4 May 2017, Ex 4 出 4 章, The “Useless” Man “无用”的人

Posted on Apr 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 4

Theme                             : The “Useless” Man

 

Forty years before, Moses was sure he could solve his people’s problems; but now that God had called him, he was sure he would fail. He could give no reasons for disobeying God, but he certainly had plenty of excuses. “An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie,” observed Billy Sunday. But God gave Moses everything he needed for success. All he had to do was trust the great I AM.

Credentials.

If we give God what we have, He can use it for His glory: a rod, a sling (1 Sam. 17:40), a net (Luke 5:1–11), or a little lunch (John 6:9). He can even use the hand if nothing is in it!

Companion.

God already had Aaron prepared and on his way to meet Moses. While Aaron at times created some problems for Moses, he was still a valued helper in the work. He was the speaker, and Moses was the doer. But in time, Moses himself became a great orator.

Commission.

God spoke to Moses and gave him the instructions and encouragement he needed (vv. 19–23). Before he arrived in Egypt, Moses knew that his work would be difficult and that Pharaoh would oppose him.

Chastening.

Moses was chastened by God and almost died because he had failed to make his child a son of the covenant (Gen. 17:10). How could Moses lead Israel if his own family was not dedicated to God? (See 1 Tim. 3:5.)

Conviction.

Moses was sure nobody would believe him; however, when the elders saw the signs and heard the message, they believed and bowed to worship God.

When you face a tough job and you are afraid that you will fail, remember Moses. God keeps His promises, no matter how you feel or how people respond. [1]

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Forty years before, when Moses felt perfectly adequate to solve the problem of his people, God refused him. 40 years later when he felt totally helpless (3:11), God begin to use him. The lesson we can learn is God can use “useless” men to achieve his purpose. Secondly, it’s only when we are humble and not relying on ourselves, that’s the time we are useful to God. Let’s pray that God keeps us humble to achieve big things for Him.
  2. In His anger (4:14), God appointed Aaron to be the spokesperson for Moses, but Aaron wasn’t always a help to his brother. It was Aaron who cooperated with the people in making the golden calf (Ex. 32), and Aaron and his sister Miriam were critical of Moses (Num. 12). Let’s pray that we do not insist our will because we do not know the future. God’s will is the best. Let’s accept it, welcome it and embrace it.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 4:1.

 
 
 

经文：出4章

主题：“无用”的人

 

40年前摩西相信自己可以解决族人的问题；但神呼召他时，他又不肯。虽然他无法给神拒绝的理由，但摩西确实有许多的借口。比利·桑戴说：“借口是理由的皮囊，里面塞满了谎言”。但神就是摩西所需的一切。摩西所需要做的只是相信那伟大的“我是”。

凭据。

我们献给神什么，祂皆可以使用它们荣耀自己：一杆、一吊索（撒上17:40）、一网（路5:1-11），或一个小午餐（约6:9 ）。即使是什么都没用的手，神也可以使用它！

同伴。

神已经预备好亚伦，而亚伦已在迎接摩西的路上了。虽然有时亚伦带给摩西一些麻烦，但在事工上他仍然是一位得力助手。亚伦是宣讲者，摩西是行事者。假以时日，摩西自己也成为一个伟大的演说家。

任命。

神任命摩西，并给予摩西他所需的指导和鼓励（19-23节）。在他抵达埃及之前，摩西知道这事工是艰难的，而法老也必反抗他。

管教。

神惩罚摩西，甚至差点丧命因为摩西没有让自己的孩子成为立约之子（创17:10）。如果摩西自己的家庭不完全奉献给神，那他要如何带领以色列呢？ （摩前3:5）。

信念。

摩西很肯定没有人会相信他的，然而，当长老看见神迹、听见信息后，他们就信了并低头敬拜神。当你面对一个艰难的工作，并害怕自己会失败时，请记起摩西。不管你感觉如何，或人们如何反应，神绝不食言。
用经文祷告

  1. 40年前，摩西自觉他本身足已解决族人的问题，但神拒绝了他。40年后，当他感到完全无助的时候（3:11），神却使用他了。从这里我们可以学到的功课是神使用“无用”的人来完成祂的旨意。其次，只有当我们真正“谦卑”不靠自己的时候，才合乎主用。让我们祷告神使我们谦卑来实现祂伟大的事。
  2. 在祂的愤怒下（4:14），神任命亚伦为摩西的代言人，但亚伦不是一个能完全帮助摩西的人。为众人制造金牛犊的是亚伦（出32）！常常挑剔摩西的是亚伦；还有姐姐米利暗（民12日）。让我们祷告，我们不要坚持自己的立场，因为我们不知道明天将要发生什么事。神的旨意是最好的。让我们接纳它、欢迎它、拥抱它。

3 May 2017, Ex 3 出 3 章, The Meeting with God 与神会面

Posted on Apr 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 3

Theme                            : The Meeting with God

 

You never know what a day may bring, so keep your eyes and ears open to the leading of the Lord. Childlike curiosity completely changed Moses’ life.

God is faithful.

He called Abraham, cared for Isaac, guided and protected Jacob, and He would be with Moses. He is the God of the individual as well as the nation, and He does not change from generation to generation.

God is concerned and compassionate.

He saw the affliction of His people, and He heard their cries. Then why didn’t He act sooner? Because He was following a perfect timetable (Gen. 15:13–16). You must learn to wait on the Lord. (See Ps. 37.)

God is long-suffering.

The Lord answered all of Moses’ objections and gave one assurance after another to encourage him. Moses said, “I am not!” and God replied, “I AM!” Faith lays hold of what God is and obeys what God says. Faith sees the opportunities while unbelief sees the obstacles. Are you arguing with God about something He wants you to do?[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Lord ordered Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Why was the ground holy? It was because God’s presence there. This command prevented Moses from rashly intruding, unprepared, into God’s presence. Do we need to remove our shoes when we come to church? Of course this is not the principle taught here. The principle is that we should come prepared and come with an attitude of fear and reverence to worship God. If we come late, unprepared and if we come with an attitude of a critical spirit, we are in danger of offending God. Let’s pray that every week we come to worship God with an attitude of fear and reverence. It is not man we please but God.
  2. God instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let Israelites go, but the king of Egypt will not let them go unless compelled by a mighty hand. (Ex 3:19) When we do the will of the Lord it does not mean we will have no difficulties. We must do it with faith because this is the will of the Lord. In this case, The Lord prophesized that he will have to stretch out His hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders; after that he will let them go. (Ex 3:20) Let’s pray that we are willing to do our part in God’s plan in order that His will be done and His name be glorified.

 

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 3:1.

 
 

经文：出3章

主题：与神会面

 

你永远不知道每一天将带来什么，所以你必须时刻睁大你的眼睛和耳朵，观察主的带领。像孩儿般的好奇心彻底改变了摩西的生命。

神是信实的

神呼召亚伯拉罕、照顾以撒、引导和保护雅各、祂也与摩西同在。祂是个人以及整个国家的神，时代虽然变迁，但祂永不改变。

神富于怜悯之心。

祂看见祂子民的痛苦，也听到他们的呼求。那为什么祂不早点采取行动呢？因为祂有着一个完美的时间表（创15:13-16）。你必须学会​​等待主的时间表。 （见诗37）

神恒忍热切等待

主一一回答摩西所有的反对，并不断向摩西保证并鼓励他。可是摩西却还是说：“我不能！”神答道：“我能！”认识神并顺服神是信心的基础。信心让人看见机会，不信的只看作为障碍。你是否在与神争论，祂要你做的事情呢？


用经文祷告

  1. 主命令摩西把脚上的鞋脱下来，因为他所站之地是圣地。为什么是圣地呢？这是因为神在哪里，哪里就是圣地。这命令防止摩西贸然闯入，猝不及防的来到神的面前。当我们来到教会的时候，是否也要把脚上的鞋脱下来呢？当然，这里所教导的原则不是这个。它的原则是：我们应该预备自己以敬畏的态度来敬拜神。如果我们迟到、没有准备好，或以批判的态度来到教会，那我们便处在得罪神的险境。让我们祈祷，我们每周以敬畏的态度来敬拜神。我们要取悦的是神，不是人。
  2. 神指示摩西叫法老让以色列人离开，但这位埃及王除非迫于大能的手，他绝不会让以色列人走。 （出3:19）当我们行主的旨意时，这并不等于我们不会遇到任何困难。我们必须凭信心的走下去，因为这是主的旨意。在这种情况下，主已预言，祂不得不伸手击打埃及并行一切的奇事后，法老才会让以色列人走。 （出3:20）让我们祈祷，我们愿意做神计划中的一部分，为的是要完成祂的旨意，并荣耀祂。

2 May 2017, Ex 2 出 2 章, The God who hears 垂听的神

Posted on Apr 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 2

Theme                            : The God who hears

 

Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed (Exod. 6:20), knew that the times were difficult, but they had faith (Heb. 11:23).

From the very start, Moses was seen to be “no ordinary child” (Acts 7:20), and it was evident that God had a special purpose for him. Believing this to be true, the parents defied Pharaoh’s edict and kept their son alive. This wasn’t easy to do since all the Egyptians were now Pharaoh’s official spies, watching for babies to be drowned (Ex. 1:22). It also took faith for the parents to put their son into the river. God rewarded their faith. Jochebed not only got her son back, but she was paid to take care of him!

When the princess came to the Nile to perform her religious ablutions, she saw the basket, discovered the baby, and heard him cry; and her maternal instincts told her to rescue the child and care for him. God used a baby’s tears to save Moses and He used Miriam’s words to arrange for the baby’s mother to raise the boy and get paid for it! 

The princess adopted Moses as her own son, which means that Moses had a favored position in the land and was given a special education for service in the government (Acts 7:22). In the Egyptian language, Moses means “born” or “son” and sounds like a Hebrew word that means “to draw out” (of the water). Years later, his name would remind Moses of the God who rescued him and did great things for him in Egypt. On more than one occasion, Moses would rescue his people because he trusted the Lord.[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Moses had a splendid education (Acts 7:22), but he was lacking in faith. He thought he could solve the problem himself. Also, he fought the wrong enemy at the wrong time with the wrong weapon. When you start to look around and ask yourself “Is it safe?” and not “Is it right?” you have stopped living by faith. Sometimes God has to “set us aside” to teach us what we need to know—and to help us forget the way the world does things. Moses’ impulsive deed sent him to the back of the desert for forty years, just as his impulsive words would keep him out of the Promised Land (Num. 20:9–13). An impatient spirit is a dangerous thing. Let’s pray that we learn the spiritual discipline of being patient.
  2. God is the God who hears. The people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery went up to God. (Ex 2:23) Do you believe our God is the God who hears our prayers? If so, do you pray? Exodus 2:25 said, “God saw the people of Israel– and God knew.” Yes, God sees where we are and He knows our situations even before we ask. So prayer is not to inform God of our situations but for us to humble ourselves and to submit to Him. Prayer is clear evidence that we do not to rely on ourselves but on God. Let’s do that.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 2:1.

 
 
 
 

经文：出2章

主题：垂听的神

 

摩西的父母暗兰和约基别知道时世困难，但他们仍有信心（来11:23）。

从一开始，摩西就已被看作为“不是一个普通的孩子”（徒7:20），神在他身上有一个特殊的旨意，这是显然的。因此，他的父母违抗法老的命令，保存儿子的生命。这是不容易的，因为埃及人已成为法老官吏的间谍，监督着犹太人的男婴被淹死（出1:22）。把自己的儿子放入河中，也是需要信心的。而神最终奖励了他们的信心。约基别不仅得回了她的儿子，她也因照顾他而得到酬报！

当公主来到尼罗河执行她的宗教沐浴时，她看见了蒲草箱，发现在哭泣的婴孩；她的母性本能告诉她自己必须拯救这婴孩并照料他。神用婴儿的眼泪使摩西活下来，也用米利暗的话安排婴孩的母亲照顾孩子并且得到酬报！

公主收养摩西成为自己的儿子，这意味着摩西在这土地上处于有利的位置，并且接受特殊的教育以便将来在政府里服侍（徒7:22）。在埃及文里，摩西的意思是“诞生”或“儿子”，在希伯来文里听起来像“（从水里）取出”的意思。多年以后，他的名字提醒着摩西，那位拯救他并为他在埃及行伟大事的神。而摩西也因着信靠神多次拯救他的族人。


用经文祷告

  1. 摩西受到卓越的教育（徒7:22），但是他缺乏信心的眼睛。当他以为自己可以解决问题而环顾四周，问自己：“这是不是安全吗？”，而不是“这样做对吗？”他已经停止过着凭信心的生活了。有时神需把我们“分别出来”以教导我们所需要知道的事，并帮助我们忘记世界做事情的方式。摩西冲动的行为使得自己在沙漠生活40年；就像他“冲动的话”，使得自己不得进入应许之地（民20:9-13）。一个不耐烦的灵命是一件危险的事情。让我们祷告，我们学习耐心的操练。
  2. 神是垂听祷告的神。以色列人为奴做苦工，就叹息哀求，他们的哀声达于神。（前2:23）你是否相信我们的神是垂听我们祷告的神呢？如果是的，你是否有祷告吗？出埃及记2:25说，“神看顾以色列人，也知道他们的苦情。”是的，神是看见我们的处境，在我们开口之前，祂已知道我们的情况。所以祷告不是在通知神我们的情况，而是在谦卑自己并顺服祂。祷告是我们不依靠自己，而是靠神的凭证。让我们这样做吧。

1 May 2017, Ex 1 出1 章, The “Problem” of Blessing 祝福的“问题”

Posted on Apr 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 1

Theme                             : The “Problem” of Blessing

 

The nation growing.

God promised that the descendants of Abraham would multiply greatly, and they did (Gen. 13:16; 15:5). God keeps His word and accomplishes His purposes in His time. Over the centuries, nations have tried to destroy Israel but have not succeeded. God gave Israel a special promise in Genesis 12:3, and He is keeping it. God’s children today should pray for Israel (Ps. 122:6), share the gospel with them (Rom. 1:16), and minister to them in practical ways (Rom. 15:25–27).

The nation groaning.

God told Abraham that his people would experience suffering (Gen. 15:13–14). It is easy for nations and local churches to forget the heroes of yesterday (Heb. 13:7–8). Although we must not “embalm” the past, we certainly must not forget those who helped to make our future possible.

The new Pharaoh was more concerned about national security than human decency. When people become a means to an end instead of an end in themselves, we are not treating them as God wants us to. Enslaving the men was Egypt’s solution to “the Jewish problem.”

The nation facing distinction.

The new king not only enslaved the Jewish people, he planned to annihilate the race of Jewish people by instructing the midwives to kill the new born baby boys. However the midwives believed and obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Thank God for concerned people who will courageously defend the little ones![1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God promised Abraham that He will multiply Abraham’s descendants greatly and it is amazing to watch how God did it. It grew from 70 men (Gen. 46:27) to 603,000 males (Num 1:46), who were 20 years of age and older, thus allowing for a total population of about 2 million departing from Egypt. The seed of Abraham was no longer an extended family, but a nation. The promise that his descendants would be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 35:11, 12) had indeed been fulfilled in Egypt. Do you trust God’s promises? Let’s pray that you do.
  2. A new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. (Ex. 1:8) This is probably refers a Hyksos king (1730–1570 b.c.) who arose against Pharaoh during a period of political disintegration after Joseph. The term “arose” signifies “rose against,” which accords well with a foreign seizure of the Egyptian throne. Without Joseph and the blessing of God, Egypt has deteriorated into such a pitiful stage where it was over taken by a foreign king. Without God and His blessing we will be overcome by pride, lust and self-centeredness. Let’s pray that we constantly walk with God and ask God to help us to live in a healthy fear of Him.
  3. The midwives feared and obeyed God, not man. And the Lord blessed them. Do you fear God and obey him?

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 1:1.

 
 
 

经文：出1 章

主题：祝福的“问题”

 

民族的增长

神应许亚伯拉罕的后裔将繁衍，这确实成就了（创13:16; 15:5）。神绝无食言，祂按着自己的时间来完成祂的旨意。几个世纪以来，许多国家试图摧毁以色列，但都没有成功。神在创世记12:3给了以色列一个承诺，至今祂仍然守着。今天神的儿女应该为以色列祷告（诗122:6）、向他们传福音（罗1:16）。

民族的哀声

神已经告诉亚伯拉罕，他的子民必会经历痛苦（创15:13-14）。身为一个国家和教会，我们常常很容易就会忘记过去的英雄（希13:7-8）。虽然我们不应该“停留在”过去，但我们一定不能忘记那些为我们创造未来的人。

比起人类的尊严，新法老更关心的是国家安全而藐视人。他把人看作为达到目的的一种手段，他没有按神要的方式待人。把犹太人当成奴役是埃及对“犹太人问题”的解决方案。

民族面临灭绝

新法老不仅使犹太人成为奴隶，他也计划消灭犹太民族，并指示收生婆把新生男婴都杀掉。然而，收生婆敬畏并顺服神而不是人（徒5:29）。感谢神有这些人勇敢地捍卫这些婴儿！

 

用经文祷告

  1. 神应许亚伯拉罕他的后裔将繁衍，看神如何实现祂的应许真是叫人惊讶。从70名男子（创46:27），增长至603,000名男子（民1:46），而这些指的是20岁以上的男子。所以，从埃及出发的总人口应该有约200万人。亚伯拉罕的后裔不再是一个大家庭，它已成为一个民族。他的后裔要生养众多的应许，已经在埃及实现了（创35:11，12）。你相信神的应许吗？让我们祷告，你确实相信祂。
  2. 一位不认识约瑟的新埃及国王兴起了。（出1:8）这可能是在指希克索斯王（公元前1730年至1570年），他在约瑟后的政治解体期间对抗法老。“兴起”的原文是“起来反对”，意味着一个外来的人抢夺了埃及王位。没有约瑟和神的祝福，埃及已经沦落到如此可怜的地步；一个被外来国王占领的国家。如果没有神和他的祝福，我们将被骄傲、淫欲和自我为中心给占据。让我们祷告，我们不断与神同行，并祈求神帮助我们每一天以一种健康的态度来敬畏祂。
  3. 收生婆敬畏并顺服神而不是人，神就厚待她们。你敬畏并顺服神吗？

24 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 28:16-31; 1:8: Proclaiming the Gospel 传扬福音

Posted on Apr 24, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 28:16-31; Acts 1:8

Theme                         : Proclaiming the Gospel

 

  1. Gospel presented to the Jews. When Paul arrived in Rome, he met the Jews who were there, and once again, he preached the Gospel to the Jews who were in Rome. As was Paul’s custom, he expounded the Old Testament Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
  1. Gospel presented to the Gentiles. When many of the Jews rejected the Gospel message, Paul declared to them that the Gospel would be preached to the Gentiles, and he did so for the next two years as he awaited for his trial before Caesar. Paul was placed under house-arrest, and was not in a prison cell (28:16), so that he could preach the Gospel freely to those came to him.
  1. Gospel presented to the world. The Book of Acts ended abruptly at chapter 28. From one perspective, it was because the author, Luke, wrote Acts before Paul was released from this first imprisonment. According to tradition, Paul was released from this imprisonment, but was arrested again and martyred after a few years due to the persecution led by Emperor Nero. From another perspective, it is because the spread of the Gospel continues to this very day, in fulfilment of Acts 1:8, when the church continues the work of evangelism until Christ comes again.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Whenever Paul had opportunity, he would preach the Gospel to everyone, whether they were Jews or Gentiles. Paul did not wait for people to be ready. Pray that we too will seize every opportunity to preach the Gospel.
  1. After the Jews rejected the Gospel, this message of salvation “has been sent to the Gentiles” (28:29). Thank and praise God for having mercy on us, who are Gentiles, such that the message of salvation is also given to us.
  1. Pray that we will fulfil the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) and continue bringing the Gospel “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传28:16-31；1:8

主题：传扬福音

 

  1. 向犹太人传福音。当保罗抵达罗马后，他与那里的犹太人会合，并再一次向罗马的犹太人传福音。保罗依照他的习惯，讲解旧约经文，证明耶稣是那位应许的弥赛亚。
  1. 向外邦人传福音。当许多犹太人拒绝福音信息时，保罗向他们宣告福音从此将传给外邦人，而在等待凯撒审讯的那两年，他便这么做。保罗是被软禁，不在牢房里（28:16），所以他能向凡前来探访的人自由地向他们传福音。
  1. 向世界传福音。使徒行传在第28章突然结束；其原因之一是因为作者路加是在保罗首次下监后被释放之前写的。根据传统，保罗虽然在这次的软禁中得着释放，但他过了几年又再次被捉，并在尼禄王为首的逼迫中殉道。其二是因为福音的传扬延续至今，从而应验使徒行传1:8——教会会一直延续传福音的工作，直至基督再来。

 
用经文祷告

  1. 每当保罗一有机会，他便会向所有的人传福音，不论他们是犹太人或者是外邦人。保罗并没有等待人先做好预备。祈求我们也会把握每一个机会向人传福音。
  1. 犹太人拒绝福音后，得救的信息便“传给外邦人”（28:28）。感谢并赞美神怜悯我们这些外邦人，使福音的信息也将至于我们。
  1. 祷告我们能实现大使命（太28:18-20），继续把福音传至地极（使1:8）。

22 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 27:33 – 28:15: How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty II 如何在神的主权下生活（二）

Posted on Apr 9, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 27:33 – 28:15

Theme                         : How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty II

 

  1. Be responsible in God’s sovereignty. After 14 days and nights without eating any food, the men were weary and loosing strength. Paul ate and urged the people to eat and regain their physical strength. God’s sovereignty does not free man from his responsibility to take care of himself physically so that he can do what God intended for him to do. It is superfluous to assume that God will give physical strength through supernatural means.
  1. Be confident in God’s sovereignty. On the island of Malta, Paul did not panic even though he was bitten by a poisonous snake, but merely shook it off. After a long cruise, Paul finally arrived at Rome, where “Paul thanked God and took courage”. Paul had full confidence in God throughout the entire journey, actively doing what was right and responsible. However, he was not devoid of feelings as a human, evident when he “took courage” when he arrived in Rome. Paul’s confidence also did not lead to indifference, because he remembered to thank God for keeping His promises.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Many Christians have a wrong understanding of God’s sovereignty versus man’s responsibility. For example, there are false-teachers who claim that Christians suffering from illnesses should not take any medication because that shows a lack of faith in God’s supernatural power to heal. Pray that we will live responsibly under God’s sovereignty, and take care of ourselves physically so that we can do the spiritual work that God commanded us to do.
  1. Not being thankful is a character of unbelievers (Rom. 1:21). Paul had full confidence in God, evident from his actions and words during the storm and the shipwreck. When Paul arrived in Rome, he remembered to thank God, which is acknowledging God’s sovereignty in his life. Pray that we will live confidently in God’s sovereignty, remembering to count our blessings and thank God, and not with indifference.
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传27:33-28:15

主题：如何在神的主权下生活（二）

 

  1. 在神的主权里尽责。船上的人连续14天没有进食，因此开始疲惫乏力。保罗掰饼吃，并劝勉众人吃饭，以恢复体力。神有主权并不表示人无需照顾自己的身体，叫他能行主的旨意。若以为神会藉着超然的途径给予人体力，便是无知的。
  1. 在神的主权里确信。在马耳他岛上，即便被毒蛇咬了，保罗也不慌张，仅将蛇甩开。经过漫长的航行后，保罗终于抵达罗马，并“感谢神，放心壮胆”。保罗在全行中充分相信神，且积极行正确的事，负起当担的责任。然而，他并不是毫无感情的机器人；我们从他到达罗马后“放心壮胆”可以看出。保罗对神的信心并没使他对周遭的事漠不关心，因为他记得为神守应许而感谢神。

 
用经文祷告

  1. 许多基督徒对神的主权与人的责任有错误的了解。例如，有假教师声明患病的信徒不当服药，因为这是对神缺乏信心的表现，以为神没有超然医治的能力。祷告我们在神的主权下能尽责生活，并好好照顾自己的身体，叫我们能行神所吩咐我们的属灵工作。
  1. 缺乏感恩之心是非信徒的其中一个特征（罗1:21）。从保罗在风暴及海难中的言行举止，我们可以看出保罗充分地信神。当保罗抵挡了罗马，他不忘感谢神，即承认神在他生命中的主权。祈求我们会在神的主权里自信地生活，并记得数算我们的恩典，要感谢神，而不是冷淡对待一切。

21 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 27:1-32: How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty I 如何在神的主权下生活（一）

Posted on Apr 9, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 27:1-32

Theme                         : How to Live Under God’s Sovereignty I

 

  1. Be free in God’s sovereignty. After the trial before Festus and Agrippa, Paul began his journey to Rome, as promised by God. God had promised Paul that he will testify for God in Rome, but did not tell Paul how He would fulfil His promise. By God’s sovereignty, He would use the Romans to provide Paul a safe and all-expense-paid voyage to Rome! God also did not promise that the journey will be smooth and plain-sailing, as evident from the passage, that the voyage was filled with much difficulty (v4: the winds were against us, v7: had difficulty, v8: with difficulty). What God demanded is simply that Paul trust in Him and be faithful to fulfil his calling to preach the Gospel.
  1. Be active in God’s sovereignty. The Day of Atonement was held sometime in late September or early October, after which was winter, making travel in the open sea a dangerous thing to do. Knowing the danger that lies ahead, Paul warned the centurion, who did not listen to his counsel. During the storm, Paul encouraged the people to persevere, and he warned the centurion of the escaping sailors. Paul did not “let go and let God”, but was actively doing what he ought to do.
 
 

Praying the Scripture

  1. God did not promise that our lives will be smooth and plain-sailing after we become Christians. What we need to do is to obey His Word and trust in Him, and live our lives freely in such a manner to bring glory to His name. We must not believe the lies that many false-teachers tell us. Pray that we will be free in God’s sovereignty, and glorify Him in all that we do.
  1. It might sound very spiritual to “let go and let God”, but it is actually a very unbiblical thing to do. Throughout the Bible, it teaches believers to do what is right, to be doers of God’s Word, to serve the church actively, etc. Pray that we will not be irresponsible Christians but do what we can do, and trust God fully for the outcome.
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传27:1-32

主题：如何在神的主权下生活（一）

 

  1. 在神的主权里自由。在非斯都与亚基帕前受审讯后，保罗开始前往罗马，如神所应许的。神曾应许保罗他将在罗马为神做见证，却没告诉他应许是如何应验的。神将藉着祂的主权使用罗马人为保罗提供往罗马的安全、免费旅程！神也没应许行程将是一帆风顺的；如经文显明，行程将百经患难（4节：风不顺；7节：被拦阻）。神要求保罗的仅是保罗信靠祂，并忠于他的呼召传福音。
  1. 在神的主权里积极。禁食的节日是在九月底或十月初举行的；之后便入冬，使公海航行不安全。由于保罗晓得眼前的危险，他警告了百夫长，百夫长却不听。暴风之时，保罗鼓励大家要坚持，并警戒百夫长有水手想要逃出船去。保罗并没有“放手、任神”，而是积极行他当做的事。

 
用经文祷告

  1. 神没应许我们在成为信徒后，生命必然一帆风顺。我们需要做的乃是顺服神之言、信靠神，并以自由活出荣耀神之名的生命。我们不能相信众多假教师所告诉我们的谎言。祈求我们会在神的主权里得着自由，并在凡事所行上荣耀祂。
  1. “放手、任神”的概念听起来很属灵，但却与圣经的教导非常不符。圣经反复教导信徒要行公义，要做行道的，要积极服侍教会，等。祷告我们不会做不负责任的基督徒，而是要竭尽所能把事做好，并将其结果交托于神。

20 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 25:13 – 26:32: The Testimony of Paul 保罗的见证

Posted on Apr 9, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 25:13 – 26:32

Theme                         : The Testimony of Paul

 

King Agrippa was Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod who was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:19-23). When Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa, Paul immediately took the opportunity to give his testimony and preach the Gospel.

  1. Who was Paul before becoming a Christian? He persecuted the Lord. Paul was a Pharisee before he became a Christian. He thought that by obeying the law, a sinner can please God and earned his way into heaven. He persecuted Christians for preaching another way to heaven, through faith alone in Jesus.
  1. How did Paul become a Christian? He personally met the Lord. On the road to Damascus, Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus. Every sinner needs to have a personal encounter with Jesus, to recognize his own sinfulness and total helplessness, and trust in Jesus alone to save him from hell. No one can become a Christian by birth, nationality or coming to church – all must confess the name of Jesus with their mouths and believe in their hearts before they can be saved.
  1. What changes resulted after Paul become a Christian? He preached the Lord. There was a 180 degrees change for Paul – he opposed the Lord and persecuted Christians before he became a Christian, but he preached the Lord and became persecuted after he became a Christian. Paul truly practiced what he preached, that sinners “should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” (26:20)

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. In one way or another, all unbelievers are opposing Jesus Christ, as long as they do not repent from their sins and believe in Him alone. We too opposed the Lord before God had mercy and grace on us and saved us. Pray for unbelievers around us, especially our family and friends, that God will forgive them and grant them repentance.
  1. Not everyone will have such a dramatic conversion experience as Paul or some of the other Apostles. In fact, Peter wrote about his own dramatic experience (witnessing the transfiguration and hearing God’s audible voice), but concluded that “we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” (2 Pet. 1:19) In a sense, God’s Word that acts as a lamp shining in our dark and sinful hearts is like Paul’s experience of a blinding light. Let us thank God for shining His light into our sinful hearts using His Word.
  1. Pray that those of us who claim to believe in Jesus will truly “demonstrate their repentance by their deeds”. One way of doing so is to serve God by preaching the Gospel, despite rejection and even persecution. Pray that we will have courage and not be ashamed of the Lord and His Gospel.
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传25:13-26:32

主题：保罗的见证

 

亚基帕王就是希律亚基帕二世，即被虫咬而死的希律王之子（使12:19-23）。当非斯都将保罗带到亚基帕王面前时，保罗立即使用这机会作见证，传福音。

  1. 保罗成为基督徒之前是谁？他逼迫主。在成为信徒之前，保罗是一名法利赛人。他以为只要遵守律法，罪人便能讨神的喜悦，取得往天国的通票。由于基督徒传的是另一个往天堂的道路，也就是唯独信靠耶稣才能得救，他便逼迫基督徒。
  1. 保罗如何成为基督徒？他亲眼见主面。往大马士革途中，保罗亲自遇见耶稣。每个罪人与耶稣都要有个人的经历，叫罪人得以看见自己的罪性与全然的无助，并唯独信靠耶稣救他脱离地狱。无人能靠自己的种族、国籍或教会做信徒——人人都当口里承认、心里相信耶稣为主，才能得救。
  1. 保罗成为基督徒后有什么改变？他传主名。保罗全然蜕变——信主之前，他曾经抵挡主，也逼迫基督徒；信主之后，他却传主名，反受逼迫。保罗确实行他所传的道理，即罪人“当悔改归向神，行事与悔改的心相称”（26:20）。

用经文祷告

  1. 不论在大事或小事上，只要非信徒不愿从罪中悔改并信靠耶稣基督，他们都是抵挡神的。在神未降下怜悯与恩典使我们蒙得救赎前，我们也是抵挡神的。请为我们身边的非信徒祷告，尤其是我们的家人和朋友，求神能赦免他们，并赐他们悔改的心。
  1. 不是每个人都会像保罗或其他使徒一样有那么戏剧性的信主经历。实际上，彼得记载了自己戏剧性的经历后（见证主变形，又听见神的声音），却总结说：“我们并有先知更确的预言，如同灯照在暗处。你们在这预言上留意……才是好的”（彼后1:19）。在某种意义上，神的道犹同灯照在我们黑暗与罪恶的心，如保罗经历的闪光一样。让我们感谢神用祂的道使祂的光照入我们罪恶的心。
  1. 请让我们这些自称是信主的会真实“行事与悔改的心相称”。其中一个方式就是借着传福音侍奉神，纵然会遭拒绝，甚至逼迫。祈求我们会有胆量，不会以主之名及祂的福音为耻。

19 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 25:1-12: Paul appeals to Caesar 保罗上告于凯撒

Posted on Apr 9, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 25:1-12

Theme                         : Paul appeals to Caesar

 

  1. The ambush. It had been two whole years since the trial before Felix, and once the new governor Festus came, the Jews brought their case before Festus, plotting to kill Paul again! They were relentless in their pursuit to kill Paul, even though much time had passed since the last ambush that was thwarted. The hatred of the Jewish fanatics could be clearly seen.
  1. The accusation. Festus, like his predecessor, Felix, sought to please the Jews. The Jews brought false charges against Paul, like they did two years earlier, but could not prove their case. Their charges were most likely similar to the earlier trial before Felix, which included sedition (violation of Roman law), sectarianism (violation of Jewish law) and sacrilege (violation of God’s law).
  1. The appeal. When Festus wanted to please the Jews and suggested that Paul returned to Jerusalem to stand trial, Paul knew that he would be walking to his death. Two years ago, he had escaped in the middle of the night under heavy Roman guard. The accusation that the Jews brought against him again showed him that they still hated him and would seek to kill him again. Therefore, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to have a trial in Rome.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Jews who plotted to kill Paul were religious fanatics, much like the terrorists in modern-times. They plotted to murder Paul and violated the Old Testament law themselves (Ex. 20:13 – the sixth commandment). Pray that we will not allow hatred, anger and bitterness to build up in our hearts.
  1. The Jews accused Paul of sacrilege (violation of God’s law). However, when they brought such false charges, they were themselves violating the ninth commandment (Ex. 20:16) by bearing false witness. Pray that we will not be quick to judge others of their sin before we examine our own hearts.
  1. Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen when he appealed to Caesar, to have a trial in Rome. As Christians, we must be wise and not allow ourselves to be abused by evil men. Pray that we will be “wise as serpents but innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传25:1-12

主题：保罗上告于凯撒

 

  1. 其埋伏。自保罗在腓力斯面前受审讯后，时日已过两年，而一旦换了新的巡抚非斯都，犹太人又在他面前控告保罗，还再度计谋杀他！虽然时间已过了那么久，但他们仍坚决要杀保罗。犹太教狂热分子的愤恨是显然可见的。
  1. 其控告。如前任的巡抚腓力斯一样，非斯都想讨犹太人的欢喜；犹太人也如两年前一样，口说无凭，胡乱控告保罗。他们的控告大可能与腓力斯那时的审讯一样，诬告保罗违反罗马律法、违反犹太教律法与违反神之律法。
  1. 其上诉。当非斯都因为想讨犹太人的欢喜而提议保罗回耶路撒冷受审断时，保罗晓得这是死路一条。两年前，他曾在众多罗马的护兵的保护下深夜逃离；两年后，犹太人所控告他的罪刑显示他们仍憎恨保罗，想要杀他。因此，保罗使用他做罗马公民的权利，祈求在罗马受审。

用经文祷告

  1. 企图杀害保罗的犹太人是宗教狂热分子，如现代的恐怖分子一样。他们企图谋杀保罗，自己违背了旧约律法（出20:13——第六个诫命）。祷告我们不会容许憎恨、愤怒和苦毒在我们的心里存留积累。
  1. 犹太人诬告保罗违背神的律法。然而，当他们提出这样的控告时，他们自己也违背了第九个诫命（出20:16），因为他们做假见证。祷告我们在论断他人犯罪之前，要先省察自己的心。
  1. 当保罗上告于凯撒，要求在罗马受审时，他使用了自己做罗马公民的权利。身为基督徒，我们也当有智慧，提防恶人陷害。祈求我们能“灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子”（太10:16）。

18 Apr 2017, Acts 使徒行传 24:1-27, Listening to the Word 听从圣经

Posted on Apr 9, 2017 in Acts, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : Acts 24:1-27

Theme                         : Listening to the Word

 

  1. Listening with interest. After Paul was rescued from the plot to kill him, he was brought before Felix the Roman Governor, who heard the case both from the Jews and from Paul. Felix was familiar with the Way, referring to the teachings of Christianity, because his wife Drusilla was Jewish (24:24). Paul remained under Roman custody because the Jews could not prove their case against Paul. Felix was interested to hear the Word of God because he sent for Paul again to hear him speak about Jesus (24:24).
  1. Listening with fear. When Paul spoke the truth “about righteousness (and sin) and self-control and the coming judgment”, Felix was afraid, clearly showing that he recognized intellectually that he too was a sinner. Even though Paul was in custody and under the authority of Felix, Paul did not bribe Felix in order to gain his freedom, nor said things that pleased Felix. Paul continued to preach the Gospel faithfully.
  1. Listening with no action. Felix heard Paul’s messages repeatedly for two years, but he was only a hearer of the Word and not a doer. Felix was like the foolish builder, who also heard the Word of Christ, but did nothing to obey it (Matthew 7:26). Felix was self-deceived, because he was only a hearer of the Word, but not a doer (James 1:22). Felix was still unrepentant in the end, preferring to please the Jews than to do what was right, to free Paul, whom he knew was innocent.

 

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Felix was an unbeliever, and there is no evidence from Scripture that he ever repented and believed in Jesus. However, there is one thing he probably did better than many so-called Christians: Felix was interested to hear the Word of God. Many people come to church on Sundays and their hearts are elsewhere – they doze off in the pew, or they are busy with their phones. Pray that we will listen to the Word of God with interest, wanting to know what the Bible truly says.
  1. Not only was Felix interested, he probably understood what it meant and the implications for him, if he does not repent of his sins. There are many self-righteous people who are not convicted of their sin, and they become angry when they perceive that the sermon is addressing their sin. Pray that when we listen to the Word of God, we will listen with fear, especially when it comes to sin and judgment.
  1. James 1:25 “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” Pray that we will not only be hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word.
 
 
 

经文：使徒行传24:1-27

主题：听从圣经

 

  1. 感兴趣地聆听。保罗从犹太人的计谋逃脱后，他被带到罗马巡抚腓力斯前；腓力斯也听了双方（犹太人和保罗）的辩解。腓力斯是熟悉神之道的，即基督教的教导，因为他的妻子土西拉是犹太人（24:24）。由于犹太人无法推翻保罗的分诉，保罗仍留在监里。腓力斯是感兴趣听道的，因为他屡次传保罗，要听他讲论信基督耶稣的道（24:24）。
  1. 以敬畏之心聆听。当保罗“讲论公义（与罪）、节制和将来的审判”时，腓力斯甚是恐惧，显明他在理性上也认同自己是个罪人。保罗虽然仍被关在牢里，仍在腓力斯的权威下，但他既没有予贿赂以得自由，也没有刻意说些好听的话讨腓力斯的欢心。保罗继续忠心地传讲福音。
  1. 毫无行动地聆听。腓力斯两年期间重复地听保罗所讲的道，但他仅是听道而不是行道的人。腓力斯像那个愚昧的建筑工人；他听了神的道，却不遵行（太7:26）。腓力斯是自欺的，因为他单单听道，不去行道（各1:22）。最终，他仍没悔改，宁愿讨好犹太人，也不愿意行公义；尽管晓得保罗是无辜的，他却不释放保罗。

 
用经文祷告

  1. 腓力斯是非信徒；圣经没有证据显明他曾悔改并信靠耶稣。然而，他做的一件事或许比很多自称为信徒的更好：他感兴趣听神的道。很多人周日到教会，心却飘游在外——他们或者在座位上打盹儿，或者忙着看手机。祈求我们会感兴趣地听神的道，想知道圣经真正说的是什么。
  1. 腓力斯不但感兴趣地听道，他或许也明白其中的含义，即不悔改的后果。许多自以为义的认为自己没有犯罪，而当他们认为道是在定他们的罪时，他们反倒生气。祈求我们聆听神的道时，会以敬畏的心聆听，尤其关乎罪与审判的时候。
  1. 雅各书1:25：“唯有详细察看那全备、使人自由之律法的，并且时常如此，这人既不是听了就忘，乃是实在行出来，就在他所行的事上必然得福。”祈求我们不要单听神的道，也要行出道来。

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