7 Jan 2016, Isaiah 46 以赛亚书 46, No One Like Him 无神像祂

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 46

Theme                  : No One Like Him

In chapters 40-46, God constantly compares Himself with idols. He is not like any god that men have created, for He is the true sovereign God, who can declare the future before it happens. He is not an idol that people can come to manipulate and control. He is the true, living God. All people must give an account to Him as their Judge. All who are unrighteous, which is everyone, must take His message of warning and blessing seriously. Salvation awaits all who return to God through Jesus, but everlasting shame awaits all who continue to rebel. He will destroy all rebels, just as He will destroy the false gods of Babylon: Bel and Nebo.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Let us bow down in awe of the true, living God who declares the future before it happens. His words is surer than anything on earth, more reliable than any scientific theories. Even this old universe will pass away, but His words, even to the smallest detail, will never pass away or fail (Matt. 5:18). Pray that you will trust God’s every word, not your own intelligence or the philosophy of the world. If there is a conflict between God’s word and human wisdom, God’s word will win 100% of the time. You can bank on it. Pray that you will always have the courage to hold firm to God’s word and have the love to share God’s word. To believe in God’s word is to believe in God’s integrity, His personhood.
  1. When we share the gospel, we should let people know that the God of the Bible is truly God, not a god created by men because of fulfilled prophecies and accurate scientific description of the world. People can still deny these truths, but the truth still need to be presented. May God have mercy on these rebels.

经文：以赛亚书46

主题：无神像祂

 

在40-46章中，神不断将自己与其他偶像作比较。祂不像其他人手所造的神，因为祂是掌管万物的真神，能在事发以前指明未来的事。祂不是人能摆弄与控制的偶像。祂是永活真神。人都要向这位审判者交账。凡不义的，即每一个人，都要留心听从祂告诫和祝福的信息。凡借着耶稣归神的必要得救，但执意悖逆的要受永恒羞耻。祂会消灭所有悖逆者，如祂要毁灭巴比伦的假神彼勒和尼波一样。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 让我们在这位能指明末后之事的永活真神前以敬畏的心跪拜。祂的话比世上任何东西更确定，要比科学理论更可信。就算这个旧宇宙都废去了，但神的话，直至最小细节，也不能废去（太5:18）。祷告你会信靠神的每一句话，不依赖自己的聪明或世上的哲理。倘若神的话与人的智慧之间有冲突，神的话必然次次都胜。这是你完全可以相信的。祷告你总会有勇气坚守神的话，并有分享神话语的热爱。相信神的话就是相信神的诚信，祂的人格。
  1. 当我们传福音时，我们当让人晓得圣经中的神是真神，不是人所造的，因为神应验了圣经中的预言，也对这世界给予准确的科学描述。人可以否认这些事实，但我们仍要向人显明真理。愿神向这些悖逆的人施怜悯。

 


6 Jan 2016, Isaiah 45 以赛亚书 45, Comfort through Earthly Instrument 借着世俗工具的安慰

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 45

Theme                  : Comfort through Earthly Instrument

 

Restoration through Cyrus (1-13)

One century before Cyrus was born, God had already prophesied his birth and anointed him for the task of returning the exiled Jews to Jerusalem. In that sense, Cyrus is a messiah (lower case messiah, which means anointed/appointed one for an office or task) to deliver the Jews from exile. Cyprus returned the Jews to Jerusalem without receiving any monetary compensation (v. 13). In fact, he even gave money to the Jews to build Jerusalem and the temple. It is incredible that God can even use earthly pagan rulers to fulfill His promises. God again used earthly rulers to restore the Jews to Israel in 1948.

Greater Restoration (14-25).

If Israel can be restored through a pagan, earthly ruler, how much greater is the restoration of Israel through the promised Messiah? When Jesus returns, nations that have mistreated the Jews will bow down to the Jews and worship the Holy One of Israel. Every tongue shall swear allegiance to God (see Rom. 14:11). When this happens, the Jews should not be surprised by this because God had already prophesied it. God hides Himself from idol worshippers, but He will Himself to the whole idolatrous world in the end times. Even now, God calls all Christians to reveal Him to the whole world through the gospel (Matt. 28:18-20).

 

Praying the Scripture

God often times fulfill His promises or answer our prayers through providence, not through miracles. He providentially returned the Jews through Cyrus. He did not zap the Jews and miraculously teleported them to Jerusalem. Such providence is miraculous in a different way. Be sure to know that God’s miraculous providence is working for your character building every day so that you will be more and more like Jesus, conformed to the image of God. All things work for the good of those who love God (Rom. 8:28).

经文：以赛亚书45

主题：借着世俗工具的安慰

 

借着居鲁士的复兴（1-13）。

居鲁士诞生的前一个世纪，神已经预言了这件事，并膏他完成使命，叫犹太人能归耶路撒冷。这里，居鲁士犹如弥赛亚似的，因为他要救犹太人脱离流亡的日子。居鲁士在不受任何工价或赏赐的情况下让犹太人归回耶路撒冷（13节）。实际上，他还出钱让犹太人重建耶路撒冷和圣殿。神非常奇妙，甚至能用世俗的外邦领导成就祂的应许。在1948年，神再次用了地上的君王使犹太人归以色列。

更大的复兴（14-25）。

倘若以色列能借着一个世俗的外邦领导使之复兴，借着应许的弥赛亚之复兴的以色列将如此之大？耶稣再来时，虐待犹太人的列国将在他们面前屈膝，且要向以色列的圣者跪拜。万口必向神誓言要效忠祂（见罗14:11）。当这一切发生的时候，犹太人不当感到惊讶，因为神已经预言此事。神向拜偶像的自隐，但要在末日时向这个崇拜偶像的世界显示自己。即便今日，神召所有基督徒要借着福音向全世界显示祂是谁（太28:18-20）。
 

 

用经文祷告

神常常借着祂的护理成就自己的应许或回应我们的祷告，不是神迹。祂凭这样的护理使犹太人借着居鲁士回到耶路撒冷。祂并没有行神迹，叫犹太人能瞬移到那里。然而，这种护理也是很神奇的。要晓得神神奇的护理每日也在塑造你的人格，叫你能越来越像耶稣，能有神的形象。我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处（罗8:28）。


5 Jan 2016, Isaiah 44 以赛亚书 44, Comfort through the Spirit 借着圣灵的安慰

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 44

Theme                  : Comfort through the Spirit

 

In the end times, God will comfort the nation of Israel when He pours out His Spirit upon the whole nation, resulting in salvation for the whole nation. His wrath against the nation will end in the end times when the whole nation returns to Him. The theme of the outpouring of the Spirit in the end times is constantly repeated in the OT (Joel 2:28). Israel need not fear whether God will accomplish His promise because they will see incredible fulfillment of prophecies in the near future. One such fulfillment is the ascension of Cyrus who will conquer Babylon and let the Jews return to Jerusalem. Because God can fulfill near future restoration of Israel through Cyrus, He can also fulfill end times restoration of Israel through the Messiah and His Spirit. In addition, Israel need not fear because God is not an idol made by foolish, but skillful craftsmen. It is extremely foolish for men to use wood for fuel and cooking, and then use the same wood to make gods and bow down to worship these dead idols. Such idols can do nothing about the future. But the true living God declares the future and will fulfill His declaration.

 

Praying the Scripture

It is the most comforting thought to be ruled by our righteous, sovereign and loving Creator. He knows what is best for us more than we know ourselves. He lovingly conforms us to the image of His Son, Jesus, just as we were intended from the beginning when humans were created in the image/character of God. God’s dealing with His people is perfect. He is gentle with we need gentleness. He rebukes us when we need to be rebuked. He encourages us when we need encouragement (1 Thes. 5:14). He never gives us more than what we can handle (1 Cor. 10:13). Even when God rebukes His people it is with the purpose of shaping us. The Jews never worshipped idols again after their exile to Babylon. When God disciplines us, never forget He is in control and loves us and wants to shape us into the image/character of His Son, Jesus. When you are in a trial, ask God to convict you of any flaws in your character and to change you so that you will be more like Christ.

经文：以赛亚书44

主题：借着圣灵的安慰

 

到了末日，神将安慰以色列，使祂的灵浇灌在全国之上，叫万民得救。祂对以色列的愤怒将在末日终止，因为那时以色列要归祂。圣灵在末日浇灌的主题是旧约不断重复的（珥2:28）。以色列无需害怕神是否能成就祂的应许，因为他们不久后将得见这些预言的应验。其中一个便是居鲁士的崛起；他将征服巴比伦，并让犹太人回到耶路撒冷。由于神能借着居鲁士在不久后的将来使以色列复兴，祂亦能借着弥赛亚与祂的灵应验末日以色列的复兴。另外，由于神不是愚昧但手巧的木匠所造的偶像，因此以色列无需惧怕。人使用木材起火烧饭，又用同一材料造偶像，并屈膝敬拜这些死神——这是非常愚昧的事。这些偶像对未来一无是处，但那永活真神能预言未来，并应验祂所有的话。

 

用经文祷告

我们能受那位公义、有主权并慈爱之造物主的管理，真是令人安慰。祂比我们更清楚什么对我们最好。祂以慈爱塑造我们，叫我们能更像祂的儿子耶稣，就如起初人是以神的形象所造一样。神待祂子民的方式是完美的。当我们需要温柔时，祂是温柔的；当我们需要责备时，祂责备我们；当我们需要鼓励时，祂鼓励我们（帖前5:14）。祂必不叫我们承受过于所能受的（林前10:13）。即便神责备祂的子民，其目的是要塑造我们。犹太人从巴比伦流放回来后再也不敬拜他神。当神管教我们时，不要忘记祂仍掌管一切，并爱我们，要我们更有祂儿子耶稣的形象。当你受试炼时，求神让你看清你人品中的缺陷，求祂改变你，叫你能更像基督。


4 Jan 2016, Isaiah 43 以赛亚书 43, Fear Not 不要害怕

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 43

Theme                  : Fear Not

 

Grace of God (1-21)

In the midst of future troubles, God urges the nation and individuals not to be afraid but to trust in Him. God is trustworthy because He has made them and the world; therefore He is able to sustain them. He will preserve them even if it means God must destroy Egypt or other nations in order to protect Israel. That happened when the Persians attacked Egypt but gave freedom to Israel. God is also trustworthy because He is able to declare the future and accomplished His prophecies. Through the OT, Israel is a witness to His divine fulfilled prophecies. God is trustworthy also because He is able to renew Israel in the future like turning a desert into a fertile land.

Sin of Israel (22-28).

God’s grace to Israel is never based upon the righteousness of Israel. Israel does not deserve any of God’s grace because of their ugly sins. Instead of giving thanks to God with their wealth through their sacrifices, they hoard their money and burden God with their sins. Even their first father, Abraham, sinned against God. And now their priests, mediators, continue to sin against God. Israel’s hope is not in themselves or their forefathers, but in the undeserving grace of God alone.

 

Praying the Scripture

As sinners, we are supposed to be fearful, but God says to us, “Fear not.” These are the sweetest words we will ever hear. This is also the message of Christmas. God told the shepherds not to fear because Jesus the savior has come to deliver sinners (Luke 2:10-11). When our guilt and shame overwhelm us, we can run to Christ and hear Him say, “Fear not.” Such comforting words give us rest and peace. They also should lead us to praise God and be in awe of His amazing character of humility and compassionate that are displayed in the humble birth of Christ and His agonizing death on the cross. Humility comes when we realize we do not deserve Jesus’ incredible love through His agonizing death on the cross. Pray that you will be most in awe of Christ’s character and strive to be like Him by His grace.

经文：以赛亚书43

主题：不要害怕

 

神的恩典（1-21）。

患难即将来临，因此神劝以色列及各人不要害怕，乃要信靠祂。神是值得信赖的，因为人及万物都是神所创造的，所以祂能护理一切。为要保护以色列，神能不惜将埃及与列国消灭——我们能从波斯击败埃及，予以以色列自由一事看出。神也值得我们信赖因为祂能公告未来，并应验自己的预言。借着旧约，以色列成了神神圣预言应验的见证。我们还能信赖神因为祂未来能更新以色列，犹如将沙漠变成肥沃土地一样。

以色列的罪（22-28）。

神从不凭着以色列的公义向她施恩。以色列绝对不配蒙受神任何恩惠，因为他们罪孽深重。然而，他们不但不献祭感谢神赐予他们财富，还将钱财占为己有，犯下更大的罪。即便他们的祖宗亚伯拉罕也得罪了神，而祭司，他们至今的中保，更是继续犯罪。以色列的盼望不在自己或他们的祖宗，乃是他们所不配得的神之恩。

 

用经文祷告

身为罪人，我们当惧怕战兢，但神对我们说：“不要害怕。”这是我们能听到最甜美的话，也是圣诞的信息。神告诉牧羊人不要惧怕，因为救主耶稣已来拯救罪人（路2:10-11）。当我们被罪与羞愧占据时，我们能奔到主怀，听祂说：“不要害怕。”如此安慰的言语给予我们平安与安息。这也当领我们赞美神，并惊叹祂谦卑与慈爱的奇妙性情；这由基督卑微的诞生与十架上惨痛之死彰显出来。当我们晓得自己不配得耶稣奇妙的爱，使之祂在十架惨痛死去，这才是谦卑。祷告你会对基督的性情赞叹不已，并借着祂的恩典试图效法祂。

 


2 Jan 2016, Isaiah 42 以赛亚书 42, Comfort through the Servant Messiah 借着仆人弥赛亚的安慰

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 42

Theme                  : Comfort through the Servant Messiah

 

The Perfect Servant (1-17)

God will comfort Israel through the perfect servant Messiah, Jesus, who will die for them during His first coming and then rule over them during His second coming. This section is describing and prophesying both His first and second comings. During His first coming, God puts His Spirit on Jesus (Matt. 3:16). He was humble and submissive (not cry aloud or lift up his voice). He cared for the weak (a bruised reed he will not break and a faintly burning wick he will not quench). Everything about Jesus’ first coming has been fulfilled (Luke 4:18). In vv. 5-9, God speaks to the Messiah personally and we get to listen to this divine conversation. During His second coming, He will rule the world in righteousness and justice. We can see glimpses of His rule as light to the nations right now. Those nations or communities that been influenced by the gospel have been blessed by God. When Jesus comes again, He will also come in wrath to punish all unrighteous people. His wrath is like penned up labor pain. He takes no pleasure in punishing sinful humans, but does it in anguish. His wrath is also fearsome like a warrior (v. 13).

The Defective Servant (18-25).

In contrast to the perfect servant Messiah, Israel is a defective servant who is deaf and blind to God and His laws. Even after God punishes them for their sins, they still are stubborn and will not listen. The perfect servant Messiah must come to rescue this defective servant.

 

Praying the Scripture

As we see this world becoming more and more evil each day, we should be sad and fearful of God’s impending wrath on the world. There is rampant corruption, sexual immorality, terrorism, and human trafficking. Newspaper is full of stories of wickedness. Even worse, the pure gospel is being perverted by false gospels such as the prosperity gospel and Catholicism. False Christianity dominates Christendom. Out of love, we should warn people, in a respectful and gentle way (1 Pet. 3:15), about God’s coming righteous wrath and salvation in Jesus. We are approaching the end times (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Pray that you will not be discouraged, but trust in God and proclaim the gospel boldly. Like God, take no pleasure in the destruction of sinful men. God has called us also to save them through the proclamation of the gospel.

经文：以赛亚书42

主题：借着仆人弥赛亚的安慰

 

完美的仆人（1-17）。

神会借着那位完美仆人弥赛亚耶稣安慰以色列；祂将在首次降世时为以色列死，但在二次来世时统治他们。这段经文正形容并预言耶稣的首次与二次到来。在耶稣的首次降临中，神将祂的灵浇灌在耶稣身上（太3:16）。耶稣既谦卑又顺服（不喧嚷，不扬声）。祂体贴软弱者（压伤的芦苇他不折断，将残的灯火他不吹灭）。凡与耶稣首次降临有关的预言都已经得到应验（路4:18）。在5-9节中，神亲自向弥赛亚说话，而我们有福聆听神的对话。当耶稣二次来世时，祂将凭公义和公理统治世界。我们现在就能看到神的律法如何光照一个国家，因为受到福音影响的国家或群体都蒙神的祝福。当耶稣再来时，祂也会在愤怒中惩罚所有不义的人。祂的愤怒犹如产难之痛。神不喜悦惩罚罪恶的人，而是因着怒气如此行。祂的怒气也像战士一样惊人（13节）。

欠缺的仆人（18-25）。

与完美的仆人弥赛亚相比，以色列是欠缺的仆人，对神及祂的律例又聋又瞎。即便神因他们的罪施行了惩罚，他们仍执迷不悟。完美仆人弥赛亚必要来拯救这个欠缺的仆人。
 

用经文祷告

当我们看到这个世界变得越来越邪恶，我们当因神即将在世上倾倒祂的愤怒感到忧伤恐惧。世上有无穷的败坏、淫乱、恐怖事件与人口贩卖。报章上充满了邪恶事件的报道。更糟的是，纯正的福音已被假福音，如致富福音及天主教扭曲了。假信徒占领了基督教。因于爱，我们当以温柔、敬畏的心告诫他人（彼前3:15），让人得知神即将来临的公义愤怒，并耶稣里的救恩。我们已逼近末日了（提后3:1-5）。祷告你不会气馁，而是信靠神，壮胆传扬福音。我们要像神一样，不喜悦罪人被毁。神也召我们要借着传讲福音救他们。


1 Jan 2016, Isaiah 41 以赛亚书 41, God is Greater than Our Fears 神大过我们的惧怕

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 41

Theme                  : God is Greater than Our Fears

 

Comfort through Pagan Ruler (1-7)

God will comfort Israel by promising to use Cyrus to restore Israel. The one from the east is Cyrus the Persian king who is mentioned in 44:28. This prophecy was written one century before Cyrus was born. He will be a comfort to Israel by conquering Babylon and then let Jews return to Israel. This prophecy was fulfilled 70 years after the exile when Ezra and company returned to Jerusalem.

Comfort through Election (8-29).

God will also comfort Israel by restoring Israel in the end times. God assures the nation and faithful individuals that God has chosen them and will fulfill His promise to bless the world through Israel. The Israel of end times will be restored like a wilderness turned into a fertile land. When Jews see the prophesied Babylonian exile and the return of the Jews under Cyrus, they will be comforted by God’s sovereignty. If His promise of punishment is true, then His promise of future restoration will also be true. Comfort can only be found in the true, living God, not in dead idols who cannot predict the future.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. What sets the Bible apart from other religious books is its ability to predict the future. This is the true mark of a divine book. Anyone can write a book and claim to be God’s word but only the Bible can demonstrate its divine origin through fulfilled prophecies. God also prophesied after the dead of Jesus, Israel will not have any temple sacrifices until the end times (Hosea 3:4) and this is exactly what is happening in Israel. Let us find comfort in God’s unwavering faithfulness to fulfill His promises. He promises to be with Israel forever and He also has promised to be with Christians forever (Matt. 28:20). Let us find comfort in God in our trials. Let us go to Him and be reminded that He says to us, “Comfort, Comfort my people.” Let these words console your soul. There can be many reasons for us to fear, but there is one big reason why we don’t need—God is with us.
  1. The doctrine of election in OT and NT (Ephesians 1) is meant to comfort believers in time of trials and persecutions. It is not meant to be a license to sin freely. It is meant to assure us of God’s love in our struggle to battle sin, which sometimes can seem so overwhelming. It is not meant to be a free pass so that we can commit whatever sin we want, while proclaiming “once saved, always saved.” Pray that you don’t abuse this doctrine and use it wrongly. Pray that this doctrine will give your soul rest in time of trouble or struggle against sin.
 

经文：以赛亚书41

主题：神大过我们的惧怕

 

藉着外邦君王的安慰（1-7）。

神安慰以色列，应许要用塞勒斯使她复兴。从东方兴起的那人是波斯王塞勒斯；44:28也提及他。这个预言是在塞勒斯诞生前的一个世纪写的。他将征服巴比伦，然后让犹太人回到以色列，从而作他们的安慰。这个预言在犹太人流放后70年应验了，即以斯拉与同伴归回耶路撒冷时。

藉着拣选的安慰（8-29）。

神也会藉着末日对以色列的复兴安慰她。神保证以色列与忠心的人他们是神所拣选的，所以神必履行承诺，藉着以色列祝福全地。末日时的以色列将得复兴，如旷野变丰盛之地。当犹太人亲眼见到预言的应验，即以色列被巴比伦流放与犹太人在塞勒斯的统治回归以色列，他们将因神的主权得安慰。倘若神施行惩罚的应许是真的，祂所应许的末日复兴也必是真的。安慰只能在永活真神里找到，不在无法预言未来的虚假偶像寻见。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 圣经与其他宗教书籍有别的是：它能预测未来。这是神圣书籍的真实标志。任何人都能编写一本书并宣称那是神的话，但唯有圣经能借着所应验的预言证明祂的属神根源。神也预言耶稣死后，以色列将不再有圣殿祭祀，直到末日时（何3:4）；这正是我们如今在以色列所看到的。让我们在神坚定的信实中得安慰，因为祂必履行自己的承诺。神也应许要永远与以色列同在，也应许永远与基督徒同在（太28:20）。让我们遇试炼时在神里面寻得安慰。让我们来到神面前，提醒自己祂曾向我们说：“安慰，安慰我的百姓。”让这些话安慰你的灵。能使我们惧怕的原因很多，但我们有一个无需惧怕的重大原因：神与我们同在。
  1. 新（弗1）旧约对拣选的教义是要在信徒遭试炼与逼迫时安慰他们的。这不是信徒随意犯罪的借口。教义的本意是要在我们与罪争战时向我们确保神的爱，因为试炼有时让人感到难以负荷。它不是让我们自由犯罪的通行证，同时宣扬“一旦得救，永远得救”。祷告你不会滥用这个教义，或错误使用这个教义。祷告这个教义能在你与罪争战或遇困扰时，心灵得享安息。

 


31 Dec 2015, Isaiah 40 以赛亚书 40, Consolation and Trustworthiness of God 神的安慰和信实

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 40

Theme                  : Consolation and Trustworthiness of God

 

Consolation of God (1-11)

In light of the gloomy prophecy about the future Babylonian captivity, God comforts His people and urges them to rely on Him even in the midst of trouble. Chapters 40-66 emphasizes on God’s comfort, while chapters 1-39 emphasizes on sin and judgement. Israel’s sins are great, but God is greater than their sins. He promises to forgive their sins through the work of the promised king, whose way will be prepared by a herald (v. 3). This is fulfilled in John the Baptist (Mark 1:3). This section prophesies about Jesus’ first and second comings. When Jesus comes back the second time, He will literally flatten the earth and make Jerusalem the highest mountain (Is. 2:2; Rev. 16:20). As hard as it is to believe in such incredible transformation of Israel and the world, God reminds us that His words stand forever, unlike flowers and other things of this world. His words are completely trustworthy even if they sound incredible to limited humans (Matt. 24:35).

Trustworthiness of God (12-31).

Why is it that God can accomplish all these incredible things in the future? It is because of His sovereignty and His power in creating and sustaining the universe. His rule is above all human rules. No king, prime minister, or president can compare to His power. Those who trust in God will not be ashamed but will be strengthen spiritually and physically to accomplish God’s purposes even in difficult situations such as the Babylonian exile.


Praying the Scripture

  1. God comforts us in times of trouble and distress in order to build character in us so that we will be more like the character of Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” Praise God for His character-building comfort so that we will be more like our Lord Jesus. Praise God for sending Jesus to die on our behalf. Highest glory, honor and praise to God.
  1. Lord, you are a great God. Nothing can compare to you. No one is like you. Your power and your character are worthy to be praised above all. Please increase our amazement of you and worship you even more. May we be so griped and comforted by the greatness of your character and power that we will boldly and gladly proclaim your gospel. May we also patiently and faithfully love others just as you love Israel and your church patiently and faithfully.

经文：以赛亚书40

主题：神的安慰和信实

 

神的安慰（1-11）。

以色列领受自己将被巴比伦俘虏的悲惨预言后，神安慰祂的子民，并劝他们即便在患难中也要依靠祂。第40-66章的焦点是神的安慰；1-39章则是罪和审判。以色列的罪孽深重，但神比他们的罪还大。神承诺要借着那位应许之王所成就的赦免他们的罪；一位开路先锋将预备祂的路（3节）。应验这预言的就是施洗约翰了（可1:3）。这段经文是对耶稣首次与二次到来的预言。当耶稣再来时，祂将铲平全地，使耶路撒冷高于万岭（赛2:2；启16:20）。虽然我们难以想象以色列与全地会有如此改变，神却提醒我们祂的话永远立定，不像世间的花草与其他物质那样。神的话纵然对有限的人类而言看似不可思议，却是完全可信的（太24:35）。

神的信实（12-31）。

为什么神将来能成就这些奇妙的事？这是因着祂创造并维持宇宙万物的权柄和大能。祂的律超过人的律。无君王、总理或总统能与神的大能相比。信靠神的必不蒙羞，身心乃要得坚固，叫他们即便在困境中，如巴比伦的流放，也要成就神的旨意。

用经文祷告

  1. 神在患难困境中安慰我们，叫我们能刚强起来，品性更像耶稣的。哥林多后书1:3-7说：“愿颂赞归于我们的主耶稣基督的父神，就是发慈悲的父，赐各样安慰的神！我们在一切患难中，他就安慰我们，叫我们能用神所赐的安慰去安慰那遭各样患难的人。我们既多受基督的苦楚，就靠基督多得安慰。我们受患难呢，是为叫你们得安慰、得拯救；我们得安慰呢，也是为叫你们得安慰。这安慰能叫你们忍受我们所受的那样苦楚。我们为你们所存的盼望是确定的，因为知道你们既是同受苦楚，也必同得安慰。”我们要为神这种建立品格的安慰赞美祂，叫我们能更像主耶稣一样。我们要为神差遣耶稣替我们代死赞美祂。愿至高的荣耀、尊贵和赞美归于神。
  1. 主，您是伟大的神。你胜过万物，无人能像你。你的大能和性情配得极大的颂赞。求你加添我们对你的赞叹，让我们越加敬拜你。让我们因你伟大的性情和大能受到如此吸引和安慰，叫我们能乐意并壮胆宣扬你的福音。让我们耐心、忠心地爱他人，如同你耐心、忠心地爱以色列与你的教会一样。

 


30 Dec 2015, Isaiah 39 以赛亚书 39, Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride 希西家愚昧的狂傲

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 39

Theme                  : Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride

The Babylonians came to congratulate Hezekiah for recovering from his sickness. But the real reason was to spy on Hezekiah’s wealth so that Babylon may acquire it later for its war chest. Hezekiah showed off his wealth because of his pride. Because of this prideful act, God prophesied that Babylon will attack Jerusalem one day and carry off its wealth and people. Hezekiah’s response to the prophecy is puzzling. He either responded selfishly or tried to encourage his people in light of a negative prophecy. This event shows us that no matter how great a leader is, he still falls short. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in our triune God. In chapter 40, God prophesies the advent of Jesus, the perfect king, whom we can fully rely on.


Praying the Scripture

God, we thank you for the gift of leaders in our family and church. We desire to submit to them and join them to fulfill the goal of building a community of believers who will love one another and spread the gospel. But we also know that these leaders are not perfect. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in the Great shepherd, Jesus, not in His undershepherds. We will support your undershepherds and pray for their weaknesses, just as we are also weak and need other’s prayers and support. For no one is independent of the body of Christ, we are supposed to mutually built up by one another (1 Thes. 5:11). Thank you, God, for the gift of leaders in our family and church. May you continue to bless them and strengthen them.

经文：以赛亚书39

主题：希西家愚昧的狂傲

 

巴比伦王因希西家病而痊愈前来祝贺他。事实上，他们是要窥探希西家的财宝，叫他们日后能掳去，可以作作战储备。希西家因为心中骄傲炫耀了他的财富。基于这狂傲的举动，神预言巴比伦日后将攻打耶路撒冷，并掳去她的子民和财宝。希西家对此预言的回应令人费解；他若不是自私，就是想在领受这个负面的预言后鼓励以色列子民。这件事显示不论一个领导有多伟大，他仍亏缺了神的标准。我们最大的盼望和依靠即是我们的三一真神。在40章中，神预言了耶稣的降临；这位完美君王是我们全然能依靠的。


用经文祷告

神啊，我们因着你所赐予我们家庭与教会中的领袖感谢你。我们渴望顺服他们，与他们一同建立能彼此相爱、传扬福音的基督徒群体。然而，我们也晓得这些领袖都不是完美的。我们最大的盼望和依靠就是我们的大牧者耶稣，不是跟随祂的小牧人。我们会支持这些小牧者，并为他们的软弱祷告，就如我们也是软弱的，需要彼此的祷告和支持。因为无人在基督的肢体里是独立的，所以我们要建立彼此（帖前5:11）。我们感谢你，主，所赐予我们家庭与教会中的领袖。愿您能继续祝福他们，坚固他们。


29 Dec 2015, Isaiah 38 以赛亚书 38, Humble Prayer to God 谦卑祷告神

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 38

Theme                  : Humble Prayer to God

This event actually occurred before the Assyrians attacked Jerusalem in chapters 36-37 because God promises to defend the city from the Assyrians in v. 6. For some reason, God wants to end Hezekiah’s life. Perhaps it is due to his sin (v. 17). Hezekiah humbly requests God to spare his life because he wants to continue to serve God faithfully and to defend the city from Assyria (v. 6). Hezekiah is not appealing to his godliness as to bribe God, for he knows his sins and is unworthy (v. 17). He is appealing to God’s grace, not his merits (Luke 17:10). At the end, he realizes that the sickness is for the good of his soul (v. 17), probably because he is humbled by it (2 Chron. 32:25-26: He realizes God is truly in control of his life, not him).


Praying the Scripture

God wants a relationship with us and interacts with us. His ultimate purposes do not change, but He does respond to our repentance and humble requests. Because of our complete forgiveness in Christ, God says that we can come to His throne of grace boldly, but also humbly (Heb. 4:16). We should never come to God by bribing Him with our righteousness, our faithful service, or our godly characters, for we always fall short and are in need of His grace. Instead, we ought to come with a sense of unworthiness before God and appeal to His character of mercy only (Luke 17:10). God owes us nothing, we owe Him everything since He has loved us so much by giving Jesus to save us and to strengthen us. Never try to bribe God. Pray that you will always come before God based upon His grace through Jesus.

经文：以赛亚书38

主题：谦卑祷告神

 

这个事件实际上是在36-37章前发生的，即亚述人攻打耶路撒冷之前，因为神在第6节应许要保护耶路撒冷脱离亚述王的手。神基于某些原因决定要结束希西家的命；这或许是因于他的罪（17节）。希西家谦卑地祈求神饶了他，因为他想继续忠心侍奉神，并保护耶路撒冷沦陷于亚述（6节）。希西家并非要凭自己的敬虔收买神，因为他晓得自己有罪，是不配的（17节）。他是凭着神的恩典祈求，不靠自己的功劳而行（路17:10）。最后，他看到这场疾病对自己的灵是有益的（17节），因为他或许由此谦卑了（代下32:25-26：他明白真正掌控他生命的是神，不是自己）。


用经文祷告

神要与我们相交，和我们建立关系。祂所定意的不会改变，但祂对我们的悔改和谦卑祈求是有回应的。因着我们在基督里的全然饶恕，神说我们能坦然无惧地来到神的宝座前，但也要谦卑地来（来4:16）。我们绝不能凭自己的公义、忠心的侍奉或敬虔的品格尝试收买神，因为我们凡事都亏缺了神的荣耀，急需神的恩典。因此，我们当视自己为不配的，唯靠神的怜悯向祂祈求（路17:10）。神对我们没有亏欠，但我们凡事亏欠，因为祂深爱我们，甚至将耶稣赐给我们，叫我们能得救，重新得力。万不得尝试收买神。祷告你总会凭着神借着耶稣的恩典来到祂面前。

 


28 Dec 2015, Isaiah 37 以赛亚书 37, Wisely Trusting God 对神明智的信靠

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Devotions, Isaiah |

Scripture Reading  : Isaiah 37

Theme                  : Wisely Trusting God

 

Seek God for Help First and Foremost (1-20)

Based on human expectation, Israel should have been conquered by the mighty power of Assyria. But when God is in the picture, everything changes. Hezekiah learned from his father, Ahaz, foolish mistake. Ahaz would not trust God to protect Israel, instead he relied on Assyria to protect Israel (7:4-6). In the end, a much stronger Assyria threatened to destroy Israel. Hezekiah rightly went to seek God’s protection through His prophet Isaiah. God, speaking through Isaiah, assured Hezekiah that Israel will be protected even against seemingly overwhelming odds; for His promise is more trustworthy than anything in the universe (Matt. 5:18).

God’s Merciful Deliverance (9-20).

Because of Hezekiah and Israel’s faith in God, God miraculously destroyed the army of Assyria via His angel, just as God had promised. The king of Assyria was also killed in his own land by his own sons, just as God had promised.


Praying the Scripture

We do not have prophets like Isaiah to go to for direct revelation from God, but God’s promises to His church is very clear in the Bible. He will be with us forever (Matt. 28:20) and His grace is sufficient in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Pray that you will believe daily in the promises of the gospel even in the darkest time of your trials and even when people are cold and apathetic to the gospel. Through our humble, persistent prayers (Luke 18:1-8) to God, He will protect us in our trials; and He is also able to convert sinners. His power is mighty to cast down the power of satan and sin (2 Cor. 10:3-5). God graciously strengthened the early Christians in Acts to endure persecution and He miraculously converted the entire Roman Empire. God has not changed and will never change. He is still able to deliver us and to convert sinners. If we trust Him and live out our faith in action, God will continue to display His glory in us and through us. Pray that you will be patient and unwaveringly believe in God’s promises even against overwhelming odds.

经文：以赛亚书37

主题：对神明智的信靠

 

首要的是寻求神（1-20）。

在人看来，以色列本该被强大的亚述征服，但有神同在，谁与争锋？希西家吸取他父亲亚哈斯的教训。那时，亚哈斯不愿投靠神保护以色列，反倒转向亚述作依靠（7:4-6）。最后，比以色列强大的亚述威胁要消灭以色列。希西家借着神的先知直接寻求神的保护。神借着以赛亚向希西家保证：不论以色列面临多大的危机，神始终会保护她，因为祂的应许必宇宙万物更可靠（太5:18）。

神怜悯的拯救（9-20）。

因着希西家以及以色列对神的信心，神按着祂的应许，借着祂的天使奇迹般地消灭了亚述部队。亚述王也在自己的土地上被他的亲身儿子杀了，正如神所承诺的。
 

用经文祷告

我们如今没有像以赛亚这位先知这个人，能得知神直接的启示，但神对祂教会的应许都清清楚楚地列在圣经里了。祂会永远与我们同在（太28:20），且祂的恩典在我们的软弱中是够用的（林后12:9）。祷告你每日都会依靠福音中的应许，即便在试炼中最黑暗的时刻，甚至是人对福音冷漠及麻木的时候。通过我们向神谦卑、恒心的祷告（路18:1-8），祂会在试炼中保守我们，也能使罪人信主。祂的力量是强大的，能夺去撒旦和罪恶的权势（林后10:3-5）。神以恩典坚固了使徒行传中的早期信徒，叫他们能承受逼迫，并奇迹般地使整个罗马帝国归主。神从没改变，也永远不变。祂仍能搭救我们，并使罪人信主。若我们信靠神，行事与信心相称，神会继续借着我们彰显祂的荣耀。祷告你会有耐心，即便在万般患难中也能坚定地相信神的应许。

 


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