Repost from September 18 2010 in support of Genesis in Chinese Characters
which is on Ministry in Words page - click their page tab if you have not already read it!
Cause to Continue
(GWT)from Psalms 12 Help, O LORD. No godly person is left. Faithful people have vanished from among Adam's descendants! All people speak foolishly. They speak with flattering lips. They say one thing but mean another. May the LORD cut off every flattering lip and every bragging tongue that has said, "We will overcome with our tongues. With lips such as ours, who can be our master?" "Because oppressed people are robbed and needy people groan, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will provide safety for those who long for it." The promises of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times. O LORD, you will protect them. You will keep each one safe from those people forever. Wicked people parade around when immorality increases among Adam's descendants. For the choir director; a psalm by David.
Genesis 2:22 (GWT, NAS)
Then the LORD God formed a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man. He brought her to the man.
The LORD God fashioned F56 into a woman the R63 rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
Banah – Hebrew word that we translated into fashioned or formed.
Hebrew Definition:
1. to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
2. to build a house (ie, establish a family)
3. to be build
4. to be rebuilt established (figuratively of restored exiles) made permanent
5.to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
Through God’s creativity He created life that would procreate living souls and one creation that had this potential as an empowered image of them to co-create living souls with a spirit. This was the reason that none were found suitable.
He required of Adam to subdue all things, tame the creatures use all the resources that God had created for good. God had already set in place all parameters of protection, separation – Adam was supposed to carry out these things as a living image of God. When we look back at the meaning of the rib we can see why he chose the rib and not the thigh bone, for instance. The rib has meaning of marriage, the walls or beams of God temple. God fills the temple Adam takes care of it all and Eve helped to build establish and give Adam a “cause to continue” this good fight.
If we do not respect, uphold, tame all that God has given us we become what destroys it. If you are a man – remember that the woman God gave you is your “Cause to Continue”. Respect God, show Him how much you love Him by protecting your love….your wife. As you will read tomorrow – Adam basically said – I now understand and have a Cause to Fight for this it is now outside me so that I may see. I will leave my mother and father and this love and I will then BE united. That is something larger than me and my “Cause to Continue”
This is my prayer: that we will all learn from Adam and Ever as God tells us this love story and become all that He implores us to be …..for His kingdom and glory.
Sorry that it is not translated as well. I simply do not have that ability :(
However, if I can be of assistance please contact us by post, e-mail or phone.
With the Love of our Christ,
Candace
As Always please let us know your thoughts on what we are studying by commenting!
Showing posts with label ministry in word. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry in word. Show all posts
March 31, 2011
January 15, 2011
Ministry in Word
Congratulations to Tom and Tehwan Tso they now have their Ministry in Word blogger site going for their devotions. If you look at the top of our site there is a tab you can click for their weekly devotions to the right is the link to their site as well.
We lift them up to encourage their perseverance in the work of building up the unity of our body in Christ.
Today we are focusing on conversing with God to find out what He is up to today - the post is on our Emerge site www.kbemerge.com. The segment of our organization which directly supports care givers of those in crisis.
With Love,
Candace
We lift them up to encourage their perseverance in the work of building up the unity of our body in Christ.
Today we are focusing on conversing with God to find out what He is up to today - the post is on our Emerge site www.kbemerge.com. The segment of our organization which directly supports care givers of those in crisis.
With Love,
Candace
December 27, 2010
Ministry in Word
Two Elderly Faithful
两位信实的老人
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in
the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
在耶路撒冷有一个人，名叫西面；这人又公义又虔诚，素常盼望以色列的安慰者
来到，又有圣灵在他身上。他得了圣灵的启示，知道自己未死以前，必看见主所
立的基督。他受了圣灵的感动，进入圣殿，正遇见耶稣的父母抱着孩子进来，要
照律法的规矩办理。西面就用手接过他来，称颂神说：主阿！如今可以照你的
话，释放仆人安然去世；因为我的眼睛已经看见你的救恩─就是你在万民面前所
预备的：是照亮外邦人的光，又是你民以色列的荣耀。
孩子的父母因这论耶稣的话就希奇。西面给他们祝福，又对孩子的母亲马利亚
说：这孩子被立，是要叫以色列中许多人跌倒，许多人兴起；又要作毁谤的话
柄，叫许多人心里的意念显露出来；你自己的心也要被刀刺透。
又有女先知，名叫亚拿，是亚设支派法内力的女儿，年纪已经老迈，从作童女出
嫁的时候，同丈夫住了七年就寡居了，现在已经八十四岁，并不离开圣殿，禁食
祈求，昼夜事奉神。正当那时，他进前来称谢神，将孩子的事对一切盼望耶路撒
冷得救赎的人讲说。
Luke 2:25-38
路加2:25-38
It was after the first Christmas that these two rarely spoken of characters appeared in the Gospel of Luke. They were two very old persons living a life secluded from the world but connected intimately with the Lord. They were both finishing well in their walk with God, being in steps with the Spirit, and they encountered Christ Jesus. Let's look at some characteristics of Simeon and Anna’s life and their encounters with the Christ Child.
那是在第一个圣诞後这两位很少被提及的角色出现在路加福音中。他们是两位年
纪老迈的人过着与世分隔但又与主密切的生活。他们在与神同行中正完美地与灵
同步结束，而他们与基督耶稣相遇。让我们察看西缅和亚拿生命的一些特色和他
们与孩童基督的相遇。
SIMEON WAITING FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL
西缅盼望以色列的安慰者
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon, thereby he received a revelation that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He had been living in the faith in this revelation since and had been patiently waiting for the promised encounter with Christ. – Do we wait patiently for God to fulfill His promises to us? Simeon waited patiently for the first coming of Christ; do we wait patiently for His second coming?
圣灵在西缅身上，藉此他得到启示知道自己未死以前，必看见主所立的基督。从
此他一直生活在此启示的信心中，和耐心地等候所应许与基督的相逢。-- 我们是否
耐心地等候神来实现他对我们的应许呢？西缅耐心地等候基督的初临；我们是否
耐心地等候他的再临呢？
Simeon was obedient to the leadership of the Spirit, coming into the temple at that particular moment not knowing what to expect. That was when Mary and Joseph brought in the baby Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law. Simeon submitted to God’s guidance without question or hesitation. – Do we question God’s instruction for us or do we act on it immediately? Are we willing to be led by the Spirit?
西缅服从圣灵的带领，在那一时刻进入殿中，仍不知道是什麽一回事。那时马利
亚和约瑟抱着孩子耶稣进来，要照律法的规矩办理。西缅顺服神的指引，并无疑
问或犹豫。-- 我们是否质疑神给我们的指示，抑或会马上执行呢？我们是否愿意接
受圣灵的带领？
Simeon was content with the Spirit’s promise. He took the Christ child up in his arms and blessed God. He said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.” His sole purpose of living was satisfied. – What is the purpose of our life? Do we live for God or live for ourselves?
西缅满足于圣灵的应许。他就用手接过孩童基督来，称颂神说：「主阿！如今可
以照你的话，释放仆人安然去世。」他活在世上的唯一目的已达到了。-- 我们活着
的目的是什麽呢？我们为神而活抑或为我们自己而活呢？
Simeon was in tune with the Spirit, he recognized the work of Christ was to be the salvation of mankind, Jews and Gentiles included. – Is our spirit aligned with the Spirit? Do we recognize the work of Christ’s Spirit in us and others?
西缅是与圣灵一致，他认出基督的工作是要成为世人的拯救，包括犹太人与外邦
人。-- 我们的灵是否与圣灵调整一致呢？我们能否认出基督的灵在我们和别人身上
的工作呢？
Simeon was a tool of the Spirit to bless Mary and Joseph, speaking words of prophecy about the Christ Child and encouragement to His earthly parents. – Are we an instrument of God to participate in His work?
西缅是圣灵的工具来祝福马利亚和约瑟，向他们预言关乎孩童基督的事和鼓励他
地上的父母的话。-- 我们是否神的器皿来参与他的工作？
ANNA WORSHIPING DAY AND NIGHT, PRAYING AND FASTING
亚拿禁食祈求，昼夜事奉神
Anna lived a Spirit led life in spite of her unfortunate circumstance. Unlike Simeon, Anna did not know she would see Christ in her life time. But she must have prayed for God’s salvation constantly, and she lived with the expectation of her prayers to be answered.
虽然她有不幸的遭遇，亚拿过着一个圣灵所带领的生活。不像西缅，亚拿并不知
道她会在她有生之年见到基督。但她一定是不断地为神的拯救祈求，而她经常带
着她的祷告得应允的盼望。
Anna lived a faithful life dedicated to God. She never left the temple, but worshiped Him by prayer and fasting. She was very much devoted to and focused on the Lord. – Do we devote our life faithfully to God?
亚拿过一个献给神的忠心生活。她从不离开圣殿，以祷告和禁食来敬拜他。她非
常认真献身与主和注目在主身上。-- 我们是否忠心地向神献身呢？
Anna was content to be in the role God wanted her to be, a widow and a little known prophetess. For 84 years she was serving God in the power of His Spirit. This was the secret of the longevity of her service. – Are we content with where God has placed us? Are we serving God in His power or in our power?
亚拿满足于神要她当的角色，就是当寡妇与女先知。八十四年来她以神的灵的力
量来事奉神。这就是她服事能长久的秘密。-- 我们是否满足于神放置我们的位置
呢？我们事奉神是凭他的力量抑或我们的力量呢？
Anna was sanctified by the Spirit, without harboring any bitterness on her 7 short years of marriage and lengthy widowhood, but looking to the Lord for consolation. She saw Christ because her heart was kept pure by the Spirit. – Are we looking at our circumstances or looking at our Lord? Are we seeking solution from our Lord?
亚拿被圣灵分别为圣，没有为她短短七年的婚姻及悠长的寡妇生活留下任何苦
毒，而是向主求安慰。因为圣灵保守她的清心她看到基督。-- 我们把目光放在我们
的处境上抑或在我们的主身上？我们是否向主求解决困难的方法？
Anna dedicated her only resource to the Lord. She spent all her time praying and fasting. She must have been praying fervently for the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the people. – Do we give to the Lord out of our surplus or out of our lack? Do we dedicate our resources to the Lord?
亚拿献她唯一的资源给主，她用她所有的时间去祷告和禁食。她一定很热切为救
主的降临和世人的拯救祈求。-- 我们是从我们所剩余中奉献给主抑或从我们的不足
中奉献给主？我们是否奉献我们的资源给主？
Anna was guided by the Spirit to come up to the Christ Child at the right moment, and she immediately recognized the Christ Child as the answer to her prayers, and she gave thanks to God. – Do we keep our eyes open for God’s answers to our prayers? Do we thank God for the answered prayers regardless of whether they are what we expected?
亚拿被圣灵引导在正好的时刻来到孩童基督面前，她马上认为孩童基督是神应允
她的祷告并且感谢神。-- 我们是否留心注意神对我们祷告的回应？我们是否感谢神
回应我们的祷告，不管它是否如我们所望的？
Anna readily shared about the Christ Child with others. She must have had some
revelations by the Spirit about Jesus, and she fulfilled her role as a prophetess to tell “all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” – Have we known Christ? Do we share Christ with others?
亚拿准备好来与别人分享孩童基督。她一定得到圣灵一些关乎耶稣的启示，而她
履行她女先知的角色「将孩子的事对一切盼望耶路撒冷得救赎的人讲说。」-- 我们
已经认识基督吗？我们与别人分享基督吗？
PONDER AND LISTEN
思量和聆听
During this Christmas season, let’s ponder upon these characteristics of Simeon and Anna’s life and allow the Spirit speak to us personally.
在这个圣诞的时候，让我们思考西缅和亚拿生活的特色和让圣灵亲自向我们说
话。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
December 17, 2010
Ministry in Word
The Greatest Prophecy
最大的预言
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
因有一婴孩为我们而生；有一子赐给我们。政权必担在他的肩头上；他名称为奇妙策士、全能的神、永在的父、和平的君。
Isaiah 9:6
以赛亚书9:6
A Messianic Prophecy
一个弥赛亚的预言
Prophet Isaiah prophesied of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, into human history as a man years before it actually happened. This simple verse contains a great deal of blessings about Christ’s mission in the world.
在它实际上发生的许多年之前，先知以赛亚预言了弥赛亚，就是耶稣基督的来
临，他成为一个人进入了人类历史。 这简单的一节圣经包含关于基督在世上的使
命的很多祝福。
A Child and A Son
一婴孩一子
Our Messiah was born into this world as a baby, having a human beginning though he existed before the world was created. He is eternal so he has no divine beginning and ending. He is the one and only Son of God the Father, given out of God’s love for the world so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but has eternal life (Jn 3:16). He was given to us to take on the flesh and blood of man and to atone for our sin on the cross as the only sinless, perfectly righteous among men ever walked and will walk on earth.
For us He laid down His life and took it up again, victorious over death, the wage of sin, so that we may also be freed from the sting of death (1 Cor 15:54-55).
我们的救主出生成为婴孩进入这个世界，有人性的起点，虽然他在世界被创造之
前就存在了。 他是永恒的，因此他没有神性的起点和结尾。 他是父神的仅有儿
子，因为神爱世人所以赐他给我们，使一切相信他的人不致灭亡，反得永生(约
3:16)。 他被赐给我们来成为人的血肉之躯和作为在世人之中自古至终唯一无罪，
完全公义的人在十字架上赎我们的罪。他为我们放下了他的生命而再拿它回来，
战胜死亡，就是罪的工价，让我们也能从死亡的毒钩被释放(林前15:54-55)。
His Government
他的政权
He came, He saw, He conquered. He came into this sinful, dark world as a humble infant, to identify with our human weakness. He saw the pain and suffering in this world as an itinerant teacher, to shine His light into wherever received Him. As the Messiah He conquered death after offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice on the cross to redeem mankind from the penalty of their sin. He ascended to heaven but is ruling as king in the hearts of those who belong to Him. He will return one day when all the knees shall bow and all the mouths shall confess that He is Lord (Php 2:10-11). He rules His kingdom in
love with perfect justice to bring out everyone’s best. He shoulders His government as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
他来了，他看见了，他征服了。作为一个卑微的婴儿他进入这个有罪，黑暗的世
界，认同我们人的软弱。作为一位巡回教师他看见了这个世界的痛苦和灾难，光
照接受他的地方。 作为救主他以献上自己作为十字架上完善的祭，来从人类罪的
惩罚中赎回他们，他征服了死亡。 他升天了，但他在属于他那些人的心中作王。
有一天他将要回来，那时万膝将跪拜，并且万口要承认他是主(腓 2:10-11)。 他以
爱与完善的正义统治他的国度，带出众人最好的一面。作为奇妙策士、全能的
神、永在的父、和平的君，他担负他的政杈。
Wonderful Counselor
奇妙策士
He is called Wonderful Counselor because He is the one who guides us with the wisest advice regarding life. This is because His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways (Is 55:9). He is also called Wonderful because of His ability to work wonders and do what is marvelous and astounding in the eyes of man. But the most wonderful and unbelievable thing He had done is that while we were still sinners He died for us, thus demonstrating His love for us (Ro 5:8). He is called Counselor because
He is our advocate, standing at the right hand of God, doing the wonderful thing of interceding for us (Ro 8:34) and arousing the lost soul in its deadness into a new life.
他被祢为奇妙策士，因为他是以最明智的，关于生命的忠告引导我们的人。 这是
因为他的意念高过我们的意念，他的道路高过我们的道路(赛55:9)。 他也称为奇
妙，是由于他能做非常奇妙的事情和能做不可思议与在人眼中令人震惊之事。 但
是他做了的最美妙和最难以相信的事，就是当我们仍然是罪人时他为我们死，因
而显出他对我们的爱(罗5:8)。他称为策士，因为他是我们的律师，站在神右边做
美妙的事，就是为我们代求(罗 8:34)和激起毫无生气的失落灵魂来得到新生命。
Mighty God
全能的神
Nothing is impossible with God (Lk 1:37). Christ is powerful for He is God. He is not a man who had become god, but He is God Almighty. He is the mighty God who is coeternal with the Father (Jn 1:1) and who made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Php 2:7). He is the mighty God who is the author of faith that is like a mustard seed yet with it we can cast aside mountains in our life(Mt 17:20). He is the mighty God, capable of blessing us with wonderful things in our life, first of which is our salvation.
在神没有难成的事(路1:37)。 基督是大有能力的因为他是神。 他不是一个人成为
神，而是他是万能的神。 他是与父神同为永恒之大有能力的神(约1:1)，而他反倒
虚己，取了奴仆的形像，成为人的样式(腓2:7)。 他是像芥菜种籽的信心之源头，
有了这信心我们可以迁移我们生命中的山(太17:20)，因他是大有能力的神。 他是
大有能力的神，有能力来祝福我们让我们生命中有美妙的事，首先就是我们的得
救。
Everlasting Father
永在的父
Christ our Lord is forever with the heart of His loving Father who is always waiting for us to repent and return to Him. Christ was, is, and will be with the Father, yet He once dwelled among us and now His Spirit dwells in us (Jn 1:1-4, 14). He cares for and loves us like a father, with our best interest in His mind. He is the everlasting God, willing and capable of blessing us with wonderful things in our life.
基督我们的主永远是带着等待我们悔改和回到他那里的慈爱天父的心。 基督以前
是，现在是和以后是与天父同在，而他曾经住在我们当中，现在他的灵在我们之
中居住(约1:1-4, 14)。 他像一个父亲地关心和爱我们，以我们的最大的好处为念。 他是永恒的神，愿意和有能力赐福给我们，使我们在生命中有美妙的事。
Prince of Peace
和平的君
Christ is the Prince of Peace who brings true peace between God and men. He, as our Messiah who brings not truce only but restoration of relationships, had dealt with the cause of hostilities between God and men and among men which is sin. For all who received Him as their personal Savior, this peace has entered their life (Ro 5:1). Christ is the Prince of Peace, not only willing and capable of blessing us with wonderful things in our life, but actually acted on His willingness and capability to bless us with the inner peace in this tumultuous world.
基督是带来在神和人之间的真和平的和平的君。作为我们的救主，他不是在我们
关系上只带来停战而是带来恢复，解决了在神与人和在人与人之间敌意的起因，
就是罪。 对于接受他作为他们个人救主的所有人，这和平进入了他们的生命(罗
:1)。 基督是和平的君，不仅愿意和有能力赐福给我们使我们的生命中有美妙的
事，更实践他的自愿和能力来保佑我们在这个喧嚣的世界中有内在的平安。
A Prophecy Fulfilled
已成就了的预言
Christ is the Prince of Peace so our relationship with God may be set right and secure through Him. He is our loving Father who always has our best interest in mind. He is mighty so what is in His mind will come to pass. He gives the best advice so we can have the greatest hope in Him.
基督是和平的君，因此我们与神的关系可以通过他使其正确和巩固。 他是心中为
我们着想的慈爱天父。 他是如此大有能力的在他心里想像的都必实现。 他给我们
最好的忠告，因此我们可以在他里面有最大的希望。
On the first Christmas the Christ Child was born to Mary the virgin in Bethlehem, thereby fulfilling this messianic prophecy. Today and everyday since the first Easter the risen Christ has knocked at the door to our hearts asking to enter. Whoever open the door and invite Jesus into their life will have the blessings from our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
在第一个圣诞节孩童基督在伯利恒从童女马利亚出生，从而实现了这救世主的预
言。 今天和自从第一个复活节的每天，复活的基督在敲我们的心门要求进入。谁
打开心门并且邀请耶稣进入他们的生命将有从我们奇妙策士、全能的神、永在的
父与和平的君的祝福。
Won’t you invite Jesus into your heart today?
今天你难道不要邀请耶稣进入你的心吗？
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
December 9, 2010
Ministry in Word
Similar Revelations, Different Responses
类似的启示，不同的回应
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
有主的使者站在香坛的右边，向他显现。撒迦利亚看见，就惊慌害怕。天使对他
说：撒迦利亚，不要害怕，因为你的祈祷已经被听见了。你的妻子以利沙伯要给
你生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫约翰。
Luke 1:11-13
路加1:11-13
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.”
撒迦利亚对天使说：我凭着甚麽可知道这事呢？我已经老了，我的妻子也年纪老
迈了。天使回答说：我是站在神面前的加百列，奉差而来对你说话，将这好信息
报给你。到了时候，这话必然应验；只因你不信，你必哑吧，不能说话，直到这
事成就的日子。
Luke 1:18-20
路加1:18-20
The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will
come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
童女的名字叫马利亚；天使进去，对他说：蒙大恩的女子，我问你安，主和你同
在了！马利亚因这话就很惊慌，又反复思想这样问安是甚麽意思。天使对他说：
马利亚，不要怕！你在神面前已经蒙恩了。你要怀孕生子，可以给他起名叫耶
稣。他要为大，称为至高者的儿子；主神要把他祖大卫的位给他。他要作雅各家
的王，直到永远；他的国也没有穷尽。马利亚对天使说：我没有出嫁，怎麽有这
事呢？天使回答说：圣灵要临到你身上，至高者的能力要荫庇你，因此所要生的
圣者必称为神的儿子。况且你的亲戚以利沙伯，在年老的时候也怀了男胎，就是
那素来称为不生育的，现在有孕六个月了。因为，出於神的话，没有一句不带能
力的。马利亚说：我是主的使女，情愿照你的话成就在我身上。天使就离开他去
了。
Luke 1:27-38
路加1:27-38
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
类似与分别
From Luke’s accounts of God’s revelations to Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father and to Mary, Jesus’ mother, we can learn a valuable lesson on faith.
从路加所记载神对施浸约翰的父亲的启示和对耶稣的母亲马利亚的启示之中我们
可以学习到信心的宝贵功课。
In these accounts we find similarities in their contents: these revelations were both messages brought by the archangel Gabriel and they were both concerning the coming birth of their baby boys. In the case of Zechariah it was apparently something that he and his wife had prayed for. We know this because the angel told Zechariah that his prayer had been heard (Luke 1:13) before he revealed to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son. In the case of Mary, this was a total surprise because she was a virgin (Luke 1:34).
在这些记载中我们找到它们内容中类似的地方：这些启示都是由天使长加百列带
来的信息，而它们都是关乎他们男婴的诞生。在撒迦利亚那方面这明显地是他与
他妻子所祈求的，我们知道这事实因为天使在向撒迦利亚透露他的妻子伊利沙伯
会为他生一个儿子之先，就告诉他他的祈祷已经被听见了〔路加1:13〕。在马利
亚这方面这是一个完全出人意料的消息因为她仍是童女〔路加1:34〕。
Another similarity is in their reaction to these events: they were both afraid upon meeting Gabriel (Luke 1:12, 29). But there was one subtle difference in their fear: Zechariah was afraid of the angel while Mary was troubled at his words of greeting. In other words Zechariah was self-focused and was concerned of his own security while Mary was God focused and was concerned with the meaning and purpose of this encounter.
另外一个相似之处就是他们对这些事的反应：他们在见到加百列时同样害怕。但
他们的害怕却有一个微妙的分别：撒迦利亚是害怕天使而马利亚却是被他问安的
话所困扰。换句话说撒迦利亚是把目光放在自己身上，关心他自己的安危，而马
利亚把目光放在神身上，她关心这次遭遇的意义和用意。
On the surface there is also a similarity in Zechariah and Mary’s reaction to Gabriel’s message, they both said that what was going to happen to them was not possible. Zechariah gave the reason that he and his wife Elizabeth had well passed the child bearing age, while Mary stated that she could not have a baby because she was a virgin.
表面上撒迦利亚和马利亚对加百列的信息的反应也有相似之处，他们都说快要发
生在他们身上的事是不可能的。撒迦利亚的理由是因为他和他妻子伊利沙伯都已
过了生育孩子的年龄，而马利亚则说她不可能生孩子因为她仍是处女之身。
However deep down Zechariah questioned the validity and truthfulness of Gabriel’s message, saying, “How can I be sure of this?” To this Gabriel answered that Zechariah could be sure because he was the archangel Gabriel who stood in the presence of God, and he had been sent to speak to him and to tell him that good news. In other words Gabriel was saying that his message was valid and truthful because he had access to God. Not only that, it was God Himself who sent Gabriel to Zechariah to tell him the good news that his prayer for having a child of their own was answered. Now good news is worth repeating and spreading, however, Zechariah, in his unbelief, would not be able to speak words worthy of this good news, so he was silenced and his speaking ability removed until his son John was born and he confirmed in agreement with God and his wife that his son’s name would be John (Luke 1:59-64).
不过，撒迦利亚实在是质疑加百列的信息的确实性，他说，「我凭着甚麽可知道
这事呢？」加百列回答说撒迦利亚可肯定这事因为他是站在神面前的加百列，奉
差而来对他说话，将这好信息报给他。换句话说，加百列说他的信息是准确真实
的因为他可到神那里去接近神。不单如此，是神自己差加百列去告诉撒迦利亚好
消息，就是他盼望得到自己的孩子的祷告已蒙应允。好消息都是值得重覆和传开
的，不过在他的不信中撒迦利亚说不出配得这好消息的话来，所以他成了哑吧，
失去说话的能力，直到他的儿子约翰出生和他同意神与他妻子，确认他儿子的名
字是约翰的时候为止〔路加1:59-64〕。
On the other hand Mary, although bewildered by the announcement of her forthcoming pregnancy as a virgin, accepted Gabriel’s explanation of this miracle by faith. Immediately she submitted to God’s plan for her life, declaring herself the Lord’s servant (Luke 1:38). She trusted that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
另一方面，马利亚虽然被她快要处女怀孕的宣告所困扰，却凭信心接受加百列对
这神迹的解释。她马上顺服在神对她生命的计划，宣称自己是主的使女〔路加
1:38〕。她相信「出於神的话，没有一句不带能力的」〔路加1:37〕。
THE MIRACLE OF JESUS
耶稣这个神迹
We can also have the miracle of Jesus in our life.
我们也可以有耶稣这个神迹在我们生命中。
If you feel lost, needing guidance in life, God is saying to you that like Mary you could have the miracle of Jesus in you and gain “the way”, because Jesus said, “I am the way” (Jn 14:6). By letting Jesus be the pilot of your life, you will gain a sense of direction even in the most difficult circumstance.
如果你感到失落，生命中需要指引，神在告诉你就如马利亚你可以有耶稣的神迹
在你里面而得到「道路」，因为耶稣说，「我就是道路」〔约14:6〕。让耶稣作
为你生命中的导航员，什至在最困难的环境中你会得到一个方向感。
If you are confused, needing understanding in life, God is saying to you that like Mary you could have the miracle of Jesus in you and gain “the truth”, because Jesus said, “I am the truth” (Jn 14:6). By letting Jesus be the foundation and cornerstone of your life, you will have a dependable standard to use as reference to deal with most perplexing situation.
如果你感到迷茫，生命中需要了解，神在告诉你就如马利亚你可以有耶稣的神迹
在你里面而得到「真理」，因为耶稣说，「我就是真理」〔约14:6〕。让耶稣作
为你生命中的基础和房角石，什至在最迷惑的处境中你会有一个可靠的标准作参
考。
If you are discouraged, needing support in life, God is saying to you that like Mary you could have the miracle of Jesus in you and gain “the life”, because Jesus said, “I am the life” (Jn 14:6). By letting Jesus be the stream of living water in your life, you will constantly be nourished and encouraged by God’s grace in the most serious drought in your spiritual life.
如果你感到沮丧，生命中需要支持，神在告诉你就如马利亚你可以有耶稣的神迹
在你里面而得到「生命」，因为耶稣说，「我就是生命」〔约14:6〕。让耶稣作
为你生命中的活水泉源，什至在你灵命中最严重的干旱中你会得到神的恩惠的滋
润和鼓励。
God had a plan to use Zechariah and Mary to bring out His purpose for the world. How they responded affected the level of blessing they received in their life. In spite of Zechariah’s initial unbelief, God continued to carry out His work. It is up to Zechariah to finally gain the right perspective and to participate in God’s work. Let us be like Mary, seeing the possibility of God’s plan for our life, and submit ourselves to Him as the Lord’s servants, saying, “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
神有计划来用撒迦利亚和马利亚来成就他对世界的用心，他们如何回应影响他们
生命中得到的福气程度。尽管撒迦利亚最初的疑惑，神继续执行他的工作。撒迦
利亚最后须要得到正确的观点和参加神的工作。 让我们学习马利亚，看到神的计
划在我们的生活的可能性，并且自己顺服作主的仆人，说，「情愿照你的话成就
在我身上」〔路加1:38〕。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
December 2, 2010
Ministry in Word
The Mind of God
神的心
Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?
谁曾测度耶和华的心，或作他的谋士指教他呢？他与谁商议，谁教导他，谁将公
平的路指示他，又将知识教训他，将通达的道指教他呢？
Isaiah 40:13-14
以賽亞書40:13-14
I can’t even understand the mind of a genius, so I am not one who can claim to
understand the mind of God. I couldn’t understand my Theoretical Physics professor in college who couldn’t talk very well, but could write out complex equations furiously on the chalk board. Once he told us about a Physics student in India who published a brilliant paper, and he bemoaned the fact that among his students there was none of such caliber.
我什至不能明白一位天才的心，所以我不能说我明白神的心。我不能明白我大学
的理论物理学的教授，他不太能表达但能在黑板很快地写出复杂的方程式。有一
次他对我们提及印度有一位物理学学生发表了一份很棒的论文，而他为他学生中
没有这般水准的而惋惜。
With our limited mind let's make an attempt to see the magnitude of difference between our mind and that of God.
以我们有限的思维让我们试着来发觉我们与神之间思维上的分别。
Absolute Vastness of God’s Mind
神的心绝对廣大
Unlimited capacity to store and retrieve information, unlimited capacity to use all information
无限的容量来储藏和取回资讯，无限的容量来使用全部资讯
We can describe a mind first in terms of its capacity to store and retrieve information. Some people seem to be able to keep a lot of details in their head, allowing them to ponder upon them and organize them as needed. This gives them an advantage of understanding the bigger picture of things. Our God has a vast capacity that can hold in His mind everything all at once, so God’s understanding is perfect and comprehensive.
我们可以先以储藏和取回资讯的容量来形容一个心。有些人似乎能够放很多细节
在脑袋里，让他们可以在需要时思考和整理它们。这给他们了解事情更大局面的
优势。我们的神有廣大的容量可以同时把一切事物存在他心里，所以神的了解是
完美和全面的。
Distraction occurs in human mind when our mental capacity is exhausted and new information arrives and demands our attention, causing us to lose focus on the important things, instead we handle only the urgent things. With God's unlimited capacity to handle information He will not be distracted, but will remain steadfast in carrying out His good purpose to us. That's why God is faithful and changes not even when we are unfaithful and fickle minded.
当新资讯临到我们，需要我们注意的时候，而我们的思维的容量已被用光了，这
就产生了分心的现象，引致我们失去对重要事情的注意力，反而只去处理紧要的
事。因为神有无限的容量去处理资讯，他就不会分心，反而稳重地带出他对我们
的好用心。这就是为什么神是信实不变的，甚至当我们不忠和不坚定的时候。
Therefore God’s idea must be right!
所以神的意念一定是对的！
Absolute Creativeness of God’s Mind
神的心绝对的创作性
Self-generated, original ideas, not depending on others’ thought
自我产生的，仓新的意念，不必靠他人的想法
Secondly we can describe a mind by its creativity, whether it generates original ideas. Technically speaking all human ideas are not original because we have at least learned portions of them from someone else.
其次我们可以以它的仓作性来形容一个心，到底它会不会产生仓新的意念。基本
上所有人的意念都不是仓新的，因为至少它们的一部分是我们从别人那里学来
的。
People in important positions always rely on their advisors. CEO’s have their boards of directors, and the President of the United States of America has his cabinet advising him. Our human minds are limited and we need to put our heads together to come up with better ideas. Yet there is no guarantee that what comes out of this collaboration is the best.
那些身负重任的人常常依靠他们的顾问。总裁有他们的董事会，美国总统有他的
内阁给他资商。我们人的心是有限的，我们须要集中我们的思想来争取较好的主
意。但是不能保证从这个合作出来的主意是最好的。
Not so for God, for His thoughts are so much higher than ours that no one has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed Him as His counselor. His ideas are always self generated. He needs no outside inspiration. He does not need input from others’ thought. When He created the universe and all that were in it, He had His own best design. He needed no consultation with others.
对神来讲就不一样，因为他的意念是这么超越我们的意念，甚至没人曾测度耶和
华的心，或作他的谋士指教他。他的意念都是自我产生的，他不需要外界的灵
感，他不需要别人意见的帮助。当他仓造宇宙与其中之物的时候，他有他自己最
好的设计，他并不需要别人给他资商。
Therefore God’s idea must be the best!
所以神的意念一定是最好的！
Absolute Judgment of God’s Mind
神的心绝对的判断
Always correct perspective of things, always right and best ways to implement ideas
对事情一定有正确的看法，对实行主意一定正确的和一定最好的方法
We sometimes know the fact but not necessarily the truth. For example, a married woman hugging a man who is not her husband may be the fact, but the truth is that the man is her brother. We are limited to our superficial observation and therefore cannot always trust our judgment. However, even when we may have the right perspective and the right ideas, we may not always have the right and the best ways to implement them. A bad approach to carry out the best idea often brings about disastrous result.
有时候我们知到事实却不一定知道真相。比方说，一个有夫之妇拥抱一个不是她
丈夫的男人是事实，但是真相却是那男人是她的哥哥。我们被限制于我们表面的
观察，所以我们的判断不一定可靠。不过，就是我们有正确的看法和正确的意念
，我们可能没有正确的和最好的实行方法。如果用一个不好的方法来执行最好的
主意，常常会带来最恶劣的后果。
However, God needs no teacher to teach him the right way to do things. There was no one else at the beginning of time to teach him how to create the universe. He spoke and things were created perfectly and beautifully out of nothing.
但是，神不须要教师来教他做事最佳的方法。没有别人在时间开始之时教他怎样
仓造宇宙。他说话万物就从无中生有地完美和美好地被仓造了。
Besides, God has a way to cause everything, good or bad, to work together for the good of those who love Him. So His way is the perfect way.
除此以外，神有办法使万事互相效力要让爱他的人得好处。所以他的方法是完美
的方法。
Therefore God’s idea must be perfect!
因此他的意念一定是完美的！
May we trust and obey God’s will for it comes from the absolutely right, absolutely best, and absolutely perfect mind of God.
愿我们信靠顺服神的旨意，因为它是来自神绝对正确，绝对美好和绝对完全的
心。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
October 21, 2010
Ministry in Word
I’d Rather Have
我宁愿有
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from you forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
知道你们得赎，脱去你们祖宗所传流虚妄的行为，不是凭着能坏的金银等物，乃是凭着基督的宝血，如同无瑕疵、无玷污的羔羊之血。
1 Pe 1:18-19
彼前1:18-19
These verses bring to my mind Beverly Shea’s hymn, “I’d rather have Jesus.”
这些经文让我想起谢比华的圣诗「我宁愿有耶稣」。
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
我宁愿有耶稣胜於金钱，
我宁愿有耶稣胜过财富无边；
我宁愿有耶稣胜於地土，
愿主钉痕手，引导我前途
胜过做君王，虽统治万方
却仍受罪恶捆绑；
我宁愿有耶稣胜於世上荣华富贵声望。
This hymn refreshes my memory of the day in my youth that I came to experience and know that I was redeemed from the empty way of life by Jesus’ blood which is more precious than silver or gold. That day I’d rather have Jesus than have all the riches of this world. I let go of myself, willingly be led by His nail-pierced hand. I told my Lord that wherever He led me I would follow.
这圣诗使我回忆到我少年时那一天，当我经历和知道我得救赎，脱去我祖宗所传流虚妄的行为，乃是凭着比金银贵重的基督的宝血。那一天我宁愿有耶稣胜过世上的财富。我放开自己，自愿被主钉痕手来引导我。我告诉我主无论他带我往那里去我都要跟随。
That was my “mountain top” experience in my church summer camp many, many years ago. I could not believe how free it was to be close to Jesus. But not long after I descended from the mountain top into the challenges of worldly college life, the knowledge of my redemption was reduced from heart knowledge to head knowledge; worldly logic became my guide instead of Jesus. After I began my career, silver or gold became my goal in the place of Jesus. I gradually took more and more control of my life away from God; at least I thought I did. I forgot that I was redeemed by more precious things than silver or gold. I lost the freedom and lightness in life. Work was no longer exciting, and relationships were heavy. There was no more joy in life.
那是我许多年前在我教会夏令会中的「山顶」经厉，我不能相信亲近耶稣是多自由的。但我从山顶下来进入属世的大学生活的不久，我的救赎认知从心中消失只留印象在脑海中，属世的逻辑取代了耶稣的导师地位。在我事业开始後，金钱取代了耶稣作为我的目标。我逐渐从神那里拿了更多对我生命的控制，至少我自以为如此。我忘记了我是凭着比金银贵重的东西得救赎的。我失去了生命中的自由轻快。工作不再是兴奋的事，而人际关系变得沈重。生命中缺乏了喜乐。
But God is sovereign. Though I became a prodigal son to God, He remained the loving Father waiting for me to return home. He said, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” (Is 54:10) Like the prodigal son I was awakened by the adversity God allowed in my life. “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them” (Is 30:20) Every adversity or affliction was my teacher, but sometimes I was a reluctant student due to my pride, not willing to learn the lessons. It was always a lesson of choice and value. I had to constantly go back to the understanding that I was redeemed by something more precious than silver or gold and to choose wisely according to that understanding. I made my choice wisely when my value judgment was made with this understanding in my heart. When my value judgment was made with this understanding in my head alone most of the time I made wrong choices, like the foolish man who built his house on sand which, without a foundation, was toppled by the wind and flood (Mt 7:24-27).
但神仍掌王权。我虽然成了神的浪子，他仍是等待我回家的慈父。他说，「大山可以挪开，小山可以迁移；但我的慈爱必不离开你；我平安的约也不迁移。」〔赛54:10〕正如那位浪子，我是被神所允许进入我生命中的艰苦所唤醒的。「主虽以艰难给你当饼，以困苦给你当水，你的教师却不再隐藏；你眼必看见你的教师。」〔赛30:20〕每一个艰难或困苦都是我的教师，但有时因为我的骄傲，我变成一个不甘心的学生，不肯学习那些功课。那经常是一个选择和价值的功课。我须要固定地回到我的了解，就是我是凭着比金银贵重的东西得救赎的，而须要按照我心中这个了解来作明智的选择。当我按照我心中这个了解来作价值审定时，我的选择就是明智的。当我只是按照我头脑中这个了解来作价值审定时，我的选择大都是错误的，就如那建房子在沙土上的愚昧人一般，因为房子没有根基，风吹水淹使它倒塌了〔太7:24-27〕。
Now by God’s grace I am stripped of my pride, relieved of my control, I am reestablishing once again the understanding of Jesus’ redemption of me through His blood. Today Beverly Shea’s hymn brings back a glimpse of the passion for Jesus and the freedom to pursue Him who is more precious than silver or gold!
现在我蒙恩脱离我的骄傲，不再有我的控制，我重新建立耶稣藉他的血救赎我的了解。今天谢比华的圣诗使我重新瞥见对耶稣的热忱和去追求那胜过金银的他之自由！
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
我宁愿有耶稣胜於称扬，
我宁忠於主，满足主的心肠；
我宁愿有耶稣胜於美名，
愿对主忠诚，宣扬主圣名
胜过做君王，虽统治万方
却仍受罪恶捆绑；
我宁愿有耶稣胜於世上
荣华富贵声望。
Have you lost the vibrant joy of days past? You can regain it by embracing Jesus today.
你是否失去了往日活泼的喜乐呢？今天你若拥抱耶稣你就可以重新得到。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
October 12, 2010
Ministry in Word
Drawn To Him
吸引人来归他
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to Myself.我若从地上被举起来，就要吸引万人来归我。
Jn 12:32約翰12:32
It is Jesus’ promise that if He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself. And that includes me. But then why at times I am so indifferent, at times I am so distant from Jesus? Yes, it is because when Jesus is not lifted up in my life, He does not draw me to Him. I fail to remain in Him.
耶稣应许说，他若从地上被举起来，就要吸引万人来归他。那包括我在内。但又为何有时我是如此漠不关心，有时我离耶稣很远呢？是的，那是因为当耶稣在我生命中不被举起来，他就不要吸引我来归他。我就不再留在他里面。
When I don’t give priority of position to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up and therefore I am far from Him. If He is not the Lord of my life, I am drawn to something else. If He is not the Lord of my all, He is not my Lord at all.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到地位上的优先，我就没有举他起来，因此我离他很远。如果他不是我生命的主，就是别的东西吸引了我。如果他不是我一切的主，他就根本不是我的主。
When I don’t give priority of time to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. If I don’t spend time first sitting at the feet of Jesus to adore Him and to learn from Him, I will be preoccupied by things of secondary importance and miss His wisdom and grace. If I let the first thing be first, everything else will line up properly.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到时间上的优先，我就没有举他起来。如果我不花时间先坐在耶稣跟前来崇拜他和向他学习，我的心就会被次要的事情先占了而错过他的智慧和恩惠。如果我让首要之事领先，所有别的事都自然顺序而成。
When I don’t give priority of resources to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. If I do not invest and store up treasure in heaven, I will be putting away my precious thing in a leaky bag or where they can be stolen. That is bad investment and I will not be a good steward. Where my treasure is lies my heart. So by investing in Jesus, my heart will be drawn to Him.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到资源上的优先，我就没有举他起来。如果我不投资及储存财宝在天，我就会把我宝贵之物存放在有漏洞的袋子中或它们可能被偷之处。那就是不好的投资而我就不是一个好管家了。我的财宝在那里我的心也在那里。所以要投资在耶稣身上，我的心就被他吸引。
When I don’t give priority of trust to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. I won’t be drawn to Him. If I trust horses and chariots more than trusting in my Lord, I will not rest secured because I trust in man made things instead of the Creator of all things. No matter how I act like I worship my Lord, if my trust is not in Him my heart is far from Him.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到信靠上的优先，我就没有举他起来。我就不被他吸引。如果我信赖车马多过信赖我主，我不会放心因为我信赖人造之物而非创造万物的创造者。无论我看来多敬拜我主，如果我不信赖他我的心就远离他。
When I love God with all my heart, mind, spirit and strength, I am lifting Jesus up and I will be drawn to Him. My strength to love comes from the God who is love. The object of my love is Jesus who is the way and the truth and the life. Let me lift up the way, truth, and life. Let the way, the truth, and the life draw me to Him.
当我尽心、尽意、尽性、尽力爱神，我就举他起来而我就被他吸引。我爱的力量来自是爱的神。我爱的对象是道路、真理、生命的耶稣。让我举起道路、真理,生命。让道路、真理、生命吸引我来归他。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
September 29, 2010
Ministry in Word
Freedom
It is for freedom to have an abundant life that Christ has set us free. Unless a grain falls to the ground and dies, it cannot bear a crop of plenty. Unless one dies to oneself, the new life cannot flourish. In Christ I am free to be me, the person by God’s original design. I am free to grow, free to mature into the full measure of Christ in me.Galatians 5:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
加拉太書5:1
基督释放了我们，叫我们得以自由。所以要站立得稳，不要再被奴仆的轭挟制。
基督释放了我们，叫我们得以自由去获取丰富的生活。除非一颗种子落在地上死了，它不可能长出丰满庄稼。除非一个人对自己死，新的生命不可能茂盛。在基督里我有自由来活出我，就是神原本设计的人。我有自由去增长，有自由成熟，满有在我里面基督的身量。
Even after tasting the freedom from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites still wanted to return to Egypt when they came across obstacles in their journey to the Promise Land, a land where they could live out their full potential as a free people. They would rather live their old life of familiar suffering than a new life of exciting opportunities. Similarly, in our spiritual journey of faith we will encounter setbacks. Do we want to give up our new found freedom after our new birth in Christ and return to the bondage of religious formality and the letter of the law? Apostle Paul thinks not. He said we must stand firm to resist that tendency to live in the law of death (Ro 8:2) than in the law of life. It is in the law of life that we will find freedom to love God with all our heart, mind, and spirit and obey Him as well as to love others as we love ourselves.
在尝过从埃及奴隶生话解放的自由以后，当他们在到应许之地的旅程中遇到了障碍，以色列人仍然想回到埃及，放弃他们可能充份活出作为一个自由民族的可能。他们宁可活在熟悉的痛苦的老生活而非带有兴奋机会的新生活。同样，在我们信心的属灵旅途上我们将遇到挫折。们是否想要在我们的新诞生以后放弃我们新找到在基督里的自由而回到宗教形式和律法条文的捆绑？使徒保罗认为不能。他说我们必须坚定抵抗去活在死亡之律(罗8：2)而不活在生命之律的那个倾向。我们在生命之律中要找到尽心，尽意，尽性爱我们的神和服从他与及爱其他人如己的自由。
Lord, circumcise our hearts instead of our flesh. Let our love for you grow and motivate our every act in life.
主啊，在我们的心里行割礼而不是在我们的肉体上行。让我们对您的爱增长和成为我们在生活中每次行动的动机。
Lord, continue to draw us close to you and empower us to live out your Spirit in our life. Demonstrate your freedom in us! Amen.
主啊，继续使我们接近您和加力使我们在我们的生命中活出您的灵。在我们身上展示您的自由! 阿门。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
September 22, 2010
Ministry in Word
Standing Firm
站住
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.”
摩西对百姓说：不要惧怕，只管站住！看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩。
Exodus 14:13
出埃及記14:13
Facing the Red Sea with the Egyptian military closing in on them, the Israelites complained to Moses in fear. They thought they would die there and then. They forgot totally God's promise to deliver them from their slavery and the miracles of God which forced Pharaoh to let them go. Their excitement of being free turned into fear and despair. Fear incapacitated their reasoning: why would God who was able to deliver them from their bondage not able to deliver them from perishing in the hands of their enemies? Despair muddled their positive outlook of new found freedom into hopelessness. God's answer to this predicament was for them to stand firm. They were to stand firm in their belief, trust, commitment, hope, and love.
前有红海挡路，後有埃及追兵，以色列人在害怕中向摩西埋怨。他们以为会在当时当地死亡。他们完全忘记了神从奴役中拯救出来的应许和那些使法老王释放他们的神迹。自由的兴奋变为惧怕和绝望。惧怕使他们失去他们的推理： 为什么会能从他们的奴役拯救他们的神不能从他们的敌人的手拯救他们？绝望混乱了他们新找到的自由的正面展望变成绝望。 神对这种困境的答复是要他们坚定。 他们要在他们的信仰、信任、承诺、盼望和爱上坚定。
Our Belief
我们的信仰
Standing firm in our belief is to hold on to our understanding of God's attributes, including that He is love, righteous, compassionate, in spite of what appear to be our feeling to the contrary, because at times our feeling could mislead us. As the Israelites took 12 stones from the Jordan River to help them remember God’s act of deliverance, we ought to validate our feeling with God’s past work in our life.
坚定在我们的信仰是坚持我们对神性质的理解，包括他是爱，公义，慈悲，不管我们的感觉看来是相反，因为我们的感觉可能有时会误导我们。 就像以色列人从约旦河拿了12块石头帮助他们记住神拯救的行动，我们应该以神过去在我们的生命中的工作来确认我们的感觉。
Our Trust
我们的信任
The Israelites saw only the raging waves of the Red Sea before them and the Egyptian horses and chariots behind them. They lacked vision and confidence of God’s salvation for them. Standing firm in our trust is to lean on God and not on our understanding of our circumstances, to remain confident of God's goodness and His promise.
以色列人仅看见了在他们面前红海的怒浪和在他们后面埃及的马和战车。 他们缺乏神对他们救赎的异象和信心。 坚定我们的信任是倚靠神和不倚靠我们对我们的情况的理解，保持确信神的善良和他的应许。
Our Commitment
我们的承诺
The Israelites grumbled and complained against God during their journey in the desert. They were always ready to abandon God and return to their slavery life in Egypt. Once they substitute God with a golden calf. Standing firm in our commitment to God is to remain faithful to Him in spite of hardship and challenges, never depart from Him who not only created us but also saved us.
以色列人在他们沙漠的旅途期间对神抱怨并且作反对神的投诉。 他们总是准备抛弃神和返回到他们在埃及奴隶的生活。 有一次他们以一只金牛犊替代神。 坚定我们对神的承诺是不管困难和挑战，仍保持对他守信，从不离弃他，他不仅创造我们，而且拯救我们。
Our Hope
我们的盼望
Standing firm in our hope is to continue to expect the certain realization of things unseen. We have faith that God's promises to us will sooner or later materialize. We continue to hope in our prayers and supplications to God for us and others, and for the coming of His kingdom.
坚定我们的盼望是继续期待未看见的事的肯定实现。 我们神有信心他对我们的诺言迟早将实现。 我们继续在我们为我们和其他人，和为他国度的来临对神的祷告和祈求上盼望。
Our Love
我们的爱
Standing firm in our love is to nurture and grow our spiritual life in Christ, making our Christlikeness the good soil for the seed of faith, harvesting 100 times the crop. Let's first die to ourselves and reappear in our new life in Christ. Then let God multiply the spiritual fruit in us.
坚定我们的爱是养育和生长我们在基督里的属灵生命，使我们的基督样式成为信念种子的好土壤，收获百倍的庄稼。 让我们首先对我们自己死并且在我们基督新的生命中再现。 然后让神倍增在我们的属灵果子。
Then after standing firm, we keep our eyes open to watch for God's deliverance from our enemies. It is His promise to us.
然后在坚定以后，我们保持我们的眼睛睁开注意神从我们的敌人的拯救。 它是他给我们的诺言。
May we stand firm on God’s strength and watch for God’s deliverance.
愿我们凭神的力量站住和观看神的救赎。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
站住
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.”
摩西对百姓说：不要惧怕，只管站住！看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩。
Exodus 14:13
出埃及記14:13
Facing the Red Sea with the Egyptian military closing in on them, the Israelites complained to Moses in fear. They thought they would die there and then. They forgot totally God's promise to deliver them from their slavery and the miracles of God which forced Pharaoh to let them go. Their excitement of being free turned into fear and despair. Fear incapacitated their reasoning: why would God who was able to deliver them from their bondage not able to deliver them from perishing in the hands of their enemies? Despair muddled their positive outlook of new found freedom into hopelessness. God's answer to this predicament was for them to stand firm. They were to stand firm in their belief, trust, commitment, hope, and love.
前有红海挡路，後有埃及追兵，以色列人在害怕中向摩西埋怨。他们以为会在当时当地死亡。他们完全忘记了神从奴役中拯救出来的应许和那些使法老王释放他们的神迹。自由的兴奋变为惧怕和绝望。惧怕使他们失去他们的推理： 为什么会能从他们的奴役拯救他们的神不能从他们的敌人的手拯救他们？绝望混乱了他们新找到的自由的正面展望变成绝望。 神对这种困境的答复是要他们坚定。 他们要在他们的信仰、信任、承诺、盼望和爱上坚定。
Our Belief
我们的信仰
Standing firm in our belief is to hold on to our understanding of God's attributes, including that He is love, righteous, compassionate, in spite of what appear to be our feeling to the contrary, because at times our feeling could mislead us. As the Israelites took 12 stones from the Jordan River to help them remember God’s act of deliverance, we ought to validate our feeling with God’s past work in our life.
坚定在我们的信仰是坚持我们对神性质的理解，包括他是爱，公义，慈悲，不管我们的感觉看来是相反，因为我们的感觉可能有时会误导我们。 就像以色列人从约旦河拿了12块石头帮助他们记住神拯救的行动，我们应该以神过去在我们的生命中的工作来确认我们的感觉。
Our Trust
我们的信任
The Israelites saw only the raging waves of the Red Sea before them and the Egyptian horses and chariots behind them. They lacked vision and confidence of God’s salvation for them. Standing firm in our trust is to lean on God and not on our understanding of our circumstances, to remain confident of God's goodness and His promise.
以色列人仅看见了在他们面前红海的怒浪和在他们后面埃及的马和战车。 他们缺乏神对他们救赎的异象和信心。 坚定我们的信任是倚靠神和不倚靠我们对我们的情况的理解，保持确信神的善良和他的应许。
Our Commitment
我们的承诺
The Israelites grumbled and complained against God during their journey in the desert. They were always ready to abandon God and return to their slavery life in Egypt. Once they substitute God with a golden calf. Standing firm in our commitment to God is to remain faithful to Him in spite of hardship and challenges, never depart from Him who not only created us but also saved us.
以色列人在他们沙漠的旅途期间对神抱怨并且作反对神的投诉。 他们总是准备抛弃神和返回到他们在埃及奴隶的生活。 有一次他们以一只金牛犊替代神。 坚定我们对神的承诺是不管困难和挑战，仍保持对他守信，从不离弃他，他不仅创造我们，而且拯救我们。
Our Hope
我们的盼望
Standing firm in our hope is to continue to expect the certain realization of things unseen. We have faith that God's promises to us will sooner or later materialize. We continue to hope in our prayers and supplications to God for us and others, and for the coming of His kingdom.
坚定我们的盼望是继续期待未看见的事的肯定实现。 我们神有信心他对我们的诺言迟早将实现。 我们继续在我们为我们和其他人，和为他国度的来临对神的祷告和祈求上盼望。
Our Love
我们的爱
Standing firm in our love is to nurture and grow our spiritual life in Christ, making our Christlikeness the good soil for the seed of faith, harvesting 100 times the crop. Let's first die to ourselves and reappear in our new life in Christ. Then let God multiply the spiritual fruit in us.
坚定我们的爱是养育和生长我们在基督里的属灵生命，使我们的基督样式成为信念种子的好土壤，收获百倍的庄稼。 让我们首先对我们自己死并且在我们基督新的生命中再现。 然后让神倍增在我们的属灵果子。
Then after standing firm, we keep our eyes open to watch for God's deliverance from our enemies. It is His promise to us.
然后在坚定以后，我们保持我们的眼睛睁开注意神从我们的敌人的拯救。 它是他给我们的诺言。
May we stand firm on God’s strength and watch for God’s deliverance.
愿我们凭神的力量站住和观看神的救赎。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
September 15, 2010
Ministry in Word
Sufficient Courage
足够的勇气
Philippians 1:20-21
腓立比書 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
照着我所切慕、所盼望的，没有一事叫我羞愧。只要凡事放胆，无论是生是死，总叫基督在我身上照常显大。因我活着就是基督，我死了就有益处。
Apostle Paul expected and hoped that he will not be “ashamed” in the above scriptures. But in Romans 1:16, he said “For I am not ashamed of the gospel.” So Paul must be concerned of being ashamed of something else other than the gospel, maybe he was concerned with the fact that he was in chains. In the early church some might be ashamed of the gospel because the cross was an execution tool for criminals. It would mean that they could have doubted the true meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion or the reality of his resurrection. Today the cross has become a fashion statement so it is no longer a stigma, yet in the mind of many, there is doubt concerning the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. They are ashamed of identifying with such “myth.” Or some may be ashamed of the apparent weak position they are in, like Paul, that in the eye of the world casts a negative testimony to the power of God. Just like the thief who chided Jesus, “if you are Christ, save yourself and save us,” or, “Paul, if the God you believe is true, then why are you in chains?” Of course God is able to deliver us from any circumstance, but our faith and allegiance in Him should not be hinged on that, for our God is sovereign and His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. He will cause everything to work together for the good of those who love Him. We should be like Daniel’s three young friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who refused to worship the image Nebuchadnezzar made, saying, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Dan 3:16-18) This is faith in the love and righteousness of God. God is love, so He has our best in His mind. He is righteous, so everything he does is right.
在上面的经文中使徒保罗切慕和盼望他没有一事叫他「羞愧」，而他在罗馬書1:16说，「我不以福音为耻。」所以保罗一定是担心一些与福音无关的事叫他羞愧，也许他关心他被囚禁这一事实。早期教会中有些人可能以福音为耻，因为十字架是当时处死罪犯的刑具。这就表示他们有可能怀疑耶稣被钉十字架的真义和他复活的真实性。今天十字架已成了时髦的宣言，所以它再不是忌讳之物，但在许多人的心中仍存有对耶稣被钉十字架和复活的怀疑，他们以认同这些「神话」为耻。又或者有些人以他们所处明确的弱势为耻，就如保罗，在世人眼中对神的能力投下一个负面的见证。就如那个嘲笑耶稣的强盗，「如果你是基督，救你自己和我们」，或者，「保罗，如果你信的神是真的话，你为何会被关在监狱里？」当然神有能力把我们从任何光境中救出来，但我们对他的信心和忠心不应该关键在这个上面，因为我们的神是有主杈的，而他的意念和道路比我们的高。他要使万事互相效力，为了使爱他的人得好处。我们应效法但以理的三位年青的朋友，沙得拉、米煞、亚伯尼歌，他们拒绝敬拜尼布甲尼撒所立的像，说：「尼布甲尼撒啊，这件事我们不必回答你；即便如此，我们所事奉的神能将我们从烈火的窑中救出来。王啊，他也必救我们脱离你的手；即或不然，王啊，你当知道我们决不事奉你的神，也不敬拜你所立的金像。」〔但3:16-18〕这是对神的爱和义之信心。神是爱，所以他为我们的好处作打算。他是公义的，所以他做所有的事都是对的。
Then Paul prayed for sufficient courage. It means even Paul, the great apostle of great faith, felt his courage was sometimes insufficient to continue to exalt Christ in his life or death situation. If courage is a burst of passion and energy for a brilliant moment of supreme dedication, it would be easier for Paul. But he was in chains, day in and day out contemplating his imminent death. This would require a steady sort of courage with perseverance in living out Christ in the daily grind of little things. If I were imprisoned with pending execution like Paul, would I still be courteous to the palace guards to testify for the gospel? (Php 1:12-13) I would either be too focused on my fate and scared stiff or I would be irritated with hatred toward the guards. I know this because even in slightly adverse circumstances I could become incapable to love and I turn my friends into enemies in my mind with my impatience and insecurity. Like Paul, I need sufficient courage to exalt Christ in my body in any circumstances. I pray that my living may be like Christ living in me, expelling all fear of losing myself because by losing myself I will gain myself.
跟着保罗祈求有足够的勇气。这就表示什至保罗，这位大有信心的伟大使徒，感到他有时候不够勇气在生死关头继续使基督显大。如果勇气是在光芒的一杀那热情和能量的发散，那对保罗而言就比较容易。但他被囚禁，天天在思想他快要面对的死亡。这就需要一种平稳的勇气，在每天小事的磨铼上活出基督的毅力。如果我像保罗一样被囚等候处死的话，我会不会对宫庭侍卫仍能以礼相待来见证福音呢？〔腓1:12-13〕我会不然就是太注目在我的命运而极度惊慌，不然就是烦燥恨恶那些侍卫。我知道这个因为甚至在小小恶劣的环境中我可能娈成无法去爱，而因为我的不耐和害怕我在心中把我的朋友看成敌人。就如保罗我需要足够的勇气来在我身上在任何境况中使基督显大。我祈求神让我的生命如基督活在我里面，排除所有失去自己的惧怕，因为因着失去自己我要得着自己。
May we receive sufficient grace from God for sufficient courage to exalt Christ in any circumstance.
愿我们从神得到足够的恩惠而得足够的勇气在任何环境都使基督显大。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
September 9, 2010
Ministry in Word
The Faith Based Living – Part 3
基于信心的生活 – 第三篇
Psalm 16
诗篇16
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
神啊，求你保佑我，因为我投靠你。我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：你是我的主；我的好处不在你以外。论到世上的圣民，他们又美又善，是我最喜悦的。以别神代替耶和华的，他们的愁苦必加增；他们所浇奠的血我不献上；我嘴唇也不提别 神的名号。耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。我必称颂那指教我的耶和华；我的心肠在夜间也警戒我。我将耶和华常摆在我面前，因他在我右边，我便不致摇动。因此，我的心欢喜，我的灵快乐；我的肉身也要安然居住。因为你必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫你的圣者见朽坏。你必将生命的道路指示我。在你面前有满足的喜乐；在你右手中有永远的福乐。
Cont’d from Part 2
上接第二篇
8. The steadfastness
八、坚定
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
我将耶和华常摆在我面前，因他在我右边，我便不致摇动。
The Lord is my priority. You are my master, always before me to lead me (Ex 13:21). You are always before me to encompass me in your presence and I can see you. You are my strength (Ps 18:1), you are at my right hand (Ps 109:31). The whole world will soon be shaken, yet with my Lord, I will not be shaken (Heb 12:27-28). You are my rock, my shelter and my refuge. You are my song and my salvation (Ps 62:2, 71:3; Ex 15:2).
耶和华是我的最高优先。你是我的主，常在我面前带领我〔出13:21〕。你常在我面前在你的同在中包围我，我可见到你。你是我的力量〔诗18:1〕，你在我的右边〔诗109:31〕。世界快要被摇动，靠着我的神我不致摇动〔来12:27-28〕。你是我 的磐石，我的遮盖，我的避难所。你是我的诗歌和我的拯救〔诗62:2, 71:3;出15:2 〕。
9. The health
九、健康
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
因此，我的心欢喜，我的灵快乐；我的肉身也要安然居住。
Therefore out of the gladness of my heart I voice my joy in the Lord. Out of my spiritual strength comes my physical security, for with the Lord who strengthens me I can do all things (Php 4:13). To the Lord nothing is impossible (Lk 1:17). The core of my being will be strengthened and the parts of my body will function well, because the Lord's spirit is in me (Jn 14:16) since the day I received Him as my Lord and Savior.
因此我以出自我心中的欢喜开声表达我在主内的喜乐。我肉身的健康出自我属灵的力量，因我靠着那加添我力量的，凡事都可行〔腓4:13〕。在神没有难成的事〔路1:17〕。我个人的核心会被坚固而我身体各部份会发挥功能，因为自从我接受主作为我的主和救主，主的灵就在我里面〔约14:16〕。
10. The secure salvation
十、坚固的拯救
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
因为你必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫你的圣者见朽坏。
In your righteousness you demand the wages of my sin (Ro 6:23). In your mercy and love you will not let me die in my sin, for you had sent the Savior to fulfill the law (Mt 5:17) and overcome death on behalf of all sinners (Jn 3:16). As Christ saw no decay in His crucified body, victorious over the wages of sin, I am certain of Christ's redeeming power on me (1 Cor 15:20, 23).
照着你的义你要求我偿还我罪的工债〔罗6:23〕。照着你的怜悯和慈爱你不要让我死在我的罪中，因你已差救主来成全律法〔太5:17〕和代表所有罪人克服死亡〔约3:16〕。就如基督钉死在十架上的身体不见朽坏，胜过罪的工价，我肯定有基督救赎的力量在我身上〔林前15:20, 23〕。
11. The guidance, presence and pleasures
十一、引导，同在和福乐
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
你必将生命的道路指示我。在你面前有满足的喜乐；在你右手中有永远的福乐。
You have prepared the path of life for me and revealed it to me (Ro 1:19-20; 2 Tim 3:16),so I may have the joy of gaining entry into your presence through Christ's righteousness imputed to me and having the eternal life by the Savior (Eph 2:8-9). You are my daily guidance with your omniscience. You are my constant companion with your omnipresence. You are my eternal joy and strength with your omnipotence.
你已为我准备了也向我透露了生命的道路〔罗1:19-20；提後3:16〕，因此我可以得到藉着基督转借给我的义和靠救主而得的永生之喜乐〔弗2:8-9〕。你以你的全知每天引导我，你以你的全在经常陪伴我，你以你的全能成为我永恒的喜乐和力量。
May we live our life demonstrating His redeeming power in us, full of His grace and wisdom in every decision we make and every action we take.
愿我们在我们生活上显出他救赎的力量，在我们所作的每个决定和所采取的每个行动上都满有神的恩惠和智慧。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
September 1, 2010
Ministry in Word
The faith based living – Part 2
基于信心的生活 – 第二篇
Psalm 16
诗篇16
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
神啊，求你保佑我，因为我投靠你。我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：你是我的主；我的好处不在你以外。论到世上的圣民，他们又美又善，是我最喜悦的。以别神代替耶和华的，他们的愁苦必加增；他们所浇奠的血我不献上；我嘴唇也不提别 神的名号。耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。我必称颂那指教我的耶和华；我的心肠在夜间也警戒我。我将耶和华常摆在我面前，因他在我右边，我便不致摇动。因此，我的心欢喜，我的灵快乐；我的肉身也要安然居住。因为你必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫你的圣者见朽坏。你必将生命的道路指示我。在你面前有满足的喜乐；在你右手中有永远的福乐。
Cont’d from Part 1
上接第一篇
4. The loyalty and dedication
四、忠诚与献身
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
以别神代替耶和华的，他们的愁苦必加增；他们所浇奠的血我不献上；我嘴唇也不提别神的名号。
How sad will those be who follow idols, putting their trust in false gods who have no love to bless us, no mercy to forgive us, no power to save us. Those who worship the gods made by human hand will be helpless like them (Ps 115:4-8). I will not dedicate my life to these idols by offering sacrifice of blood to them nor will I identify with them, worship and praise them. The Lord is my one and only God to whom I offer my body as a living sacrifice (Ro 12:1) and to whom I raise my voice to praise His name.
那些跟随偶像，相信没有爱可祝福我们、没有怜悯可饶恕我们和没有能力可拯救我们的假神之人多忧愁。那些敬拜人手所造的神就会如它们一样的无助〔诗115:4-8〕。我不会献血祭来向这些偶像献身，我也不会与它们认同，敬拜赞美它们。耶和华神是我唯一的神，我以我的身体献给他作为活祭〔罗12:1〕，我扬声赞美他的名。
5. My portion
五、我的分
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。
Lord, you are my blessing and my salvation. You have given me yourself (1 Jn 3:16) and that is more than enough. You have shown me what is required of me: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you (Micah 6:8). When I do that in your strength, your blessings to me are surely in place. You are God the Creator and I am one of your image bearing creatures, made to glorify you (Gen 1:26-27). In my proper role I am secure and happy.
主，你是我的福气和我的拯救。你已赐你自己给我〔约一3:16〕，那就足够有余了。你曾指示我你要求我做什麽：行公义，爱怜悯，谦卑与你同行〔弥6:8〕。当我凭你的力量如此行，你的福气就肯定临到我。你是刽造的神而我是带着你的形象的受造物之一，受造来荣耀你〔创1:26-27〕。我在我合适的角色中就安全和快乐。
6. My boundary
六、我的地界
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。
How wonderful where you have me situated. It is pleasant to my spirit and my heart delights in it. It is more wonderful to be a door keeper at house of God than to take shelter with the wicked (Ps 84:10). Now I understand I am one of your children through Christ (Ro 8:16-17). You no longer call me servant but a friend. I now know and be able to live out your will and purpose for my life (Jn 15:15). Your plan for me is absolutely wonderful.
你放置我的地方多美好。我的灵愉快，我的心喜悦它。在神的殿当看门人比住在恶人家中更好〔诗84:10〕。现在我明白我在基督里是你的一个儿女〔罗8:16-17〕。你不再称我为仆人而是朋友。我现在知道并且能够活出你在我生命中的旨意和目的〔约15:15〕。你对我的计划是绝对美妙的。
7. The wisdom and praise
七、智慧与赞美
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
我必称颂那指教我的耶和华；我的心肠在夜间也警戒我。
The Lord is the source of my wisdom for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:30; Pr 1:7, 9:10). I seek the Lord's advice and influence on my whole being. Let me trust the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding in all that I do (Pr 3:5). I acquire my heart's delight in the Lord. Lord, please continue to mold and shape my and my children's desire day and night (Dt 11:19). And let us praise you always.
耶和华是我智慧的泉源，因为敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端〔诗111:30; 箴1:7,9:10〕。我全人寻求耶和华的指教和影响。让我凡事尽心信靠耶和华而不倚靠我自己的聪明〔箴3:5〕。我在主里得到我心中的喜悦。主，请继续日夜塑造我和我子孙的心愿〔申11:19〕。让我们永远赞美。
To be continued next week.
下周待续。
May we offer ourselves as living sacrifice to the one true God and seek His wisdom with godly fear in Him.
愿我们以我们自己献给这一位真神作为活祭，对他以虔诚的敬畏来寻找智慧。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
August 27, 2010
Ministry in Word
The faith based living – Part 1
基于信心的生活 – 第一篇
Psalm 16
诗篇16
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips. Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
神啊，求你保佑我，因为我投靠你。我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：你是我的主；我的好处不在你以外。论到世上的圣民，他们又美又善，是我最喜悦的。以别神代替耶和华的，他们的愁苦必加增；他们所浇奠的血我不献上；我嘴唇也不提别 神的名号。耶和华是我的产业，是我杯中的分；我所得的，你为我持守。用绳量给我的地界，坐落在佳美之处；我的产业实在美好。我必称颂那指教我的耶和华；我的心肠在夜间也警戒我。我将耶和华常摆在我面前，因他在我右边，我便不致摇动。因此，我的心欢喜，我的灵快乐；我的肉身也要安然居住。因为你必不将我的灵魂撇在阴间，也不叫你的圣者见朽坏。你必将生命的道路指示我。在你面前有满足的喜乐；在你右手中有永远的福乐。
In this psalm of David we see him pouring out his affection, his hope, and his emotion toward God through his poetic use of the words in the eleven verses. It also reflects his understanding of a faith filled life. Let us try to get a closer look at the faith based living by empathizing with David in his words.
在这篇大卫的诗篇中我们看到他向神倾诉他的热爱、他的盼望和他的情怀，透过他十一节中诗意的用词。它也反映他对一个充满信心的生命的了解。让我们试着移情大卫的词句以探讨以信心为基础的生活之详细。
1. The blessing
一、祝福
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
神啊，求你保佑我，因为我投靠你。
Keep me safe from the temptation and danger. I trust you for my protection. I come to you pleading for my security. You are my blessing, O Lord. You give me life: faith, hope, and love (1 Cor 13:13). You take me in, a pauper in all of these (Mt 5:3). You endow me with these elements of the abundant life.
保护我脱离试探与危险。我信靠你是我的保障，我来向你为我的安全请求。主啊，你是我的福气，你赐我生命：信、望与爱〔林前13:13〕。虽然我非常缺乏这些，你仍收留我〔太5:3〕。你赐我这些丰富生命的成分。
2. The benefit
二、好处
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
我的心哪，你曾对耶和华说：你是我的主；我的好处不在你以外。
I said from my heart, you alone are the good thing I have. You and you alone is the source of all my blessings. I understand it, I feel it, and I believe it. You are a benevolent God. You alone are good and are worthy to be called such (Mt 19:17). Before I pray for my needs you already know them and you already have plans for me that are to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and a future (Jer 29:11). And
how wonderful is your plan! It is beyond my imagination, for your ways and thoughts are higher than my ways and thoughts (Isa 55:9).
我诚心诚意说，只有你是我的好处。只有你是我全部的福气。我这样了解、我这样感觉，我也这样相信。你是亲善的神，只有你是良善的，只有你配被如此称呼的〔太19:17〕。在我为我的需要祈求以前你已知道，并且你已经怀有赐我平安的计划，不是降灾祸的计划，要叫我末後有指望〔耶29:11〕。你的计划是何等奇妙！它超越我的想像，因为你的道路和意念高过我的道路和意命〔赛55:9〕。
3. The fellowship
三、相交
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
论到世上的圣民，他们又美又善，是我最喜悦的。
I enjoy the company of fellow sojourners in this world, those followers of Christ in your presence helping one another walk in the narrow path and the small gate (Mt 7:14). You have put them in my company to edify me, encourage me, assist me, and spur me on. They are my fellow cross bearers to carry our own crosses (Mt 10:38) and to share one another's burdens (Gal 6:2). We maintain our steady walk because of Christ's presence among us reminding us to take His yoke and burden for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Mt 11:30).
我喜欢与其他世途客旅为伴，就是你与他们同在，他们彼此相助走在小路窄门中的基督跟随者〔太7:14〕。你使他们陪伴我来造就我，鼓励我，扶持我和激励我去前进。他们是我背负十架的同伴来背负我们各自的十架〔太10:38〕和分担彼的重担〔加6:2〕。我们保持稳定的脚步因为基督在我们中间提醒我们去拿他的轭和担子，因他的轭是容易的和他的担子是轻省的〔太11:30〕。
To be continued next week.
下周待续。
May we worship God in spirit and in truth and fellowship with the saints with delight in our hearts.
愿我们以心灵和诚实来敬拜神，以心中的喜悦与圣民相交。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
August 20, 2010
Ministry in Word
Seek Him – Part 3
寻求他 – 第三篇
Jeremiah 29:13
耶利米书29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。
Continued from Part 2
上接第二篇
True faith is trusting God on His promises. The magi went to King Herod to inquire of the where about of the new born king. In turn Herod inquired of the religious leaders, the chief priests and scribes of the people, who quoted the Biblical prophecy of His birthplace (Mt 2:4-5). The magi had faith in the Biblical prophecies as the utterance of God, which led them to Jesus. When they searched for God with all their heart, their true
faith, they found Jesus.
真信心是相信神的应许。博士去问希律王新生王的所在，希律王转问宗教领袖就是大祭司和文士，他们引述圣经中关于他出生地的预言〔太2:4-5〕。博士相信圣经预言是神说的话，这就带他们到耶稣那里。当他们专心，就是以真信心寻求神，他们就寻见耶稣。
We must put our faith in God’s Word in our search for Him. Jesus told the Jews, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” (Jn 5:39-40) When we search for the Word with true faith, we will come to Jesus for He is the Word (Jn 1:1).
我们寻求神的时候一定要对神的话〔道〕有信心。耶稣告诉犹太人说：「你们查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生；给我作见证的就是这经。然而，你们不肯到我这里来得生命。」〔约5:39-40〕当我们以真信心寻求道，我们就会到耶稣那里因为他就是道〔约1:1〕。
3. Search with passion
三、 以热忱寻求
In our search for Jesus we must be active to pursue Him at where He is, not passive to wait for Him to come to where we are. Matthew 2:1 says that the magi traveled to Jerusalem from the east. Judging from their expensive gifts to Jesus these magi must be royalties in their own countries. They traded their comfort and dignity at home for long distance travel hardship and risk to search for Jesus. In ancient time travel involved many difficulties and dangers, without the modern accommodations and hospitality we have taken for ranted. The magi did not just put up with minor inconvenience to search for Jesus, they sacrificed greatly for it.
我们寻求耶稣必须主动地在他所在处去追求他，而非被动地等候他到我们所在处。马太2:1说博士从东方到耶路撒冷。从他们送耶稣的贵重礼物可看到这些博士在他们的本国一定是贵族。他们以在家的舒适和尊贵来换取长途跋涉的艰辛和危险去寻求耶稣。古时候远行有许多困难和危险，没有我们认为当然的现代化住宿及招待。博士并非只是忍耐些微的不便去寻求耶稣，而是为此作了重大牺牲。
This shows how passionate they were with their search for the new born king. They were willing to adjust themselves from where they were to where Jesus was. When they searched for God with such passion, they found Jesus.
这表现他们寻求新生王是多热切。他们愿意从他们的所在处调整到耶稣的所在处。当他们以如此热忱来寻求神，他们就寻见耶稣。
When we are ready to adjust ourselves from where we are to where God is, we are ready to find Jesus.
当我们可以从我们所在处调整到神所在处，我们就可以寻见耶稣。
Conclusion
结语
God told the Israelites and us through the prophet Jeremiah, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
神通过先知耶利米告诉以色列人及我们：「你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。」
Search for God with all our heart means we search with the right reason, the true faith, and great passion. When we do, God promises us that we will find Him. Let us love our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength (Dt 6:5).
专心寻求神的意思是我们以正确理由、真正信心和认真热忱来寻求。若我们如此行，神应许我们要寻见他。让我们尽心、尽性、尽力爱我们的神。〔申6:5〕
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
August 4, 2010
Ministry in Words
Seek Him – Part 1
寻求他 – 第一篇
Jeremiah 29:13耶利米书29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。
Introduction
前言
Through the prophet Jeremiah the Lord gave the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon this promise: that they will seek God and find Him when they search for Him with all their heart. I wonder why God didn’t say that they will seek God and find Him when they search for Him with all their eyes or ears, with all their observation and attention. This is because our God is a spirit so He is not normally visibly or audibly observable. Besides, we cannot find Him on our own. If not for Jesus the Son of Man who came to seek and save us who were lost, we would never be able to find Him. It takes our heart that is in touch with His heart to find Him. When we seek Him as a response to His seeking us, we find Him.
神通过先知耶利米给流放在巴比伦的以色列人这个应许：就是他们寻求神，若专心寻求神，就必寻见。我觉得奇怪为什麽神并未说他们寻求神，若用眼睛或耳朵，就是用观察力或注意力寻求神，就必寻见。这是因为我们的神是一个灵，所以他通常并不是在视觉或听觉上可以查觉到的。并且我们凭自己不能寻见他，若不是耶稣这位人子来寻找拯救我们这些失丧的人，我们就永不能寻见他。我们需要有一颗摸着他的心之心方能寻见他。当我们以寻求他来回应他寻找我们的时候，我们就寻见了。
Searching for Him with all our heart means searching for Him with a totally dedicated heart. Let’s consider what constitutes our search for Him with all our heart by looking at the account of the magi who searched for the baby Jesus.
专心寻求神的意思就是全心全意寻求他。让我们看博士寻找婴孩耶稣的故事来思想专心寻求神是什麽样子的。
1. Search with the right reason
一、 以正确的理由寻求
First, searching with all our heart is searching with the right reason, the right motive. Let’s look at two passages in the Gospel of Matthew.
首先，专心寻求就是以正确的理由或动机来寻求。让我们来看马太福音的两段经文。
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (Mt 2: 1-2)
当希律王的时候，耶稣生在犹太的伯利恒。有几个博士从东方来到耶路撒冷，说： 那生下来作犹太人之王的在那里？我们在东方看见他的星，特来拜他。〔太2:1-2〕
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2: 10-11)
他们看见那星，就大大的欢喜；进了房子，看见小孩子和他母亲马利亚，就俯伏拜那小孩子，揭开宝盒，拿黄金、乳香、没药为礼物献给他。〔太2:10-11〕
In Matthew 2:1-2, the magi declared that the reason they searched for Jesus was to worship Him. What is recorded in Matthew 2:10-11 proves that worship was their true motive. Their deeds matched their words. When they found Jesus they prostrated themselves and worshiped Him.
在马太2:1-2博士声称他们寻求耶稣的理由是要拜他，而马太2:10-11的记载证明了他们真正的动机就是敬拜。他们的言行一致，当他们找到耶稣他们就俯伏拜他。
On the other hand, during Jesus’ life time there were many people who searched for Him for various reasons other than their dedication to Jesus:
另外一方面，在耶稣的一生中有许多人并非为了对耶稣献身而寻求他，而是为了各样不同的理由：
>King Herod searched for baby Jesus in order to kill Him due to his own insecurity. Failed to find Him, he even ordered the slaughter of all boys age 2 and below to make sure that the new born king was eliminated.
>希律王因为他自己感到不安全因而寻找婴孩耶稣来杀害他。但他找不到，就下令屠杀所有两岁及以下的男孩，要肯定那新生王被灭绝了。
When we seek God but will not let Him rule in our life, we are, like Herod, wanting to be in control ourselves.
当我们寻求神但又不愿意让他掌管我们的生命，我们就像希律一样要自己掌握一切。
> After the crowd, numbering 5000 of men alone, were fed miraculously, they searched for Jesus in order to crown Him so that they might always have their fill.
>那群众中光是男人就有五千，他们神奇地得到喂饱後，就寻求耶稣来推他为王好让他们永远得饱足。
When we look to God only for our physical needs, we may miss the greater spiritual blessings. Jesus said that our physical needs are important, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to [us] as well.” (Mt 6:33)
当我们只为了我们肉体上的需要来仰望神，我们就有可能失去那更大的属灵福气。耶稣说我们肉体的需要是重要的，但「[我]们要先求他的国和他的义，这些东西都要加给[我]们了。」〔太6:33〕
To be continued next week.
下周待续。
May we seek Him with all our heart so we may find Him.
愿我们专心寻求他，好让我们寻见他。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
July 29, 2010
Eternal Flame
When I was reading the devotion from Ministry in Word yesterday I was reminded of an oil painting that God graced me with the ability to accomplish as a witness to His hearts intent. I am loading the picture below as well as what God translated through the image and His written word.
I am also reminded and thankful for the Ministries He has put in place to reach beyond the walls of His body. Drawing to the Rock and Glimpse of His Glory are just two of such Ministries spilling the creativity of our God out from the hearts and minds of His people to meet unsuspecting individuals right where they are. I know it is their and the artists hope that the individuals gazing upon these works that Christ will be seen, God will be heard and the Holy Spirit will be received.
It is not the skill of the artist that should be magnified, each work no matter how we deem the skill level is precious in His sight. He looks at the hearts intent and uses it for His purposes, in His timing, for His will to be done.
Let us remember to encourage those doing the work for Him, not because they are perfect at it....but because they listen and obey for His Name Sake and Glory.
With the Love of our Christ I pray that today each of us take a risk, move out of our comfort zone and believe in the reality of the Lord God Almighty - otherwise the ones along our way might not see Him, turn to Him and be healed for eternity.
Kisses,
Candace
The cross is God's salvation plan for the lost. Noone gets to the Father except through the Son. It is through our belief in Him and acceptance of His gift that we have eternal life. When I hear the firehouse alarms, I think about the day of the Lord and wonder if anyone else thinks about when it might be, or if they even know what we as Christians know. I think about how God provides the perfect situations in our lives to communicate His love and His desire for us to have life in abundance. We are called to listen, hear, and look deeper than this life and to share with the heart of our Savior.
How tragic if all that transpires from such a calamity is the replacement of lost earthly possessions. I pray that we all look deeper, move more swiftly and reach more passionately - all the while thanking Christ for His life.
By Candace Huffmaster ©2006 all rights reserved
I am also reminded and thankful for the Ministries He has put in place to reach beyond the walls of His body. Drawing to the Rock and Glimpse of His Glory are just two of such Ministries spilling the creativity of our God out from the hearts and minds of His people to meet unsuspecting individuals right where they are. I know it is their and the artists hope that the individuals gazing upon these works that Christ will be seen, God will be heard and the Holy Spirit will be received.
It is not the skill of the artist that should be magnified, each work no matter how we deem the skill level is precious in His sight. He looks at the hearts intent and uses it for His purposes, in His timing, for His will to be done.
Let us remember to encourage those doing the work for Him, not because they are perfect at it....but because they listen and obey for His Name Sake and Glory.
With the Love of our Christ I pray that today each of us take a risk, move out of our comfort zone and believe in the reality of the Lord God Almighty - otherwise the ones along our way might not see Him, turn to Him and be healed for eternity.
Kisses,
Candace
"Eternal Flame"
oil on canvas
2 Peter 3:10 (GWT)The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed. The earth and everything that people have done on it will be exposed.
The cross is God's salvation plan for the lost. Noone gets to the Father except through the Son. It is through our belief in Him and acceptance of His gift that we have eternal life. When I hear the firehouse alarms, I think about the day of the Lord and wonder if anyone else thinks about when it might be, or if they even know what we as Christians know. I think about how God provides the perfect situations in our lives to communicate His love and His desire for us to have life in abundance. We are called to listen, hear, and look deeper than this life and to share with the heart of our Savior.
How tragic if all that transpires from such a calamity is the replacement of lost earthly possessions. I pray that we all look deeper, move more swiftly and reach more passionately - all the while thanking Christ for His life.
By Candace Huffmaster ©2006 all rights reserved
July 28, 2010
Ministry in Words
A Lost Person – Part 4
失丧的人 – 第四篇
Lk 19:1-10
路加19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
耶稣进了耶利哥，正经过的时候，有一个人名叫撒该，作税吏长，是个财主。他要看看耶稣是怎样的人；只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看见，就跑到前头，爬上桑树，要看耶稣，因为耶稣必从那里经过。耶稣到了那里，抬头一看，对他说：撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。他就急忙下来，欢欢喜喜的接待耶稣。众人看见，都私下议论说：他竟到罪人家里去住宿。撒该站着对主说：主阿，我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。耶稣说：今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找，拯救失丧的人。
Continued from Part 3
上接第三篇
4. Jesus took the initiative to build a relationship with Zacchaeus
四、 耶稣主动地与撒该建立关系
Jesus himself wanted to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, to give him mercy in spite of what the people might think.
不管人会怎样想，耶稣自己要住在撒该的家来赐他怜悯。
-Jesus gave Zacchaeus an opportunity to host him, to practice hospitality. Zacchaeus must not have too many chances to receive fellow Jews because none would want to associate with a tax collector. He might have a beautiful home, with many servants, but without guests it was not lively at all.
-Hospitality is often mentioned in the Bible as a virtue. Nowadays many Christian homes are used for gospel’s sake, and God blesses them. They also have the satisfaction of seeing many seekers getting saved.
-Once Zacchaeus received Jesus to his home, it brought about great changes.
-Jesus gave Zacchaeus the chance to receive Him, not only into his home, but also into his heart. When he wanted to receive Jesus into his home, he had to decide to receive Him in his heart. When one decides to receive Jesus into his heart, his life will be changed. For nobody can receive Jesus without being changed!
-耶稣给撒该招待他的机会，来实践款待客人。撒该一定没有太多机会来接待他的犹太同胞因为他们都不要与税吏来往。他可能有一个辉煌的家，有许多仆人，但没有客人就缺乏活泼的气氛。
-招待客旅是圣经常提及的一个美德。今日许多基督教家庭为福音的缘故开放，神就祝福他们。他们也因看到许多慕道友得救而心满意足。-一旦撒该接待耶稣到他家里，就带来重大的改变。
-耶稣给撒该接待他的机会，不单进入他的家，也进入他的心。当他要接待耶稣进入他的家的时候，他就须要决定接待耶稣进入他的心。当一个人决定要接待耶稣进入他的心的时候，他的生命就要改变，因为没有人能接待耶稣而不被改变的！
5. Jesus’ love brought about Zacchaeus’ actions that matched his repentance
五、 耶稣的爱引起撒该与他的悔改相称的行动
The Bible doesn’t indicate that Jesus called for Zacchaeus’ repentance or whether he repented or not. However, Zacchaeus did say, “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house,because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” Zacchaeus’ action proved his repentance,
and we also know by Jesus’ comment that he had repented.
圣经没有表示耶稣要求撒该悔改或者他有否悔改。不过撒该有说：「我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。」而耶稣对他说：「今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。」撒该的行动证实了他的悔改，而我们也因耶稣所说的话知道他有悔改。
Conclusion
结论
Through Jesus’ example we have learned of His love for the lost and the following key elements of His evangelism:
从耶稣的模范我们知道他爱失丧的人和下面他传福音的一些基本要素：
1. Jesus knew about Zacchaeus before He reached out to him. We must first get to know the person with whom we want to share the gospel.
一、 在耶稣向撒该伸手之前他就认识撒该。我们也须先认识我们要与其分享福音的对象。
2. We must, like Jesus, take initiative to connect with the person.
二、 像耶稣一般我们须要采取主动与这人连系。
3. Jesus accepted Zacchaeus even when the Jews rejected him. We must accept the lost person but not his sins.
三、 什至当犹太人唾弃撒该的时候耶稣接纳他。我们一定要接纳失丧的人但不是要接纳他的罪。
4. Jesus took initiative to call Zacchaeus. We must take initiative to build a relationship with the lost person, to love him as God loves him.
四、 耶稣主动地去叫撒该。我们定要主动地与失丧的人建立关系，去爱他犹如神爱他一般。
5. Zacchaeus received Jesus and his life was changed. We must lead the lost person to receive Jesus, to live a new life.
五、 撒该接待耶稣，他的生命就被改变了。我们定要带领失丧的人来接纳耶稣，来活出一个新的生命。
The September 1985 issue of Times-Reporter reported this news story:
时代-记者1985年九月刊报告这个新闻故事：
A party was held beside a public swimming pool in the City of New Orleans to celebrate their first year without any drowning in their public pools. Among the 200 people attended the party 100 of them were certified lifeguards. When the party was about to end, 4 lifeguards on duty began to clean the pool when they found in the deep end a body dressed in a nice suit. They tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late. Jerome Moody, age 31, drowned in the company of 100 lifeguards celebrating their success for the year.
在新奥尔良市一个公众泳池旁举行一个派对来庆祝他们第一次全年没有人在公众泳池溺死，在参加的两百人中半数是审定的救生员。派对将要结束，四位当值的救生员开始清洁泳池，就在水深之处发现一具尸体，穿着毕廷西装。他们试着要救活他，可惜为时已晚。耶罗米.麽地，年31岁，在一百名救生员庆祝当年的成功中溺死。
Every Sunday we gather to celebrate Jesus, let’s not allow anyone among us to perish without knowing the Lord.
每个礼拜天我们聚集庆祝耶稣，我们不要让我们当中任何一个人不认识主而灭亡。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
July 25, 2010
Ministry in Word
A Lost Person – Part 3
失丧的人 – 第三篇
Lk 19:1-10
路加19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
耶稣进了耶利哥，正经过的时候，有一个人名叫撒该，作税吏长，是个财主。他要看看耶稣是怎样的人；只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看见，就跑到前头，爬上桑树，要看耶稣，因为耶稣必从那里经过。耶稣到了那里，抬头一看，对他说：撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。他就急忙下来，欢欢喜喜的接待耶稣。众人看见，都私下议论说：他竟到罪人家里去住宿。撒该站着对主说：主阿，我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。耶稣说：今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找，拯救失丧的人。
Continued from Part 2
上接第二篇
2. Jesus initiated his contact with Zacchaeus
二、 耶稣主动与撒该接触
That’s why Jesus initiated His contact with Zacchaeus. He knew Zacchaeus was waiting for Him, waiting for His love, His acceptance, and His salvation.
那就是耶稣主动与撒该接触的理由。他知道撒该在等他，在等他的爱、他的接纳和他的拯救。
Zacchaeus knew that Jesus’ name meant “God saves”, so he placed his expectation on Jesus. He must have heard that Jesus called Matthew the tax collector to be His disciple, and restored the blind Bartimaeus’ sight. He must have heard that Jesus healed the sick and saved the demon possessed, so he believed that Jesus could help him with his problems.
撒该知道耶稣的名字意思是「神拯救」，所以他寄望耶稣身上。他一定曾经听说耶稣呼召税吏马太来作他的门徒，和挽回瞎子巴底买的视力。他一定曾经听说耶稣医治病人和拯救被鬼附的人，所以他相信耶稣可以帮助他解决问题。
But he must have also heard of the rich, young ruler who went to Jesus to seek the way to eternal life, but later departed sadly. He heard about Jesus’ statement that, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.” If Jesus would not accept someone with such excellent qualification, would he have a chance? Let’s consider these:
但他一定听过那位富有的年青官人，他去见耶稣来寻找永生之道，但後来忧愁地离去。他听过耶稣那样说，「骆驼要穿过针孔比富人要进天国容易。」如果耶稣不接受一个有如此优良资格的人，他有机会吗？让我们考虑这些：
-The only thing in common between the rich, young ruler and Zacchaeus was their wealth, and Jesus was not impressed by their wealth.
-If he pleaded with Jesus based on his need, there were many others having greater needs than he.
-富有的年青官人和撒该唯一相同的是他们的财富，而耶稣并不为他们的财富所动。
-如果他以他的需要向耶稣恳求的话，许多人有比他更大的需要。
But unlike the blind Bartimaeus who shouted to get Jesus’ attention, Zacchaeus was too embarrassed to do that. So he climbed up a tree to wait for Jesus.
不像瞎子巴底买大叫来取得耶稣的注意，撒该做不到这样的事，所以他爬上树上来等待耶稣。
However Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to seek Him. He didn’t wait for him to ask Him. He didn’t wait for him to plead with Him. He took the initiative to approach Zacchaeus.
但是耶稣并没有等待撒该来找他，他并没有等待撒该来问他，他并没有等待撒该来求他，他主动去接近撒该。
3. Jesus was not influenced by others’ opinion and misunderstanding
三、 耶稣不受别人的意见和误解所影响
Jesus was not concerned with others’ opinion and possible misunderstanding of His action, because He wanted to reach out and to save lost people like Zacchaeus.
耶稣并不担心别人的意见和对他行动可能的误解，因为他要寻找和拯救像撒该这样失丧的人。
-The Bible recorded 8 times the Jews criticized Jesus for eating with the tax collectors and sinners.
-Twice the Jews criticized Jesus for His association with tax collectors and prostitutes.
-They had given up on Zacchaeus, treating him as being lower than sinners and prostitutes.
-圣经记录了八次犹太人批评耶稣与税吏及罪人一同吃饭。-两次犹太人批评耶稣与税吏及娼妓交往。-他们已经放弃了撒该，待他比罪人及娼妓更不如。
But Jesus gently called him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
但耶稣温和地叫他：「撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。」
-How sweet it was for Zacchaeus to hear his name spoken by Jesus. -Without accusation, only acceptance and belief that he had the capacity to live up to the meaning of his name, that was “righteous and kind”. -Jesus saw a precious lost soul behind Zacchaeus’ facade, one of the many lost souls for whom Jesus died on the cross. -Jesus didn’t hesitate to call Zacchaeus. He said, “Come down immediately” because it was urgent to save a lost soul.
-撒该听到耶稣呼叫他的名字是多甜美的呢。-没有指责，只是接纳和相信他有能力活出他名字的意义，那就是「公义和慈爱」。-在撒该的外貌背後耶稣看到一个宝贵的失丧灵魂，那是耶稣为其死在十字架上的众失丧灵魂之一。-耶稣并没有犹豫来叫撒该，他说：「快下来」因为拯救失丧灵魂是紧要的事。
To be continued next week.
下周待续。
Thank you, Lord, for coming to dwell with us. May we open our heart to you and may we live up to your calling in our life.
感谢主来住在我们当中。愿我们向你打开我们的心，和愿我们在我们生命中活出你的呼召。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
July 14, 2010
Ministry in Word
A Lost Person – Part 2
失丧的人 – 第二篇
Lk 19:1-10
路加19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
耶稣进了耶利哥，正经过的时候，有一个人名叫撒该，作税吏长，是个财主。他要看看耶稣是怎样的人；只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看见，就跑到前头，爬上桑树，要看耶稣，因为耶稣必从那里经过。耶稣到了那里，抬头一看，对他说：撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。他就急忙下来，欢欢喜喜的接待耶稣。众人看见，都私下议论说：他竟到罪人家里去住宿。撒该站着对主说：主阿，我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。耶稣说：今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找，拯救失丧的人。
1. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ spiritual journey
一、 耶稣知道撒该的心历路程
Jesus came to seek and save Zacchaeus who was lost. First He must have known Zacchaeus’ situation. What was Zacchaeus’ situation? Zacchaeus had 2 problems: a problem with his life and a problem with his image.
耶稣来寻找拯救失丧的撒该。他一定已经知道撒该的情况。撒该的情况如何呢？撒该有两个问题：一个关乎他生命的问题和一个关乎他形象的问题。
a. Life
甲、 生命
First let’s look at his problem with his life. He was a chief tax collector and a wealthy man. He had money and status, but he was not happy. He was a chief tax collector. In the eye of the Roman government, he was simply a tool to take advantage of the Jews; and to the Jews, he was a traitor who helped their foreign conqueror the Roman Empire oppress them, and he was also a sinner who profited from high tax levied on his fellow countrymen. To the Jews he was also unclean due to his contact with the gentiles.
首先让我们看看他关乎他生命的问题。他是一个税吏长和一个财主，他有钱和地位，但他并不快乐。他是一个税吏长，在罗马政府眼中他只不过是向犹太人取利的工具罢了；而对犹太人来说，他是一个卖国贼，他帮他们的异邦征服者罗马帝国来压榨他们，他也是一个罪人因他向他的同胞征收重税而从中弁利。对犹太人来说他也是不洁因为他与外邦人接触。
The Jews considered all tax collectors their public enemies. Therefore Zacchaeus, being a chief tax collector, was hated by his people.
犹太人认为所有的税吏都是他们的公敌，所以作为税吏长撒该就受到他的同胞所痛恨。
Zacchaeus lived a life that was rich in material, but poor in spirit. Nowadays some people have great power for material gains, but they cannot enjoy life, living in discontentment and disappointment.
撒该的生活有丰富的物质，但是精神贫乏。现今有一些人很有获财的能力，但却不能享受生命，活在不满足和失望之中。
Have you ever seen the bumper stickers that say “I’d rather be fishing”, “I’d rather be skiing”, etc. That means they are not content with what they are doing, yet they are stuck in it. Zacchaeus loved his job for all its money, but hated it because of the stigma associated with it.
你曾否看过这样的保险杠贴纸吗？写着「我宁可去钓鱼」或者「我宁可去滑雪」之类。这就表示他们并不满意他们的现状，但又无法改变它。撒该因着饯的缘固喜爱他的工作，但却因为它所带的臭名而讨厌它。
b. Image
乙、 形象
Zacchaeus also had a problem with his image. He might have wished his parents didn’t name him Zacchaeus, because this Hebrew name means “righteous” or “charitable”. Are you kidding? A righteous and charitable chief tax collector? No way!
撒该也有一个形象的问题。也许他有想过如果他父母没有给他取名撒该就好了，因为这犹太名字的意思是「公义的」或「慈善的」。开玩笑，一个公义的和慈善的税吏长？不可能的！
Besides his name being taken as a joke, Zacchaeus might not like his stature, because he was short. Sometimes we are conscious of our physical characteristics. Some think they are too tall while others think they are too short. I read that the famous missionary to China, Miss Lottie Moon, refused to be photographed standing up because she was short, only 4 feet 3 inches tall. Zacchaeus might have sought career excellence and materialistic gain to make up for his shortness, but Jesus knew that he didn’t have
contentment from them.
除了他的名字成为笑柄以外，撒该可能不喜欢他的身材，因为他很矮小。我们有时为我们身体持徵感到不自在，有人认为他们太高，又有人认为他们太矮。我曾读到关于那有名的在华传教士，慕拉第女仕，她拒绝站立拍照因为她身材短小，只有四英尺三英寸高。为了弥补他身材不高撒该可能争取事业上的优越和物质上的收获，但耶稣知道他并没有因此得满足。
To be continued next week.
下周待续。
May we place our hope and expectation on Jesus and may we find contentment in our Lord.
愿我们将我们的盼望与期待放在耶稣身上，和愿我们在我们的主里找到满足。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀
“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效， 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1：9
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