Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 58
Theme : God Judges Rulers
- Rebuking Unjust Rulers (1–5). The gods are mostly likely referring to angels who are charged to rule the world after Babel (Deut. 32:8-9, Ps. 82:1-2). These fallen angels empower fallen human rulers (Dan. 10:13, Col. 1:18, 2:15). God rebukes these fallen angels and human rulers/judges for their evil. These human rulers are evil from birth and will not listen to correction.
- Judgment on Rulers (6–9). Even though these evil rulers have terrifying fangs to cause injustice, God will break their teeth and melt them away.
- Encouragement to the Righteous (10-11). David anticipated the joy of those who will see God’s justice carried out on the unjust judges. Again the language is metaphorical and hyperbolic; the righteous bathing their feet in the blood of the wicked suggests a military victory (Rev. 19:13). David also anticipated that this victory would be recognized as proof that God will reward righteousness and judge the earth. People will not be left to the decisions of unjust judges forever.
Praying the Scripture
God will certainly have victory over both evil angels and human rulers. This will happen when Jesus returns to bound Satan and then throw him into the lake of fire. Jesus will also destroy evil human rulers. His second coming is as sure as His first coming. When He comes, all will know that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. All will know that God’s justice will prevail. Rejoice in this day and long for the permanent restoration of heaven and earth.
经文：诗篇58
主题：神审判众首领
- 斥责不义的首领（1-5）。这里的“世人”更有可能指的是在巴别事件后受命治理世界的天使（申32:8-9；诗82:1-2）。这些堕落的天使授权给堕落的人类首领（但10:13；西1:18, 2:15）。神因这些堕落的天使与人类首领/审判者的邪恶斥责他们。这些人类的首领一出母胎就是恶，不愿听从使人归正的话。
- 对众首领的审判（6-9）。虽然这些邪恶的首领有可怕的獠牙，叫他们能行恶，但神要敲碎他们的牙，将它们熔化。
- 对义人的鼓励（10-11）。当神按公义审判不义的审判者时，大卫预料义人将大大欢喜。这里的用语即是比喻又是夸大的写作手法；义人“要在恶人的血中洗脚”隐含的是军事胜利（启19:13）。大卫也预料这场胜利将被人视为神将赏赐义人并审判世界的凭据。人不会永远被困在不义审判官的裁决中。
用经文祷告
神必然胜过邪恶的天使和人类首领。当耶稣再来，将撒旦捆绑并仍在火湖里时，这一切就会发生。耶稣也将消灭作恶的人类首领。祂的归来与祂的降生是一样确定的。当耶稣再来时，万人都将晓得神赏赐义人，惩罚罪人。万民也将晓得神的公义是最后的胜利。要为这一天欢喜，并渴望天与地永久的复兴。
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 57
Theme : Being Under the Wing of God
- The Need for Divine Intervention (1–5). This psalm resembles the preceding psalm in its message and structure, except that its mood is more triumphant. The superscription attributes the writing to David’s experience of hiding from Saul in a cave (cf. the superscription to Ps. 142. The psalm consists of two sections, each ending with a refrain (Ps. 57:5, 11), in which David expressed his desire that God be exalted. David prayed for deliverance from his destructive enemies, and then sang a song of triumph for God’s faithful love in expectation that the wicked would be caught in their own devices. David pleads for God to deliver him because he is surrounded by fierce evil man/lions who want to kill him.
- The Occasion for the Song of Triumph (6–11). In light of the certain destruction of the wicked, David vowed to sing a song of victory. With his faith established in the Lord, he could praise Him early in the morning in anticipation of what God would do. David said he would praise the Lord’s love and faithfulness where others would hear him. He wishes to praise God to all nations.[1]
Praying the Scripture
There are a lot of evil in this world, which are experienced by many Christians and non-Christians around the world. These psalms of trust and deliverance are very, very dear to suffering Christians. As Christians, we will also experience a lot of dark spiritual oppressions and wickedness in our own lives as we personally suffer and as we encounter people who are badly scarred by sin and evil. These psalms are reminders for us to trust God and pray to Him. May you learn to trust God in time of trouble and teach others to trust God too.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 836.
经文：诗篇57
主题：在神翅膀的荫下
- 神介入的需要（1-5）。这首诗篇在其信息及结构上与前一首诗篇相似，只是带有更强烈的胜利氛围。上标文字告诉我们这首诗篇讲述的是大卫在洞穴里躲避扫罗时的经历（参：诗142的上标文字）。诗篇由两个部分组成，每一部分由叠句总结（5, 11节）。大卫祷告能脱离要消灭他的敌人，接着唱了一首胜利歌，歌颂神信实的爱，盼望恶人落入自己的网罗中。大卫求神搭救他，因为他被想杀害他的凶猛狮子（人）包围着。
- 唱胜利歌的场合（6-11）。大卫确信神必消灭恶人，所以誓言要唱一首胜利歌。由于他的信心是建立在耶和华里的，他能因着期盼神的作为而在早晨歌颂神。大卫说他向人赞美神的慈爱和信实。他希望能在万国面前赞美神。[1]
用经文祷告
世界充满了恶；这是世界上许多信徒与非信徒都能经历到的。这些有关倚靠神之搭救的诗篇对于受苦的基督徒而言是极为宝贵的。身为信徒，我们也会在自己的生命中经历许多黑暗的属灵压迫和邪恶，即自己受苦的时候，以及遇到被罪和邪恶烙了心的人时。这些诗篇提醒我们要信靠神，求告神。愿你能学习在患难之时信靠神，并教导他人如此。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 836.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 56
Theme : Fear and Faith
- Enemies Conspired against David (1–7). This psalm is a song of trust ascribed to the time of David’s visit to Gath (see 1 Sam. 21:10; Ps. 34). David asserted that even though his enemies waited to destroy him, he trusted confidently in the Lord who knew his sufferings. His confidence led him to anticipate praising God for deliverance from this danger. David prayed that the Lord would destroy those who conspired to kill him. He is tempted to be afraid, but he is resolve to trust God who will deliver him.
- But God is for Him (8–13). He was confident because God knew him intimately, even recording his tears. The image of his tears being collected in a wineskin means that God did not forget his suffering. Because of that fact, he could say in full confidence, God is for me. David’s confidence led him to anticipate that God would deliver him from danger so that he might live obediently before Him. As in other psalms, David was so confident God would deliver him that he wrote in the past tense (You have delivered me). So he vowed to praise God for this with thank offerings.[1]
Praying the Scripture
It is tempting to not trust God in time of great fear, but to trust in yourself or others things or to freeze. Whenever you have the temptation to fear, the first reaction you should have is to go to God in prayer. He is sovereign king and our greatest protector. May you learn to trust God in time of fear and give honor to God who promises to be your very present help in time of trouble.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 836.
经文：诗篇56
主题：惧怕与信心
- 敌人谋算大卫（1-7）。这首诗篇是大卫前往迦特时信靠神的歌颂（见：撒上21:10；诗34）。大卫坚持即便敌人等着消灭他，他仍大大地倚靠晓得他所受之苦难的神。这种倚靠叫他预计自己要赞美神，因为神要救他脱离这危险。大卫求主消灭谋算要杀害他的。他心里仍会惧怕，但立志依靠要救他的神。
- 但神帮助他（8-13）。大卫之所以有信心是因为神与他很亲密，甚至算了他的眼泪。装在皮袋里的眼泪表示神没有遗忘他的苦楚。因此，他能大有信心地说神是帮助我的。大卫的信心使他预计神将救他脱离危险，叫他能在神面前敬虔度日。如同其他诗篇一样，大卫非常有信心神将搭救他，以致用过去式的语言写这诗（因为你救我的命）。所以他许愿要以感谢祭赞美神。[1]
用经文祷告
遇到恐惧时，我们常不信神，乃靠自己或其他事物，或完全不知所措。每当你有畏惧的诱惑时，你当有的第一反应是向神祷告。祂是掌权的王，是我们最大的守护者。愿你在惧怕之时学习信靠神，并尊神为大，因为祂应许要在患难之时作你随时的帮助。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 836.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 55
Theme : Prayer during Time of Betrayal
- David’s Terrifying Oppression (1–8). In the psalm David called on God to enable him to escape from his terrible plight. He lamented the oppression that had come through being betrayed by his close friend. Yet David expressed his personal confidence in God who redeems. This first section records his prayer to be delivered from his terrible oppression. He cried out to God, pleading that God hear his restless complaint (vv. 1–2a). His enemy was staring at him and angrily reviling him, reducing him to fear, trembling, and horror (vv. 2b–5). So he longed to escape from the hostility (vv. 6–8), like a dove flying away to a place of refuge in the desert, to a shelter from the storm.
- David’s Painful Betrayal (9–15). The psalmist asked God to confuse the wicked/divide their tongues. The basis of this imprecatory prayer is that the city (perhaps Jerusalem) was filled with violence and strife and malice and abuse, which in turn were caused by threats and lies by the wicked. The painful part of his exposure to this destructive violence was that it came through the betrayal of a faithful companion, not an enemy. David addressed the traitor (it is you), recalling how they worshiped the Lord together with the congregation (throng). Thus the psalmist wished God’s swift destruction (by death) on all his enemies.
- David’s Personal Confidence (16–23). In spite of all the evils, darkness and betrayals around him, he is confident that God will protect him and destroy his enemies. He even encourages other believers to trust in God, for He will deliver them.[1]
Praying the Scripture
There are some people who are so treacherous that they will even betray their friends. They pay evil for good. Such people worship personal gains, instead of God who is faithful and loving. This is what happened to Jesus in the hand of Judas. In such trying times, God encourages us to rely on Him. He will protect believers and destroy the traitors.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 835.
经文：诗篇55
主题：被友出卖者的祷告
- 大卫可怕的压迫（1-8）。在这章诗篇里，大卫呼求神能让他逃离所遇的可怕困境。他也哀叹，因为自己是被亲友出卖的。但即便如此，大卫表明他对救赎人的神充满信心。这诗篇的第一部分记载大卫如何呼求神救他脱离可怕的压迫。他向神呼叫，恳求神能留心听他不安的哀叹（1-2a节）。他的敌人正盯着他、辱骂他，使他遭受恐惧、战兢和惊恐（2b-5节）。所以他期望能逃离充满敌意之地（6-8节），像鸽子一样飞到一个在旷野的安息之地，脱离狂风暴雨的避所。
- 大卫痛苦的出卖（9-15）。大卫请求神扰乱敌人，或变乱他们的舌头。这诅咒性的祷告基于城中（或许是耶路撒冷）所见的强暴、争竞、罪孽和奸恶事件，层出不穷，而这些都出自于恶人的欺压和诡诈。在面对这些毁坏性的暴行时，令大卫最痛苦的部分是知道他是被亲友所卖，而不是被敌人出卖。大卫对叛徒（即“你”）说话，回想起他们以前如何与群众一同敬拜神。因此大卫希望神能快速地用死亡毁灭他所有的敌人。
- 大卫个人的信心（16-23）。即使面对这么多邪恶、黑暗和出卖事件，大卫还是充满信心地相信神会保守他并摧毁他的敌人。他也鼓励其他信徒要倚靠，因为神必拯救他们。[1]
用经文祷告
有些人非常奸诈，甚至愿意出卖朋友，以恶报善。这些人所崇拜的是私利，而不是那位忠实又充满慈爱的神。这就是耶稣在犹大手中所遭受的事。面临这些痛苦时，神鼓励我们要依靠祂。祂会保守信徒，并且毁灭叛徒。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 835.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 54
Theme : Prayer of Confidence in God
This is a confident prayer of David when he, being pursued by Saul, was betrayed by “the Ziphites” (cf. 1 Sam. 23:19). Though David was being hotly pursued by ungodly men who sought his life, he confidently trusted in the Lord’s abilities for complete deliverance. The first part of the psalm (vv. 1–3) records David’s urgent prayer for deliverance. He based his petition on the name of God. His “name” (cf. v. 6) represents who He is and what He has done (cf. Ex. 34:5–7). David had come to know the mighty power of God who is able to save. The second portion of the psalm (vv. 4–7) records David’s confident assertion of his trust in God. He declared that God is his Helper and Sustainer. This led him to pray that God would vindicate him. In full confidence that God had heard his prayer and would deliver him from all the troubles brought on by his foes, David promised to praise God with a freewill offering. This refers to the fellowship offerings (Lev. 3; 7) that accompanied and expressed praises for deliverance. They were offered voluntarily by devout believers.
[1]
Praying the Scripture
God promised to protect David and make him king over Israel. David never fail to grab hold that promise. Even though God did not make the same promise to us like David, God does promise us to be our very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1; Matt. 28:20). His promise of care is for every Christian, even though that care will look differently for different people because God’s care is tailor-made for each individual to fit each individual’s unique life and circumstance. May you have confidence in God in time of trouble and may you rejoice in God’s sovereign care for you.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 834.
经文：诗篇54
主题：对神充满信心的祷告
这是大卫被扫罗追杀、被西弗人背叛时（撒上23:19）仍满怀信心的祷告。虽然大卫被不义之人追杀，他却满有信心，相信神有大能拯救他。这章诗篇的第一部分（1-3节）记载大卫急求救援的祷告。他按照神的名呼求。祂的名（6节）代表了神的身份和祂所行的事（出34:5-7）。这让大卫认识到神有大能救他。这章诗篇的第二部分（4-7节）记载大卫对神的坚固信心。他宣布神是帮助和支撑他的神。这使他祷告神会证明他无辜。因为大卫很有信心神会聆听他的祷告，也会从敌人所带来的灾害中搭救他，所以大卫应许要甘心献给神。这是指平安祭（利3:7），是伴随和颂赞救赎所给的，也是虔诚的信徒所自由奉献的。
[1]
用经文祷告
神应许要保护大卫，并且也让他成为以色列的王。大卫一直都抓住这个应许。虽然神没有给我们与大卫相同的应许，祂却承诺作我们患难中随时的帮助（诗46:1；太28:20）。虽然神对每一个的照顾有所不同，因为那是按各人独特的生活情况所打造的，但这应许是给每一位基督徒的。希望你在患难中也对神充满信心，也愿你能在神的顾念中得到喜乐。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 834.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 53
Theme : Longing for Evil to End
- Fallen Humanity (1–5). This passage is another version of Psalm 14, adapted for Book II. The psalm is David’s, set to māḥălaṯ, possibly a well-known tune. The psalm reports that the entire human race is evil and that God will overthrow sinners. Therefore the psalmist longs for the establishment of God’s kingdom. By nature, all humanity hate God or ignores Him. No one seeks God by nature. Only when God calls someone, then he can begin to respond to God and be saved and start to live a life of righteousness. Non-believers hate God and they also hate and persecution God’s children, but God will be victorious.
- Longing for Restoration (6). David longs for the permanent restoration of the world and deliverance of God’s people from non-believers. This will only happen when the kingdom of God arrives on earth, that is, when Jesus returns. Before Jesus came into the world, the whole world, as demonstrated by history books, is full of darkness, plagued with wars, abuse, injustice and other destructive behaviors. The world is a much better place as Jesus and His believers shine light into the world. The very concept of human rights is based on the biblical fact that all human beings are created in the image of God and have intrinsic value, dignity, and respect. Christians have done much to promote justice, end slavery, and give civil rights to citizens. All these social improvements are the result of transformed hearts through the gospel. The light of Jesus and His church is shining in this dark world, but complete transformation of the world will only come when Jesus returns.
Praying the Scripture
Hope of glory/God’s kingdom is a major theme in the book of Psalms. Hope for the restoration of all things on earth and in heaven is a indispensable characteristic of believers. It is also a measurement of our spirituality. Do you long for the restoration of all things on earth and in heaven when you see evil men dishonoring God and hurting others (Col. 1:20)? Pray that you will grow in your hope.
经文：诗篇53
主题：渴望罪恶的结束
- 人类的沉沦（1-5）。这篇经文是诗篇14的另一个版本。这章诗篇是大卫写的，调用麻哈拉，即一个有名的曲调。这章诗篇记载全人类是邪恶的，而且神也会推翻罪人。因此，诗人渴望神国度的降临。人的本性就是憎恨、忽视神的；没有人会寻求神。唯有当神呼召一人，他才能够回应神，并且得救，开始行义的生活。不信之人憎恨神，恨恶且逼迫神的子民，但神最终将会得胜。
- 复原的渴望（6）。大卫渴望世界的复兴，也渴望神的子民能从不信之人之中得救。这只有在神的国度降临时才能发生，也就是耶稣再来的时候。耶稣来到世界之前，历史书中记载全世界是充满黑暗的，也被战争、虐待、不义和其他摧毁性的事情污染。耶稣和信徒在世界中所发的光使世界更美好。人权的基础是出自圣经：人是照着神的形象所造的，所以人都有内在的价值、尊严和尊重。基督徒在建设公正社会、停止奴役制度和公民权益上贡献不少。这些社会上的进步都是因为福音改变了我们的生命。耶稣和教会的光芒在黑暗的世界中照亮，但世界的全然复兴只有在耶稣再来时才能实现。
用经文祷告
荣耀的希望或神国度在整卷诗篇书中是一个大主题。望见万物复兴是信徒不可或缺的特征，也可以用此检测我们的灵性。当你看到恶人辱蔑神并伤害他人时，你是否渴望万物的复兴（西1:20）? 祷告我们能够在盼望中成长。
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 52
Theme : Evil is Never Profitable in the End
- The Destruction of Man of Treachery (1–7). This psalm ascribed to David pertains to the occasion of Doeg’s treachery (1 Sam. 21–22). The character described in this psalm portrays just such a man. David, who trusted in the Lord, contrasted his faith with the treacherous man who followed a course of iniquity. David was amazed that the man could actually boast in his evil in view of the fact he was a disgrace to God. He thrived on a wicked and false way of life, loving words that devour. Because of such wickedness, David predicted that God would pluck the wicked man out of the land of the living, that is, death would swiftly remove him forever. David then anticipated the joy that this would bring to the righteous. They would see what happens to a person who trusts not in the Lord but in his own ill-gotten riches for strength.
- The destiny of the Man of Faith (8–9). In striking contrast with Doeg, the treacherous man (vv. 1–7), David portrayed his own blessed state in the Lord. He compared himself to a green olive tree, a figure of prosperity in God’s presence (cf. Hosea 14:6). This contrasts with the wicked who will be rooted up (Ps. 52:5). The metaphor of a flourishing tree was used in Psalm 1:3. David’s flourishing was because of God’s unfailing love, in which he said he trusted forever. So he vowed to go on praising God for what He had done. David would wait (hope) in God’s name (which signified His attributes and actions; cf. Ex. 34:5–7) and then he would praise Him among the saints. So the righteous, unlike people of treachery, place their confidence in God’s love, for there abide justice and blessing.[1]
Praying the Scripture
Evil never pays off in the end. Evil men are short-sighted because he cannot control his lust and greed. He is controlled by his sinful nature and the devil. For believers, we also must understand that evil never pays off in the end, it will ruin us. It will invite God’s discipline and the destruction of sin will reveal itself (Gal. 6:7-8; Rom. 8:13).
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 833–834.
经文：诗篇52
主题：邪恶到头来是无益的
- 背信弃义之人的毁灭（1-7）。大卫的这首诗涉及到多益背信弃义的事件（撒上21-22）；这首诗篇所形容的人物就是如此。大卫对比了自己依靠耶和华的信心，与背信弃义之人所行的罪孽之路。大卫对这些作恶自夸的人感到惊讶，因为这些人在神面前是可耻的。他们喜欢邪恶又虚假的生活方式，并爱说一切毁灭的话。因为这些恶行，大卫预测神会将恶人从活人之地拔出，即用死亡快速将他永远铲除。大卫之后期望这将带给义人喜乐。他们将看到那不以神力量，反倚仗不义之财之人的下场。
- 崇尚信仰之人的命运（8-9）。大卫用自己在神里所受到祝福，与背信弃义的多益做了鲜明的对比（1-7节）。他把自己比喻成一颗青橄榄树，以此表示在神面前的繁荣（对照何14:6）。反之，恶人将被拔出（诗52:5）。茂盛之树的比喻也用于诗篇1:3中。大卫的兴旺是出于神恒久、可信的慈爱。因此，他发誓要一直称谢神所为他做的事。大卫会仰望（期望）神的名，也要在圣民面前称颂神。所以，与不义之人做对比，义人会将他们的信心放在神的爱里面，因为那里有公义和福气。[1]
用经文祷告
邪恶到头来是无益的。恶人之所以缺乏远见是因为他无法控制自己的淫欲和贪婪。他是被自己的罪性和魔鬼所控制的。身为信徒，我们要明白邪恶最终是无益的，也会将我们摧毁。它会引来神的管教，也会将罪的毁灭性显示出来（加6:7-8；罗8:13）。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 833–834.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 51
Theme : Prayer of Repentance
- Plead for Forgiveness (1–6). This psalm is one of the most detailed description of what repentance looks like in the Bible (cf. 2 Cor 7:10-13). Repentance is a honest plead to God for forgiveness of sins based on God’s compassion, not based on one’s goodness (who they are) or ability (what they do). For all humanity is helplessly born with a sinful nature and need forgiveness from God. We also need a miracle from God to set us free from our sinful nature through the Spirit.
- Plead for Reconciliation (7–12). Not wanting to go to hell can never be the sole reason for repentance. Such repentance is not repentance at all. Repentance includes the desire to be reconciled with God and fellowship with Him. For that to happen, one must understand the character/nature of God (such as love, righteous and forgiveness) and find joy in God. David knows God’s great character and wishes to be in God’s presence again and to find joy and gladness in God. This can only happen if God removes his sins.
- Plead for Service (13-19). The natural result of repentance is a desire to worship God through service, out of love for God, not out of a desire to earn forgiveness or repay God. For forgiveness is based on God’s free compassion, not what we do. David has tasted God’s goodness and naturally wants to tell others and to sing about this great God. God delights in a genuine contrite heart that is sadden by sin’s ugliness and destruction and wishes God to wash his dirty heart away.
Praying the Scripture
The message of this psalm is that the vilest offender among God’s people can appeal to God for forgiveness, for moral restoration, and for the resumption of a joyful life of fellowship and service, if he comes with a broken spirit and bases his appeal on God’s compassion and grace. Repentance is not a one-time event that happens at salvation, but a lifestyle. Repentance at salvation results in a new nature, repentance after salvation results in strengthening the new nature and subduing the sinful nature (Rom. 8:13). Repentance is always hard and bitter in the beginning because it hurts your pride, but it is sweet later. May you see the beauty and pleasure of repentance and pursue it every day in order to be like Christ.
经文：诗篇51
主题：悔改的祷告
- 原谅的恳求（1-6）。这首诗篇是圣经里其中最详细地解释何为悔改的一篇（参：林后7:10-13）。悔改是恳求神原谅我们所犯的罪，是按照神的怜悯恳求求的，而不是依靠我们的好行为（我们的身份）或能力（我们做的事）。由于人一出世就有罪性，所以都需要神的赦免。我们需要神的奇迹，通过圣灵让我们从罪性中得到释放。
- 和好的恳求（7-12）。不愿下地狱并不能是悔改的唯一理由。这样的悔改根本不是悔改。悔改还应该包括想与神和好及与祂相交的意愿。若要如此，我们必须认识到神的属性（例如慈爱、公义和宽恕的心），并且也在神里有喜乐。大卫认识到神伟大的属性，也希望能再次回到神的面，在神里得到喜乐。而除非神先要除去他的罪，这是不可能的事。
- 侍奉的恳求（13-19）。悔改的自然结果就是期望通过侍奉敬拜神；这是出自对神的爱，而不是要博得原谅或回报神。这是因为饶恕是出自神无限的怜悯，而不是我们所做的事。大卫尝到神的良善，因此自然地想告诉别人并颂赞这伟大的神。神喜爱一个真正忧伤的灵；这是一个因罪的丑陋和破坏力而忧伤，并渴望神能洗涤心中污秽的灵。
用经文祷告
这章诗篇的信息是要告诉我们，即使一人在神的子民中是最可恶的罪人，只要他愿意以忧伤痛苦的灵来到神的面前，并且依靠神的怜悯和恩典请求神，他也能得到饶恕、道德的复原、喜乐的团契和再次的侍奉。悔改不是得救时所发生的一次性事件，而是一个生活方式。得救时的悔改让我们得到一个新的属性，得救后的悔改就是要加强这个新的属性并且抑制罪的属性（罗8:13）。悔改起初是艰难和痛苦的，因为它抹杀了我们的自尊心，但之后却是甘甜的。愿你能认识到悔改的美好和愉快，并且每日追求悔改使之更像基督。
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 50
Theme : God is Judge
- God is Judge (1–6). God appears as a judge to those who say they have made Him as their king and savior. His appearance is described as fire and tempest in order to illustrate the fierceness of His righteous judgement against sin.
- God’s Charge against Formalism (7–15). Some people are worshipping God with lifeless formalism. They just go through the motions of ritualism and biblical knowledge and laws. God rebukes these people because their worship is not worthy of God, who is great and deserves to be worshipped with thanksgiving and joy. Also, God can truly be trusted in the day of trouble. If you don’t trust in God in the day of trouble, you are not worshipping Him, but something else that you think can deliver you.
- God’s Charge against Hypocrisy (16–23). There are some people who profess to worship God and read His Bible, but deep inside, they hate God’s righteous laws. They are evil doers who love thievery and adultery. They are lustful, greedy and unfaithfulness. Both the formalist and the hypocrite will be punished by God unless they repent.
Praying the Scripture
You must understand that God hates a evil hypocrite as much as a formalist, who worship God with lifeless routines even though they know a lot of Bible and theology (Rev. 2:4). One way to discern whether you are worshipping God with lifeless formalism is to see whether you are thankful and joyful in God. A life that lacks complete thankful and joy in God is a dead life. Pray to God for a change of heart to love Him because of His great gospel. Even for believers, you still need to constantly pray that God will renew your heart every day to worship Him with joy. We must worship God not only according to truth about God’s greatness, but also worship God with our spirit by responding to God’s greatness with thanksgiving and joy from our spirit/heart (John 4:23-24).
经文：诗篇50
主题：神是施行审判的
- 神是施行审判的（1-6）。神以审判者的身份出现在信靠祂为君王和救主的人面前。祂的出现被形容为火和暴风，是为了显示祂对罪的严厉审判。
- 神对外在形式的控告（7-15）。有些人以死气沉沉的外在形式来敬拜神。他们只不过是用仪式和圣经的知识和律法敷衍了事。神训责这些人因为他们的敬拜是不配神的。神是伟大的，是配得我们以感恩和喜乐来敬拜祂。此外，我们也可以在患难的日子里完全信靠神。如果你在患难的日子里不信靠神，你就不是在敬拜祂，而是信靠其他事物来拯救你。
- 神对假冒为善的控告（16-23）。有些人在外表上声称他们敬拜神又读圣经，但内心里却憎恶神公义的律法。他们是喜爱盗窃和奸淫的恶人。他们充满淫欲、贪婪和不忠。除非他们悔改，否则神将审判那些只在乎外在形式和假冒伪善的人。
用经文祷告
你要明白神憎恨假冒为善的恶人，也同样憎恨只用死气沉沉的形式来敬拜神的，纵然他们熟读圣经和神学（启2:4）。如果你要辨明自己是否也用死气沉沉的形式敬拜神，就要审查自己是否对神有感恩和喜乐的心。一个在神里完全没有感恩和喜乐之生命的是一个死了的生命。请求神给我们一颗新心来爱祂，因为祂的福音是伟大的。即使是信徒，我们还是需要时时刻刻地祷告，请求神每天更新我们的心，让我们以喜乐来敬拜祂。我们对神的敬拜不但要按照神伟大的真理，也要用心灵敬拜神，就是以发自内心的感恩和喜乐来回应神的伟大（约4:23-24）。
Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 49
Theme : Empty Glory and Real Glory
- Revelation of Riddle (1–4). This psalm is a wisdom poem, dealing with the age-old problem of the prosperity of the wicked (cf. Ps. 73). He had observed that the wicked are prosperous and filled with pride and a sense of security. But the wise psalmist stated that they are no better than the beasts of the field. In the final analysis, the hope of the righteous is better than the false security of the wicked. To understand this riddle, one must understand it from the perspective of God.
- Prosperity of the Wicked (5–12). The righteous do not need to fear in times of trouble because God will protect him. But as for the wicked prosperous, he has a false sense of security. No matter how rich a person is, he cannot redeem his life or lives of others with his money. God will judge him. The wealthy will perish like animals. Money does not make a person different, only a relationship with God makes a difference. Only God can redeem perishing sinners, including the rich ones.
- True Abiding Hope (13–20). The wealthy foolishly boast and trust in their wealth, and the rest of humanity, the common people, seek after the same foolish hope. They are as foolish as animals because they do not think what will happen after their death. Their wealth cannot go with them. They will never see the light of this earth again just like their fathers. As for the righteous, he has real hope because his hope is in God, not money, who will redeem him from the grave. This is true and wise hope.
Praying the Scripture
Money itself is amoral, but the love of money is immoral (1 Tim. 6:10). Money is a great temptation. It gives false hope, false security, and false joy (Luke 12:15). When it becomes a idol, it will never deliver its promises of security and joy, but will actually destroy your soul, your relationships with God and others, and your joy. This is clearly shown in the lives of the rich and fame Hollywood stars who live messed up, broken lives. The Bible often warns people of the idol of money. The whole world is infected with the prosperity gospel. Pray that you will not live for money, but for God. Worship God, not money. You can enjoy God’s gift of money, but do not live for it. One way to fight this temptation is to give money back to God, not so that God will give you more money, but as an act of worship.
经文：诗篇49
主题：虚空与属实的荣耀
- 谜语的揭示（1-4）。这首诗篇是智慧诗，内容关乎恶人得财富的古老问题（参：诗73）。他观察到恶人有钱财，因而满心骄傲，且有安全感。可是，睿智的诗人表明他们不如野地的畜类。在最后的分析中，他总结了义人的盼望比恶人虚假的安全感来得好。若要明白这个谜，就要从神的角度出发。
- 恶人的财富（5-12）。义人在患难中无须害怕，因为神会保护他。至于富裕的恶人，他有的是虚假的安全感。人无论有多富裕，也无法用钱财赎回自己或他人的生命。神会审判他。富人要像畜类一样被灭亡。拥有财富不是关键；与神的关系才是重点。只有神能救赎沉沦的罪人，包括富裕的。
- 真实永恒的盼望（13-20）。富裕的愚人夸耀、信靠他们的财富，而其余的人类、平民也在追寻着同样愚昧的盼望。他们与畜类一样无知，因为他们不去思考死后的处境。他们的钱财是无法跟随他们的。他们永不能再看到世上的光，如同他们的祖先一样。至于义人，他有真实的盼望，因为他的盼望在于神，不是金钱，而神要从墓穴中救赎他。这是又真实又明智的盼望。
用经文祷告
金钱本身不属好坏，但贪恋钱财是恶的（提前6:10）。金钱是个很大的诱惑。它给予人虚假的盼望、安全感和快乐（路12:15）。当它成为偶像时，它是无法兑现给人安全感和喜乐的承诺，乃要毁灭你的灵、你与神和他人的关系，及你的喜乐。这在有名且富裕的好莱坞明星的生活中有所展现；他们过的是混乱、破碎的生活。圣经经常告诫人不要拜钱财。全世界已受到致富福音的影响。祷告你会为神而活，不是钱财。敬拜神，不是金钱。你能享受神所赐你的金钱，但不要为此而活。一个抗拒此诱惑的方式就是把钱归还给神；这是为了敬拜神，而不是叫神能赐你更多财富。
