啟示錄 11:15-18
15 第七位天使吹號， 天上就有大聲音說： 世上的國成了我主和主基督的國； 他要作王，直到永永遠遠。 16 在神面前， 坐在自己位上的二十四位長老， 就面伏於地， 敬拜神， 17說： 昔在、 今在的主神 ─ 全能者阿， 我們感謝你！ 因你執掌大權作王了。 18 外邦發怒， 你的忿怒也臨到了； 審判死人的時候也到了。 你的僕人眾先知和眾聖徒， 凡敬畏你名的人， 連大帶小得賞賜的時候也到了。 你敗壞那些敗壞世界之人的時候也就到了。
Revelation 11:15-18
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Today is the age of the kingdom of the world and the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. But, this will all come to an end when the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. That will be a time for the judgment of the dead, a time for the rewarding of Lord’s servants and His saints, and a time to destroy the destroyer. There will be a new beginning and we were destined to be part of it. Give thanks to God almighty, who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 29
歌林多後書 9:6-15
6 少種的少收， 多種的多收， 這話是真的。 7 各人要隨本心所酌定的， 不要作難， 不要勉強， 因為捐得樂意的人是神所喜愛的。 8 神能將各樣的恩惠多多的加給你們， 使你們凡事常常充足， 能多行各樣善事。 9 如經上所記： 他施捨錢財， 賙濟貧窮； 他的仁義存到永遠。 10 那賜種給撒種的， 賜糧給人吃的， 必多多加給你們種地的種子， 又增添你們仁義的果子； 11 叫你們凡事富足， 可以多多施捨， 就藉著我們使感謝歸於神。 12 因為辦這供給的事， 不但補聖徒的缺乏， 而且叫許多人越發感謝神。 13 他們從這供給的事上得了憑據， 知道你們承認基督順服他的福音， 多多的捐錢給他們和眾人， 便將榮耀歸與神。 14 他們也因神極大的恩賜顯在你們心裡， 就切切的想念你們， 為你們祈禱。 15 感謝神， 因他有說不盡的恩賜！
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
This principle is so important that “Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and whosoever sows generously, will also reap generously.” Our Lord Jesus is the best example of giving: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endured forever."
As we give to the needy, God is able to make grace abound to us in all things at all times, so that we will abound in good works.
As we give to the needy, God is able to supply, increase and enlarge our capacity to harvest the fruit of righteousness.
As we give to the needy, it is a testimony of our obedience to God and the gospel of Christ. It is also a testimony of the overflowing of our thanksgiving to God.
Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.
6 少種的少收， 多種的多收， 這話是真的。 7 各人要隨本心所酌定的， 不要作難， 不要勉強， 因為捐得樂意的人是神所喜愛的。 8 神能將各樣的恩惠多多的加給你們， 使你們凡事常常充足， 能多行各樣善事。 9 如經上所記： 他施捨錢財， 賙濟貧窮； 他的仁義存到永遠。 10 那賜種給撒種的， 賜糧給人吃的， 必多多加給你們種地的種子， 又增添你們仁義的果子； 11 叫你們凡事富足， 可以多多施捨， 就藉著我們使感謝歸於神。 12 因為辦這供給的事， 不但補聖徒的缺乏， 而且叫許多人越發感謝神。 13 他們從這供給的事上得了憑據， 知道你們承認基督順服他的福音， 多多的捐錢給他們和眾人， 便將榮耀歸與神。 14 他們也因神極大的恩賜顯在你們心裡， 就切切的想念你們， 為你們祈禱。 15 感謝神， 因他有說不盡的恩賜！
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
This principle is so important that “Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and whosoever sows generously, will also reap generously.” Our Lord Jesus is the best example of giving: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endured forever."
As we give to the needy, God is able to make grace abound to us in all things at all times, so that we will abound in good works.
As we give to the needy, God is able to supply, increase and enlarge our capacity to harvest the fruit of righteousness.
As we give to the needy, it is a testimony of our obedience to God and the gospel of Christ. It is also a testimony of the overflowing of our thanksgiving to God.
Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 28
詩篇 147:1-11
1 你們要讚美耶和華！ 因歌頌我們的神為善為美；讚美的話是合宜的。 2 耶和華建造耶路撒冷， 聚集以色列中被趕散的人。 3 他醫好傷心的人， 裹好他們的傷處。 4 他數點星宿的數目， 一一稱他的名。 5 我們的主為大， 最有能力； 他的智慧無法測度。 6 耶和華扶持謙卑人， 將惡人傾覆於地。 7 你們要以感謝向耶和華歌唱， 用琴向我們的神歌頌。 8 他用雲遮天， 為地降雨， 使草生長在山上。 9 他賜食給走獸和啼叫的小烏鴉。 10 他不喜悅馬的力大， 不喜愛人的腿快。 11 耶和華喜愛敬畏他和盼望他慈愛的人。
Psalm 147:1-11
1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. 5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. 6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God, 8 who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry. 10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
How good it is to sing and how pleasant it is to pray from those who were rescued and healed by God. We were the outcasts, we were the brokenhearted. Christ is the savior and He is the physician. He heals us by His blood, His stripes, His wounds. Only He can cure the brokenhearted by His comforting words and His mighty power. When His word shines into our hearts, we have the true sense of sin, a godly sorrow and a sincere repentance before Him. Such are the ones to receive His healing. As a good Samaritan, He pours the oil and wine, the applying of grace and mercy.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me….
1 你們要讚美耶和華！ 因歌頌我們的神為善為美；讚美的話是合宜的。 2 耶和華建造耶路撒冷， 聚集以色列中被趕散的人。 3 他醫好傷心的人， 裹好他們的傷處。 4 他數點星宿的數目， 一一稱他的名。 5 我們的主為大， 最有能力； 他的智慧無法測度。 6 耶和華扶持謙卑人， 將惡人傾覆於地。 7 你們要以感謝向耶和華歌唱， 用琴向我們的神歌頌。 8 他用雲遮天， 為地降雨， 使草生長在山上。 9 他賜食給走獸和啼叫的小烏鴉。 10 他不喜悅馬的力大， 不喜愛人的腿快。 11 耶和華喜愛敬畏他和盼望他慈愛的人。
Psalm 147:1-11
1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. 5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. 6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God, 8 who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry. 10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
How good it is to sing and how pleasant it is to pray from those who were rescued and healed by God. We were the outcasts, we were the brokenhearted. Christ is the savior and He is the physician. He heals us by His blood, His stripes, His wounds. Only He can cure the brokenhearted by His comforting words and His mighty power. When His word shines into our hearts, we have the true sense of sin, a godly sorrow and a sincere repentance before Him. Such are the ones to receive His healing. As a good Samaritan, He pours the oil and wine, the applying of grace and mercy.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me….
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 27
詩篇 136:16-26
16 稱謝那引導自己的民行走曠野的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 17 稱謝那擊殺大君王的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 18 他殺戮有名的君王， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 19 就是殺戮亞摩利王西宏， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 20 又殺巴珊王噩， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 21 他將他們的地賜他的百姓為業， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 22 就是賜他的僕人以色列為業， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 23 他顧念我們在卑微的地步， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 24 他救拔我們脫離敵人， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 25 他賜糧食給凡有血氣的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 26 你們要稱謝天上的神， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:16-26
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His mercy endures forever; 17 To Him who struck down great kings, for His mercy endures forever; 18 And slew famous kings, for His mercy endures forever— 19 Sihon king of the Amorites, for His mercy endures forever; 20 And Og king of Bashan, for His mercy endures forever— 21 And gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; 22 A heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever 23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, for His mercy endures forever; 24 And rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy endures forever; 25 Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.
We were poor and needy. We were weak and in bondage. But, thanks be to God, who has defeated the army of Pharaoh, slaying the mighty kings, who brought us to the good land and gave it to us as our inheritance. This is a figure of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. He remembered us (v.23), He has freed us (v.24), and now daily, He cares for us and is supplying us with food (v.25). We were changed from slaves to heirs - what a blessed transformation and what an amazing salvation.
How can we not give thanks to the God of heaven? His love endures forever.
16 稱謝那引導自己的民行走曠野的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 17 稱謝那擊殺大君王的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 18 他殺戮有名的君王， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 19 就是殺戮亞摩利王西宏， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 20 又殺巴珊王噩， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 21 他將他們的地賜他的百姓為業， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 22 就是賜他的僕人以色列為業， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 23 他顧念我們在卑微的地步， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 24 他救拔我們脫離敵人， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 25 他賜糧食給凡有血氣的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 26 你們要稱謝天上的神， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:16-26
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His mercy endures forever; 17 To Him who struck down great kings, for His mercy endures forever; 18 And slew famous kings, for His mercy endures forever— 19 Sihon king of the Amorites, for His mercy endures forever; 20 And Og king of Bashan, for His mercy endures forever— 21 And gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; 22 A heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever 23 Who remembered us in our lowly state, for His mercy endures forever; 24 And rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy endures forever; 25 Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. 26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.
We were poor and needy. We were weak and in bondage. But, thanks be to God, who has defeated the army of Pharaoh, slaying the mighty kings, who brought us to the good land and gave it to us as our inheritance. This is a figure of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. He remembered us (v.23), He has freed us (v.24), and now daily, He cares for us and is supplying us with food (v.25). We were changed from slaves to heirs - what a blessed transformation and what an amazing salvation.
How can we not give thanks to the God of heaven? His love endures forever.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 26
詩篇 136:10-15
10 稱謝那擊殺埃及人之長子的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 11 他領以色列人從他們中間出來， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 12 他施展大能的手和伸出來的膀臂， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 13 稱謝那分裂紅海的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 14 他領以色列從其中經過， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 15 卻把法老和他的軍兵推翻在紅海裡， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:10-15
10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy endures forever; 11 And brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy endures forever; 12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever; 13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy endures forever; 14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His mercy endures forever;
We give Him thanks for He is sovereign and has planned all things in our life. This is because of His great love He has toward us.
“His love endures forever”. This should be our daily declaration. This thought is so vast and heavenly that it really takes time for us to grasp its meaning and significance. We should pray about this, proclaim this, and let the Spirit of God make it a blessed reality in our life. Give thanks to the Father, for He loved us and has given His only beloved Son to us. Give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, for nothing can separate us from His love. Give thanks to the Holy Spirit for his pouring out of God’s love into our hearts. Give thanks to the triune God for His love endures forever. Amen.
10 稱謝那擊殺埃及人之長子的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 11 他領以色列人從他們中間出來， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 12 他施展大能的手和伸出來的膀臂， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 13 稱謝那分裂紅海的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 14 他領以色列從其中經過， 因他的慈愛永遠長存； 15 卻把法老和他的軍兵推翻在紅海裡， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:10-15
10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy endures forever; 11 And brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy endures forever; 12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever; 13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy endures forever; 14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His mercy endures forever;
We give Him thanks for He is sovereign and has planned all things in our life. This is because of His great love He has toward us.
“His love endures forever”. This should be our daily declaration. This thought is so vast and heavenly that it really takes time for us to grasp its meaning and significance. We should pray about this, proclaim this, and let the Spirit of God make it a blessed reality in our life. Give thanks to the Father, for He loved us and has given His only beloved Son to us. Give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, for nothing can separate us from His love. Give thanks to the Holy Spirit for his pouring out of God’s love into our hearts. Give thanks to the triune God for His love endures forever. Amen.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 25
詩篇 136:1-9
1 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善； 他的慈愛永遠長存。 2 你們要稱謝萬神之神， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 3 你們要稱謝萬主之主， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 4 稱謝那獨行大奇事的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 5 稱謝那用智慧造天的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 6 稱謝那鋪地在水以上的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 7 稱謝那造成大光的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 8 他造日頭管白晝， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 9 他造月亮星宿管黑夜， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:1-9
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4 To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; 5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; 6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; 7 To Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever— 8 The sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; 9 The moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever.
We ought to give thanks again and again, to offer the sacrifices of praises continually. Not with fruits from the ground or cattle, but with the fruits of our lips. Give thanks to Him who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is the will of God that we should abound in these most blessed and acceptable spiritual offerings.
Give thanks to Him for His goodness and loving-kindness. Give thanks to Him for His power and wisdom. Give thanks to Him for His eternal purpose and the divine revelation.
1 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善； 他的慈愛永遠長存。 2 你們要稱謝萬神之神， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 3 你們要稱謝萬主之主， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 4 稱謝那獨行大奇事的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 5 稱謝那用智慧造天的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 6 稱謝那鋪地在水以上的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 7 稱謝那造成大光的， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 8 他造日頭管白晝， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。 9 他造月亮星宿管黑夜， 因他的慈愛永遠長存。
Psalm 136:1-9
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. 3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: 4 To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; 5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; 6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; 7 To Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever— 8 The sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; 9 The moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever.
We ought to give thanks again and again, to offer the sacrifices of praises continually. Not with fruits from the ground or cattle, but with the fruits of our lips. Give thanks to Him who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is the will of God that we should abound in these most blessed and acceptable spiritual offerings.
Give thanks to Him for His goodness and loving-kindness. Give thanks to Him for His power and wisdom. Give thanks to Him for His eternal purpose and the divine revelation.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 24
詩篇 122:1-9
1 人對我說： 我們往耶和華的殿去， 我就歡喜。 2 耶路撒冷啊， 我們的腳站在你的門內。 3 耶路撒冷被建造， 如同連絡整齊的一座城。 4 眾支派， 就是耶和華的支派， 上那裡去， 按以色列的常例稱讚耶和華的名。 5 因為在那裡設立審判的寶座， 就是大衛家的寶座。 6 你們要為耶路撒冷求平安！ 耶路撒冷啊， 愛你的人必然興旺！ 7 願你城中平安！ 願你宮內興旺！ 8 因我弟兄和同伴的緣故， 我要說： 願平安在你中間！ 9 因耶和華 ─ 我們神殿的緣故， 我要為你求福！
Psalm 122:1-9
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, 4 Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.” 8 For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” 9 Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.
We praise the Lord that in His sovereign grace, He has put us among those who loved Him and pursued Him. In this journey of accession, where there are hills to climb, rivers to cross and dry and weary deserts to traverse, so often we felt exhaustion and even despair; however, as we looked around, we found that He has placed many faithful and loving companions around us. Yes, in the journey back to our heavenly home we are not alone. Let’s march onward, encourage one another and set our eyes upward until together we all reach our destination, the City of Jerusalem, where the throne of our God is.
Therefore, let’s offer our prayers for the peace of Jerusalem - for our family and friends, for all God’s beloved children. May those who love Him find security in Him. May they find joy and rest. May prosperity be with Jerusalem, the house of God, from now till evermore.
1 人對我說： 我們往耶和華的殿去， 我就歡喜。 2 耶路撒冷啊， 我們的腳站在你的門內。 3 耶路撒冷被建造， 如同連絡整齊的一座城。 4 眾支派， 就是耶和華的支派， 上那裡去， 按以色列的常例稱讚耶和華的名。 5 因為在那裡設立審判的寶座， 就是大衛家的寶座。 6 你們要為耶路撒冷求平安！ 耶路撒冷啊， 愛你的人必然興旺！ 7 願你城中平安！ 願你宮內興旺！ 8 因我弟兄和同伴的緣故， 我要說： 願平安在你中間！ 9 因耶和華 ─ 我們神殿的緣故， 我要為你求福！
Psalm 122:1-9
1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, 4 Where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. 7 Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.” 8 For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” 9 Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.
We praise the Lord that in His sovereign grace, He has put us among those who loved Him and pursued Him. In this journey of accession, where there are hills to climb, rivers to cross and dry and weary deserts to traverse, so often we felt exhaustion and even despair; however, as we looked around, we found that He has placed many faithful and loving companions around us. Yes, in the journey back to our heavenly home we are not alone. Let’s march onward, encourage one another and set our eyes upward until together we all reach our destination, the City of Jerusalem, where the throne of our God is.
Therefore, let’s offer our prayers for the peace of Jerusalem - for our family and friends, for all God’s beloved children. May those who love Him find security in Him. May they find joy and rest. May prosperity be with Jerusalem, the house of God, from now till evermore.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 23
詩篇 100:1-5
1 普天下當向耶和華歡呼！ 2 你們當樂意事奉耶和華， 當來向他歌唱！ 3 你們當曉得耶和華是神！ 我們是他造的， 也是屬他的； 我們是他的民， 也是他草場的羊。 4 當稱謝進入他的門； 當讚美進入他的院。 當感謝他， 稱頌他的名！ 5 因為耶和華本為善。 他的慈愛存到永遠； 他的信實直到萬代。
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Have you ever been to a restaurant during its happy hour? I have, with a happy face! I wish it is also our “happy hour” to go to the church to worship and to serve the Lord on Sunday. Today’s passage reminds us not only to make a joyful shout to the Lord during the worship, but also to serve the Lord with gladness.
Why are we to come to God with such holy hilarity? For He is our God. He is our Creator. He is our Shepherd-King. And He is good all the time!
On this Lord’s Day, let’s all enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise! Be thankful to Him, and bless His name!
Have you ever been to a restaurant during its happy hour? I have, with a happy face! I wish it is also our “happy hour” to go to the church to worship and to serve the Lord on Sunday. Today’s passage reminds us not only to make a joyful shout to the Lord during the worship, but also to serve the Lord with gladness.
Why are we to come to God with such holy hilarity? For He is our God. He is our Creator. He is our Shepherd-King. And He is good all the time!
On this Lord’s Day, let’s all enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise! Be thankful to Him, and bless His name!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 22
帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-24
16 要常常喜樂， 17 不住的禱告， 18 凡事謝恩； 因為這是神在基督耶穌裡向你們所定的旨意。 19 不要銷滅聖靈的感動； 20 不要藐視先知的講論。 21 但要凡事察驗， 善美的要持守， 22 各樣的惡事要禁戒不做。 23 願賜平安的神親自使你們全然成聖！ 又願你們的靈與魂與身子得蒙保守， 在我主耶穌基督降臨的時候， 完全無可指摘！ 24 那召你們的本是信實的， 他必成就這事。
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
What is God's will for me? This is probably the most frequently asked question in Christianity today. You may be surprised to learn Paul’s answer on this question in today’s passage. God’s will for you and me is to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in everything!
Such answer is easy to memorize but hard to practice. We gladly follow these commands when everything goes our way, but when things start to fall apart, we suddenly begin to question the truth of "in everything give thanks."
However, God’s command is crystal clear: to give thanks in everything! A grateful attitude in everything not only gives glory to the Lord, but also brings benefits to our life. God is working all things together for us to be just like Jesus. For such purpose God allows painful situations into our life. Our gratitude will motivate us to look for that purpose.
Next time, when you face a difficult situation, give thanks and ask God the question of “what” instead of “why”.
16 要常常喜樂， 17 不住的禱告， 18 凡事謝恩； 因為這是神在基督耶穌裡向你們所定的旨意。 19 不要銷滅聖靈的感動； 20 不要藐視先知的講論。 21 但要凡事察驗， 善美的要持守， 22 各樣的惡事要禁戒不做。 23 願賜平安的神親自使你們全然成聖！ 又願你們的靈與魂與身子得蒙保守， 在我主耶穌基督降臨的時候， 完全無可指摘！ 24 那召你們的本是信實的， 他必成就這事。
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
What is God's will for me? This is probably the most frequently asked question in Christianity today. You may be surprised to learn Paul’s answer on this question in today’s passage. God’s will for you and me is to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in everything!
Such answer is easy to memorize but hard to practice. We gladly follow these commands when everything goes our way, but when things start to fall apart, we suddenly begin to question the truth of "in everything give thanks."
However, God’s command is crystal clear: to give thanks in everything! A grateful attitude in everything not only gives glory to the Lord, but also brings benefits to our life. God is working all things together for us to be just like Jesus. For such purpose God allows painful situations into our life. Our gratitude will motivate us to look for that purpose.
Next time, when you face a difficult situation, give thanks and ask God the question of “what” instead of “why”.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 21
詩篇 119:57-64
57 耶和華是我的福分； 我曾說， 我要遵守你的言語。 58 我一心求過你的恩； 願你照你的話憐憫我！ 59 我思想我所行的道， 就轉步歸向你的法度。 60 我急忙遵守你的命令， 並不遲延。 61 惡人的繩索纏繞我， 我卻沒有忘記你的律法。 62 我因你公義的典章， 半夜必起來稱謝你。 63 凡敬畏你、 守你訓詞的人， 我都與他作伴。 64 耶和華啊， 你的慈愛遍滿大地； 求你將你的律例教訓我！
Psalm 119:57-64
57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words. 58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. 59 I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies. 60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.
Do you still remember the question asked by Brother Ernest during this year’s summer retreat: “Ten frogs were sitting on a log. Four decided to jump into the pond. How many were left?” Did you answer six?
There’s a big difference between deciding to do something and actually doing it. Unfortunately it is a sad fact of life for many people. However, the psalmist for today’s passage is quite different. He has not only said that he would keep God’s words, but also turned his feet to God’s testimonies. He made haste, and did not delay to keep God’s commandments. He just did what He said to do.
There are many great men and women of faith recorded in the bible. They are all different from each other, but there is one thing they all have in common: When they sense God saying to do something, they don’t simply decide to do something. They step out and do it. When God of glory appeared unto Abraham in Mesopotamia, he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans. When Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew, they immediately left their nets, their way of life, and followed Jesus. After Saul of Tarsus met the Lord on the Damascus road, straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
How about you and me? When God asks us to give thanks always for all things, what is our response?
57 耶和華是我的福分； 我曾說， 我要遵守你的言語。 58 我一心求過你的恩； 願你照你的話憐憫我！ 59 我思想我所行的道， 就轉步歸向你的法度。 60 我急忙遵守你的命令， 並不遲延。 61 惡人的繩索纏繞我， 我卻沒有忘記你的律法。 62 我因你公義的典章， 半夜必起來稱謝你。 63 凡敬畏你、 守你訓詞的人， 我都與他作伴。 64 耶和華啊， 你的慈愛遍滿大地； 求你將你的律例教訓我！
Psalm 119:57-64
57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words. 58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. 59 I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies. 60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.
Do you still remember the question asked by Brother Ernest during this year’s summer retreat: “Ten frogs were sitting on a log. Four decided to jump into the pond. How many were left?” Did you answer six?
There’s a big difference between deciding to do something and actually doing it. Unfortunately it is a sad fact of life for many people. However, the psalmist for today’s passage is quite different. He has not only said that he would keep God’s words, but also turned his feet to God’s testimonies. He made haste, and did not delay to keep God’s commandments. He just did what He said to do.
There are many great men and women of faith recorded in the bible. They are all different from each other, but there is one thing they all have in common: When they sense God saying to do something, they don’t simply decide to do something. They step out and do it. When God of glory appeared unto Abraham in Mesopotamia, he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans. When Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew, they immediately left their nets, their way of life, and followed Jesus. After Saul of Tarsus met the Lord on the Damascus road, straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
How about you and me? When God asks us to give thanks always for all things, what is our response?
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 20
詩篇 118:14-29
14 耶和華是我的力量， 是我的詩歌， 他也成了我的拯救。 15 在義人的帳棚裡， 有歡呼拯救的聲音： “耶和華的右手施展大能！ 16 耶和華的右手高舉， 耶和華的右手施展大能！” 17 我必不至死， 仍要存活， 並要傳揚耶和華的作為。 18 耶和華雖嚴嚴地懲治我， 卻未曾將我交於死亡。 19 給我敞開義門， 我要進去稱謝耶和華！ 20 這是耶和華的門， 義人要進去。 21 我要稱謝你， 因為你已經應允我， 又成了我的拯救。 22 匠人所棄的石頭， 已成了房角的頭塊石頭。 23 這是耶和華所做的， 在我們眼中看為希奇。 24 這是耶和華所定的日子， 我們在其中要高興歡喜。 25 耶和華啊， 求你拯救！ 耶和華啊， 求你使我們亨通！ 26 奉耶和華名來的是應當稱頌的！ 我們從耶和華的殿中為你們祝福。 27 耶和華是 神！ 他光照了我們。 理當用繩索把祭牲拴住， 牽到壇角那裡。 28 你是我的 神， 我要稱謝你！ 你是我的 神， 我要尊崇你。 29 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善， 他的慈愛永遠長存！
Psalm 118:14-29
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord, and He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
The Lord Jesus and His disciple probably sang Psalm 118 together in the Upper Room at the end of the Lord's Supper. Jesus knew exactly what vv 22-23 talked about. Rejected by the Jewish leaders, Jesus has become the chief cornerstone of the church through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Such cornerstone binds Jews and Gentiles together in one sanctuary as God's temple. How marvelous is God’s doing!
Through His body, a new and living way is opened for us to enter into the gate of the Lord. May the love of Christ compel us that we also offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is our true and proper worship to show our thanks to God!
14 耶和華是我的力量， 是我的詩歌， 他也成了我的拯救。 15 在義人的帳棚裡， 有歡呼拯救的聲音： “耶和華的右手施展大能！ 16 耶和華的右手高舉， 耶和華的右手施展大能！” 17 我必不至死， 仍要存活， 並要傳揚耶和華的作為。 18 耶和華雖嚴嚴地懲治我， 卻未曾將我交於死亡。 19 給我敞開義門， 我要進去稱謝耶和華！ 20 這是耶和華的門， 義人要進去。 21 我要稱謝你， 因為你已經應允我， 又成了我的拯救。 22 匠人所棄的石頭， 已成了房角的頭塊石頭。 23 這是耶和華所做的， 在我們眼中看為希奇。 24 這是耶和華所定的日子， 我們在其中要高興歡喜。 25 耶和華啊， 求你拯救！ 耶和華啊， 求你使我們亨通！ 26 奉耶和華名來的是應當稱頌的！ 我們從耶和華的殿中為你們祝福。 27 耶和華是 神！ 他光照了我們。 理當用繩索把祭牲拴住， 牽到壇角那裡。 28 你是我的 神， 我要稱謝你！ 你是我的 神， 我要尊崇你。 29 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善， 他的慈愛永遠長存！
Psalm 118:14-29
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord, and He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
The Lord Jesus and His disciple probably sang Psalm 118 together in the Upper Room at the end of the Lord's Supper. Jesus knew exactly what vv 22-23 talked about. Rejected by the Jewish leaders, Jesus has become the chief cornerstone of the church through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Such cornerstone binds Jews and Gentiles together in one sanctuary as God's temple. How marvelous is God’s doing!
Through His body, a new and living way is opened for us to enter into the gate of the Lord. May the love of Christ compel us that we also offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is our true and proper worship to show our thanks to God!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 19
詩篇 118:1-7
1 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善； 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 2 願以色列說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 3願亞倫的家說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 4 願敬畏耶和華的說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 5 我在急難中求告耶和華， 他就應允我， 把我安置在寬闊之地。 6 有耶和華幫助我， 我必不懼怕， 人能把我怎麼樣呢？ 7 在那幫助我的人中， 有耶和華幫助我， 所以我要看見那恨我的人遭報。
Psalm 118:1-7
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever 2 Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever. 5 I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
Psalms 113-118 constitute the Hallel (Praise) of the Jewish festivals. It appears that during the Jewish Passover meal of the first century, Psalms 113-114 were sung before the final meal blessing and Psalms 115-118 were sung after the final blessing. Israel sang them as thanksgiving for God’s redemptive deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. They remembered and rejoiced over the Exodus.
To us the believers of New Testament, the Lord’s Supper is the new Passover, and Jesus is our Passover Lamb. Therefore, we today sing these Psalms to thank God’s redemptive work in Christ.
Now The Lord is on our side! I will not only not fear, but also give thanks in any situation for He is good and His mercy endures forever!
1 你們要稱謝耶和華， 因他本為善； 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 2 願以色列說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 3願亞倫的家說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 4 願敬畏耶和華的說： 他的慈愛永遠長存！ 5 我在急難中求告耶和華， 他就應允我， 把我安置在寬闊之地。 6 有耶和華幫助我， 我必不懼怕， 人能把我怎麼樣呢？ 7 在那幫助我的人中， 有耶和華幫助我， 所以我要看見那恨我的人遭報。
Psalm 118:1-7
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever 2 Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever. 5 I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
Psalms 113-118 constitute the Hallel (Praise) of the Jewish festivals. It appears that during the Jewish Passover meal of the first century, Psalms 113-114 were sung before the final meal blessing and Psalms 115-118 were sung after the final blessing. Israel sang them as thanksgiving for God’s redemptive deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. They remembered and rejoiced over the Exodus.
To us the believers of New Testament, the Lord’s Supper is the new Passover, and Jesus is our Passover Lamb. Therefore, we today sing these Psalms to thank God’s redemptive work in Christ.
Now The Lord is on our side! I will not only not fear, but also give thanks in any situation for He is good and His mercy endures forever!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 18
詩篇 116:12-14
12 我拿甚麼報答耶和華向我所賜的一切厚恩？ 13 我要舉起救恩的杯， 稱揚耶和華的名！ 14 我要在他眾民面前向耶和華還我的願。
Psalm 116:12-14
12 What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people.
According to the Jewish tradition, Psalm 116 is sung after the Passover meal, immediately following the third cup of wine, called the Cup of Salvation. That cup would only become a true cup of salvation if Jesus proceeded to the cross. Let’s all ponder what our dear Savior did at the very night that He was betrayed: Then He (Jesus) took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matt. 26:27-29)
But let’s also remember that there is another cup right after the above cup - a cup in Gethsemane that Jesus calls “this cup”. He said, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matt. 26:42). If the cup in the upper room was the cup of salvation for the disciples to drink to get blessed, then the cup Jesus looked upon there in the garden, which is the only way to make the salvation cup possible, was the cup of bitterness and sorrow that God's only begotten son must drink.
Let’s sing together with the hymn writer (Hymn 73: O Christ, what burdens bowed thy head):
Death and the curse were in our cup:
O Christ, ‘twas full for Thee;
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,
‘Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup - love drank it up;
Now blessing’s draught for me.
Thank you Jesus, my Savior, my Lord!
12 我拿甚麼報答耶和華向我所賜的一切厚恩？ 13 我要舉起救恩的杯， 稱揚耶和華的名！ 14 我要在他眾民面前向耶和華還我的願。
Psalm 116:12-14
12 What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people.
According to the Jewish tradition, Psalm 116 is sung after the Passover meal, immediately following the third cup of wine, called the Cup of Salvation. That cup would only become a true cup of salvation if Jesus proceeded to the cross. Let’s all ponder what our dear Savior did at the very night that He was betrayed: Then He (Jesus) took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matt. 26:27-29)
But let’s also remember that there is another cup right after the above cup - a cup in Gethsemane that Jesus calls “this cup”. He said, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matt. 26:42). If the cup in the upper room was the cup of salvation for the disciples to drink to get blessed, then the cup Jesus looked upon there in the garden, which is the only way to make the salvation cup possible, was the cup of bitterness and sorrow that God's only begotten son must drink.
Let’s sing together with the hymn writer (Hymn 73: O Christ, what burdens bowed thy head):
Death and the curse were in our cup:
O Christ, ‘twas full for Thee;
But Thou hast drained the last dark drop,
‘Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup - love drank it up;
Now blessing’s draught for me.
Thank you Jesus, my Savior, my Lord!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 17
歌羅西書 3:12-17
12 所以， 你們既是神的選民， 聖潔蒙愛的人， 就要存憐憫、 恩慈、 謙虛、 溫柔、 忍耐的心。 13 倘若這人與那人有嫌隙， 總要彼此包容， 彼此饒恕； 主怎樣饒恕了你們， 你們也要怎樣饒恕人。 14在這一切之外， 要存著愛心， 愛心就是聯絡全德的。 15 又要叫基督的平安在你們心裡作主； 你們也為此蒙召， 歸為一體； 且要存感謝的心。 16 當用各樣的智慧， 把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡， 用詩章、 頌詞、 靈歌， 彼此教導， 互相勸戒， 心被恩感， 歌頌神。 17 無論做甚麼， 或說話或行事， 都要奉主耶穌的名， 藉著他感謝父神。
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Today’s passage is parallel with Ephesians 5:18-21. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized being filled with the Spirit; in his Letter to the Colossians, he emphasized being filled with the Word. But the results are the same. A believer filled with the Spirit is joyful, thankful, and submissive. A believer filled with the Word of God is also joyful, thankful, and submissive.
In other words, the Word-filled Christian is a Spirit-filled Christian. To give thanks in whatever we do, we need to be enriched by the Word of Christ!
Today’s passage is parallel with Ephesians 5:18-21. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized being filled with the Spirit; in his Letter to the Colossians, he emphasized being filled with the Word. But the results are the same. A believer filled with the Spirit is joyful, thankful, and submissive. A believer filled with the Word of God is also joyful, thankful, and submissive.
In other words, the Word-filled Christian is a Spirit-filled Christian. To give thanks in whatever we do, we need to be enriched by the Word of Christ!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 16
詩篇 95:1-5
1 來啊， 我們要向耶和華歌唱， 向拯救我們的磐石歡呼！ 2 我們要來感謝他， 用詩歌向他歡呼！ 3 因耶和華為大神， 為大王， 超乎萬神之上。 4 地的深處在他手中； 山的高峰也屬他。 5海洋屬他， 是他造的； 旱地也是他手造成的。
Psalm 95:1-5
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it and His hands formed the dry land.
Often times when we are preparing to go to church on Sunday, we may just wonder: what is in today’s service for ME? Sure we all need a weekly reminder for our spiritual growth and fellowship with other believers. However we also need to be reminded that the primary focus of the church is to be on God, and we are there to worship Him! God is to be the center, and we are not!
Today’s passage tells us how and why we should worship Him as we gather together in His house. Our praise should be joyful, thankful, and enthusiastic - we are even commanded to “shout joyfully” to Him! Why should we praise Him? Because He is the great God, King over all, Creator of everything, our Savior, and our Shepherd! No wonder we praise Him!
Before we go to church today, let’s carefully review our motivation for going to church; focus our thoughts on the Lord; and prepare our heart to worship GOD!
1 來啊， 我們要向耶和華歌唱， 向拯救我們的磐石歡呼！ 2 我們要來感謝他， 用詩歌向他歡呼！ 3 因耶和華為大神， 為大王， 超乎萬神之上。 4 地的深處在他手中； 山的高峰也屬他。 5海洋屬他， 是他造的； 旱地也是他手造成的。
Psalm 95:1-5
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it and His hands formed the dry land.
Often times when we are preparing to go to church on Sunday, we may just wonder: what is in today’s service for ME? Sure we all need a weekly reminder for our spiritual growth and fellowship with other believers. However we also need to be reminded that the primary focus of the church is to be on God, and we are there to worship Him! God is to be the center, and we are not!
Today’s passage tells us how and why we should worship Him as we gather together in His house. Our praise should be joyful, thankful, and enthusiastic - we are even commanded to “shout joyfully” to Him! Why should we praise Him? Because He is the great God, King over all, Creator of everything, our Savior, and our Shepherd! No wonder we praise Him!
Before we go to church today, let’s carefully review our motivation for going to church; focus our thoughts on the Lord; and prepare our heart to worship GOD!
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 15
詩篇 107:17-22
17 愚妄人因自己的過犯和自己的罪孽便受苦楚。 18 他們心裡厭惡各樣的食物， 就臨近死門。 19 於是， 他們在苦難中哀求耶和華； 他從他們的禍患中拯救他們。 20 他發命醫治他們， 救他們脫離死亡。 21 但願人因耶和華的慈愛和他向人所行的奇事都稱讚他。 22 願他們以感謝為祭獻給他， 歡呼述說他的作為！
Psalm 107:17-22
17 Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works! Indeed His works are amazing beyond imagination. For who is like our Lord? Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
…and who has the power of complete transformation, turning fools into wise?
Have we not been fools once upon the time? We looked up upon heaven and did not see God. We looked in ourselves and did not find sin. And yet God's grace and mercy is sufficient. He loved us first, so that we can love Him back. He reached out to us, so that we can repent of our foolishness and be healed. His works are just so wonderful! For it is only He who can change us so completely, who we are and who we are to become. Let us declare His works with rejoicing, and give Him thanks always!
17 愚妄人因自己的過犯和自己的罪孽便受苦楚。 18 他們心裡厭惡各樣的食物， 就臨近死門。 19 於是， 他們在苦難中哀求耶和華； 他從他們的禍患中拯救他們。 20 他發命醫治他們， 救他們脫離死亡。 21 但願人因耶和華的慈愛和他向人所行的奇事都稱讚他。 22 願他們以感謝為祭獻給他， 歡呼述說他的作為！
Psalm 107:17-22
17 Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works! Indeed His works are amazing beyond imagination. For who is like our Lord? Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
…and who has the power of complete transformation, turning fools into wise?
Have we not been fools once upon the time? We looked up upon heaven and did not see God. We looked in ourselves and did not find sin. And yet God's grace and mercy is sufficient. He loved us first, so that we can love Him back. He reached out to us, so that we can repent of our foolishness and be healed. His works are just so wonderful! For it is only He who can change us so completely, who we are and who we are to become. Let us declare His works with rejoicing, and give Him thanks always!
Friday, November 14, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 14
啟示錄 7:9-12
9 此後， 我觀看， 見有許多的人， 沒有人能數過來， 是從各國、 各族、 各民、 各方來的， 站在寶座和羔羊面前， 身穿白衣， 手拿棕樹枝， 10 大聲喊著說： 願救恩歸與坐在寶座上我們的神， 也歸與羔羊！ 11 眾天使都站在寶座和眾長老並四活物的周圍， 在寶座前， 面伏於地， 敬拜神， 12 說： 阿們！ 頌讚、 榮耀、 智慧、 感謝、 尊貴、 權柄、 大力都歸與我們的神， 直到永永遠遠。阿們！
Revelation 7:9-12
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Wow! Can you imagine the sight? Does it give you hope? One day all will come before the Lord and praise Him, as He rightly should be praised. All will know that He is Lord, and none other.
Today we often experience the opposite. People around us mock our Lord and despise us children of God. But, everything we do in His name will not be in vain. One day as Revelation proclaims, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, will come and stand before the throne, giving thanks and praise. So let us not lose hope. His gospel shall be salvation unto many!
So let start early and give Him thanks today. For He is worthy! Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! We the children of God shall give Him thanks, forever and ever. Amen!
9 此後， 我觀看， 見有許多的人， 沒有人能數過來， 是從各國、 各族、 各民、 各方來的， 站在寶座和羔羊面前， 身穿白衣， 手拿棕樹枝， 10 大聲喊著說： 願救恩歸與坐在寶座上我們的神， 也歸與羔羊！ 11 眾天使都站在寶座和眾長老並四活物的周圍， 在寶座前， 面伏於地， 敬拜神， 12 說： 阿們！ 頌讚、 榮耀、 智慧、 感謝、 尊貴、 權柄、 大力都歸與我們的神， 直到永永遠遠。阿們！
Revelation 7:9-12
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Wow! Can you imagine the sight? Does it give you hope? One day all will come before the Lord and praise Him, as He rightly should be praised. All will know that He is Lord, and none other.
Today we often experience the opposite. People around us mock our Lord and despise us children of God. But, everything we do in His name will not be in vain. One day as Revelation proclaims, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, will come and stand before the throne, giving thanks and praise. So let us not lose hope. His gospel shall be salvation unto many!
So let start early and give Him thanks today. For He is worthy! Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! We the children of God shall give Him thanks, forever and ever. Amen!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 13
歌林多後書 2:14
感謝 神！ 常率領我們在基督裏誇勝， 並藉我們在各處顯揚那因認識基督而有的香氣。
2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
Recently some of us brothers have been sharing about how it is such a blessing that God still gives us time to experience Him day by day. While we know that the victory in Him is already complete, we are so thankful to still be given the opportunity to live out our extraordinary lives here on earth, participating in these spiritual battles within and without, and in the process strengthening our faith in Him. Through Him, we get to live our lives very differently than the rest of the world, carving out a path to life that the world never knew before. Through Him, we can be light to this dark world. The lost shall find their way as they smell in us the fragrances of His knowledge. How wonderful is that? Can our circumstances really be blessings in disguise, that it is just another chance for us to follow Him to victory and testify to the world who He is?
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ! Thanks be to God who gives us a brand new day today to be His testimony! May lovely fragrances just flow out from us and bring life to those around us.
感謝 神！ 常率領我們在基督裏誇勝， 並藉我們在各處顯揚那因認識基督而有的香氣。
2 Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
Recently some of us brothers have been sharing about how it is such a blessing that God still gives us time to experience Him day by day. While we know that the victory in Him is already complete, we are so thankful to still be given the opportunity to live out our extraordinary lives here on earth, participating in these spiritual battles within and without, and in the process strengthening our faith in Him. Through Him, we get to live our lives very differently than the rest of the world, carving out a path to life that the world never knew before. Through Him, we can be light to this dark world. The lost shall find their way as they smell in us the fragrances of His knowledge. How wonderful is that? Can our circumstances really be blessings in disguise, that it is just another chance for us to follow Him to victory and testify to the world who He is?
Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ! Thanks be to God who gives us a brand new day today to be His testimony! May lovely fragrances just flow out from us and bring life to those around us.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 12
歌林多前書 15:55-57
55 死阿！ 你得勝的權勢在那裡？ 死阿！ 你的毒鉤在那裡？ 56 死的毒鉤就是罪， 罪的權勢就是律法。 57感謝神， 使我們藉著我們的主耶穌基督得勝。
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
These are three simple verses. Yet they are so powerful and so life transforming! When was the last time that you thought about this huge battle of epic proportions? Death had his grip on all of us, firmly taken hold of us and casted us under his chains. But, thanks to our Lord! His love would no let us go. Although we were destined for the fiery pit due to our sin, He ransomed us with His own life, triumphing over death. As sinners saved by grace, we can boldly declare that we have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The battle was very real. Let us not take our salvation for granted. Indeed, let us remember and give thanks to our Lord. For He is our only salvation, and our only path to victory. Lord, we the redeemed thank you! Help us to never forget and to never take your grace & mercy lightly.
55 死阿！ 你得勝的權勢在那裡？ 死阿！ 你的毒鉤在那裡？ 56 死的毒鉤就是罪， 罪的權勢就是律法。 57感謝神， 使我們藉著我們的主耶穌基督得勝。
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
These are three simple verses. Yet they are so powerful and so life transforming! When was the last time that you thought about this huge battle of epic proportions? Death had his grip on all of us, firmly taken hold of us and casted us under his chains. But, thanks to our Lord! His love would no let us go. Although we were destined for the fiery pit due to our sin, He ransomed us with His own life, triumphing over death. As sinners saved by grace, we can boldly declare that we have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The battle was very real. Let us not take our salvation for granted. Indeed, let us remember and give thanks to our Lord. For He is our only salvation, and our only path to victory. Lord, we the redeemed thank you! Help us to never forget and to never take your grace & mercy lightly.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 11
羅馬書 7:23-25
23 但我覺得肢體中另有個律和我心中的律交戰， 把我擄去， 叫我附從那肢體中犯罪的律。 24 我真是苦阿！ 誰能救我脫離這取死的身體呢？ 25 感謝神， 靠著我們的主耶穌基督就能脫離了。 這樣看來， 我以內心順服神的律， 我肉體卻順服罪的律了。
Romans 7:23-25
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Do you feel that there is a constant war within you? Do you feel that you have fallen captive, not being able to not do what you don't want to do? Here, Paul reminds us that we always have hope in Jesus Christ! Our Lord will for sure deliver us from this body of death. With a thankful heart we are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Focus on Him. Serve Him. Live in Him. Live for Him! Know that He is our deliverer. Be thankful and praise Him with every breath that we take!
May you have a blessed day in the Lord, with the true freedom to follow Him step by step!
23 但我覺得肢體中另有個律和我心中的律交戰， 把我擄去， 叫我附從那肢體中犯罪的律。 24 我真是苦阿！ 誰能救我脫離這取死的身體呢？ 25 感謝神， 靠著我們的主耶穌基督就能脫離了。 這樣看來， 我以內心順服神的律， 我肉體卻順服罪的律了。
Romans 7:23-25
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Do you feel that there is a constant war within you? Do you feel that you have fallen captive, not being able to not do what you don't want to do? Here, Paul reminds us that we always have hope in Jesus Christ! Our Lord will for sure deliver us from this body of death. With a thankful heart we are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind. Focus on Him. Serve Him. Live in Him. Live for Him! Know that He is our deliverer. Be thankful and praise Him with every breath that we take!
May you have a blessed day in the Lord, with the true freedom to follow Him step by step!
Monday, November 10, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 10
歌羅西書 2:6-12
6 你們既然接受了主基督耶穌， 就當遵他而行， 7 在他裡面生根建造， 信心堅固， 正如你們所領的教訓， 感謝的心也更增長了。 8 你們要謹慎， 恐怕有人用他的理學和虛空的妄言， 不照著基督， 乃照人間的遺傳和世上的小學就把你們擄去。 9 因為神本性一切的豐盛都有形有體的居住在基督裡面， 10 你們在他裡面也得了豐盛。 他是各樣執政掌權者的元首。 11 你們在他裡面也受了不是人手所行的割禮， 乃是基督使你們脫去肉體情慾的割禮。 12 你們既受洗與他一同埋葬， 也就在此與他一同復活， 都因信那叫他從死裡復活神的功用。
Colossians 2:6-12
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Let us ponder and remember what Christ has done for us. How can our heart not cry out with thanksgiving? As we are buried and raised with Him, we are set free! Chains fall off and bondages are broken. And more than that, we of such limited capacity, are now called complete in Him. It might be hard to imagine what that means now. As we look upon our life, we know that we fall far short in many aspects. But, that is how amazing our God is. He has already accomplished everything. Victory is His. By faith we trust that God's words are true. We are now a new creation in Him! No if's or but's.
So walk in Him. The blessings are just getting started. Salvation is but a beginning. We can experience His in-dwelling day by day. We can truly know what it means when God calls Himself Emmanuel: God is with us. We can live Holy, set apart for the Lord. All these things are made possible by what our Lord did for us. Not by our hand, but by His grace. So let us freely receive. Let us just come humbly before Him with thanksgiving. Today!
6 你們既然接受了主基督耶穌， 就當遵他而行， 7 在他裡面生根建造， 信心堅固， 正如你們所領的教訓， 感謝的心也更增長了。 8 你們要謹慎， 恐怕有人用他的理學和虛空的妄言， 不照著基督， 乃照人間的遺傳和世上的小學就把你們擄去。 9 因為神本性一切的豐盛都有形有體的居住在基督裡面， 10 你們在他裡面也得了豐盛。 他是各樣執政掌權者的元首。 11 你們在他裡面也受了不是人手所行的割禮， 乃是基督使你們脫去肉體情慾的割禮。 12 你們既受洗與他一同埋葬， 也就在此與他一同復活， 都因信那叫他從死裡復活神的功用。
Colossians 2:6-12
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Let us ponder and remember what Christ has done for us. How can our heart not cry out with thanksgiving? As we are buried and raised with Him, we are set free! Chains fall off and bondages are broken. And more than that, we of such limited capacity, are now called complete in Him. It might be hard to imagine what that means now. As we look upon our life, we know that we fall far short in many aspects. But, that is how amazing our God is. He has already accomplished everything. Victory is His. By faith we trust that God's words are true. We are now a new creation in Him! No if's or but's.
So walk in Him. The blessings are just getting started. Salvation is but a beginning. We can experience His in-dwelling day by day. We can truly know what it means when God calls Himself Emmanuel: God is with us. We can live Holy, set apart for the Lord. All these things are made possible by what our Lord did for us. Not by our hand, but by His grace. So let us freely receive. Let us just come humbly before Him with thanksgiving. Today!
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 9
詩篇 92:1-15
1 （安息日的詩歌。） 稱謝耶和華！ 歌頌你至高者的名！ 2 3 用十弦的樂器和瑟， 用琴彈幽雅的聲音， 早晨傳揚你的慈愛； 每夜傳揚你的信實。 這本為美事。 4 因你 ─ 耶和華藉著你的作為叫我高興， 我要因你手的工作歡呼。 5 耶和華啊， 你的工作何其大！ 你的心思極其深！ 6 畜類人不曉得； 愚頑人也不明白。 7 惡人茂盛如草， 一切作孽之人發旺的時候， 正是他們要滅亡， 直到永遠。 8 惟你─耶和華是至高， 直到永遠。 9 耶和華啊， 你的仇敵都要滅亡； 一切作孽的也要離散。 10 你卻高舉了我的角， 如野牛的角； 我是被新油膏了的。 11 我眼睛看見仇敵遭報； 我耳朵聽見那些起來攻擊我的惡人受罰。 12 義人要發旺如棕樹， 生長如利巴嫩的香柏樹。 13 他們栽於耶和華的殿中， 發旺在我們神的院裡。 14 他們年老的時候仍要結果子， 要滿了汁漿而常發青， 15 好顯明耶和華是正直的。 他是我的磐石， 在他毫無不義。
Psalm 92:1-15
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, 3 on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. 8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore. 9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord,for behold, Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. 11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
What a blessing that we, children of God, can declare His lovingkindness every morning and His faithfulness every night! Indeed it is a blessing for us. For when we ponder upon His works… works of grand wonders beyond our imagination - ones that mold and shape our very existence… and works of tender loving care - ones that show how He holds each one of us dear to His heart, as the target of His affection… - gladness, joy, and hope just overfills our soul!
The more we praise and give thanks, the more we are reminded that He is right here with us. In any circumstance, no matter how dark the world seems to us right now, no matter how big the giant that is standing before us, we know that His strong hands will guide us through. Through giving thanks, we remember! He has personally taken care of us again and again in the past. Will He not take care of us TODAY!?
Oh Lord, help us to have a thankful heart! As we count our blessings one by one, the darkness fades away and Your lovingkindness & faithfulness come into focus. You are good! So good to us! We thank you Lord!
1 （安息日的詩歌。） 稱謝耶和華！ 歌頌你至高者的名！ 2 3 用十弦的樂器和瑟， 用琴彈幽雅的聲音， 早晨傳揚你的慈愛； 每夜傳揚你的信實。 這本為美事。 4 因你 ─ 耶和華藉著你的作為叫我高興， 我要因你手的工作歡呼。 5 耶和華啊， 你的工作何其大！ 你的心思極其深！ 6 畜類人不曉得； 愚頑人也不明白。 7 惡人茂盛如草， 一切作孽之人發旺的時候， 正是他們要滅亡， 直到永遠。 8 惟你─耶和華是至高， 直到永遠。 9 耶和華啊， 你的仇敵都要滅亡； 一切作孽的也要離散。 10 你卻高舉了我的角， 如野牛的角； 我是被新油膏了的。 11 我眼睛看見仇敵遭報； 我耳朵聽見那些起來攻擊我的惡人受罰。 12 義人要發旺如棕樹， 生長如利巴嫩的香柏樹。 13 他們栽於耶和華的殿中， 發旺在我們神的院裡。 14 他們年老的時候仍要結果子， 要滿了汁漿而常發青， 15 好顯明耶和華是正直的。 他是我的磐石， 在他毫無不義。
Psalm 92:1-15
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night, 3 on an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. 8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore. 9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord,for behold, Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. 11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
What a blessing that we, children of God, can declare His lovingkindness every morning and His faithfulness every night! Indeed it is a blessing for us. For when we ponder upon His works… works of grand wonders beyond our imagination - ones that mold and shape our very existence… and works of tender loving care - ones that show how He holds each one of us dear to His heart, as the target of His affection… - gladness, joy, and hope just overfills our soul!
The more we praise and give thanks, the more we are reminded that He is right here with us. In any circumstance, no matter how dark the world seems to us right now, no matter how big the giant that is standing before us, we know that His strong hands will guide us through. Through giving thanks, we remember! He has personally taken care of us again and again in the past. Will He not take care of us TODAY!?
Oh Lord, help us to have a thankful heart! As we count our blessings one by one, the darkness fades away and Your lovingkindness & faithfulness come into focus. You are good! So good to us! We thank you Lord!
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 8
腓立比書 4:4-9
4 你們要靠主常常喜樂。 我再說， 你們要喜樂。 5 當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心。 主已經近了。 6 應當一無罣慮， 只要凡事藉著禱告、 祈求， 和感謝， 將你們所要的告訴神。 7 神所賜、 出人意外的平安必在基督耶穌裡保守你們的心懷意念。 8 弟兄們， 我還有未盡的話： 凡是真實的、 可敬的、 公義的、 清潔的、 可愛的、 有美名的， 若有甚麼德行， 若有甚麼稱讚， 這些事你們都要思念。 9 你們在我身上所學習的， 所領受的， 所聽見的， 所看見的， 這些事你們都要去行， 賜平安的神就必與你們同在。
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! This is the personal testimony of the Apostle Paul, just in front of the Philippian Christians. When he first evangelized at Philippi, Paul ended up in prison. Yet about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God! Can you imagine that? Two prisoners, in the middle of night, with many wounds, gave Praise to the LORD! Other prisoners were puzzled! Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. What an amazing testimony!
When about 10 years later Paul wrote Philippians, he was again in prison, but this time in Rome. Still, his command is rejoicing in the Lord Aways!
Once you choose to turn your eyes upon Jesus, there is something surpassing all understanding, that will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We may have many excuses to be anxious, but let’s remember God’s promise and command: Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! Again I will say, rejoice!
4 你們要靠主常常喜樂。 我再說， 你們要喜樂。 5 當叫眾人知道你們謙讓的心。 主已經近了。 6 應當一無罣慮， 只要凡事藉著禱告、 祈求， 和感謝， 將你們所要的告訴神。 7 神所賜、 出人意外的平安必在基督耶穌裡保守你們的心懷意念。 8 弟兄們， 我還有未盡的話： 凡是真實的、 可敬的、 公義的、 清潔的、 可愛的、 有美名的， 若有甚麼德行， 若有甚麼稱讚， 這些事你們都要思念。 9 你們在我身上所學習的， 所領受的， 所聽見的， 所看見的， 這些事你們都要去行， 賜平安的神就必與你們同在。
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! This is the personal testimony of the Apostle Paul, just in front of the Philippian Christians. When he first evangelized at Philippi, Paul ended up in prison. Yet about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God! Can you imagine that? Two prisoners, in the middle of night, with many wounds, gave Praise to the LORD! Other prisoners were puzzled! Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. What an amazing testimony!
When about 10 years later Paul wrote Philippians, he was again in prison, but this time in Rome. Still, his command is rejoicing in the Lord Aways!
Once you choose to turn your eyes upon Jesus, there is something surpassing all understanding, that will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We may have many excuses to be anxious, but let’s remember God’s promise and command: Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! Again I will say, rejoice!
Friday, November 7, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 7
詩篇 97:1-12
1 耶和華作王！ 願地快樂！ 願眾海島歡喜！ 2 密雲和幽暗在他的四圍； 公義和公平是他寶座的根基。 3 有烈火在他前頭行， 燒滅他四圍的敵人。 4 他的閃電光照世界， 大地看見便震動。 5 諸山見耶和華的面， 就是全地之主的面， 便消化如蠟。 6 諸天表明他的公義； 萬民看見他的榮耀。 7 願一切事奉雕刻的偶像、 靠虛無之神自誇的， 都蒙羞愧。 萬神哪， 你們都當拜他。 8 耶和華啊， 錫安聽見你的判斷就歡喜； 猶大的城邑（原文是女子）也都快樂。 9 因為你─耶和華至高， 超乎全地； 你被尊崇， 遠超萬神之上。 10 你們愛耶和華的， 都當恨惡罪惡； 他保護聖民的性命， 搭救他們脫離惡人的手。 11 散布亮光是為義人； 預備喜樂是為正直人。 12 你們義人當靠耶和華歡喜， 稱謝他可記念的聖名。
Psalm 97:1-12
1 The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him,
and burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. 7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. 9 For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Do you sometime feel that your life is full of cloud and darkness? There are just some things - work pressures, broken relationships, bad habits, sickness, rebelling teenagers ... - that block our vision and keep us from experiencing God. Where is God in the midst of all my troubles?
Today’s scripture tells us that right in the middle of the cloud and darkness The LORD reigns! Although we may not fully understand the mysteries of His hand, we know that His throne rests on righteousness and justice!
No matter what the circumstances around us or the feelings within us, "the Lord reigns". He reigns over all the earth, from where you are to the farthest places that you and I have never visited! This ought to bring joy and thanks to our hearts!
Pray we all can see God as He truly is! Therefore, rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name! High above thee clouds and darkness, the Sun stays the same! Do you see it?
1 耶和華作王！ 願地快樂！ 願眾海島歡喜！ 2 密雲和幽暗在他的四圍； 公義和公平是他寶座的根基。 3 有烈火在他前頭行， 燒滅他四圍的敵人。 4 他的閃電光照世界， 大地看見便震動。 5 諸山見耶和華的面， 就是全地之主的面， 便消化如蠟。 6 諸天表明他的公義； 萬民看見他的榮耀。 7 願一切事奉雕刻的偶像、 靠虛無之神自誇的， 都蒙羞愧。 萬神哪， 你們都當拜他。 8 耶和華啊， 錫安聽見你的判斷就歡喜； 猶大的城邑（原文是女子）也都快樂。 9 因為你─耶和華至高， 超乎全地； 你被尊崇， 遠超萬神之上。 10 你們愛耶和華的， 都當恨惡罪惡； 他保護聖民的性命， 搭救他們脫離惡人的手。 11 散布亮光是為義人； 預備喜樂是為正直人。 12 你們義人當靠耶和華歡喜， 稱謝他可記念的聖名。
Psalm 97:1-12
1 The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad! 2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him,
and burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. 7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O Lord. 9 For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Do you sometime feel that your life is full of cloud and darkness? There are just some things - work pressures, broken relationships, bad habits, sickness, rebelling teenagers ... - that block our vision and keep us from experiencing God. Where is God in the midst of all my troubles?
Today’s scripture tells us that right in the middle of the cloud and darkness The LORD reigns! Although we may not fully understand the mysteries of His hand, we know that His throne rests on righteousness and justice!
No matter what the circumstances around us or the feelings within us, "the Lord reigns". He reigns over all the earth, from where you are to the farthest places that you and I have never visited! This ought to bring joy and thanks to our hearts!
Pray we all can see God as He truly is! Therefore, rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name! High above thee clouds and darkness, the Sun stays the same! Do you see it?
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 6
但以理書 6:10
但以理知道這禁令蓋了玉璽， 就到自己家裡（他樓上的窗戶開向耶路撒冷）， 一日三次雙膝跪在他 神面前， 禱告感謝， 與素常一樣。
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
What are the things you would skip when you are short of time? We probably have to admit that to give up our daily devotion life is probably at the top of the list. Actually you may just missed a couple Thanksgiving passages in the past few days due to the BUSYNESS of your life!
Today’s scripture is about Daniel, who kept a consistent prayer life with high quality for more than 70 years while being a busy powerful person of the Medo-Persian Empire with many demands upon his time.
Daniel was framed by his enemies into a life-threatening situation where he would be thrown into the Lion’s den if he refused to compromise his daily prayer life. There were other options open to Daniel. Why not cease praying for 30 days to outwit the enemies? Why not change the custom and pray somewhere else, perhaps in secret? Why not simply pray inaudibly as doing other duties?
But Daniel chose to kneel down on his knees three times that day, to pray in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, just as was his custom since early days! Amazingly, like what he usually did, in his prayer Daniel gave Thanks! Isn't that wonderful? We all know the rest of the story. Often time, we wish we also can have a victorious life just like Daniel in this wicked generation, but are we really willing to pay the price?
Have a blessed day!
但以理知道這禁令蓋了玉璽， 就到自己家裡（他樓上的窗戶開向耶路撒冷）， 一日三次雙膝跪在他 神面前， 禱告感謝， 與素常一樣。
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
What are the things you would skip when you are short of time? We probably have to admit that to give up our daily devotion life is probably at the top of the list. Actually you may just missed a couple Thanksgiving passages in the past few days due to the BUSYNESS of your life!
Today’s scripture is about Daniel, who kept a consistent prayer life with high quality for more than 70 years while being a busy powerful person of the Medo-Persian Empire with many demands upon his time.
Daniel was framed by his enemies into a life-threatening situation where he would be thrown into the Lion’s den if he refused to compromise his daily prayer life. There were other options open to Daniel. Why not cease praying for 30 days to outwit the enemies? Why not change the custom and pray somewhere else, perhaps in secret? Why not simply pray inaudibly as doing other duties?
But Daniel chose to kneel down on his knees three times that day, to pray in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, just as was his custom since early days! Amazingly, like what he usually did, in his prayer Daniel gave Thanks! Isn't that wonderful? We all know the rest of the story. Often time, we wish we also can have a victorious life just like Daniel in this wicked generation, but are we really willing to pay the price?
Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 5
詩篇69:22-36
22 願他們的筵席在他們面前變為網羅， 在他們平安的時候變為機檻。 23 願他們的眼睛昏矇， 不得看見； 願你使他們的腰常常戰抖。 24 求你將你的惱恨倒在他們身上， 叫你的烈怒追上他們。 25 願他們的住處變為荒場； 願他們的帳棚無人居住。 26 因為， 你所擊打的， 他們就逼迫； 你所擊傷的， 他們戲說他的愁苦。 27 願你在他們的罪上加罪， 不容他們在你面前稱義。 28 願他們從生命冊上被塗抹， 不得記錄在義人之中。 29 但我是困苦憂傷的； 神啊， 願你的救恩將我安置在高處。 30 我要以詩歌讚美神的名， 以感謝稱他為大！ 31 這便叫耶和華喜悅， 勝似獻牛， 或是獻有角有蹄的公牛。 32 謙卑的人看見了就喜樂； 尋求神的人， 願你們的心甦醒。 33 因為耶和華聽了窮乏人， 不藐視被囚的人。 34 願天和地、 洋海和其中一切的動物都讚美他！ 35 因為神要拯救錫安， 建造猶大的城邑； 他的民要在那裡居住， 得以為業。 36 他僕人的後裔要承受為業； 愛他名的人也要住在其中。
Psalm 69:22-36
22 Let their table become a snare before them, and their well-being a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually. 24 Pour out Your indignation upon them, and let Your wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents. 26 For they persecute the ones You have struck, and talk of the grief of those You have wounded. 27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves. 32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. 33 For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. 36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.
Does today’s passage bother you? Do you find it difficult to reconcile the “harsh” language of this passage with Jesus’ teaching that we should love our enemies? If that is the case, you are not alone.
But the New Testament writers are not the least embarrassed about these imprecatory passages in Psalms. In fact Psalm 69 is the 3rd most cited Psalm by the New Testament writers. David is not praying to God out of malice and vindictiveness against someone he dislikes personally. It is a spirit filled prophet who is being inspired to write down the very words of God! It is not a matter of personal revenge; rather, these “harsh” statements reflect David’s awareness of God’s justice and his intolerance for sin. C. S. Lewis was correct when he wrote: “The ferocious parts of the Psalms serve as a reminder that there is in the world such a thing as wickedness and that . . . is hateful to God”
Sin must be punished, will be punished and is being punished. Let us remember that God is a HOLY God who hates sin! May today’s passage reminder us that:
we once were ALL CURSED,
but now we have been REDEEMED from the curse
as Jesus Christ died on the cross to BECOME ACCURSED FOR YOU AND ME!
Only the SALVATION of God sets us up on high! It is GRACE ONLY! That is why you and I need to have a THANKFUL heart!
22 願他們的筵席在他們面前變為網羅， 在他們平安的時候變為機檻。 23 願他們的眼睛昏矇， 不得看見； 願你使他們的腰常常戰抖。 24 求你將你的惱恨倒在他們身上， 叫你的烈怒追上他們。 25 願他們的住處變為荒場； 願他們的帳棚無人居住。 26 因為， 你所擊打的， 他們就逼迫； 你所擊傷的， 他們戲說他的愁苦。 27 願你在他們的罪上加罪， 不容他們在你面前稱義。 28 願他們從生命冊上被塗抹， 不得記錄在義人之中。 29 但我是困苦憂傷的； 神啊， 願你的救恩將我安置在高處。 30 我要以詩歌讚美神的名， 以感謝稱他為大！ 31 這便叫耶和華喜悅， 勝似獻牛， 或是獻有角有蹄的公牛。 32 謙卑的人看見了就喜樂； 尋求神的人， 願你們的心甦醒。 33 因為耶和華聽了窮乏人， 不藐視被囚的人。 34 願天和地、 洋海和其中一切的動物都讚美他！ 35 因為神要拯救錫安， 建造猶大的城邑； 他的民要在那裡居住， 得以為業。 36 他僕人的後裔要承受為業； 愛他名的人也要住在其中。
Psalm 69:22-36
22 Let their table become a snare before them, and their well-being a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually. 24 Pour out Your indignation upon them, and let Your wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents. 26 For they persecute the ones You have struck, and talk of the grief of those You have wounded. 27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves. 32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. 33 For the Lord hears the poor, and does not despise His prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. 36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it.
Does today’s passage bother you? Do you find it difficult to reconcile the “harsh” language of this passage with Jesus’ teaching that we should love our enemies? If that is the case, you are not alone.
But the New Testament writers are not the least embarrassed about these imprecatory passages in Psalms. In fact Psalm 69 is the 3rd most cited Psalm by the New Testament writers. David is not praying to God out of malice and vindictiveness against someone he dislikes personally. It is a spirit filled prophet who is being inspired to write down the very words of God! It is not a matter of personal revenge; rather, these “harsh” statements reflect David’s awareness of God’s justice and his intolerance for sin. C. S. Lewis was correct when he wrote: “The ferocious parts of the Psalms serve as a reminder that there is in the world such a thing as wickedness and that . . . is hateful to God”
Sin must be punished, will be punished and is being punished. Let us remember that God is a HOLY God who hates sin! May today’s passage reminder us that:
we once were ALL CURSED,
but now we have been REDEEMED from the curse
as Jesus Christ died on the cross to BECOME ACCURSED FOR YOU AND ME!
Only the SALVATION of God sets us up on high! It is GRACE ONLY! That is why you and I need to have a THANKFUL heart!
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 4
詩篇 50:7-15
7 我的民哪， 你們當聽我的話！ 以色列啊， 我要勸戒你； 我是神， 是你的神！ 8 我並不因你的祭物責備你； 你的燔祭常在我面前。 9 我不從你家中取公牛， 也不從你圈內取山羊； 10 因為， 樹林中的百獸是我的， 千山上的牲畜也是我的。 11 山中的飛鳥， 我都知道； 野地的走獸也都屬我。 12 我若是飢餓， 我不用告訴你， 因為世界和其中所充滿的都是我的。 13 我豈吃公牛的肉呢？ 我豈喝山羊的血呢？ 14 你們要以感謝為祭獻與神， 又要向至高者還你的願， 15 並要在患難之日求告我； 我必搭救你， 你也要榮耀我。
Psalm 50:7-15
7 “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! 8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are continually before Me. 9 I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
For us who go to church weekly, and give our time and money for ministries, are we doing that out of habit or from the heart?
Today’s scripture is about the true meaning and purpose of sacrifices. People of Israel erred in thinking that offering sacrifices was all God expected. God reminded them in Psalm 50 that He did not need anything from them as He already owned everything they presented to Him. God actually is the provider for all our needs. When He provides, He wants His children to honor him with gratitude.
God doesn't need my sacrifices or yours, but He does want a thankful heart that comes with them!
...Our God wants to enjoy a vital relationship with us! Have you and I been serving God from a heart of thanksgiving?
7 我的民哪， 你們當聽我的話！ 以色列啊， 我要勸戒你； 我是神， 是你的神！ 8 我並不因你的祭物責備你； 你的燔祭常在我面前。 9 我不從你家中取公牛， 也不從你圈內取山羊； 10 因為， 樹林中的百獸是我的， 千山上的牲畜也是我的。 11 山中的飛鳥， 我都知道； 野地的走獸也都屬我。 12 我若是飢餓， 我不用告訴你， 因為世界和其中所充滿的都是我的。 13 我豈吃公牛的肉呢？ 我豈喝山羊的血呢？ 14 你們要以感謝為祭獻與神， 又要向至高者還你的願， 15 並要在患難之日求告我； 我必搭救你， 你也要榮耀我。
Psalm 50:7-15
7 “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! 8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are continually before Me. 9 I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
For us who go to church weekly, and give our time and money for ministries, are we doing that out of habit or from the heart?
Today’s scripture is about the true meaning and purpose of sacrifices. People of Israel erred in thinking that offering sacrifices was all God expected. God reminded them in Psalm 50 that He did not need anything from them as He already owned everything they presented to Him. God actually is the provider for all our needs. When He provides, He wants His children to honor him with gratitude.
God doesn't need my sacrifices or yours, but He does want a thankful heart that comes with them!
...Our God wants to enjoy a vital relationship with us! Have you and I been serving God from a heart of thanksgiving?
Monday, November 3, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 3
詩篇 26:1-7
1 耶和華啊， 求你為我伸冤，因我向來行事純全； 我又倚靠耶和華，並不搖動。 2 耶和華啊， 求你察看我， 試驗我， 熬煉我的肺腑心腸。 3 因為你的慈愛常在我眼前， 我也按你的真理而行。 4 我沒有和虛謊人同坐， 也不與瞞哄人的同群。 5 我恨惡惡人的會， 必不與惡人同坐。 6 耶和華啊， 我要洗手表明無辜， 才環繞你的祭壇； 7 我好發稱謝的聲音， 也要述說 你一切奇妙的作為。
Psalm 26:1-7
1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, 7 that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.
God is love. Actually in Psalm 26:3, David tells us that His lovingkindness is always before our eyes! But David also reminds us in the very same verse that we need to walk in truth, as our God is also the God of truth! Before David was about to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s wondrous works on him, he had to wash his hands to declare his innocence.
Praise the Lord, the blood of Jesus has already cleansed every believer from all sin. Therefore, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit every believer has the full potential to walk in the light as God Himself is in the light! But is this the reality of our life? May David’s plea also be our plea for today: Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart!
1 耶和華啊， 求你為我伸冤，因我向來行事純全； 我又倚靠耶和華，並不搖動。 2 耶和華啊， 求你察看我， 試驗我， 熬煉我的肺腑心腸。 3 因為你的慈愛常在我眼前， 我也按你的真理而行。 4 我沒有和虛謊人同坐， 也不與瞞哄人的同群。 5 我恨惡惡人的會， 必不與惡人同坐。 6 耶和華啊， 我要洗手表明無辜， 才環繞你的祭壇； 7 我好發稱謝的聲音， 也要述說 你一切奇妙的作為。
Psalm 26:1-7
1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, 7 that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.
God is love. Actually in Psalm 26:3, David tells us that His lovingkindness is always before our eyes! But David also reminds us in the very same verse that we need to walk in truth, as our God is also the God of truth! Before David was about to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s wondrous works on him, he had to wash his hands to declare his innocence.
Praise the Lord, the blood of Jesus has already cleansed every believer from all sin. Therefore, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit every believer has the full potential to walk in the light as God Himself is in the light! But is this the reality of our life? May David’s plea also be our plea for today: Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart!
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 2
啟 4:9-11
9 每逢四活物將榮耀、尊貴、感謝歸給那坐在寶座上、活到永永遠遠者的時候，10 那二十四位長老就俯伏在坐寶座的面前，敬拜那活到永永遠遠的，又把他們的冠冕放在寶座前，說：11 “我們的主，我們的 神，你是配得榮耀、尊貴、權柄的，因為你創造了萬物，並且萬物是因你的旨意被創造而有的。”
Revelation 4:9-11
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
True spiritual worship is perhaps one of the greatest needs in our individual lives and in our churches. We as God’s people are called not only to be witnesses for Christ and to work for Christ, but also to worship Him.
The Book of Revelation is filled with hymns of praise. It is significant when you remember that John actually wrote this book to encourage people who were going through suffering and persecution!
The praise in Revelation 4:9-11 is given to the Father on the throne, the Creator of all things! You are not an accident. Your current circumstance is not an accident! Your life actually matters as you were created by the will of the eternal Creator for a special and glorious purpose!
Heaven is a place of worship, and God's people shall worship Him throughout all eternity. Perhaps it would be good for us to get in practice now, especially on this Lord’s Day today!
True spiritual worship is perhaps one of the greatest needs in our individual lives and in our churches. We as God’s people are called not only to be witnesses for Christ and to work for Christ, but also to worship Him.
The Book of Revelation is filled with hymns of praise. It is significant when you remember that John actually wrote this book to encourage people who were going through suffering and persecution!
The praise in Revelation 4:9-11 is given to the Father on the throne, the Creator of all things! You are not an accident. Your current circumstance is not an accident! Your life actually matters as you were created by the will of the eternal Creator for a special and glorious purpose!
Heaven is a place of worship, and God's people shall worship Him throughout all eternity. Perhaps it would be good for us to get in practice now, especially on this Lord’s Day today!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Month of Thanksgiving - Day 1
弗 5:18-21
18 不要醉酒，酒能使人放蕩，乃要被聖靈充滿。19 當用詩章、頌詞、靈歌彼此對說，口唱心和地讚美主。20 凡事要奉我們主耶穌基督的名，常常感謝父 神。21 又當存敬畏基督的心，彼此順服。
Ephesians 5:18-21
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
November is the month of thanksgiving in American tradition. Let us, the children of God who are saved by grace, be reminded to “give thanks” through this month. In Ephesian 5:18-21, the apostle Paul actually reminds us that one of the characteristics of a Christian filled with the Spirit is “to give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”! Though the year 2014 may not have been an easy year for many of us, but God is the same and still the One who reigns in every circumstance! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Starting from today, let’s practice to give thanks ALWAYS for ALL THINGS individually or as a family. Let our daily lives be filled with the Word of God and thanksgiving!
18 不要醉酒，酒能使人放蕩，乃要被聖靈充滿。19 當用詩章、頌詞、靈歌彼此對說，口唱心和地讚美主。20 凡事要奉我們主耶穌基督的名，常常感謝父 神。21 又當存敬畏基督的心，彼此順服。
Ephesians 5:18-21
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
November is the month of thanksgiving in American tradition. Let us, the children of God who are saved by grace, be reminded to “give thanks” through this month. In Ephesian 5:18-21, the apostle Paul actually reminds us that one of the characteristics of a Christian filled with the Spirit is “to give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”! Though the year 2014 may not have been an easy year for many of us, but God is the same and still the One who reigns in every circumstance! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Starting from today, let’s practice to give thanks ALWAYS for ALL THINGS individually or as a family. Let our daily lives be filled with the Word of God and thanksgiving!
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