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第二章

25 在耶路撒冷有一個人，名叫西面；這人又公義又虔誠，素常盼望以色列的安慰者來到，又有聖靈在他身上。 26 他得了聖靈的啟示，知道自己未死以前，必看見主所立的基督。 27 他受了聖靈的感動，進入聖殿，正遇見耶穌的父母抱著孩子進來，要照律法的規矩辦理。 28 西面就用手接過他來，稱頌　神說： 29 主啊！如今可以照你的話，釋放僕人安然去世； 30 因為我的眼睛已經看見你的救恩─ 31 就是你在萬民面前所預備的： 32 是照亮外邦人的光，又是你民以色列的榮耀。 33 孩子的父母因這論耶穌的話就希奇。 34-35 西面給他們祝福，又對孩子的母親馬利亞說：「這孩子被立，是要叫以色列中許多人跌倒，許多人興起；又要作毀謗的話柄，叫許多人心裏的意念顯露出來；你自己的心也要被刀刺透。」

默想：

1. 西面的一生 “又公義又虔誠，素常盼望以色列的安慰者（彌賽亞救主）來到，又有聖靈在他身上”（25節）。現在他手中所懷抱的正是他一生所期盼等候的焦點。西面抱過孩子來祝福他，又祝福他的父母，然後宣稱，現在他可以安然離世了。
2. 西面的禱告和第一章馬利亞的禱告彼此呼應，年輕的馬利亞以順服神的話開始她的人生（1“38），老邁的西面則以順服神的話來結束他的一生（2：29）；馬利亞與西面都順服並憑信心禱告說：“照你的話行”。
3. 重讀並默想馬利亞和西面的禱告（1：46-55，及2：29-32），專注“照你的話” （1:38和2:29）；靜默聆聽神的說話，我怎樣用“照你的話”向主禱告？

 

Luke 2

²⁵Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  ²⁹“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,   you now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,   ³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people,  ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”  ³³The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Meditation:

1. Simeon’s prayer is a prayer of completion.  He spent a long life of hopeful prayer and faithful witness.  What he has been praying for all his life is now present in this infant.  He takes the child in his arms and blesses him, and the parents.  Simeon holds the purpose and meaning of his life in his arms.  He’s now ready to die.
2. The prayers of Mary and Simeon are complementary to each other:  the young Mary starting out in submission to God’s word; the old Simeon ending in submission to God’s word.  Mary and Simeon submissively and believingly spoke the prayer: “according to your word”(1:38, 2:29).
3. Re-read the two prayers by Mary and Simeon (1:38, 2:29).  Focus on the words “according to your word”.  Listen to what God is speaking to me.  How could I use this phrase “according to your word” in my response prayer today?

 Family Time

vv8-20,Jesus was born and placed in a manger, a feeding trough containing hay and other food for animals to eat.  Take the family to a farm (or a nativity scene).  Imagine what it was like that starry night so long ago when Jesus was born.  Ask each family member to share what they imagined.

第一章

46 馬利亞說：我心尊主為大；47 我靈以　神我的救主為樂；48 因為他顧念他使女的卑微；從今以後，萬代要稱我有福。49 那有權能的，為我成就了大事；他的名為聖。50 他憐憫敬畏他的人，直到世世代代。51 他用膀臂施展大能；那狂傲的人正心裏妄想就被他趕散了。52 他叫有權柄的失位，叫卑賤的升高；53 叫飢餓的得飽美食，叫富足的空手回去。54 他扶助了他的僕人以色列，55 為要記念亞伯拉罕和他的後裔，施憐憫直到永遠，正如從前對我們列祖所說的話。

默想：

1. 馬利亞因著神要使用她來成就神的拯救計劃，而由衷地唱出這首將榮耀歸給神的詩歌，其中述說神的工作：扶助貧窮的人、安慰受壓迫的人、顧念被蔑視的人。馬利亞的禱告表明，神的兒女對於神已經或將要作的事，不單是心存感恩、歡悅的旁觀者；其實，神正是讓我們積極地參與其中。
2. 禱告使我們留心地活在神面前。我們的禱告永遠是第二句話，是神先說第一句話、採取第一個行動；我們的回應與答覆，就是我們對神的禱告。馬利亞的禱告，讓我們認識到她聽見、相信、接受並順服神藉著天使對她說的話。
3. 我是否曾經“聽見”神對我說話，讓我明白神的計劃？他如何透過我的參與而完成他的計劃？我當時是怎樣回應的？這經歷對我有什麼影響？
4. 今天，神是否繼續與我說話，要我與他同工，完成一些他的工作？是什麼？我會怎樣回應？

Luke 1

⁴⁶And Mary said:    “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,  ⁴⁸for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, ⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.  ⁵⁰His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  ⁵¹He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  ⁵²He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. ⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful  ⁵⁵to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”  ⁵⁶Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Meditation：

1. Mary, like Samuel’s mother Hannah, praises and glorifies God through her prayer-song for God will accomplish what He has planned for the world through her.  Both prayers describe that God lifts up the poor, comforts the oppressed, and cares for the despised.   Mary’s prayer, in fact, expands our awareness that we are grateful and joyful PARTICIPANTS in what has been and is yet to come.
2. Prayer is our way of being attentively present to God, who is present to us (Emmanuel) in the Holy Spirit.  Our prayer is always the second sentence.  First God speaks; our response, our answer, is our prayer.  From this prayer, we learn that Mary hears and receives, believes and submits to the Word that conceives Christ in her.
3. Have I had any experience that I was an active participant in carrying out God’s plan for me or others?  How has this experience impacted me?
4. Am I aware that I am present to God in prayer just as God is ever present to me?  What will this awareness change me in my attitude and actions in everyday life?

Family Time

vv46-49, Mary praised God with a song.  Her song was about how God had been good to her and blessed her.  Make a list of how God has been good to your family.  Have a time of worship to sing a few favourite worship songs together.

 

第三章

6 弟兄們，我們奉主耶穌基督的名吩咐你們，凡有弟兄不按規矩而行，不遵守從我們所受的教訓，就當遠離他。 7 你們自己原知道應當怎樣效法我們。因為我們在你們中間，未嘗不按規矩而行， 8 也未嘗白吃人的飯，倒是辛苦勞碌，晝夜做工，免得叫你們一人受累。 9 這並不是因我們沒有權柄，乃是要給你們作榜樣，叫你們效法我們。 10 我們在你們那裏的時候，曾吩咐你們說，若有人不肯做工，就不可吃飯。 11 因我們聽說，在你們中間有人不按規矩而行，甚麼工都不做，反倒專管閒事。 12 我們靠主耶穌基督吩咐、勸戒這樣的人，要安靜做工，吃自己的飯。

 

默想                     

1. 保羅不避嫌地一再強調效法的原則，因這是塑造生命最基本的方法。習慣的培養（包括聖潔、溫柔、公義、施予的習慣）只能通過不停地效法，直到成為個人的習慣。此處信徒的問題是為等候基督再來而游手好閑不再工作，保羅和同工們以身作則，讓信徒看見怎樣“安靜作工，吃自己的飯”。
2. 有什麼屬靈的好習慣是我需要效法來養成的？
3. 我為等候基督的再來，目前在教會中是“游手好閑”，還是“安靜作工，吃自己的飯”，或是“行善不喪志”？求主教導我警醒等候，行善不閑懶不喪志。

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。

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 3:6-11

⁶In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. ⁷For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. ¹⁰For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  ¹¹We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹²Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

 

Meditation

1. Paul unabashedly uses the principle of imitation repeatedly in his writings, because he knows that on its most fundamental level this is how spiritual formation works.  The formation of habits (even holy, patient, righteous, giving habits) comes only by imitation until they become our own.  In this case, the issue is idleness, and Paul and his co-workers have modeled how believers are to “work quietly and to earn their own living”.
2. What spiritual habits do I desire to develop?
3. What am I doing in preparation for the coming of Christ, “Idling”?  “Working quietly and earning own living”?  “Not weary in doing what is right”?   Lord, help me to be alert and diligent in doing what is good to wait for your coming!

 

 

第二章

13 主所愛的弟兄們哪，我們本該常為你們感謝　神；因為他從起初揀選了你們，叫你們因信真道，又被聖靈感動，成為聖潔，能以得救。 14 　神藉我們所傳的福音召你們到這地步，好得著我們主耶穌基督的榮光。 15 所以，弟兄們，你們要站立得穩，凡所領受的教訓，不拘是我們口傳的，是信上寫的，都要堅守。 16 但願我們主耶穌基督和那愛我們、開恩將永遠的安慰並美好的盼望賜給我們的父　神， 17 安慰你們的心，並且在一切善行善言上堅固你們。

 

默想

1. 信主得救是屬靈生命的開始，而不單單是購得上天堂的門票。保羅知道帖撒羅尼迦教會正面對逼迫、假教師、世俗化和種種在真理上搖擺不定和離開信仰的情況。他勸告他們要“站立得穩”和堅守主的教訓。
2. 每週主日崇拜的程序單，可以提醒我重溫所聽的道，定時為各項事工、信徒禱告，幫助我操練“站立得穩”，“堅守主道”。
3. 我也會遇到各樣類似叫我偏離神的試探，我有沒有在主的道上站立得穩，並堅守主的教訓？
4. 為每週預備崇拜各項環節的傳道人及弟兄姐妹感謝神，願神喜悅他們的服事並以此與他們個人親近。並求主祝福每一位及他們的工作、婚姻、家庭、前途。

 

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。

 

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 2:13-17

¹³But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  ¹⁶May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

 

Meditation

1. Accepting Christ and the salvation is only the beginning of one’s spiritual life and not just procuring a ticket to heaven.  Paul understands the Thessalonian church is facing persecution, false teaching, secularization and various uncertainties.  Therefore, he tells them to “stand firm” and hold fast to God’s teaching.
2. I also encounter all kinds of forces constantly trying to pull me away from God.  How am I doing in Holding Fast and Standing Firm?
3. The Worship Bulletin each Sunday helps me to review what I hear at the service.  It also helps me to pray for various ministries, needs and people.  By doing so, I am being built up to Stand Firm and Hold Fast to the faith and God’s teaching.
4. Spend some time remembering the different segments of the Worship service.  Thank God for each one of those who work diligently.  Pray that God will delight in their weekly sacrifices and be near them.  Bless their job, studies, marriage, family and future.

 

 

 

帖撒羅尼迦後書  第一章

5 這正是　神公義判斷的明證，叫你們可算配得　神的國；你們就是為這國受苦。 6 　神既是公義的，就必將患難報應那加患難給你們的人， 7 也必使你們這受患難的人與我們同得平安。那時，主耶穌同他有能力的天使從天上在火焰中顯現， 8 要報應那不認識　神和那不聽從我主耶穌福音的人。 9 他們要受刑罰，就是永遠沉淪，離開主的面和他權能的榮光。 10 這正是主降臨、要在他聖徒的身上得榮耀、又在一切信的人身上顯為希奇的那日子。我們對你們作的見證，你們也信了。 11 因此，我們常為你們禱告，願我們的　神看你們配得過所蒙的召，又用大能成就你們一切所羨慕的良善和一切因信心所做的工夫， 12 叫我們主耶穌的名在你們身上得榮耀，你們也在他身上得榮耀，都照著我們的　神並主耶穌基督的恩。

 

默想                     

1. 有些人認為上帝應該是好人（Nice），不應該向人發怒，不應該懲罰罪人。事實上，我們所認為的“好人（Nice）”，並非聖經的意義。這段經文提到“主耶穌同他有能力的天使從天上在火焰中顯現”，“要報應那不認識神。。。的人”，“他們要受刑罰，就是永遠沉淪，離開主的面”。神的公義表現在兩方面：一方面是要“要報應那不認識神”的；另一方面是祂自己承擔所有作惡的懲罰，這已經在加略山上作成了。
2. 花幾分鐘思想神犧牲耶穌為要拯救我的宏恩大愛！盡我所能的向神獻上我由衷的感恩。
3. 再想一想那些不信的家人及親友。先決定一個或幾個人名，並忠心地每星期二，按照萬民堂的禱告進度，為他們的得救懇切代求禱告。

 

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。

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 1:5-12

⁵All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ⁷and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. ⁸He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power ¹⁰on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.  ¹¹With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. ¹²We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and t he Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Meditation

1. Some people want to think of God as being “nice”.  Much too nice to get angry at people, and much too nice to punish sin.  The truth is that the idea of “nice” as we understand it is not found in the Bible.  This passage talks about Jesus coming in “blazing fire and with His powerful angels” to “punish those who do not know God”.  And they will be “punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord”.  The justice of God is displayed in two ways.  One is by “paying back” those who do evil (v6).  The other is by taking on Himself the punishment due those who do evil.  This has already happened on Calvary.
2. Spend a few moments meditate on the enormity of God’s love in sacrificing Jesus to save me!!  Say a word of thanksgiving to God.
3. Think of the non-believing family members and friends.  Choose one or more that I will FAITHFULLY pray for their salvation.    Remember to pray for these people every Tuesday according to the PGC prayer calendar.

 

 

第五章12-22節

12弟兄們，我們勸你們敬重那在你們中間勞苦的人，就是在主裏面治理你們、勸戒你們的；
13又因他們所做的工，用愛心格外尊重他們。你們也要彼此和睦。14我們又勸弟兄們，要警戒不守規矩的人，勉勵灰心的人，扶助軟弱的人，也要向眾人忍耐。15你們要謹慎，無論是誰都不可以惡報惡；或是彼此相待，或是待眾人，常要追求良善。16要常常喜樂，17不住地禱告，18凡事謝恩；因為這是　神在基督耶穌裏向你們所定的旨意。19不要消滅聖靈的感動；20不要藐視先知的講論。21但要凡事察驗；善美的要持守，22各樣的惡事要禁戒不做。

 

默想

1. 常常喜樂、恆切祈禱、凡事謝恩，這三項教導與我們的本性相衝突，但若徹底地遵從神的話，就會產生對人、事、物有不同的體會，也會發現原來喜樂與感謝並不是那樣困難的事，而是自然地從心中流露出來的。

 

2. 寫下三件感恩的事，並向神發出感恩的祈禱！

 

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 5:12-22

12. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16. Be joyful always; 17. pray continually; 18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20. do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21. Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22. Avoid every kind of evil.

 

Meditation

 

1. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances”, these three teachings are totally contrary to our human nature.  However, as we learn to obey God’s word wholeheartedly, we will develop different perspectives toward people, and things, and we will then discover that to be joyful and thankful isn’t that difficult after all, but rather is the natural outpouring of our hearts.

 

2. Write down three things you are thankful for and offer your praise and thanksgiving to 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

第四章1-12節

1弟兄們，我還有話說：我們靠著主耶穌求你們，勸你們，你們既然受了我們的教訓，知道該怎樣行可以討　神的喜悅，就要照你們現在所行的更加勉勵。2你們原曉得，我們憑主耶穌傳給你們甚麼命令。3神的旨意就是要你們成為聖潔，遠避淫行；4要你們各人曉得怎樣用聖潔、尊貴守著自己的身體，5不放縱私慾的邪情，像那不認識　神的外邦人。6不要一個人在這事上越分，欺負他的弟兄；因為這一類的事，主必報應，正如我預先對你們說過、又切切囑咐你們的。7神召我們，本不是要我們沾染污穢，乃是要我們成為聖潔。8所以，那棄絕的，不是棄絕人，乃是棄絕那賜聖靈給你們的　神。9論到弟兄們相愛，不用人寫信給你們；因為你們自己蒙了　神的教訓，叫你們彼此相愛。10你們向馬其頓全地的眾弟兄固然是這樣行，但我勸弟兄們要更加勉勵。11又要立志作安靜人，辦自己的事，親手做工，正如我們從前所吩咐你們的，12叫你們可以向外人行事端正，自己也就沒有甚麼缺乏了。

 

默想

1. 聖潔是指脫離罪惡，並順從基督，特別要緊的是要與世俗潮流有別。
2. 默想一下在充滿競爭的工作環境中、日常的家庭生活中、或者忙碌的學業中。懇求聖靈在我心中工作，教導并指引我，并思考在那件事上，我願意學習活出聖潔——與潮流有別——的生活？

 

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 4:1-12

1. Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  3. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4. that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5. not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6. and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 9. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12. so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Meditation

1. The call to holiness is a call to sever ties with sin and follow Christ in our daily life.  As we go along our journey of following Jesus, we are called to seek after a life of holiness—one that is different than that of the world—and one that we can only live by God’s grace and Spirit at work within us.
2. Take a moment to consider your surroundings, the competitive workplace, the stressful family life, or busy studies.  Pray that the Holy Spirit work within me to teach and guide me and show me specific aspects of my life that I need to seek to live out a life of holiness in all areas of your being.

 

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.

 

 

第三章6-12節

6但提摩太剛才從你們那裏回來，將你們信心和愛心的好消息報給我們，又說你們常常記念我們，切切地想見我們，如同我們想見你們一樣。7所以，弟兄們，我們在一切困苦患難之中，因著你們的信心就得了安慰。8你們若靠主站立得穩，我們就活了。9我們在　神面前，因著你們甚是喜樂；為這一切喜樂，可用何等的感謝為你們報答　神呢？10我們晝夜切切地祈求，要見你們的面，補滿你們信心的不足。11願　神─我們的父和我們的主耶穌一直引領我們到你們那裏去。12又願主叫你們彼此相愛的心，並愛眾人的心都能增長，充足，如同我們愛你們一樣，13好使你們當我們主耶穌同他眾聖徒來的時候，在我們父　神面前，心裏堅固，成為聖潔，無可責備。

 

默想

1. 帖撒羅尼迦信徒的信心和愛心的見証大大地鼓舞和激勵了保羅，令保羅得到安慰和喜樂。 教會中其他的弟兄姊妹, 小組長, 主日學老師, 和傳道人，也都需要鼓勵。我們本身也可以因教會中其他肢體的見證而得鼓勵。
2. 我有沒有聽到那位信徒分享他的見證？最近在生活中有什麼見證、靈修有什麼心得，我願意向誰來分享？為自己禱告，求主使用我的分享，鼓勵對方。
3. 本週每天都用心留意神在我生命中的工作，並與一位信徒分享我如何經歷神在你生命中的同在。然後，將這個經歷在小組中，與其他弟兄姐妹彼此分享鼓勵。

 

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 3:6-12

6. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10. Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

 

Meditation

1. The Thessalonians’ testimony of faith and love comforted and encouraged Paul.  Similarly, your testimony can also provide much needed encouragement to fellow believers, your cell leaders, Sunday school teachers, and even pastors.  We can also be encouraged by the stories of other members of our community of faith.
2. Have I had the privilege of hearing the testimony of a fellow believer?  Is there anyone at church I’d like to share my experiences or reflections with?   Pray that God will use my sharing to encourage that person.
3. Take time each day this week to reflect and be aware of God’s work in your life and find someone to share how you are experiencing God in your life.  Then, bring these stories to your cell group and share with each other there.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

第二章1-12節

1弟兄們，你們自己原曉得我們進到你們那裏並不是徒然的。2我們從前在腓立比被害受辱，這是你們知道的；然而還是靠我們的　神放開膽量，在大爭戰中把　神的福音傳給你們。3我們的勸勉不是出於錯誤，不是出於污穢，也不是用詭詐。4但　神既然驗中了我們，把福音託付我們，我們就照樣講，不是要討人喜歡，乃是要討那察驗我們心的　神喜歡。5因為我們從來沒有用過諂媚的話，這是你們知道的；也沒有藏著貪心，這是　神可以作見證的。6我們作基督的使徒，雖然可以叫人尊重，卻沒有向你們或向別人求榮耀；7只在你們中間存心溫柔，如同母親乳養自己的孩子。8我們既是這樣愛你們，不但願意將　神的福音給你們，連自己的性命也願意給你們，因你們是我們所疼愛的。9弟兄們，你們記念我們的辛苦勞碌，晝夜做工，傳　神的福音給你們，免得叫你們一人受累。10們向你們信主的人，是何等聖潔、公義、無可指摘，有你們作見證，也有　神作見證。11你們也曉得，我們怎樣勸勉你們，安慰你們，囑咐你們各人，好像父親待自己的兒女一樣，12要叫你們行事對得起那召你們進他國、得他榮耀的　神。

 

默想

1. 保羅傳福音的原則不是要討人喜歡、乃是要討那察驗我們心的神喜歡。當我傳福音時，曾否因怕遭人拒絕，而心中充滿恐懼，不敢開口？或是為了使人容易接受福音，而避重就輕的講，使信息較易為人接受？
2. 禱告，求神幫助我掌握福音的真意，并賜下“願意討神喜悅的心志”。

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 2:1-12

1. You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.  As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7. but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12. encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

 

Meditation

1. Paul’s proclamation of the gospel was not to win the approval of the Thessalonians, but to please God who knows our hearts and our motivations.  Similarly, our Lord has entrusted us this good news, what is our attitude towards spreading this good news? When we share the good news, what are we more concerned about: the way that people might respond or what God’s purposes are?
2. Pray that God would help me grasp the true meaning of the gospel and to grant me the desire “not trying to please men but 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

帖撒羅尼迦前書第一章2-10節

2 我們為你們眾人常常感謝　神，禱告的時候提到你們， 3 在　神我們的父面前，不住的記念你們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦，因盼望我們主耶穌基督所存的忍耐。 4 被　神所愛的弟兄啊，我知道你們是蒙揀選的； 5 因為我們的福音傳到你們那裡，不獨在乎言語，也在乎權能和聖靈，並充足的信心，正如你們知道、我們在你們那裡，為你們的緣故是怎樣為人。 6 並且你們在大難之中，蒙了聖靈所賜的喜樂，領受真道就效法我們，也效法了主； 7 甚至你們作了馬其頓和亞該亞所有信主之人的榜樣。 8 因為主的道從你們那裡已經傳揚出來。你們向　神的信心不但在馬其頓和亞該亞，就是在各處也都傳開了；所以不用我們說甚麼話。 9 因為他們自己已經報明我們是怎樣進到你們那裡，你們是怎樣離棄偶像，歸向　神，要服事那又真又活的　神， 10 等候他兒子從天降臨，就是他從死裡復活的─那位救我們脫離將來忿怒的耶穌。

默想

1. 基督徒的信心，愛心和盼望不是抽象的理論，而是有切實的生命流露。我們看見帖撒羅尼迦教會的信徒，在面臨逼迫時仍然站立得穩，有堅持到底的信心、因實踐愛心所付出的勞苦，和因有盼望所存的忍耐。 藉著他們的行為，成為多人的榜樣，也是保羅和其他信徒的喜樂。
2. 在我今天的生活中，如何顯出作為一個基督徒我對主的信心，愛心和盼望？

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 1:2-10

2. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  4. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5. because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9. for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10. and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

 

Meditation

1. For Christians, faith, love and hope are not just abstract ideas.  We see in the example of the church of Thessalonica that their faith, love and hope were very real and were manifested through their ACTIONS.  These actions then became an example and a source of joy for Paul and other churches who heard about what God was doing among the Thessalonians.
2. How do I live out and act in faith, love and hope as a Christian in my everyday 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

 

第六章1-10節

1 弟兄們，若有人偶然被過犯所勝，你們屬靈的人就當用溫柔的心把他挽回過來；又當自己小心，恐怕也被引誘。 2 你們各人的重擔要互相擔當，如此，就完全了基督的律法。 3 人若無有，自己還以為有，就是自欺了。 4 各人應當察驗自己的行為；這樣，他所誇的就專在自己，不在別人了， 5 因為各人必擔當自己的擔子。 6 在道理上受教的，當把一切需用的供給施教的人。 7 不要自欺，　神是輕慢不得的。人種的是甚麼，收的也是甚麼。 8 順著情慾撒種的，必從情慾收敗壞；順著聖靈撒種的，必從聖靈收永生。 9 我們行善，不可喪志；若不灰心，到了時候就要收成。 10 所以，有了機會就當向眾人行善，向信徒一家的人更當這樣。

默想

1. 想想看，我已經“種”了些什麼？期待會有什麼“收成”？
2. What does it mean to “sow to please the Spirit” and how can I do that this week in my life?

 

 

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。

Galatians Chapter 6:1-10

1. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5. for each one should carry his own load.  6. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.  7. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

Meditation

1. Reflect on what I have “sown” in my life, what “harvest” am I expecting?  Why?
2. What can I do this week to “sow to please the Spirit” (v8)?

 

 

 

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.

 

 

第五章16-26節

16 我說，你們當順著聖靈而行，就不放縱肉體的情慾了。 17 因為情慾和聖靈相爭，聖靈和情慾相爭，這兩個是彼此相敵，使你們不能做所願意做的。 18 但你們若被聖靈引導，就不在律法以下。 19 情慾的事都是顯而易見的，就如姦淫、污穢、邪蕩、 20 拜偶像、邪術、仇恨、爭競、忌恨、惱怒、結黨、紛爭、異端、 21 嫉妒（有古卷在此有：兇殺二字）、醉酒、荒宴等類。我從前告訴你們，現在又告訴你們，行這樣事的人必不能承受　神的國。 22 聖靈所結的果子，就是仁愛、喜樂、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信實、 23 溫柔、節制。這樣的事沒有律法禁止。 24 凡屬基督耶穌的人，是已經把肉體連肉體的邪情私慾同釘在十字架上了。 25 我們若是靠聖靈得生，就當靠聖靈行事。 26 不要貪圖虛名，彼此惹氣，互相嫉妒。

默想

1. “做主門徒、跟隨耶穌、追求聖潔”，過這樣的生活，關鍵不在於我們做或不做什麼，而是“靠著聖靈”，活潑地、堅定地、勇敢地生活。當我們願意“被聖靈引導”，就能夠自由地抗拒肉體的情慾。
2. 當我面對難題時，有沒有邀請聖靈來引導我？如果從來沒有如此祈求，何不今天就嘗試一下。再看看，我對那些難題的看法有沒有改變？

 

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。

 

Galatians 5:16-26

16. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19.The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20.idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23.gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

 

Meditation

1. The life of discipleship, of following Jesus, and of holiness is not defined by what we do or avoid doing.  It is characterized by vibrant, robust, and adventurous living “by the Spirit.”  Allowing ourselves to be “led by the Spirit”, we are free to say no to the “desires of the flesh”.
2. Have I ever asked the Holy Spirit for guidance when facing a problem?  What happened?  If I haven’t ever asked, try it today.  Watch and see if it changes my perception of the problem?

 

 

 

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.

 

 

第四章12-20節

12 弟兄們，我勸你們要像我一樣，因為我也像你們一樣。你們一點沒有虧負我。 13 你們知道我頭一次傳福音給你們，是因為身體有疾病。 14 你們為我身體的緣故受試煉，沒有輕看我，也沒有厭棄我，反倒接待我，如同　神的使者，如同基督耶穌。 15 你們當日所誇的福氣在那裡呢？那時你們若能行，就是把自己的眼睛剜出來給我，也都情願。這是我可以給你們作見證的。 16 如今我將真理告訴你們，就成了你們的仇敵嗎？ 17 那些人熱心待你們，卻不是好意，是要離間你們（原文是把你們關在外面），叫你們熱心待他們。 18 在善事上，常用熱心待人原是好的，卻不單我與你們同在的時候才這樣。 19 我小子啊，我為你們再受生產之苦，直等到基督成形在你們心裡。 20 我巴不得現今在你們那裡，改換口氣，因我為你們心裡作難。

默想

1. 神使用我們生命中所有原生材料——包括環境、家庭、和性格——為要讓基督在我們裡面成形；這是基督按自己的形像在我們身上進行的塑造之工。我們可以選擇繼續靠律法追求完美，終至疲憊失望；或者我們可以選擇倚靠聖靈，順從基督，讓基督的形像、品格、榮美在我們身上彰顯出來。
2. 每一次向主的呼求：“主啊，我屬你！主啊，救我！主啊，憐憫我！主啊，我感謝你！主啊，我愛你！”，都表示我在選擇倚靠聖靈。在過去一週中，有多少次我藉著這幾個簡短的禱告，向主說，也是向自己說，“我選擇倚靠聖靈來渡過每天的生活”？

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

Galatians 4:12-20

12. I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17. Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. 19. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20. how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

 

Meditation

1. God uses the raw material of our lives – circumstances, family, and personality – to conform us to the image of Christ.   This is God’s formation work in us.  We can choose to continue to depend on the do’s and don’ts to pursue perfection, or we can choose to rely on the Holy Spirit and allow Christ to rule every aspect of my life, to reflect Christ’s image, Christ’s character and Christ’s beauty through us.
2. Every time I cry to God with the simple prayers: “Lord, I belong to you! Lord, help me! Lord, have mercy on me!  Lord, I thank you!  Lord, I love you!…”, it is my choice to rely on the Spirit.  How many times last week have I cried out to God with the short prayers to tell God and myself that I love Him and I choose to rely on Him for every day of my 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

第三章1-14節

1 無知的加拉太人哪，耶穌基督釘十字架，已經活畫在你們眼前，誰又迷惑了你們呢？ 2 我只要問你們這一件：你們受了聖靈，是因行律法呢？是因聽信福音呢？ 3 你們既靠聖靈入門，如今還靠肉身成全嗎？你們是這樣的無知嗎？ 4 你們受苦如此之多，都是徒然的嗎？難道果真是徒然的嗎？ 5 那賜給你們聖靈，又在你們中間行異能的，是因你們行律法呢？是因你們聽信福音呢？ 6 正如亞伯拉罕信　神，這就算為他的義。 7 所以，你們要知道：那以信為本的人，就是亞伯拉罕的子孫。 8 並且聖經既然預先看明，　神要叫外邦人因信稱義，就早已傳福音給亞伯拉罕，說：萬國都必因你得福。 9 可見那以信為本的人和有信心的亞伯拉罕一同得福。 10 凡以行律法為本的，都是被咒詛的；因為經上記著：凡不常照律法書上所記一切之事去行的，就被咒詛。 11 沒有一個人靠著律法在　神面前稱義，這是明顯的；因為經上說，義人必因信得生。 12 律法原不本乎信，只說：行這些事的，就必因此活著。 13 基督既為我們受（原文是成）了咒詛，就贖出我們脫離律法的咒詛；因為經上記著：凡掛在木頭上都是被咒詛的。 14 這便叫亞伯拉罕的福，因基督耶穌可以臨到外邦人，使我們因信得著所應許的聖靈。

默想

1. 加拉太人知道他們在信主時便領受了聖靈，並非是因遵守律法而得。但是他們仍然對自己的信仰不放心，認為單靠信心似乎太輕而易舉了，因此希望遵守某 些律法規條，好與神更加親近。某些屬靈操練（如讀經、祈禱）和事奉，可以幫助我們成長，但是絕不能代替聖靈的工作。保羅的尖銳問題（1-4節），就是希望能引導加拉太信徒重建“只有基督才是我們信仰的中心”。
2. 我是否也會認為單靠信心的信仰不夠扎實，還想要多作些好事，才會多一點得救的把握？
3. 求神賜給我“單純”的信心，而非“簡化——規條式”的信心。

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。

Galatians 3: 1-14

1. You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3. Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4. Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5. Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?  6. Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7. Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. 8. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9. So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.  10. All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11. Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12. The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Meditation

1. The Galatians had been taught that they had received the Holy Spirit by faith and not by obeying the law.  However, they still thought it was too simplistic to be saved by faith only.  They wanted to have some rules and creeds to follow in order to feel closer to God.  Spiritual exercises such as prayer and Bible ready as well as serving may help us grow spiritually but it can never replace the work of the Holy Spirit.  By raising some pointed questions (vv1-4), Paul tried to help them to restore Christ as the center of their faith.
2. Do I think it not realistic to depend on faith alone for salvation?  Would I think that perhaps a bit more work on my part may bring more assurance?
3. Pray that God would teach me to allow Him to be in control and for a “simple” but not “simplistic” faith in Him.

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.

第二章15-21

15 我們這生來的猶太人，不是外邦的罪人； 16 既知道人稱義不是因行律法，乃是因信耶穌基督，連我們也信了基督耶穌，使我們因信基督稱義，不因行律法稱義；因為凡有血氣的，沒有一人因行律法稱義。 17 我們若求在基督裡稱義，卻仍舊是罪人，難道基督是叫人犯罪的嗎？斷乎不是！ 18 我素來所拆毀的，若重新建造，這就證明自己是犯罪的人。 19 我因律法，就向律法死了，叫我可以向　神活著。 20 我已經與基督同釘十字架，現在活著的不再是我，乃是基督在我裡面活著；並且我如今在肉身活著，是因信　神的兒子而活；他是愛我，為我捨己。 21 我不廢掉　神的恩；義若是藉著律法得的，基督就是徒然死了。

 

默想

1. “人稱義不是因行律法，乃是因信耶穌基督”（16節）。很多不信主的人到處求籤拜佛、刻苦修身、施善行積功德，為的是要求得心想事成。聖誕節期間，我們告訴小孩子，聖誕老人會“再三查看他的名單，要知道誰頑皮，誰聽話”，希望如此能讓孩子聽話，才能在聖誕節收到禮物。究竟這兩者種接受禮物的心態有什麼異同？耶穌的救恩禮物與這兩者有何不同？
2. 如果聖誕老人是真實的，并且有個送禮物的單子，當中包括有我的名字，聖誕老人會按什麼條件來決定我能不能收到禮物？把這些條件寫在一張紙上，一面禱告感謝主賜下白白的救恩，然後將這張紙撕掉，丟在垃圾簍。再一次感謝神，因祂所賜下的各樣恩典禮物，不需要我做任何的努力去贏得。

 

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。

Galatians 2:15-21

15. “We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16. know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

17. “If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18. If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20. .I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

 

Meditation

1. “(A) man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ” (v16).  Many people go to temples, burn incense, and engage in meditation and generous donations in the hopes of receiving peace and prosperity.  We tell children that Santa Claus checks “his list twice to see who’s naughty or nice” in order to give them gifts at Christmas accordingly.  Is there any difference between the two examples?  How is Jesus’ gift of salvation different from them?
2. If Santa Claus existed and had a list with my name on it, what actions might be listed to determine whether I was naughty or nice?  Bring this list to God and thank Him that He is not like Santa.  Tear up the list and throw it to the garbage.  Once again, thank God for all the grace gifts given me without my working for them.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

加拉太書  第一章  1—8節

1  作使徒的保羅（不是由於人，也不是藉著人，乃是藉著耶穌基督，與叫他從死裡復活的父　神） 2 和一切與我同在的眾弟兄，寫信給加拉太的各教會。 3 願恩惠、平安從父　神與我們的主耶穌基督歸與你們！ 4 基督照我們父　神的旨意，為我們的罪捨己，要救我們脫離這罪惡的世代。 5 但願榮耀歸於　神，直到永永遠遠。阿們！ 6 我希奇你們這麼快離開那藉著基督之恩召你們的，去從別的福音。 7 那並不是福音，不過有些人攪擾你們，要把基督的福音更改了。 8 但無論是我們，是天上來的使者，若傳福音給你們，與我們所傳給你們的不同，他就應當被咒詛。

 

默想

1. 在辯證信仰的真實性時，若要用我信仰基督生命得到改變，來作實例時，我會分享哪一方面？我個人經歷神的經驗，對我向別人作見證，有什麼重要性？
2. 我是否認識什麼人，當初是十分反對基督的，但是現在卻成為了基督徒？什麼原因帶來如此的改變？

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。

 

Galatians 1:1-8

1. Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2. and all the brothers with me,  3. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4. who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5. to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.   6. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7. which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

 

Meditation

1. If I had to argue for the reality of the gospel by giving one example of how I have changed by faith, what would I share?  How is my personal experience of Christ an important part of my witness to others?
2. Whom do I know who was once very hostile to Christ, but is now His follower?  What brought about that change?

 

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.

 

 

雅各書 第五章13-20節

13你們中間有受苦的呢，他就該禱告；有喜樂的呢，他就該歌頌。14你們中間有病了的呢，他就該請教會的長老來；他們可以奉主的名用油抹他，為他禱告。15出於信心的祈禱要救那病人，主必叫他起來；他若犯了罪，也必蒙赦免。16所以你們要彼此認罪，互相代求，使你們可以得醫治。義人祈禱所發的力量是大有功效的。17以利亞與我們是一樣性情的人，他懇切禱告，求不要下雨，雨就三年零六個月不下在地上。18他又禱告，天就降下雨來，地也生出土產。19我的弟兄們，你們中間若有失迷真道的，有人使他回轉，20這人該知道：叫一個罪人從迷路上轉回便是救一個靈魂不死，並且遮蓋許多的罪。

 

默想

1. 在我信仰的路程中，我是否曾經幾乎“失迷真道”，想要離棄神、回頭追求世界？是誰幫助我回轉到神的跟前？用些時間回想那次的經歷，以及心中感受？
2. 求問神，是否有那位信徒，目前也落在我當時的“失迷”光景中，我當如何來幫助他，重新回到信仰的真道上？
3. 為教會和小組的弟兄姐妹彼此間的關係禱告，我們都是破碎的人——肉體上、情感上、靈命上——因此我們需要彼此代禱，使我們的痊愈。求主賜下和諧、接納、寬恕、相愛的靈在當中，使我們能彼此相顧，見證神的能力。

 

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。

James 5:13-20

13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

 

Meditation

1. Recall a time when I came very close to wandering from the faith?  Who helped bring me back?  Spend some time revisit that experience and all my emotions then and now.
2. Is God putting someone in my heart that is in the “wandering from the faith” situation as I was?  How would I help him/her come back to the faith?
3. Pray for the people in the church and in my cell. We are all broken people—physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc—and we need each other in the community of faith to pray that we might be healed. Ask God to give us a spirit of harmony, acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and love so that we would care for each other and witness God’s power.

 

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.

 

雅各書 第四章11-17節

11弟兄們，你們不可彼此批評。人若批評弟兄，論斷弟兄，就是批評律法，論斷律法。你若論斷律法，就不是遵行律法，乃是判斷人的。12設立律法和判斷人的，只有一位，就是那能救人也能滅人的。你是誰，竟敢論斷別人呢？13嗐！你們有話說：「今天明天我們要往某城裏去，在那裏住一年，做買賣得利。」14其實明天如何，你們還不知道。你們的生命是甚麼呢？你們原來是一片雲霧，出現少時就不見了。15你們只當說：「主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事。」16現今你們竟以張狂誇口；凡這樣誇口都是惡的。17人若知道行善，卻不去行，這就是他的罪了。

 

默想

1. 訂立目標原是好的，但問題是我們常會認為是我自己在掌控我的生命和我的未來，而將神拋在我生命之外。如果我們的計劃中從來沒有把神包括在內，我們就不能參與在神的計劃中，因為沒有人能控制明天，未來是掌握在神手中的。我們應該在神面前謙卑，慎重地尋求神在我們生命中的心意。
2. 我對未來的十年、一年或明天有甚麼打算呢？假若神要介入我的計劃，替我重新安排，我願意嗎？我是否願意放開我的手，放開我對自己的計劃，雖然會面對不知，決心以信心來選擇跟隨神所為我安排的道路？事實上，只有當我選擇容許神來指引我的道路，我才能真正的活出神為我安排的豐盛生命。

 

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。

 

James 4:11-17

11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

 

Meditation

1. Setting goals and making plans can be good. The temptation, however, when we plan is to think that we are in control of our lives and our future, which pushes God away from our lives. And when God is not at the centre of our planning, we will find that we are not participating in His story—the things that he is doing in this world. Our lives and the future are in God’s hands. We need to come humbly to God and carefully seek God’s will for our lives.
2. What plans do I have for tomorrow, this year or next ten years? Am I willing to submit all of them to God so that I can be involved in his work for his glory and honour?  Am I willing to hold loosely to my own plans, and to take risky steps of faith to follow what God has in store for me?  Only when I choose to allow God to direct my path, will I be able to live the best life, the one God has in store for 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

雅各書 第三章1-12節

1我的弟兄們，不要多人作師傅，因為曉得我們要受更重的判斷。2原來我們在許多事上都有過失；若有人在話語上沒有過失，他就是完全人，也能勒住自己的全身。3我們若把嚼環放在馬嘴裏，叫牠順服，就能調動牠的全身。4看哪，船隻雖然甚大，又被大風催逼，只用小小的舵，就隨著掌舵的意思轉動。5這樣，舌頭在百體裏也是最小的，卻能說大話。看哪，最小的火能點著最大的樹林。6舌頭就是火，在我們百體中，舌頭是個罪惡的世界，能污穢全身，也能把生命的輪子點起來，並且是從地獄裏點著的。7各類的走獸、飛禽、昆蟲、水族，本來都可以制伏，也已經被人制伏了；8惟獨舌頭沒有人能制伏，是不止息的惡物，滿了害死人的毒氣。9我們用舌頭頌讚那為主、為父的，又用舌頭咒詛那照著　神形像被造的人。10頌讚和咒詛從一個口裏出來！我的弟兄們，這是不應當的！11泉源從一個眼裏能發出甜苦兩樣的水嗎？12我的弟兄們，無花果樹能生橄欖嗎？葡萄樹能結無花果嗎？鹹水裏也不能發出甜水來。

 

默想

1. 倘若把上週我所說過的話全部錄下來，並且在這週崇拜中播放出來，有那些內容我會希望刪除？
2. 花一些時間思想9-10節的經文，想想我一般說話是咒詛多、或是頌讚多？我怎樣才可以多說讚美鼓勵的話？
3. 在本週中，有那一位家人、同事或朋友，我要向他/她說些鼓勵的話？寫下我要講的話，並禱告求主提醒幫助我能確實做到。

 

 

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。

 

James 3:1-12

1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

 

Meditation

1. If I were to record everything I said last week to have it played back during church, what would I want to erase from the recording?
2. Meditate on 3:9-10. Have I been doing more praising or cursing? What are ways that I can praise and encourage others more?
3. Is there a family member, a friend or colleague, to whom I may say some encouraging words? During this week, pray that God will help me to speak words of kindness and grace, and pray for one particular person with whom you find it difficult to speak with love.  As we pray for others, even ones whom we feel like we can’t love, God transforms our hearts to love them like He does.

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.

 

 

雅各書 第二章14-26節

14 我的弟兄們，若有人說自己有信心，卻沒有行為，有甚麼益處呢？這信心能救他嗎？15 若是弟兄或是姊妹，赤身露體，又缺了日用的飲食；16 你們中間有人對他們說：「平平安安地去吧！願你們穿得暖，吃得飽」，卻不給他們身體所需用的，這有甚麼益處呢？17 這樣，信心若沒有行為就是死的。18 必有人說：「你有信心，我有行為；你將你沒有行為的信心指給我看，我便藉著我的行為，將我的信心指給你看。」19 你信　神只有一位，你信的不錯；鬼魔也信，卻是戰驚。20 虛浮的人哪，你願意知道沒有行為的信心是死的嗎？21 我們的祖宗亞伯拉罕把他兒子以撒獻在壇上，豈不是因行為稱義嗎？22 可見，信心是與他的行為並行，而且信心因著行為才得成全。23 這就應驗經上所說：「亞伯拉罕信神，這就算為他的義。」他又得稱為　神的朋友。24 這樣看來，人稱義是因著行為，不是單因著信。25 妓女喇合接待使者，又放他們從別的路上出去，不也是一樣因行為稱義嗎？26 身體沒有靈魂是死的，信心沒有行為也是死的。

 

默想

1. 我們的信心，正如雅各所說，是不能眼見的，但卻藉著我們的行為表明出來。雅各告訴我們信心與行為是相齊並進的，我們因為相信耶穌基督，因此對世界、自己並神的工作，有不同的看法。當我們與基督的關係日漸增長時，我們的看法及價值觀也就因此而改變，我們的舉止行為也就會越來越貼近神的心意。這樣，我們的行為就顯明我們對神的信心。
2. 信主以後，我的信心怎樣影響我對生命、關係、工作、教會的看法？我如何使用我的時間？神如何在我身上開始祂的陶造工作？我怎樣與其他信徒一同活出我們的信心來？

 

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。

 

James 2:14-26

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

 

Meditation

1. Faith is something that we cannot see but faith is made real and visible in our works. James tells us that faith and works go hand-in-hand; our faith in the person and gospel of Jesus Christ changes the way that we see the world, ourselves, and God’s work. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our changed perspective and value system will cause us to behave closer to God’s way.  Thus, our actions reveal our faith in God.
2. How has my faith affected the way in which I view my life, relationships, work, the Church, how I spend my time, etc? How is God already at work around me?  How can I join others to live out my faith in actions?

 

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.

 

 第一章 1-11節

1作神和主耶穌基督僕人的雅各請散住十二個支派之人的安。2我的弟兄們，你們落在百般試煉中，都要以為大喜樂；3因為知道你們的信心經過試驗，就生忍耐。4但忍耐也當成功，使你們成全、完備，毫無缺欠。5你們中間若有缺少智慧的，應當求那厚賜與眾人、也不斥責人的神，主就必賜給他。6只要憑著信心求，一點不疑惑；因為那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被風吹動翻騰。7這樣的人不要想從主那裏得甚麼。8心懷二意的人，在他一切所行的路上都沒有定見。9卑微的弟兄升高，就該喜樂；10富足的降卑，也該如此；因為他必要過去，如同草上的花一樣。11太陽出來，熱風颳起，草就枯乾，花也凋謝，美容就消沒了；那富足的人，在他所行的事上也要這樣衰殘。

 

默想

1. 人生必然會遇上各種考驗，我們若相信神，也就確信，即使我們遭遇愁煩，祂會藉著我們掙扎的過程來陶造我們，因為“信心經過試驗，就生忍耐”（3節），使我們更成熟，更能為主所用。當我們遭遇財務上、關係上、健康上，的種種困難時，這是我們最能夠專注並依賴神的時候。而當我們明白“我本軟弱主剛強”時，我們也就能夠充滿喜樂。
2. 回想我曾經遭遇的一個試煉，是什麼？當時我對神的信心承受怎樣的壓力？我從這經歷的當中得到什麼“智慧”？
3. 在現今這個崇尚財富的社會，9-11節對我有什麼意義？雅各教導我應當以那些事情為榮？

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

 

Meditation

1. Life involves us in many kinds of testing; it is in God that the testing of our faith produces endurance and because of Him, we are able to grow mature.  When we experience difficult times—whether financially, relationally, or otherwise—those times are when we are most able to focus and be dependent on God. These times can be filled with joy when we realise that He is strong when we are weak.
2. Recalling a trial I have experienced, what pressures did it bring on my faith?  What “wisdom” did I gain through it?
3. In this wealth-chasing modern society, what do vv 9-11 mean to me?  What might James say I should “take pride in”?  Will I heed his teaching?  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.

 

 

第廿八章

23 他們和保羅約定了日子，就有許多人到他的寓處來。保羅從早到晚，對他們講論這事，證明神國的道，引摩西的律法和先知的書，以耶穌的事勸勉他們。 24 他所說的話，有信的，有不信的。 25 他們彼此不合，就散了；未散以先，保羅說了一句話，說：聖靈藉先知以賽亞向你們祖宗所說的話是不錯的。 26 他說：你去告訴這百姓說：你們聽是要聽見，卻不明白；看是要看見，卻不曉得； 27 因為這百姓油蒙了心，耳朵發沉，眼睛閉著；恐怕眼睛看見，耳朵聽見，心裡明白，回轉過來，我就醫治他們。 28 所以你們當知道，神這救恩，如今傳給外邦人，他們也必聽受。（有古卷在此有： 29 保羅說了這話，猶太人議論紛紛的就走了。） 30 保羅在自己所租的房子裡住了足足兩年。凡來見他的人，他全都接待， 31 放膽傳講神國的道，將主耶穌基督的事教導人，並沒有人禁止。

 

默想

1. 保羅有兩年在羅馬受到軟禁，凡來見他的人，他都接待。使徒行傳是從十字架轉成復活開始，之後有監禁，鞭打，殉道——不單是保羅，而是初期教會中許多信徒的經歷。他們遭遇公開的恐嚇，私下的勾結；還有更微妙的妥協——回歸猶太教的儀式，謹守舊有的規條。但雖經過這些，基督的福音還是傳出去了。雖有拘限，妥協，阻攔，拒絕，福音終由羅馬帝國傳向世界各處。
2. 使徒行傳最後留下的圖像就是：保羅開放自己，開放住所，接待所有來見他的人，向他們放膽傳講，沒有人禁止。他曾接受別人的接待，現在他也接待他人。而「神是不偏待人(10:34)」，因此神的使者亦當如此。
3. 禱告，求主幫助我對到我身邊來的人，慷慨、仁慈的接待他們。

 

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 28

²³They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. ²⁴Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. ²⁵They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet:  ²⁶” ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”  ²⁷For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,  and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ ²⁸“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” ³⁰For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Meditation

1. Paul spent two years of imprisonment in Rome welcoming everyone who came to his house.  Acts began with a crucifixion turned into a resurrection.  There had been imprisonments, beatings, martyrdoms – not just for Paul but for many members of the early church.  There had been open threats and secret intrigues.  And there had been the more subtle danger of compromise – the pressure to be drawn back into Jewish ritual, absorbed into the old rule keeping.  Through it all, the gospel of Christ was spread to the world.  Every attempt to confine it, to compromise it, to muffle it, to reject it was finally ineffective.  It spread from the center of the world in Rome through the far reaches of the globe.
2. Acts closes with this image: Paul, opening his home and his heart, preaches boldly and without hindrance to all comers without.  As he has received hospitality, he offers it to “all who came to him.”  As “God shows no partiality” (10:34), God’s messengers must be similarly inclusive.
3. Pray that God will help me to offer hospitality to all who came to me and to show no partiality just as God does.

 

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.

 

 

第廿七章

13 這時，微微起了南風，他們以為得意，就起了錨，貼近克里特行去。 14 不多幾時，狂風從島上撲下來；那風名叫友拉革羅。 15 船被風抓住，敵不住風，我們就任風颳去。 16 貼著一個小島的背風岸奔行，那島名叫高大，在那裡僅僅收住了小船。 17 既然把小船拉上來，就用纜索捆綁船底，又恐怕在賽耳底沙灘上擱了淺，就落下篷來，任船飄去。 18 我們被風浪逼得甚急，第二天眾人就把貨物拋在海裡。 19 到第三天，他們又親手把船上的器具拋棄了。 20 太陽和星辰多日不顯露，又有狂風大浪催逼，我們得救的指望就都絕了。 21 眾人多日沒有吃甚麼，保羅就出來站在他們中間，說：眾位，你們本該聽我的話，不離開克里特，免得遭這樣的傷損破壞。 22 現在我還勸你們放心，你們的性命一個也不失喪，惟獨失喪這船。 23 因我所屬所事奉的神，他的使者昨夜站在我旁邊，說： 24 保羅，不要害怕，你必定站在凱撒面前，並且與你同船的人，神都賜給你了。 25 所以眾位可以放心，我信神他怎樣對我說：事情也要怎樣成就。 26 只是我們必要撞在一個島上。

 

默想

1. 「我們得救的指望就都絕了」（20節），雖然在這樣絕望的情況下，保羅卻滿有希望的勸勉大家，因有神的使者在夜晚向他顯現，向他保證他必會到羅馬，在凱撒面前受審；並告訴與他一起的每一位也將去到羅馬。他說「不要害怕……放心」（24-25節）神將攔阻他們認識神的事物撥開——無論是船、工作、及想到達羅馬的意願等，但保全他們的生命，為的是使他們能深刻認識創造風浪和海水的真神。
2. 神今天也一樣要得到我們。每一件我們認為是損失的遭遇，都可以成為發掘神在當中的機會，使我們了解生命的寶貴，在沒有慾望、自大、及貪心妨礙的情況下，使我們了解愛的寶貴。神的聲音不斷地在恐怖、災難和絕望中對我們說道：「不要害怕。。。放心」。
3. 將心中的害怕、無助告訴神，並在問題的當中，尋找神的同在，聆聽神對我說：「不要害怕……放心」。

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 27

¹³When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. ¹⁴Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island. ¹⁵The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. ¹⁶As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure. ¹⁷When the men had hoisted it aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. ¹⁸We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. ¹⁹On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. ²⁰When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  ²¹After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²²But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Meditation

1. In spite of the terrible conditions, Paul spoke hopefully that an angel of God had appeared to him in the night and assured him that he would arrive in Rome and stand trial before Caesar; and all who were with him would get there, too.  He said, “Don’t give up… take heart” (the Message vv24-25).  God would strip them of what had obscured their awareness of him – the ship, the job, and the mad rush to Rome.  But their lives would be preserved.
2. God is also out to get us.  Everything we consider a loss can be a chance to discover God at the center, to realize the preciousness of life itself, of love unencumbered by lust and pride and greed.  The Voice keeps arriving in the midst of terror, disaster and hopelessness: “Don’t give up… take heart.”
3. Tell God my fear and helplessness.  Find God in the midst of my problem and His presence.  Listen to Him telling me: “Don’t give up… take heart.”

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.

 

第廿六章

12 「那時，我領了祭司長的權柄和命令，往大馬士革去。13 王啊，我在路上，晌午的時候，看見從天發光，比日頭還亮，四面照著我並與我同行的人。14 我們都仆倒在地，我就聽見有聲音用希伯來話向我說：『掃羅！掃羅！為甚麼逼迫我？你用腳踢刺是難的！』 15 我說：『主啊，你是誰？』主說：『我就是你所逼迫的耶穌。16 你起來站著，我特意向你顯現，要派你作執事，作見證，將你所看見的事和我將要指示你的事證明出來。17 我也要救你脫離百姓和外邦人的手。
18 我差你到他們那裏去，要叫他們的眼睛得開，從黑暗中歸向光明，從撒但權下歸向　神；又因信我，得蒙赦罪，和一切成聖的人同得基業。』」

 

默想

1. 為什麼耶穌不直接說：「我是神的兒子，你完全錯了。趕快改過」？

雖然掃羅曾經殺害基督徒，耶穌還給掃羅工作，如果我是保羅，我會怎樣回應？這說明耶穌是怎樣的一位神？

想想看，保羅這時會怎樣禱告；那時他雙眼全盲，且由手下牽引著走。

1. 禱告：和耶穌有個類似保羅的對話。（填入適合我情況的字句）

首先，耶穌問我，「你為什麼……？」我會怎樣回答？

然後，耶穌告訴我祂是誰——是我忽略的一面：「我是耶穌，是你……」

最後，耶穌說，「起來——我有工作要你去做。」這會是什麼工作？我會如何回應？

1. 在今天一天的生活中，不斷地問耶穌：我對你還有什麼地方是忽略的？是我不明白或不能接受的？請指明給我看。

 

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 26

¹²“On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. ¹³About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. ¹⁴We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’  ¹⁵“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’    ” ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. ¹⁷I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

 

Meditation

1. Why didn’t Jesus just say, “I’m the Son of God.  You got it all wrong. Change it”?

How would I respond to Jesus’ giving Saul a job to do even though he’s been murdering Christians?  What does this tell me about Jesus?

Consider what Paul might have prayed next; there he is, blind, with his underlings leading him to safety.

1. Prayer:  Have a conversation with Jesus similar to Paul’s. (Fill in the appropriate personal situation)

First, Jesus asks me, “Why are you…?”  How would I respond?

Next, Jesus tells me exactly who he is – a glimpse of him I have missed:   “I am Jesus the One you’re …”

Finally, Jesus says, “Up on your feet – I have a job for you.”  What is the job?  How would I respond?

1. Live today asking Jesus: Is there anything about you I’m missing out on?  That I don’t understand or accept?  Show 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

 

第廿五章

1 非斯都到了任，過了三天，就從凱撒利亞上耶路撒冷去。2 祭司長和猶太人的首領向他控告保羅， 3 又央告他，求他的情，將保羅提到耶路撒冷來，他們要在路上埋伏殺害他。4 非斯都卻回答說：「保羅押在凱撒利亞，我自己快要往那裡去。」 5 又說：「你們中間有權勢的人與我一同下去，那人若有甚麼不是，就可以告他。」 6 非斯都在他們那裡住了不過十天八天，就下凱撒利亞去。第二天坐堂，吩咐將保羅提上來。7 保羅來了，那些從耶路撒冷下來的猶太人周圍站著，將許多重大的事控告他，都是不能證實的。8 保羅分訴說：「無論猶太人的律法、或是聖殿、或是凱撒，我都沒有干犯。」 9 但非斯都要討猶太人的喜歡，就問保羅說：「你願意上耶路撒冷去，在那裡聽我審斷這事嗎？」10 保羅說：「我站在凱撒的堂前，這就是我應當受審的地方。我向猶太人並沒有行過甚麼不義的事，這也是你明明知道的。11 我若行了不義的事，犯了甚麼該死的罪，就是死，我也不辭！他們所告我的事若都不實，就沒有人可以把我交給他們。我要上告於凱撒。」 12 非斯都和議會商量了，就說：「你既上告於凱撒，可以往凱撒那裡去。」

 

默想                     

1. 保羅守住了他羅馬人、猶太人、基督徒的身份，他竭力的為主盡上基督徒的本份，卻沒有因此不顧他身為羅馬人、猶太人的身份；他遵守羅馬的法律，也沒有干犯污穢聖殿，所以非斯都和亞基帕王根據羅馬法律，證明他是無罪的。
2. 每個人在這世界上，有好幾種身份，一個國家的國民、公司或學校的成員、你朋友的朋友（不管是教會中還是沒有信主的朋友）、家中的一分子。每個角色都有權利和義務。在我諸多的身份中，我是否盡力地守住？
3. 求聖靈光照，讓我看見有什麼地方需要改善的？並懇求神賜力量。

 

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 25

¹Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, ²where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. ³They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. ⁴Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. ⁵Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong.”  ⁶After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. ⁷When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.  ⁸Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”  ⁹Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”  ¹⁰Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. ¹¹If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”  ¹²After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

 

Meditation

1. Paul has kept his identity as a Roman, a Jew, and a Christian.  He diligently laboured for the Lord, he obeyed the Roman’s law, and he didn’t defy the Temple.  Therefore, Festus and King Agrippa knew he was innocent.
2. Everyone has different identities, a citizen of a country, an employee of a company, a student of a school, a friend to someone, a member of a family.   How am I keeping my various identities?  In trying to maintain one identity, am I overlooking the others?  Who am I at the core of my identity?
3. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show me where I need to change and improve.  Ask God for the needed strength.

 

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.