Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 69
Theme : Suffering and Glory
- Suffering (1–29). Like Psalm 22, this psalm is filled with prophetic sayings of Jesus’ suffering. The NT applies many of sayings in this psalm to Jesus (Matt. 27:33-34, John 2:17, John 15:25, Acts 1:20, Rom. 11:9-10, 15:1-3). The language used in this psalm can be used by any believer who suffers from persecution.
- Glory (30–36). After suffering comes glory. Many OT prophecies about Christ’s suffering are followed by prophecies about the glorious victory of the Messiah (1 Pet. 1:11). The Messiah will eventually build Israel/Zion and will rule the world from there.
Praying the Scripture
According to 1 Peter 1:10-12, we can be sure that the gospel is true because the suffering of Jesus and His subsequent victory were all predicted in the OT. No human being would invent a victorious king who suffers. Victory through suffering is non-sense according to human understanding of victorious conquest. That’s why Peter rebuked Jesus when Jesus said He was going to suffer (Matt. 16:22). But not only did Jesus suffered, He also triumphed. The gospel message has changed the world, it is continuing to change the world and when Jesus returns He will completely transform the world. The gospel is spreading God’s kingdom day by day as sinners submit to the kingship of Jesus. The gospel is true, therefore, set your mind on the complete restoration of this broken earth when Jesus returns. Stand firm in this salvation through hope, perseverance, obedience and evangelism (1 Pet. 5:12).
经文：诗篇69
主题：受苦与荣耀
- 受苦（1-29）。如诗篇22一样，这首诗充满了耶稣受难的预言。新约多次引用了这首诗的诗句在耶稣身上（太27:33-34；约2:17, 15:25；使1:20；罗11:9-10, 15:1-3）。这首诗所用的语言是任何因逼迫受难的信徒都能使用的。
- 荣耀（30-36）。苦难之后即是荣耀。紧接着许多与基督受难相关的旧约预言是弥赛亚荣耀得胜的预言（彼前1:11）。弥赛亚最终将建立以色列（或锡安），并从那儿统治世界。
用经文祷告
根据彼得前书1:10-12，我们能肯定福音是真实的，因为耶稣的苦难和之后的胜利都在旧约中预言了。人类是不会制造出一个受苦的胜利之君。藉着苦难的胜利按照人类对打胜战的理解是荒谬的。这就是为什么当耶稣说祂要受苦时，彼得斥责了祂（太16:22）。可是，耶稣不但受苦，还得胜了。福音信息已改变了世界，也继续改变着世界，而当耶稣再次归来时，祂将彻底转变这世界。当罪人降服于耶稣的王权时，福音正日复一日地传遍神的国。福音是真实的，因此你要思念耶稣归来时对这堕落世界的完全复兴。要藉着盼望、忍耐、顺服和传福音（彼前5:12）坚定在救恩里。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 68
Theme : Majesty on High
- God’s Justice in the Past (1–10). This is the fourth and last of the great poems in Book II that share the heading ‘song-psalm’, and deal briefly with the theme of harvest. Psalm 68 has been used traditionally in Jewish synagogue worship at the feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. Many psalms including this one speak of the past, present and future of Israel and the world. The past (especially the exodus, v.7) is an indication of what will happen in the future and gives hope for the present. In order to understand the OT and many psalms, you must understand the first exodus points to the end time exodus, the ultimate salvation of Israel and the world (Num. 24:17, Hosea 2:14-15, Zech. 12:1-6). God is a defender of His people, those who are righteous and oppressed like the fatherless and the widows. Just as God delivered the Jews from oppression in oppressive Egypt during the first exodus, so God will again deliver the Jews in the end times from all their enemies.
- God’s Justice during the End of the Ages (11–18). The end of ages/the end of this world order is the time from Jesus’ first coming to His second coming (1 John 2:18, 1 Cor. 10:11, 1 Pet. 1:20, James 5:3). God will bring justice/salvation during this period, with its consummation toward the end of the end of the ages when Jesus returns. Vv. 11-14 most likely are referring to the end times victory of Jewish women who will defeat kings and armies because of God’s greatness. Even the weakest will be strong when Jesus shows up. In v. 16, the mountain of God, Zion (the Jews), will triumph over the mountain of Bashan (gentiles enemies). God’s victory over His enemies begins with the cross when Jesus dies and is resurrected and then gives gifts to His people (Eph. 4:8-12). The victory is consummated at His return.
- God’s Glory in the End (19-35). When Jesus returns, He will bring exiled Jews back from Bashan (Syria) and depth of the sea (other gentile nations) (v. 22, cf. 65:7). The Jews will slaughter their enemies. But it doesn’t end with the complete slaughter of gentile nations, but ends with the complete transformation of all nations, including Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia), who will worship God with their hands stretched to God (v. 31). All the kingdoms/nations of the world will praise and sing to God. When all of Israel is restored, the whole world will be restored (Rom. 11:15). In light of such great deliverance and transformation of the whole world, God deserves our highest honor and praise.
Praying the Scripture
What an amazing God we worship. He is on a mission to restore this broken world and He will surely complete it. As believers, you will get to be in His eternal, restored earth forever. There will be no wars and no oppression. The earth will return to paradise form. Set your mind on these eternal truths. Delight in your God. Offer sacrifices of praise to His great name daily. Lift up your heads and sing to Him, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13).
经文：诗篇68
主题：高天至大者
- 神过去的公义（1-10）。这是诗篇第二书卷里的第四首，也是带着“歌-诗”标题的最后一首伟大的诗；它简要地介绍了有关丰收的主题。传统上，诗篇68是在七七节或五旬节用于犹太教堂的敬拜。许多诗篇，包括这篇，都讲述以色列和世界的过去、现在和将来。过去（尤其是出埃及时，第7节）标明了未来将发生的事，也给现在带来希望。为要了解旧约和许多诗篇，你必须先明白出埃及事件是指向末世的迁移，是以色列和世界最终的救赎（民24:17；何2:14-15；亚12:1-6）。神是祂子民的守护者，即行义却受逼迫的人，如孤儿和寡妇。神在出埃及记中怎样将受逼迫的犹太人从埃及的逼迫中拯救出来，就会在末世如此从犹太人仇敌的手中拯救犹太人。
- 神末世的公义（11-18）。末世与末日是指耶稣首次降世直到祂再来的这段时间（约前2:18；林前10:11；彼前1:20；雅5:3）。神会在这段时间赐公义和救恩，其高点就是耶稣再来的时候。第11-14节有可能是指末期时犹太妇女的胜利；她们将因神的大能打败君王和军兵。即便最柔弱的也要在耶稣出现时变为刚强。在第16节中，神的高山锡安（即犹太人），将击败巴珊的高山（即外邦敌人）。神对敌人的胜利始于十字架，也就是当耶稣死而复活，并将各样的恩赐赏给人（弗4:8-12）的时候。这个胜利将在耶稣再来时完成。
- 神最终的荣耀（19-35）。当耶稣再来时，祂将把被流放的犹太人从巴珊（即叙利亚）和深海（即其他外邦国家）带回（22节；参：65:7）。犹太人将彻底摆平他们的仇敌，但戮杀外邦列国不是终点，而是万国彻底更新，包括埃及和古实——她们将举手敬拜神（31节）。万国都要赞美、颂扬神。以色列复兴后，全球也会跟着复兴（罗11:15）。鉴于全世界的救赎和改变，神配得我们最高的敬意和赞美。
用经文祷告
我们所敬拜的是多么令人惊叹的一位神。祂正在执行一项恢复残缺世界的任务，祂也一定能完成使命。身为信徒，你将永远居住在祂永恒、复兴的世界里。那里不再有战争和逼迫。地将恢复到乐园的形态。你要思念这些永恒的真理，要在神里得喜乐，每日以颂赞为祭献给神的伟大的名。抬起头来向祂颂扬：“但愿颂赞，尊贵，荣耀，权势，都归给坐宝座的和羔羊，直到永永远远！”（启5:13）
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 67
Theme : Let All the Nations Rejoice
- God’s Grace on People (1–2). This benediction is from Numbers 6:25-26. The job of priests/believers, as mediators between God and man, is to pray for God’s grace upon sinful people so that God may rescue them. When rescued sinners are saved, they ought to bless non-believers by telling non-believers about God’s gracious salvation (Ex. 19:6). That was Israel’s role. This is now every Christian’s role (1 Peter 2:9).
- People Praising God’s Grace (3–7). When all the nations know God’s gracious, saving power, they will worship God by rejoicing and praising Him. They will recognize that God judges fairly and righteously. When all the nations return to God and have their sins taken away. God’s curse on earth will be removed. The earth will be renewed and increase its yield of crops and produce. Blessings will be upon the whole earth. God’s promise to Abraham will be fulfilled (Gen 12:3).
Praying the Scripture
God blesses Christians with salvation so that we may be blessings to the world by loving them and sharing the gospel with them. As result, God’s greatness will be made known in the world. Pray that you will be focused on evangelism so that all the nations of the world will rejoice in God and the curse of the earth will be removed. This is God’s plan for every Christian. That is why Jesus gave us the Great Commission. Even though, the salvation of the world will only be completely fulfilled during Jesus’ second coming, we still need to be faithful to move toward this goal. Pray you will be in God’s will by evangelizing non-believers, starting with your friends and family.
经文：诗篇67
主题：让万民喜乐
- 神对人的恩典（1-2）。这段祝福出自于民数记6:25-26。祭司/信徒是人与神之间的中保，其任务是要求神施恩予罪人，叫神拯救他们。当罪人得救后，他们应该宣讲神充满恩典的救赎，从而祝福非信徒（出19:6）。这就是以色列的工作。这也是现今所有基督徒的工作（彼前2:9）。
- 人歌颂神的恩典（3-7）。当万国认识神充满恩典和救赎的大能时，他们就会以喜乐和赞美敬拜神。他们会认识到神的审判是公平和公正的。当万国都归向神并且得到罪的赦免时，神将除去对大地的诅咒。地将得到复兴，并增加土产。神将赐福于全地。神对亚伯拉罕的应许也会应验（创12:3）。
用经文祷告
神以救赎赐福于基督徒，叫我们也能通过爱人与向他们传福音赐福于世界。这样一来，神的伟大将传遍全世界。祈求你能重视传福音的工作，让万国在神里得喜乐，也让地的诅咒解除。这是神对每一位基督徒的计划。这也是耶稣给予我们大使命的原因。虽然世界的拯救只有在耶稣再来时才能完全实现，但我们仍要忠心地向这个目标前进。祈求你能顺从神的旨意，从家人与朋友开始向非信徒传福音。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 66
Theme : Great Expectations
- All Nations will Praise God (1–12). The psalmist expects all the nations of the world to praise and worship God one day. God is mighty, the king of the world. His might was demonstrated when God led the Jews out of Egypt, who is a prototype of all arrogant non-believers. God destroyed His enemies and saved His people. The God of Israel is the one true God, not like pagan gods, because He does not fulfill the whims of His people but He cares about their character. That is why He tested them in Egypt in order to purify them from idolatry and to lead them to the promise land.
- The Psalmist Praises God (13–20). Because of the greatness of God, the psalmist/the leader of the choir will worship God through praise, offering vows, and making sacrifices. He testifies that he genuinely worships God from the heart because he fears/reveres God and obeys God so that God listens to his prayers.
Praying the Scripture
All of us worship, all of us sacrifices, including non-believers. Whatever you sacrifice in order to obtain what you want, that is what you worship. Sacrifices do no need to be in the form of offering animals. Some sacrifice their families for career, praise of man, and money. Some sacrifice their bodies and lives for fun like drug addicts. We all make sacrifices to whatever we worship. What sacrifices are you making? Pray you will see the greatness of God and worship Him from the heart and by making sacrifices to Him. He is king of the world and your savior. Make sacrifices to Him by growing in Christ-like character, serving Him and evangelizing. If you are not worshipping God, it is doubtful He will answer your prayers since your prayers are about yourself and idols (James 4:3). Repent and worship God.
经文：诗篇66
主题：远大的期待
- 万国要赞美神（1-12）。诗人期待万国有一天会赞美和敬拜神。神有大能，是世界的王。神的大能展现在祂如何将犹太人带出埃及；埃及是所有傲慢不信之人的原型。神毁灭祂的敌人，并拯救祂的子民。以色列的神是唯一的真神，祂并不像异教的神，不会应允子民的私欲或贪念，乃在乎他们的品格。这就是神为何要在埃及试验他们，叫他们从偶像崇拜中得以洁净，并且领他们入应许之地。
- 诗人要赞美神（13-20）。神是伟大的，所以诗人/歌诗班的领袖要借着赞美、许愿和献祭敬拜神。他证实自己是从心里诚恳地敬拜神的，因为他敬畏并顺服神，所以神会聆听他的祷告。
用经文祷告
每个人都会敬拜和献祭，非信徒也是如此。你献祭，以获得自己所要的，那便是你崇拜的对象。祭物不限于所牺牲的动物。有些人会为事业、人的赞赏和钱财牺牲家庭。又有人会为得到乐趣而牺牲他们的身体和生命，就像有毒瘾的人一样。我们都会为我们所崇拜的对象做出牺牲。你牺牲的又是什么呢？祈求你能看到神的伟大，并打从心里敬拜祂，为祂献祭。祂是世界的王，也是你的救主。我们要借着效法基督、侍奉祂和传福音向神献祭。如果你不敬拜神，神或许不会应允你的祷告因为你的祷告总是围绕着在自己和自己的偶像（各4:3）。要悔改并敬拜神。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 65
Theme : The Hope of the World
- God in the Temple (1–4). Psalms 65-68 are a group having the same title: song. The first verses in this psalm describes the greatness of God. He deserves us making vows to Him because He hears our prayers and allows us to approach Him at His temple, not because we are worthy, but purely based on His grace. Old Testament sacrificial system at the temple is a constant reminder of God’s gracious provision to allow sinners to approach Him.
- God in the World (5–8). God is not just confined to Israel, but is the God of the world. He is the Creator and Master of the earth and all nations. Just as God atones the sins of the Jews, He will also one day atone the sins of all nations, who are in sin and constant tumult like the sea. God will bring peace. He is the hope of the world. This is being fulfilled in Jesus just as He has promised throughout the OT (Gen. 12:3).
- God in the Harvest (9-13). Sin resulted the earth being cursed. The earth is not always productive and there are famines. When it does bear fruit, it is because of God’s blessing. The same God who blesses this cursed earth with harvest is the same God who will completely renew this earth and bring everlasting blessing and harvest.
Praying the Scripture
God’s future, end-times blessing does not just involve the renewal of our souls through the forgiveness of our sins, but also involves the restoration of the whole physical earth back to its original paradise form in the garden of Eden. Our future glory in Jesus involves the perfection of our souls, bodies and environment/earth (Rom. 8:18-25; Rev. 21-22). May you rejoice in this wonderful future glorification, long for it and tell others gladly about it.
经文：诗篇65
主题：世界的希望
- 圣殿中的神（1-4）。诗篇65-68拥有相同的标题：诗歌。这首诗篇的前几节描述了神的伟大。祂配得我们向祂许愿，因为祂聆听我们的祷告，也让我们到圣殿亲近祂；这不是因为我们配得，乃全凭祂的恩典。圣殿中的旧约献祭体制就是不断地提醒我们神有恩典的供应，让罪人能够就近祂。
- 世界上的神（5-8）。神不局限于以色列，而是全世界的神。祂是世上和万国的创造者和主人。就像神如何为犹太人赎罪，祂有一天也会为万国赎罪，因为他们都在罪犯和像海一般的喧哗中。神会带来平安。祂是世界的希望。这些将在耶稣里成就，正如祂在整本旧约中所应许的（创12:3）。
- 丰收里的神（9-13）。罪使地被诅咒。地并不是一直都有丰收，而是饥荒的。地能结出果实是因神所赐的福分。在这被咒诅之地赐于丰收的神也同样会完全地更新这世界，并带来永恒的祝福和收获。
用经文祷告
神未来在末世的祝福不只限于赦免我们的罪、更新我们的灵，也包括将整个物质世界恢复到乐园般的伊甸园。我们在耶稣里的未来荣耀是使我们身、心、灵和环境得完美（罗8:18-25；启21-22）。愿你因这个美好的未来荣耀喜乐，并且渴望也乐意地告知他人。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 64
Theme : The World Will Know God’s Judgment
- The Prayer for Protection (1–2). This is another of David’s prayers for God’s judgment on the enemies of the righteous. David prayed for protection from those who conspired against him. He then delineated their malicious plans against the righteous. He was convinced that God would turn these schemes on the wicked themselves.
- The Problem of Malicious Schemes (3–6). David described how the wicked prepare their attack on the innocent. He compared their speech to swords and arrows—weapons that pierce and destroy. Their slanderous attacks came suddenly like an ambush. They were confident in what they did; they attacked others without fear. Moreover, the wicked encouraged each other in their plans to do injustice. They thought they had a perfect crime, assuming they could sin without being discovered. This shows how cunning a human heart can be.
- The Prophecy of Divine Judgment (7–10). David predicted that God would intervene and strike them. This is justice in which the punishment fits the crime. Their tongues, like arrows against others (v. 3), will be turned against them by God, and their slanderous plans will actually bring themselves to ruin. Everyone who would see them would scorn them for their evil plans. Moreover, seeing the destruction of the wicked, people would fear the Lord and tell of His works. God’s judgment would have a lasting effect on people. As for the righteous, they will have reason to rejoice, to renew their trust in Him as their Refuge, and to praise Him.[1]
Praying the Scripture
The book of psalms is very much focused on the end times. This psalm sees God’s end times judgement on the whole evil world so that the whole world will see it and fear God (cf. Ezek. 38:16). Throughout history, God has demonstrated this kind of fearful judgment on evil people, but only on a local scale (Exodus, Saul, Haman in Esther 7:10). In the end times, it will be on a global scale. Just as God has done it on a local scale, be sure that He will do it on a global scale in the end times. Believers ought to look forward to the day when Jesus returns and ends all injustice and evil on earth. May you long for God’s justice and the renewal of all things on earth and in heaven.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 840–841.
经文：诗篇64
主题：世人都会晓得神的审判
- 保护的祈祷（1-2）。这是另一篇大卫的祷告；他祈求神审判义人的仇敌。大卫请求神从暗算他的敌人中保护他。之后，他也描述了他们抵挡义人的阴险计谋。他确信神必将这些诡计推翻，落回恶人本身。
- 阴计的问题（3-6）。大卫形容恶人如何准备攻击无辜的人。他将他们的言语比喻为刀和箭；这些都是能致刀伤和毁灭的武器。他们诬陷的攻击像伏击般突然射出。他们对自己的所作所为满有信心；他们毫无畏惧地攻击他人。此外，恶人也勉励彼此设下恶计。他们以为他们罪行无懈可击，不会被任何人发现。这显示出人的心有多么狡猾。
- 审判的预言（7-10）。大卫预言神将会介入并且攻击他们。这个公义的惩罚与是他们所犯的罪是合宜的。神将用他们像箭攻击他人的舌回击他们；他们诬陷人的计划也会将导致他们自己被摧毁。所有人将看到并藐视他们的恶计。此外，当人看见恶人的毁灭时，他们将敬畏神并传扬神的作为。至于义人，他们将有欢喜的理由，且再次投靠神为他们的庇护，从而赞扬祂。
用经文祷告
整本诗篇都很注重末世。这首诗篇让我们看见神在末世时对世界的审判，叫全世界晓得并敬畏神（参：结38:16）。神在人类历史中都应证了祂对恶人的审判，纵然至今呈现的只限于对当地的影响（例：出埃及、扫罗、以斯帖记7:10的哈曼）。末世的审判将是影响全球的。就像神如何对当地人施行审判，祂必然在末世时对全球施行类似的审判。信徒应该向往耶稣再来的那一日，因为祂将了解世界上所有的不义与邪恶。愿你期盼神的公义和万物在世间与天上的更新。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 63
Theme : Worshipping God in Trials
- Thirsting for God (1–2). The thirst of the soul is the thirst for greatness. This is worship. Worship is a thirst for greatness and seeking something to quench its thirst for greatness. All human beings worship something, even unbelievers. We are always looking for treasures (John 4:14, 22-23).
- Quenching Thirst in God (3–8). David’s desire to worship is quenched in God when he sees God’s greatness/glory in His power and character. God is so faithfully loving that David says it is better than life. David is clearly not worshipping safety and using God as a means to get safety, but he is worshipping God who is so faithful to help him. This love is better than his life/temporal safety.
- Beholding God’s Power (9-11). God is worthy of our worship not just because of His great character, but also because of His power to deliver His people and to destroy God’s enemies. He will stop the mouth of liars and destroy evil people. Only God can right the wrong of the world.
Praying the Scripture
God is the greatest. He alone is worthy of our worship. His power and His character are unmatchable. His love is unmatchable. Our highest joy should be in God alone. He should be the greatest treasure/portion that we will ever have. Rejoice in your worship of God. May your soul’s thirst be quenched in God. Because God is so great, even in the midst of trials, the deepest trials, we can still worship Him and find joy in Him even amidst sorrows (2 Cor. 6:10).
经文：诗篇63
主题：在试探中敬拜神
- 渴想神（1-2）。心灵的干渴就是对伟大之事的渴慕。这就是敬拜。敬拜是渴想伟大，并且寻求东西来解决对伟大的渴慕。所有人都敬拜某样东西，非信徒也是如此。我们都在寻找宝藏（约4:14, 22-23）
- 在神里解渴（3-8）。只有看到了神的伟大、能力和品格的荣耀时，大卫对敬拜的渴望才得解。神信实的慈爱对大卫而言比生命更好。当然，大卫并不是在崇拜平安，也不是在利用神得到平安。他是在敬拜那施与他信实帮助的神。这份爱比生命或短暂的平安更好。
- 看着神的大能（9-11）。神配得我们的敬拜不但是因为祂伟大的品格，也是因为祂有大能救祂的子民和毁灭祂的敌人。祂会塞住说谎之人的口，也会毁灭恶人。唯有神能纠正世上的错误。
用经文祷告
神是最伟大的。唯有祂配得我们的敬拜。祂的能力和品格都是无与伦比的。祂的爱也是无可比较的。我们最大的喜乐应该只在神里面。祂应该是我们最珍贵的财宝。在敬拜神之中喜乐吧！愿你心灵的干渴在神里得解。因为神是伟大的，所以我们即便在试探中，就算是身在极大的试探里，也能敬拜祂，在悲伤中也能在神里得到喜乐（林后6:10）。
Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 62
Theme : My Soul Rests in God Alone
- Rest in God when Enemies Assault (1–4). This psalm reflects David’s confident trust in the Lord in spite of opposition. In silence he waited for God, his Strength and Security, to deliver him from his deceitful enemies. The psalm contrasts the security of trusting God with the insecurity of relying on human devices. The psalm falls into three stanzas of four verses each. His enemies speak flattery to him, but inside, they curse him and wants to kill him.
- Trust in God at All Times (5–8). David confessed that his only hope was in God. God was His Source of safety (Rock), deliverance (Salvation), and security (Fortress) and that therefore he was secure (he would not be shaken). God was his Salvation and his Glory (Honor). Without God’s innumerable deliverances, David would have been crushed by his foes. Therefore David encourages other believers to trust in God in all times.
- God will Reward Each Person (9–12). The psalmist warned that it is foolish to trust in humans. He described how transitory life is, whether a person is of low or high position. People are nothing but a breath. They are so insignificant that, if weighed, the scales would not even move. Their might is powerless against God. Therefore one should not trust in the powerful advances of the wicked. Riches are not to be trusted either. He knows two things that are sure about God: He is strong and loving. So justice will be meted out to everybody. How much better then to find rest in the powerful God than in human devices.[1]
Praying the Scripture
God is patient therefore He does not mete out judgment immediately or none of us would live for more than a few days. He promises to judge all sins in at the end (2 Pet. 3:8-9). He is gracious to give all sinners to repent. But at the end he will render to everyone according to his work, that is, judge fairly. Therefore, do not trust in money, power and other forms of sin to deliver you. These will only lead to extortion, robbery, injustice and other sins. Trust in God alone to save you from your sins and the brokenness of the world. Let your soul rest in Him alone. Rest in Him, worship and obey Him.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 839.
经文：诗篇62
主题：我的心专等候神
- 敌人攻击时在主里安息（1-4）。这首诗篇反映了大卫对神的信心和依靠，纵然他受到了攻击。他默默地等候神，即他的力量和保障，救他脱离奸诈的敌人。这首诗篇也对比了信靠神的保障与依赖人的不安。诗歌可分为三段，一段四节。他的敌人说奉承的话，但心里却咒诅并想杀害他。
- 时时刻刻信靠神（5-8）。大卫承认他唯有的盼望在于神。神是他平安（磐石）、拯救和保障（高台）的源头，因此他是安稳的（我必不动摇）。神是他的拯救和荣耀。若不是神无数次的搭救，大卫早就被敌人击垮了。为此，大卫鼓励其他信徒时时刻刻都要信靠神。
- 神会赏赐各人（9-12）。诗人告诫：信靠人是愚蠢的。他说人无论地位高低，其生命都是短暂的。人只不过是空气。他们如此微不足道，以致称重时，磅秤根本不会动。他们的力量对神而言什么都不是。因此，人不当倚靠恶人恶劣的手段，也不当靠财富。他肯定神两件事：祂大有能力，又是慈爱的。因此，各人必得到公正的审判。所以，安息在强大的主里比倚靠人更好。[1]
用经文祷告
神有耐心，所以不立即施行审判，否则人都活不了几天。祂应许到最后必审判众罪（彼后3:8-9）。祂愿众罪人悔改——这是祂的恩慈。但到了最后，祂会照各人所行的报应他们，施行公义的审判。因此，不要依靠钱财、势力或其他罪愆搭救你。它只会领你陷入敲诈、打劫、不义及其他的罪孽中。唯独靠神救你脱离你的罪及世界的堕落。让你的心安息在主里。要安息在主里，敬拜并顺服祂。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 839.
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 61
Theme : Worship and Peace
- Lead Me to the Rock (1–2). David, feeling faint and inadequate, found assurance in the strength of his Rock and encouragement in God’s enduring promises. Rock denotes safety. God, the sources of safety, is much higher than David or any created being, including powerful angels.
- Lead Me to the Tent (3–7). David wants to be in God’s tent. Tent denotes communion/worship relationship with God. His ultimate desire is not safety, but communion with God. He is not worshipping safety and using God as a means to get his idol of safety. He is worshipping God who is loving and faithful to help His needy people. There is a huge difference between the two.
- Lead Me to Praise (8). The natural result of seeing God’s great faithfulness is to worship God through praise. Many people do not worship God after God delivers them. This is sinful.
Praying the Scripture
Sadly, many people cry out to God in times of trouble, but when God delivers them, when there is peace, they continue to dishonor God by refusing to give God praise and worship Him. C. S. Lewis said when we are in pain, God’s voice becomes loud in our ears, but we when are in pleasure, it becomes whispers. This is because our sinful nature is plagued with unfaithfulness, ungratefulness and selfishness. We can subdue this sinful nature and strengthen our new nature by not forgetting God both in time of trouble and in time of safety and pleasure. Pray you will praise God daily from a genuine heart. Count your blessings now and anticipate your future blessings in His kingdom.
经文：诗篇61
主题：敬拜与安宁
- 领我到磐石（1-2）。正发昏并感到不足的大卫在他磐石的力量中找到保障，并神永恒的应许中找到鼓励。磐石代表安全。安全之源的神比大卫，或任何被造物，包括强大的天使，更高。
- 领我到帐幕（3-7）。大卫要住在神的帐幕中。帐幕代表与神相交或敬拜神的关系。他最终的渴望不是安危，乃是与神的交通。他不是在敬拜安危或利用神取得这个偶像。他敬拜的是一位慈爱、信实的神；祂必帮助有需要的子民。两者之间有很大的差别。
- 领我歌颂（8）。看见神的大信实后，其自然反应是藉着赞美敬拜神。许多人获得神的搭救后不拜祂。这是罪恶的。
用经文祷告
可悲的是，许多人遇患难时呼求神，但神搭救他们后，他们在太平期间不尊神为大，拒绝歌颂敬拜祂。路易斯（C. S. Lewis）曾说当我们遇苦楚时，神的话在我们耳边作响，但风平浪静后，神的声音变得微小。这是因为我们罪恶的本质充满了不忠、忘恩负义和自私的本性。我们能藉着在患难和安全时纪念神，从而制服这罪恶的本质，坚固我们新的性质。祷告你会从一颗真诚的心每日赞美神。现在就数算你的恩典，并期盼在神国度里未来的祝福。
Posted on Jan 15, 2017 in Devotions, Psalms |
Scripture Reading : Psalm 60
Theme : Discipline and Repentance
- Prayer for Deliverance (1–5). This psalm is a didactic/teaching psalm based on David’s experiences in military victories. It is a prayer for victory, for when David was waging war in the north against the Arameans, Edom invaded Judah. The psalm may have been written when or soon after David, Joab, and Abishai crushed Edom (2 Sam. 8:13; 1 Kings 11:15–16; 1 Chron. 18:12). Because David knew that both victory and defeat come from the Lord, he prayed for divine aid for victory over Israel’s enemies. He was assured that God would help him triumph. David understands the sovereign God well. When his people are defeated, it is not because there is another god/angel who is greater than God, but because God is angry with them for their sins.
- Assurance of Triumph (6–8). The psalmist quoted the words of the Lord that assured them victory. God had declared that because all tribes and lands are His, He would deliver His people and subjugate their enemies. He divide up/give the land to 12 tribes of Israel.
- Confidence in God (9–12). Through three rhetorical questions the psalmist acknowledged that the Lord, the One who had rejected them in the battle (cf. vv. 1–4), would lead them to victory. But because human effort is futile, David prayed that God would give them aid against the enemy. He confidence is in God.[1]
Praying the Scripture
God is our king. We must worship Him. There are times when we sin majorly and do not worship Him. In such situations, the best way for God to cause us to repent is to experience the pain of sin and God’s direct discipline. When being disciplined, do not doubt God’s loving kingship, but like David, return to God and trust God. Plead for forgiveness, a cleansed heart, and the power/desire to worship Him and hate sin.
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 838.
经文：诗篇60
主题：管教与悔改
- 求神搭救（1-5）。这首诗篇是基于大卫在军事胜利之经验的教导。这是一首求神赐胜利的祷告，因为当大卫在北部攻打亚兰时，以东侵占了犹大。这首诗或许是在大卫、约押和亚比筛击败以东不久后写的（撒下8:13；王上11:15-16；代下18:12）。由于大卫晓得胜利与战败都出于耶和华，他求神助他打败以色列的敌人。他有信心神会助他取胜。大卫十分了解这位有主权的神。当他的子民被打败时，这不是因为还有另一个神明或天使比神大，乃是因为神因他们的罪孽发怒。
- 取胜的信心（6-8）。诗人引用了耶和华保证他们取胜的话。神如此宣告是因为所有支派和地土都是祂的，而祂将搭救祂的子民并征服他们的敌人。祂把土地划分，并赐予以色列的十二支派。
- 在神里的信心（9-12）。藉着三个反问题，诗人承认耶和华，就是在战争中丢弃他们的那一位（参：1-4节），将领他们得胜。但由于人的力量是枉然的，大卫祷告神能助他们胜过敌人。他的信心在于神。[1]
用经文祷告
神是我们的王。我们当敬拜祂。有时，我们会因为犯了重罪而不拜祂。那时，神让我们悔改的最佳方式是叫我们经历罪孽之苦，并神直接的管教。当我们被管教时，不要质疑神慈爱的王权，但要像大卫一样，归向神，信靠神。求神饶恕，求神赐一颗洁净的心，并求祂赐敬拜祂与恨恶罪恶的渴望与力量。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 838.
