Category: 260灵修

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.