Category Archives: 靈修筆記

The Holy Spirit Brings Renewal Everyday

Anna Zhou

The Holy Spirit urges me to witness His work in my heart. If I keep my mouth shut, the stones will cry. The stones of the wall cry out, and the beams of the woodwork echo for me to witness:  before dawn I am called up to read the scripture prayerfully in Him, and He teaches bits and pieces of understanding, even for simple, ignorant fools like me. He instructs me, counsels and guides me, with His loving eye on me to interpret the Books of the Prophetic Word in detail. Sister Duojia prayed, and my heart overflowed with good matters: He prepared my pen, ready to tell of His wonder. (Luke 19:40; Ps 32:8; 45:1; Hab2:11) 

 Holy Spirit’s work–purposes and characteristics   

The Holy Spirit works to mold me to be like God’s Son, Christ, with His heart. His presence will show three characters: First, He will convict the world and me of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Second, He will help me put off my old self and put on the new, and be renewed as I learn to know our Creator and become like Him. Third, He must increase; I must decrease. (John 16:8. Col 3:10; John 3:30)

The Holy Spirit works out three effects:  

First, Christ’s ever-lasting love in long sufferings. His light would shine on my heart to put off my old self, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and cleanse my thoughts daily. God is pleased with every small step of turning back to Him, life changing and renewing. (Eph 4:22)

Second, bearing fruit of the Holy Spirit, with nine flavoring aromas: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. The last one is the hardest. No longer relying on myself, unlike the Desperate Third Shi Xiu risking his life to pull the last straw.  Pray and ask God about anything big or small, about what to do and how. I, who lack the three: knowledge, power and good, follow the Holy Spirit’s lead to go forward or back with no anxiety. The workload of writing is huge. The Lord will do His will without delay, because the Holy Spirit knows His timetable. I shall fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and finisher of faith. For the joy set ahead, He endured the cross, scorning its shame. Since I had regretted and repented without grabbing every opportunity to share the gospel in 1991, I have never forgotten to follow Jesus, going forth unto Him outside of the camp, beyond the walls of church, bearing His reproach. (Gal 5:22-23; Ro 8:26; Is 55:11; Heb 12:2; 13:13)

Third, saving souls. The Lord has opened my spiritual eyes to see God’s wonders accompanying gospel believers.  The person who hears goes out with joy, and is led with peace. (Mark 16:17; Is 55:12)

Summary.  We go in company with the Lord. Bible groups, old and new friends, relatives, coworkers and schoolmates are joyfully sharing God’s love letter for all these years with daily responses, which touch my heart and inspire us to follow Him. Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Thy protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice. (Ps 5:11)

圣灵作工 每日更新

周安娜

圣灵催我见证祂作工在我心。若我闭口不说,石头必呼叫。墙里石头呼叫,房内栋梁应声,代我见证:圣灵凌晨唤我来祷读,令我这简单无知愚笨者得点滴悟性。祂定睛在我身上劝我教我详解先知书。多加姊妹求主赐我快手笔,我心涌出美辞,用指头打灵界争战,因时间不多了。(路十九40; 哈二11;诗四十五1,卅二8;约十四26)

圣灵作工目的特征

圣灵作工注目基督,要我效法神儿子,有基督的心。(罗八29;腓二5)

圣灵来,特点有三:一叫人为罪为义为审判自责。二脫旧人穿新人,渐渐模我像主。三主必兴旺我必衰微。(西三10;约十六8;罗廿八28;约三30)

圣灵作工果效有三

  1. 基督恒忍之爱光照下, 脱我从前旧人,这旧人因私欲迷惑渐渐变坏;天天被洁净医治活下来,父爱看我婴儿学步,每微小一步,天父与孩子我俩都欣喜。(弗四22)
  2. 结灵果有九种香气:仁爱喜乐和平,忍耐恩慈良善,信实温柔节制。最后节制最难。不靠己力,非拼命三郎石秀,不拔最后一根草。大小事求问神:做不做?如何做?无知无能无良善的我,顺从圣灵进退不慌。 书写量巨大,主发话必成,祂不误事,因圣灵知神时间表。仰望创始成终的耶稣,忍受十架冤屈苦楚,因喜乐在前,轻看羞辱。自1991年夏我悔恨没抓紧传福音分享圣言后,赶紧跟随主出到营外,即教会墙筑外,忍受主受的凌辱。(加五22-23;罗八26;来十二2,十三13)
  3. 抢救灵魂,主开灵眼,得见祂总有奇事伴随福音。听者欢欢喜喜而出,平平安安蒙引导。(约十六17;赛五十五12)

新老亲友同事同学,同工跟随主,定睛我主,共享神爱的家书,无日无感人回应互勉。愿投靠主的都喜乐,时常欢呼,因主护庇我们。又愿那爱主名的人,都靠主欢欣。(诗五11)

讀懂神的起訴書

潘瀾

近年來,極端氣候現象:高溫、酷寒、乾旱、颶風、地震、火山爆發等時有發生,隨之而來的山洪、山火、滑坡、蝗災等災害也造成巨大的人畜傷亡和財產損失。各種病毒和傳染病盛行,地區性的戰爭不斷,難免讓人想起主耶穌的話:“民要攻打民,國要攻打國,多處必有饑荒、地震,這都是災難的起頭”(太24:7-8)。社交媒體更助長負面新闻的傳播,超過正能量資訊。一些基督徒在聖經先知書中尋找與現代事件吻合的經文,佐證末日已近,藉以勸人接受福音;或者宣告因某國家或政黨背離神,神正藉著禍害懲罰人類。

由於先知書的文學體裁和最初讀者與當代基督徒在時間和文化上的差異,在解釋、理解和應用先知書中關於未來的經文時需持謹慎態度,方能適宜地警示世人,領人歸主。本文就如何讀懂先知書提供一些個人的理解。

先知書的目的不是預告未來

就篇幅而言,聖經中預言類的書卷,包括四大先知書和十二卷小先知書,比其它類別的書卷更多。讀先知書的最大困難,可能源於基督徒對“先知”和“預言”的誤解。在一般人的語彙中,預言指的是以異能或非自然的方式對未來事件的預告:包括以占卜、掣籤、面相、手相、解夢、觀星和交鬼等方式,獲得某種神秘知識。大眾文化中較有名的預言:包括法國的諾斯特達穆斯(Nostradamus)、中國的推背圖、燒餅歌、瑪雅文化的2012世界末日等。在聖經中,神嚴肅警告不可效法“占卜的、觀兆的、用法術的、行邪術的、用迷術的、交鬼的、行巫術的、過陰的”等各類“可憎惡的事”(申18:10-12)。保羅提醒歌羅西教會不要被“世上的小學”(一般解經家理解為當時流行的五行理論或占星術)“擄去”,“因為神本性一切的豐盛,都有形有體地居住在基督裡面”(西2:8-9)。

聖經中的預言(prophēteía)和先知(prophḗtēs)源於希臘文,原意是“宣告(者)”、“公布(者)”等,指的是神呼召的一群人,受到聖靈感動宣告神的話。有關未來的事情,先知或是經由神的默示直接講出,在先知書中有1,200次以上提到“耶和華如此說”或“這是耶和華說的”;或者以掣籤和解夢等非常規方式傳達,並強調來源於神。如約瑟為法老解夢時說,“這不在乎我,神必將平安的話回答法老”(創41:16)。耶穌升天後,門徒們用搖籤加禱告的方式揀選馬提亞和十一個使徒同列(徒1:21-26)。

然而就篇幅而言,先知書用於未來事件的筆墨,只占很小一部分。《讀經的藝術》一書提到:一些基督徒看先知書,只為了尋找耶穌是彌賽亞的佐證和呼應新約的經文,但舊約預言中有關耶穌來臨的記載只占2%,和新約有關的經文少於5%,對未來事件的預言,更是少於1%。可見預告未來並非先知書的主要目的。

先知書是一份違約起訴書

如果不是為了預告未來,先知書的目的是什麼?簡單而言,先知書是一份違約起訴書,而先知是這份文件的送信人。

違約起訴書是檢察官或者原告交給法院的訴訟文件,內有被告的姓名、合約內容、違約指控、約定的違約處罰金額等。先知傳達的是神拯救以色列人出埃及後與他們在西乃山所立的盟約。此約的承諾是以色列民族在萬民中作“屬神的子民”,“祭司的國度,為聖潔的國民”(出19:5-6)。如果他們遵守神的律例和典章,信祂為惟一真神,神不僅讓他們在迦南得地為業,也賜健康、和平、生育、雨水、豐收等;如果背離神,祭拜其祂神明,就有疾病、死亡、戰爭、失去收成、流失家園等後果(申11:13-17)。以色列的百姓和長老在西乃山下同聲回答:“凡耶和華所說的,我們都要遵行”(出19:8)。下一代以色列人進迦南之後,按照神藉著摩西給他們的教導,在基利心和以巴路山之間重覆律法上祝福和詛咒的話(書8:30-35)。

神作為盟約的一方完全兌現了祂的承諾,而另一方以色列人卻一再爽約,不僅屢次不改地敬拜迦南假神,污穢神的聖殿,而且對外戰爭不斷,依附外強,對內強取豪奪,欺詐婦孺,在萬民中喪失神的子民、祭司的國度、和聖潔的國民形象。先知書在這樣的背景下寫就,為的是一再警戒以色列違約的行為,避免毀約所帶來的懲處。由此不難理解先知書大多在南北國分裂並先後亡國、被擄,以及歸回的年代寫就。

先知書的格式也與起訴書相仿:一般都重述所立的約以及守約和背約的後果,接著控訴以色列種種毀約的行徑,並宣告神的審判。如果及時悔改,仍有機會得到祝福;如果執意背離則難逃災難。諸多的大小先知書讓人看到神“有憐憫,有恩典,不輕易發怒,且有豐盛的慈愛”(詩103:8-9)的屬性。祂沒有因爲以色列一次背約就施行懲罰,而是差派眾多的先知作為祂的信使、中保和先鋒勸人悔改。南國猶大因著先知的工作有過幾次屬靈復興,相比北國的滅亡延遲了近140年。

慎解先知書中的“咒詛”

理解先知書所描繪的“咒詛”,是神按照約定對違約的以色列人的問責,不僅會更好理會預言的意義,也減少隨意應用經文的錯誤。

摩西在申命記28章25至68節用了很長的篇幅,警告以色列撕毀與神盟約的後果:包括在萬國中被拋來拋去、受壓制、被滅絕、受至大的災、得至重的病,包括“沒有寫在這律法書上的各種疾病、災殃”等。先知們重覆這樣的警告,而以色列仍然拒絕悔改,最終這些災禍臨到他們,是先知預知將來的事,還是因為耶和華神是“說有就有,命立就立”的神(詩33:9)?正如法庭按照合約,命令違約的一方加倍賠償,或者服刑,並非因為檢察官未卜先知,知道法官的心意,先知對未來事件的描述,並非出於自身的異能或者智慧,而是信實地宣告西乃山的約定必然會兌現。

今天對乾旱、飢荒、蟲災、流行性疾病、戰爭、難民流離失所的報導讓人痛心不已,且層出不窮。基督徒當體念神愛世人的心意,積極參與社會關懷,以愛的行動彰顯福音的大能。如果將此類現象歸咎於神對人的審判,不僅無法解釋祂在耶穌基督裡的公義和慈愛,也犯了邏輯性錯誤和舊約經文的應用錯誤。

神雖然可以使用災禍懲罰人的罪,包括使用兇殘的巴比倫王尼布甲尼撒為祂的僕人來攻擊猶大(耶43:10),但不是所有的災禍都出於神,或者是神的懲罰,更多的是墮落世界罪的蔓延。而且神懲罰的對象是與祂立約的以色列人。即使預言對以東、亞述、巴比倫等國的審判,其目的要為神的子民帶來拯救的盼望,所以對象還是以色列人。對先知書的理解和應用,應該注重基督徒與教會作為屬靈的以色列人,自省是否觸犯了拜偶像、欺壓窮苦人、不憐恤鄰舍的罪。因為“審判要從神的家起首”(彼前4:17)。大而可畏的審判預言,讓人更加體會主耶穌在十字架上擔當罪的救恩是何等浩大(林後5:21;彼前2:24)。我們當靠著聖靈,過聖潔生活。至於“故意不認識神”的個人、組織、政權,“神就任憑他們存邪僻的心,行那些不合理的事”(羅1:28)“當審判的時候,惡人必站立不住”(詩1:5)

主耶穌對末後事情的警示,講到飢荒、地震和戰爭是災難的起頭,也特別強調:“但那日子、那時辰,沒有人知道,連天上的使者也不知道,子也不知道,唯獨父知道”(太24:36)。先知書,主耶穌,使徒書信和啟示錄等預言性經文的目的,不是要定人的罪,而是要將罪人引到神的面前,認識耶穌的救恩,蒙憐恤並與神連結。至於末期的時間,我們唯一可以確信的是,“這天國的福音要傳遍天下,對萬民作見證,然後末期才來到”(太24:14)。

《為我們而寫的舊約律法》讀後感

我讀了第35期心版刊登的潘瀾弟兄的文章:《為我們而寫的舊約律法》,很受啟發。不僅因為作者的一個總結:“神的屬性就是愛,然而神不是為了愛我們而存在,而是因為祂愛的本性而愛祂的創造”,讓我更加明確了做人的責任;而且在閱讀這篇文章的過程中,讓我想起了自己的一次經歷,這個經歷使我對聖經有了新的認識,更加明白了聖經應該如何應用在我們的生活中。

那是三年多前的疫情初期,一位90多歲的老太太、很有教養的“五月花”後代對我說:妳對信仰那麼認真幹嘛?去教會不就是為玩玩牌、下下棋、打打球嗎?你為什麼那麼投入呢?沒必要啊!她還說,《聖經》不過就是一本菜譜而已。上帝不就是在裡面告訴我們怎麼做飯嗎?怎麼殺牛,怎麼宰羊,怎麼去皮,怎麼退毛,然後是怎麼吃,哪部分能吃、哪部分不能吃,還說烤比煮好吃。不就這些,你那麼認真幹嘛?!聽著這話從她嘴裡說出,我驚訝得目瞪口呆、下巴都快掉下來了。一位這麼有教養、多少代傳承下來的基督徒,一個祖先為了堅持信仰而遭受迫害、流落他鄉的“五月花”的後代就這麼評價《聖經》?!就告訴我這些?讓我頓時感到聖經受到了褻瀆、信仰遭到了詆毀,心疼、難過、傷心一齊湧來。我本能地想反駁,但基於她的年齡,出於禮貌,我閉緊嘴唇、極力克制、沒有說話,生怕一張嘴就會傷害了她。

接下來幾天每當想起這件事,我心情就非常沈重低落,為當代信仰的衰落而難過。好在每當此時,就想到當初猶大支派曾經經歷過只剩下約阿施這“千里地一根苗”的情況,任何一個閃失都會將終結猶大支派在歷史中的存留,但猶大支派不還是照樣開枝散葉、有驚無險地延續了下來了嗎?我頓時感到了上帝的信實和大能,真實地感受到世間一切都掌握在祂的主權中。祂的應許從不落空!我的信心又增強了起來。真的是:“我想起這事,心裡就有指望。我們不致消滅,是出於耶和華諸般的慈愛,是因他的憐憫不至斷絕。每個早晨這都是新的,你的誠實極其廣大。我心裡說:“耶和華是我的份,因此我要仰望他”。“凡等候耶和華,心裡尋求他的,耶和華必施恩給他”(哀3:21-25)。

這樣過了一段時間,當我有一天又想起這段對話,憂患之時忽然有了一個不一樣的啟發:聖經正是一本如同“菜譜”一般的書,一本由天父親自為祂所創造出的人類學會如何生活、如何為人處事的書!就像菜譜一樣,是用來教我們如何做菜的,而不是一個用來測量別人做菜水平的標準⸺既不是為讓人因著讀了而感覺自豪,也不是為讓人端著它去觀察、去挑剔別人烹飪時的問題。聖經是一本與我們切身有關且有益於我們的書,是一本為我們寫的、而不是寫給我們的書。讀了聖經不是為了讓我們成為其他人的榜樣,而是為了讓我們有能力去更好地享受人生;我們是要用自己的改變為祂做見證,而不是通過教導糾正別人為祂做見證。

這個啟發頓時讓我明白了,讀經時著眼點應該是自己,而不是別人。對照著聖經看自己該如何改變,而不是用聖經做標準,去觀察、論斷、去改變別人。這讓我對長期以來一直一知半解的如“別人眼裡的刺、自己眼裡的槓等等”難理解的經文有了新的感悟,並慢慢地開始理解得行雲流水起來,這讓我的信仰更堅定了。幾千年下來,我們雖然在飲食上進步到廚房用具花樣百出、高科技廚具層出不窮,加上不斷研制出的烹飪手段讓我們很容易就達到食不厭精、膾不厭細、風味百出的地步,但是任憑烹飪手段、方法、工具再千變萬化,除非你選擇不吃,否則要想吃肉的話,也還是得從去毛、去皮等等的基本步驟開始。可見,聖經就是一本父親啟示出來、教自己的孩子們如何去生活,如何去做人的書,阿門!可惜自己書讀的少,道理明白卻說不出來,我今天讀了《為我們而寫的舊約律法》這篇文章後豁然開朗,有人說出來了!不僅讓我感到心裡敞亮許多,同時也感到脚下的路又寬闊了許多(撒下22:37)。

注:*約阿施(B.C.843-796),南國猶大的第八代君王。聖經中相關的章節《列王紀下》第11-12章,《歷代志下》第22章:10-12、23、24節。

淺談聖靈

⸺BSF查經片段

Sandra

C:姊妹們,有組員問:“約翰福音7:16-17中耶穌說:‘我的教訓不是我自己的,乃是那差我來者的。人若立志遵著他的旨意行,就必曉得這教訓或是出於神,或是我憑著自己說的。’這兩節經文如何揭示了聖父、聖子和聖靈間有合一的旨意及工作的?”另外也有人問:“ 聖靈那時還沒來啊!信耶穌才會領受聖靈。”請問大家的看法。 感謝!

Z:約翰福音3:34“神所差來的,就說神的話;因為神賜聖靈給他,是沒有限量的。”信耶穌的人是在五旬節之後才有聖靈內住,但這裡耶穌是說他自己。

H:在約翰福音8:58“耶穌說:‘我實實在在地告訴你們:還沒有亞伯拉罕就有了我。’” 耶穌說的話,你可以用信心接受嗎?同樣地,你可以接受聖𤫊還沒有𧶽下給我們之前,三一真神的聖父、聖子和聖𤫊的位格已經存在,也已經各盡其職的運作完成天父的旨意嗎?

Y:說說我的理解:約翰福音作業中涉及到的“聖靈那時還沒來”中的“沒來”應該是指聖靈還沒有在人(信徒)內心永住,而不是不存在。聖靈是三位一體獨一真神的第三個位格,是自存永存的。在舊約也常提到聖靈——聖靈降到某某先知的身上、先知成為神的代言人說預言。可見那時候聖靈不僅存在,也作為三位一體神的第三個位格獨立做工的。只是,那時聖靈是來來去去,從不常住在任何人的內心而已。

新約中聖靈能夠在信徒心中常住,是發生在主耶穌為我們人類代罪而死在十字架上,做了我們人類永遠的挽回祭,受死、被埋葬、復活、升天後,父和子共同派聖靈降臨,內住在信徒心中。我們人類因為擁有了這挽回祭,從而有機會透過信靠父神的獨生子主耶穌基督,讓我們的罪被祂的寶血所遮蓋,因而在聖潔的父的眼裡被算為義,和父神就恢復了關係、有了聖靈內住。

我們人類的罪是因為我們老祖先亞當違背了神的旨意,吃了分辨智慧樹的果子而來,自此人類就虧欠了神的榮耀,滿身的污穢。至純至潔、公義的父神是接受不了任何一點點污穢的,但祂愛我們,不願讓我們滅亡,就派祂的獨生子耶穌基督道成肉身來到世上,為我們代罪死在十字架上,用祂的血潔淨了我們的罪。這是因為我們的罪是如此污穢,除了基督純潔的寶血泉源之外,沒有其他方法可得潔淨。

主耶穌基督的血能潔淨人類的罪,只要信主耶穌基督,人的罪就能得到免費的赦免。有了這免費的救恩,信祂的人就擁有了今日赦罪的平安,來日永生的盼望。因而,我們這些信祂的罪人,在接受父神的獨生子主耶穌基督為我們的救贖主和生命的主的那一刻,就得到了赦罪與救贖,並擁有了聖靈內住且永住在我們心裡的待遇。

C:謝謝大家,已轉發給組員。

C:問題繼續:“在約翰福音7:16-17 這兩節經文中(不是從別的經文中),只看到父、子,從字面上找不到聖靈的工作。可之前的問題問的是這兩節經文中在哪些方面解釋聖父、聖子和聖靈之間有合一的旨意及工作。

我不知道這樣理解對不對:從17節“人若立志遵神旨意行, 就必曉得這教訓是出於神”其中的“立志、遵行、曉得”,應該就是聖靈感動所做的工。

Y:我也是這麼理解的。

Z:腓立比書2:13“因為你們立志行事,都是神在你們心裡運行,為要成就他的美意。”

Y:阿門!有了這句經文(腓立比書2:13)的背書,再加上BSF經文釋義160頁的“相信耶穌是我們終極的道德責任,也是上帝在人心中恩慈的偉大作為。”覺得C和我的理解應該是對的。

H:C,你的理解很對啊!當人以真誠的信心親近耶穌時,耶穌基督被高擧得榮耀,這些都是聖靈在人的心裡動工,感動人心的。

Y:Yahoo!謝謝。太高興了,我們理解的對。謝謝C!好喜歡這樣的討論。不然自己再怎麼學,也常常是停留在表面,深入不下去。

註:BSF®️(研讀聖經團契Bible Study Fellowship)是一個在世界各地提供免費深入研讀聖經課程的查經團契。有實體和網上兩種學習形式,一週一次一個半小時,男女分班,有普通話、粵語、英語可選擇。BSF所使用的四重研習法包括日常研經題、小組討論、教學和經文釋義。

為我們而寫的舊約律法

潘瀾

整本聖經是神的話,不僅有益於人,而且比基本飲食更重要。主耶穌在曠野禁食四十天後,三次用申命記的經文抵擋魔鬼的試探,其中一處說,“經上記著說:‘人活著不是單靠食物,乃是靠神口裡所出的一切話。’ ”(太4:4)祂又說:“莫想我來要廢掉律法和先知;我來不是要廢掉,乃是要成全。我實在告訴你們:就是到天地都廢去了,律法的一點一畫也不能廢去,都要成全。”(太5:17-18)

保羅指示在以弗所牧會的提摩太要按著正道講解聖經,因為“聖經都是神所默示的,於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義,都是有益的,叫屬神的人得以完全,預備行各樣的善事。”(提後3:16-17)在新約還沒有成書的背景下,主耶穌和保羅所指的聖經和律法是猶太人用的希伯來聖經,也就是今天《新舊約全書》中的前三十九卷書,簡稱舊約。

因為舊約成書的時間、地點、文化和讀者群的不同,基督徒在閱讀理解上有難度,對於舊約律法在生活中的運用更是不著頭腦。舊約中有六百多條誡命,以色列人都要遵守,基督徒要守哪幾條?連猶太人都廢棄了聖殿獻祭的傳統,應該怎麼看那些挑選獻祭的牲畜和祭司服裝的條文?聖經多處提到,在新約時代,舊約漸舊漸衰,快歸無有(來8:13),新酒不能裝在舊皮袋裡(路5:36-39),基督徒服事主,是按著心靈的新樣,不按著儀文的舊樣(羅7:6)等等。我們是像主耶穌和保羅所教導的,繼續遵守舊約中神的命令,還是棄之不用,只守新約就可以?

如何理解並應用舊約律法,是聖經釋經學的範疇。多年前讀費伊和斯圖亞特(Gordon Fee and Douglas Stewart)的《讀經的藝術》 (How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth),其中的一句話,一直讓我回味無窮:“聖經是為我們而寫的,而不是寫給我們的(The Bible was written for us, not to us)。”

第一次聽到這個說法,我很有抵觸。聖經是神賜給我們的寶貴話語,是神的話,不是嗎?沒錯。聖經向我們啟示神的屬性,神的救恩,神的大愛,不是嗎?當然。聖經是神寫給我們的情書?可以這樣說,神的屬性就是愛,然而神不是為了愛我們而存在,而是因為祂愛的本性而愛祂的創造。

簡單地說,“聖經為我們而寫,不是寫給我們”的說法,提醒我們不要草率地按照聖經字面的意思理解和應用經文。一句經文,更不用說經文片段,一定要結合整章和整卷經文來理解。因為作者得到聖靈的啟發,針對當時人與事所作的記載和內容的取捨,首先是為了讓當時的讀者理會神的心意和神的旨意。有些經文有普遍實用性,如十誡和登山寶訓;有些經文則有針對性、時效性、相對性,或者是象徵性,不適合按著字面意思應用,如禮儀性潔淨條文,針對淫亂的處罰等。

鑒於基督徒如何運用舊約律法條文,《讀經的藝術》列出了以下基督徒和舊約律法的關係,幫助我們學習如何在聖靈的引導下,正確解釋並應用舊約律法。建議詳細參閱“第九章、律法書:給以色列人的契約規定。”

  1. 舊約律法是盟約(covenant)。舊約時代的近東地區有宗主契約的文化,對宗主(地主)和家臣(僕人)的義務有明確的規定。家臣遵守了規定,宗主就知道他是忠誠的;如果違反規定,宗主會以盟約的要求處罰家臣。神使用這個方式制定許多舊約的律法,確立神與祂拯救出埃及的以色列民族的盟約關係。主耶穌所設立的新約,修改了神與基督徒的關係,我們不是僕人,而是永生神的兒女。
  2. 舊約不是我們的約。舊約代表的是舊的盟約,我們不需要假定這個舊的約必然是我們要遵守的。事實上,如果這個約沒有在新的盟約中(藉著主耶穌和使徒的教導) 更新 (renew),它對我們沒有約束力。神要求我們的忠心和順服沒有改變,但我們表達忠心和順服的方式有改變。
  3. 舊約中的兩類條例沒有在新約中被重訂。摩西律法的大部分篇幅可分兩大類。以色列的民法列出與人交往時所犯的大小罪所應得的懲罰,僅適用於古時的以色列民眾。宗教律例詳細列出以色列人如何敬拜獻祭,包括器具的準備、祭司的責任和祭物的挑選等。因為主耶穌大祭司一次獻上永遠的祭,舊約的獻祭條例就立時作廢了。即便如此,這兩類條例背後的道德水準和敬虔態度基督徒依然要遵守和借鑑。主耶穌沒有廢除律法,而是代替罪人成全了律法。
  4. 舊約在新約中被修訂的部分基督徒必須遵守。舊約倫理的部分在新約裡被重新闡述,而且涵蓋的範圍更廣闊,繼續適用於今天,如“盡心、盡性、盡意愛耶和華你的神。”(申6:5)和愛人如己(利19:18)。重新制定的是律法的某些部分,而不是律法本身,因為只有基於愛人和愛神的誡命之下的律法,才是基督徒必須繼續遵守的。
  5. 全部舊約律法都是神對我們所說的話,但不是神給我們的命令。聖經中有神要我們知道的各種誡命,但不是所有誡命都是針對我們的。如耶穌對約翰的門徒說,“去把所聽見所看見的事告訴約翰:”(太11:4)這個命令的執行者只是約翰的門徒。同樣的,當我們讀到舊約關於古代以色列人的律法,如果這個律法沒有被新約重訂過,我們不是它的執行者。
  6. 舊約律法中唯有在新約裡明確重訂的,才被視為“基督的律法”的一部分(加6:2)。歸納以上各點,對基督徒而言,知道神全部律法很重要,但必須遵守的舊約律法僅限十誡(太5:21-37;約7:23)和在申命記6:5和利未記19:18 記載的兩條大誡命,在此之外的舊約律法沒有一條可以被證實是基督徒應該嚴格遵守的。

因為主耶穌在十字架上為信祂的人擔當了死的代價,生活在恩典時代的基督徒不需要時刻為日常生活中的罪而擔心受到終極審判。基督徒生活是個不斷努力、跌倒、爬起的成聖過程。雖然每天與老我的征戰不一定都能得勝,我們只要時刻警醒,隨時認罪悔改,尋求聖靈和屬靈夥伴的幫助,努力過聖潔的生活,就必蒙神的祝福與喜悅。然而舊約律法並不是多餘的,而是極為寶貴,因為舊約藉著記載神的創造和與人的約,見證神的公義與慈愛,人的罪和無法自救的境況,指向將要來的彌賽亞的盼望和天國美景。沒有舊約,新約聖經就成了只有謎底沒有謎面的謎語。基督徒要記得的是:舊約律法為我們而寫,為要指向神的憐憫和基督的救恩。

Four Days of Prayer-reading

Anna Zhou

12/2/2023 Deeply Known Christ My Lord 

Acts 9:1-25;10:36; Matt 28:18; Is 42:1-4; Phil 2:9-11; Rev 17:14; 19:16

  1. The Lord who Paul deeply knew on the way to Damascus

   ·  Christ was taken up into heaven and surpassed all; Christ who overcomes and conquers all, the ones who see Him fell to the ground. (3-4) 

    ·  The humble Jesus who suffers, though He is on the throne, but still being persecuted; The abundant Christ fills all in all, the mysterious and the Almighty. Christ rules over all, being called King of kings, Lord of lords. (4-5; Is 42:1-4; Phil 2:9-115; Matt 28:18; 1Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16)

  1. Experiences of the truly believed

    ·  Receive the Lord’s enlightenment. Met the Lord, heard His voice, and had deeply known Him. (3-5)

    ·  Received a new mission from Him. Lost interest in the world. (6-9)

    ·  Establish his relation of communion with the Lord through prayer. Be into the Lord through laying hand on and baptism. Have spiritual communion with members of the body. (11,17-19)

    ·  Spread the gospel and witness Him. Progressing in grace and increasing in spiritual strength. Persecuted for the Lord’s sake. (20. 22-25)

Responding Hymn based on 2 Tim 1:12

I know Whom I Have Believed https://www.xueshengshi.com/?p=2810

11/29/2023 Thanksgiving and Asking

Col 1:9-14; 3:16-17; Jude 20-21

  1. Asking for more wisdom to know God better and endure long sufferings joyfully. Pray for us to increase in the knowledge of God. We continually ask God to fill us with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.  (9-10)

    ·  Ask for them to be strengthened with all might and joy. For being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience, (11)

  1. Thanksgivings for being partakers of the inheritance, for being conveyed into the kingdom, for having redemption. (12-14)

Responding all the above to Paul’s prayer with two reminders: 

    ·  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the Lord Jesus’s name, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col 3:16-17)

    ·  God-beloved, by building ourselves up in our most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep ourselves in God’s love as we wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us to eternal life. (Jude 20-21)

11/25/2023 Keep the Treasure of Faith

2 Tim1:5-14; 3:15

  1. Rely on God to keep the treasure of faith

    ·  I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Stirring up the gift, the spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind without timidity. (5-7)

  1. The gospel proves that one’s being saved is not by the works of men but by the grace of God. Always according to the power of God. Relying on God who can keep us. Keep the treasure by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (8-9,12,14)
  2. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (3:14-16)

Notes: With an attitude of being taught; learn from who, singular: follow Lord Christ Jesus/Apostle Paul. Must pay attention to leading future generations and making sure they know the Holy Scriptures to have salvation wisdom from their childhood, and to have profound and lasting influence in their whole life.

11/24/2023 Set Our Hope on Christ’s Salvation Grace

1 Peter 1:10-13;Heb12:14

  1. The revelation and manifestation of salvation: the prophets and those who have preached the gospel and the angels. (10-12)

    ·  Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care. (10)

    ·  Try to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. (11)

    ·  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but us when they spoke of the things that have now been told us by those who have. (12)

  1. The attitudes that we are supposed to have a grateful heart toward salvation: pursue holiness and fear God. (13-17)

 ·  Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set our hope on the grace to be brought to us when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. (13)

 ·  Pursue peace with all and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb12:14)

祷读拾零四则

周安娜

2023年12月2日 深知基督我主

徒 9:1-25;10:36;太 28:18;赛 42:1-4;腓 2:9-11;启 17:14;19:16

  1. 保罗去大马士革路上所认识的主

   ·基督升天超越一切; 基督得胜征服一切,见者仆倒。(3-4)

   ·受苦义仆升为至高,仍受逼迫;基督丰满充满万有,奥秘至大; 基督主宰掌管万有,万主之主万王之王。 (4-5)

  1. 真信的经历

  ·得主光照,遇见主,听声音认识主。(3-5)

  · 从主得新使命,背对世界失兴趣。(6-9)

  ·与主建关系祷告交通,按手受浸归入主身体,与主内肢体灵里交通。(11;17-19)

  ·传福音见证主,主恩中长进灵力;为主受压。(20;22-25)

回应:因知我所信的是谁,也深信主能保全我所交付他的,直到那日。(提后1:12)

我知所信的是谁https://www.xueshengshi.com/?p=2810

2023年11月29日 感恩祈求主

西 1:9-14; 3:16-17; 犹 20-21

  1. 求更认识神的智慧能力,喜乐忍耐

  ·求更认识神。不住祈求,在一切属灵智慧悟性,满心知道神的旨意,行事为人对得起主,凡事蒙主喜悦;一切善事上多结果,更认识神。(9-10)

  ·求能力喜乐。照祂荣耀的权能在各样的力上加力,叫我们凡事欢欢喜喜地忍耐宽容。(11)

  1. 感恩得基业/进神国/蒙救赎(12-14)

 ·回应保罗,有提醒用诸般智慧,把基督道理丰丰富富存记心里,用诗章颂词、灵歌相劝,心被恩感歌颂神。无论说话行事,都要奉主名感谢父神。(西3:16-17)

  ·在至圣真道上造就我们自己,在圣灵里祷告,保守自己在主爱里,仰望我们主耶稣基督怜悯,直到永生。

2023年11月25日 守住信仰宝藏

提后1:5-14; 3:14-16

  1. 靠神守住信仰宝藏:想到你心里无伪之信,是先在你外祖母罗以和你母亲友尼基心里的,我深信也在你的心里。挑旺恩赐,不胆怯、乃是刚强、仁爱、谨守的灵。(5-7)
  2. 得救不按自己行为,乃按神的恩典。总要按神的能力,信靠神能保守,靠内住的圣灵牢牢守着。 (8-9,12,14)
  3. 但你所学习的,所确信的,要存在心里;因为你知道是跟谁学的。并且知道你是从小明白圣经,这圣经能使你因信基督耶稣,有得救的智慧。(3:14-16)

    ·注:受教心态;跟谁(单数),跟主耶稣,使徒保罗;

    ·注意引领下一代,从小确实认识圣经,有得救的智慧,对他们一生影响深远。

2023年11月24日 专心盼望基督救恩

彼前1:10-13; 12:14

  1. 救恩的启示与显明:众先知、传福音的人和天使。(10-12)

     ·论到这救恩,那预先说你们要得恩典的众先知,早已详细的寻求考察,就是考察在他们心里基督的灵,预先证明基督受苦难,后来得荣耀,是指着什么时候,并怎样的时候。他们得了启示,知道他们所传讲(原文:服事)的一切事,不是为自己,乃是为我们。那靠着从天上差来的圣灵传福音给我们的人,现在将这些事报给你们;天使也愿意详细察看这些事。 (10-12)

  1. 对救恩我们该存感恩的心,追求圣洁和敬畏神(13-17)

    ·要约束我们的心,谨慎自守,专心盼望耶稣基督显现的时候所带来给我们的恩。(13)

    ·要追求与众人和睦,并要追求圣洁;非圣洁没有人能见主。(来12:14)

Rejoice in Prayerful Reading · Pieces of Prayerful Reading Notes

Anna Zhou

Daily Renewal in Devotional

Faith legacy is of critical importance. Wish my son would see the prayerful reading notes to know that I wake up with certain symptoms. Christ’s light cleanses and heals me. He surrounds me with songs of deliverance. I am calmed and quieted like a weaned child with her mother, so I am content in peace. My Lord’s grace is sufficient for me every day (Ps 131:2; 2 Cor.12:9).

Shocked in Disappointment

Thinking of the 1991 summer lunch, Peiying was so desperate to spread the gospel and was asking me, “Are you very eager too?” “No,” I replied. I was born into a family of five generations believing Christ, oftentimes we mention the gospel, without desperation. I was shockingly disappointed in myself: woe to me (1 Cor. 9:16)!

Starting Prayerful Reading

I started prayerful reading with notes to equip myself. After some 30 years, are there any changes in me? Originally I did it not to be the blind leading the blind, avoiding the scenario where both shall fall into the ditch (Matt 15:14). Now, I do prayerful reading in the Holy Spirit, for He is proving the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. I must self re-examine my wrongs inside. Without holiness no one shall see God (John 12:8; Heb 12:14). My Lord will counsel me with His loving eye on me, instruct me as I ask what to do to overcome daily symptoms. My spiritual hunger and thirst are fed, so I share heavenly food with my gospel partners, receiving grace together (Phil 1:7).

No Better Than Other

An opportunity came after preparing for three years. I went to visit my classmate, a cancer patient. Unexpectedly she passed at the surgery that day. Alas, saving a soul is like fighting a fire. When I visited her husband at the hospital bed, I had an illusion that I, the oppressed, might be better than the oppressor in the cultural revolution. Well, soon I suffered from cancer. God does not show favoritism and all have sinned (Ro 2:11;3:24). Jesus said do not suppose those who suffered were sinners above all. No! Except for repentance, we shall all likewise perish. 

Brought Harm to Self

During self-examination, I felt an unsmooth breast lump in medium hardness. The company had a screening mammography but that did not show it. I put a piece of wire to mark it showing a 1.1 cm, which was a 1 mm difference from what I estimated. I had operated on total mastectomy and knew females would die of breast cancer given their poor tumor genes. I went to see the chief surgeon who had collaborated with me in a clinical trial to recommend one to operate on me. Unexpectedly, he boasted his skills worthy of high pay during surgery. I suffered awful pain due to his incomplete local anesthesia. Even more dreadful was the pathological report: both ends of the tumor were left in. The malpractice was worse than implanting two tumor tips in my breast.  My schoolmate sent a pile of research literature showing 30 mice with implants of breast cancer cells, all dying within a year. 100% death with no exception. I had told the surgeon to cut it out thoroughly and paid no attention to cosmetics, but he boasted he made it nice-looking. I was really frightened. The hospital sent me some forms to fill out. But I threw them into the trash can. What good will it be for one to gain the whole world, yet forfeit my life (Matt 16:26)?

Repent and Survived

I knelt to ask God to forgive me. I thought I knew and went to depend on a famous man. Repenting without delay for survival, I would rather give up the compensation. God responded to me. Chief Dr. MJH performed an enlarged mastectomy. The surgeon with malpractice came to apologize, thanking me for not taking legal action against him.  I knew my sin and to survive by repentance was more urgent than anything. I only asked him not to do it on others. The pathological report was terrible. My tumor gene type tested all negative. Two attending physicians previously published long articles on chemo. I pleaded for the Lord’s mercy on me! Top physician Dr.JH, Chief of Harvard cancer project had long talks twice with me and my son Michael. Dr. JH explained his therapy and replied to Michael in detail. I did not care how heavy the chemo would be. My PCP Dr. Jen urged me to act quickly at any cost. Dr. JH said chemo would have no effects, due to the tumor gene testing all negative. Above 95% chemo would fail, The toxicity and side effects did not mean chemo was working. Dr. JH encouraged the two known physicians not to go through chemo, so I avoided the dreadful useless chemo. He promised he himself would be in charge of curing me. Experts asked me how could you find Dr. JH? I thought: though God disciplines, He still earnestly remembers His child. (Jer.31:20)

Disciple with Love

The four-week radiotherapy made me feel cured. I said to Dr. JH that I would like to stop the radiation since I felt cured with no need to go on; it might be overkill. He said OK, no need to come tomorrow. Under God’s mercy, there was a mild winter without a snowstorm. I was diagnosed at the end of Sept., had my first lumpectomy Oct., 2nd enlarged mastectomy Nov., planned and stopped chemo Dec., started radiotherapy Jan., and ended early Feb.  I drove to radiotherapy at 7 AM. and got out to work at 7:30. At night, I got up 2-3 times for a cold water shower on the skin and applied ointment to reduce skin sensitivity, and fell asleep without hypertension. My PCP Dr. Jen said you need the cancer to normalize the elevated blood pressure for nearly two decades. Again I told Dr. JH that I had been using the anti-histamine receptor alpha blocker to reduce the side effects of the radiotherapy. He thought for a moment and said, “It makes sense; I am going to bring this application worldwide.” By the next year, I noticed in both the US and China, the product insert has listed as one of its indications: reduce the side effects of radiotherapy. On the day of ending radiotherapy, my boss Dr. B Bluestein went out of his office and shouted, “You successfully resolved the major issue of our company’s biggest screening test. I am impressed!” And, I was promoted, and was shown the journal which reported the drug had taken over 50% of the US market share a year after its release. Oh, God’s grace!

Advance or Retreat: Obey Orders

At one time, I was invited to a coworker’s meeting in Sharon. I got one foot in the car, but withdrew immediately. I was reminded to read the Bible. I knelt down to ask, which passage? I followed the reminder to read five verses (Phil 2:1-5) and then drove to David Zhang’s house. He heard me explain why I was ten minutes late and said let us read the same passage twice. After reading it, he said to his wife Yanzhi no need to join the meeting to present any arguments.  He directed us to the next agenda: the group financial regulations discussion drafted by Brother Yu, and handed it to me to edit in a succinct form. This dismissed the accumulated 12 hr complaints and worries like clouds blown away.  What a relief. Thanks to God who knew and dealt with it. Yes. In our relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5).

Self-Reflecting on Conviction

Since eight years ago, I suffered from multiple illnesses and lost body weight with severe memory loss. Yet, I love my son. I was eager to read the Bible to him: God disciplines the one he loves (Heb 12:1-13). After I explained the scripture, he said, “Mom, you omitted one of the three points.” I was embarrassed but surprised at his getting the gist. I thought I knew something, but I did not yet know what I ought to know (1 Cor. 8:2). After thinking it over for a while, I wrote a letter to my son to apologize. Reading the Bible should be for changing my inner old person. But I went to read scripture to him, not to myself. It implied being judgmental to teach him so I was in the wrong mindset.  His daddy said this letter of yours was not bad at all. I felt my Father in Heaven patting on my shoulder: good girl! Severe diseases were stabilizing; I had peace in tribulation. God is pleased when a child returns to Him (John 16:33; Luke 15:6,24).

Indeed Beloved

Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (Eph 5:14). This verse was reminded in prayer for my son. Now Christ’s light is shining on me before dawn to receive His love full of joy. He leads me to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy (Ps 23:4; Is 12:3). Practicing daily to listen to Him, obeying the Holy Spirit to deal with sins and cleanse thoughts. Repenting to rebirth non-stop, pressing on to the mark of Christ. The most impressive book wasThe Pilgrim’s Progress”. I could not forget that so many fell off at the door of entering the heavenly kingdom. How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation (Heb 2:3)? Deeply believing in the effects of the Lord’s blood shed on the Cross, and the reviving power of the Holy Spirit. Be on guard as a watchman, exhorting one another daily (Heb 3:13). The Holy Spirit pours out God’s love into our hearts to have a heart of sympathy and empathy (Ro 5:5). Say a prayer as the tax collector.  Lord, have mercy on me and forgive me. I am a sinner (Luke 18:13). By faith in Christ, I am counted as the righteous and held in God’s bosom. Even with my old age and gray hairs, because He made me, and carries me; He will sustain and rescue me (Is46:4). Lord, I need every hour. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Abide With Me

What but your grace can foil the tempter’s power? 

Who like yourself my guide and strength can be? 

Through cloud and sunshine, O Lord abide with me.

Notes: Praising Hymn: Abide With Me. Henry Francis (1793 – 1847)

日日祷读・喜乐泉涌  

周安娜 

祷读日新

信仰传承至关重要,愿儿看这祷读,就知我每晨不适即起,主光照医治,以得救乐歌环绕我(诗32:7)。我像断了奶的孩子,安静在母怀中,知足安稳,主恩够我用(诗131: 2; 林后9:12)。

惊觉失落

忆及1991那夏日午餐,培英特想传福音,问我:“你有没有特想传福音?”我答:“没有。”生于几代信主家族,常说福音,却没特想传。惊觉有祸(林前9:16)。

开始祷读

每日祷读写笔记装备自身。卅年后有何改变?原本为不作瞎眼领路而读,瞎子岂能领瞎子,两人不是都要掉在坑里? (太15:14)现有圣灵引导我,为罪为义为审判自责,人非圣洁,不得近主(约12:8;来12:14)。祂定睛劝诫我,当我想如何越过障碍,祂指示我,解我饥渴。因此与福音同伴分享灵粮,一同得恩(腓1:7)。

不比人好

预备三年终于有机会了,探访同班癌患,未料那天她提前手术中故去。唉!救灵魂如救火,探她卧床丈夫。我有错觉,以为文革受压的我好过压迫者,是吗?不久我患癌了,神不偏待人,世人都犯了罪(罗2:11;3:24)。主说:这些人受难比别人更有罪吗?不!若不悔改,都要如此灭亡(路13:3)。

自取其害

自检乳腺有硬块表面不平,正值公司普查,乳房照相未显。贴铁丝标定一公分,照片与我估值仅差一毫米,后行乳癌全切术。若基因差,死于乳癌者不少见。临床评价的癌症医院主任建议开刀。那人狂言手术技术好、配得高薪;局部麻醉不全,我痛难当,病理报告更吓人:首尾两端未切掉,是医疗事故,坏过小鼠植癌。学长乳癌教授从加州寄来资料:卅只小鼠植癌,都没活一年,百分之百死!其实术前我对术者说:一公分乳癌切除,简单彻底,不要美容。他术中吹牛高薪,我胆战心惊。院方要庭外和解,寄一叠表格要填。就是赚得全世界,却赔上性命又有何用(太16:26)?我将其丢进字纸篓!

悔改得生

我跪下求主赦免我⸺自以为知道,投靠名医。快悔改求生,宁可放弃赔偿。神答应我了。主任Dr. MH做扩大手术,那医疗事故手术者来道歉且谢我不告他。我自知罪,悔改求生要紧,只劝他莫对他人再犯。病理报告可怕,我肿瘤基因测试全阴性。两位主治医在波士顿环球发化疗长文是名医,我手握五百美金的细胞毒药,坐上化疗靠背椅,体会化疗。主可怜我,赐顶级良医,哈佛本部癌症项目主任,亲召我长谈二次,我儿陪同细问治疗。我要存活,不在乎化疗多重,我的家庭医生Dr. J. Jen 催我不计代价快治。 Dr.  J. Harris说:你化疗无效,因基因全阴,95%以上失败,毒副作用大并非有效。 Dr. JH说服二位主治放弃给我化疗。我躲过了,化疗药仍在。他亲自治我。行内人问,你怎么找到他的?神虽管教,仍深顾念祂孩子(耶卅一20)。

管教有爱

四周放疗我觉已好,对Dr. JH 说:我治好了,可以停了吗?他同意:明天不必再来。在神怜悯下有个暖冬,九月诊断,十月开刀,十一月二次扩大切除,又切淋巴。腊月至二月无暴风雪。早七时放疗,七时半驱车上班。夜起二三次,冲凉涂药再睡,停降压药。Dr. Jen戏说:你这十几年高血压必得癌治好。再有,我告诉Dr.  JH:组胺阿尔法受体阻滞剂减轻放疗副作用。他想了想说:有道理,立刻普世推广。次年中美的此药方单列其适应症之一⸺减轻放疗副作用。放疗结束之日,老板Dr.  BB出到办公室门外,向已走远的我喊着说:你成功解决公司最大筛查药难题,印象深刻!这老板严格令人生畏,却因我说每日晚来半小时,大发脾气掀翻手提箱:私事免提!晋级后被告知,此药一年占全美市场份额之半。啊,神的恩典!

进退从令

某次受邀赴核心同工会讨论争议。一足刚进车,就退回,被催促先查经。跪下求问何处⸺要查5节经文(腓2:1-5)。开电脑读完上路,晚到十分钟,绪增弟兄说:大家来读两遍。读完后,他说,争议免谈,艳芝不必与会谈此事,只讨论余之洲弟兄草拟的章程,交我精简。累计12小时抱怨愁烦散去。感谢神知道并掌管一切。是的,我们当以基督耶稣的心为心(腓2:5)。

自省坚信

自八年前我数病齐发体重锐减且严重失忆,但爱儿心切,对儿读经:神所爱的祂必管教(来12:1-13)。读完儿说,妈,有三条,你少一条。我尴尬,又稀奇他抓住要点。我自以为知道,当知道的却还不知道(林前8:2)。思忖良久,圣诞前给儿去信致歉。读经本该为改变内心旧人,我却对他读经,隐含论断着教导他,所以我那心态错了。他爸说你:这信写得不错。神也似拍我肩:好孩子!重症趋稳,患难中有平安,神喜悦孩子回头(約16:33;路15:7,24)。

确蒙眷爱

你这睡着的人当醒过来,从死里复活,基督就要光照你了(弗5:14)。这节本为儿祈祷,现基督光照我凌晨醒起。领受主爱,喜乐满怀。祂领我走过死荫幽谷,领我到救恩泉源欢然取水(诗23:4:赛12:3),天天操练顺服圣灵、对付罪、除杂念,重生悔改不停步,向着基督标杆直跑(腓3:14)。儿时读过《天路历程》,至今难忘,到天国门口还有人失落。我们若忽略这么大的救恩,怎能逃罪呢?(来2:3)深信十架宝血功效,圣灵复活大能。儆省守望,天天彼此相劝(来3:13)。圣灵浇灌神爱,有同理同情心(罗5:5),祈祷像税吏。我是罪人求主可怜赦免,因信主被算为义;我自出生被神保抱,直到我年老发白;因祂造我,背负我,祂必保守我且救我。主,我时刻需要祢,凡有气息的都要赞美耶和华!我们要赞美耶和华。

祢与我同行

若非祢恩典,怎逃离试探,谁能像祢,引导我平安。虽有阴晴,祢与我同行。

注:圣诗:求主同住, 作者:亨利・法兰西斯(1793-1847)。