260靈修 July 12, 2011: 馬太福音第十九章 Matthew:19

第十九章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

16 有一個人來見耶穌,說:「夫子(有古卷:良善的夫子),我該做甚麼善事才能得永生?」17 耶穌對他說:「你為甚麼以善事問我呢?只有一位是善的(有古卷:你為甚麼稱我是良善的?除了 神以外,沒有一個良善的)。你若要進入永生,就當遵守誡命。」18 他說:「甚麼誡命?」耶穌說:「就是不可殺人;不可姦淫;不可偷盜;不可作假見證;19 當孝敬父母;又當愛人如己。」20 那少年人說:「這一切我都遵守了,還缺少甚麼呢?」21 耶穌說:「你若願意作完全人,可去變賣你所有的,分給窮人,就必有財寶在天上;你還要來跟從我。」22 那少年人聽見這話,就憂憂愁愁地走了,因為他的產業很多。

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌單刀直入的指出少年人對永生的誤解,有哪些誤解是我也有的?
  2. 這段故事中,耶穌再次將我們一向持有的價值觀顛倒過來:財富不一定代表祝福,相反還可能阻礙人成為主真正的門徒。
  3. 我愛主超過其他一切嗎?還有什麼我看為寶貴的事物,攔阻我成為主的真門徒?

 

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 19

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 18“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, ” ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.'” 20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

 

Meditation:

  1. Jesus very bluntly pointed to the young man his misunderstanding of the eternal life. What is it? Do I share similar misunderstanding?
  2. In this passage, Jesus once again turned upside down the traditional view of wealth being a sign of blessing. Wealth, in fact, can be a hindrance to proper discipleship as in this case.
  3. Do I love God above all else? Is there anything hindering me to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

 

Family Time:

A rich young man asked Jesus how he could get eternal life. Jesus’ answer was unique to this situation – sell his possessions and give to the poor. How does this compare with what he told Nicodemus (John 3)? How much wealth must we have, to love riches so much that they keep us from eternal life? Read Prov 11:28; 1 Tim 6:10.

260靈修 July 11, 2011: 馬太福音第十八章 Matthew:18

第十八章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

21 那時,彼得進前來,對耶穌說:「主啊,我弟兄得罪我,我當饒恕他幾次呢?到七次可以嗎?」22 耶穌說:「我對你說,不是到七次,乃是到七十個七次。23 天國好像一個王要和他僕人算帳。24 才算的時候,有人帶了一個欠一千萬銀子的來。25 因為他沒有甚麼償還之物,主人吩咐把他和他妻子兒女,並一切所有的都賣了償還。26 那僕人就俯伏拜他,說:『主啊,寬容我,將來我都要還清。』27 那僕人的主人就動了慈心,把他釋放了,並且免了他的債。28 「那僕人出來,遇見他的一個同伴欠他十兩銀子,便揪著他,掐住他的喉嚨,說:『你把所欠的還我!』29 他的同伴就俯伏央求他,說:『寬容我吧,將來我必還清。』30 他不肯,竟去把他下在監裏,等他還了所欠的債。31 眾同伴看見他所做的事就甚憂愁,去把這事都告訴了主人。32 於是主人叫了他來,對他說:『你這惡奴才!你央求我,我就把你所欠的都免了,33 你不應當憐恤你的同伴,像我憐恤你嗎?』34 主人就大怒,把他交給掌刑的,等他還清了所欠的債。35 你們各人若不從心裏饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。」

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌以一個比喻來回答彼得提出有關饒恕的問題,並且給了饒恕最強有力的原因。這比喻說到一個僕人,欠了主人無以償還的巨額債款,主人動了慈心,免了他的債。但這僕人後來見到另一位欠他極少數額的債款,卻將他扔到監裡,直到他償還為止。主人非常生氣,因為這個被赦免這麼多債務的僕人,竟然不肯憐恤欠他這麼少數額的夥伴。
  2. 這對我們有很大的提醒,當弟兄姐妹重復多次傷害我們後,我們的心就變得僵硬;但神我們的主宰,卻早已饒恕了我們全然無法償還的罪債。
  3. 有誰是我到現在仍然很不容易饒恕的人?思想以下我從神所得的饒恕,想像我是比喻中第一個欠了巨額的僕人,求神賜下饒恕他人的恩典給我,來徹底地饒恕此人。

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 18

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26“The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Meditation:

  1. Jesus gave us the most compelling reason of all to forgive one another in the parable. A servant owed a king a huge debt and couldn’t pay back. The king forgave the debt and let him go. Then the servant met another servant who owned him a small sum, but he threw that man into prison until the debt was paid. This angered the king as it was hardly appropriate for one who had been forgiven so much to make such an issue of a debt which was so little.
  2. What a reminder when we find our hearts hardening toward a brother or sister after a few repeated hurts. God, the great King, has forgiven us an absolutely unpayable debt, our sins.
  3. Who is the one I find it hard to forgive? Meditate on the forgiveness I have received from the Lord. Imagine myself as the first servant. Ask for grace to forgive the other person.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

Family Time:

Assign different person to play each of the characters of this parable of the unmerciful servant. Make a recording of it, or video is even better. Play it back and discuss the problem of this servant. Emphasize the need to forgive.


祈禱週誌 2011年7月10-7月16日

虛心的人有福了!因為天國是他們的。
哀慟的人有福了!因為他們必得安慰。 太5:3-4

星期日: 為今天崇拜中的領受禱告「我成長」

  • 為今日蕭牧師的信息感謝,為自己的得著禱告。

星期一: 為萬民堂禱告「我相愛」

  • 紀念將前住非洲短宣的Johnathan和Joanne夫婦。

星期二: 為未信主的親友鄰居禱告「我傳揚」

  • 為你和組員未信主的家人朋友得救禱告,求主加添傳福音的熱誠和果子。
  • 曾受邀前來參加“我愛耶加達”音樂佈道會親友,求主幫助弟兄姐妹持續的禱告、 聯絡與關懷,並把握機會分享見證及福音。

星期三: 為教會肢體禱告「我相愛」

  • 身體軟弱、面對生活壓力、或尋找工作的弟兄姊妹,求主醫治,重新得力,或能找到適合的工作。
  • 夏季有數位肢體回港渡暑或回港發展,求主保守身心靈健康,也求主保守他們投入當地教會﹐繼續跟隨主。

星期四: 為細胞小組及牧區禱告「我相愛」

  • 感恩YAP親子小組本年幾位新生嬰兒,求主保守各家庭建立基督化家庭。
  • HingStone區新分組,弟兄姊妹的屬靈生命和長進。

星期五: 為本地、世界及遠方的宣教士禱告「我傳揚」

  • 朱肇平宣教士在埃塞俄比亞的事工正尋覓合適地方開展青年中心(Abyssinia Youth Centre)
  • 傅士德夫婦已經回加,Ken正在Huntsville工作並等候神的帶領為他們開路往另一工場,求主賜福他們等候的過程。
  • Matt 及妻子 Andrea 正在學習語言,並待產第二名孩子。他們十分欣賞巴國的人情和風光,但也為每天目睹不少的貧窮婦儒行乞而心痛,求主祝福他們有主的靈充滿,行出主愛心腸。
  • Johnathan和Joanne夫婦的非洲短宣,求神引導並賜力量給他們的團隊,保守他們健康、安全,團隊的同心,與烏干達及肯亞當地人的良好關係,並把握機會為主作見證。

星期六: 為教會牧者和明天崇拜/主日學禱告「我成長」

  • 為明天 David Lundy 宣教士的信息禱告,並賜福諸位主日學老師(成人與兒童),能以神的愛與智慧教導眾人。

 

260靈修 July 8, 2011: 馬太福音第十七章 Matthew:17

第十七章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

1過了六天,耶穌帶著彼得、雅各,和雅各的兄弟約翰,暗暗地上了高山,2 就在他們面前變了形像,臉面明亮如日頭,衣裳潔白如光。3 忽然,有摩西、以利亞向他們顯現,同耶穌說話。4 彼得對耶穌說:「主啊,我們在這裏真好!你若願意,我就在這裏搭三座棚,一座為你,一座為摩西,一座為以利亞。」5 說話之間,忽然有一朵光明的雲彩遮蓋他們,且有聲音從雲彩裏出來,說:「這是我的愛子,我所喜悅的。你們要聽他!」6 門徒聽見﹐就俯伏在地,極其害怕。7 耶穌進前來,摸他們,說:「起來,不要害怕!」8 他們舉目不見一人,只見耶穌在那裏。9 下山的時候,耶穌吩咐他們說:「人子還沒有從死裏復活,你們不要將所看見的告訴人。」10 門徒問耶穌說:「文士為甚麼說以利亞必須先來?」11 耶穌回答說:「以利亞固然先來,並要復興萬事;12 只是我告訴你們,以利亞已經來了,人卻不認識他,竟任意待他。人子也將要這樣受他們的害。」13 門徒這才明白耶穌所說的是指著施洗的約翰。

 

默想:

  1. 彼得、雅各,和約翰三個人在高山上親眼目睹了一件非常特殊的事件,以致他們仆倒在變了相的耶穌面前。當他們抬頭時,「他們舉目不見一人,只見耶穌在那裏」。何等奇妙的山頂經驗,耶穌熟悉的臉面明亮如日頭,衣裳潔白如光,在光明的雲彩遮蓋他們時,他們聽見有聲音宣佈,耶穌是神的愛子,他們窺見了耶穌的榮耀。所以他們就全然地沉浸在敬拜的當中。
  2. 回想自己信主的歷程中,我在什麼情況下承認「耶穌是超越一切,我應當聽從祂」?神怎樣向我宣佈:「這是我的愛子,我所喜悅的」?我有怎樣的回應?

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 17

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 10The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Meditation:

  1. Peter, James and John witnessed a special event on the mountaintop. They fell down before the transformed Jesus and when they looked up “they saw no one except Jesus”. What a mountaintop experience that was. In the rays that blazed from His familiar form, in the bright cloud that enveloped them, and in the voice announcing Jesus as God’s Son, Christ’s essential glory was glimpsed. They were deeply, completely, totally immersed in worship.
  2. How did I ever come to realize that Jesus was the one above all others that I should listen to? How has God said to me, “This is my child, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased”? What was my response?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

 

Family Time:

Look at this painting of Jesus’ transfiguration by Giovanni: Talk about the painting, what you see in each of the people there. Who are the two beside Jesus and who are the three on the ground? http://freechristimages.org/images_Christ_life/Transfiguration_of_Christ_Giovanni_Bellini_1487.jpg

260靈修 July 7, 2011: 馬太福音第十六章 Matthew:16

第十六章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

21 從此,耶穌才指示門徒,他必須上耶路撒冷去,受長老、祭司長、文士許多的苦,並且被殺,第三日復活。22 彼得就拉著他,勸他說:「主啊,萬不可如此!這事必不臨到你身上。」23 耶穌轉過來,對彼得說:「撒但,退我後邊去吧!你是絆我腳的;因為你不體貼 神的意思,只體貼人的意思。」24 於是耶穌對門徒說:「若有人要跟從我,就當捨己,背起他的十字架來跟從我。25 因為,凡要救自己生命(生命:或譯靈魂;下同)的,必喪掉生命;凡為我喪掉生命的,必得著生命。26 人若賺得全世界,賠上自己的生命,有甚麼益處呢?人還能拿甚麼換生命呢?27 人子要在他父的榮耀裏,同著眾使者降臨;那時候,他要照各人的行為報應各人。28 我實在告訴你們,站在這裏的,有人在沒嘗死味以前必看見人子降臨在他的國裏。」

 

默想:

  1. 彼得不希望耶穌面對十架的死亡,因此他要求耶穌去避開。但耶穌嚴厲地斥責彼得,因他不是從神的眼光來看事情。每個主的門徒都當學習以神的眼光來看自己的生命,並「背…十字架來跟從」。這並不是說,我們都要被釘十架,我們的十架並不代表是受苦或死亡,乃是代表神對我們每個人的計劃與目的,這是需要我們去尋找並實踐。
  2. 我們常以為遵行神的旨意,就表示會「喪掉生命」。其實,只有在每天生活中遵行神的旨意,我們才能「得到生命」,並且是更豐盛的生命。
  3. 從耶穌「得與失」的教導中,我對自己目前的生活優次,有什麼提醒,察覺到神對我的生命的看法如何?

 

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 16

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

 

Meditation:

  1. Peter didn’t like the idea of Christ facing death by crucifixion. So he urged Jesus to avoid it! Jesus angrily pushed him away for he lacked the perspective of God. Every disciple must learn to look at his or her life from God’s perspective and “take up his cross and follow”. Not that we will literally be crucified, our cross doesn’t represent suffering or death. Instead, the cross represents the plan and purpose of God for each of us that we need to find and do, just like Jesus did.
  2. It often seems to us that if we do the will of God, we will “lose our life”. However, the truth is that we will only “gain” our life and become what we most desire to be when we do the will of God each day.
  3. What perspective do I gain on my current priorities from Jesus’ “gain and lose” teaching (vv25-26)?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

 

Family Time:

If we want to follow Jesus, what three things must we do? These three are different yet closely related. Bring out the Cross which was made for chapter 10. What have you done to show you are carrying the cross to follow Jesus since the cross was made? Be as specific and practical as possible.

 

260靈修 July 6, 2011: 馬太福音第十五章 Matthew:15

第十五章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

10 耶穌就叫了眾人來,對他們說:「你們要聽,也要明白。11 入口的不能污穢人,出口的乃能污穢人。」12 當時,門徒進前來對他說:「法利賽人聽見這話,不服(原文是跌倒),你知道嗎?」13 耶穌回答說:「凡栽種的物,若不是我天父栽種的,必要拔出來。14 任憑他們吧!他們是瞎眼領路的;若是瞎子領瞎子,兩個人都要掉在坑裏。」15 彼得對耶穌說:「請將這比喻講給我們聽。」16 耶穌說:「你們到如今還不明白嗎?17 豈不知凡入口的,是運到肚子裏,又落在茅廁裏嗎?18 惟獨出口的,是從心裏發出來的,這才污穢人。19 因為從心裏發出來的,有惡念、凶殺、姦淫、苟合、偷盜、妄證、謗讟。20 這都是污穢人的;至於不洗手吃飯,那卻不污穢人。」

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌好像經常用很尖銳的話語來惹怒法利賽人,但是,他們卻是全國中,最敬虔的宗教領袖。和耶穌一起來評擊法利賽人是很過癮的,認為「我很慶幸我不像他們」也很容易,但事實上,我是否與法利賽人很相似?
  2. 我是否也像法利賽人,非常專注外表整潔體面的裝扮,卻忽略了從心裡出來的言語和思想的清潔?
  3. 仔細逐個的讀耶穌在19節所列的各種罪,求至高聖潔神的光,照亮我的內心,讓我看見自己裡面的污穢、黑暗;求神赦免,並將內心洗滌乾凈。

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 15

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

10Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’ ” 12Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” 13He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14Leave them; they are blind guides.[e] If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” 15Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” 16“Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. 17“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’ ”

 

Meditation:

  1. Jesus seems to spend a lot of time provoking the Pharisees by speaking harshly to them. Yet, these are supposed to be the most devout leaders in the entire nation. Joining Jesus in bashing the Pharisees is tempting. Thinking I’m glad I’m not like them is easy. But we often resemble the Pharisees more than we’d like to admit.
  2. Am I like the Pharisees, caring much about how I look on the outside, but neglect the purity on the inside?
  3. Read through the sins listed in v19. Ask the light of the holy God Most High to shine in my heart for me to see the filth and darkness. Ask for forgiveness and cleansing of my heart.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

Family Time:

Talk about where sin begins. If the conclusion is the heart, discuss how the seed of sin gets there. Do we open our heart to those seed by what we read, what we watch, and what we listen to? What part do our friends play in our hearts being open to the seeds of sin? Pray that God will give you wisdom as you make your choices.

 

260靈修 July 5, 2011: 馬太福音第十四章 Matthew:14

第十四章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

22 耶穌隨即催門徒上船,先渡到那邊去,等他叫眾人散開。23 散了眾人以後,他就獨自上山去禱告。到了晚上,只有他一人在那裏。24 那時船在海中,因風不順,被浪搖撼。25 夜裏四更天,耶穌在海面上走,往門徒那裏去。26 門徒看見他在海面上走,就驚慌了,說:「是個鬼怪!」便害怕,喊叫起來。27 耶穌連忙對他們說:「你們放心,是我,不要怕!」28 彼得說:「主,如果是你,請叫我從水面上走到你那裏去。」29 耶穌說:「你來吧。」彼得就從船上下去,在水面上走,要到耶穌那裏去;30 只因見風甚大,就害怕,將要沉下去,便喊著說:「主啊,救我!」31 耶穌趕緊伸手拉住他,說:「你這小信的人哪,為甚麼疑惑呢?」32 他們上了船,風就住了。33 在船上的人都拜他,說:「你真是 神的兒子了。」

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌為什麼這麼快地打發門徒走?為什麼耶穌需要獨自禱告?
  2. 走向耶穌,直至狂風巨浪把他嚇倒。這是個憑信心開步走的故事,而非描述在恐懼中前行。
  3. 若我當時在場,我會留在船上,還是踏出去?我的生命與彼得嘗試在水上行走,有什麼類似之處?
  4. 耶穌把安靜獨處視為一件特別重要的事情,嘗試用一天的時間,到靜修中心安靜退修,或找個地方遠離日常生活的煩囂。隨身帶備著筆記本,記下所聽見,或從神所領受的感想。

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 14

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

 

Meditation:

  1. Why did Jesus dismiss the disciples so abruptly? Why did Jesus want to pray alone?
  2. Only Peter attempted to step out in faith and walk toward Jesus, until the elements of wind and wave frighten him. Therefore, it is a story of walking by faith, rather than in fear.
  3. Would I be more likely to stay in the boat or step out of it? Why? What do I see in my life that parallels Peter’s attempt to walk on water?
  4. Jesus takes His solitude seriously. Consider taking a one-day silent retreat at a center or just find a place isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Keep a notebook handy and write down what I hear and the impressions I receive from God. What did I learn?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

Family Time:

Talk a trip the family took on a boat. What’s it like to be on a boat, esp. when a storm comes? Sing the song: “With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm.”

260靈修 July 4, 2011: 馬太福音第十三章 Matthew:13

第十三章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

1當那一天,耶穌從房子裏出來,坐在海邊。2 有許多人到他那裏聚集,他只得上船坐下,眾人都站在岸上。3 他用比喻對他們講許多道理,說:「有一個撒種的出去撒種;4 撒的時候,有落在路旁的,飛鳥來吃盡了;5 有落在土淺石頭地上的,土既不深,發苗最快,6 日頭出來一曬,因為沒有根,就枯乾了;7 有落在荊棘裏的,荊棘長起來,把它擠住了;8 又有落在好土裏的,就結實,有一百倍的,有六十倍的,有三十倍的。9 有耳可聽的,就應當聽!」

18 「所以,你們當聽這撒種的比喻。19 凡聽見天國道理不明白的,那惡者就來,把所撒在他心裏的奪了去;這就是撒在路旁的了。20 撒在石頭地上的,就是人聽了道,當下歡喜領受,21 只因心裏沒有根,不過是暫時的,及至為道遭了患難,或是受了逼迫,立刻就跌倒了。22 撒在荊棘裏的,就是人聽了道,後來有世上的思慮、錢財的迷惑把道擠住了,不能結實。23 撒在好地上的,就是人聽道明白了,後來結實,有一百倍的,有六十倍的,有三十倍的。」

默想:

1.       這個比喻清楚說明,人接受福音,要視乎土壤的好壞,也就是領受者的心的情況。在這個比喻中,種子和撒種的都是一樣,但是土壤卻不同。許多人不接受耶穌的信息,但那少數接受的人,就結出豐碩的果子來。

2.       比喻的講解(18-23節)明確指出,有多種因素妨礙人去聽福音,包括撒但、錢財的誘惑、困境、迫害和憂慮等。我是屬哪一類型的土壤呢?神的道要怎樣才會在我的生命裡扎根呢?

 

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 13

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here. Then focus on the following section:

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear.”

18“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Meditation:

1.        This parable makes clear that reception of the gospel depends on the soil, that is, the condition of the recipient. In this parable, the seed and the sower are the same in each case, but the soil varies. There are many who do not respond favourably to Jesus’ message, but the few who did produced remarkable fruit.

2.        The explanation (vv18-23) makes clear that there are a variety of factors hindering hearing – Satan, the lure of wealth, trouble, persecution, worries. Which soil do I belong to? How will God’s word take root in my life?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

 

Family Time:

After reading today’s passage, plant a few small seeds in a paper cup. Place it whether it will get sunshine. Keep it watered. Check on it from time to time. When the seeds come up, bring the cup back to family time to see the results, explain v8 again.


260靈修 July 1, 2011: 馬太福音第十二章 Matthew:12

第十二章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

15 耶穌知道了,就離開那裏,有許多人跟著他。他把其中有病的人都治好了;16 又囑咐他們,不要給他傳名。17 這是要應驗先知以賽亞的話,說:

18 看哪!我的僕人,我所揀選、所親愛、心裏所喜悅的,

我要將我的靈賜給他;他必將公理傳給外邦。

19   他不爭競,不喧嚷;街上也沒有人聽見他的聲音。

20  壓傷的蘆葦,他不折斷;將殘的燈火,他不吹滅;

等他施行公理,叫公理得勝。

21 外邦人都要仰望他的名。

 

默想:

  1. 耶穌的傳道生涯並非一帆風順,相反地,祂遭到很多的反對。耶穌面對這些帶敵意的人,就離開那裡,並囑咐那些被醫好的,不要為祂作宣傳,為什麼?
  2. 馬太引用以賽亞書「僕人之歌」其中的一部分(以賽亞書41:1-9),來說明主耶穌——世人的救贖主,有怎樣的特徵;祂「不爭競,不喧嚷」,祂是這麼溫和,連「壓傷的蘆葦,他不折斷;將殘的燈火,他不吹滅」。
  3. 繼續注目我的彌賽亞/救主,藉思想祂的特性,更深地認識祂。讚美感謝神的謙卑與溫柔,並祂在我身上所作的奇妙工作。

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 12

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here.  Then focus on the following section:

15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16warning them not to tell who he was. 17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18“Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Meditation:

  1. Jesus didn’t have a smooth ministry.  In fact, he met a lot of oppositions.  Jesus responded to the hostility by simply asking those healed “not to tell who he was” and leaving the area.  Why?
  2. Matthew explained by quoting a passage from one of Isaiah’s “servant songs” (Is 41:1-9).   Messiah “will not quarrel or cry out”.  He will be so gentle that He will not even snap a worthless reed flute, or discard a soot-filled candle wick.
  3. Continue to look at my Messiah/Saviour and get to know Him deeper by reflecting on the characteristics listed in the passage.  Praise and thank Him for His humility and gentleness and also the wonderful work He’s done in my life.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

Family Time:

Spend some time making a portrait of Jesus using this passage and Isaiah 41:1-9 as background information.  What do you find most striking about this Jesus?  Is he different from your idea of him before?  Why?  Let everyone talk about it.

260靈修 June 30, 2011: 馬太福音第十一章 Matthew:11

第十一章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

1耶穌吩咐完了十二個門徒,就離開那裏,往各城去傳道、教訓人。2約翰在監裏聽見基督所做的事,就打發兩個門徒去,3問他說:「那將要來的是你嗎?還是我們等候別人呢?」4耶穌回答說:「你們去,把所聽見、所看見的事告訴約翰。5就是瞎子看見,瘸子行走,長大痲瘋的潔淨,聾子聽見,死人復活,窮人有福音傳給他們。6凡不因我跌倒的就有福了!」

 

默想:

  1. 我是否也像約翰一樣,雖然信主已經一段時間,但仍然會對自己的信仰產生懷疑,恐怕所信的不是真的?主耶穌的回答能否解決我的困境?
  2. 在我自己身上或是周圍的人生命中,我曾否看見過主耶穌的作為?寫下至少三件神的作為,現在就為此感謝神。
  3. 「回憶神的工作」,「一顆感恩的心」,與「身處困境艱難」,這三者有什麼互相的關聯與作用?

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”本上面。

 

Chapter 11

If possible, read the whole chapter to see the full picture of what is happening here.  Then focus on the following section:

1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”  4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Meditation:

  1. Have I been like John doubt Jesus after a period of unresolved difficulties and problems?  How would Jesus’ reply to John answer my doubts?
  2. Have I seen the work of Jesus in my life and lives of those around me? Write down at least three things.  Then, utter a thanksgiving payer to God.
  3. What do “Remembering God’s work, a Grateful heart, and a Difficult Situation” have in common in bringing us to God?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little while 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.

Family Time:

How do we share the gospel with other people?  Jesus told his disciples to tell John “what you hear and see”.  Tell people what God has done in our lives is the best way of sharing the gospel.  What can you tell people?  Who do you want to tell it to?  Decide when you will tell and pray for the person to be willing to listen.