260靈修 August 3, 2011: 使徒行傳第七章 Acts:7

第七章

51 你們這硬著頸項、心與耳未受割禮的人,常時抗拒聖靈!你們的祖宗怎樣,你們也怎樣。 52 那一個先知不是你們祖宗逼迫呢?他們也把預先傳說那義者要來的人殺了;如今你們又把那義者賣了,殺了。 53 你們受了天使所傳的律法,竟不遵守。

54 眾人聽見這話就極其惱怒,向司提反咬牙切齒。 55 但司提反被聖靈充滿,定睛望天,看見神的榮耀,又看見耶穌站在神的右邊, 56 就說:我看見天開了,人子站在神的右邊。

57 眾人大聲喊叫,摀著耳朵,齊心擁上前去, 58 把他推到城外,用石頭打他。作見證的人把衣裳放在一個少年人名叫掃羅的腳前。

59 他們正用石頭打的時候,司提反呼籲主說:求主耶穌接收我的靈魂! 60 又跪下大聲喊著說:主啊,不要將這罪歸於他們!說了這話,就睡了。掃羅也喜悅他被害。

 

默想

  1. 不要以為司提反因為放肆說話,因此冒犯了當權派而喪命。正如耶穌被釘十架,司提反的殉道也是神拯救計劃中的一部分。其實,神經常將人認為「壞」的事轉變為意料之外的「美好」。
  2. 我有沒有經歷過一些事情,當時看來是很倒霉、很悲慘、很不公。。。但後來卻有了出人意外的美好結果?這樣的經歷怎樣幫助我認識神的旨意?
  3. 我是否願意有司提反這樣的態度,正如保羅在腓立比書一章所說,“我活著是基督,死了就有益處”?

 

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 7

51“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”

54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

Meditation

  1. Don’t think Stephen’s boldness was a mistake that cost his life.  In fact, just like the crucifixion of Jesus, Stephen’s martyrdom was part of God’s plan for saving His people. God has a habit of turning “bad” things into unexpected good outcome.
  2. Have I had any experience that was terrible, disappointing, unfair…, but in the end, there was an unexpected good result?  How does this help me understand God’s will?
  3. Am I willing to be like Stephen and, as Paul says in Philippians 1, have the attitude that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?

 

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.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

What happened to Stephen?  Why?  Why didn’t God save Stephen?  Parents, recall one difficult incident you or the family experienced.  Share how God blessed the incident and caused beautiful consequences from it.  Ask a child to write to draw the incident in your Family Devotional Journal.


260靈修 August 2, 2011: 使徒行傳第六章 Acts:6

第六章

1那時,門徒增多,有說希臘話的猶太人向希伯來人發怨言,因為在天天的供給上忽略了他們的寡婦。 2 十二使徒叫眾門徒來,對他們說:我們撇下神的道去管理飯食,原是不合宜的。 3 所以弟兄們,當從你們中間選出七個有好名聲、被聖靈充滿、智慧充足的人,我們就派他們管理這事。 4 但我們要專心以祈禱、傳道為事。

5 大眾都喜悅這話,就揀選了司提反,乃是大有信心、聖靈充滿的人,又揀選腓利、伯羅哥羅、尼迦挪、提門、巴米拿,並進猶太教的安提阿人尼哥拉, 6 叫他們站在使徒面前。使徒禱告了,就按手在他們頭上。

7 神的道興旺起來;在耶路撒冷門徒數目加增的甚多,也有許多祭司信從了這道。

 

默想

  1. 當我看到初期教會的生活中充滿神蹟、慷慨分享、信徒相交時,可能也會很希望自己成為這「完美」教會的一分子。事實上,初期教會也和現今的教會一樣,也是有問題的;沒有教會是完美的,惟有等到基督再來與信徒聯合,教會才會成為完美、毫無瑕疵的。
  2. 若我經常會為自己教會的缺點而苦惱,我是否願意花同樣的精力來為教會及傳道人禱告?
  3. 現在就花些時間為教會,牧者,其他信徒,及事工禱告。

 

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。

 

Chapter 6

1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

 

Meditation

  1. The life of Early Church was full of miracles, sharing, and fellowship.  How wonderful it would have been to be a member of this “Perfect” church.  In fact, the Early Church also had problems just like today.  There is no perfect church until the coming of Christ in union with believers.
  2. If I have been frustrated with my church, am I willing to spend the same amount of energy to pray for my church and pastors?
  3. Spend a few minutes to pray for my church, pastors, ministries and other believers.

 

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.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Name all the deacons in your church.  Allow everyone a chance to introduce one deacon to the rest of the family.  End it by praying for each deacon.  You may ask children to write the names of each deacon in your Family Devotional Journal.


260靈修 August 1, 2011: 使徒行傳第五章 Acts:5

第五章

1有一個人,名叫亞拿尼亞,同他的妻子撒非喇賣了田產, 2 把價銀私自留下幾分,他的妻子也知道,其餘的幾分拿來放在使徒腳前。

3 彼得說:亞拿尼亞!為甚麼撒但充滿了你的心,叫你欺哄聖靈,把田地的價銀私自留下幾分呢? 4 田地還沒有賣,不是你自己的麼?既賣了,價銀不是你作主麼?你怎麼心裡起這意念呢?你不是欺哄人,是欺哄神了。

5 亞拿尼亞聽見這話,就仆倒,斷了氣;聽見的人都甚懼怕。 6 有些少年人起來,把他包裹,抬出去埋葬了。

7 約過了三小時,他的妻子進來,還不知道這事。 8 彼得對她說:你告訴我,你們賣田地的價銀就是這些嗎?她說:就是這些。

9 彼得說:你們為甚麼同心試探主的靈呢?埋葬你丈夫之人的腳已到門口,他們也要把你抬出去。

10 婦人立刻仆倒在彼得腳前,斷了氣。那些少年人進來,見她已經死了,就抬出去,埋在她丈夫旁邊。 11 全教會和聽見這事的人都甚懼怕。

默想

  1. 亞拿尼亞和撒非喇所犯的罪並不是吝嗇或是留下部分金錢;變賣田地以及奉獻多少乃是出於自己的抉擇。他們的罪是欺騙神和神的教會。這種罪行受到那麼嚴厲的懲罰,是因為欺騙和貪婪會破壞教會,影響聖靈工作的效果。他們一心只為了博取別人的認同和讚許,卻未能隨從聖靈的引導,自由和誠實地奉獻,反而要利用捐贈財物來提高自己的聲譽。神不能容許這些動機,來污染聖靈在早期信徒中的大能作為。
  2. 撒但會藉著我性格上的弱點,進入我的內心,控制我的行為。我當在那方面警醒,保守自己的行為,思想?

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”簿上面。

 

Chapter 5

1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.  3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”  5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.  7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”  9Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”  10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Meditation

  1. The sin that Ananias and Sapphira committed wasn’t that they’ve kept some money for themselves.  After all, the sale of the property and the amount to donate were their decisions.  They sinned in deceiving God and His people.  They were severely punished for deception for greed will corrupt the church and the work of the Holy Spirit.  It seems Ananias and Sapphira were bound by their desire for approval or acclaim.  They couldn’t give freely and honestly as led by the Holy Spirit, but rather needed to use their giving to increase their reputation.  God could not allow such motives to pollute the powerful work of his Spirit in this first body of Christians.
  2. Satan will use my weaknesses to come into my heart and influence my decisions.  In what ways should I be alert in guarding my actions and thoughts?

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.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Discuss the story: What did Ananias and Sapphira do wrong?  Why did God punish Ananias and Sapphira so harshly?  How did Satan cause them to sin?  How would Satan cause me to sin?  What should I do?  End with a prayer for each family member to obey God and not Satan. Jot down the prayer for each one in your Family Devotional Journal.


260靈修 July 29, 2011: 使徒行傳第四章 Acts:4

第四章

8 那時彼得被聖靈充滿,對他們說: 9 治民的官府和長老啊,倘若今日因為在殘疾人身上所行的善事查問我們他是怎麼得了痊癒, 10 你們眾人和以色列百姓都當知道,站在你們面前的這人得痊癒是因你們所釘十字架、神叫他從死裡復活的拿撒勒人耶穌基督的名。

11 他是你們匠人所棄的石頭,…… 已成了房角的頭塊石頭。 12 除他以外,別無拯救;因為在天下人間,沒有賜下別的名,我們可以靠著得救。

13 他們見彼得、約翰的膽量,又看出他們原是沒有學問的小民,就希奇,認明他們是跟過耶穌的; 14 又看見那治好了的人和他們一同站著,就無話可駁。 15 於是吩咐他們從公會出去,就彼此商議說: 16 我們當怎樣辦這兩個人呢?因為他們誠然行了一件明顯的神蹟,凡住耶路撒冷的人都知道,我們也不能說沒有。 17 惟恐這事越發傳揚在民間,我們必須恐嚇他們,叫他們不再奉這名對人講論。

18 於是叫了他們來,禁止他們總不可奉耶穌的名講論教訓人。 19 彼得、約翰說:聽從你們,不聽從神,這在神面前合理不合理,你們自己酌量吧! 20 我們所看見所聽見的,不能不說。

 

默想

  1. 我心中有沒有一個「不能不說」的信息(20節)?我的信息和彼得的信息——「除祂以外,別無拯救」(12節)一樣嗎?
  2. 求主賜我好像彼得一樣熱切的心,去向別人見證神在我身上的作為。

 

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

 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is   ” ‘the stone you builders rejected,      which has become the capstone.’ 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

 

Meditation

  1. Do I have a message that I “cannot help but speaking” (v20)?  Is my message the same as Peter’s –that there is “no other name by which we must be saved”? (v12)
  2. Pray that God will grant me the same zeal and passion to share with others what God has done 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Sing “Because He Lives”.  Encourage each to share his/her salvation experience.  Help those who are not clear to understand v12 and make the decision if appropriate.  Close with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for Jesus Christ.


260靈修 July 28, 2011: 使徒行傳第三章 Acts:3

第三章

1申初禱告的時候,彼得、約翰上聖殿去。 2 有一個人,生來是瘸腿的,天天被人抬來,放在殿的一個門口,那門名叫美門,要求進殿的人賙濟。 3 他看見彼得、約翰將要進殿,就求他們賙濟。 4 彼得約翰定睛看他;彼得說:你看我們! 5 那人就留意看他們,指望得著甚麼。 6 彼得說:金銀我都沒有,只把我所有的給你:我奉拿撒勒人耶穌基督的名,叫你起來行走! 7 於是拉著他的右手,扶他起來;他的腳和踝子骨立刻健壯了, 8 就跳起來,站著,又行走,同他們進了殿,走著,跳著,讚美神。 9 百姓都看見他行走,讚美神; 10 認得他是那素常坐在殿的美門口求賙濟的,就因他所遇著的事滿心希奇、驚訝。 11 那人正在稱為所羅門的廊下,拉著彼得、約翰;眾百姓一齊跑到他們那裡,很覺希奇。 12 彼得看見,就對百姓說:以色列人哪,為甚麼把這事當作希奇呢?為甚麼定睛看我們,以為我們憑自己的能力和虔誠使這人行走呢? 13 亞伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的神,就是我們列祖的神,已經榮耀了他的僕人(或作:兒子)耶穌;你們卻把他交付彼拉多。彼拉多定意要釋放他,你們竟在彼拉多面前棄絕了他。 14 你們棄絕了那聖潔公義者,反求著釋放一個兇手給你們。 15 你們殺了那生命的主,神卻叫他從死裡復活了;我們都是為這事作見證。 16 我們因信他的名,他的名便叫你們所看見所認識的這人健壯了;正是他所賜的信心,叫這人在你們眾人面前全然好了。

 

默想

跛腳乞丐乞討零錢,但彼得給他更好的——使他的腳復原能行走。我也可能只想神替我解決一些眼前的小問題,但祂希望賜給我新的生命,並且幫助我解決所有問題。當我求神時,祂也許會說:「我預備更好的東西要賜給你。」

我是否曾經向神禱告,將心中想要的告訴祂,結果得到的與心中所想的並不同,當時是驚喜?還是失望?

把心中的感受告訴神,並在今天一天中繼續的等候,聆聽神對我的回答。

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

1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  6Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  11While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Meditation

  1. The crippled man was begging for some change, but Peter gave him something much better – the full recovery of his legs.  Similarly, I may wish that God would solve some of my problems, but His plan is much bigger as he desires to give me new life and help resolve the real problem.  When I ask Him for help, He may say, “I’ve prepared something better for you.”
  2. Have I ever prayed to God for certain things but the result was totally different?  What was my response?  Surprised or disappointed?
  3. Tell God my feelings, and continue to listen to God’s words for me 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 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Watch this clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6yGfrq5Juo) and sing the song together: “Peter and John”.

Record the link in your Family Devotional Journal.


260靈修 July 27, 2011: 使徒行傳第二章 Acts:2

第二章

37 眾人聽見這話,覺得扎心,就對彼得和其餘的使徒說:弟兄們,我們當怎樣行?

38 彼得說:你們各人要悔改,奉耶穌基督的名受洗,叫你們的罪得赦,就必領受所賜的聖靈;

39 因為這應許是給你們和你們的兒女,並一切在遠方的人,就是主─我們神所召來的。

40 彼得還用許多話作見證,勸勉他們說:你們當救自己脫離這彎曲的世代。 41 於是領受他話的人就受了洗。那一天,門徒約添了三千人, 42 都恆心遵守使徒的教訓,彼此交接,擘餅,祈禱。

 

默想

那些人聽到彼得被聖靈充滿所傳講的信息後。都深受感動,他們問:「我們當怎樣行呢」?這是每個初信主的人,都要問的基本問題,單單為自己的罪而難過是不夠的,必須求神赦免。當我們悔改時,神不單塗抹我們的罪,更讓我們的靈得到更新,可以活出蒙赦免的新生命。

回想一下,神曾否提醒我日常生活中的過錯?我是怎麼回答的?我現今是活出新的生命嗎?

 

 

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 2

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

 

 

Meditation

  1. Those that heard Peter’s Spirit-filled message were moved.  They asked, “What shall we do?”  This is the basic question every new believer will ask.  It’s not enough to feel sorry for the sins we have committed, we need to ask for God’s forgiveness.  When we repent, God will not only wipe away our sins, He will renew us spiritually so that we may live out the forgiven new life.
  2. Recall a time when God reminded me of my wrongs.  What was my response?  Am I living a new life now?  The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 

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.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

What did the early church do when they get together?  What will be included in your gathering that will be just like the early church?  Discuss and make specific plan.  Record your plan in the Family Devotional Journal.  Hopefully  your plan includes singing praises, praying, reading the Bible, fellowshipping and enjoying each other, having fun!

 

260靈修 July 26, 2011: 使徒行傳第一章 Acts:1

6 他們聚集的時候,問耶穌說:主啊,你復興以色列國就在這時候嗎? 7 耶穌對他們說:父憑著自己的權柄所定的時候、日期,不是你們可以知道的。 8 但聖靈降臨在你們身上,你們就必得著能力,並要在耶路撒冷、猶太全地,和撒馬利亞,直到地極,作我的見證。 9 說了這話,他們正看的時候,他就被取上升,有一朵雲彩把他接去,便看不見他了。 10 當他往上去,他們定睛望天的時候,忽然有兩個人身穿白衣,站在旁邊,說: 11 加利利人哪,你們為甚麼站著望天呢?這離開你們被接升天的耶穌,你們見他怎樣往天上去,他還要怎樣來。

12 有一座山,名叫橄欖山,離耶路撒冷不遠,約有安息日可走的路程。當下,門徒從那裡回耶路撒冷去, 13 進了城,就上了所住的一間樓房;在那裡有彼得、約翰、雅各、安得烈、腓力、多馬、巴多羅買、馬太、亞勒腓的兒子雅各、奮銳黨的西門,和雅各的兒子(或作:兄弟)猶大。 14 這些人同著幾個婦人和耶穌的母親馬利亞,並耶穌的弟兄,都同心合意的恆切禱告。

 

默想:

  1. 向人傳福音作見證,並非要顯示我們能夠為神做些甚麼,而是要向人傳講神為我們做了甚麼。耶穌要門徒先等候聖靈的降臨(參路24:29),然後才向萬民作見證(參太28:19-20)。
  2. 同樣的,今天神若吩咐我為祂工作,我也必須倚靠聖靈的能力,才去工作。我是否常常憑自己的能力和熱心去作事,卻不知等候是神計劃的一部分?
  3. 禱告,求聖靈光照,在我目前所做的事情中,有什麼是我不耐煩去等待神,而跑在神前頭去做我認為好的、對的事情?

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

6So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

 

Meditation:

  1. Witnessing to others about Jesus is not to show what we can do for God but to tell what God has done for us.  Jesus instructed His disciples to witness to the world, but they must first wait for the Holy Spirit.
  2. Similarly, when God entrusts me with a task, I need to first depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.  Do I like to get ahead of God and try to depend on my own abilities and enthusiasm, not knowing that WAITING is also part of God’s plan?
  3. Pray for the Holy Spirit to show me specific areas where I am “impatient to wait” and have gone ahead of God with my own ideas of what is good.

 

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.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

It’s good to have a Family Devotional Journal to record and add from each day’s journey.

Acts tells how the gospel gets spread.  Jesus wants us to share the gospel to others.  List ways you can share the gospel in your neighbourhood, your city, your province, your country and overseas.  Write the names of people who need to hear the gospel.

 

260靈修 July 25, 2011: 馬太福音第廿八章 Matthew:28

第廿八章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

16 十一個門徒往加利利去,到了耶穌約定的山上。17 他們見了耶穌就拜他,然而還有人疑惑。18 耶穌進前來,對他們說:「天上地下所有的權柄都賜給我了。19 所以,你們要去,使萬民作我的門徒,奉父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗(或譯:給他們施洗,歸於父、子、聖靈的名)。20 凡我所吩咐你們的,都教訓他們遵守,我就常與你們同在,直到世界的末了。」

 

默想:

  1. 十一個門徒照吩咐前往加利利,耶穌也在那裡向他們顯現。祂不但向門徒有託附和授權(18節下至20節上),並應許與他們同在(「以馬內利」參1:23),讓他們經歷神的能力、同在和智慧,直到這世代終結。
  2. 耶穌為什麼要與門徒同在直到世界的末了?耶穌今天用怎樣的方式與我同在?
  3. 選擇耶穌同在的一個方式,在未來的星期中,特別留意「以馬內利」耶穌怎樣與我同在。

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 28

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

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Meditation:

  1. The eleven did go to Galilee, and Jesus appeared as promised. He authorized His disciples to make disciples of all nations, and promised to be with them (Immanuel) as the divine power, presence, and Wisdom of God until the close of the age.
  2. Why did Jesus tell the disciples that He would be with them to the end of the age? In what way is Jesus Christ with me today?
  3. Consider choosing one of the ways and attempting to be especially sensitive to Jesus’ presence (Immanuel) with me this week.

260靈修 July 22, 2011: 馬太福音第廿七章 Matthew:27

第廿七章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

45 從午正到申初,遍地都黑暗了。46 約在申初,耶穌大聲喊著說:「以利!以利!拉馬撒巴各大尼?」就是說:「我的 神!我的 神!為甚麼離棄我?」47 站在那裏的人,有的聽見就說:「這個人呼叫以利亞呢!」48 內中有一個人趕緊跑去,拿海絨蘸滿了醋,綁在葦子上,送給他喝。49 其餘的人說:「且等著,看以利亞來救他不來。」50 耶穌又大聲喊叫,氣就斷了。51 忽然,殿裏的幔子從上到下裂為兩半,地也震動,磐石也崩裂,52 墳墓也開了,已睡聖徒的身體多有起來的。53 到耶穌復活以後,他們從墳墓裏出來,進了聖城,向許多人顯現。54 百夫長和一同看守耶穌的人看見地震並所經歷的事,就極其害怕,說:「這真是 神的兒子了!」

默想:

  1. 基督教信仰的中心,竟是我們的神極致的受辱,並忍受最深的痛苦。祂自己的同胞要求處死祂,祂的朋友離棄祂,連最親密的父都轉面不顧祂。
  2. 花些時間用心與腦來深思,為什麼全能者要選擇這樣的道路。多讀幾遍耶穌的話來貼近祂的經歷。
  3. 我心中此時漲溢的是什麼?死亡?驚奇?難過?漠不關心?把從心中浮上來的,一一告訴耶穌。輕輕地把自己拉回耶穌的犧牲與受死上,再讀一遍經文。讓自己深深地沉浸在整個事件中,繼續體會自己的反應,再繼續與主交談。
  4. 天找個安靜的地方去散步,或靜坐片刻,設好預定時間的鬧錶來作提醒,讓自己忘記時間,放鬆地默想基督為我做的犧牲,並等待祂要我從祂那接受的。

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 27

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

45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Meditation:

  1. The central event of the Christian faith is the immense humiliation of our God. And His anguish is deeper than we can imagine. His own people demanded his death, his friends deserted him. And now even his loving Father has turned away.
  2. Spend time wrestling with why the Almighty would choose such a path. Reread Jesus’ own words a few times to get closer to his experience.
  3. What wells up inside me as I spend time with Jesus’ death? Death? Wonder? Grief? Distractedness? Tell Jesus about what surfaces. Then gently pull my thoughts back to His sacrifice and death, reading the passage again if needed. Allow myself to sink into the event deeply, again being aware of my reaction and talking to Jesus about it.
  4. Find a new place to be silent. For example, walk in a quiet place or sit in an empty church sanctuary. Bring a wristwatch and set the alarm so I can forget the time until it reminds me. Meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice for me, and then wait for what He would have me receive from Him.

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:

Disicuss the meaning of the veil of the temple being split in two. No longer must persons go through a priest to talk to God. Jesus’ death on the cross made him our intercessor. Have a time of prayer, encouraging each to thank God for Jesus, whose death on the cross allows us to come to God with our requests.

260靈修 July 21, 2011: 馬太福音第廿六章 Matthew:26

第廿六章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

36 耶穌同門徒來到一個地方,名叫客西馬尼,就對他們說:「你們坐在這裏,等我到那邊去禱告。」37 於是帶著彼得和西庇太的兩個兒子同去,就憂愁起來,極其難過,38 便對他們說:「我心裏甚是憂傷,幾乎要死;你們在這裏等候,和我一同警醒。」39 他就稍往前走,俯伏在地,禱告說:「我父啊,倘若可行,求你叫這杯離開我。然而,不要照我的意思,只要照你的意思。」40 來到門徒那裏,見他們睡著了,就對彼得說:「怎麼樣?你們不能同我警醒片時嗎?41 總要警醒禱告,免得入了迷惑。你們心靈固然願意,肉體卻軟弱了。」42 第二次又去禱告說:「我父啊,這杯若不能離開我,必要我喝,就願你的意旨成全。」43 又來,見他們睡著了,因為他們的眼睛困倦。44 耶穌又離開他們去了。第三次禱告,說的話還是與先前一樣。45 於是來到門徒那裏,對他們說:「現在你們仍然睡覺安歇吧(吧:或譯嗎?)!時候到了,人子被賣在罪人手裏了。46 起來!我們走吧。看哪,賣我的人近了。」

 

默想:

  1. 這裡記載了三次耶穌的禱告,非常清晰的描述了耶穌身心靈的掙扎,由問神可否叫這杯(藉著十字架表明神的審判)離開祂,到「若不能」,「願你的旨意成全」;並且都用「我父」這最親密的稱呼。而且這時候,祂的門徒們沒有一個能夠做到祂的要求——和祂一同警醒禱告。
  2. 默想基督的受苦。低吟這首「泰澤」詩歌「陪著我」

在這等我,同我在這裡,警醒禱告,警醒禱告。http://www.thevigils.co.uk/vigils/chants.html (#2)

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 26

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

36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” 42He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

 

Meditation:

  1. Here recorded three times of Jesus’ prayer. It clearly portrayed Jesus wrestling with God’s will and then finally accepting it. It started with Jesus asking if it is possible for the cup (referring to the expression of God’s judgment in and by the cross) to be removed from him. The next two times He says, “If this cannot … your will be done”(v42). In all cases, Jesus addresses God in the most intimate terms as “my Father”(vv39,42). The disciples, including even Peter, were unable to watch and pray with him.
  2. Meditate on Christ’s suffering. Quietly sing this Taize song:

Stay with me, remain here with me
watch and pr
ay, watch and pray. http://www.thevigils.co.uk/vigils/chants.html (#2)

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:

Use the material on this website for today’s family devotion. http://children.cccm.com/site/pdf/New/curr233.pdf