9 Dec 2016, Psalm 17 诗篇 17, Plead for Justice 祈求公义

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 17

Theme                      : Plead for Justice

 

  1. Appeal to Truth (1–5). The psalmist is not saying he is perfect, neither is he promoting legalism. He is not talking about his legal standing/righteousness before God, but is referring to his practical righteousness. God is a righteous God who punishes evil deeds and rewards righteous deeds (Deut. 28). He will protect the upright and cast down violent people.
  1. Appeal to Love (6–9). The psalmist does not just appeal to his uprightness, but also to God’s love. His assurance of protection is based on the love of God.
  1. Longing of the Violent (10–14). The wicked is without pity and lives for worldly pleasure. They are only consumed with portions/treasures of this world. Such earthly mind leads them to kill and destroy (Col. 3:5-6).
  1. Longing of the Righteous (15). The righteous long for God and to be like God in His righteousness. Because of their right desires, God will satisfy their desires when they are awake/resurrected from the dead (Matt. 5:6).


Praying the Scripture

Believers should be characterized by the pursuit of the noblest things on earth. One noble pursuit is being like God. The word godly means to be like God. Since God’s character is the greatest, we ought to emulate His great character and be satisfied with that. Those who are characterized by the pursuit of worldly things like riches, fame, and temporary, earthly rewards will be judged by God and get the opposite of what they pursue. Only the thirst of the righteous will be satisfied. The thirst of the unrighteous will not be satisfied, but will be judged. Prosperity gospel destroys noble pursuits.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇17

主题：祈求公义

 

  1. 因真理祈求（1-5）。诗人并非说他是完美的；他也不是在提倡律法主义。他指的不是自己在神面前的律法定位，而是他所行的义。神是惩罚罪恶，奖赏义行的公义之神（申28）。祂会保护义人，并撇下强暴者。
  1. 因爱祈求（6-9）。诗人不只按他的公义祈求，还按神的慈爱祈求。他是凭着神的慈爱晓得他必得到保全。
  1. 强暴人的渴望（10-14）。恶人无怜悯之心，只为世俗享乐而活。他们满脑子只有这世上的财宝。这种世俗的想法只会导致他杀害、消灭他人（西3:5-6）。
  1. 义人的渴望（15）。义人渴望的是神，并渴望像神一样公义。因着他们正确的思想，神会在他们重生的时候满足他们的渴望（太5:6）。

 

用经文祷告

信徒的其中一个标准是对世上最伟大之事的追求；其中之一是渴望像神。“敬虔”之义就是像神一样。既然神的品格是最伟大的，他们当效法祂伟大的品德，并满足于此。只追求世俗之事的，如财富、名誉和世上暂时性的奖赏，将受到神的审判，最终所得的也将恰恰相反。唯有义人的渴慕将得到满足。不义之人的渴望将不会被填满，只会受到审判。致富福音消灭了对伟大之事的追求。


8 Dec 2016, Psalm 16 诗篇 16, The Path to Full and Lasting Pleasure 往满溢永恒福乐的道路

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 16

Theme                      : The Path to Full and Lasting Pleasure

 

  1. Taking Ultimate Delight in God (1–3). God is the believer’s greatest delight.
  1. Reasons for Delight (4–11). The reasons for this ultimate delight is because God is the believer’s securest refuge (v. 1), sovereign master (v. 5), supreme treasure (vv. 5-6) and trusted counselor (vv. 7-8). Even death cannot ruin this delight because the believer knows he will be resurrected (v. 10). This resurrection is accomplished through Jesus (Acts 13:35).
 

Praying the Scripture

Is God your greatest delight on earth? Be honest. We all struggle to worship God and have our delight in God. In order to have greatest delight in God, you must take refuge in Him, this means you pray and seek help in time of trouble. No prayer means no worship and delight. You also need to make God your sovereign master who regulates everyone you do and think. You also need to make Him your trusted counselor by following God’s truth. If you do this, you will be on your way to make God your greatest delight on earth.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇16

主题：往满溢永恒福乐的道路

 

  1. 对神有最大的喜悦（1-3）。神是信徒最大的喜悦。
  1. 喜悦的缘故（4-11）。信徒之所以对神有最大的喜悦是因为神是他最坚固的保障（1节），是有主权的主（5节），是至贵的珍宝（5-6节），也是可靠的谋士（7-8节）。即便死亡也不能抹去这份喜悦，因为信徒晓得他会死里复活（10节）。这是借着耶稣成就的（使13:35）。

 

用经文祷告

神是否是你在地上最大的喜悦？要坦白。我们对神的敬拜都有挣扎，但也对神有喜悦。为要在神里面有最大的喜悦，你要投靠神，也就是在困苦中祷告并寻求帮助。缺乏祷告就是缺乏敬拜和喜悦了。你也要使神作你掌权的主，掌管你的思想和行为。再者，你需要遵行神的真理，从而让祂作你可靠的谋士。你若这么做，就会叫神作你在地上最大的喜悦了。


7 Dec 2016, Psalm 15 诗篇 15, Who may Dwell with God? 谁能与神同居

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 15

Theme                       : Who may Dwell with God?

 

  1. God as Mankind’s Host (1). Living in God tent means to live with Him. The whole earth is God’s tent and everyone is His guest and tenant. Everyone should view God as their host and revere Him.
  1. Mankind as God’s Guest (2–5). We are all guests on God’s earth. Those who want to stay forever will need to follow His rules. These rules regulate the guests’ internal heart and external actions. The guests’ words must be restrained; allegiance clear cut; and dealings honourable. For these guests, they are assured of a permanent place on God’s earth. They need not be afraid of being evicted. God will give them eternal life/glorious existence through Jesus in His glorious kingdom on earth (John 4:13-14). No one can ever take this glorious existence away or ruin God’s eternal kingdom. It will be a happy everlasting ending in real life, not just in movies.


Praying the Scripture

If one’s life is not characterized by righteousness just as God is righteous, he is welcome in God’s presence. When God restores the earth, no sin can be allowed on His new earth. If you want to live on His future kingdom, you need to have a perfect righteousness through faith in Jesus and a desire to live righteously like Jesus. Faith is not a magic formula, but a commitment to God through Jesus. You need the desire to be committed to Jesus and then the Holy Spirit will give your spirit a new life and ability to obey Him (Rom. 8:1-4).
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇15

主题：谁能与神同居？

 

  1. 神是人类的主（1）。“居住在神的帐幕”意味着与神同居。整个地球都是神的帐幕；每一个人都是祂的客人和房客。每个人当视神为自己的主，要敬畏祂。
  1. 人类为神之客（2-5）。我们都是神地球上的客人。想永远居住此地的当遵守祂的规则。这些规则能管制客人的内心和外在行为。客人的言语要有节制；忠诚对主；待人诚实。这一组客人将能在神的地上永久居住。他们不必担心自己会被驱逐。神会藉着耶稣在地上荣耀的国度给予他们永恒、荣耀的生命（约4:13-14）。无人能抢夺这等荣耀的存在或破坏神永恒的国度。这将是现实生命中永恒快乐的结局（不仅限于电影）。


用经文祷告

若人没有正直的生命，他是不能来到神的面前的，因为神是公义的神。当神复兴全世界的时候，罪是不容留在祂的新地的。你若想在神未来的国度里居住，就要藉着信靠耶稣有完美的公义，并渴望像耶稣一样过正直的生活。你需要有对耶稣委身的渴望，圣灵才会在你的灵里赐予新的生命和能力顺服祂（罗8:1-4）。


6 Dec 2016, Psalm 14 诗篇 14, God and Foolish Atheists 神与愚昧的无神论者

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 14

Theme                      : God and Foolish Atheists

Here the spirit of godlessness reveals itself in two ways: in flouting God’s law and rejecting God’s existence (1–3) and oppressing his people (4–6); that is, in both direct and indirect contempt of heaven. It is the reckless folly (1a, 2b, 4a) almost as much as the wickedness of it that emerges in the psalm, which ‘looks down from heaven’ on the scene as God views it. But the standpoint changes in the last verse to the earthly arena, where persecuted Israel waits longingly for the redress that will surely come when Jesus returns. At that time, Israel and the whole world will be restored (Rom. 11:15).

The psalm is almost exactly duplicated at Psalm 53, where, however, the term ‘God’ replaces ‘The Lord’. [1]

 

Praying the Scripture

According to the Bible, a fool is a person who rejects God’s existence since this is so obvious. Even a child understands it. These fools can have high academic degrees from renowned universities. They are foolish not because of they are stupid, but because of their evil hearts against God, just like the highly intelligent devil. Currently, many of these fools think life on earth could be a simulated virtual reality program like the movie Matrix. Trust God and have confidence in Him. Hope for the return of Jesus. Don’t follow these fools and end up like them.

[1] Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 95). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

 
 
 

经文：诗篇14

主题：神与愚昧的无神论者

 

这里，不敬畏神的会以两种方式显明出来：违反神的律法并拒绝神的存在（1-3） ，还欺压祂的子民（4-6）；两者是藐视神直接与间接的攻击。这是鲁莽的愚昧（1a, 2b, 4a），相同于诗歌描述的邪恶，即神“从天上垂看”的恶行。但诗人的角度到了最后一节却从世人出发，也就是受逼迫的以色列热切地期盼耶稣归来时为他们申冤。那时候，以色列与全世界将会复兴（罗11:15）。

诗篇53几乎复制了这首诗歌，但用“神”替代“耶和华”之词。[1]

 

用经文祷告

根据圣经，愚昧人是拒绝神之存在的，因为这一点非常明显，连孩子也知道。这群愚昧人可以从知名学府获得很高的学历，但他们之所以愚昧并不是因为他们智商低，乃是因为他们邪恶的心悖逆神，就像冰雪聪明的魔鬼。至今，许多愚昧人认为地上的生命可以像科节目如电影《黑客帝国》一样。要依靠神，对祂有信心。要盼望耶稣的归来。不要跟着这些愚昧人的脚步，沦落同样的下场。

[1] Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 95). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.


5 Dec 2016, Psalm 13 诗篇 13, Despair into Delight 绝望至欢欣

Posted on Dec 6, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 13

Theme                      : Despair into Delight

 

This psalm is a deeply moving picture of despair and trust. It realistically and honestly depicts the anguish of the soul. This is a characteristic of a life of deep faith. The psalm consists of three groups of decreasing magnitude. A long deep sigh is followed, as from a relieved breast, by an already much more gentle and half calm prayer; and this again by the believing joy which anticipates the certainty of being answered. This song as it were casts up constantly lessening waves, until it becomes still as the sea when smooth as a mirror, and the only motion discernible at last is that of the joyous ripple of calm repose. [1]

 

Praying the Scripture

God wants us to come to him honestly and openly. It is ok to struggle with God through this broken and sin-filled world. It is through these honest struggles that we will make progressive in our understanding and godliness and draw closer to God. Pray that you will be honest with God in dealing with your circumstances and feelings.

[1] The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇13

主题：绝望至欢欣

 

这首诗歌生动地描述了绝望和信靠两者。它实际并坦直地描绘了灵里的痛苦。这是有深厚信心之人生命中的一个特性。这首诗歌含有递减性的三组：首先是又深又长的叹息，如郁闷的胸口得着舒缓；接着是比较缓和与半平静的祷告；最后是信神而来的喜悦，期盼祷告的应允。这首歌犹如风浪递减般，直到海面平定如镜，而唯一的动静就是因安宁而起的喜悦涟漪。[1]

 

用经文祷告

神要我们坦诚、敞开地来到祂面前。我们若在这个破碎与充满罪恶的世界里与神挣扎，这是可理解的。我们是通过这些真实的挣扎才逐渐理解成圣的道路，更亲近神。祷告你会坦诚地向神阐述你的境遇和感受。

[1] The Expositor’s Bible Commentary

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3 Dec 2016, Psalm 12 诗篇 12, Prayer 祷告

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 12

Theme                      : Prayer

 

Words of Lies (1–4).

This psalm continues the theme of psalm 11. The foundation of society, God’s moral laws, has been destroyed. Evil is rampant, the godly are few. The wicked disobey God with their tongues. They pervert and twist truth. Their goal is to gain power by flattery, deception, and clever schemes. They do not tolerate authority but prefer autonomy and anarchy. They seek to manipulate the hearer rather than communicate with him.

Words of Truth (5–6).

But God is bigger than evil. He will protect His people from any evil generation and will eventually give the godly rest in His eternal kingdom on earth. His promise is pure and flawless; it is trustworthy like pure, not fake silver. You can depend your life on it (Luke 18:6-8).

Battle Continues (7–8).

Until God brings His kingdom on earth, the tension of good and evil will continue. Believers need to understand this and train themselves to trust God in this broken world.

 

Praying the Scripture

What is your first reaction and sustained mindset when you encounter troubles in life? Is it discouragement, anger, fear or going to God in prayer and faith? Increase your faith by praying regularly for God to help you through this broken world and see God’s character shine by keeping His promise. When you pray unceasing/daily, you will see God starting to work on the things you are praying for. When you see it, honor God. This is how you can increase your faith and worship of God.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇12

主题：祷告

 

谎言（1-4）。

这首诗篇延续了诗篇11的主题。社会的根基，即神的道德律法，已被毁灭。恶人猖獗，义人稀少。恶人用嘴唇悖逆神。他们扭曲事实，目的是要通过谄媚话、欺哄和诡计夺得势力。他们容不下权威，喜欢自主权和混乱状态。他们想要操纵听众，而不是与他们沟通。

真理（5-6）。

然而，神比恶大。祂会保守自己的子民脱离任何邪恶的世代，并最终在祂地上永恒的国度里予敬虔人安息。祂的应许是纯净完美的，如纯银一样可靠。你可以用生命投靠它（路18:6-8）。

战争延续（7-8）。

善与恶的斗争会持续下去，直到神在地上建立祂的国度。信徒必须明白这一点，并在这个破碎的世界里操练自己信靠神。

 

用经文祷告

当你在生命中遇到困难时，你的首个反应并持续的意念是什么？是灰心、愤怒、恐惧，还是持信心向神祷告？要常常求神助你度过这破碎的世界，并借着守祂的应许看到神的品格，从而使信心加增。当你不住地祷告时，你将看到神开始为你所祷告的事项工作。这就是你如何能增加你的信心并对神的敬拜。

 

2 Dec 2016, Psalm 11 诗篇 11, Panic and Stability 恐慌与稳定

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 11

Theme                      : Panic and Stability

 

Voice of the Despair (1–3).

When the foundation of society is destroyed, its social and political structure become evil (Ps. 82:5), the righteous suffer and the wicked flourish systematically. The temptation for the believer is to not trust God as his refuge but to trust himself and others for refuge. This is a fatal mistake. David flee to the mountains for refuge (1 Sam. 22), but His ultimate refuge is not the mountains but the Lord. To put ultimate trust in any created thing is fatal. Only the power of God can overcome evil angels and men.

 The Forgotten Dimension (4–7).

Amidst the feverish chaos, God lifts our eyes to heaven, to Himself, and make the chaos look small in comparison to God. The chaos is not too big for God to tackle. The chaos may look too big for God to handle, that’s why it seems like He is not doing anything about it. But that is incorrect understanding of reality. God is not doing anything because He is testing both the righteous and the wicked, to see what they are made of (Rev. 3:10). God’s righteousness and power never changes. He hates evil and will destruct them and He loves the righteous and they will be with Him forever.

 

Praying the Scripture

When there is trouble and no solution is in sight, you may doubt God’s power and character. But know that God is a God who tests our hearts to see what we are made of, to reveal what we truly believe in our hearts and to get rid of sins still in our hearts. During the time of trouble, never doubt God’s character and power, but trust God and pray daily for His grace. Encourage others to trust God in time of trouble. God often uses trials to grow us spiritually. Do not put your ultimate trust in created things, but trust God and pray daily.
 
 
 

经文：诗篇11

主题：恐慌与稳定

 

绝望之声（1-3）。

当一个社会的基础毁灭了，它的社会和政治结构会变得邪恶（诗82:5）；义人会因此受苦，恶人将兴旺。信徒所受的试探是不投靠神作避难所，倒要相信自己和他人。这是个致命的错误。大卫逃到山里避难（撒上22），但他最终的避难所是主，不是山岭。投靠任何被造物是致命的。唯有神的能力能胜过邪恶的天使和人类。

被遗忘的事（4-7）。

神在极大的混乱中将我们的眼目转向天上，转向祂，叫混乱因此变小。无论混乱再大，神都能解决。当我们觉得混乱或许太太，神不能处理，所以祂貌似没有出任举动——这对现实的理解有误。神按兵不动，是因为要试验义人和恶人的心思意念（启3:10）。神的公义和能力永不改变。祂恨恶罪恶并会消灭恶人；反之，祂喜爱义人，而义人将永远与他同在。

 

用经文祷告

当困难降临又无解决方案时，你或许会怀疑神的能力和品格。但我们要晓得神是察验人心的神，叫我们显露心里真实的意念，并除去仍隐藏着的罪。遇到困难时，我们不要怀疑神的品格和能力，乃要信靠神，每日求神施恩。我们也要鼓励遇难的人信靠神。神常常借着试验使我们在灵命中成长。最后，不要把你的信心放在被造物里，乃要信靠神，天天祷告。


1 Dec 2016, Psalm 10 诗篇 10, Predator and Prey 掠夺者和受害者

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 10

Theme                      : Predator and Prey

 

The Prosperity of Predators (1–11).

Even though in Psalm 1, God promises blessings for those who worship and obey Him, and destruction for disobedience, life does not fit neatly into this framework. God has designed laws to punish evil, but there are time when evil powers subvert God’s moral structure in society, therefore evil flourish and the righteous suffer. In this situation, the wicked often times is not punished, and the righteous suffers. The wicked doubts God and tests God with his evil exploits, when God does not immediately respond, the wick becomes more bold and evil. This evil person is portrayed as a practicing atheist who professes God but lives as if there is no God. He is also confident that he will be eternally free from God’s judgement and terror.

Prayer and Faith of Prey (12–18).

Despite the prosperity and power of the predators, the prey’s faith in God’s management of the world does not weaver. He understands who God is: a righteous and sovereign God who cares for the weak prey: the oppressed and fatherless. Even if the whole society is corrupt, God will still help His people and in the end all evil in every the nation will perish forever from His good earth.


Praying the Scripture

We may not be preys in our secure society, but there are many Christians who face this kind of persecution every day. Even for us, there is no guarantee that our peaceful society will last forever, look at USA as an example. Our hope is not in this age, but the age to come. Pray for persecuted believers and be prepared for persecution yourself by learning to trust God now through daily prayers for help and spiritual strength to live for Him.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇10

主题：掠夺者和受害者

 

掠夺者的富裕（1-11）。

虽然神在诗篇1应许要祝福凡敬拜并顺服祂的人，并消灭悖逆者，但我们在生活中所看到的并不一定如此。神已设立律法来惩罚罪恶，但邪恶势力有时会颠覆神在社会中所立的道德架构，使恶人强大，义人受苦。恶人质疑神，且常用恶行试探神；当神不立即做出反应时，他便变本加厉。诗人描述这恶人为一个无神论者——他虽承认有神，言行举止却否认这一点。他也有信心自己将永远不会面对神的审判和恐惧。

受害者的祷告和信心（12-18）。

纵然掠夺者兴旺强大，受害者对神管理世界的方式所存的信心并不动摇。他明白神是谁：一位看顾软弱受害者（即孤儿和受欺压的）的公义主权之神。即便整个社会已腐败了，神仍会帮助祂的子民，叫列国的众恶最终从祂美好的地土上永远消失。

 

用经文祷告

我们在这个稳固的社会中或许不是受害者，但许多基督徒却是每日受到这种欺压。再者，我们也不一定会永远享有这个和平的社会（以美国为例）。我们的盼望不在今世，乃在未来。请为受逼迫的信徒祷告，并要为自己可能受逼迫做好准备，借着每日的祷告学习信靠神，求神的帮助和属灵力量为祂而活。


30 Nov 2016, Psalm 9 诗篇 9, Prayer 祷告

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 9

Theme                       : Prayer
 

A. Individual Praise and Prayer (1–2). The structure of this psalm is in the form of repetition. It repeats major thoughts of praise, judgment on the wicked, and hope in God’s just rule. In. vv. 1-2, the believer praises God for His wonderful character and deeds.

B. Judgment on the Wicked (3–6). His wonderful character is His righteousness and His wonderful deeds are the destruction of the wicked, this includes not just wicked Jews but also wicked nations because God is the God of the world.

C. Hope in God’s Just Rule (7–10). God is a stronghold for the oppressed. He will never forsake His people, but will help them. God is righteous therefore He will be faithful to His children.

 

A′. Communal Praise and Prayer (11–14). Again the believer bursts out with praises and want everyone to praise God because of God’s greatness.

       B′.  Judgment of the Wicked (15–18).  The psalmist warns all the nations to repent and worship God, or else they will perish.

C′. Hope in God’s Just Rule (19–20).  This psalm has the end times in view since the judgement of all the nations is stated. God will not just help His children in this world, but He will also end this world order and re-create a new one.

 

Praying the Scripture

Know that God will deliver those who are oppressed and will never forsake them. His reputation is at stake and He will surely do it. God will surely judge the wicked and make an end of this wicked world when Jesus returns to earth. Pray and live with Jesus’ return in mind. Live for His kingdom, not your own kingdom.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇9

主题：祷告
 

A. 个人的赞美和祷告（1-2）。这首诗篇的结构是复诵。它重复了赞美、对恶人之审判与盼望神公义之统治的思想。在第一至第二节中，信徒为神美好的品格和作为赞美祂。

B. 对恶人的审判（3-6）。祂美好的品格是祂的公义，而祂美好的作为是消灭恶人；这指的不但是邪恶的犹太人，还包括作恶的列国，因为神是世界的神。

 C. 盼望神公义的统治（7-10）。神是受欺压者的高台。祂不会离弃祂的子民，但要帮助他们。神是公义的，所以祂会信实地待祂的儿女。

 

A′. 与众信徒的赞美和祷告（11-14）。信徒再次开口赞美神，并要每一个人因神的伟大一同赞美祂。

       B′.  对恶人的审判（15-18）。诗人告诫万国要悔改并敬拜神，不然他们将被灭绝。

C′. 盼望神公义的统治（19-20）。这首诗篇所记载的是末日的景象，因为审判是对万国的。神不但要在这个世界帮助祂的儿女，还要了断这个世界的制度，另创一个新的。


用经文祷告

要晓得神会搭救凡受逼迫的，绝不离弃他们。这涉及到了祂的名声，所以祂必成就这事。神必审判恶人，也会在耶稣归回地上时了结这罪恶的世界。祷告，并时刻纪念耶稣的归来，从而生活。为祂的国度生活，不是你自己的国度。


29 Nov 2016, Psalm 8 诗篇 8, God is Majestic 神是尊贵的

Posted on Nov 20, 2016 in Devotions, Psalms |

Scripture Reading  : Psalm 8

Theme                      : God is Majestic

 

The Majesty of God (1, 9).

The theme of this psalm is the majesty of God. He is great. The theme is stated in the beginning and the end. This literary form is called inclusio. It is often used in the book of Psalms.

Reasons for His Majesty (2-8).

God is majestic because He stills/defeats His enemies, the proud and evil people, through righteous and humble believers symbolized as little children (Matt. 18:5-6). This is God’s majesty and joy (Luke 10:21-22). This majestic plan applies not only to God’s human enemies but also to angelic enemies: satan and his demons. Mankind is lower than heavenly/angelic beings, but through the humble death and resurrection of Jesus, who was a lowly but Spirit-filled man, mankind will triumph and rule over more powerful angels (1 Cor. 6:3) because of the new mankind’s union with Jesus (Heb. 2:5-9).

 

Praying the Scripture

Ponder and be amazed by the greatness of God and His plan. His ways are not our ways, but it is much more majestic. His greatness is not just displayed through His shear power, but much more through the humbling of the proud by the weak. The cross is the epitome of this form of God’s majesty (1 Cor. 1:21). Through the cross God defeats both proud and rebellious angels and people. The point is this: when you pray in your distress because of evil people, know that God is powerful and will defeat evil, but sometimes He will do it in humble and quiet ways that you cannot perceive (1 Kgs 19:11-12). Trust God and pray daily, do not doubt or lose heart.
 
 
 
 

经文：诗篇8

主题：神是尊贵的

 

神的尊贵（1、9）。

这首诗篇的主题是神的尊贵。神是伟大的。这个主题在诗歌的前后都明列出来。这个文学手法叫inclusio，常常用于诗篇中。

神为何尊贵（2-8）。

神是尊贵的，因为祂借着公义和谦卑的信徒（太18:5-6比喻为小孩）至今仍打败了祂的仇敌，即骄傲和邪恶之人。这是神的尊贵和喜悦之处（路10:21-22）。这个荣耀的计划不只是针对神人类的仇敌，也对神属天的仇敌如此，即撒旦和鬼魔。人类比天使微小一点，但借着耶稣卑微的死和复活（祂虽卑微但被圣灵充满），人类会战胜并统治能力更大的天使（林前6:3）；这全凭新人类与耶稣的联合（来2:5-9）。

 

用经文祷告

要思想神的伟大和祂的计划，并为此倍感惊奇。祂的道路不是我们的道路，乃是更荣耀的道路。祂的伟大不仅展现于祂巨大的能力，更在用软弱之人使骄傲之人谦卑这事显为大。十字架是神荣耀和尊贵的缩影（林前1:21）。神借着十字架打败骄傲又悖逆的天使和人类。其重点是：当你因恶人在困苦中祷告时，要晓得神大有能力，会战胜邪恶，但他有时会用我们意想不到的卑微和悄声的方式这么做（王上19:11-12）。要每日信靠神，天天祷告，不要怀疑或灰心。


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