"All was calm"

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:22-25 ESV)

“All was calm” when the Lord asked this question of his disciples. However, a moment before “the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger“ in the midst of “the wind and the raging water.” They were amazed by his power over the elements. In one sense we are more amazed by the question itself: “Where is your faith?” The disciples were not day-trippers who would fear the odd wave coming over the side- they were experienced seamen. Their cry, “Master we’re going to drown!” was not an exaggeration. Moreover, it showed concern for him as well as for themselves. 

He expects us to trust him, come what may. Lilias Trotter of Algiers well expresses what this involves: “Trust in a Christ who is not working - ‘He answered her not a word.’ Trust in a Christ who seems not to be caring - ‘Asleep on a pillow.’ Trust in a Christ who seems to have failed - ‘He that should have redeemed Israel.’” 

Real faith trusts a sleeping Christ in the midst of the tempest. This is the implication of Jesus’ question. Real faith believes, even when the wind is still raging, that “with Christ in the vessel, we’ll weather the storm.”

<Daily Encouragement - Day 218>

轉離自己

許多人一遇到苦難就忘記了禱告，即使禱告也往往只為自己，鮮有人在苦難中還為別人代禱的。但約伯受苦到了最後，竟能為他的朋友們代禱；而當他為朋友代禱之後，神就使他從苦境轉回，並且賜給他的比他從前所有的還加倍。當人只知為自己禱告的時候，所想的盡是自己；但越想自己，問題就越多，痛苦就越深，難處就越大，至終只會被自己的問題所捆綁，不得釋放。當我們能為別人代禱的時候，不再被一己的問題所纏擾，反而能從自己的軟弱中走出來，活在神面前。


若想要憂愁和煩惱，最直接的方法就是「多想自己」；相反，若不再想自己，只想到別人，處處為別人著想，我們的心胸就開闊了，痛苦也就自然消失。聖經說：「我若心裡注重罪孽，主必不聽。」（詩六十六18）一個自私的人必是一個犯罪的人，因為自私就是罪。約伯三個朋友的話曾刺傷他；但神要約伯學習愛心的功課，為他的朋友代求。而代求之前約伯必須對付恨人的罪，進而才有為他們代禱的負擔。


姜武城


本文轉載自 靈雨甘霖《2012-3-1 主題默想》

賢愚之別

唐太宗有魏徵犯顏直諫，大衛有先知拿單說「你就是這人」。二人都是明君，但都不因為從未犯過大錯，也不因身旁有人直諫——歷代暴君都有諍臣；但夏桀殺關龍逢，商紂殺比干。賢愚之別其實是能不能接受忠諫。

有人以為基督教說人都有罪，叫人反感、抗拒、無法接受，應該多講愛和恩典。殊不知這正是逆耳忠言與阿諛奉承之別，也是聽者賢與愚的試金石。

近代教育家教父母們以欣賞、稱讚取代規勸、責備，免得傷害孩子的弱小心靈。殊不知這樣做正是為社會培養心理脆弱、沒有勇氣面對自己錯誤，也無雅量接納逆耳忠言的後代。難怪現代人尤其抗拒真理，你跟他們講聖潔生活，他們會恨你呢——跟昏君沒有兩樣。

求神賜我們剛強的心，敢於面對自己的錯；並賜我們寬廣的心，容得下從神來的逆耳忠言！

馮文莊 (本文轉載自 靈雨甘霖2012-2-24《主題默想》)

God is a God of love, but he is also a God of perfect justice.

「惡人若回頭離開所做的一切罪惡，謹守我一切的律例，行正直與合理的事，他必定存活，不致死亡。他所犯的一切罪過都不被記念，因所行的義，他必存活。主耶和華說：惡人死亡，豈是我喜悅的嗎？不是喜悅他回頭離開所行的道存活嗎？義人若轉離義行而作罪孽，照著惡人所行一切可憎的事而行，他豈能存活嗎？他所行的一切義都不被記念；他必因所犯的罪、所行的惡死亡。(以西結書 18:21-24 CUNP)

"But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. (Ezekiel 18:21-24 ESV)

God is a God of love, but he is also a God of perfect justice. His perfect love causes him to be merciful to those who recognize their sin and turn back to him, but he cannot wink at those who willfully sin. Wicked people die both physically and spiritually. God takes no joy in their deaths; he would prefer that they turn to him and have eternal life. Likewise, we should not rejoice in the misfortunes of nonbelievers. Instead, we should do all in our power to bring them to faith. (Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion)

Peace

Isaiah 48:20-22 Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say, "The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!"They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed out. "There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked."

-- Many people cry out for comfort, security, and relief, but they haven't taken the first steps to turn away from sin and open the channels to God. They have not repented and trusted in him. If you want true peace, seek God first. Then he will give you his peace.

Isaiah 55:6-7 "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way,and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

-- Isaiah tells us to call on the Lord while he is near. God is not planning to move away from us, but we often move far from him or erect a barrier between ourselves and him. Don't wait until you have drifted far away from God to seek him. Later in life turning to him may be far more difficult. Or God may come to judge the earth before you decide to turn to him. Seek God now, while you can, before it is too late.

Isa 56:1-2 1 Thus says the Lord: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."

-- God commanded his people to rest and honor him on the Sabbath. He wants us to serve him every day, but he wants us to make one day special when we rest and focus our thoughts on him. For the Israelites, this special day was the Sabbath (Saturday). Some Christians set Saturday aside as this special day, but many accept Sunday (the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead) as the "Lord's Day," a day of rest and honor to God.

Answers after the day of questions

Isaiah 43

Israel’s Only Savior 

1But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,   he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;   and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,   and the flame shall not consume you.3For I am the LORD your God,   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.I give Egypt as your ransom,   Cush and Seba in exchange for you.4Because you are precious in my eyes,   and honored, and I love you,I give men in return for you,   peoples in exchange for your life.5 Fear not, for I am with you;    I will bring your offspring from the east,   and from the west I will gather you.6I will say to the north, Give up,   and to the south, Do not withhold;bring my sons from afar   and my daughters from the end of the earth,7everyone who is called by my name,   whom I created for my glory,   whom I formed and made." 

8Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes,   who are deaf, yet have ears!9 All the nations gather together,   and the peoples assemble.Who among them can declare this,   and show us the former things?Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right,   and let them hear and say, It is true.10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,   "and my servant whom I have chosen,that you may know and believe me   and understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed,   nor shall there be any after me.11 I, I am the LORD,   and besides me there is no savior.12I declared and saved and proclaimed,   when there was no strange god among you;   and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and I am God.13Also henceforth I am he;   there is none who can deliver from my hand;   I work, and who can turn it back?" 

14Thus says the LORD,   your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:"For your sake I send to Babylon   and bring them all down as fugitives,    even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.15I am the LORD, your Holy One,   the Creator of Israel, your King." 16Thus says the LORD,    who makes a way in the sea,   a path in the mighty waters,17who brings forth chariot and horse,   army and warrior;they lie down, they cannot rise,    they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:18 "Remember not the former things,   nor consider the things of old.19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;   now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness    and rivers in the desert.20The wild beasts will honor me,    the jackals and the ostriches,for I give water in the wilderness,   rivers in the desert,to give drink to my chosen people, 21the people whom I formed for myselfthat they might declare my praise. 

22"Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob;   but you have been weary of me, O Israel!23 You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings,   or honored me with your sacrifices.I have not burdened you with offerings,    or wearied you with frankincense.24You have not bought me sweet cane with money,   or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices.But you have burdened me with your sins;   you have wearied me with your iniquities. 25"I, I am he    who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,   and I will not remember your sins.26Put me in remembrance; let us argue together;   set forth your case, that you may be proved right.27 Your first father sinned,   and your mediators transgressed against me.28Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary,   and deliver Jacob to utter destruction   and Israel to reviling.

以賽亞書43

1雅各啊，創造你的耶和華，以色列啊，造成你的那位，現在如此說：你不要害怕！因為我救贖了你。我曾提你的名召你，你是屬我的。2你從水中經過，我必與你同在；你逿過江河，水必不漫過你；你從火中行過，必不被燒，火燄也不著在你身上。3因為我是耶和華─你的神，是以色列的聖者─你的救主；我已經使埃及作你的贖價，使古實和西巴代替你。4因我看你為寶為尊；又因我愛你，所以我使人代替你，使列邦人替換你的生命。5不要害怕，因我與你同在；我必領你的後裔從東方來，又從西方招聚你。6我要對北方說，交出來！對南方說，不要拘留！將我的眾子從遠方帶來，將我的眾女從地極領回，7就是凡稱為我名下的人，是我為自己的榮耀創造的，是我所做成，所造作的。

8你要將有眼而瞎、有耳而聾的民都帶出來！9任憑萬國聚集；任憑眾民會合。其中誰能將此聲明，並將先前的事說給我們聽呢？他們可以帶出見證來，自顯為是；或者他們聽見便說：這是真的。10耶和華說：你們是我的見證，我所揀選的僕人。既是這樣，便可以知道，且信服我，又明白我就是耶和華。在我以前沒有真神（真：原文是造作的）；在我以後也必沒有。11惟有我是耶和華；除我以外沒有救主。12我曾指示，我曾拯救，我曾說明，並且在你們中間沒有別神。所以耶和華說：你們是我的見證。我也是神；13自從有日子以來，我就是神；誰也不能救人脫離我手。我要行事誰能阻止呢？

14耶和華─你們的救贖主、以色列的聖者如此說：因你們的緣故，我已經打發人到巴比倫去；並且我要使迦勒底人如逃民，都坐自己喜樂的船下來。15我是耶和華─你們的聖者，是創造以色列的，是你們的君王。16耶和華在滄海中開道，在大水中開路，17使車輛、馬匹、軍兵、勇士都出來，一同躺下，不再起來；他們滅沒，好像熄滅的燈火。18耶和華如此說：你們不要記念從前的事，也不要思想古時的事。19看哪，我要做一件新事；如今要發現，你們豈不知道麼？我必在曠野開道路，在沙漠開江河。20野地的走獸必尊重我；野狗和鴕鳥也必如此。因我使曠野有水，使沙漠有河，好賜給我的百姓、我的選民喝。21這百姓是我為自己所造的，好述說我的美德。

22雅各啊，你並沒有求告我；以色列啊，你倒厭煩我。23你沒有將你的羊帶來給我作燔祭，也沒有用祭物尊敬我；我沒有因供物使你服勞，也沒有因乳香使你厭煩。24你沒有用銀子為我買菖蒲，也沒有用祭物的脂油使我飽足；倒使我因你的罪惡服勞，使我因你的罪孽厭煩。25惟有我為自己的緣故塗抹你的過犯；我也不記念你的罪惡。26你要提醒我，你我可以一同辯論；你可以將你的理陳明，自顯為義。27你的始祖犯罪；你的師傅違背我。28所以，我要辱沒聖所的首領，使雅各成為咒詛，使以色列成為辱罵。

No excuse

Psalm 127
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.

5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

詩篇 127
1 〔所羅門上行之詩。〕若不是耶和華建造房屋、建造的人就枉然勞力．若不是耶和華看守城池、看守的人就枉然儆醒。 2 你們清晨早起、夜晚安歇、喫勞碌得來的飯、本是枉然．惟有耶和華所親愛的、必叫他安然睡覺。 3 兒女是耶和華所賜的產業．所懷的胎、是他所給的賞賜。 4 少年時所生的兒女、好像勇士手中的箭。 5 箭袋充滿的人、便為有福．他們在城門口、和仇敵說話的時候、必不至於羞愧。

***

(Copied from Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion - Day 87)

God is not against human effort. Hard work honors God. But working to the exclusion of rest or to the neglect of family may be a cover-up for an inability to trust God to provide for our needs. We all need adequate rest and times of spiritual refreshment. On the other hand, this verse is not an excuse to be lazy. Be careful to maintain a balance: work while trusting God, and also rest while trusting him.

***

Psalm 130

1 From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.

2 Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

3 Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?

4 But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.

5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.

6 I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.

8 He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.

Rejoice and be glad in it

Ps 118:24 (ESV)
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.

There are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. We can relate to the writers of the psalms who often felt this way. But no matter how low the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don't feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel. You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice. God has given you this day to live and to serve him-be glad!

(Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion)

"Tell the Coming Generation" (ps 78)

5 因為他在雅各中立法度、在以色列中設律法、是他吩咐我們祖宗、要傳給子孫的． 6 使將要生的後代子孫、可以曉得．他們也要起來告訴他們的子孫． 7 好叫他們仰望　神、不忘記　神的作為．惟要守他的命令． 8 不要像他們的祖宗、是頑梗悖逆居心不正之輩、向著　神心不誠實。

18 他們心中試探　神、隨自己所欲的求食物． 19 並且妄論　神、說、　神在曠野豈能擺設筵席麼。 20 他曾擊打磐石、使水湧出、成了江河．他還能賜糧食麼．還能為他的百姓豫備肉麼。 21 所以耶和華聽見、就發怒．有烈火向雅各燒起、有怒氣向以色列上騰． 22 因為他們不信服　神、不倚賴他的救恩。 23 他卻吩咐天空、又敞開天上的門、 24 降嗎哪像雨給他們喫、將天上的糧食賜給他們。

32 雖是這樣、他們仍舊犯罪、不信他奇妙的作為。 33 因此他叫他們的日子、全歸虛空、叫他們的年歲、盡屬驚恐。 34 他殺他們的時候、他們才求問他、回心轉意、切切的尋求　神。 35 他們也追念　神是他們的磐石、至高的　神、是他們的救贖主。 36 他們卻用口諂媚他、用舌向他說謊。 37 因他們的心向他不正、在他的約上也不忠心。 38 但他有憐憫、赦免他們的罪孽、不滅絕他們．而且屢次消他的怒氣、不發盡他的忿怒。


65 那時主像世人睡醒、像勇士飲酒呼喊。 66 他就打退了他的敵人、叫他們永蒙羞辱。 67 並且他棄掉約瑟的帳棚、不揀選以法蓮支派、 68 卻揀選猶大支派、他所喜愛的錫安山． 69 蓋造他的聖所、好像高峰、又像他建立永存之地。 70 又揀選他的僕人大衛、從羊圈中將他召來． 71 叫他不再跟從那些帶奶的母羊、為要牧養自己的百姓雅各、和自己的產業以色列。 72 於是他按心中的純正、牧養他們、用手中的巧妙、引導他們。

His Comfort (Ps 77)

1 〔亞薩的詩、照耶杜頓的作法、交與伶長。〕我要向　神發聲呼求．我向　神發聲、他必留心聽我。 2 我在患難之日尋求主．我在夜間不住的舉手禱告．我的心不肯受安慰。 3 我想念　神、就煩燥不安．我沉吟悲傷、心便發昏。〔細拉〕 4 你叫我不能閉眼．我煩亂不安、甚至不能說話。 5 我追想古時之日、上古之年。 6 我想起我夜間的歌曲、捫心自問．我心裏也仔細省察。 7 難道主要永遠丟棄我、不再施恩麼． 8 難道他的慈愛永遠窮盡、他的應許世世廢棄麼． 9 難道　神忘記開恩．因發怒就止住他的慈悲麼。〔細拉〕 10 我便說、這是我的懦弱．但我要追念至高者顯出右手之年代。

11 我要提說耶和華所行的．我要記念你古時的奇事。 12 我也要思想你的經營、默念你的作為。 13 　神阿、你的作為是潔淨的．有何神大如　神呢。 14 你是行奇事的　神．你曾在列邦中、彰顯你的能力。 15 你曾用你的膀臂贖了你的民、就是雅各和約瑟的子孫。〔細拉〕 16 　神阿、諸水見你、一見就都驚惶．深淵也都戰抖。 17 雲中倒出水來．天空發出響聲．你的箭也飛行四方。 18 你的雷聲在旋風中．電光照亮世界．大地戰抖震動。 19 你的道在海中、你的路在大水中、你的腳蹤無人知道。 20 你曾藉摩西和亞倫的手、引導你的百姓、好像羊群一般。

輸得起

(知信行 - 靈修勵語)

我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！

著名的靈修大師級人物茱莉安，在她《愛的啟示》一書中表示，神給祂所愛的人的一個煉淨生命的場所，就是失敗，而且是敗完又敗！一個人若受得起失敗，他才有基督的生命事奉神，而且，輸了之後又能爬起來的，他的生命必然煥發光彩，在主裡他充滿神的愛！換句話說，我們需要學習去輸，而且要輸得起。

失敗並不可怕，甚至它是「好東西」，因為當你走出困厄之後，就成為了一個新造的人。問題只視乎一個人「承受挫敗」的勇氣，倘若不肯認輸，他就因此牢困一世。

若人在面對困境時，能夠把自己放輕一點，目光看遠一點，把人生的意義放在神國度上多一點，就會發現人生是充滿希望的。放眼世界，即使只看見一線陽光，你會感到人生很美！在輸得起的人身上，心胸是開放闊大的。因為他常常看到神的同在。

「凡從神生的，就勝過世界；使我們勝了世界的，就是我們的信心。」（約壹五4）在新約世界中活著的眾多信徒，大部分都是活在水深火熱之中，忍受著各式各樣的逼迫困苦，然而，基督榮耀而充滿喜樂平安的生命，就在這班飽受欺壓的人身上彰顯出來的。

不過，當我執著於我的苦，就算我只失去了一塊錢，我也會覺得很苦！所以放開一點，只要生命還在，機會就還在；當你還肯祈求主的同在，那你的人生意義就出現。

失敗是一項心靈的打擊，原本擁有的鬥志都給挫敗了，這份抬不起頭來面對世界的感覺，使人無地自容。無能、羞愧、丟臉是如斯難受，我還可以作甚麼？我已經一無所有了！當我們來到這一刻，答案就出來了 我們根本就是一無所有的。看看耶穌，耶穌在客西馬尼園中，祂在軟弱時多麼坦然、多麼真實，而真實的我是不用掩藏的！

在安靜中，細細吸吮內心傷痕的痛，那是真實的我！人活得真時，人生就顯得充滿份量了。然後，在挫敗中和哭泣中，呼求主耶穌的安慰，打開胸懷，讓主耶穌進入你心內與你同哭，你會發現，原來，淚是主和你一起流的！

只要放開一點胸懷，看遠一點世界，失敗根本不重要。當人說得出：「我輸得起！」他就成長了。

我輸得起，因為在基督裡沒有甚麼是輸不起的！

His Plan

Psalm 33:11 (NIV) 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion

"The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy-his intentions never change. There is a promise that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life.

Devotions

Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion

Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Joshua's new job consisted of leading more than two million people into a strange new land and conquering it. Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges. We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. God promises, however, that he will never abandon us nor fail to help us. By asking God to direct us we can conquer many of life's challenges.

1 Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow and said, "O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head."

Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child that she was willing to strike a bargain with God. God took her up on her promise, and to Hannah's credit, she did her part, even though it was painful. Although we are not in a position to barter with God, he may still choose to answer a prayer that has an attached promise. When you pray, ask yourself: "Will I follow through on any promises I make to God if he grants my request?" It is dishonest and dangerous to ignore a promise, especially to God. God keeps his promises, and he expects you to keep yours.

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

Samuel reminded the people to take time to consider what great things God had done for them. Taking time for reflection allows us to focus our attention upon God's goodness and strengthens our faith. Sometimes we are so progress- and future-oriented that we fail to take time to recall all that God has already done. Remember what God has done for you so that you may continue your life accompanied with gratitude.

2 Samuel 8:15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.

King David's reign was characterized by doing what was "just and right." David was fair in interpreting the law, administering punishment with mercy, respecting people's rights, and recognizing people's duties toward God. Is it any wonder that almost everyone trusted and followed David? Justice should characterize the way you relate to people. Make sure you are fair in the way you treat them.

2 Samuel 22:47 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation...

David praises God wholeheartedly. Praise is not just a song about God; it is a song to God. Praising God has several aspects to it: (1) Say thank you to him for each attribute of his divine nature; (2) focus our hearts on him; (3) thank him for his many gracious gifts to us; and (4) thank him for our relationship with him.

揭開帕子之後

(11.03.09 靈修勵語)

路加福音記載了撒迦利亞在祭壇上上香的事，主的天使在祭壇的右邊出現了，然後說出了從神來的預言。這一位祭司，知道了這莫大的歡喜快樂之事，他的反應是甚麼？他不信！

撒迦利亞的反應是難以明白的，他是祭司，當下他在聖殿事奉，屬神的人在屬神的殿聽見屬神的話本應該驚喜！而且他是清清楚楚看見了的天使加百列顯現，說出了他期待以久的說話──神要賜他一個兒子，約翰！然而，這樣一個在神前蒙恩的人，他卻竟然不相信親眼看見的真事！

人類的天性就是對陌生的事物抱存疑懼，為了叫自己能夠保持現狀，千方百計不惜壓抑、欺騙、隱瞞，甚至訴之暴力，也要避免陌生的事情發生在自己身上。於是，我們為了保持生命的現有境況，就連賜人生命的主也排斥了。
我們鼓勵人憑著信心經歷神，我們相信靈修親近神就充滿著神蹟奇事，因為有耶穌在心裡就是神蹟。信徒可以敞開臉看見主的榮光，按照聖經所說：「這帕子在基督裡已經廢去了」（林後三：14）主的靈親自揭開蒙在心中的帕子，釋放了你，讓你得以自由，從此你就與主同行了。

所以根本上，屬神的人經歷屬神的事是理所當然的！

然而，我們的真相就是害怕，而且我們也害怕揭示真相。揭開帕子之後，你要在主面前敞開生命了，你真真正正的貼近這位主耶穌。我們要與這位陌生的主開始最深入生命的關係。你的生命有了愛你的主，但祂也等候你愛主更深。你的罪被抖了出來，也被主清洗乾淨。你的人際關係被主的愛觸摸了，但也表示了你要復和、寬恕和關懷你身邊的人。你的困難有了出路，但這出路也表示了你要面對困難。

經歷神的人就是不斷向真相開放自己，做一個勇敢向前邁進的人。你願意對自己的生命和信仰認真，勇敢地揭開帕子，與神相遇嗎？

We are indeed in need...

Life Application Study Bible Devotion
Exodus 4:10-13

Moses pleaded with God to let him out of his mission. After all, he was not a good speaker and would probably embarrass both himself and God. But God looked at Moses' problem quite differently. All Moses needed was some help, and who better than God to help him say and do the right things? God made his mouth and would give him the words to say. It is easy for us to focus on our weaknesses, but if God asks us to do something, then he will help us get the job done. If the job involves some of our weak areas, then we can trust that he will provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed.

Righteous

Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God

Saying that Noah was "righteous" and "blameless" does not mean that he never sinned. Rather, it means that Noah wholeheartedly loved and obeyed God. For a lifetime he walked step by step in faith as a living example to his generation. Like Noah, we live in a world filled with evil. Are we influencing others or being influenced by them?

Genesis 15:6 And he (Abram) believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was his belief in the Lord, not his actions, that made Abram right with God. We, too, can have a right relationship with God by trusting him. Our outward actions-church attendance, prayer, good deeds-will not by themselves make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith--the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Right actions will follow naturally as by-products.

Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hardt for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son."

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The obvious answer is, "Of course not!" This question reveals much about God. Make it a habit to insert your specific needs into the question. Asking the question this way reminds you that God is personally involved in your life and nudges you to ask for his power to help you.

(From Life Application Study Bible Devotion)

我們所需要的神蹟

我們所需要的神蹟
(11.02.02 靈修勵語)

最感動我的神蹟是這樣的：有一位年屆七十歲的姊妹，在主裡領受呼召，差往自己的鄉間建立教會，她忠於主命，就拿著一筆可觀的積蓄，老遠從美國飛返家鄉。到了家鄉，她被安排住在荒僻鄉間的一所簡陋小屋裡。剛坐下來，迎接她的竟然是百多隻蚊子，短短幾小時間，就被蚊子針個遍體鱗傷。終於她忍耐不住，起來收拾包袱，決定連夜趕回美國。就在她踏出門口的一剎那，聖靈在她中心動工，吩咐她留下來。

老婆婆是敬畏事奉神的忠僕，不敢不留，但面對這困苦，又不知如何面對。最後，她只好跪下來，求主憐憫。這一刻神蹟就出現了！聖靈在她心中大大的加力，她勇敢地站起來，就拿起拖鞋，開始打蚊，打了幾個小時，把這個地方所有蚊子清理了。自這第一天的經歷開始，她就在這鄉間倚靠著神的恩典，全力為主作工。

今天正在尋求與神相遇的人，或許聽到上述的見證，會覺得沒有甚麼大不了。因為我們還是喜歡看見那些轟天動地的大能見證，我們要求醫治、靈語、異象和奇特啟示。對於不能刺激官能，平平無奇的事件毫不動心。因為人性就是只喜愛隔岸觀火地去觀賞神蹟，卻不願意去親身承受那背負十字架的生命能力。

然而，這就是今日我們所需要的神蹟！當你願意經歷神，你就要付上代價。首先，神要成為你的神，在你心靈深處以祂的大愛和大能觸動你，叫你將生命完全奉獻給祂；其次，神要用十架的大能介入你的生命裡，要幫助你去面對那些你無力面對的困難，好叫你勝過自己的軟弱，為主的名忍受一切不能忍受的環境。

讓我們重新思想與神相遇的意義，今日，神以祂的大愛切切呼喚你，神要的是你，祂要你真心真意愛上這位與你復和的神。

Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?

Gen 4:6-7
6 The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."

From Life Application Study Bible Devotion:

How do you react when someone suggests you have done something wrong? Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? After Cain's gift was rejected, God have him the chance to right his wrong and try again. But Cain refused. The next time someone suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of Cain's.

全心相信神愛我們

(靈修勵語11.1.19)

全心相信神愛我們

我們向神打開生命多少，就經歷神多少。

打開生命，是一項不容易行動，因為這表示了你願意放下你對生命的控制和擁有權，交由神去管理你自己。向神打開生命，彷彿就是失去了自己似的；然而神不是要剝奪我們所有的，把一切都霸佔在祂手中。神要豐豐富富祝福我們，由祂介入我們的生命開始，去叫我們有智慧、心力、勇氣進入人生。

對神有信心，也就是願意相信神是以純全、善良和可喜悅的心意去愛我們，而且祂是可靠的。於是，每一次我們信神是愛，也就是來到神面前，讓祂愛我們，在我們身上施恩憐憫。你向神打開那一部份的生命，生命的那一部份就因基督得到自由、能力和保守。而信心就是一度通向神的橋樑，我們憑信跨越了恐懼和憂慮，來到耶穌的面前與祂同行，享受祂的平安和喜悅。

當年紀大了少許，對人生會多了體驗，我們就明白人一生滿有擔子，甚至一種關係就是一項承擔、一份關懷和難以計較的付出。當我們愛自己的能力也是如斯薄弱，實在承受不了還要愛更多的親人朋友。面對自己的十字架我們可以支持嗎？面對人生逆境我們可以承受嗎？對自己認識深一點的人，自然發現生命實在脆弱，誰可受得起這一生擔子的挑戰？

然而，靠著向那位慈愛施恩的神打開生命，我們凡事都得勝有餘了。我自小學習唱「恩友歌」，其中幾句使我常引以為誡：「多少平安屢屢失去，多少痛苦白白受，皆因未將萬事，帶到主恩座前求。」一個開放生命給神的人，就經歷到神原來並非想奪去我們的東西，而是想賜福我們的生命。我們越多交托和放手讓神參與生命，也就越多經歷神自己；我越是常常到主面前，也越是發現生命的確很豐富。

願意經歷神的人是坦誠向神傾訴一切苦處，又肯相信神是愛我們的人。所以，每天靈修不是一項命令，而是一條通道向神打開生命，通向這能力之源。

願你憑信經歷神的愛。

做神要你做的你

(靈修勵語11.1.11)

做神要你做的你，你就經歷到生命的平安、力量和滿足。

做自己真是一門極不容易的學問。我們不外乎一個軟弱的罪人，受罪污染到本性常常活在敗壞之中，又活在一個充滿罪惡的世上。做合神心意的我？對人來說是一個難題。

今天我們的恐懼、憂慮、憤怒和緊張是從那裡來的呢？可以說，就是因我還未懂得做我。我們豈不是承擔那超越我們能力的壓力，憂慮失去那本就不屬於我的物件，憤怒一個不按我要求好好待我的世界，緊張去活在一種我把握不住的生活裡嗎？

讓我們認真想一想，是否我做我時還未能流暢和得力。

今日我們感到生命乏力有兩個可能，其一是我們強求做超越本身能力的事，於是我們生命盛載不起這擔子。另一個原因是我們不去承接自身的能力，而這能力就是神原本早已賦與我們的。其實，只要返回內心去肯定做神創造了的你，當你面迎人生逆境時，你裡面就有能力面對困難了。

我們由那裡開始呢？由返回神的面前開始，當我們與神之間的關係貧瘠不堪，我的生命既無神的介入和參與，我就缺乏神所賜的能力去應付人生的千百種要求，也無法做神要你做的你，雖然是老生常談，但人若不常常活在主裡面，我們就不能做甚麼。

甘心做你自己，就是最好的你。

然後，我們經歷到美好的人神關係，我們在神裡面就能做好自己，神就出手在我們生命的本質上培育我們，豐豐富富的神極之樂意叫我們豐豐富富的活出我們的生命，因為我們是祂造的，我們生命的目標就是透過這個有限的生命，好好以神的恩典服事他人，完成使命之際，我們會感到心滿意足，生命好得無比！

願神陶造你生命！