Category: 260灵修

第六章

27 只是我告訴你們這聽道的人，你們的仇敵，要愛他！恨你們的，要待他好！ 28 咒詛你們的，要為他祝福！凌辱你們的，要為他禱告！ 29 有人打你這邊的臉，連那邊的臉也由他打。有人奪你的外衣，連裡衣也由他拿去。 30 凡求你的，就給他。有人奪你的東西去，不用再要回來。 31 你們願意人怎樣待你們，你們也要怎樣待人。 32 你們若單愛那愛你們的人，有甚麼可酬謝的呢？就是罪人也愛那愛他們的人。 33 你們若善待那善待你們的人，有甚麼可酬謝的呢？就是罪人也是這樣行。 34 你們若借給人，指望從他收回，有甚麼可酬謝的呢？就是罪人也借給罪人，要如數收回。 35 你們倒要愛仇敵，也要善待他們，並要借給人不指望償還，你們的賞賜就必大了，你們也必作至高者的兒子；因為他恩待那忘恩的和作惡的。 36 你們要慈悲，像你們的父慈悲一樣。

默想：

1. 耶穌教訓門徒要愛仇敵，這與我們的想法相反。我們會認為：如果去愛仇敵，他們豈不會得寸進尺，更加迫害我們？其實耶穌強調：愛仇敵、祝福他們，為他們禱告等等，就是要我們停止冤冤相報的惡性循環。
2. 畢竟，神自己以他無比的愛破除了這個報復的模式，將他的愛子差遣來到世間，為我們的罪受苦而死。當我們回應神的愛，接受基督的救贖時，我們對神的態度整個改變過來，由拒絕頂撞轉而愛神，願意討他的歡悅。這就是耶穌要我們學習，以愛來勝過仇敵。當然，這絕不容易，跟隨基督本來不是輕而易舉之事，但卻能帶來自由。
3. 回想以往曾經傷害過我的一個人，重新讀這段經文，並求耶穌讓我靠他來原諒這個人，破除心中憎恨或是報復的心態。

Luke 6

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 

Meditation:

1. Jesus’ call to love enemies often frightens us, and so we tend to ignore it.  If we love our enemies, won’t they take advantage of us and won’t we be more vulnerable to attacks?  What Jesus is emphasizing by asking us to love, bless and pray for our enemies and turn our other cheek, is for us to break the cycle of hostility and animosity.
2. After all, God broke the pattern by one bold act of love, sending his son to suffer and die for our sins.  As we respond to that love, accepting the salvation Christ brings, our whole attitude toward God has changed, and we now love and want to please Him.  No, it is not an easy thing to do, but following Christ has never been an easy thing to do.  Yet, it does make us free.
3. Name a person who has wronged me.  Read this passage.  Ask Jesus to give me his forgiveness for that person and take away the hatred and revengeful attitude in my heart.

 

Family

v31 is often called the “Golden Rule.”  Can you explain why?  Notice that it is a positive statement rather than a negative one.  Discuss how it can be of value in our lives today.  Choose one of the valuable lessons to do this week.  Record it in your Family Journal.

 

第五章

耶穌站在革尼撒勒湖邊，眾人擁擠他，要聽　神的道。 2 他見有兩隻船灣在湖邊；打魚的人卻離開船洗網去了。 3 有一隻船是西門的，耶穌就上去，請他把船撐開，稍微離岸，就坐下，從船上教訓眾人。 4 講完了，對西門說：「把船開到水深之處，下網打魚。」 5 西門說：「夫子，我們整夜勞力，並沒有打著甚麼。但依從你的話，我就下網。」 6 他們下了網，就圈住許多魚，網險些裂開， 7 便招呼那隻船上的同伴來幫助。他們就來，把魚裝滿了兩隻船，甚至船要沉下去。 8 西門‧彼得看見，就俯伏在耶穌膝前，說：「主啊，離開我，我是個罪人！」 9 他和一切同在的人都驚訝這一網所打的魚。 10 他的夥伴西庇太的兒子雅各、約翰，也是這樣。耶穌對西門說：「不要怕！從今以後，你要得人了。」 11 他們把兩隻船攏了岸，就撇下所有的，跟從了耶穌。
默想：

1. 漁夫們經過一夜的打撈，毫無所獲，深感疲倦挫敗，不願再試。這和我們的人生多麼相像，我們也常會遇到失敗沮喪，因而想要放棄、退縮，與人保持距離。
2. 主耶穌對信徒的呼召，并非一定是要我們去做什麼嶄新的事情，多數是要我們回到日常生活的圈子、平日所作的事當中。但是這次是與耶穌一起去，和他一起作。神就是這樣來掌管我們的人生——我們的工作、家庭、休閑 等一切。同樣的船，同樣的工作，同樣的方式，但現在有耶穌在其中——這就起了極大的差別。
3. 耶穌在我人生的船上嗎？是誰在為我的航程掌舵？目前我是否正經歷或大或小的風浪，或是“整夜勞力並沒有打著什麼”的挫敗？安靜默想，讓聖靈向我的心說話，隨心中聖靈的感動，向主作回應的禱告。

Luke 5

¹One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, ²he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. ³He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.  ⁴When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  ⁵Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”  ⁶When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.  ⁸When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ⁹For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.    Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” ¹¹So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

 

Meditation:

1. After a whole night’s labour, the fishermen didn’t want to try again, depression and fatigue were written all over them.  How similar this is to our own lives.  We have all experienced failure which often left us feeling guilty, shameful and self-distrust.   Then, we wanted to quit, withdraw and to be away from people.
2. Jesus does not get us to do something entirely new but sends us back to what we’ve been doing all along, but this time with Jesus.  God wants to be in command of our lives – our work lives, our family lives, our leisured lives.  Same boat.  Same Commands.  Same nets.  But now Jesus is with us[JS1]  – and that makes all the difference.
3. Is Jesus on my LIFE boat?  Who’s in command of my journey?  What am I experiencing right now?  Just be quiet before God and allow the Holy Spirit speak to my heart.  Respond and speak to God as you are so moved by the Holy Spirit.

 

Family

What did the fishermen say when Jesus asked them to go to the deep water to fish?  Why?  What happened afterward?  What’s the difference between the fishermen’s first fishing trip at night and the second trip after Jesus told them to?  Sing this song: “With Christ in my vessel.”

 

第四章

16 耶穌來到拿撒勒，就是他長大的地方。在安息日，照他平常的規矩進了會堂，站起來要念聖經。 17 有人把先知以賽亞的書交給他，他就打開，找到一處寫著說： 18 主的靈在我身上，因為他用膏膏我，叫我傳福音給貧窮的人；差遣我報告：被擄的得釋放，瞎眼的得看見，叫那受壓制的得自由， 19 報告　神悅納人的禧年。 20 於是把書捲起來，交還執事，就坐下。會堂裏的人都定睛看他。 21 耶穌對他們說：「今天這經應驗在你們耳中了。」 22 眾人都稱讚他，並希奇他口中所出的恩言；又說：「這不是約瑟的兒子嗎？」

默想：

1. 耶穌在18-19節中，引用舊約說出他來到世界的使命。下面這五項中，哪一項對我有最切身的關係？為什麼？

貧窮（被踐踏，貧困的）：得到盼望與尊嚴

被擄（身體、心理、政治的俘虜）：捆綁中得釋放

瞎眼（肉身的殘障預表屬靈的黑暗）：得看見神，得到新生命

受壓（政治或經濟上處於劣勢）：從壓制中得自由

欠債（每50年所有債務完全取消）：所有債務得清除

1. 思想：慢慢地讀這五個項目，有哪一項是我接受耶穌之後，在生活中最有體會的，對我最有切身關係的？回想我原來的光景，思想耶穌為我帶來的救恩，以及我現在的情況。讓自己沉浸幾分鐘在這個回憶、思想中。
2. 由衷地向神獻上感恩的禱告。

 

Luke 4

¹⁶He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. ¹⁷The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:  ¹⁸“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,  because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,  to release the oppressed,   ¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”   ²⁰Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, ²¹and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”   ²²All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

Meditation:

1. Jesus applied five Old Testament promises to his mission on earth.  Which of these five forms of rejection can be connected with the gospel in my life today?

Poverty (downtrodden, underprivileged): to receive hope and dignity

Imprisonment (physically, psychologically or politically captive):  to receive freedom from bondage

Blindness (physical disability often meaning spiritual darkness): to receive new sight to recognize God’s perspective and new life

Oppression (political and economic disadvantage): to receive release and new freedom from forces holding you down

Debt (every 50 years all debts were cancelled): to receive the Jubilee Year’s release from debt of every sort.

1. Read the above list slowly.  Immerse myself in the recollection of my situations before and after receiving Christ.  Meditate on Jesus’ salvation for me.
2. Give God thanks for all the things He’s done in me.

 

 

Family

Jesus became well known as he taught and healed people throughout the area.  Discuss what Jesus said about his purposes on earth.  Ask, “What does Jesus’ healing the sick tell us about his care for people?”  How can we help people and be like Jesus?

第三章

7 約翰對那出來要受他洗的眾人說：「毒蛇的種類！誰指示你們逃避將來的忿怒呢？ 8 你們要結出果子來，與悔改的心相稱。不要自己心裏說：『有亞伯拉罕為我們的祖宗。』我告訴你們，　神能從這些石頭中，給亞伯拉罕興起子孫來。 9 現在斧子已經放在樹根上，凡不結好果子的樹就砍下來，丟在火裏。」 10 眾人問他說：「這樣，我們當做甚麼呢？」 11 約翰回答說：「有兩件衣裳的，就分給那沒有的；有食物的，也當這樣行。」 12 又有稅吏來要受洗，問他說：「夫子，我們當做甚麼呢？」 13 約翰說：「除了例定的數目，不要多取。」 14 又有兵丁問他說：「我們當做甚麼呢？」約翰說：「不要以強暴待人，也不要訛詐人，自己有錢糧就當知足。」15百姓指望基督來的時候，人都心裡猜疑，或者約翰是基督。

默想：

1. 約翰傳道的信息毫不留情面、且單刀直入。他宣講神的忿怒、將來的審判，呼籲他們悔改使罪得赦、接受洗禮。這些信息不容易令人接受的，但是人們不斷地來聽他講道，甚至猜疑約翰是否就是要來的基督（15節）。
2. 施洗約翰的信息，對當時聽道的人，單刀直入地將他們的面具、假裝給除掉，他們才開始面對真實自我的醜陋與污穢；而神的話更是帶來得救的盼望。惟有當我們肯面對自己的罪過，我們才會尋求饒恕，並在耶穌基督裡尋得新生命。
3. 在我的生活中，我是否習慣經常“轉換方向”（悔改）？最近聖靈是否有向我指出，在那方面的錯誤方向，需要調頭回轉？
4. 用一點時間來默想，向神認罪，祈求赦免。並求聖靈保守我，“不要讓我們遭受承擔不起的考驗；要救我們脫離那邪惡者的手。”（太6：13，現中譯本）

 

Luke 3

⁷John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  ⁸Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ⁹The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”  ¹⁰“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.  ¹¹John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”  ¹²Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”  ¹³“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. ¹⁴Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”  He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” ¹⁵The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.

1. John was not a smooth, comfortable preacher.  He was blunt and confrontational.  He preached the message of coming wrath of God and “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”.  This wasn’t an easy message to take, but people kept coming to hear him and even wondering if John might be the Christ (v15).
2. Perhaps when we hear messages such as John’s, our masks and pretenses are stripped away, and we are forced not only to face our need – but are given hope in God’s word.  And only when we face guilt do we seek forgiveness, and find the new life in our Saviour Jesus.
3. Am I in the habit of “direction change” (repentance) in my daily life?  What has the Holy Spirit been speaking to me lately on certain wrong “directions”?
4. Take a moment to think about it.  Then pray for God’s forgiveness.  Pray also for the Holy Spirit to “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”(Matt 6:13)

Family

John baptized the people who repented of their sins.  This was how John said they could prepare for the coming of the Messiah.  Discuss why we are baptized today to show our belief in Jesus.  Ask parents and members of the family who have been baptised to share their decision and their experiences of baptism.  Then give thanks for God’s salvation, for God’s forgiveness of your sins and for baptism to show your belief in Jesus.

第二章

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

默想：

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

 

Luke 2

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

Meditation:

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

 Family Time

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

第一章

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

默想：

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

Luke 1

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

Meditation：

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

Family Time

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

 

第三章

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

 

默想                     

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

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 3:6-11

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

 

Meditation

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

 

 

第二章

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

 

默想

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

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 2:13-17

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

 

Meditation

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

 

 

 

帖撒羅尼迦後書  第一章

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

 

默想                     

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

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

II Thessalonians Chapter 1:5-12

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

 

Meditation

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

 

 

第五章12-22節

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

 

默想

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

 

2. 寫下三件感恩的事，並向神發出感恩的祈禱！

 

 

禱告與筆錄：

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

 

I Thessalonians 5:12-22

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

 

Meditation

 

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

 

2. Write down three things you are thankful for and offer your praise and thanksgiving to God!

 

Prayer & Journaling:

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