马太福音5：21 - 48

“你们听见有吩咐古人的话说：‘不可杀人’，又说：‘凡杀人的难免受审判。’ 只是我告诉你们，凡[a]向弟兄动怒的，难免受审判；凡骂弟兄是拉加的，难免公会的审断；

凡骂弟兄是魔利的，难免地狱的火。 所以，你在祭坛上献礼物的时候，若想起弟兄向你怀怨， 就把礼物留在坛前，先去同弟兄和好，然后来献礼物。 你同告你的对头还在路上，就赶紧与他和息，恐怕他把你送给审判官，审判官交付衙役，你就下在监里了。 我实在告诉你：若有一文钱没有还清，你断不能从那里出来。

“你们听见有话说：‘不可奸淫。’ 只是我告诉你们，凡看见妇女就动淫念的，这人心里已经与她犯奸淫了。 若是你的右眼叫你跌倒，就剜出来丢掉！宁可失去百体中的一体，不叫全身丢在地狱里。 若是右手叫你跌倒，就砍下来丢掉！宁可失去百体中的一体，不叫全身下入地狱。 又有话说：‘人若休妻，就当给她休书。’ 只是我告诉你们，凡休妻的，若不是为淫乱的缘故，就是叫她做淫妇了；人若娶这被休的妇人，也是犯奸淫了。

“你们又听见有吩咐古人的话说：‘不可背誓，所起的誓总要向主谨守。’ 只是我告诉你们，什么誓都不可起。不可指着天起誓，因为天是神的座位； 不可指着地起誓，因为地是他的脚凳；也不可指着耶路撒冷起誓，因为耶路撒冷是大君的京城； 又不可指着你的头起誓，因为你不能使一根头发变黑变白了。 你们的话，是就说是，不是就说不是；若再多说，就是出于那恶者[b]。“你们听见有话说：‘以眼还眼，以牙还牙。’ 只是我告诉你们，不要与恶人作对。有人打你的右脸，连左脸也转过来由他打； 有人想要告你，要拿你的里衣，连外衣也由他拿去； 有人强逼你走一里路，你就同他走二里。 有求你的，就给他；有向你借贷的，不可推辞。

“你们听见有话说：‘当爱你的邻舍，恨你的仇敌。’ 只是我告诉你们，要爱你们的仇敌，为那逼迫你们的祷告， 这样就可以做你们天父的儿子，因为他叫日头照好人也照歹人，降雨给义人也给不义的人。 你们若单爱那爱你们的人，有什么赏赐呢？就是税吏不也是这样行吗？ 你们若单请你弟兄的安，比人有什么长处呢？就是外邦人不也是这样行吗？ 所以你们要完全，像你们的天父完全一样。

五月三十一日

属天的意念

“你们听见有吩咐……只是我告诉你们……”—— 马太福音5：21-22

在今天这段取自耶稣所讲的登山宝训的经文中，我们的主引用了几段旧约《圣经》中关于诫命的经文，例如“不可杀人”“不可奸淫”等等。跟着祂以神的智慧为这些诫命加上更深的含意，祂强调甚至我们的意念和动机，也要受到神的诫命的鉴察。所以，如果我们只是心里有杀人、犯奸淫、或犯其他罪的念头，我们其实就已经犯了那些罪了。哎哟！

在这里，耶稣所讲的主要信息，是关于在神的国度里的生活的。祂告诉我们，神国的生活比单单遵从神的诫命深远得多。在神的国里，我们的心思意念也必须是洁净、良善和真实的。

不过，如果我们已经在基督里蒙恩得救，邪恶的心思意念是不会改变我们得救这个事实的。同样道理，我们可以说，我们不会因为单是心想杀人而坐牢的。那么，只是沉醉在邪恶的想法中，又有什么问题呢？

其实是大有问题的。我们得救，是要叫我们成为神的国中，更合适和更有力的代言人的。我们若与基督有相同的心思意念时，我们便更有能力遵行和更明白神的旨意了。藉着圣灵的能力，我们的心思意念会越来越像基督。当我们的心思意念像基督时，我们便在祂的怜悯、信心、盼望和能力上有份了。

让基督的心思意念在你里面茁壮成长吧。

祷告

主耶稣，求你使我们成为你国度中得力的仆人。惟愿我们的心思意念和愿望都配得上你。阿们。

Matthew 5:21-48

SUNDAY, MAY 31

HEAVENLY THOUGHTS

“You have heard that it was said. . . . But I tell you. . . .” —Matthew 5:21-22

In this passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, our Lord cites several references from the Old Testament Law, such as “Do not murder,” “Do not commit adultery,” and so on. Then he adds his own divine wisdom on the deeper meanings of those laws, insisting that even our thoughts and motives are subject to the Law’s commands. So if we think about killing someone, or committing adultery, or any other sin, we have actually committed that sin. Ouch!

Jesus’ main message here is about life in the kingdom of God. He shows us that kingdom living goes beyond simply following God’s law. In the kingdom of God, even our thoughts must be pure, good, and truthful.

Now, if we are saved in Christ, our sinful thoughts certainly won’t change that. Similarly in some ways, we can say that people do not go to prison for thinking of murder. So does it really matter if we revel in sinful thinking?

It does matter. We are saved so that we will become more fitting, effective agents in God’s kingdom. When our thoughts align with Christ’s, we gain power and understanding into the ways of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, more and more of our mind can become like the mind of Christ. And if our mind is like Christ’s, we will share in his compassion, confidence, hope, and power.

Let the mind of Christ grow effectively in you.

Lord Jesus, make us effective servants in your kingdom. May even our thoughts and desires be worthy of you. Amen.

哥林多后书4：1-6

我们既然蒙怜悯，受了这职分，就不丧胆， 乃将那些暗昧可耻的事弃绝了，不行诡诈，不谬讲神的道理，只将真理表明出来，好在神面前把自己荐于各人的良心。 如果我们的福音蒙蔽，就是蒙蔽在灭亡的人身上。 此等不信之人被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，不叫基督荣耀福音的光照着他们；基督本是神的像。 我们原不是传自己，乃是传基督耶稣为主，并且自己因耶稣做你们的仆人。 那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的神，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知神荣耀的光显在耶稣基督的面上。

五月三十日

这世界的神

“此等不信之人，被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，不叫基督荣耀福音的光照着他们……”—— 哥林多后书4：4

在这段经文中，保罗谈到世人被“这世界的神”弄瞎了心眼。这里所指的神就是现今在世上仍然非常活跃的魔鬼撒但。

这世界的神—魔鬼—有没有弄瞎了你的心眼呢？坦白说，纵使我们已经认识神赐下的福音，然而我们今天也肯定会给魔鬼利用，被令人分心和吸引人的事物蒙蔽了的。

例如在网路上，对持不同政见的敌人，不断散播歹毒的流言蜚语。至于看色情刊物呢？看的时候或许会令你感到有男儿气慨，很有劲，这些只是短暂的感受，但并不是真实的，更不是神赐我们性欲的原意。

至于日以继夜扫屏，观看你最钟爱的社交网站，又如何呢？我们看到的往往只不过是一面倒的肆意批评而已。

例如，好像成功神学的虚假宗教呢？它声称如果你遵行神的教导，祂会使你大富大贵。至于那些以恐怖手法杀害和虐待人，来娱乐观众的“动作片”呢？

在今天，这世界的神会以各种不同的形式出现，令很多事情看来都似乎是正常，值得去追寻的。这些影响力，大部分都只不过是保罗年代的人面对的事的“更新版本”而已。

给你的脑袋一个喘息的机会，让真正的福音照亮你吧。

祷告

亲爱的神，魔鬼利用今天各式各样的影响力来引我们误入歧途。当魔鬼误导我们，令我们视邪恶的事为正常时，求你帮助我们去抗拒。奉耶稣名祈求，阿们。

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

SATURDAY, MAY 30

THE GOD OF THIS AGE

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ. . . . —2 Corinthians 4:4

In this passage Paul speaks of people’s minds being blinded by “the god of this age.” This is a reference to Satan, the devil, who is still very active in our world today.

Has the god of this age, the devil, blinded you? I think an honest answer would be that although we can see the gift of the gospel, we can certainly be blinded by the devil’s distractions and attractions today.

For example, how about constant and malicious online stories about political opponents?

How about porn? Looking at it may make you feel virile and powerful—for a short time. But it is not reality, and it is not God’s will for our sexuality.

How about scrolling through your favorite social media hour after hour? Too often we see only one side of the story in increasingly demeaning ways.

How about false religion like the prosperity gospel, claiming God will make you wealthy if you just follow its teaching?

How about “action movies,” in which people are killed or tortured in gruesome ways for entertainment?

The god of this age is present in so many ways today, making all of these things seem normal and desirable. Most of these influences, and more, are also just updated versions of what people faced in Paul’s day.

Give your mind a break. Let the true gospel enlighten you.

Dear God, so many influences today are used by the devil to lead us astray. Help us to reject the evil they present as if it were normal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

罗马书 7:14-25

我们原晓得律法是属乎灵的，但我是属乎肉体的，是已经卖给罪了。 因为我所做的，我自己不明白；我所愿意的，我并不做；我所恨恶的，我倒去做。 若我所做的，是我所不愿意的，我就应承律法是善的。 既是这样，就不是我做的，乃是住在我里头的罪做的。我也知道，在我里头，就是我肉体之中，没有良善。因为立志为善由得我，只是行出来由不得我。 故此，我所愿意的善，我反不做；我所不愿意的恶，我倒去做。 若我去做所不愿意做的，就不是我做的，乃是住在我里头的罪做的。 我觉得有个律，就是我愿意为善的时候，便有恶与我同在。 因为按着我里面的意思，我是喜欢神的律， 但我觉得肢体中另有个律和我心中的律交战，把我掳去，叫我附从那肢体中犯罪的律。 我真是苦啊！谁能救我脱离这取死的身体呢？ 感谢神！靠着我们的主耶稣基督就能脱离了。这样看来，我以内心顺服神的律，我肉体却顺服罪的律了。

五月二十九日

在心灵里打那场美好的仗

“按着我里面的意思，我是喜欢神的律。但我觉得肢体中另有个律，和我心中的律交战，把我掳去叫我附从那……犯罪的律。”—罗马书7：22-23

我们的脑袋就像一个战场，无论怎样强调这个事实都不为过。所有相信基督的人，包括使徒保罗在内，都有同感。在今天的经文中，保罗描述他自己的挣扎。

在这段经文中，保罗说他心中有归附神和愿意行善的意念。可是，他心中同时也有归附邪恶和想去犯罪的意念。保罗为他在基督里肯定已得蒙拯救感谢神，然而在下一节经文中，他说知道自己的心仍然有两种不同的意念；他是神的律例的奴仆，但同时也是罪的奴仆。在第24节中，保罗似乎因为活在这种双重灵命标准中而感到苦恼。他这样说：“我真是苦啊！”

保罗就是这样表达基督徒生命中的沮丧心态，我们被心里两种彼此抗衡的力量拉来拉去。藉着耶稣基督的血，我们已经得救，这是一个真确、不容置疑的事实，然而，我们同时也是邪恶的旧我的奴仆。

因此，我们便一直陷在持续的争战中。在今天，谁在掌管我们的心思和意念？谁在掌管我们对工作、婚姻、或政治的看法？我们甚少留意的内心世界，真的大有可能是一个属灵的战场。

尽管心里仍然处于烈战中，我们最终都可以与保罗一同说：“感谢神，靠着我们的主耶稣基督就能脱离了！”

祷告

神啊，你已经把我们从罪和死亡的咒诅中释放出来了。然而我们每天都需要你赐能力来管理我们的心思意念。求你引领我们靠赖你的灵过生活。阿们。

Romans 7:14-25

FRIDAY, MAY 29

FIGHT THE GOOD MENTAL FIGHT

I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin. . . . —Romans 7:22-23

It is hard to overstate how much our minds are like battlefields. This is true for all believers in Christ, including the apostle Paul, who describes his own struggles in our text for today.

In this passage Paul says that one set of thoughts in his mind is turned toward God and aims to do good. The other set of thoughts, however, is turned toward evil and wants to sin. Paul thanks God in Christ that he is indeed saved. But in the very next verse he recognizes that he is still of two minds; he is a slave to God’s law at the same time that he is a slave to sin. In verse 24 Paul seems to despair of living in this sort of spiritual duplicity. “What a wretched man I am!” he says.

In this way Paul expresses the frustrating way the Christian life goes—we are pulled one way and tugged the other by opposing powers within us. Though we are truly and irrevocably saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are at the same time slaves to our sinful old selves.

Thus we are in constant battle. Who will rule our heart and mind today? Who will rule our thinking about our work, marriage, or politics? The inner thoughts that we barely even notice may really be spiritual combat.

Though the battle rages on, we can ultimately say, with Paul, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

O God, you have freed us from the curse of sin and death. But we need your power in our minds each day. Guide us to live by your Spirit. Amen.

罗马书8：5-11

因为随从肉体的人，体贴肉体的事；随从圣灵的人，体贴圣灵的事。 体贴肉体的就是死，体贴圣灵的乃是生命、平安。 原来体贴肉体的就是与神为仇，因为不服神的律法，也是不能服； 而且属肉体的人不能得神的喜欢。 如果神的灵住在你们心里，你们就不属肉体，乃属圣灵了。人若没有基督的灵，就不是属基督的。 基督若在你们心里，身体就因罪而死，心灵却因义而活。 然而叫耶稣从死里复活者的灵若住在你们心里，那叫基督耶稣从死里复活的，也必藉着住在你们心里的圣灵，使你们必死的身体又活过来。

五月二十八日

我们的心态

“随从圣灵的人，体贴圣灵的事。”—— 罗马书8：5

我们的人生基本上有两个可以追随的方向：我们自己的意愿或神的意愿。我们若相信基督，我们便应该以追随神的意愿为目标。

以下是一个自我检查的小测验，我们可以分开两栏写下自己的愿望。在其中一栏，我们记下每天的愿望中，有多少次是罪恶或自私的；在另一栏则记下有多少次是美好或敬虔的。然后，数数有多少次是为了满足我们邪恶的愿望的，和有多少次是为随从神的旨意，以及对邻舍表达爱心的。如果你的心思意念运作的方式和我的一样，第一栏会有很多例子，而第二栏的例子只是寥寥可数。

这就是基督徒生命中，在属灵和思想上经历到的挣扎。作为基督的信徒，我们已经重生，在灵里得到新生命的了。罪和死亡的权势所说的谎话，和虚假的承诺，不能再卡住我们。然而我们也仍未达到被完全改造的地步，我们的属灵生命是一项仍然在进行中的工程。

有两个律正在运行。其中一个是我们抗拒神的意愿，这样，我们便继续犯罪。另一个是我们已重生，正在靠赖圣灵的能力过生活的意愿。感谢主，藉着基督满足了律法的要求，祂作成的工，我们已被称为义，我们已在圣灵里得到永远的生命。所以，我们已从罪和死亡的咒诅中，被释放出来，并且蒙召靠赖圣灵过生活，好叫我们能够学像基督。在祂里面我们找到真正的生命。

祷告

神的灵啊，你是我们新生命的源头。求你充满我们，又引导我们的意愿和行为。求你不要任凭我们追随我们自己的意愿。奉耶稣的名祈求。阿们。

Romans 8:5-11

THURSDAY, MAY 28

OUR MINDSET

Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. —Romans 8:5

There are two basic directions we can follow in life: our own desires or God’s desires. If we believe in Christ, we should aim to follow God’s desires.

Here's a little test we can give ourselves. We can write down our desires in two columns. In one column we can note how many of our daily desires are for sinful or selfish things. In the other column we can note the desires we have for good or godly things. How many of our thoughts seek to satisfy our evil desires, and how many seek to do God’s will and show love to our neighbors? If your mind operates like mine, the first column will have lots of examples, and the second will have just a few.

This is the spiritual and mental struggle of the Christian life. As believers in Christ, we have been reborn to new life in the Spirit. We are no longer stuck in the realm of sin and death, with its lies and false promises, but we are not yet fully regenerated either. Our life in the Spirit is a work in progress.

Two systems are in operation. In one, our desires oppose God, and we continue to sin. In the other, we are newly reborn into a life powered by the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, we are justified by Christ’s fulfillment of the law and his finished work, and we are given eternal life through the Spirit. So we are freed from the curse of sin and death, and we are called to live by the Spirit so that we become like Christ. True life is found in him.

Spirit of God, you are the source of our new life. Fill us and guide our desires and actions. Do not leave us to our own desires, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

哥林多前书 14：6-17

弟兄们，我到你们那里去，若只说方言，不用启示或知识或预言或教训给你们讲解，我于你们有什么益处呢？ 就是那有声无气的物，或箫或琴，若发出来的声音没有分别，怎能知道所吹所弹的是什么呢？ 若吹无定的号声，谁能预备打仗呢？ 你们也是如此，舌头若不说容易明白的话，怎能知道所说的是什么呢？这就是向空说话了。 世上的声音或者甚多，却没有一样是无意思的。 我若不明白那声音的意思，这说话的人必以我为化外之人，我也以他为化外之人。

你们也是如此，既是切慕属灵的恩赐，就当求多得造就教会的恩赐。 所以那说方言的，就当求着能翻出来。 我若用方言祷告，是我的灵祷告，但我的悟性没有果效。 这却怎么样呢？我要用灵祷告，也要用悟性祷告；我要用灵歌唱，也要用悟性歌唱。 不然，你用灵祝谢，那在座不通方言的人既然不明白你的话，怎能在你感谢的时候说“阿们”呢？ 你感谢的固然是好，无奈不能造就别人。

五月二十七日

要用悟性也要用灵性

“我要用灵祷告，也要用悟性祷告。我要用灵歌唱，也要用悟性歌唱。”—— 哥林多前书 14：15

今天这段经文是关于说方言的恩赐的。我没有这种恩赐，但很多信徒都有。保罗是支持基督徒说方言的，但他同时指出当有人说方言时，更重要的是会众能明白这人所说的话。当我们能明白自己所说的、所祷告的、所唱的和所听的，我们便是用悟性来敬拜和荣耀神了。

我们的敬拜要用悟性也需要用灵。如果我们不是藉着圣灵去敬拜，我们所说的，只不过是冰冷和无意义的话。倘若我们不用悟性去向神祷告和歌唱，我们的敬拜，只不过是滔滔不绝的话而已。真正的敬拜是用悟性又用灵的敬拜。

敬拜应该包括我们整个人的心、身、灵参与。因此，敬拜是应该由会众来参与，而不是为会众来举行的。敬拜不是去观看一场运动赛事，所以，虽然看见歌手唱歌时我们会得到激励、听到牧师的讲道我们得着振奋，但我们要明白，这一切都是为了带领我们去敬拜神而作的。

带领敬拜的人有重大的责任，他们要带领敬拜者的心和灵到神那里。他们不可用花巧的手法或操控人的情绪，要引领敬拜者整个人来到基督那里。

祷告

圣父、圣子、圣灵，我们希望能用整个人去敬拜你。当我们来到你面前敬拜时，求你帮助我们用我们的灵和我们的悟性来敬拜你。阿们。

1 Corinthians 14:6-17

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

BOTH MIND AND SPIRIT

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. —1 Corinthians 14:15

This passage addresses the gift of speaking in tongues. I do not have that spiritual gift, but many believers do. Paul supports the fact that Christians may speak in tongues, and he notes that it’s also important for the community to understand what is said when a person speaks in tongues. When we can speak and pray and sing and listen with understanding, we use our minds in worship to the glory of God.

Our worship must include both spirit and mind. If the Holy Spirit does not meet with our spirit, our words of worship can be cold, ineffective statements. And if our mind is not engaged in our prayer and singing to God, our worship can become just exuberant blather. Only mindful, spiritual worship is real worship.

Worship should include our whole selves—mind, body, and spirit. It’s also important, then, that worship should be done by the congregation, not for the congregation. Worship is not a spectator sport. So while watching a singer perform can be inspiring, and while hearing a preacher’s sermon can be stimulating, we need to discern that these things truly lead us to worship God.

Worship leaders have a great responsibility. They must direct the spirits and minds of worshipers toward God. They may not dazzle people or manipulate feelings. They must guide whole persons to Christ.

Father, Son, and Spirit, we want to worship you with our whole selves. Help us to engage both spirit and mind as we come into your presence in worship. Amen.

箴言 3 : 13 - 20

得智慧，得聪明的，这人便为有福！ 因为得智慧胜过得银子，其利益强如精金； 比珍珠宝贵，你一切所喜爱的都不足与比较。 她右手有长寿，左手有富贵。 她的道是安乐，她的路全是平安。 她与持守她的做生命树，持定她的俱各有福。 耶和华以智慧立地，以聪明定天， 以知识使深渊裂开，使天空滴下甘露。

五月二十六日

寻求智慧

“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的神，主就必赐给他。”— 雅各书1:5

博士学位是任何一个学术领域中能取得到的最高学位。但有学问并不代表有智慧，有不少愚昧的人拥有博士学位，但也有不少没有受过高深教育的智者。

智慧是不同于学识的，有智慧的人不但能明白很多事情，他们还知道怎样解释事情的感知，和怎样明智地去运用这些知识。

智慧是一种生活方式，而知识只不过是把一些资料集合起来而已。电脑程式比我们的头脑能储藏更多的资料，但电脑是不会有智慧的。智慧不仅是头脑上的知识，还包括了“知道怎样做”。

在《箴言》这卷书中，智慧被拟人化成为一个完美的妇人，她会为所有寻求她的人带来生命、平安和福份。当你找到智慧时，你便知道该说什么话，和怎样能更好的去思考和生活。你也能明白事情是怎样发生的、什么是对的和怎样去避免犯错。

人既然可以得到智慧的美好馈赠，为何仍然会选择无知和愚昧的呢？要得智慧便要聆听神的话语，去深入反省《圣经》的教训，和向其他有智慧的信徒学习。

真智慧领我们到真神那里。耶稣说：“若不藉着我，没有人能到父那里去。”（约翰福音14 : 6）。真智慧能够找到一切智慧的源头。

祷告

主啊，感谢你赐我们智慧。求你帮助我们跟从那位向我们指出真智慧的路的耶稣，又领我们去与你永远同活。阿们。

Proverbs 3:13-20

TUESDAY, MAY 26

SEEK WISDOM

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. —James 1:5

The highest degree a person can earn in a field of study is a doctorate. But education is not a true measure of wisdom. There are lots of foolish people with doctoral degrees, and there are many uneducated men and women who are wise.

Wisdom is not the same as academic learning. Wisdom not only understands many things but also knows how to interpret what it senses and how to use that knowledge wisely.

Wisdom is a way of life, while knowledge can be little more than a collection of data. Computer programs can store more data than our brains can. But a computer cannot be wise. Wisdom is not mere knowledge. It also involves “know-how.”

In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a perfect woman who brings life, peace, and blessing for all who seek her. When you find wisdom, you will know what to say and how best to think and live. You will discern how things came to be. You will understand what is right and how to avoid wrongdoing.

Why would anyone be content with ignorance or foolishness when they could have the beautiful gifts of wisdom? Wisdom is found in hearing God’s Word, reflecting deeply on its teachings, and learning from other believers who are wise.

True wisdom leads to the true God. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). True wisdom finds the source of all wisdom.

Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. Help us to follow Jesus, who shows us the way of true wisdom and leads us to eternal life with you. Amen.

腓立比书 2:1-11

所以，在基督里若有什么劝勉，爱心有什么安慰，圣灵有什么交通，心中有什么慈悲怜悯， 你们就要意念相同，爱心相同，有一样的心思，有一样的意念，使我的喜乐可以满足。 凡事不可结党，不可贪图虚浮的荣耀，只要存心谦卑，各人看别人比自己强。 各人不要单顾自己的事，也要顾别人的事。 你们当以基督耶稣的心为心。 他本有神的形象，不以自己与神同等为强夺的， 反倒虚己，取了奴仆的形象，成为人的样式； 既有人的样子，就自己卑微，存心顺服以至于死，且死在十字架上。所以神将他升为至高，又赐给他那超乎万名之上的名， 叫一切在天上的、地上的和地底下的，因耶稣的名无不屈膝， 无不口称耶稣基督为主，使荣耀归于父神。

五月二十五日

基督自己的心态

“你们当以基督耶稣的心为心。”—腓立比书2:5

作为基督的信徒，其中一个最重要的目标就是有像耶稣一样的心态。

能够这样真是太美妙了！在《腓立比书》第2章，使徒保罗形容当耶稣从天上降临到世间，住在我们中间，拯救我们脱离罪和受死时的心态是怎样的。

当耶稣降临到世间成为一个人时，祂放弃了天上一切的权力和荣耀。祂取了一个奴仆的形象，没有地位和特权。然后，祂甚至连像一个可怜的奴仆的生命也放弃了，被钉死在十字架上。总括来说，宇宙中最伟大的主放弃了一切，为我们成为一个在残暴嘲讽者手上，受尽痛苦刑罚的受害人。

为了要拥有耶稣的心态，我们被呼召去效法耶稣的生活方式。祂展露完全的牺牲和谦卑。那位拥有天上一切权能、荣耀、威严和特权的耶稣，完全放弃了一切。作为神的儿子，祂可以拥有一切，但祂没有抓着这些不放。也没有关注自己的地位或福利。为着我们所有人的缘故，祂放弃了一切。

你现在拥有的东西，有什么是你觉得你应该有，或是有权拥有的呢？

如果要像基督，我们便要放弃任何特权感，以致我们可以全心和忠心地服事神。

祷告

主耶稣啊，我们渴望能像你，但我们知道这样做要付很重的代价。求你藉着住在我们里面的灵，帮助我们愿意放下自己的权利和意愿，去跟从你的意愿。愿你的心态成为我们的心态。阿们。

Philippians 2:1-11

MONDAY, MAY 25

CHRIST’S OWN MIND

Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. —Philippians 2:5

One of the most important goals for a believer in Christ is to have the same mindset as Jesus.

Wouldn’t that be amazing?! In Philippians 2, the apostle Paul describes the attitude Jesus had when he came from heaven to earth to live among us and to save us from sin and death.

In his descent, Jesus gave up all the power and glory he had in heaven by becoming a human being. He also came without status or privilege by taking the nature of a servant. Then he gave up even the life of a poor servant by submitting to death on a cross. In sum, the greatest being in the universe gave up everything and became a victim of excruciating punishment at the hands of brutal, mocking humans for our sake.

To share in Jesus’ mindset, we are called to join in Jesus’ way of life. He showed complete sacrifice and humility. Jesus, who had all power and glory and majesty and privilege in heaven, gave it all up. He did not cling to anything that he rightfully had as the Son of God. He gave no thought to his own status or well-being. He gave it all up, for all of us.

Is there anything you have that you might feel you deserve or have a right to?

If we want to be like Christ, we need to give up any sense of entitlement so that we can serve God wholeheartedly and faithfully.

Lord Jesus, we wish to be like you, but the cost is great. By the power of your Spirit in us, help us to deny our own rights and desires and to seek yours. May your attitude be ours. Amen.

启示录 5:9-14

他们唱新歌，说：“你配拿书卷，配揭开七印，因为你曾被杀，用自己的血从各族、各方、各民、各国中买了人来，叫他们归于神， 又叫他们成为国民做祭司，归于神，在地上执掌王权。”我又看见且听见宝座与活物并长老的周围有许多天使的声音，他们的数目有千千万万， 大声说：“曾被杀的羔羊是配得权柄、丰富、智慧、能力、尊贵、荣耀、颂赞的！” 我又听见在天上、地上、地底下、沧海里和天地间一切所有被造之物都说：“但愿颂赞、尊贵、荣耀、权势都归给坐宝座的和羔羊，直到永永远远！” 四活物就说：“阿们！”众长老也俯伏敬拜。

五月二十四日

唱歌赞美神

“但愿颂赞，尊贵，荣耀，权势，都归给坐宝座的和羔羊，直到永永远远。”— 启示录5:13

你或许曾听过韩德尔的神剧《弥赛亚》，它里面包括今天经文中的诗歌，以及很多在《圣经》中可找到的诗歌。此刻你脑海中，可能正浮现出这首激动人心的清唱剧的音乐了。

唱诗赞美神不是一件偶然去做的美事，今天的经文显示出，唱诗是信徒最能表达对神的敬拜的方式的其中一件。所有受造物都被呼召去向那位配得“颂赞，尊贵，荣耀，权势，直到永永远远”的神歌唱！

唱诗使我们整个人都投入敬拜。如果我们留意所唱的歌词，我们的脑袋便是额外的投入；如果我们的情绪受到音乐和歌词的影响，我们会感到整个人都在投入敬拜。

我曾经有机会在几队诗班中唱诗，与一群优秀的诗班员一起唱诗歌时，我就会感觉到好像是在天堂里赞美神那样。

不是每个都是优秀的歌手或是有音乐天份的人，但我们并不需要有美好的歌喉，才能赞美创造主和救主的。任何人都可以向那位独一真神歌唱，祂是配得所有的尊贵，荣耀和颂赞的。而当我们所唱的歌达到在天堂的主那里时，这首歌已被洁净、成为上达祂的耳朵的甜美声音了。

祷告

“耶和华神是应当称颂的……直到永远；愿祂的荣耀充满全地。阿们！阿们！”

Revelation 5:9-14

SUNDAY, MAY 24

SINGING PRAISE TO GOD

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” —Revelation 5:13

Maybe you have heard Handel’s Messiah, which includes this song and many others that we find in the Bible. Maybe the music of that stirring oratorio is going through your head right now.

Praising God through song is not just a nice thing to do now and then. In this text, singing is shown to be one of the most worshipful things a believer can do. All creation is called to sing to the God who is worthy of “praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

In song we can take part in worship with our whole being. If we are conscious of the words we are singing, our mind is deeply involved. If our emotions are affected by the music and the words, it can feel as if every part of our being is engaged.

I have been able to sing in a number of choirs. When I am singing a Christian song with a group of good singers, it can feel as if we are praising God in heaven.

Not all of us are good singers or even musically inclined. But we don’t have to have great voices to sing wholehearted praise to our Creator and Savior. We can sing to and for the one true God who deserves all honor and glory and praise. And as our song reaches the Lord in heaven, it is purified, offering a sweet sound to his ear.

“Now blessed be the Lord our God . . . through all eternity; the whole earth let his glory fill: Amen! So let it be.”

启示录 5 : 6–10

我又看见宝座与四活物并长老之中有羔羊站立，像是被杀过的，有七角七眼，就是神的七灵，奉差遣往普天下去的。 这羔羊前来，从坐宝座的右手里拿了书卷。 他既拿了书卷，四活物和二十四位长老就俯伏在羔羊面前，各拿着琴和盛满了香的金炉。这香就是众圣徒的祈祷。 他们唱新歌，说：“你配拿书卷，配揭开七印，因为你曾被杀，用自己的血从各族、各方、各民、各国中买了人来，叫他们归于神， 又叫他们成为国民做祭司，归于神，在地上执掌王权。”

五月二十三日

馨香的祈祷

“各拿着……盛满了香的金炉，这香是众圣徒的祈祷。”—启示录 5：8

我们的祈祷就像献给主的馨香祭物，你知道吗？试想像一下，神坐在祂的宝座上，吸入我们所有的祈祷。在祂旁边是超乎我们所能想像的四活物，又有二十四位长老，他们代表所有被神的羔羊耶稣所救赎的子民。这些奇妙的活物和长老，拿着盛载馨香祭物的金炉献给神，这些就是我们所有的祈祷。

当我们思考神的圣洁或神的同在时，我们不会联想到香气，但我们可能需要这样做了。我们知道是神创造寻血猎犬的鼻子的，它的嗅觉是人类的五十多倍。所以，或者我们可以想像一下，神正在深深吸入宇宙中最具吸引力的香气—我们的祈祷。祂深深吸一下，然后微笑。神对我们的爱是超过我们所能想像得到的，无论我们说什么，祂都喜欢听。无论我们是在表达欢乐、感谢、惊叹、伤心、悲痛、担心或焦虑，那位爱我们的神必定会渴望聆听的。

我们可以想像，我们的祈祷是献给神的一种香气，比新鲜出炉的面包，或刚刚割下的鲜花，更能够令神感到满足。我们的祈祷是用金炉盛载的宝贵香气。

你知道你虔诚的思念和语言，会在至高的天堂里、成为最悦人的香气吗？

祷告

父、子和圣灵，请接受我们献上的祈祷。当你嗅出我们真正的需要时，惟愿它们也是你所喜欢的香气。主啊，感谢你聆听我们所有的祈祷。阿们。

Revelation 5:6-10

SATURDAY, MAY 23

SWEET-SMELLING PRAYERS

They were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. —Revelation 5:8

Did you know that our prayers are like a scented offering to the Lord? Imagine God sitting on his throne, inhaling all of our prayers. He is surrounded by four creatures that are beyond our imagining, and by 24 elders who represent all of his people redeemed by Jesus, the Lamb of God. The amazing creatures and the elders hold out bowls of fragrant offerings to God, and these represent all of our prayers.

We might not usually think of scents when we consider God’s holiness or God’s presence, but perhaps we need to. We know that God created the nose of the bloodhound, which is about 50 times more sensitive than our own. So perhaps we can imagine God deeply breathing in the most attractive scent in the universe— our prayers. He takes a deep breath and smiles. God loves us more than we can imagine, and he delights in hearing whatever we have to say. Whether we express joy or thanks or wonder or sadness or grief or concern or anxiety, the God who loves us is always eager to hear us.

We can imagine that our prayers give God a scent more satisfying than fresh-baked bread or fresh-cut flowers. Our prayers are precious scents, offered to God in golden bowls.

Did you know that your prayerful thoughts and words are enjoyed as the loveliest of scents in the highest heaven?

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, accept our offerings of prayer. May they be a pleasing scent to you as you sniff out what we truly need. Thank you, Lord, for hearing all our prayers. Amen.

撒母耳记上 12：19-25

众民对撒母耳说：“求你为仆人们祷告耶和华你的神，免得我们死亡，因为我们求立王的事正是罪上加罪了。” 撒母耳对百姓说：“不要惧怕！你们虽然行了这恶，却不要偏离耶和华，只要尽心侍奉他。 若偏离耶和华，去顺从那不能救人的虚神，是无益的。 耶和华既喜悦选你们做他的子民，就必因他的大名不撇弃你们。 至于我，断不停止为你们祷告，以致得罪耶和华。我必以善道正路指教你们。 只要你们敬畏耶和华，诚诚实实地尽心侍奉他，想念他向你们所行的事何等大。 你们若仍然作恶，你们和你们的王必一同灭亡。”

五月二十二日

断不停止祷告

“至于我，断不停止为你们祷告，以致得罪耶和华 。”—撒母耳记上12：23

在我20多岁时，曾经遇到一些艰难的日子，于是我请母亲为我祷告。她说：“你的意思是，除了在你还未出生之前、直至今天从未中断的祷告外，还有要加上去的？”我从来不知道母亲是那么热切地为我祷告的，这真是令我汗颜。

撒母耳持续为神的子民祷告，这是我们应该效法的榜样。

你是否一个恒常又恳切的祷告者？我相信，除了祷告之外，没有什么我们可以做的事，更能取悦神，以及更能帮助别人的了。

无声或心中的祷告，是一个圣灵住在我们生命中所带来的神迹。藉着那住在我们中间的圣灵的声音，三位一体的神便听到我们的心声。我们可以随时随地去思想和与神说任何事。透过我们的思想，我们便可以与宇宙中最有能力、最爱我们的神沟通。我们不需要自我介绍，因为神早已非常熟识我们的了。

如果你想与神沟通，可以打开《圣经》，读几节经文，然后想到什么就为什么祈祷。你任何的恐惧、忧虑和错处，都是可以放在神的脚前和被忘掉的。

撒母耳和我母亲都是恳切又忠心的祷告者。既知道神是那么爱我们，我们又怎能不祷告呢？

祷告

神啊，透过你的圣灵在我们里面的工作，我们来到你跟前祷告。我们知道你是听到的。求你引导我们忠心地祷告，又天天以你的恩惠和平安充满我们。阿们。

1 Samuel 12:19-25

FRIDAY, MAY 22

NEVER STOP PRAYING!

“Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” —1 Samuel 12:23

When I was in my twenties and going through some hard times, I asked my mother to pray for me. She said, “Do you mean, in addition to the prayers that began before your birth and have not ceased to this day?” I hadn’t realized that my mom prayed so fervently for me, and that was humbling.

Samuel prayed persistently for God’s people, and we do well to follow that example.

Are you a persistent and fervent pray-er? I can’t think of anything we can do that is more pleasing to God and useful to others than prayer.

Silent, or internal, prayer is a miracle brought about by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the voice of the Spirit, who comes to live within us, our thoughts are heard by the triune God. We can think with and talk to God about anything, at any time, and in any place. Through our thoughts we can connect with the most powerful being in the universe, who loves us more than any other. We don’t even need an introduction; God already knows us intimately.

If you are looking for a dialogue with God, turn to Scripture, read a few verses, and pray whatever comes to mind. Any fears, worries, and wrongs you have done can be laid at God’s feet and forgotten.

Samuel and my mother were fervent and faithful pray-ers. Knowing that God loves us so much, how can we not pray?

O God, we come to you in prayer through the work of your Spirit in us. We know that you hear us. Guide us to pray faithfully. Please fill us with your grace and peace each day. Amen.

何西阿书 4:1-6

以色列人哪，你们当听耶和华的话！耶和华与这地的居民争辩：“因这地上无诚实，无良善，无人认识神， 但起假誓，不践前言，杀害，偷盗，奸淫，行强暴，杀人流血接连不断， 因此这地悲哀，其上的民、田野的兽、空中的鸟必都衰微，海中的鱼也必消灭。 然而，人都不必争辩，也不必指责，因为这民与抗拒祭司的人一样。 你这祭司必日间跌倒，先知也必夜间与你一同跌倒，我必灭绝你的母亲。“我的民因无知识而灭亡。你弃掉知识，我也必弃掉你，使你不再给我做祭司。你既忘了你神的律法，我也必忘记你的儿女。

五月二十一日

我知道啦

“这地上无诚实，无良善，无人认识神。”—何西阿书4：1

年青人常说他们“知道。”

* Aiden，你十一点要回家。“我知道啦。”

* Sophia，你不要穿那条裙子。“我知道啦。”

* Jack，你的房间太乱糟糟了。“我知道啦。”

以上这些情况，是无可置疑的事实，家长和年青人都“知道”。但像很多年青人一样，我们却不是按自己所知道的事实去做。

神的子民同样有这个问题，他们虽然“知道”却不“承认”。就像何西阿指出，神的子民不承认神，他们不在意神的律法—就是祂给他们群体生活的指引，他们反而在各方面互相苦待。

神的子民知道神是慈爱和公义的，但他们漠视这个真理；他们虽然知道跟从神的律法是正确的生活方式，但他们也漠视这真理。因此便带来灾难性的后果，神说祂会离弃祂的子民，因为他们不承认祂。

今天也会发生同样的事。你是否“知道”那位宇宙中公义和大能的神能看到你？当然知道啦。你是否“知道”跟从神的指引，是唯一可以与神和与邻舍和好的方法？当然知道啦。

如果我们当中任何人，假装自己在生活的某些方面不需要神，或祂的律法，我们要立刻停止，我们需要接受这个真理。

祷告

神啊，我们知道你是信实、公义和慈爱的。求你帮助我们，在我们今天的生活中接受这些伟大的真理。阿们。

Hosea 4:1-6

THURSDAY, MAY 21

I KNOW

“There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.” —Hosea 4:1

Teenagers will often verify that they “know.”

• “Aiden, you need to be home by 11:00.” “I know.”

• “Sophia, you can’t wear that skirt.” “I know.”

• “Jack, that room of yours is a disaster.” “I know.”

In situations like these, the facts are not in question. Both the parents and teens “know.” But like many teenagers, we don’t always act on the basis of the facts we know.

God’s people had the same problem. Though they “knew,” they did not “acknowledge.” As Hosea pointed out, the people didn’t acknowledge God. They didn’t pay attention to God’s law—his guidelines for daily living in community. Instead, they mistreated each other in all kinds of ways.

The people did know that God is loving and just, but they ignored that truth. They did know that following God’s law was the right way to live, but they ignored that truth as well. The results of all this were devastating. God said he would reject his people since they did not acknowledge him.

The same process can occur today. Do you “know” that the just and powerful God of the universe sees you? Of course. Do you “know” that following God’s direction is the only way to live in peace with God and neighbors? Of course.

If any of us is pretending that we don’t need God or his law in some part of our life, we need to stop and acknowledge the truth.

God, we know that you are faithful, just, and loving. Help us to acknowledge these great truths in our lives today. Amen.

腓立比书4:4-9

你们要靠主常常喜乐，我再说，你们要喜乐！ 当叫众人知道你们谦让的心。主已经近了。 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事藉着祷告、祈求和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神。 神所赐出人意外的平安，必在基督耶稣里保守你们的心怀意念。弟兄们，我还有未尽的话，凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。 你们在我身上所学习的、所领受的、所听见的、所看见的，这些事你们都要去行，赐平安的神就必与你们同在。

五月二十日

满满的脑袋

“凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的 … 德行、… 称赞，这些事你们都要思念。”—腓立比书4：8

你的脑袋是否充满真实的、清洁的、有德行的和值得称赞的事？或是被虚假的、污染的、丑恶的和不光彩的事分散了注意力？我相信我们两方面都会有，毕竟我们都是罪人。

先看看我们可以怎样让自己的脑袋充满真实的事吧。在今天这个不在意互联网和媒体是否说实话的世界，这是绝不容易做到的事。我们要求神让我们看到什么是对的和真实的，让我们明白可以信靠祂在《圣经》中所说的话语，和那些建基在整本《圣经》上的教导。

我们也可以寻求那可爱的、有德行的、和可称赞的事。神和祂的创造是美丽的。神的爱和祂的救恩是最美丽的事。当我们去寻找那可爱和美丽的事时，便会发觉这些都是神在背后的工作。

但如果我们不单止是看、而且沉迷在那些丑恶的、令人厌恶的、暴力的、或比这些更糟的事中，我们便是跟从魔鬼的道路了，它是一切令人反胃和腐败之事的作茧者。

我们要定意让那些尊荣神、尊荣人和尊荣自己的思想充满我们的脑袋；又刻意避开那些撒谎、伤害人、破坏声誉、和令人愤世嫉俗的念头。神知道我们在想什么，靠着祂的能力我们可以控制自己的思想，好让我们去尊荣祂。

祷告

主啊，求你帮助我们，使我们的头脑充满清洁的、真实的和健康的想法。让我们不要沉迷于丑恶和令人厌恶的想法，因为这样做只会令我们走向灭亡。奉耶稣的名祈求，阿们。

Philippians 4:4-9

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

FILLED MINDS

Whatever is true . . . noble . . . right . . . pure . . . lovely . . . admirable . . . excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. —Philippians 4:8

Is your mind filled with things that are true, pure, excellent, and praiseworthy? Or is it distracted by things that are false, polluted, ugly, and dishonorable? We likely have some amount of each, since we are all sinners.

Let’s look first at filling our minds with what is true. This can be hard today when there is often little regard for speaking truth on the internet and in the media. We need to ask God to show us what is right and true, recognizing that we can depend on his Word in the Bible and on teachings that are solidly based on all of it.

We can also seek what is lovely, good, and praiseworthy. God and his creation are beautiful. God’s love and his salvation are the most beautiful things of all. When we seek the lovely and beautiful, we will find God behind it all.

However, if we not only see but also revel in what is ugly, distasteful, violent, or worse, we’ll find ourselves following the way of the devil, who is behind all things that are repulsive and corrupt.

Let’s be sure to fill our minds with thoughts that honor God, others, and ourselves. Let’s steer away from thoughts that spread lies, hurt others, drag reputations down, or create cynicism. God knows what we are thinking, and in his strength we can control our thoughts so that they honor him.

Lord, help us to fill our minds with pure, true, wholesome things. Let us not stray into ugly, dishonorable thinking that can lead us to destruction. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

腓立比书 4：2-7

我劝尤阿迪娅和循都基要在主里同心。 我也求你这真实同负一轭的，帮助这两个女人；因为她们在福音上曾与我一同劳苦，还有革利免并其余和我一同做工的，他们的名字都在生命册上。你们要靠主常常喜乐，我再说，你们要喜乐！ 当叫众人知道你们谦让的心。主已经近了。 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事藉着祷告、祈求和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神。 神所赐出人意外的平安，必在基督耶稣里保守你们的心怀意念。

五月十九日

祷告：消除忧虑的秘方

“应当一无挂虑，只要凡事藉着祷告、祈求、和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神。”—— 腓立比书4：6

《圣经》劝勉我们不要担忧或挂虑，可是这很难做到。我们或许会这样问自己：“如果有灾难临到呢？”或“如果我失业呢？”或“如果我的健康走下坡呢？”这些问题显示出，我们正在为自己无法控制的未来担忧。

经验告诉我们，生命里有很多事情是不由自主的。但我们同时也相信，在未来的每一刻，神都是我们信实的主和救主，祂必定常常为我们的好处着想。因此，在祂里面，我们可以有信心面对未来。

当感到忧虑时，我们需要向神祷告，因为我们知道祂能提供我们一切所需的。神是我们的父亲，祂喜欢赐美物给祂的儿女。我们可以到神那里，谨记祂在过去对我们和其他信徒的信实。我们知道前路是在神的手中，祂已经为我们预备好永恒的居所了。

我们也可以献上感恩。感谢神，因为祂在过去的日子供给我们所需的。祂也在历世历代供应众多信徒的需要，我们感谢祂。归根究底，神藉着祂的儿子拯救我们脱离死亡、罪、和绝望，我们要为此感谢祂。

我们的生命可能是充满挂虑的。然而，每一天我们都可以把所有的挂虑带到神面前，因为我们知道，我们最终都是安稳在祂的掌控中。

祷告

父啊，我们担忧挂虑时，求你安慰我们。在过去的日子，你一直是信实的，求你引领我们在未来的日子也信靠你。求你帮助我们感受到你的灵时常都在安慰我们。阿们。

Philippians 4:2-7

TUESDAY, MAY 19

PRAYER, THE SOLUTION FOR WORRIES

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6

The Bible urges us not to worry or be anxious. But that is not always easy. We may ask ourselves, “What if some disaster happens?” or, “What if I lose my job?” or, “What if my health fails?” Such questions show our concerns about a future we can’t control.

As we learn from experience, there are many things in life that we can’t control. And yet we can also trust that at all times in the future God will be our faithful Lord and Savior. God will always seek our good. So, in him, we can have confidence about the future.

When concerns arise, we need to turn to God in prayer, knowing that he has all that we need. God is our Father, and he loves to give good gifts to his children. We can turn to God and remember his faithfulness in the past, to both ourselves and other believers. We know that God has our destiny in his hands and has prepared a place for us in eternity.

And we can give thanks. We can thank God because he has provided for our needs in years past. We can thank him for providing for the needs of so many believers throughout the ages. Ultimately we can thank God that through his Son we are saved from death, sin, and futility.

Our lives can potentially be full of anxiety. But each day we can bring all our concerns to him, knowing that we are ultimately secure in his hands.

Father, comfort us in our worry and anxiety. You have been faithful in the past; guide us to trust you in the future. Help us know the comfort of your Spirit always. Amen.

约翰福音 8：31- 41

耶稣对信他的犹太人说：“你们若常常遵守我的道，就真是我的门徒， 你们必晓得真理，真理必叫你们得以自由。” 他们回答说：“我们是亚伯拉罕的后裔，从来没有做过谁的奴仆，你怎么说‘你们必得以自由’呢？” 耶稣回答说：“我实实在在地告诉你们：所有犯罪的就是罪的奴仆。 奴仆不能永远住在家里，儿子是永远住在家里。 所以天父的儿子若叫你们自由，你们就真自由了。

“我知道你们是亚伯拉罕的子孙，你们却想要杀我，因为你们心里容不下我的道。 我所说的，是在我父那里看见的；你们所行的，是在你们的父那里听见的。” 他们说：“我们的父就是亚伯拉罕！”耶稣说：“你们若是亚伯拉罕的儿子，就必行亚伯拉罕所行的事。 我将在神那里所听见的真理告诉了你们，现在你们却想要杀我，这不是亚伯拉罕所行的事。 你们是行你们父所行的事。”他们说：“我们不是从淫乱生的。我们只有一位父，就是神！”

五月十八日

奴仆或自由身？

“你们必晓得真理，真理必叫你们得以自由。”——约翰福音 8：32

为要尝试仁慈一点或避免无礼，有时我们会礼貌地讲一些无关重要的谎话。我们可能会说：“对，我见到你已经瘦身了。”或者说：“你看来丝毫没有衰老的迹象。”又或者说：“哗，你差点儿便射入一球了。”然而这段经文，是以一个比常用社交礼貌更深邃的层面来看真理的。

你是罪和死亡的奴仆、还是已经摆脱它们得自由呢？在《约翰福音》8章34节，耶稣说：“所有犯罪的，就是罪的奴仆。”这些人必然包括我在内—也包括你在内。如果希望不再被罪奴役得自由，我们必须欣然接受耶稣就是真理。惟有祂才能释放我们脱离奴役我们的罪。

你被哪些罪奴役呢？你是愤怒或情欲、或贪婪、或嫉妒、或运动、或美容、或钱财的奴仆吗？我们都是某些事情的奴仆。我们可能告诉自己，一旦得到这些东西、或当我们达到某个目标时，我们便会真的快乐了。然而，只有忠心跟随耶稣的人，才真的有机会脱离罪的奴役得自由。所有其他得自由的计划，结果都只会令我们陷入另一种方式的奴役中。

政变是其中一个例子。例如，在尼加拉瓜，Sandinistas桑地诺民族解放阵线推翻了Anastasio Somaza安纳斯塔西奥·索摩查的独裁领导。今天，在Sandinista桑地诺民族的领导下，国情变得更坏，坏的程度是前所未有的。

让我们不要从一个奴役主人转而归向另一个。我们可以藉着跟随基督来找到自由，惟有这样我们才能得到自由。

祷告

主啊，我们不断使自己陷入奴役中。求你赐我们得自由的愿望，又释放我们，让我们在你里面过丰盛的生活。阿们。

John 8:31-41

MONDAY, MAY 18

SLAVE OR FREE?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:32

Sometimes we use polite, little lies to try to be kind or avoid being rude. We might say, “Yes, I can tell you’ve lost some weight.” Or, “You have not aged a bit.” Or, “Wow, you almost scored a goal on that play.” But our passage here is talking about truth and lies at a more profound level than the social niceties we practice.

Are you a slave to sin and death, or are you free from them? In John 8:34, Jesus says that “everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” That certainly includes me—and you too. If we wish to be free from that slavery, we must embrace the truth that is Jesus. Only he can liberate us from the sin that enslaves us.

Which sins enslave you? Are you a slave to anger, or lust, or greed, or envy, or sports, or beauty, or money? We are all slaves to something. We might tell ourselves that we will be truly happy once we get this or that thing, or when we reach a certain goal. But only faithful followers of Jesus have a real shot at freedom from slavery to sin. All other plans for liberation just end up in a new form of slavery.

An example of this is political revolution. In Nicaragua, for example, the Sandinistas overthrew an oppressive oligarchy led by Anastasio Somaza. Now, under the Sandinista leaders Daniel and Rosario Ortega, things are worse than ever before.

Let’s not flip from one slave master to another. We can find freedom by following Jesus. Only then will we be free.

Lord, we keep enslaving ourselves. Give us the desire to be free, and free us to live fully in you, we pray. Amen.

约翰福音14：1-14

“你们心里不要忧愁，你们信神，也当信我。 在我父的家里有许多住处，若是没有，我就早已告诉你们了，我去原是为你们预备地方去。 我若去为你们预备了地方，就必再来接你们到我那里去，我在哪里，叫你们也在哪里。 我往哪里去你们知道，那条路你们也知道。[a]” 多马对他说：“主啊，我们不知道你往哪里去，怎么知道那条路呢？”

耶稣说：“我就是道路、真理、生命。若不藉着我，没有人能到父那里去。 你们若认识我，也就认识我的父。从今以后，你们认识他，并且已经看见他。” 腓力对他说：“求主将父显给我们看，我们就知足了。” 耶稣对他说：“腓力，我与你们同在这样长久，你还不认识我吗？人看见了我，就是看见了父，你怎么说‘将父显给我们看’呢？ 我在父里面，父在我里面，你不信吗？我对你们所说的话，不是凭着自己说的，乃是住在我里面的父做他自己的事。 你们当信我，我在父里面，父在我里面；即或不信，也当因我所做的事信我。 我实实在在地告诉你们：我所做的事，信我的人也要做，并且要做比这更大的事，因为我往父那里去。 你们奉我的名无论求什么，我必成就，叫父因儿子得荣耀。 你们若奉我名求告什么，我必成就。

五月十七日

独一无二的真理

“我就是道路、真理、生命；若不藉着我，没有人能到父那里去。”--约翰福音14：6

在这段经文中，耶稣不单是说祂知道什么是真理，或懂得教导人认识真理；祂乃是说：“我就是真理。”

意思是说，认识耶稣就等如认识真理。真理就是只有一位神，惟有藉着耶稣基督，我们才能找到这位神。真理就是那位创造宇宙，并以美物充满它的神，也是那位到世上来，赐我们救恩和新生命的神。我们是照独一真神的形像被造的，当我们在祂那里得到丰盛的生命时，我们便找到真正的自我了。

耶稣在这里所讲的话，有另一个说法，就是所有自我宣称是真理的，都是虚假的，包括世上其他所有的“主义”，例如：消费主义、共产主义、资本主义、享乐主义、民族主义等等。假如你认为真理就等同赚取更多金钱、或玩得更开心、或你支持的政党成功，你就是在欺哄自己了。惟有耶稣才是真理。

所有真理最终都归于耶稣。有些杰出的科学家和哲学家相信耶稣，因为耶稣在他们研究的结论中与他们会面。有些瘾君子相信了耶稣，因为他们发现只有耶稣才能帮助他们救自己。有些人见到基督徒能忠心地活出信仰的真理，他们发觉耶稣必定是帮助他们做得到的真理。

耶稣就是真理。今天就让我们把真理显明出来、宣扬它、在生活上见证它吧。

祷告

主神啊，求你帮助我们寻求你的真理，而不去理会我们生命中所有企图引诱我们的虚假宣称。愿我们能尽忠于你，以致别人见到时也想认识这真理。阿们。

John 14:1-14

SUNDAY, MAY 17

ONLY ONE TRUTH

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6

Notice that in this passage Jesus does not just say he knows the truth or can teach the truth. He says, “I am the truth.”

This means that to know Jesus is to know the truth. The truth is that there is one God, who can be found only through Jesus Christ. The truth is that the God who created the world and filled it with good things is the same God who came to give us salvation and new life. We are made in the image of the one true God, and we find our true selves when we receive full life in him.

The counterpoint of Jesus’ statement here is that all other claims to truth are false, including all the other “isms” of the world: consumerism, communism, capitalism, hedonism, nationalism, and so on. If you think that the truth is that we need to make more money, or have more fun, or have your political party succeed, you are telling yourself a lie. Only Jesus is the truth.

All truths eventually arrive at Jesus. Some brilliant scientists and philosophers have accepted Jesus because he has greeted them at the end of their investigations. Some addicts have received Jesus because they have discovered that only he can save them from themselves. Some have seen Christians faithfully living out the truth and have learned that Jesus must be the truth who makes that possible.

Jesus is the truth. Let’s show it, tell it, and live it today.

Lord and God, help us to seek your truth and to ignore all the false claims that tempt us in our lives. May we be so true to you that others see it and want it too. Amen.