯死了的時候,使我們與基督一同活過來,(你們得救是靠著恩典,) 6 又使我們在基督耶穌裡,與他一同復活,一同坐在天上, 7 為的是要在將來的世代中,顯明他在基督耶穌裡賜給我們的恩典,是多麼的豐盛。 8 你們得救是靠著恩典,藉著信心。這不是出於自己,而是神所賜的; 9 這也不是出於行為,免得有人自誇。 10 我們原是神所作成的,是在基督耶穌裡創造的,為的是要我們行各樣的善事,就是神預先所安排的。

 

默想:

1.  行善之於信仰,就如呼氣之於吸氣,是一進一出、一前一後的;我們的善行使得神的救恩在我們身上得以完全。我們不是以行善來贏取救恩,而是用善行來表明我確實接受了救恩。跟從耶穌的人,長久以來,都因為信心和行為之間的關係困惑不已;但其實我們所追隨的主是這樣說的,“你們既知道這事,若是去行就有福了。”(約13:17)

2.  我的行為是否清楚向別人說明我對主耶穌的信心?有什麼是我“既知道”但尚未去做的“善行”?求聖靈光照,讓我知道並能實際去做。

 

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

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

Meditation

1.  Works are to faith as exhaling is to inhaling.  They complete the gift of salvation.  Good works are not what we do to win salvation; they are what we do to demonstrate and enjoy it.  Followers of Jesus have for the longest time been perplexed by the relationship between faith and works.  However, Jesus said, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”(John 13:17)

2.  Does my behaviour demonstrate to others my faith in Jesus Christ?  What are the things that I know but have not done?  Ask the Holy Spirit to show me how to actually do these good works.

 

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.

 

260靈修 Jan.26, 2012: 以弗所書第一章Ephesians 1

第一章

15因此,我聽到你們在主耶穌裡的信心,和對眾聖徒的愛心,16就不住地為你們獻上感謝。我禱告的時候,常常提到你們,17求我們主耶穌基督的神,榮耀的父,賜給你們智慧和啟示的靈,使你們充分地認識他,18並且使你們心靈的眼睛明亮,可以知道他的呼召有怎樣的盼望;他基業的榮耀,在聖徒中是多麼的豐盛;19神照著他強大的力量,向我們信他的人顯出的能力,是何等的浩大。20這力量運行在基督身上,使他從死人中復活,並且在天上坐在自己的右邊,21遠超過一切執政的、掌權的、有能的、作主的,和今生來世所能舉出的一切名銜。22神又使萬有都歸服在他的腳下,並且使他作教會至高的元首。23教會是他的身體,是那充滿萬有者所完全充滿的。

 

默想:

  1. 保羅在這段為信徒的禱告中提到,神已經賜給我們一切所需的,使我們可以過豐盛的基督徒生活,是充滿喜樂和信心的生活。
  2. 安靜地讀這段經文(17節起),將保羅的禱告變成為自己的禱告,例:求我主耶穌基督的神,榮耀的父,賜給(我的名字)智慧和啟示的靈,使我充分地認識他。。。體會保羅在寫這段當時激動的情緒感受;嘗試用同樣的心情,向這樣榮耀、偉大、尊貴、全知、全能、全在的神,為自己作這樣的禱告。
  3. 這樣的禱告,對神,和對自己有什麼新的體驗?

 

 

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

15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

Meditation

  1. Paul is saying that we already have everything we need for living the Christian life. We don’t have to wait for something additional to happen before we can live joyfully and confidently.
  2. Read the passage silently.  Make Paul’s prayer in this passage my own.  For example, I ask you – the God of my Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make me intelligent and discerning in knowing you personally.  And so on.  Try to imagine Paul’s emotion when he wrote this passage.  Then pray to the same awesome, glorious, mighty, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God according to this passage.
  3. What new insight or awareness about God and myself do I get from such prayer?

 

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.

260靈修 Jan.25, 2012: 馬可福音第十六章 Mark 16

第十六課

1過了安息日,抹大拉的馬利亞和雅各的母親馬利亞並撒羅米,買了香膏要去膏耶穌的身體。 2 七日的第一日清早,出太陽的時候,她們來到墳墓那裡, 3 彼此說:「誰給我們把石頭從墓門滾開呢?」 4 那石頭原來很大,她們抬頭一看,卻見石頭已經滾開了。 5 她們進了墳墓,看見一個少年人坐在右邊,穿著白袍,就甚驚恐。 6 那少年人對她們說:「不要驚恐!你們尋找那釘十字架的拿撒勒人耶穌,他已經復活了,不在這裡。請看安放他的地方。 7 你們可以去告訴他的門徒和彼得,說:『他在你們以先往加利利去。在那裡你們要見他,正如他從前所告訴你們的。』」 8 她們就出來,從墳墓那裡逃跑,又發抖又驚奇,甚麼也不告訴人,因為她們害怕。  

 

默想:

  1. 這幾位婦女完全沒有想過耶穌有可能復活的,所以當天使告訴他們耶穌已經復活時,時她們的反應是「從墳墓那裡逃跑,又發抖又驚奇,甚麼也不告訴人,因為她們害怕」(8節)。
  2. 多少時候我們就像墓旁的婦女,當我們經歷了神奇妙意想不到的作為時,也會驚訝得不能自己,這表示我們所熟悉的生活已經結束,即將開始的是我們的未知;不再是我為神做什麼,而是神為我做;不再是我因需要來親近神,而是神以祂的慈悲親近我。我不再主控,是神在掌管。
  3. 沒有死亡就沒有復活。在我生命中,有哪些方面神可能想要使它們死去,但我卻一直抗拒要使它繼續苟延活著?若我將這方面的掌控權交給神,會有什麼改變?有什麼新生命會冒出來?新的信心?新的希望,新的愛,新的喜樂?

 

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。

 

Mark 16

1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”  4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  6“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”  8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

 

Meditation

  1. Jesus’ resurrection is totally different from what these ladies experienced and expected.  Therefore when the angel told them that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead, the ladies were “[t]rembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.”(v8)
  2. Often we are just like the women at the tomb.  When we experienced God’s wonderful, unexpected work in our lives, we would be totally astounded.  This means the end of our familiar life and the beginning of our unknown.  No longer am I doing something for God; he is doing something for me.  No longer am I drawn by my needs to God; he is drawn by his compassion to me, whether I’m ready for him or not, whether I feel anything for him or not.  That means you and I are not in charge; he is
  3. There can’t be a resurrection without a death.  What area of my life is God perhaps trying to put to death that I am trying to keep alive?  What would happen if I relinquished control of it and simply let ie die?  What new life might come out of it?  What new faith?  What new hope, new love, new joy?

 

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.

 

260靈修 Jan.24, 2012: 馬可福音第十五章 Mark 15

第十五章

33 從午正到申初,遍地都黑暗了。 34 申初的時候,耶穌大聲喊著說:「以羅伊!以羅伊!拉馬撒巴各大尼?」(翻出來就是:我的神!我的神!為甚麼離棄我?) 35 旁邊站著的人,有的聽見就說:「看哪,他叫以利亞呢!」 36 有一個人跑去,把海絨蘸滿了醋,綁在葦子上,送給他喝,說:「且等著,看以利亞來不來把他取下。」 37 耶穌大聲喊叫,氣就斷了。 38 殿裡的幔子從上到下裂為兩半。 39 對面站著的百夫長看見耶穌這樣喊叫(有古卷沒有喊叫二字)斷氣,就說:「這人真是神的兒子!」 40 還有些婦女遠遠地觀看;內中有抹大拉的馬利亞,又有小雅各和約西的母親馬利亞,並有撒羅米, 41 就是耶穌在加利利的時候,跟隨他、服事他的那些人,還有同耶穌上耶路撒冷的好些婦女在那裡觀看。 42 到了晚上,因為這是預備日,就是安息日的前一日, 43 有亞利馬太的約瑟前來,他是尊貴的議士,也是等候神國的。他放膽進去見彼拉多,求耶穌的身體; 44 彼拉多詫異耶穌已經死了,便叫百夫長來,問他耶穌死了久不久。 45 既從百夫長得知實情,就把耶穌的屍首賜給約瑟。 46 約瑟買了細麻布,把耶穌取下來,用細麻布裹好,安放在磐石中鑿出來的墳墓裡,又滾過一塊石頭來擋住墓門。 47 抹大拉的馬利亞和約西的母親馬利亞都看見安放他的地方。

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌的死,在四卷福都有記述。當中不同的人有不同的行動和反應。若我親歷其中,我會有何反應、感受?
  2. 禱告:慢慢地讀下面這首詩,揣摩當中的意思及詩人的心態,再以緩慢的速度,懷著感恩的心,將這篇詩讀出來,作為對主的禱告。

您已給了我太多,

懇求再給我一樣 —— 一顆感恩的心;

不是當我高興時才感恩,

好像您的祝福有停止的時刻;

而是一顆心,

它的跳動就是對您的讚美。                            – – George Herbert

 

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。

 

Mark 15

33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”  36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.  37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  40Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 42It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Meditation

  1. The death of Jesus has been recorded in all four gospels.  Different people reacted differently.  If I were there in person, what would be my reaction and my emotion?
  2. With a prayerful heart, read the following poem slowly.  Then, with a grateful heart, read it very slowly as a prayer to God.

Thou has given so much to me, 

Give me one more thing – a grateful heart. 

Not thankful when it pleases me,  

As if Thy blessings had spare days. 

But such a heart 

Whose pulse may be Thy praise.                       – George Herbert

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.

260靈修 Jan.23, 2012: 馬可福音第十四章 Mark 14

第十四章

3 耶穌在伯大尼長大痲瘋的西門家裡坐席的時候,有一個女人拿著一玉瓶至貴的真哪噠香膏來,打破玉瓶,把膏澆在耶穌的頭上。 4 有幾個人心中很不喜悅,說:「何用這樣枉費香膏呢? 5 這香膏可以賣三十多兩銀子賙濟窮人。」他們就向那女人生氣。 6 耶穌說:「由她吧!為甚麼難為她呢?她在我身上做的是一件美事。 7 因為常有窮人和你們同在,要向他們行善隨時都可以;只是你們不常有我。 8 她所做的,是盡她所能的;她是為我安葬的事把香膏預先澆在我身上。 9 我實在告訴你們,普天之下,無論在甚麼地方傳這福音,也要述說這女人所做的,以為記念。」

 

默想:

  1. 當我想要送一樣禮物給我心愛的人時,我會有哪些考慮?
  2. 我如何可以像這個女人這般地,向神作同樣奢侈的奉獻?有什麼阻礙我這樣作的呢?
  3. 繼續思考上題問題。容許聖靈來光照我,顯明我不能對神慷慨的癥結何在。靜候神的指示,讓我知道下一步該如何走,來克服這個問題。

 

 

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。

 

Mark 14

3While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.  4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.  6“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

 

Meditation

  1. When I want to give a special gift to someone I love, which kind of thing do I look for?
  2. What can I do for God that would be as lavish?  Are there things that keep me from doing it?
  3. Continue to reflect on the last question.  Allow the Holy Spirit to show me my problems to be generous to God.  Wait for God’s direction for me to take the step in overcoming 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.

 

萬民福音堂退修會 2012

我們每一個人為著生活而非常的忙碌。有時忽略了家人,親人,甚至更忽略與神相交的時間。

260靈修版馬可福音第六章提到耶穌差遣門徒出去傳道,當他們工作結束回來時,耶穌帶著他們遠離群眾「到曠野去、歇一歇」,這是因為耶穌知道,門徒們若要能夠繼續有效的事奉,他們必須有獨處休息的時間,使他們得到屬靈的更新,以便再接再厲為主工作。

正如以賽亞書三十:15 說“你們得救在乎歸回安息,你們得力在乎平靜安穩。” 又如以賽亞書四十:31 所說“但那等候耶和華的,必從新得力。他們必如鷹展翅上騰,他們奔跑卻不困倦,行走卻不疲乏。”

退修會就是為讓弟兄姐妹有真正安息提供了安靜的環境、屬靈的喂養和與神獨處的機會。

今年萬民堂的退修會是在五月的Victoria 長周末,仍然在美麗幽靜的Trent University 舉行。Trent University 的校舍潔凈,膳食多元化且美味。今年還有室內運動場可租用。

今年的講員是梁應安牧師。相信大家對梁牧師不會太陌生,梁牧師在一年前在本堂的福音主日講“不捨不棄”的信息。梁應安博士,牧會廿載,現任神學教育的教牧系兼任講師,也是加拿大建道中心主任。致力推動醫護及教會中年人心靈成長及晚期癌病者、家人關顧事工,并作長期研究、培訓和輔導的工作。

梁牧師曾作過時事評論員和頭條新聞事工。

明年是萬民堂獨立,愿我們更加委身服事主。在安靜中得到屬靈的更新。有如以賽亞書四十:31 所說“但那等候耶和華的,必從新得力。他們必如鷹展翅上騰,他們奔跑卻不困倦,行走卻不疲乏。”

還有退修會的兒童事工由廖傳道及Roymond 弟兄安排豐富的兒童退修會,旨在讓父母更專心的親近神。好讓全家得著屬靈的更新。

 


下載地圖和方向目標: PDF | DOC

祈禱週誌 2012年1月22-28日

「基督…已經把死廢去、藉着福音、將不能壞的生命彰顯出來。我為這福音奉派作傳道的、作使徒、作師傅。為這緣故、我也受這些苦難.然而我不以為恥.因為知道我所信的是誰、也深信他能保全我所交付他的、直到那日。」提後1:10-12

星期日: 為今天崇拜中的領受禱告「我成長」

  • 為今日蕭智雄牧師的信息感謝,求主讓各人反思所聽的道,以敞開的心來接受、省察、並在生活中切實應用出來。
  • 求主幫助弟兄姐妹,在新的一年當中,尋求並經歷神的同在及引導。

星期一: 為萬民堂禱告「我相愛」

  • 求神的聖靈保守教會領袖們,同心合意地規畫教會事工,按照神的心意,帶領教會增長,並面對獨立以及持續發展的需要。
  • 為教會的教牧同工團隊禱告,使他們個人與神有親密的關係,活潑的靈命,忠心教導神的話,牧養關懷信徒過合神心意的生活。為他們及其家庭為教會的擺上感恩。

星期二: 為未信主的親友鄰居禱告「我傳揚」

  • 在農曆新年期間,藉著家人親朋的團聚、探訪,把神的祝福、神的平安、神的愛帶到每一個家庭。
  • 求神激勵弟兄姐妹,新年立志,願意持續定時的為未信主的家人,親友禱告;並為自己禱告,得以把握機會作見證傳福音,以致全家歸主。
  • 求神保守初信決志的新朋友,得到跟進,信心得以堅定。
  • 為主日學的福音班禱告,求主保守老師們,能夠靈活並且適切地將福音清楚講解,配合聖靈的工作,引領慕道友決志信主。

星期三: 為教會肢體禱告「我相愛」

  • 為新近加入萬民團隊的 Liza Ki 傳道禱告,求主祝福並引領她在教會附近社區探測福音的機會,
    以及對一些有心學習傳福音的弟兄姐妹之帶領及訓練。
  • 為各小組的組長禱告,求主加力量給他們,在生活與工作上,都經歷神的同在;在小組事奉上,能如鷹展翅上騰,服事鼓勵組員及Oikos。
  • 為五月19-21日舉行的教會退修會的籌備小組的主席Vincent及其他組員禱告,有智慧與聖靈的能力,做各樣的籌劃與安排。

星期四: 為細胞小組及牧區禱告「我相愛」

  • 為目前患病,接受治療的弟兄姐妹禱告,求主安慰與醫治,在不能前來參加聚會時,仍然心中充滿平安喜樂,體驗神的同在與弟兄姐妹的關愛。
  • 為最近有家人去世的弟兄姐妹禱告,讓他們在主裡得到主親自的安慰,也能成為其他家人的安慰與支持。
  • 為在工作職業上面臨困境的弟兄姐妹禱告,願主賜智慧面對、賜能力勝過,更存依靠基督的心,盡上當盡的本分並仰望基督的引領。

星期五: 為本地、世界及遠方的宣教士禱告「我傳揚」

  • 為母堂1月28日晚的“愛是永恆”音樂分享會禱告,願福音藉此傳揚。

星期六: 為教會牧者和明天崇拜/主日學禱告「我成長」

  • 明天主日為差傳主日,講員為楊世禮醫生,請為講員與弟兄姐妹們禱告,讓大家在聚會中,體會神對普世宣教的心意,並經歷基督同在的喜樂。

260靈修 Jan.20, 2012: 馬可福音第十三章 Mark 13

第十三章

32 但那日子,那時辰,沒有人知道,連天上的使者也不知道,子也不知道,惟有父知道。 33 你們要謹慎,儆醒祈禱,因為你們不曉得那日期幾時來到。 34 這事正如一個人離開本家,寄居外邦,把權柄交給僕人,分派各人當作的工又吩咐看門的儆醒。 35 所以,你們要儆醒;因為你們不知道家主甚麼時候來,或晚上,或半夜,或雞叫,或早晨; 36 恐怕他忽然來到,看見你們睡著了。 37 我對你們所說的話,也是對眾人說:要儆醒!

 

默想:

  1. 對我來說,基督的再來最令我興奮的是什麼?最令我沮喪的是什麼?當我見到耶穌時,我希望問耶穌什麼問題?
  2. 慢慢地讀這段話。用這段話來作為期待和盼望基督再來的禱告。
    基督再來的真理將我整個生命觀改變過來;它破除了世界的權柄及它在我身上的野心,并在最令人失望的情況下,使我生命充滿了最燦爛的樂觀
    。– R. A. Torrey

 

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。

 

Mark 13

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come.34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.   35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Meditation

  1. What is the most exciting thing to me about the second coming?  The most depressing?  What questions would I like to ask Jesus about it?
  2. Read slowly this paragraph.  Make this a prayer of anticipation and hope for Christ’s coming again.
    The truth of the second coming of Christ transformed my whole idea of life; it broke the power of the world and its ambition over me, and filled my life with the most radiant optimism even under the most discouraging of circumstances
    . – R. A. Torrey

 

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.


260靈修 Jan.19, 2012: 馬可福音第十二章 Mark 12

第十二章

41 耶穌對銀庫坐著,看眾人怎樣投錢入庫。有好些財主往裡投了若干的錢。 42 有一個窮寡婦來,往裡投了兩個小錢,就是一個大錢。 43 耶穌叫門徒來,說:「我實在告訴你們,這窮寡婦投入庫裡的,比眾人所投的更多。 44 因為,他們都是自己有餘,拿出來投在裡頭;但這寡婦是自己不足,把她一切養生的都投上了。」

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌警告那些文士律法師,他們喜歡穿長袍招搖過市,喜歡人家在公共場所向他們致敬問安,又喜歡坐在會堂裏的特別座位和宴會上的首座;他們一方面貪婪地暗吞了寡婦的家產,卻在會堂中公開發表長篇的禱文。這樣的人,耶穌說「要受更嚴厲的懲罰」。相反地,耶穌卻讚揚一個女人,甘心地將自己全部的生活費用都獻上了。
  2. 這是價值觀的問題:貪婪的富人,貪得無厭,而窮寡婦卻甘心獻上所有。“大人物”被社會尊重,而默默無聞的女人,卻被神所讚賞。
  3. 我可能並不富也不窮,但我日常的抉擇都是被這兩者之一(富有的律法師或窮寡婦)所左右。我願意選擇效法哪一個?

 

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。

 

Mark 12

41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

 

Meditation

  1. Jesus warned against those teachers of the Law who paraded themselves openly, whose prayers were a pious show, and whose greed was so great they would “devour widow’s houses”.  Such men, Jesus said, “will be punished most severely.”  For contrast, Jesus praised a woman who freely placed her last coins in the treasury.
  2. What a study in values.  The greedy rich man, who always wanted more, and the poor widow willing to give all.  The “great man” viewed with respect by society, and the insignificant woman, held in high regard only by God.
  3. While I may be neither rich nor poor, my choices are likely to be governed by the values expressed by one of these two.  Which of the two will I choose to be most like?

 

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.

 

 


260靈修 Jan.18, 2012: 馬可福音第十一章 Mark 11

第十一章

1耶穌和門徒將近耶路撒冷,到了伯法其和伯大尼,在橄欖山那裡;耶穌就打發兩個門徒, 2 對他們說:「你們往對面村子裡去,一進去的時候,必看見一匹驢駒拴在那裡,是從來沒有人騎過的,可以解開,牽來。 3 若有人對你們說:『為甚麼做這事?』你們就說:『主要用牠。』那人必立時讓你們牽來。」 4 他們去了,便看見一匹驢駒拴在門外街道上,就把牠解開。 5 在那裡站著的人,有幾個說:「你們解驢駒做甚麼?」 6 門徒照著耶穌所說的回答,那些人就任憑他們牽去了。 7 他們把驢駒牽到耶穌那裡,把自己的衣服搭在上面,耶穌就騎上。 8 有許多人把衣服鋪在路上,也有人把田間的樹枝砍下來,鋪在路上。 9 前行後隨的人都喊著說:和散那(和散那:原有求救的意思,在此乃是稱頌的話)!奉主名來的是應當稱頌的! 10 那將要來的我祖大衛之國是應當稱頌的!高高在上和散那! 11 耶穌進了耶路撒冷,入了聖殿,周圍看了各樣物件。天色已晚,就和十二個門徒出城,往伯大尼去了。

 

默想:

  1. 眾人歡呼,稱頌耶穌是彌賽亞—他們的救主(9-10節)。 但未多幾時,他們卻成為吶喊釘耶穌十字架的兇手。當環境似乎很順利、我們的禱告得到應允、身邊的人也都支持我們的信仰的時候,我們就比較容易跟從神、讚美神。但當這些支持和假想開始消失時,我們的信心就會受到考驗。
  2. 我對主的信心,有沒有因為時間、地方、群體的改變而受到考驗?我是如何走過的?
  3. 在教會或小組中,有沒有什麼人,正在經歷這樣的考驗,至今還沒有走出來?將他/她的名字寫下來,在這個月中,固定且認真為他/她定時的禱告。若可能,打個電話,寫個電郵,或寄張卡片,去鼓勵他,陪伴他走過來。

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。

 

Mark 11

1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ”  4They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,    “Hosanna!”    “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”    “Hosanna in the highest!”  11Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

 

Meditation

  1. The crowd shouted and waved and praised Jesus as their Messiah – the savior (v9-10).  But soon after, they became the crowd that wanted to nail Jesus on the cross.  It is easier to follow and praise God when everything seems to be going well, when God is meeting our expectations, and when faith is supported by those all around us.  The strength of our faith is tested when all of these supports and assumptions begin to fall away.
  2. Has my faith in God been tested through changes of time, location, community?
  3. Anyone at church or cell is going through this testing process and has not come out yet?  Write down his/her name on this page.  Commit to pray for him/her regularly for the whole month.  If possible, give him/her a call, write an email or send a card to encourage him/her and to accompany him/her to come through this process.

 

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.


260靈修 Jan.17, 2012: 馬可福音第十章 Mark 10

第十章

35 西庇太的兒子雅各、約翰進前來,對耶穌說:「夫子,我們無論求你甚麼,願你給我們做。」 36 耶穌說:「要我給你們做甚麼?」 37 他們說:「賜我們在你的榮耀裡,一個坐在你右邊,一個坐在你左邊。」 38 耶穌說:「你們不知道所求的是甚麼,我所喝的杯,你們能喝嗎?我所受的洗,你們能受嗎?」 39 他們說:「我們能。」耶穌說:「我所喝的杯,你們也要喝;我所受的洗,你們也要受; 40 只是坐在我的左右,不是我可以賜的,乃是為誰預備的,就賜給誰。」 41 那十個門徒聽見,就惱怒雅各、約翰。 42 耶穌叫他們來,對他們說:「你們知道,外邦人有尊為君王的,治理他們,有大臣操權管束他們。 43 只是在你們中間,不是這樣。你們中間,誰願為大,就必作你們的用人; 44 在你們中間,誰願為首,就必作眾人的僕人。 45 因為人子來,並不是要受人的服事,乃是要服事人,並且要捨命作多人的贖價。」

默想:

  1. 耶穌對雅各和約翰的要求沒有譏諷或惱怒,卻拒絕他們的要求。我們可以向神求任何東西,不過神不見得會將我們所求的給我們,但祂卻要把最好的賜給我們。因此,有時為了我們的好處,祂會拒絕我們的請求。
  2. 回想一下,有什麼禱告,是神至今沒有答應,或是已經拒絕的?現在憑著信心,為著神已經、或將要將最好的賜給我來感謝神。
  3. 在基督的國度裡,「服事」才是成功之路,這是主留給我們美好的榜樣。祈禱是服事的一種,我是否留意萬民堂每星期的祈禱週誌,忠實地每天為教牧同工、教會、社區、弟兄姊妹的需要祈禱?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。

 

Mark 10

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”  36“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.  37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”  38“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”  39“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”  41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Meditation

  1. Jesus didn’t laugh or getting angry at James or John, but He did reject their requests.  We may want to ask for anything from God, but God wants to give us the best and not just anything we asked for.  So, it’s for our good that He may reject our requests.
  2. Take a time to reflect.  Is there any prayer request of mine that God still hasn’t answered, or has refused?  Right now, offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God, for He has or will have given me the best.
  3. In the kingdom of Christ, “serving” is the way to success.  This is the model Christ left us.  Prayer is one of the services for believers.  Have I noticed the PGC weekly prayer letter? Lord, help me to pray faithfully daily for pastors, the church, our community, needs of brothers and sister.

 

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.


260靈修 Jan.16, 2012: 馬可福音第九章 Mark 9

第九章

30 他們離開那地方,經過加利利;耶穌不願意人知道。 31 於是教訓門徒,說:人子將要被交在人手裡,他們要殺害他;被殺以後,過三天他要復活。 32 門徒卻不明白這話,又不敢問他。 33 他們來到迦百農,耶穌在屋裡問門徒說:你們在路上議論的是甚麼? 34 門徒不作聲,因為他們在路上彼此爭論誰為大。 35 耶穌坐下,叫十二個門徒來,說:若有人願意作首先的,他必作眾人末後的,作眾人的用人。 

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌知道在耶路撒冷將要發生的事情,祂再次告訴門徒祂將要受死,並要復活。然而,門徒對耶穌將面對的死亡與復活漠不關心,卻在爭辯在將來的國度裡,各人的地位與前途如何。
  2. 我們每個人都會為自己在某個群體中的地位與身份而掙扎奮鬥:我怎樣融入這個群體?
    在這群體中我有什麼重要?究竟耶穌的成功形式與今天我所經歷到的,有什麼不同?
  3. 我要如何才能將35-37節的真意,實現在我的家中,工作場合?有什麼動機使我會如此作?

祈求聖靈來幫助我,謙卑地服事他人,而不求被服事。

 

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。

 

Mark 9

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

 

Meditation

  1. In view of what lay ahead in Jerusalem, Jesus again prepared them by telling them that He would suffer execution and experience resurrection.  Rather than discussing Jesus’ coming death and resurrection, the disciples had been arguing about their own futures in the kingdom.
  2. All of us struggle with the question of status and identity within a group.  Where do I fit?  How important am I to this group?
    How does Jesus’ style of success differ from the ideas of success that press on me today?
  3. What would it mean for me to reflect vv35-37 in my family? My work?  What is the incentive to do so?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help me to humbly serve others rather than to be served.

 

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.