主愛之家基督教會 The House of Christ's Love
每日讀經分享 Daily Bible Sharing
2011年5月 May, 2011
May 31
25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”[c] 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.Sharing: Something has changed in me. When I last watch the movie "Passion of Christ", i was extremely sad to watch the horrific death of Christ. Today I read about Christ's death, I see a beautiful love story about Him. First, moment before Christ's death, He asked one of His beloved disciple to take care of this woman as his own mother. Jesus loves His mother alive or dead. Second, the very last moment before Jesus died, He fulfilled His Father's prophesy that He would be thirsty before His last word "It is finished" and His last breathe. Third, immediately after His death, a soldier pierced His side with a spear and blood and water flowed out, not by accident but both necessary as planned to justify us by washing all our sins by His blood and to sanctify us by changing our inside by His purity water. Last but not least, the same night that Jesus had to be taken down from the cross, two fearsome and least expected Christ's friends came to embalm His body. The body was dead, but His Spirit was already making Joseph and Nicodemus not to be afraid of Jewish and Roman leaders anymore as if in fact they were reborn in His Spirit as promised. What a beautiful death! Jesus loved His mother dearly, told His Father that He had done everything He asked Him to do, then shed blood and water for ALL of us, and His Spirit started giving rebirth to the "fearful undecided on-the-fence Christian-non Christian hybrid" like us. Praise the Lord to let us see your beautiful plan of your love, and please help us to be as fearless as Joseph and Nicodemus to love you back.
Date: Monday 05/30/2011
by George
撒母耳记下16
20押沙龙对亚希多弗说：你们出个主意，我们怎样行才好？
21亚希多弗对押沙龙说：你父所留下看守宫殿的妃嫔，你可以与他们亲近。以色列众人听见你父亲憎恶你，凡归顺你人的手就更坚强。
23那时亚希多弗所出的主意好像人问神的话一样；他昔日给大卫，今日给押沙龙所出的主意，都是这样。
2 Samuel 16
20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?”
21 Ahithophel answered, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.”
23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.
Sharing:
亚希多弗是个极其聪明的谋士。过去他效忠大卫，如今背叛大卫开始效忠押沙龙。他的计谋足以欺骗以色列众人，使大卫看起来像个小心眼的恶王。过去的大卫和现在的押沙龙都对他言听计从，因为他们信靠他的才智。这是极大的错误。耶稣对我们说“谁是忠心有见识的仆人？”忠心乃是在见识之前。忠心和无愧的良心过于能力。愿我们服事我们的主和祂的教会乃是以忠心为首，见识为辅。
What a sad story. Both the father and son were manupulated by someone they both trusted and yet this Ahithophel is so shrewed and evil. May we remember that faithfulness (before God) takes precedence before earthly wisdom.
Date: Monday, 05/30/2011
By Philip
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
詩 篇 119:97-112
97 我 何 等 愛 慕 你 的 律 法 ， 終 日 不 住 地 思 想 。
98 你 的 命 令 常 存 在 我 心 裡 ， 使 我 比 仇 敵 有 智 慧 。
99 我 比 我 的 師 傅 更 通 達 ， 因 我 思 想 你 的 法 度 。
100 我 比 年 老 的 更 明 白 ， 因 我 守 了 你 的 訓 詞 。
101 我 禁 止 我 腳 走 一 切 的 邪 路 ， 為 要 遵 守 你 的 話 。
102 我 沒 有 偏 離 你 的 典 章 ， 因 為 你 教 訓 了 我 。
103 你 的 言 語 在 我 上 膛 何 等 甘 美 ， 在 我 口 中 比 蜜 更 甜 ！
104 我 藉 著 你 的 訓 詞 得 以 明 白 ， 所 以 我 恨 一 切 的 假 道 。
105 你 的 話 是 我 腳 前 的 燈 ， 是 我 路 上 的 光 。
106 你 公 義 的 典 章 ， 我 曾 起 誓 遵 守 ， 我 必 按 誓 而 行 。
107 我 甚 是 受 苦 ； 耶 和 華 啊 ， 求 你 照 你 的 話 將 我 救 活 ！
108 耶 和 華 啊 ， 求 你 悅 納 我 口 中 的 讚 美 為 供 物 ， 又 將 你 的 典 章 教 訓 我 ！
109 我 的 性 命 常 在 危 險 之 中 ， 我 卻 不 忘 記 你 的 律 法 。
110 惡 人 為 我 設 下 網 羅 ， 我 卻 沒 有 偏 離 你 的 訓 詞 。
111 我 以 你 的 法 度 為 永 遠 的 產 業 ， 因 這 是 我 心 中 所 喜 愛 的 。
112 我 的 心 專 向 你 的 律 例 ， 永 遠 遵 行 ， 一 直 到 底 。
Date: Saturday, 05/28/2011
By Kristian
Psalm 119:86
86 All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
Date: Friday, 05/27/2011
By Christian
Psalms 119:76-77 May your unfailing love be my comfort,according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,for your law is my delight.
Date: May 27, 2011
Shared by: TC Lo
2Sa 9:3 The king (David) asked, "Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" Ziba (Saul’s servant) answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."
2Sa 9:4 "Where is he?" the king asked. Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."
2Sa 9:6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" "Your servant," he replied.
2Sa 9:7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
2Sa 9:8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
2Sa 9:9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.
2Sa 9:10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons.
In his book “The Grace Awakening,” Charles Swindoll illustrated an interesting comparison between Mephibosheth and we Christians today. I put it in a table format in order to highlight the juxtaposition:
|
Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-11) |
Christians |
|
Once Mephibosheth enjoyed fellowship with his father. |
And so did the original couple, Adam and Eve, in the lovely Garden of Eden. |
|
When disaster struck, fear came, and Mephibosheth suffered a fall that crippled him for the rest of his life. |
And so it was when sin came, humanity suffered a fall which has left us permanently disabled the earth. |
|
David, the king, out of unconditional love for his beloved friend Jonathan sought out anyone to whom he might extend his grace. |
In the like manner, God the father, because of His unconditional acceptance of His one and only Son’s death on the cross, continues to seek anyone to whom He might extend His grace. |
|
The disable man had nothing, did nothing, and deserved nothing. He didn’t even try to win the king’s favor. All he could do was humbly accept it. |
So we---sinners without hope and totally undeserving, in no way worthy of our God’s favor---humbly accept it. |
|
The king restored the cripple from his miserable existence---a place of barrenness and desolation---to a place of fellowship and honor. |
God, our Father, has done the same for us. From our own personal “Lo-debar” (v.4) of brokenness and depravity, He rescued us and brought us into a place of spiritual nourishment and intimate closeness. |
|
David adopted Mephibosheth into his royal family, providing him with uninterrupted provisions, nourishment, and blessings. |
We, too, have been adopted as sons and daughters into His royal ranks, surrounded by ceaseless delights. |
|
The adopted son’s limp was a constant reminder of the king’s grace. |
Our imperfect state keeps us from ever forgetting that where sin abounds, grace super abounds. |
|
When Mephibosheth sat at the king’s table, he was treated as one of David’s own sons---no less than Absalom or Solomon. |
When we feast one day with our Lord, the same will be true. |
What a graphic portrayal of God’s grace!
Date: May 26, 2011
Shared by: Eliza
John 15 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 約 翰 福 音 15 10 你 們 若 遵 守 我 的 命 令 ， 就 常 在 我 的 愛 裡 ， 正 如 我 遵 守 了 我 父 的 命 令 ， 常 在 他 的 愛 裡 。 11 這 些 事 我 已 經 對 你 們 說 了 ， 是 要 叫 我 的 喜 樂 存 在 你 們 心 裡 ， 並 叫 你 們 的 喜 樂 可 以 滿 足 。 12 你 們 要 彼 此 相 愛 ， 像 我 愛 你 們 一 樣 ； 這 就 是 我 的 命 令 。
Psalm 119 63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 64 The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. 詩 篇 119 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 ！
Sharing:
pslam:143: 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in YOU. Show me the way I should go, for to YOU I lift up my soul. 10 Teach me to do your will, for You are my GOD. May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
詩 篇 143:8 8 求 你 使 我 清 晨 得 听 你 慈 爱 之 言 ， 因 我 倚 靠 你 ； 求 你 使 我 知 道 当 行 的 路 ， 因 我 的 心 仰 望 你 。10 求 你 指 教 我 遵 行 你 的 旨 意 ， 因 你 是 我 的 神 。 你 的 灵 本 为 善 ； 求 你 引 我 到 平 坦 之 地 。
Date: Thursday, 05/26/2011
By Chunming
箴 言 16
1 心 中 的 謀 算 在 乎 人 ； 舌 頭 的 應 對 由 於 耶 和 華 。
2 人 一 切 所 行 的 ， 在 自 己 眼 中 看 為 清 潔 ； 惟 有 耶 和 華 衡 量 人 心 。
3 你 所 做 的 ， 要 交 託 耶 和 華 ， 你 所 謀 的 ， 就 必 成 立 。
Ptoverb 15
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Sharing:
The three verses again remind me of God’s authority and He is the Lord of all. How to learn to “Let go and Let God 放手, 讓神來” and how to be not fair-I-see are a constant struggle for me. Hope I am improving .... like my age.... :-)
Date: 5/25/2011
By Wai
Proverb 15:33
33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
John 14:15
15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.
Sharing:
Fear before wisdom, humility before honor, love before obedience
We need true fear out of reverence and feeling of awe to our God, not
out of wanting wisdom from our God
We need humility out of true understanding who we are, that we are
nothing but sinners, not out of wanting honor.
We need the love for our Savior Jesus Christ as our motivation and
root reason of our obedience.
God looks into our hearts and minds, He knows us. He knows our motives
and what drive us.
May He be the only reason and nothing else
Date: 5/24/2011
By Ling
John:
13:34: 我赐给你们一条新命令、乃是叫你们彼此相爱．我怎样爱你们、
Date: Tuesday, 05/24/2011
by Fenlan
2 Samuel 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart. 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled.
John 14:9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
撒 母 耳 記 下 6:3 他 們 將 神 的 約 櫃 從 岡 上 亞 比 拿 達 的 家 裡 抬 出 來 ， 放 在 新 車 上 ； 亞 比 拿 達 的 兩 個 兒 子 烏 撒 和 亞 希 約 趕 這 新 車 。6 到 了 拿 艮 的 禾 場 ， 因 為 牛 失 前 蹄 （ 或 譯 ： 驚 跳 ） ， 烏 撒 就 伸 手 扶 住 神 的 約 櫃 。
約 翰 福 音 14:9 耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 腓 力 ， 我 與 你 們 同 在 這 樣 長 久 ， 你 還 不 認 識 我 麼 ？ 人 看 見 了 我 ， 就 是 看 見 了 父 ； 你 怎 麼 說 將 父 顯 給 我 們 看 呢 ？
Sharing: We know that Uzzah was stricken down and died beside the ark of God as a result of his irreverent act in verse 6. According to 1Samuel 7:1-2, the ark of God remained at Abinadab's house for more than twenty years before King David brought it up from there. It seemed that Uzzah, the son of Abinadab, did not know the ark of God should be carried with the poles on the shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the Lord, after guarding the ark of God a long time. This lesson teaches me to ponder that whether or not we, those who claim to serve God, know God's decrees, His will and His heart? Are we always in pursuit of knowing God as we serve Him?
Date: Monday, 05/23/2011
by Michelle
約翰福音 13
14 我是你們的主，你們的夫子，尚且洗你們的腳，你們也當彼此洗腳。
15 我給你們做了榜樣，叫你們照著我向你們所做的去做。
John 13
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also
should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Sharing: We should be like our Lord, humble ourselves, serve and build
up one another with love.
Date: Monday, 05/23/2011
by Philip
Jon 13:8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Date: 05/23/2011
by Yiheng
John: 13: 17
13:17你们既知道这事、若是去行就有福了。
Sharing: 基督徒的见证不应单单靠口, 也应有行动. 基督徒的信仰也不应单单是在我们的脑海里, 成为一种知识和学问. 我们的信仰应该体现在我们的生命/生活当中.
Date: 05/22/2011
by Annie
23 耶 穌 說 ： 人 子 得 榮 耀 的 時 候 到 了 。
24 我 實 實 在 在 的 告 訴 你 們 ， 一 粒 麥 子 不 落 在 地 裡 死 了 ， 仍 舊 是 一 粒 ，
若 是 死 了 ， 就 結 出 許 多 子 粒 來 。
25 愛 惜 自 己 生 命 的 ， 就 失 喪 生 命 ； 在 這 世 上 恨 惡 自 己 生 命 的 ， 就 要 保 守 生 命 到 永 生 。
26 若 有 人 服 事 我 ， 就 當 跟 從 我 ； 我 在 那 裡 ， 服 事 我 的 人 也 要 在 那 裡 ；
若 有 人 服 事 我 ， 我 父 必 尊 重 他 。
41 以 賽 亞 因 為 看 見 他 的 榮 耀 ， 就 指 著 他 說 這 話 。
42 雖 然 如 此 ， 官 長 中 卻 有 好 些 信 他 的 ， 只 因 法 利 賽 人 的 緣 故 ， 就 不 承 認 ，
恐 怕 被 趕 出 會 堂 。
43 這 是 因 他 們 愛 人 的 榮 耀 過 於 愛 神 的 榮 耀 。
謝謝神照亮了我的心，提醒我不要太愛惜自己的生命，反要恨惡自己生命。有了這樣的新生命，
我就能更輕步的跟從主，服事他。
我也感謝神，告訴我不要愛人的榮耀多過愛神的榮耀，做一亇合乎神心意的家庭。 謝謝主。
Date: Sunday, 05/22/2011
by George
约翰福音12
37他虽然在他们面前行了许多神迹，他们还是不信他。
42虽然如此，官长中却有好些信他的，只因法利赛人的缘故，就不承认，恐怕被赶出会堂。
43这是因他们爱人的荣耀过于爱神的荣耀。
John 12
37-43 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Sharing
有人的赞赏，荣耀，真是很吸引人的。这些会让自己有成就感，安全感，也觉得自己在人前有价值。可是如果因此失去了与神子有分，并从神而来的赞赏，这是莫大甚至是永远的损失。愿我们专注于神的赞赏，敢为我们的信仰做见证，因为这是蒙神喜悦的。
How adorable is the praise from men. It gives us a sense of achievement, self worth and security before others. However if we lose the praise from God and the portion from His son because of it, it will be an eternal lose. May we focus on God’s praise alone; have courage to stand up for our faith, for this pleases our Lord.
Date: 05/21/2011
by Johnathan
4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
he has become my salvation
15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
Sharing: In this crooked and depraved world, darkness seems to be everywhere. We feel helpless and we wonder how we can shine like the star as Paul encouraged the Philippians to do almost two thousand years ago by holding out the Word of life. Today Psalm 118 says these to me: No matter how I experience life, I must give thanks to God who has already given me His eternal love, and I only have to fear that God can take everything away from me if I don't obey Him. If I am hard pressed by any people around me, just cry out loud to my Lord, and He will be with me until He brings us the victory over people that gives us problems here and there. Meanwhile I can take refuge in the Lord instead of trusting humans to give me comfort of safety and love, strength to overcome fear of failure and death, and promise of salvation now and forever, because only God can do all that. With such firm support, I can shout out of joy and victory anytime, because I will live forever with Him, and dead will not separate us from His love. I love verse 18 as a confirmation how God loves us as His son and daughter: He will chasten us severely, but be sure that He will not give us over to death. Therefore even in this crooked and depraved world, we can and should live on to shine like any star because the power of the star that comes from millions of lightyears away actually just lives in our heart. Let's praise the Lord that is willing to live in our heart.
Date: 05/20/2011
by Margaret
箴 言 15:22-23
22 不 先 商 議 ， 所 謀 無 效 ； 謀 士 眾 多 ， 所 謀 乃 成 。
23 口 善 應 對 ， 自 覺 喜 樂 ； 話 合 其 時 ， 何 等 美 好 。
這裡也教導我們說話合宜合時是為人處事的智慧. 求主賜給我們這樣的智慧.
Date: Friday, 05/20/2011
by Christian
Psalms 117: 1-2 Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Date: Friday, 05/20/2011
by Chunshi
約翰福音 11
40 耶穌說、我不是對你說過、你若信、就必看見 神的榮耀麼。
John 11
40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Sharing
Matha and Mary did not understand why Lazarus had to die, why Jesus waited four days before coming to Bethany, and how Jesus revived Lazarus. But at the end, they witness the glory of God. I learn a lesson here. There are a lot of things we don't understand when they happened. Hold on to our belief, and glory of God will be revealed.
Date: 05/19/2011
by John
28 我 又 賜 給 他 們 永 生 ； 他 們 永 不 滅 亡 ， 誰 也 不 能 從 我 手 裡 把 他 們 奪 去 。
這就是主耶穌基督給我們的應許. 我們的生命也因主耶穌基督全面翻新. 主耶穌基督在乎我們的一切,甚至永生. 我們的平安就在基督裡.
Date: Wednesday, 05/18/2011
by Chunming
撒 母 耳 記 上 22
1 大 衛 就 離 開 那 裡 ， 逃 到 亞 杜 蘭 洞 。 他 的 弟 兄 和 他 父 親 的 全 家 聽 見 了 ， 就 都 下 到 他 那 裡 。
2 凡 受 窘 迫 的 、 欠 債 的 、 心 裡 苦 惱 的 都 聚 集 到 大 衛 那 裡 ； 大 衛 就 作 他 們 的 頭 目 ， 跟 隨 他 的 約 有 四 百 人 。
1 Samuel 22
1 David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there.
2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.
Sharing:
During David’s difficult times (running for life), it is very encouraging to see that he has the full support from his family, even in light of in 17:28, David received a criticism from his oldest brother Eliab. Then he became a leader of all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented. From these two verses, it implies that David is a person of beloved and he is caring and sensitive to the needy. In fact, he is also a person of humility before the Lord – even when the “anointed” King Saul was chasing him to kill, he chose to run away instead of fighting back.
Date: 05/17/2011
by Cathy
Jn 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
Jn 9:40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
Sharing: May God open our spiritual eyes to recognize that He is sovereign and that if we act not according to His will, our effort will be futile.
Date: Tuesday, 05/17/2011
by Kafai
約 翰 福 音 10
14 我 是 好 牧 人 ； 我 认 识 我 的 羊 ， 我 的 羊 也 认 识 我 ，
John 10
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
Sharing:
God definitively knows us well but do we know God's well?
Date: Monday, 05/16/2011
by Philip
John 8:50-51 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
Date: 05/16/2011
by TC
Background: Jesus healed a man who was born blind (John 9).
Jn 9:35 Jesus heard that they (the Pharisees and the skeptics) had thrown him (the who regained sight) out, and when he (Jesus) found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
Jn 9:36 "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
Jn 9:37 Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
Jn 9:38 Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
Jn 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
Jn 9:40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
Jn 9:41 Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
Sharing: Verses 39 to 41 are of particular interest. In an amazing way, Jesus turned the question back to the Pharisees. Those who had physical sight but no vision of the soul were actually the blind ones, Jesus said, for at least the physically blind person knew his disability, whereas the spiritually blind person had no inkling of his greater disability.
As I pondered upon these verses, I came across an article on yesterday’s Yahoo front page which I quote here:
LONDON -- Famed theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking finds no room for heaven in his vision of the cosmos. In an interview published Monday in The Guardian newspaper, the 69-year-old says the human brain is a like a computer that will stop working when its components fail. He says: "There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."
Hawking has a sharp mind and functioning eyes but he also has been paralyzed by the Lou Gehrig’s disease since he was 22. He can only speak through speech synthesizer. For a man like him, you would think he would naturally seek God and recognize his own finitude. Not so. When one has determined to reject God, the vision of one’s soul is darkened and become spiritually blind. From his own words, it could hardly have missed that meaninglessness and hopelessness stalk Hawking’s life. Today, we should recognize our spiritual blindness and ask Jesus to heal us.
Date: Monday, 05/16/2011
by Fenlan
John 8:
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
約 翰 福 音 8:
31 耶 穌 對 信 他 的 猶 太 人 說 ： 你 們 若 常 常 遵 守 我 的 道 ， 就 真 是 我 的 門 徒 ；32 你 們 必 曉 得 真 理 ， 真 理 必 叫 你 們 得 以 自 由 。
Sharing: Jesus told us if we hold to His teachings, we will really be His disciples and know Him. For the Jews who had heard Jesus' teachings but not obeyed them, they dishonored Jesus(v.49) and did not know God or couldn't recognize Him(v.55). To a point, they even wanted to stone Jesus(v.59). Let's be reminded that we shouldn't only listen to or read God's words, we should also hold fast to them and live accordance with them. Let's live out our faith!
Date: Sunday, 05/15/2011
by Michelle
撒母耳記上 17
45 大衛對非利士人說：你來攻擊我，是靠著刀槍和銅戟；我來攻擊你，是靠著萬軍之耶和華的名，就是你所怒罵帶領以色列軍隊的 神。
46 今日耶和華必將你交在我手裡。我必殺你，斬你的頭，又將非利士軍兵的屍首給空中的飛鳥、地上的野獸吃，使普天下的人都知道以色列中有 神；
47 又使這眾人知道耶和華使人得勝，不是用刀用槍，因為爭戰的勝敗全在乎耶和華。他必將你們交在我們手裡。
詩篇 111
10 敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端；凡遵行他命令的是聰明人。耶和華是永遠當讚美的！
1 Samuel 17
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and
spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD
Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46
This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you
down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of
the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole
world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered
here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves;
for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our
hands.”
Psalm 111
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Sharing: David triumphed over the Philistine in the name of the LORD
Almighty. May we fear the LORD, triumph in the name of the LORD and
do everything to glorify the LORD.
Date: 05/15/2011
by Eliza
Psalm 11110 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
詩 篇 111 10 敬 畏 耶 和 華 是 智 慧 的 開 端 ； 凡 遵 行 他 命 令 的 是 聰 明 人 。 耶 和 華 是 永 遠 當 讚 美 的 ！
Sharing: 敬 畏 耶 和 華 使 我 遠 離 罪 惡.
Date: Saturday, 05/14/2011,
By George
撒母耳記上15:23悖逆的罪與行邪術的罪相等；頑梗的罪與拜虛神和偶像的罪相同。你既厭棄耶和華的命令，耶和華也厭棄你作王。
1Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.”
Sharing: This is a serious warning. God can look into our hearts and know our condition. Am I rebellious and arrogant inside in secrete? The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Date: 05/14/2011
by Wai Lau
I Samuel 15:17-21
17 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?” 20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”
Sharing: We often learn a lot about human psyhology in reading the bible. Saul was a person with low self-esteem. Remeber he was hidding when Samuel picked him as the first King. When he had the power and he became very arrogant. He even said "But I did obey the Lord", even clearly he did not.
Let us always remind ourselves that when one goes from low to high, one's ego would also become so big that he would think he is always right and unwilling to admit his mistake and unwilling to listen. God cannot use such a person. Remember God chose any person is because it is HIS choice, not because how good or how holy we are. Let none of this enter to our minds. Just admit that we are just servant, a worthless servant and He can pick anyone He wants. We are just blessed because HE chosed us.
Date: Saturday, 05/14/2011,
By Kristian
Proverbs 15:8
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
Date: 05/13/2011
by Ling
Proverbs 15
7a: 智慧人的嘴、播扬知识．
sharing: 愿神掌管我们的舌,好让我们说的是造就人的话. 愿我们渴幕神的话语,好让我们有真的知识.
Date: 05/12/2011
by Yiheng
Psalm 108: 12-13
12: 求你帮助我们攻击敌人、因为人的帮助是枉然的
13: 我们倚靠 神、才得施展大能、因为践踏我们敌人的就是他
学习倚靠神是我们一生的功课. 我们常说我们最大的敌人就是我们自己. 我们只有倚靠神才能战胜我们自己. 从另外的一个角度说也只有当我们完全地放下自己的时候才真正地学会了如何去全心倚靠神
Date: 05/11/2011
by Annie
詩 篇 107
1 你 們 要 稱 謝 耶 和 華 ， 因 他 本 為 善 ； 他 的 慈 愛 永 遠 長 存 ！
2 願 耶 和 華 的 贖 民 說 這 話 ， 就 是 他 從 敵 人 手 中 所 救 贖 的 ，
3 從 各 地 ， 從 東 從 西 ， 從 南 從 北 ， 所 招 聚 來 的 。
4 他 們 在 曠 野 荒 地 漂 流 ， 尋 不 見 可 住 的 城 邑 ，
5 又 飢 又 渴 ， 心 裡 發 昏 。
6 於 是 ， 他 們 在 苦 難 中 哀 求 耶 和 華 ； 他 從 他 們 的 禍 患 中 搭 救 他 們 ，
7 又 領 他 們 行 走 直 路 ， 使 他 們 往 可 居 住 的 城 邑 。
8 但 願 人 因 耶 和 華 的 慈 愛 和 他 向 人 所 行 的 奇 事 都 稱 讚 他 ；
9 因 他 使 心 裡 渴 慕 的 人 得 以 知 足 ， 使 心 裡 飢 餓 的 人 得 飽 美 物 。
10 那 些 坐 在 黑 暗 中 、 死 蔭 裡 的 人 被 困 苦 和 鐵 鍊 捆 鎖 ，
11 是 因 他 們 違 背 神 的 話 語 ， 藐 視 至 高 者 的 旨 意 。
12 所 以 ， 他 用 勞 苦 治 服 他 們 的 心 ； 他 們 仆 倒 ， 無 人 扶 助 。
13 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 。
14 他 從 黑 暗 中 和 死 蔭 裡 領 他 們 出 來 ， 折 斷 他 們 的 綁 索 。
15 但 願 人 因 耶 和 華 的 慈 愛 和 他 向 人 所 行 的 奇 事 都 稱 讚 他 ；
箴 言 15
1 回 答 柔 和 ， 使 怒 消 退 ； 言 語 暴 戾 ， 觸 動 怒 氣 。
2 智 慧 人 的 舌 善 發 知 識 ； 愚 昧 人 的 口 吐 出 愚 昧 。
Sharing:
從舊約到新約,到我們今天光境，神賜人恩典，人偏行崎路，神反面不看，人在苦難中，人再哀求神，神再拯救人。神的愛確是不因我們過錯離開我們。神是聴我們從內心中旳認錯哀求。
我再一次問自己為甚麽要生活在苦難中，不好好的享受神已為我們準備好的恩賜。
謝謝神再次用箴言十五告戒我在日常生活中，回答要柔和。言語若暴戾，會使人怒上加怒。
我亦感謝神再次鼓勵我舌要多說善發知識的話，口少說愚昧的話，好讓人因我話能造做，再不要用我話傷害了我傍邉親愛的人。謝謝神。
Date Tuesday, 05/10/2011
by Chunming
詩 篇 106
32 他們在米利巴水又叫耶和華發怒 ， 甚至摩西也受了虧損 ，
33 是因他們惹動他的靈 ， 摩西（原文是他）用嘴說了急躁的話。
Psalm 106
32 By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; 33 for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses’ lips.
Sharing:
“以色列人的悖逆頑梗”和 “摩西用嘴說了急躁的話”再一次提醒我們在跟隨 神的道路上我們是如何的軟弱，以及做一個帶領的人是如何的困難。神要我們過聖潔的生活因為祂是聖潔的；而且祂要帶領的人存著百般的耐心來跟隨祂的帶領 –因為人的怒氣、並不成就 神的義。(雅各 1:20)願神日日的提醒我們。
The rebellion of the Israelites and the rash words came from Moses’ lips remind us again how weak we are in following God’s desired path, and how difficult it is to be a leader. God wants us to live a holy life because He is holy. And, He demands whoever is a leader should be patient and follows His leading closely – because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:20). May God remind us daily...
Date: 05/10/2011
by Jonathan
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders.[a] 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Sharing:
Today reading makes me sad to see that God has sent us eternal life, but we still don't believe it 100%. Instead we are building our own life our own way, but we forget that we are so imperfect and therefore everything we build has structural defects in them. These defects will show up in us and for sure will imprint in our next generation, just like Samuel's two sons. It is sad but more so this is a timely warning to me and to my family, as the same warning was also communicated to us through br. George's last sermon on Rebecca's son and sister Eliza's Friday sharing that God gives us the children but He can take them away too.
Dear God, may I pray that you help me and Annie and every parents to trust in Jesus Christ, and follow the eternal life that you have already given us through your one and only one son, Jesus Christ with our total heart, mind and soul, so that our life can be a good example for our children to follow. Amen.
Date Monday, 05/09/2011
by Kafai
約 翰 福 音 6
16 到 了 晚 上 ， 他 的 门 徒 下 海 边 去 ，
17 上 了 船 ， 要 过 海 往 迦 百 农 去 。 天 已 经 黑 了 ， 耶 稣 还 没 有 来 到 他 们 那 里 。
18 忽 然 狂 风 大 作 ， 海 就 翻 腾 起 来 。
19 门 徒 摇 橹 ， 约 行 了 十 里 多 路 ， 看 见 耶 稣 在 海 面 上 走 ， 渐 渐 近 了 船 ， 他 们 就 害 怕 。
20 耶 稣 对 他 们 说 ： 是 我 ， 不 要 怕 ！
John 6
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
Sharing:
I wish all of us can hear the voice of Christ saying “It is I; don’t be afraid." when we are in troubles and fear.
Date Monday, 05/09/2011
by Philip
John 6:20 But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
Date: 05/09/2011
by Margaret
Date: 05/08/2011
by John
23 他 就 對 他 們 說 ： 你 們 為 何 行 這 樣 的 事 呢 ？ 我 從 這 眾 百 姓 聽 見 你 們 的 惡 行 。
24 我 兒 啊 ， 不 可 這 樣 ！ 我 聽 見 你 們 的 風 聲 不 好 ， 你 們 使 耶 和 華 的 百 姓 犯 了 罪 。
25 人 若 得 罪 人 ， 有 士 師 審 判 他 ； 人 若 得 罪 耶 和 華 ， 誰 能 為 他 祈 求 呢 ？ 然 而 他 們 還 是 不 聽 父 親 的 話 ， 因 為 耶 和 華 想 要 殺 他 們 。
Date: Sunday, 05/08/2011
by Fenlan
Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.
詩 篇 106:7 我 們 的 祖 宗 在 埃 及 不 明 白 你 的 奇 事 ， 不 記 念 你 豐 盛 的 慈 愛 ， 反 倒 在 紅 海 行 了 悖 逆 。 8 然 而 ， 他 因 自 己 的 名 拯 救 他 們 ， 為 要 彰 顯 他 的 大 能
Sharing: Let us be reminded by these verses that we should ponder on what God has done in our life all the time and remember His many kindness so that we won't rebell against Him in times of troubles.
Date: Saturday, 05/07/2011
by Michelle
約翰福音5
5 在那裡有一個人，病了三十八年。
6 耶穌看見他躺著，知道他病了許久，就問他說：你要痊瘉麼？
7 病人回答說：先生，水動的時候，沒有人把我放在池子裡；我正去的時候，就有別人比我先下去。
8 耶穌對他說：起來，拿你的褥子走罷！
9 那人立刻痊愈，就拿起褥子來走了。
John 5
5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this
condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool
when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else
goes down ahead of me.”
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Sharing: This reminds me that I am just like an invalid for
thirty-eight years. I am weak and disabled without the Lord's words.
Thanks to the Lord for saving me and giving me strength.
Date: 05/07/2011
By Cathy
1Sa 1:26 and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.
1Sa 1:27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
1Sa 1:28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
Sharing: Immediately after we have received grace from God, we should return at once our action of thankfulness as Hannah did. Waiting could only cool down our enthusiasm or cause change-of-mind or even forgetfulness. As a result we would miss the opportunity to thank God. The amazing thing is that God gave this once childless woman more children after she gave her child, Samuel, to God. What a blessing to her who put God first in her life. God’s blessing is always beyond what we can think of.
Date: Saturday, 05/07/2011
By Kristian
1 Samuel 2:2
2 “There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Date: 05/06/2011
By TC
Proverbs 14:26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
It is a crime to leave a six years old child home alone. Why? Because by doing so, you endanger the child’s security. The home, being meant to be a child’s refuge and fortress, is now becoming a vulnerable place for evil man to prey on a helpless child for self-gain. If we don’t fear God, we are in effect, leaving our wives children unprotected. We not only endanger them their spiritual well being, we’ve committed a crime before God.
While we talk about the cold side of dos and don’ts, let us not forget the loving side of grace and promises of God. To fear God ought to be our outpouring of awe and worship for what God really is: Love, holiness, righteousness, justice, and purity. When we fear God, we are not only secured but also are literally connected to the source of life and thus we begin to enjoy the animated abundant life. Jesus said, “The thief comes (as a result of not fearing God) only to steal and kill and destroy (because their houses are no longer a fortress); I have come (result of fearing God) that they may have life, and have it to the full (connecting to the fountain head of living water)” (John 10:10).
Date: Friday 05/06/2011
By George
路得記2
20 拿俄米對兒婦說：願那人蒙耶和華賜福，因為他不斷地恩待活人死人。拿俄米又說：那是我們本族的人，是一個至近的親屬。
Ruth 2
20 “The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.”
Sharing:
Boaz is truly a kind man who lavishes his grace to others and expects no return. May we have the same heart as Boaz. 願我們學習波阿斯如何不斷地恩待活人死人。波阿斯不但有外面的財富，他更有裡面的富足。
Date: 5/5/2011
by Eliza
申 命 記 28 41 你 生 儿 养 女 ， 却 不 算 是 你 的 ， 因 为 必 被 掳 去 。
58 这 书 上 所 写 律 法 的 一 切 话 是 叫 你 敬 畏 耶 和 华 ─ 你 神 可 荣 可 畏 的 名 。 你 若 不 谨 守 遵 行 ， 耶 和 华 就 必 将 奇 灾 ， 就 是 至 大 至 长 的 灾 ， 至 重 至 久 的 病 ， 加 在 你 和 你 後 裔 的 身 上 ，
路 加 福 音 11 34 你 眼 睛 就 是 身 上 的 灯 。 你 的 眼 睛 若 了 亮 ， 全 身 就 光 明 ； 眼 睛 若 昏 花 ， 全 身 就 黑 暗 。
Date: 5/4/2011
by Wai
Date: Wednesday, 05/04/2011
by Chun-Shi
箴 言 14
23 诸 般 勤 劳 都 有 益 处 ； 嘴 上 多 言 乃 致 穷 乏 。
Proverbs 14
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Sharing: "Talk less and work more" It is nice to see confirmation of this conventional wisdom in Bible.
Date: 5/3/2011
by Ling
Psalm 104 13-18
13: 他从楼阁中浇灌山岭．因他作为的功效、地就丰足
14: 他使草生长、给六畜吃．使菜蔬发长、供给人用．
Date: 5/2/2011
by Philip
Pslams 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children
Date: 5/2/2011
by Yiheng
John 2:24-25
2:24: 耶稣却不将自己交托他们、因为他知道万人
2:25:也用不着谁见证人怎样．因他知道人心里所存的.
Sharing: 神鉴察人心. 他所看中的不仅仅是我们手上做的工,嘴上说的话,更是我们内心的光景. 愿神保守我们的心怀意念
Date: Monday 5/2/2011
by CML
約翰福音 第2章
10 對 他 說 ： 「 人 都 是 先 擺 上 好 酒 ， 等 客 喝 足 了 ， 才 擺 上 次 的 ， 你 倒 把 好 酒 留到 如 今 ！ 」
John 2
10 And said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (John 2:10)
Sharing: The contrast between “the common practice of bringing out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine” and “saved the best for the last” is very enlightening. It implies two different views: one is worldly view and the other is spiritual view. From the worldly view, it transitions from the choice wine to the cheaper wine. As a result, it brings out disappointment because of inconsistency. Conversely, from the spiritual view, the transition from the cheaper wine (i.e. water) to the best wine brings out enjoyment because it is a miracle Jesus performed on whoever received Him as personal Savior.
Date: 5/2/2011
by Annie
詩 篇 102
1 耶 和 华 啊 ， 求 你 听 我 的 祷 告 ， 容 我 的 呼 求 达 到 你 面 前 ！
2 我 在 急 难 的 日 子 ， 求 你 向 我 侧 耳 ； 不 要 向 我 掩 面 ！ 我 呼 求 的 日 子 ， 求 你 快 快 应 允 我 ！
3 因 为 ， 我 的 年 日 如 烟 云 消 灭 ； 我 的 骨 头 如 火 把 烧 着 。
Sharing: 以色列人無數次離開神，神就掩面不看顧他們，也將他們交給他們的敵人。 吃了多年的苦頭後，以色列人求告神，
救贖他們，神亦每次都救他們脫離險惡。看看我們自己的光境，也是如此。不過我們經歷了耶穌贖罪旳血，少吃了很多的苦頭。
親愛的救主，請你幫助我，少一次離開了你去犯了罪，使你為我多吃了神公義的苦頭。對不起，我的主，我願意少發一亇皮氣，
使你多一次的喜欒。