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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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

第八章

27 耶穌和門徒出去，往凱撒利亞‧腓立比村莊去；在路上問門徒說：「人說我是誰？」 28 他們說：「有人說是施洗的約翰；有人說是以利亞；又有人說是先知裡的一位。」 29 又問他們說：「你們說我是誰？」彼得回答說：「你是基督。」 30 耶穌就禁戒他們，不要告訴人。 31 從此，他教訓他們說：「人子必須受許多的苦，被長老、祭司長，和文士棄絕，並且被殺，過三天復活。」 32 耶穌明明地說這話，彼得就拉著他，勸他。 33 耶穌轉過來，看著門徒，就責備彼得說：「撒但，退我後邊去吧！因為你不體貼神的意思，只體貼人的意思。」 34 於是叫眾人和門徒來，對他們說：「若有人要跟從我，就當捨己，背起他的十字架來跟從我。」35 因為，凡要救自己生命（或作：靈魂；下同）的，必喪掉生命；凡為我和福音喪掉生命的，必救了生命。 36 人就是賺得全世界，賠上自己的生命，有甚麼益處呢？ 37 人還能拿甚麼換生命呢？ 38 凡在這淫亂罪惡的世代，把我和我的道當作可恥的，人子在他父的榮耀裡，同聖天使降臨的時候，也要把那人當作可恥的。

 

默想：

1. 當彼得承認耶穌「你是基督」，開口認耶穌為主，為救主，那僅僅是踏出信仰的第一步。下一步便是一生之久的旅程，就是完完全全、真真實實地活出彼得在此時口中所表明的知識。
2. 基督徒也是如此，在我們開口認耶穌為我們的救主與主宰之後，耶穌告訴我們，祂呼召我們要活出這樣的生命：「捨己，背起他的十字架來跟從我」。
3. 在一生信仰的旅途上，我踏出了第幾步？是還在第一步徘徊？或是已經朝向成聖的境地邁進？我膽怯、害怕的是什麼？
4. 為自己走信仰路程的勇氣與信心禱告，求主牽引，讓我跟隨。

 

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 8

²⁷Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”  ²⁸They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”  ²⁹“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”  Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”  ³⁰Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. ³¹He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³²He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  ³³But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”  ³⁴Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? ³⁷Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

 

Meditation

1. When Peter made this confession of faith “You are the Christ”, he has only taken the first step.  The next step is a lifelong journey to live out this confession fully and authentically.
2. That’s the same with us.  After our confession of faith, Jesus calls us to live a life to “deny himself and take up his cross and follow” Jesus.
3. In my journey of faith, which step have I taken?  Am I still lingering at the first step?  Or am I walking toward the goal of being sanctified and made holy?  What is it that has kept me from moving ahead?  What am I afraid of?
4. Pray for courage and faith to walk on this journey.  Ask for God’s guidance that I may willingly follow.

 

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.

第七章

17 耶穌離開眾人，進了屋子，門徒就問他這比喻的意思。 18 耶穌對他們說：「你們也是這樣不明白嗎？豈不曉得凡從外面進入的，不能污穢人， 19 因為不是入他的心，乃是入他的肚腹，又落到茅廁裡。（這是說，各樣的食物都是潔淨的）」； 20 又說：「從人裡面出來的，那才能污穢人； 21 因為從裡面，就是從人心裡，發出惡念、苟合、 22 偷盜、凶殺、姦淫、貪婪、邪惡、詭詐、淫蕩、嫉妒、謗讟、驕傲、狂妄。 23 這一切的惡都是從裡面出來，且能污穢人。」

 

默想：

1. 信主的人成為聖潔，不是因為我們的行為表現良好，而是因為基督更新了我們的心思，並塑造我們成為祂的樣式。任何邪惡的行為都是從一念之差開始的，若我們容讓自己的思想浸淫在慾望、妒忌、憎惡和仇恨裡，至終我們便會犯罪。
2. 操練昨天的「獨處、安靜」，用些時間來歇息安靜，求聖靈光照，檢視自己內心的思念，有什麼需要潔淨的思想、念頭嗎？向神禱告，求祂洗滌我內心的污穢。

 

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 7

¹⁷After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. ¹⁸“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? ¹⁹For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”)

²⁰He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ ²¹For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²²greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’ ”

 

Meditation

1. We are sanctified and become holy not because of our outward behavior, but because Christ has renewed our minds, reformed us in his image.  Any evil behavior begins with an idea.  If we allow our thought life immersed in desires, jealousy, hatred and bitterness, eventually we will sin.
2. Continue the practice of solitude and silence from yesterday.  Take time to rest and to be silent.  Ask the Holy Spirit to examine my inner thoughts.  Is there a need for cleansing?  Pray to God and ask Him to cleanse my inner wickedness.

 

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

30 使徒聚集到耶穌那裡，將一切所做的事、所傳的道全告訴他。 31 他就說：「你們來，同我暗暗地到曠野地方去歇一歇。」這是因為來往的人多，他們連吃飯也沒有工夫。 32 他們就坐船，暗暗地往曠野地方去。 33 眾人看見他們去，有許多認識他們的，就從各城步行，一同跑到那裡，比他們先趕到了。 34 耶穌出來，見有許多的人，就憐憫他們，因為他們如同羊沒有牧人一般，於是開口教訓他們許多道理。

 

默想：

1. 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。《生命陶造版聖經》對「獨處」的定義是：刻意減少人際的互動，好在生活中騰出空間，使我們擺脫各樣的纏累，讓神找著我們。
2. 在我日常的行程表中，我有多少「安靜、獨處」的時間？在我每天繁忙的生活中，怎樣「讓神找著我」？
3. 將下週或下個月的日程表打開，嘗試劃出一段時間（半個鐘頭，或是長至半日或一日），去公園、空曠的地方，或是在一個安靜、不受打擾的室內，「安靜、獨處」，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。

 

 

Mark 6

³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  ³²So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

 

Meditation

1. When the disciple came back after they finished their assignment, Jesus took them away “to a quiet place and get some rest”.  This is for them to find spiritual resources to continue effective ministry.  The Spiritual Formation Bible has the definition for “Solitude”: the creation of an open, empty space in our lives by purposefully abstaining from interaction with other human beings, so that, freed from competing loyalties, we can be found by God.
2. Have I arranged “solitude” into my regular routine schedule?  How can I “be found by God” in my busy life?
3. Open my agenda to next week or next month.  Try to carve out a time (half an hour, or half a day or a whole day).  Go to a park, a deserted place, or an indoor place without being disturbed.  Stay quiet and alone, and then converse with 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.

第五章

25有一個女人，患了十二年的血漏， 26 在好些醫生手裡受了許多的苦，又花盡了她所有的，一點也不見好，病勢反倒更重了。 27 她聽見耶穌的事，就從後頭來，雜在眾人中間，摸耶穌的衣裳， 28 意思說：「我只摸他的衣裳，就必痊癒。」 29 於是她血漏的源頭立刻乾了；她便覺得身上的災病好了。 30 耶穌頓時心裡覺得有能力從自己身上出去，就在眾人中間轉過來，說：「誰摸我的衣裳？」 31 門徒對他說：「你看眾人擁擠你，還說『誰摸我』嗎？」 32 耶穌周圍觀看，要見做這事的女人。 33 那女人知道在自己身上所成的事，就恐懼戰兢，來俯伏在耶穌跟前，將實情全告訴他。 34 耶穌對她說：「女兒，你的信救了你，平平安安地回去吧！你的災病痊癒了。」

 

默想：

1. 耶穌在前往醫治睚魯女兒的路上，被這位長年患血漏病的女人觸摸。她花盡所有都不能醫好這病，當她聽到耶穌時，她立刻相信，只要摸一下耶穌的衣裳，就必得痊癒，她也真的得癒。
2. 馬可這段描述是要向我們表明，耶穌基督——神國度的主宰，祂的權能勝過自然界、勝過惡魔的權勢、以及各樣的疾病。當我們認識耶穌這樣的權力時，既或祂沒有立刻醫治每一位信徒的疾病，我們仍有信心靠著祂的話語（聖經）來生活。
3. 將我心中迫切的需要告訴耶穌，並求祂的醫治和幫助。

 

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 5

²⁵And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.   30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

 

Meditation

1. Jesus, on his way to the home of a dying girl, was touched by a woman with chronic bleeding.  She spent all she had to search for a cure but to no avail.  Then she heard about Jesus, she became convinced that if she could only touch his clothing, she would be healed.  And she was healed indeed.
2. Mark is demonstrating to us here that Jesus Christ, ruler of God’s kingdom, has power over nature, over demonic power, and over every illness.  Knowing Jesus has such power gives us confidence to live by his word, even if he should not choose to heal every believer’s disease now.
3. Tell Jesus all of my urgent needs and ask for His healing and help.

 

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

21 耶穌又對他們說：「人拿燈來，豈是要放在斗底下，床底下，不放在燈臺上嗎？ 22 因為掩藏的事，沒有不顯出來的；隱瞞的事，沒有不露出來的。 23 有耳可聽的，就應當聽！」 24 又說：「你們所聽的要留心。你們用甚麼量器量給人，也必用甚麼量器量給你們，並且要多給你們。 25 因為有的，還要給他；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪去。」

 

默想：

1. 耶穌在馬太福音六章3-4節，教導我們：「你施捨的時候，不要叫左手知道右手所做的，要叫你施捨的事行在暗中。你父在暗中察看，必然報答你」。
2. 但是耶穌在這段經文中卻講到，我們暗中所做的一切，不論是好是壞，都要顯露出來。「不張揚自己的善行和品德」，和「我們在暗中所做一切掩藏、隱瞞的事，都被顯露出來」，這兩件事有什麼關連？這對我們不將善行張揚出來，有什麼幫助？
3. 繼續昨天的默想，甘心地作主默默無聞的門徒，求主幫助我，「不要叫左手知道右手所做的」。

 

 

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。

 

 

Mark 4

²¹He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? ²²For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. ²³If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”  ²⁴“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. ²⁵Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

 

Meditation

1. In Matthew 6:3-4, Jesus taught us: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
2. However, in this paragraph, it is talking about all of our secrets – good and bad – being revealed.  What is the connection between keeping good deeds and qualities secret and having all of our secrets revealed?  Does this motivate us to be quiet about the good works that we do?
3. Continue the meditation from yesterday to be willing to be a quiet disciple of Jesus.  Lord, help me so that I will “not let (my) left hand know what (my) right hand is doing” (Matt 6:3).

 

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.

 

 

第七章

17 耶穌離開眾人，進了屋子，門徒就問他這比喻的意思。 18 耶穌對他們說：「你們也是這樣不明白嗎？豈不曉得凡從外面進入的，不能污穢人， 19 因為不是入他的心，乃是入他的肚腹，又落到茅廁裡。（這是說，各樣的食物都是潔淨的）」； 20 又說：「從人裡面出來的，那才能污穢人； 21 因為從裡面，就是從人心裡，發出惡念、苟合、 22 偷盜、凶殺、姦淫、貪婪、邪惡、詭詐、淫蕩、嫉妒、謗讟、驕傲、狂妄。 23 這一切的惡都是從裡面出來，且能污穢人。」

 

默想：

1. 信主的人成為聖潔，不是因為我們的行為表現良好，而是因為基督更新了我們的心思，並塑造我們成為祂的樣式。任何邪惡的行為都是從一念之差開始的，若我們容讓自己的思想浸淫在慾望、妒忌、憎惡和仇恨裡，至終我們便會犯罪。
2. 操練昨天的「獨處、安靜」，用些時間來歇息安靜，求聖靈光照，檢視自己內心的思念，有什麼需要潔淨的思想、念頭嗎？向神禱告，求祂洗滌我內心的污穢。

 

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 7

¹⁷After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. ¹⁸“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? ¹⁹For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”)

²⁰He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ ²¹For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²²greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’ ”

 

Meditation

1. We are sanctified and become holy not because of our outward behavior, but because Christ has renewed our minds, reformed us in his image.  Any evil behavior begins with an idea.  If we allow our thought life immersed in desires, jealousy, hatred and bitterness, eventually we will sin.
2. Continue the practice of solitude and silence from yesterday.  Take time to rest and to be silent.  Ask the Holy Spirit to examine my inner thoughts.  Is there a need for cleansing?  Pray to God and ask Him to cleanse my inner wickedness.

 

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 耶穌上了山，隨自己的意思叫人來；他們便來到他那裡。 14 他就設立十二個人，要他們常和自己同在，也要差他們去傳道， 15 並給他們權柄趕鬼。 16 這十二個人有西門（耶穌又給他起名叫彼得）， 17 還有西庇太的兒子雅各和雅各的兄弟約翰（又給這兩個人起名叫半尼其，就是雷子的意思）， 18 又有安得烈、腓力、巴多羅買、馬太、多馬、亞勒腓的兒子雅各、和達太，並奮銳黨的西門， 19 還有賣耶穌的加略人猶大。

 

默想：

1. 耶穌的十二個門徒當中，我們所熟悉，就是幾位較出名（或惡名昭彰）的門徒，但對於這名單中耶穌所選召的其他幾位門徒，聖經並未多作記載，因此我們對他們也都一無所知。因此，他們雖然與彼得、約翰、雅各一樣，有三年多的時間與耶穌一起，得到耶穌的教導與關愛，同樣奉命出去傳道、醫病、趕鬼，但是他們在聖經中，在教會的歷史中，卻是似乎成了亟亟無名的小卒。
2. 當我在學習成為耶穌門徒的過程中，或會有人邀請我擔任某個受人矚目的工作或崗位；然而，大多數的時候，做主的門徒，就是忠心辦理沒人會不受人留意的小事，只有神才注意的一些基督徒的例行事奉。
3. 在教會中，小組裡，家庭中，或是公司，與親友來往中，我有沒有留意到一些默默無聞的服事者？這個星期找機會向他們表示感激，一個微笑、說一聲謝謝。
4. 我是否願意做一個默默無聞的主的門徒？有什麼服事是不受人注意，但卻是實際的服事？我願意做嗎？告訴主，我的心願，求主幫助我，甘心也安心的在日常生活中，在不為人注意的事上，忠心地作主的門徒。

 

 

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 3

¹³Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. ¹⁴He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵and to have authority to drive out demons. ¹⁶These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter ¹⁷ James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); ¹⁸Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot ¹⁹and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

 

Meditation

1. We know a few of the more famous (and infamous) disciples, but there are many in this list we know nothing about at all.  Though they were also with Jesus for more than three years just as Peter, John and James were.  They also received teachings and care from Jesus, were commanded to preach, heal, and cast out demons. However, they remains to be the unnoticed in the Bible and in the church history.
2. In our own discipleship, we may be asked to do some work or to take a stand that gets noticed by others.  But often discipleship consists of faithfulness in the small, even mundane acts of Christian service perhaps unnoticed by all except God.
3. Am I aware of any unnoticed servers at church, home, the office or any other places? Look for an opportunity to show appreciation, a smile, or a thank you to these people.
4. Am I willing to be an unnoticed disciple of Christ?  Is there any behind-the-scene work that needs to be done?  Am I willing to do it?  Ask the Lord to give me the willingness  to do the not-easily-noticed services faithfully even without people’s recognition or appreciation.

 

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過了些日子，耶穌又進了迦百農。人聽見他在房子裡， 2 就有許多人聚集，甚至連門前都沒有空地；耶穌就對他們講道。 3 有人帶著一個癱子來見耶穌，是用四個人抬來的； 4 因為人多，不得近前，就把耶穌所在的房子，拆了房頂，既拆通了，就把癱子連所躺臥的褥子都縋下來。 5 耶穌見他們的信心，就對癱子說：「小子，你的罪赦了。」 6 有幾個文士坐在那裡，心裡議論，說： 7 「這個人為甚麼這樣說呢？他說僭妄的話了。除了神以外，誰能赦罪呢？」 8 耶穌心中知道他們心裡這樣議論，就說：「你們心裡為甚麼這樣議論呢？ 9 或對癱子說『你的罪赦了』，或說『起來！拿你的褥子行走』；哪一樣容易呢？ 10 但要叫你們知道，人子在地上有赦罪的權柄。」就對癱子說： 11 「我吩咐你，起來！拿你的褥子回家去吧。」 12 那人就起來，立刻拿著褥子，當眾人面前出去了，以致眾人都驚奇，歸榮耀與神，說：「我們從來沒有見過這樣的事！」

默想：

1. 當神呼召我們時，祂不僅要拯救我們，使我們個人的靈命得到塑造；神還要將我們形成一個信仰的群體，使我們彼此支持代求，並且竭力幫助別人也同樣得到神的醫治，獲得健全的人生；這就好像癱子的四位朋友，協力幫助他得著醫治一樣。
2. 禱告：親愛的主，我很羨慕這四位朋友與癱子之間彼此親愛、不計代價地互相支持的關係；我也希望我自己，和我的小組組員們，藉著互相的幫助扶持，使我們都得到主在我們身體上、情感上、靈性上、生活上……的醫治。

 

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 2

¹A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ²So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. ⁴Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. ⁵When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  ⁶Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  ⁸Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . .” He said to the paralytic, ¹¹“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹²He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

 

Meditation

1. God has called us not only to individual spiritual formation, but to be formed into communities of faith too.  We pray for one another and work for the healing and wholeness of others, just as this paralytic’s four friends help him receive the healing he needs.
2. Prayer:  Dear Lord, how I desire the mutual love, care and sacrificial support between this paralytic and his friends.  I hope that there will be similar relationships between me and my cell members so that we may all receive healings in our body, emotion, spiritual life, daily life……

 

 

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

14 約翰下監以後，耶穌來到加利利，宣傳神的福音， 15 說：「日期滿了，神的國近了。你們當悔改，信福音！」 16 耶穌順著加利利的海邊走，看見西門和西門的兄弟安得烈在海裡撒網；他們本是打魚的。 17 耶穌對他們說：「來跟從我，我要叫你們得人如得魚一樣。」 18 他們就立刻捨了網，跟從了他。 19 耶穌稍往前走，又見西庇太的兒子雅各和雅各的兄弟約翰在船上補網。 20 耶穌隨即招呼他們，他們就把父親西庇太和雇工人留在船上，跟從耶穌去了。

 

默想：

1. 耶穌的門徒不是一遇見耶穌便已一步登天成是信心的偉人，他們的信心和對主的委身，跟所有信徒一樣，是逐步塑造而成的。耶穌當時對這四位門徒所作的呼召，他們要經過一段時間才能理解；但不約而同地，他們四人都立刻跟從了耶穌。今天，主耶穌仍在呼召那些對傳福音、跟隨主有同樣緊迫感的門徒，我是否聽到祂的呼聲？
2. 西門、安得烈、雅各和約翰勇於跟從主，不惜捨棄所有的；今天我還有什麼牽制、掛慮，使我不願、也不能跟隨主？
3. 花些時間靜默在主前，思想那些攔阻我跟隨主的牽掛，將它們一一寫下來，並將每一項逐一的告訴主，等候主對我說話。聽見什麼嗎？在這一天中，繼續和主對話，並繼續聆聽，對話，聆聽。。。

 

 

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 1

¹⁴After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” ¹⁶As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ¹⁸At once, they left their nets and followed him.  ¹⁹When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

 

Meditation

1. Jesus’ disciples didn’t become faith giants once they met Jesus.  Their faith and commitment grew step by step, just like all believers.  They didn’t understand Jesus’ calling then but they all responded by following Him immediately.  Jesus is still calling disciples who have the same urgency for spreading the gospel and following Jesus.  Do I hear his calling?
2. Simon, Andrew, James and John left everything that they owned to follow Jesus.  What is it that is holding me from following the Lord?
3. Stay silent before the Lord. Think of the obstacles that are holding me back.  Write them down one by one.  Tell them to the Lord.  Wait and listen to what the Lord is speaking.  Then, continue this conversation with the Lord 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.

 

 

 

 

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。

 

第十六章

¹我向你們推薦我們的姊妹非比；她是堅革里教會的執事。²請你們在主裡用合乎聖徒身分的態度去接待她。無論她在甚麼事上有需要，請你們都幫助她；因為她曾經幫助許多人，也幫助了我。保羅問候眾聖徒³問候在基督耶穌裡與我同工的百基拉和亞居拉；⁴他們為了我的性命，置生死於度外，不但我感激他們，連外族的眾教會也感激他們。⁵也問候他們家裡的教會。問候我親愛的以拜尼妥，他是亞西亞省第一個歸入基督的人。⁶問候馬利亞，她為你們多多勞苦。⁷問候曾經與我一同被囚的親族安多尼古和猶尼亞；他們在使徒中是有名望的，也比我先在基督裡。

 

默想

1. 這一章所列出的名單，表現出初期教會中那種溫馨互愛的關係，使得他們更加同心一體。保羅不僅是個神學家，他也是一位朋友。他並不是在數點得救人數，他實在是關心每一位信徒。
2. 讓這個名單提醒我們，在神的眼中，在基督的教會中，每一個人都是重要的，都值得我們認識他的名字。
3. 我認識教會中多少弟兄姐妹的名字？拿出教會的通訊錄，逐一看一遍，遇到不認識的，圈起來，下主日在教會中，開始留意，並認識這些弟兄姐妹。

 

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 16

¹I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. ²I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. ³Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. ⁴They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. ⁵Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. ⁶Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

 

Meditation

1. The list of names in this chapter displays something of the network of warm and loving relationships which bound the early church together.  Paul was not just a theologian, he was a friend.  He did not just count up converts; he cared for people as individuals.
2. Let this remind us that in the eyes of God and in the church of Jesus, each person is important enough to be known by name.
3. How many people do I know by name at my church?  Bring out the church directory and read it through.  Upon the ones I don’t recognize, make a check mark beside it.  Begin to notice and get to know these brothers and sisters in 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第十五章

¹我們堅強的人，應該擔當不堅強的人的軟弱，不應該求自己的喜悅。²我們各人務要叫鄰舍喜悅，好讓他得到益處、得到造就。³因為連基督也不求自己的喜悅；反而像經上所記的：“辱罵你的人的辱罵，都落在我的身上。”⁴從前經上所寫的，都是為教訓我們而寫的，好使我們藉著忍耐和聖經中的安慰得著盼望。⁵願賜忍耐和安慰的神，使你們彼此同心，效法基督耶穌，⁶同心一致地榮耀我們主耶穌基督的父神。

 

默想

1. 保羅提到我們應當擔當別人的軟弱，用我們的強處，來幫助那些有需要的人。
2. 過去，曾經有過哪些人，以他們的能力與經驗來幫助過我？為他們的幫助來感謝神。
3. 我在那些方面受過訓練、指引、輔導？神賜給我有哪些才能和恩賜？我可以怎樣來幫助別人？最近什麼人有需要，是我可以幫助的？

 

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 15

¹We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ²Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” ⁴For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

⁵May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, ⁶so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Meditation

1. Paul specifies that we are to help others in areas where we are strong and able in the faith.
2. Recall the people who have stepped in and built me up, even if I don’t remember the specific details.  Thank God for these people.
3. What are some areas in which I have received training, direction, or guidance?  What are some of my natural gifts and strengths?  Who do I know that are in need that I can lend a helping hand?

 

 

 

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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第十四章

⁶守日的人是為主守的，吃的人是為主吃的，因為他感謝神；不吃的人是為主不吃，他也感謝神。⁷我們沒有一個人為自己活，也沒有一個人為自己死。我們若活著，是為主而活；⁸我們若死了，是為主而死。所以，我們無論活著或是死了，總是屬於主的人。⁹為了這緣故，基督死了，又活過來，就是要作死人和活人的主。¹⁰這樣，你為甚麼批評你的弟兄呢？為甚麼又輕看你的弟兄呢？我們都要站在神的審判臺前；¹¹因為經上記著：“主說，我指著我的永生起誓：萬膝必向我跪拜，萬口必稱頌神。”¹²這樣看來，我們各人都要把自己的事向神交代。¹³所以，我們不要再彼此批評了；倒要立定主意，決不作絆倒弟兄或使他跌倒的事。

 

默想

1. 在教會群體中，每個人都是單單憑著神的饒恕和恩典才得以存活，因此在教會中，常常評論自己不喜歡的人和事，是極其粗暴無禮的舉動。所以批評論斷和流言蜚語都會為教會帶來腐蝕敗壞。我們口中所發出的每個論斷之詞，其實都是冒犯了另一位信徒，他也是同蒙基督為他而死的肢體。
2. 我是否曾親眼見過本該彼此相親相愛的教會，卻被信徒之間的論斷批評和流言所毀壞？在這個月中，努力學習多說鼓勵人的話，來建立（而非拆毀）我們教會的群體。

 

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 14

⁶He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. ⁷For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. ⁸If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

⁹For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹It is written:
” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’ ” ¹²So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

¹³Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

 

Meditation

1. In the church community, everyone lives entirely on the forgiveness and grace of God.  Therefore, to constantly making comments on what we disapprove of or dislike in one another is outrageous. Criticisms and gossips are detrimental to the church community.  Every judgmental word out of our mouths violates an eternal soul for whom Christ died.
2. Have I seen a fellowship being destroyed by judgmental criticisms and gossip?  Try this month to speak words of encouragement and hope that build community at every possible opportunity.

 

 

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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第十三章

¹政府的權柄，人人都應當服從。因為沒有一樣權柄不是從神來的；掌權的都是神設立的。²所以抗拒掌權的，就是反對神所設立的；反對的人必自招刑罰。³執政的不是要使行善的懼怕，而是要使作惡的懼怕。你想不怕掌權的嗎？只要行善，就會得到稱讚；⁴因為他是神的僕役，是對你有益的。但如果你作惡，就應當懼怕；因為他佩劍，不是沒有作用的。他是神的僕役，是向作惡的人施行刑罰的。⁵所以你們必須服從，不但是為了刑罰，也是因為良心的緣故。⁶因此，你們也當納稅，因為他們是神的差役，專責處理這事的。⁷你們要向各人清還所欠的；應當納稅的，就要給他納稅；應當進貢的，就給他進貢；應當敬畏的，就敬畏他；應當尊敬的，就尊敬他。

 

默想

1. 在這段經文中，保羅訓誡信徒要履行公民的責任，納稅，付賬，敬重長官。究竟我身為這個國家的公民，我對這個國家，以及神的國度，有什麼義務？我能怎樣真實地敬重我的地方長官？
2. 找出我這一區的地方官員（市長、市議員），省長以及本區省議員，總理和本區聯邦議員，為他們每一位提名禱告，求神使用他們，有智慧秉公義來治理這地。

 

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

¹Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.

 

Meditation

1. In this passage, Paul commands, “Fulfill your obligations as a citizen.  Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.”  What is my obligation as a citizen to this country and to the kingdom of God?  In what specific ways can I respect my leaders?
2. Find a list of names of my local officials (mayor, city councillor) as well as my MPP and MP.  Pray for each one of them by name.  Pray that God would use them to lead wisely and justly.

 

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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

 

第十二章

¹所以弟兄們，我憑著神的仁慈勸你們，要把身體獻上，作聖潔而蒙神悅納的活祭；這是你們理所當然的事奉。²不要模仿這個世代，倒要藉著心意的更新而改變過來，使你們可以察驗出甚麼是神的旨意，就是察驗出甚麼是美好的、蒙他悅納的和完全的事。  ³我憑著所賜給我的恩典，對你們各人說，不可自視太高，高於所當看的，反而應該照著神分給各人信心的大小，看得適中。

默想

1. 獻上“活”祭的難處是祭物總想逃離開祭壇。要做到將自己全身全心地——包括思想、語言、行為——獻給神，對我來說有多困難？假設“1”是“十分容易”，“10”是“十分困難”，我的指數會是多少？
2. 在這個星期裡，做一個“活祭”的練習：每當我想到一件我的東西時，就想像自己是躺在祭壇上的祭物，同時在心中將這樣東西獻給神——包括我的思想、言語、行為。思想一下，當我要這麼作時，我有什麽感受？是很興奮地獻上？或是很想跳下祭壇、逃之夭夭？為什麼？

 

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

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

³For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

 

Meditation

1. The problem with a “living” sacrifice is that it always wants to get off the altar.  On a scale of 1 to 10 (“easy” to “hard”), rank the difficulty I think I would have in giving my entire being – thoughts, words, and actions – to God.？
2. As I go about my work this week, I will offer myself each morning as a living sacrifice and as an act of worship. Pray that God will help me not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed. Then, throughout the day, in the words I say, the thoughts I have and my actions, I will seek God’s help to choose according to the pattern and character of Jesus rather than the pattern of this world.
3. What would be my feelings then?  Excited and willing?  Or Wanting to jump off the altar and escape?  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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.