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

第十五章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

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

 

默想:

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

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 15

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

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

 

Meditation:

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

Prayer & Journaling:

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

Family Time:

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

 

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

第十四章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

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

 

默想:

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

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 14

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

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

 

Meditation:

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

Prayer & Journaling:

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

Family Time:

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

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

第十三章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

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

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

默想:

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

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

 

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 13

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

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

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

Meditation:

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

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

Prayer & Journaling:

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

 

Family Time:

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


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

第十二章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

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

18 看哪!我的僕人,我所揀選、所親愛、心裏所喜悅的,

我要將我的靈賜給他;他必將公理傳給外邦。

19   他不爭競,不喧嚷;街上也沒有人聽見他的聲音。

20  壓傷的蘆葦,他不折斷;將殘的燈火,他不吹滅;

等他施行公理,叫公理得勝。

21 外邦人都要仰望他的名。

 

默想:

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

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 12

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

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

Meditation:

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

Prayer & Journaling:

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

Family Time:

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

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

第十一章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

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

 

默想:

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

禱告與筆錄:

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

 

Chapter 11

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

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

Meditation:

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

Prayer & Journaling:

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

Family Time:

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


260靈修 June 29, 2011: 馬太福音第十章

最好能將全章略讀一遍,再專注於以下經文段落:

 

32凡在人面前認我的、我在我天上的父面前、也必認他。 33凡在人面前不認我的、我在我天上的父面前、也必不認他。 34你們不要想我來、是叫地上太平.我來、並不是叫地上太平、乃是叫地上動刀兵。 35因為我來、是叫人與父親生疏、女兒與母親生疏、媳婦與婆婆生疏. 36人的仇敵、就是自己家裏的人。 37愛父母過於愛我的、不配作我的門徒、愛兒女過於愛我的、不配作我的門徒。 38不背著他的十字架跟從我的、也不配作我的門徒。 39得著生命的、將要失喪生命.為我失喪生命的、將要得著生命。

 

默想:

1. 作主門徒的記號包括:在人前認主(32節),對主忠心勝過家庭的關係(34-35節),背起十字架跟從主,學效耶穌順服神以致於死在十架上(38節),為愛主捨棄一切(37節)。

2. 似乎門徒的生命全是「捨棄」而無「得著」,但是當主的門徒出外事奉時,別人藉著他們而蒙福,這使他們得了喜樂。就像使徒保羅所說:「你們是我們的希望,我們的喜樂。在我們的主耶穌再來的時候,我們所要誇耀的冠冕不正是你們嗎?」(帖前19)

3. 「背起十字架跟從主」對我來說有什麼意義?我如何因成為基督的門徒而在祂的受苦上有分?我有否經歷到保羅所說的喜樂?

 

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 10

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

32“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn ” ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

 

Meditation

1. The marks of Jesus’ disciples according to this passage include: acknowledging Jesus before men (v32), placing loyalty to Christ above even the bonds of family (vv34-35), taking up his cross and following Jesus by subjecting one’s will to God even as Jesus chose to subject Himself to the cross (v38), surrendering all for the sake of his Lord (v37).

2. It seems that the disciple’s life is all “give up” and no “gain”. However, as Jesus’ disciple go out to minister, they will have the joy of knowing that it was through him or her that others were thus blessed. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”(I Thes. 19)

3. What does “take his cross and follow Jesus” mean to me? How am I sharing Christ’ suffering in discipleship? Have I experience the joy Paul talked about?

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.

260靈修 June 28, 2011: 馬太福音第九章

9耶穌從那裏往前走、看見一個人名叫馬太、坐在稅關上、就對他說、你跟從我來.他就起來、跟從了耶穌。 10耶穌在屋裏坐席的時候、有好些稅吏和罪人來、與耶穌和他的門徒一同坐席。 11法利賽人看見、就對耶穌的門徒說、你們的先生為甚麼和稅吏並罪人一同吃飯呢。12耶穌聽見、就說、康健的人用不著醫生、有病的人才用得著。 13經上說、「我喜愛憐恤、不喜愛祭祀。」這句話的意思、你們且去揣摩.我來、本不是召義人、乃是召罪人。

默想:
耶穌呼召馬太,表明祂向社會的邊緣人物——受人歧視、排擠、壓迫的群體招手,法利賽人對宗教禮儀與道德的拘泥,使他們無法了解何以耶穌會和這樣卑賤的人一同飲宴。我比較能認同馬太或是法利賽人?為什麼?
今天我有否看見主耶穌向我招手,邀請我跟從祂?我的回應是什麼呢? 我是否歡喜與主一同吃喝,歡樂,慶祝,休息……?
耶穌引用《何6:6》「我喜愛憐恤、不喜愛祭祀。」,是否因憐恤和愛是我們內在的實際改變,而祭祀卻是不論內心的實況如何,都可以做到的外在表現?

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 9

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

9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

 

Meditation

1. The calling of Matthew exhibited Jesus’ calling of outcasts and despised sinners. The Pharisees, with their concern for both ritual and moral purity, could not understand why Jesus would have meals with the bad people. Whom can I identify more easily, Matthew or the Pharisees? Why?

2. Do I see Jesus’ calling of me, inviting me to follow Him? What’s my response? Do I enjoy eating, drinking, celebrating, resting, having fun with Jesus?

3. Why did Jesus quote “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”(Ho 6:6)? Could it be because love and mercy reveal that we have a transformed heart, while sacrifice is an outward act that can be done regardless of the condition of our heart?

Prayer & Journaling:

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