260靈修 Feb. 27, 2012: 希伯來書 第五章Hebrew 5

第五章

11 論到這些事,我們有很多話要說,可是很難解釋;因為你們已經遲鈍了,聽不進去。 12 到這個時候,你們應該已經作老師了;可是你們還需要有人再把神道理的初步教導你們。你們成了只能吃奶而不能吃乾糧的人! 13 凡是吃奶的,還是個嬰孩,對公義的道理沒有經歷; 14 只有長大成人的,才能吃乾糧,他們的官能因為操練純熟,就能分辨是非了。

 

默想

  1. 基督徒靈命若要成熟,就當不斷以神的話語作準繩來分辨是非善惡。不要以為擁有屬靈的知識就是成熟;能夠引述長篇經文,或作神學性的辯論都不是最重要的。信徒的成長乃表現在刻意以神的話語為原則,來作是非的分辨。「奶」與「乾糧」的區別,不在於個人認識基督教教義的膚淺或廣泛,而是在於我們怎樣處理神的話語。對那些聽了神的話卻不去遵行的,他們所知道的真理就是「奶」;但對其他聽了又去遵行神話語的,同樣的真理就成了喂飽他們的「乾糧」。
  2. 從今天的經文中,我聽見神的話語嗎?有哪方面是我可以實際應用在生活中的?祈求聖靈賜我力量與勇氣,讓我可以確實地在今天或這星期中做出來?

 

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。

 

 

CHAPTER 5

11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

MEDITATION

  1. We become mature in our faith by constantly using the truth God has revealed to distinguish good from evil.  Don’t mistake possessing information for maturity.  The ability to quote long passages of Scripture or to argue theology is meaningless.  What brings believer to maturity is the conscious effort of distinguishing between good and evil on criteria established by God’s Word.  The difference between “milk” and “meat” is found in neither the depth nor breadth of our knowledge in Christian doctrine, but in the way we live out the Word of God.  For those who merely hear the Word but have no action, the truths they know are milk; whereas for those who not only hear but also act upon the Word of God, the same truths become solid and sustaining meat.
  2. What is the one thing that I learn from God’s Word today that I can apply to my life?  How can I specifically apply it today or in this week?  Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower and remind me to truly do this one thing I’ve identified today.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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

260靈修 Feb. 24, 2012: 希伯來書 第四章Hebrew 4

第四章

10 因為那進入神安息的人,就歇了自己的工作,好像神歇了自己的工作一樣。 11 所以,我們要竭力進入那安息,免得有人隨著那不順從的樣子就跌倒了。 12 神的道是活的,是有效的,比一切兩刃的劍更鋒利,甚至可以刺入剖開靈與魂,關節與骨髓,並且能夠辨明心中的思想和意念。 13 被造的在神面前沒有一樣不是顯明的,萬有在他的眼前都是赤露敞開的;我們必須向他交帳。

 

默想

  1. 我們大部分人都知道相信神話語的重要,但若我們真正誠實的話,我們必須承認有時候讀經只是例行公事,並非享受。想想看,究竟聖經對我有多重要?若我有一年的時間不能讀也不能聽到聖經的任何片段,我會很惦掛嗎?為什麼?「被造的在神面前沒有一樣不是顯明的」是什麼意思?我曾否在哪些方面經歷過「神的道是活的,是有效的,比一切兩刃的劍更鋒利」?
  2. 感謝神所賜的話語,求神賜我更多熱愛及渴望神話語的心。容許神在前面的日子裡,藉著祂的話語使我「在他的眼前……赤露敞開」。
  3. 將12-13節背起來,並經常用這兩節經文來禱告,求神使祂的話在我生命中越來越為重要。

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

 

 

Chapter 4

10for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.  12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

MEDITATION

  1. Most of us believe that God’s word is important.  But if we are honest, reading the Bible sometimes feels like a chore – less than enjoyable.  Now, think about how important the Scripture is to me.  What if I were unable to read or hear anything from the Bible for a year?  Would I miss it?  Why or why not?  What does “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” mean to me?  In what ways have I experienced God’s Word to be precise and powerful, “sharper than any double-edged sword”?
  2. Start praying by thanking God for the gift of His Word.  Ask Him to give me more passion and desire for it.  Give God permission to let His Word to make me “uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him” in the days and weeks ahead.
  3. Memorize vv12-13 and use them as my prayer regularly as a way of asking God to make Scripture increasingly important in 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  “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

260靈修 Feb. 23, 2012: 希伯來書 第三章Hebrew 3

第三章

 

7 所以,就像聖靈所說的:“如果你們今天聽從他的聲音, 8 就不要硬著心,好像在曠野惹他發怒、試探他的日子一樣; 9 在那裡,你們的祖先以試驗來試探我,觀看我的作為有四十年之久。 10 所以,我向那個世代的人發怒,說:‘他們心裡常常迷誤,不認識我的道路。’ 11 我就在烈怒中起誓,說:‘他們絕不可進入我的安息。’” 12 弟兄們,你們要小心,免得你們中間有人存著邪惡、不信的心,以致離棄了永活的神; 13 趁著還有叫作“今天”的時候,總要天天互相勸勉,免得你們中間有人受了罪惡的誘惑,心裡就剛硬了。 14 如果我們把起初的信念堅持到底,就是有分於基督的人了。 15 經上說:“如果你們今天聽從他的聲音,就不要硬著心,像惹他發怒的時候一樣。” 16 那時,聽了他的話而惹他發怒的是誰呢?不就是摩西從埃及領出來的那些人嗎? 17 四十年之久,神向誰發怒呢?不就是向那些犯了罪陳屍曠野的人嗎? 18 他又向誰起誓說,他們絕對不可以進入他的安息呢?不就是向那些不順從的人嗎? 19 這樣看來,他們不能進入安息,是因為不信的緣故。

 

思想

  1. 這幾節經文是針對屬靈生命的兩大敵人,就是心硬(8節)與不信(12節)。昔日以色列人聽見神的話,卻硬著心,不信靠神,與神對抗的,因此不能享有安息與平安。
  2. 今天我們也是一樣。任何人聽見並回應耶穌的信息,都能經歷內心完全的平安。只有當我們不願全然信靠神,且拒絕聽從神的時候,我們就無法得到內心的平安。
  3. 安靜在神面前,思想我的現況:我是否已經得救卻仍痛苦?已經信主卻仍焦慮?已經悔改卻仍不得滿足?祈求聖靈幫助我看見內心深處,有沒有什麼地方我是硬著心,不願順服神的聲音?若有,求聖靈引導,賜我順服與信靠的心,來甘心聽從神。

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 3

7So, as the Holy Spirit says:    “Today, if you hear his voice, 8do not harden your hearts    as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, 9where your fathers tested and tried me  and for forty years saw what I did.  10That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways. 11So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”

12See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15As has just been said:    “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

16Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? 18And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

MEDITATION

  1. These verses warn against two enemies of the spiritual life: a hardened heart (v8) and unbelief(v12).  The Exodus generation heard God’s word through Moses.  However, they would not trust God and refused to obey Him.  As a result, they found neither rest nor peace.
  2. This is the same with us today.  When we heard and responded to the message of Jesus, we are invited to experience a rest and complete inner peace.  However, if we are not willing to trust God completely and refuse to respond his God’s voice, then we will not experience this peace of God.
  3. Quiet before the Lord and reflect: Am I saved yet miserable?  Do I believe God but still anxious?  Have I repented yet unresolved?  Could it be that I have hardened my heart, and am unwilling to obey God?  Ask for guidance and a willing spirit to trust and obey 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  “Spiritual Journal” book.

260靈修 Feb. 22, 2012: 希伯來書 第二章Hebrew 2

第二章

 

6但是有人在聖經上某一處證實說

“人算甚麼,你竟記念他?

世人算甚麼,你竟眷顧他?

7你使他比天使稍低微一點,

卻賜給他榮耀尊貴作冠冕,

   8使萬物都服在他的腳下。

”既然萬有都服了他,就沒有剩下一樣不服他的了。但是現在我們還沒有看見萬有都服他。9不過,我們看見那位暫時成了比天使卑微的耶穌,因為受了死的痛苦,就得了榮耀尊貴作冠冕,好叫他因著神的恩典,為萬人嘗了死味。

10萬有因他而有、藉他而造的那位,為了要帶領許多兒子進入榮耀裡去,使救他們的元首藉著受苦而得到成全,本是合適的。

默想

  1. 出聲讀出這段經文。
  2. 再次慢慢地讀一遍經文,留意當中有哪些詞句觸動我的?反覆思想經文的主題與詞句。安靜一下,求神幫助我明白它們的意義,然後繼續思想這些字詞。為什麼我會被這些字詞觸動?這是否與我目前的生活狀況——感受、環境、抉擇——有關連?
  3. 求主讓我能繼續不斷地被神的榮耀、神當受的尊崇,強烈地吸引。

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

 

Chapter 2

6But there is a place where someone has testified:
“What is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
7You made him a little lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor
8 and put everything under his feet.”

In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.

 

Meditation

  1. Read the passage aloud once.
  2. Then read the passage again slowly.  What words or phrases capture my attention the most?  Pause for a moment and ask God to help me understand them and continue to meditate on them.  Why do I think those words or phrases fascinate me?  Are they related to what is going on in my life right now – feelings, circumstances, decisions, etc.?
  3. Pray that I will be continually fascinated by God’s glory, honour and majesty.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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

 

260靈修 Feb. 21, 2012: 希伯來書 第一章Hebrew 1

第一章

 

1神在古時候,曾經多次用種種方法,藉著先知向我們的祖先說話;2在這末後的日子,卻藉著他的兒子向我們說話。神已經立他作萬有的承受者,並且藉著他創造了宇宙(“宇宙”或譯:“諸世界”或“眾世代”)。3他是神榮耀的光輝,是神本質的真象,用自己帶有能力的話掌管萬有;他作成了潔淨罪惡的事,就坐在高天至尊者的右邊。4 他所承受的名比天使的名更尊貴,所以他遠比天使崇高。

 

默想

  1. 重讀幾遍這幾節經文,讓它在我心中回響,熟悉這些字句,嘗試背熟它。
  2. 花些時間默想這段經文。若是可能,站在一面鏡子前面,看看自己的影像。想一想,這是多不可思議的事,耶穌來到世上,竟然是向世界反映神的形象!再想想,耶穌竟然統管著整個宇宙萬物,祂是維繫人類歷史的重要因素!我對耶穌的認識,與這裡的描述,有多少差距?
  3. 再一次站在鏡子前面,看著鏡中的我,並求神賜我勇氣與指引;幫助我在世上,在每天生活中都能像鏡子一樣,反映耶穌的樣子。
  4. 思想我今天當如何反映耶穌的形象,並且實際地去做出來。

 

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。

 

 

 

Hebrews (NIV)

Chapter 1

1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Meditation

  1. Read these few verses a few times.  Become familiar with the words and try to memorize it.
  2. Spend time meditating on the passage.  If possible, stand in front of a mirror and see my own reflection in the mirror.  How incredible it is that Jesus is to be like a mirror to reflect God’s image to the world!  Then consider the monumental act of holding everything together.   He is indeed the backbone of human history!  Is my knowledge of God different from what is described here?
  3. Stand in front of the mirror and look at my own reflection again. And ask God for the courage and guidance to help me mirror Jesus to the world, reflecting him as I go about every day.
  4. Consider how I might reflect Jesus today – and do it.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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

 

260靈修 Feb. 20, 2012: 腓利門書第一章Philemon 1

第一章

8   我在基督裡雖然可以放膽吩咐你作應作的事,   9   然而像我這上了年紀的保羅,現在又是為基督耶穌被囚禁的,寧願憑著愛心請求你,   10   就是為我在囚禁時所生的兒子歐尼西慕求你;   11   他從前對你沒有甚麼好處,但現在對你我都有好處。   12   我現在打發他親自回到你那裡去;他是我所心愛的。   13   我本來想把他留在我這裡,使他在我為福音被囚禁時,可以替你服事我。   14   但還沒有得到你的同意,我就不願意這樣作,好叫你的善行不是出於勉強,而是出於甘心。   15   也許他暫時離開你,正是為了使你永遠得著他,   16   不再是奴僕,而是高過奴僕,是親愛的弟兄。對我固然是這樣,對你來說,不論按肉身或在主內的關係,更是這樣。   17   所以,你要是把我看作同伴,就接納他好像接納我一樣。   18   如果他使你受了損失,或欠你甚麼,都記在我的帳上。   19   “我必償還”,這是我保羅親手寫的。用不著我說,甚至你的生命,你也是欠我的。   20   所以弟兄啊!讓我在主裡得到你的幫助,使我的心在基督裡得著暢快。   21   我深信你會聽從,也知道你所作的必超過我所說的,因此才寫信給你。

 

默想:

  1. 當我們信主後,我們與其他信徒成了弟兄姊妹。有沒有什麼基督徒,我很難接受他們為主裡的弟兄或姐妹?為什麼會這樣?花些時間來搜尋一下我的內心,究竟是因為他們的背景,族群,行為,文化或神學的差異,或是其他理由?我要怎樣改變才能接受這位為主裡的弟兄或姐妹?
  2. 告訴神,我對於接受這些人的掙扎。感謝神,因祂接納我,並感謝祂,因祂看我和其他人都是祂的孩子。求神幫助我能用同樣的眼光來看其他人。
  3. 這個星期,當我遇到與我不同的人時,求主提醒我,神是以“我的孩子”來看他們的——這也包括我在內。

 

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。

 

Philemon (NIV)

Chapter 1

8Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.  12I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 16no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.  17So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

 

Meditation

  1. Are there one or more Christians that I have a hard time accepting as brother or sister in Christ?  Why is it hard to think of this Christian this way?  Take time to explore my heart.  Is it the background, ethnicity, behavior, cultural or theological difference, or something else? What would need to change in me in order to accept this person as a Christian brother or sister?
  2. Talk to God about this.  Tell Him about my struggle of accepting others.  Thank God that He accepts me and thank Him that He sees me and other believers as no less than His very own children.  Ask God to help me see others with the same eyes.
  3. As I encounter people this week who are different from me, remind myself that God sees them with the label “my children” – and that means me too.

Prayer & Journaling:

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

260靈修 Feb. 17, 2012: 提多書第三章Titus 3

第三章

1   你要提醒他們服從執政的和掌權的,聽從他們,隨時準備作各種善工。   2   不可毀謗人,要與人無爭,謙恭有禮,向眾人表現充分溫柔的心。   3   我們從前也是無知、不順服、受了迷惑、被各種私慾和逸樂所奴役,生活在惡毒和嫉妒之中,是可憎可惡的,並且互相仇視。   4   然而,到了 神我們的救主顯明他的恩慈和憐愛的時候,   5   他就救了我們,並不是由於我們所行的義,而是照著他的憐憫,藉著重生的洗和聖靈的更新。   6   聖靈就是 神藉著我們的救主耶穌基督豐豐富富澆灌在我們身上的,   7   使我們既然因著他的恩典得稱為義,就可以憑著永生的盼望成為後嗣。   8   這話是可信的,我願你確實地強調這些事,使信 神的人常常留心作善工;這些都是美事,並且是對人有益的。   9   你要遠避愚昧的辯論、家譜、紛爭和律法上的爭執,因為這都是虛妄無益的。   10   分門結黨的人,警戒一兩次之後,就要和他絕交。   11   你知道這種人已經背道,常常犯罪,定了自己的罪。

 

默想:

  1. 坊間流行減肥廣告的使用“前後照片”作效果宣傳 ,其實這“前後”對照的果效,對基督信仰比減肥計劃更適用,而且使用的方法也更可靠。基督在我們的生命中使我們改變,我們的生命也確實得到改變。救恩不僅是永生的事——讓我們得救可以上天堂。救恩乃是整個信仰群體的生活形態,不是個人與神的私事,而是夫妻之間,父母兒女之間,朋友之間,同事之間,牧者與會友之間的公開關係。
  2. 再次慢慢地讀這段經文,用些時間來思想“前後照片” 的比喻。想想我信仰路途上“前後照片” 是怎樣的?照片上的差距很明顯嗎?

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 3

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.  3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.  9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 

Meditation

  1. The “before and after” snapshot is as applicable to Christian faith as to diet clinics.  In fact, the approach is much more reliable in faith than diet fads.  Christ in the life makes life different.  And makes us different too. Salvation is not merely a matter of eternity, of getting “saved” so we can get to heaven.  It’s a way of life for the community.  It isn’t a private matter between the soul and God but a very public matter between husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and co-workers, pastors and parishioners.
  2. Slowly read through this passage again.  Take a moment to think of the metaphor of the “before and after” snapshot.  What is the “before and after” snapshot of my faith journey?  How obvious is the contrast shown?

Prayer & Journaling:

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


260靈修 Feb. 16, 2012: 提多書第二章Titus 2

第二章

11    神拯救萬人的恩典已經顯明出來了。   12   這恩典訓練我們除去不敬虔的心,和屬世的私慾,在今生過著自律、公正、敬虔的生活,   13   等候那有福的盼望,就是我們偉大的 神,救主耶穌基督榮耀的顯現。   14   他為我們捨己,為的是要救贖我們脫離一切不法的事,並且潔淨我們作他自己的子民,熱心善工。

 

默想:

  1. 保羅對提多所帶領的群羊有一連串的勸勉、批評和指責。現在他從福音的角度看,前幾節的警告應以信心的肯定來平衡。恩典是賜給眾人的,救恩卻有道德的成分:捨棄與訓練,放下舊我,才能擁抱基督裡的新我。
  2. 向神禱告,求主引導我有下面一項的成長:

◊  捨棄“不敬虔的心,和屬世的私慾”

◊  穿上“自律、公正、敬虔的生活”

◊  相信“這個新生命現在就開始了”(在今生過著。。。12節)

◊  要“熱心善工”

◊  其他:_________________________________________

 

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

 

Chapter 2 (NIV)

11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

 

Meditation

  1. Paul has a rather long string of exhortations, judgments, and condemnations for the flock under Titus’ leadership.  But now he puts his rebuke in the context of the gospel.  The hard admonitions of the preceding verses ought to be balanced with this affirmation of faith.  Grace comes to all.  Yet salvation has an ethical component: renouncing and training, letting go of our old selves in order to embrace our new selves in Christ.
  2. Ask God to guide me in one or all of these growth:

◊  turning my back on “ungodliness and worldly passions”

◊  taking on a “self-controlled, upright and godly” life

◊  believing that this new life is starting right now “in this present age”

◊  being “eager to do what is good”

◊  other: __________________________________________

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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

 

260靈修 Feb. 15, 2012: 提多書第一章Titus 1

第一章

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

 

默想:

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

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

 

Chapter 1 (NIV)

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

 

Meditation:

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

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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

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

第四章

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

 

默想:

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

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

 

Chapter 4

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

 

Meditation

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

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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