Monday, August 31, 2020

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law

 Romans 3:9-20

What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.

There is no one righteous, not even onethere is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. there is no one who does good, not even one.” Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the lawrather, through the law, we become conscious of our sin.

Are the Jews any better off than other people? No, Everyone is in the grip of sin. The law makes people know they have sinned; it makes the Jews accountable - it is powerless to put anyone right with God.

Why?

All men are equal and are the sinner, no one is righteous, no matter is Jews or the gentile.

The law we become conscious of our sin. So the Law is important, God makes it to let us know what is right and wrong, but the law could not deliver us from the sins.

No one can be saved through the law, for all of us are sinner, any behavior could not erase our sins.

Everyone's mouth may be silenced, be humble before the Lord. Even everyone is under the power of the law.

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神把話語交給猶太人不同,但是他們沒有遵行神的話語,所以沒有比別人強。仍然在罪惡之下。

v11-18:引用詩篇及以賽亞書,沒有一個義人。這是指的是普遍的情形,雖然有先知。沒有人明白神的心意,沒有真心追求神的人。以為守律法就是聖潔,偏離正路,曲解神的律法,以致只重視儀文而忽略神。只有放下自己的想法,才能導正。我們這信主的人,比他們強嗎?我們真的尋求神嗎?還是請神幫我背書?找神的想法來支持我的想法,聖經沒有說不能抽煙、沒有說不能和未信主的結婚,所以可以。

沒有拜偶像,但是所行的比拜偶像的更可怕,我們比他們強嗎?我們若離開主,比他們更可怕,比猶太人更遭。他們的教導沒有任何生命,用說話就可以殺人。為罪惡的事在努力。

律法如鏡子告訴你髒了,走不正,鏡子不能幫人洗淨,帶到正路。


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How?

Praise the Lord, God arranged salvation to us through the blood of Jesus Christ may erase our sins.



Sunday, August 30, 2020

The Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God

 Romans 3:1-8

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar

So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. Psalm 51:4

Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

Paul imagines the questions the hecklers will fling at him and meets their points one by one. Have the Jews any advantage over others? Yes, the fact that God has entrusted them with his revelation.

What if some have failed in their trust? Will God go back on his promises? No. God still keeps his word, but promises will not save them.

Wrongdoing seems to serve a good end since it highlights God's goodness. So why not 'do evil that good may come' of it? Because God is a just Judge - and the end does not justify the means.

Why?

The Jew is the first tribe to be God's people and has the mission to honor the Lord. It is grace and honor to Jews. If they do not obey the word of God, it is meaningless to their identity and circumcision.

God is faithful and judges everyone according to their deed, so no one has excuse to explain what he has done.

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2:29 惟有裡面作的,才是真猶太人;真割禮也是心裡的,在乎靈,不在乎儀文。這人的稱讚不是從人來的,乃是從神來的。

為何要有這些禮儀?凡事大有好處,讓人有好處,神不會帶入走冤枉路。

神的聖言交託他們。放託代表信任,委任。可被信賴的,即猶太人是有使命的要往外傳。後來他們不能被信賴了,又有何妨?他們不知道神的用意,曲解神的禮儀含義,使禮儀無效了。

受割禮是象徵、宣告,是開始不是結束,完成了。洗禮只是願意公開宣告我願意一生跟隨主,很多人以為這是畢業典禮,洗禮是開學典禮。因為人喜歡被誇獎。v5還喜歡被誇獎,以為我的不義是顯出神的義。但是要受審判,是曲解神的心意,人的自我中心何等可怕。

人不信,神仍然是可信任的。神仍然守約。相信凡事都有好處。反而我們不信神就讓我們繞路。神不會害我們,只要我們更像祂!

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How?

Be humble and let honor the name of God be our target in our life. 


Saturday, August 29, 2020

Circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code

 Romans 2;17-29

You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?  As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. (Isaiah 52:5)

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?

No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Law is good, the law instructed us what is right and not, guide for the blond, a light for those who are in the dark. But to be a man who said who knows the law but hid deed against the Lord, so God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of Jews.

Circumcision has value if you observe the lase, but if you break the law, it is meaningless.

The real circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.

The Jews will be saved neither by the law nor by circumcision (the outward sign of belonging to God). They pride themselves in God and the law. They know what God wants them to do - but do they actually keep the law? if no, they 'might as well never have been circumcised'! The real Jew is one who obeys God from the heart.

No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Why?

Real Christian is one who obeys the word of the Lord, it is according to what is has done, instead of what he says.

A good Christian speaks gentle and with love, who has mercy and love to others and make the right decision according to the word of the Lord. Always keep humble before the Lord and men. It is uneasy, but by the strength of the Lord, we can make it.

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猶太人喜歡教導人,因此指出他們的缺點。自認為是可以瞎子領路,好像自己高高在上,指導人,飄飄然在上。必須明白律法並且行出律法才能做人的師傅。因此在教會領會的人不要小看。如果唱全心奉獻給主,如果自己不是這樣的人,這樣的想法,那麼在唱什麼?若是如此,我們就是保羅指出的猶太人,自己知道卻無法行,怎麼能帶人唱這樣的詩歌。

割禮是立約的記號,即願意守約。後受割禮會疼痛,不致忘記,常常提醒。如果沒有守約,割禮就沒有意義了。保羅沒有說不要割禮,這也是神指示的。對於外邦人雖然沒有受割禮的人,也守約,比受割禮的人更難得。

神是看內心不是看外表,如果自以為有內心,可以不用在乎外表是錯的。所以主日穿著是表示我很看重這事,神就看重我們的外表。外表與內心要一致。

真割禮在乎內心不在乎儀文。稱讚來自神,不是來自人。內心比外表重要為什麼人總是聽不懂,因為人受罪的影響,人想要人的稱讚,由外表最容易。

惟有裡面作的,才是真猶太人;真割禮也是心裡的,在乎靈,不在乎儀文。這人的稱讚不是從人來的,乃是從神來的。

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How?

Let us rely on the Lord and do what God has told us. Honor God's holy name.




Friday, August 28, 2020

The law and the gospel

 Romans 2:12-16

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Those who do not have God's law and those who do will be judged, not by what they know but by what they do.

Why?

Judgment will according to what he has done, but not for what he knew. 

So the Jew knows the Lord could not save them, only the gospel can save them. It does not mean Jews have the law that is higher than others.

Everyone has consciousness in his heart, who knows what is right and what is wrong. so if anyone did the wrong who will be judged by his deed.

How?

Law is not the book, but it is written in our heart and remind us to do the right things.


Thursday, August 27, 2020

God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance

 Romans 2:1-10

Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentilebut glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Paul turns to the Jews, although they are not named until verse 17. They are quick to judge others, but ignore God's call to repent of their own wrongdoing. So they too stand condemned.

Why?

Pass judgment on someone else is guilty before the Lord. We have not right to judge any other. For we are not perfect, I am a sinner either.

God is full of mercy intended to lead us to repentance.

Jew is the first group to receive the gospel, so the judgment and grace will come to them first, then to the Gentile. God does not show favoritism.

Jews were ignored God's call so as our Christians when we got the grace from the Lord, we should share our love and grace with others. We sometimes do the same thing as the Gentile. It looks good but God knows our hearts.

God will repay each person according to what they have done, no matter Christian or none Christian. But the judgment will be started from Christian.

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論斷人的多是猶太人,猶太人責備別人拜偶像時。自己所行的與拜偶像的人一樣。心中有偶像。從來不檢討自己的,從來不認為有問題,可以逃避審判嗎?濫用神的恩慈,認為神一定會赦免,變成神一定要赦免。猶太人很聰明,抓住神忍耐、恩慈而為所欲為。利用神赦免的恩典,當做任意妄為的理由。我們應當先尊重別人,別人拜偶像時我們是否也有偶像。這不是敬虔,是驕傲。

猶太人是神揀選的,但是審判都一樣的。神的憐憫是要我們悔改,不用害怕認罪悔改受責罰,但是不認罪,就是不能逃避將來的審判。如果外邦人悔改,神也會賜恩給他們永生。

不是行善得救,而是對比行惡的結果。恆心行善,就是尋求永恆的人。

結黨: 圖謀私利的人,被自私野心轄制的人。故意要來抵擋神的。給結黨派: 可能很有才能的人。結黨的人故意抵擋神,會惹神的忿怒。

神的審判,不會因為是否猶太人或是身份不同而不一樣。基督徒也不因信主多久?只要真心尋求神的,神就會賞賜他們。不是因為教會中職份高就蒙神喜愛。

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How?

God is the Lord of grace, kindness and righteousness. God does not show faviotism.



Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts

 Psalm 1:21-32

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

So God lets them do as they want, and they sink deeper and deeper into the morass of their own perverse and perverted behavior. Wrong thinking and wrongdoing go hand in hand. If the reason is rejected.

Why?

Men's sins are worshiping the creators, 1)exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made. 2)Exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural one, women and men both. Inflamed with lust for one another. 3) depraved mind to do what ought not to be done. 4) They know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death.

God gave them ... for they like to do the evil things. They deserve to die, but they keep doing it, so God's anger burst out over them.

God is sad to those who like evil things, even they deserve to die. God is full of mercy hope they may return from evil to righteousness. God gave them time and opportunity, the time is in the hands of the Lord.

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1)人很大的問題明知有榮耀的神,卻不去榮耀神,認為自然界的一切都是自然形成的。故意不認識神,神就任憑他們行惡。不把神當作神來敬拜。把神當作僕人,認為一切都是神應該做的。

2)人另外找神就是找到偶像,因此放縱情慾,玷辱自己的身體。性別的混亂,同性戀是逆著原來的本性  

3)人故意不認識神就把他們交給不義的事。人和人的關係、家庭關係也破壞,結局是死,他們仍然行。

這段經文對於基督徒有什麼關係? 我們知道神,我們是否有真感謝神,還是將感謝神掛在嘴邊,心中沒有感恩。榮耀神是不以自己的需要為目的。凡事謝恩,凡事榮耀神,就不會離開神,不會自以為是。

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人自己作的選擇與行為只有自己來承擔後果。

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How?

Be aware to do the right things even reject the right thing is sin.




Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Humanity in general refuses to acknowledge God. People are without excuse

 Romans 1:18-20

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine naturehave been clearly seen, being understood from what has been madeso that people are without excuse.

Paul begins his thesis with a penetrating analysis of the human condition. Everyone - Gentile and Jew alike - is under God's judgment. Humanity in general refuses to acknowledge God. They have no excuse.

Why?

Wicked man: suppress the truth by their wickedness.

Wicked men who know God, from what has been made.

All of us are sinner, no matter what kind of men. Be humble and confess our sins before the Lord, through the blood of Jesus Christ is the only way to erase our sins.

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講神開始怎麼做?

行不義,阻擋真理的人。是人拒絕認識神。神一直向人介紹祂自己。人一直壓抑自己,不承認有神。人用自己的想法,人無法證明神的存在。

從宇宙萬物,造物的奇妙,我們可以知道有神。不義的人阻擋神,信主的人是否有時候也不信神,特別是神沒有按照我們求的,遇到不如意的事,雖然不是不信,卻是信心軟弱。神對於未信者都賜恩他們,更何況神的兒女更是大大施恩!保護、帶領我們奔跑天路。相信神不斷帶領,放心把自己交託給神. 

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How?

Do not criticize or discriminate any others, do not boast, for we are all the same, a sinner. Be humble and give thanks to the Lord and follow Jesus Christ.

Monday, August 24, 2020

The righteous will live by faith

 Romans 1:8-17

First: It is important, Paul was praying to those who trust in Jesus Christ in Roman. And Paul was eagerly going to Roman to see them and make them strong in faith.

Paul thought no matter to whom he was obligated both people to preach the gospel also to those who are in Rome.

The gospel is the power of God and in the gospel, a righteousness from God is revealed, The righteous will live by faith.

I am not ashamed of the gospel. this gospel is different from other religious and not so many people follow it, so there are challenges and scorns around us.

V7-15 are full of warm, human feeling. Paul greatly appreciates this group of Christians he has never met. He longs to see them and share with them all that the gospel means.

Why?

Paul as a servant of the gospel, he hopes he may go to Rome to see these group of Christian to encourage them.

Do we have such a heart to preach the gospel and encourage others to turn to the Lord?

Gospel revealed the righteousness from God, for no one is righteous in the world.

Gospel is power the power of God, it is not our power but the power of the Lord may change a man turn to the Lord, we just do what we can do to preach the gospel to this world.

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8-15:在主裏記念羅馬的教會:神可以見證他的心意,去的目的1)分享屬靈的恩賜。屬靈的恩賜可以分出去嗎?使你們可以堅固,進一步就是分享神的話清楚明白。用神的道來牧養他們。明白神的話可以使我們心得安慰,得堅固。服事的人看到人生命成長是最大的安慰!2)為了在羅馬傳福音,得果子。欠他們福音的債來描述,傳福音是基督徒的義務,不做不行的。

16-17: 福音的本質:福音的內容,以福音為榮。福音是為了所有人預備的。福音的目的是神的義在福音中彰顯。透過信福音的人將神的義彰顯出來。過程是透過信開始,透過信得救,彰顯神的義,神的榮耀。到最後達成了,也是相信神的作為、方法帶領來完成。

得生: 透過福音,因著信得重生。不管是什麼人都要靠神來得救。大家都一樣。神救人有他的目的,要顯明神的義、神的榮耀。我們每天所遭遇的都是要熬練我們,使我們得益處。

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How?

Eager to preach the gospel and may my faith could make me more strength in my life.


Sunday, August 23, 2020

Romans: Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake

 Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God  the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,  and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the deadJesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostle's whole life-mission is captured in his first few sentences. Paul, Christ's slave, and emissary, commissioned to carry God's good news to the nations, writes to his fellow Christians in Rome. His 'grace' and 'peace' blend the traditional Greek and Jewish greetings into something uniquely Christian.

Why?

Jesus Christ is the promise of the Lord said in ancient times. So Paul said Jesus who is descendant of David, but through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God.

Paul has a higher identity of the Roman citizens. but for the gospel, he called himself an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.

Grace and peace are very important to all Christians. Through God's grace and peace, we may stand firm in the world.

How?

Be humble and follow the way of Christ, we are servants of Jesus Christ and the Lord.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge

 Psalm 71:1-24 

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wickedfrom the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refugeMy mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LordI will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generationyour mighty acts to all who are to come.

At the end of a long and troubled life there is still no let-up. But trouble has schooled the psalmist in trust. Nothing can make him despair. As long as God is with him, the future is full of hope.

Why?

I have become a sign to many for I have told others God's grace on me and have witnessed God's great work on me. God is my strong refuge, I will declare God's splendor all day long.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, this is my prayer too. May I can declare God's power to the next generation, God's mighty acts to all who are to come.

God is with me, then the future is full of hope. Be humble and keep working on the right way with good deed every day.

How?

Rejoice and praise to the Lord all day long! My God is mountain mover, My God is my rock and my refuge.


Friday, August 21, 2020

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you

 Psalm 70:1-5

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!

But as for me, I am poor and needy;  come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

These verses also appear at the end of Psalm 40.

Why?

When crises come, maybe someone stolen our faith, our friend, our confidence. We may be destroyed by our environment, but trust in the Lord. For all who seek the Lord rejoice and be glad in God.

Be humble before the Lord, David confessed, I am poor and needy, so we need God to be our Lord.

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大衛在極度危急時寫的。記念詩,有回想、提醒的詩篇。提醒1:記得我們是困苦窮乏的。提醒2:如何高興歡喜,尋求神。羞愧、受辱提到3次,因為他們沒有神、驕傲的人。5節出現4次快一點。求神的心何等迫切。其實神不會耽延,神的時間永遠剛剛好。我們對神的渴望是否一樣急迫呢?一個星期參加主日,我們是否一樣渴慕想見神,一日不見如隔三秋!

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How?

My God is my help and my deliverer. Praise to the Lord!


Thursday, August 20, 2020

They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

 Psalm 69:19-36

You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamedall my enemies are before you. Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found noneThey put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

May...   Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation. May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous. But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me.

The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,

The guilt of his tormentors is clear: may they be punished for all they have done. May God set him free to praise; let the whole earth ring with praise at the restoration of God's people.

Why?

Psalmist under the scorned, disgraced and shamed, it broken his heart and felt helpless. They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. It is same as the Jesus Christ on the cross. How sad and helpless to the righteousness man.

All who have faith in Jesus Christ will be listed on the book of life, it is the grace and salvation of God come upon me.

God helps the poor and the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. This is the way of all people, turn to the Lord, there is salvation and joy.

19-21 再次述說自己的苦楚。神都看見清楚,心被傷透了,指望有人體恤卻找不到一個人來安慰、體恤他。人受苦時往往找不到一個人陪伴,心中的苦也許不會那麼重。耶穌基督除了馬利亞的香膏外沒有人能夠理解耶穌。餓的時候拿苦膽給他吃,難以入口下嚥。口渴喝水卻拿醋來!更渴!

22-28 求神執行公義:願他們平安變陷阱,享福的變成有害的。讓不義的事被攔阻,求神執行公義的審判。這樣的禱告可以嗎?這是詩歌題才的情感表現,如此咒詛禱告。1)在主面前真實的吐出心聲,2)根據神公義的審判,3)也說出神的真理!惡人最後向死亡。不敬畏神的人,努力愈得罪神!

29-36 讚美的禱告: 轉向救恩,人是沒有辦法的,感恩是表達謙卑,沒有一樣我們配得到的。懂得讚美,肯定神所做的都是對的。感恩、讚美是最好的祭。注意力集中在眾人的福氣與神身上。更在乎神的心意。v32 願你們的心甦醒.。錫安、猶大是神的國度、子民,從自我轉為以神為中心。如果我們的眼光還是看到自己很難明白神的心意。轉離哀傷、憂悶的方法是讚美神,轉向神。

How?

Praise the Lord and obey God's word, for God is good, Jesus Christ bear our burden.


Wednesday, August 19, 2020

But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation

 Psalm 69:1-18

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neckI sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.

For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children;

But I pray to you, Lordin the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to meDo not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.

This psalm is often quoted in the New Testament. Like Psalm 22 it is a cry for help from one in desperate straits and close to death. The psalmist's picture in berses2, 14-15 could be taken for an actual description of the prophet Jeremiah's case.

Why?

Psalmist confessed he has sins either. 

Psalmist concerned the name of the Lord and hope his situation won't be seen,  so he prayed to the Lord may those who hope in God not be disgraced because of me.

Enemies attacked David very seriously, he is closed to death. He prays to the Lord in the time of your favor; in your great love, answer me with your sure salvation. This is our prayer either.

For God is full of goodness, love, great mercy, so prey these mercies turn to me.

To be a Christian sometime we will suffer the scorn for God's sake, but God is my strong holder and my savior. Trust in Him would not shame!

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v1-4: 淤泥深水中的困境: 沒有立足之地,呼求到聲音啞,無故被怨恨的心灰意冷

v5-12 為主受羞辱:求神不要叫人看見他的情況而失去對神的信心。他想到的是怕神的名受羞辱。在神面前敬虔悔改,受到受嘲笑、受羞辱,不要因他的緣故失去對神的信心。

v13-18 求主按祂的性情拯救我。注意力轉向神的本質。情況雖然沒有改變,眼光轉向神的慈愛、誠實。加上神的工作-拯救。

我們是否經歷過這種情況嗎?沒有人能理解,在家中沒有人問一句,工作中莫名被長官罵。朋友聽了好像不是他們的事。最無辜的是耶穌基督,我們不孤單,有耶穌陪伴我們。讓我們專注在神的慈愛上。

v5 當我無辜受苦時,我也是有罪,我也沒有多好。否則我們也會犯驕傲的罪。

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How?

Pray to the Lord and in God's favor and his time to answer me.


Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death

 Psalm 68:19- 35

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdensOur God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.

Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done beforeBecause of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voiceProclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavensYou, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Salvation to Israel - death to the enemy; v24-27 the procession: 28-31 subdue the nations: 32-25 let everyone sing the power and majesty of Israel's God!

Why?

Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations: means Egypt. Nations: means the enemies near Israel.

God is my savior who daily bears my burden. Without the Lord, I can do nothing. Without God's blessing, I will stumble or fall anytime.

God is reigning on the top and all should sing to God, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heaven, God reigns across the times.

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前面一半講從西奈山到曠野到得榮耀。

後半是神承擔我們的罪

19-23:神叫人得勝。神天天背負我們的重擔,我們每天都有壓力,家庭、工作、人際關係的壓力...

  21:神救我們脫離仇敵,最大的仇敵就是我們貪婪的心,私慾的心

   23:這個得勝是完全的得勝,連狗都得好處。神使我們歸回得著土地,回到主面前。     

24-27:神救我們脫離死亡: 我們要如何回應神呢? 讚美的大隊。神為帶領人,從聖所出來帶人進入聖所,與願意相信他的人同在。以歡樂、敬拜的聲音,有婦女參加表示全民的參與,與全民有關。

28-31:神要萬國來朝貢、來降服。因為萬國看到神的能力,以色列國的殿是神的同在。包括埃及及其他國家。銀在腳下,表示錢已經不重要了,連最貪心的對於銀塊也沒有興趣了。對萬國做見證,就是教會的責任。叫萬民蒙福!黑暗的權勢,內心的私慾一直在伺機反撲,都要被神趕散。

32-35 萬民大合唱:列國萬民都來讚美神,不是只有以色列人歌唱,因這不是神的心意。神眷顧以色列的神,也看顧萬民。

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How?

Give thanks to the Lord and praise his Holy name, whose majesty is over the world and in heaven.



Monday, August 17, 2020

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens

 Psalm 68:1-18

May God arise, may his enemies be scatteredmay his foes flee before him. May you blow them away like smoke— as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng“Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder.

When you ascended on high, you took many captives;  you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious that you, Lord God, might dwell there. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,  who daily bears our burdens.

This psalm seems to be a battle-march cum processional hymn, may be sung as the Ark was carried into Jerusalem, or at the ceremony commemorating that event. The Psalm paints a series of vivid pictures of God's victorious power.

V1-6 a tribute to God, v7-10 God leads the nation through the desert; v11-14 the conquest of the land, 15-18 God chooses Mt Zion in Jerusalem to be his home. 

Why?

We are not along, God is with us, God sets the lonely in families, even in God's family and family in the world.

Praise the Lord, faith to the Lord, women could be an army in God's command. Preach Gospel women could be a mighty throng.

God is the Lord, not only in Christian but also is the King among the universe, God received gifts from his people and from the rebellious.

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大衛回想自己如何建立國在耶路撒冷。

1-6 回想以色列人從西奈山進入迦南地。有神同在的人,無論任何敵人都會退去,消化。孤兒、寡婦、被囚的是最底層,沒有依靠的,今天有神幫助他們。

7-10在西奈山神如何引領他們。兩次提到下雨。有水、人就可以活下去。有榮幸見到神。

11-14  仗都還沒有打,婦女就要傳捷報,要得勝了。主發命令就是趕散列王,人只要收戰利品。他們如半在圈中。且非常高貴穩妥的地方,安然睡覺。特別顯出人在神的照顧中,平安放心。整個戰爭看是約書亞在打,其實是神在打。在敵人面前更能顯出神的保護、照顧。安穩在耶穌懷裏是最大的福氣。

15-18 大衛建立的國。錫安山因為有神,所以可以傲視群山。神的車輛萬千,所以得勝。神升上高天是神掌權。大衛所在乎的是神的同在,不是所建的國家,權利。神的同在是摩西及大衛最在乎的,我們在乎的是什麼?我們所喜悅、期待的是否與神相同?

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How?

Praise the Lord to God my Savior, who daily bears my burdens.


Saturday, August 15, 2020

May 1 God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us

 Psalm 67-1-7 

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on usso that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you still, may all the people.
The land yields it harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

The land has produced its harvest: God, our GOd, has blessed us - and the watching world acknowledges not only God's provision for his people but his justice and leading, with gladness and joyful song.

Why?

May God’s face shine on us, to love us, listen to our prayer, have grace on us so we may let the world know God’s way, may the salvation among all nations. May all people come to praise the Lord.

God rules the world with equity and guide the nations, be humble before the Lord, for my God is righteousness and full of love.

What the land have harvest or what we done if there is not God’s blessing, we get nothing.

How?

May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance

 Psalm 66:1-20

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.

He rules forever by his powerhis eyes watch the nations—  let not the rebellious rise up against him.

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silverYou brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for meI cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart,  the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.

When prayer is answered and troubles are past, the heart overflows with praise. Praise to God who has always come to his people's rescue, from the earliest days(verse 6 looks back to the escape from Egypt - the exodus) until now (8-12). Thanksgiving, and an offering of thanks, for God's love and care for every individual(16-20).

Why?

Fear: it is also a means to surround.

Some trouble or disaster is like tested us from the Lord, who refined us like silver. Let us experience his glory and faithfulness. But the Lord will bring us to a place of abundance.

Come and hear, all you who fear God, let us tell you what God has done for me. For God is my savior, my rock, my fortress, and my way. There is so much grace poured on me. I like to witness what God has done on me.

How?

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!  




Friday, August 14, 2020

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance

 Psalm 65:1-13

Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.

When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressionsBlessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strengthwho stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantlyThe streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grainfor so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

This psalm may have been used at the harvest festival;. All praise to God who hears and forgives faults, who blesses, satisfies, and saves. Praise to God the Creator and Controller of the natural world. Praise to God who gives the harvest and makes the whole earth ring with joy.

Why?

讚美恭候您的光臨, people praise the Lord sometimes is quite, it is praise from our heart!

All people will come for God's grace is full of this world.

God forgives our sins, even our transgressions are so many.

My God is mighty God, who formed the mountains by his power, having armed himself with strength. Who can compare with our God!

The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain. It is the Lord who fills our need and let us live on the land.

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錫安的人都等候讚美你。為何等候?表示人迫不急待的要讚美神!Praise awaits you讚美恭候您的光臨。

我們是這樣子的軟弱,被罪惡勝過,神都赦免。我們知道我們無法勝過。我們且得住在祂的院中、聖殿中。住在神的殿中,不是坐宿、吃喝在那裏,乃表示接納我們成為神的家人。

威嚴是神的權柄,秉公義:在神的手中,我們會受到公義的對待。

主使一切的不安全、喧嘩聲、波浪聲都變為有秩序。一切令人不安、憂慮的的在神手中變得安全、沒有懼怕。一般人害怕,我們卻是歡呼的。

主讓我們生活在豐富的環境中。沒有一處是貧瘠的。只要撒種就會生長、結果。這樣的環境是神已經預備的。神的方法,我們不一定理解。

以恩典為年歲的冠冕,一整年的榮耀從神的恩典而來。神安定我們的心,沒有憂慮、沒有不安定。曠野滴下脂油,即降雨使地上滋長,不再是黃土。神的聖靈澆灌在我們心中,使我們的心不再乾枯,不再懼怕、不再乾渴,充滿生機、生命力。

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How?

Praise to the Lord, give thanks to our God. who can compare with our God!



Thursday, August 13, 2020

The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him

 Psalm 64:1-10

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaintprotect my life from the threat of the enemy.

They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snaresthey say, “Who will see it?” They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

But God will shoot them with his arrowsthey will suddenly be struck down. He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.

The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in himall the upright in heart will glory in him!

V1-6 the psalmist pictures his trouble. V7-9 he expresses his certainty that God will punish all who plot and scheme and slander. The punishment will fit the offense exactly.

Why?

Enemies hiding their snares and evil plan, they thought it is perfect plan, but God will destroy them and let them fall in their snare.

All people should fear the Lord and will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. Like COVID-19 has God's plan in it.

The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him.

There word like the arrow to attack others. Their mind is deep means evil and craft.

Psalmist has faith in the Lord and trust in God's way.

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v1-2 哀歎苦惱的時候。如果能將他隱藏起來就好。

v4-6 他們用突襲的方式,且人數眾多且有組織、計劃的。他們之間彼此勉勵。

v7-10 最後這些都不敵神的一揮。忽然、被自己的箭所害。原來苦毒的言語反而刺向自己。前後兩個忽然,忽然得人射他,他們忽然被箭所傷。相對的對比度。人要為自己的惡所傷。為自己所行的付出代價。

10 最後是歡喜快樂、誇口。雖然現在還沒有實現,但是現在就可以歡喜快樂。

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How?

Trust in the Lord Almighty! God will make it perfect!