Month: January 2023

11/01/2023

引言：不是停在发芽，而是继续成长结果子。

一、从卑微中被兴起（V1-2）

陀拉的意思是‘虫’。他应该是一出生就不被父母看重，采取了这样的名字。他虽然卑微，但是并没有放弃。当神拣选他成为士师时，他愿意起来拯救了以色列。

自卑的领袖在带领团队的时候是非常多挑战，但是我们要把眼光从自卑转移到神的身上，领受从神而来的信心，建立属神儿女身份的自尊，起来成为属神的领袖。

二、兴起中要有发旺（V3-5）

睚珥是一位有钱有势力的士师。圣经并没有记载很多他的作为，反而记载了他有三十位儿子，而且他们都有驴驹。有三十座属于自己的城邑，可以是物质上是非常兴旺与丰盛的。睚珥有许多资源，大可以培养出三十位属神的儿子。但是最后却没有一个儿子可以起来成为领袖。睚珥去世后，以色列变得比以前更加败坏。

今天，当神拣选我们成为领袖的时候，我们不要停留在享受丰盛的资源和稳定的牧养中，而是要起来走进神的心意，建立门徒，使神的儿女都可以起来成为下一代的领袖。

三、失去领袖民就乱（V6-9）

自从士师睚珥过世以后，以色列人当时是没有一位民族领袖的。睚珥没有做出什么的功绩，但是却一直地为自己和儿子累积财富，所以就导致以色列民的生命没有被很好地建立起来。

1.百姓违逆神的话（V6）

当百姓们没有领袖再加上没有太大难处的时候，就开始觉得没有神也一样可以过日子。与神的关系忽冷忽热，开始寻找一些特别的事物来满足自己。这一次的悖逆，一下引进了七个外邦的偶像，可以想像百姓已经把神忘了一干二净。

2.神的管教来临（V7-9）

以色列人到处引进偶像，神就到处兴起难处来管教他们。神让他们自食其果, 拜谁的假神，那里的人就起来攻击他们。结果以色列民就被欺压了十八年。

我们要留心，不要等到神的管教来临，经历十八年的欺压，才后悔莫及。

四、复兴从回转开始（V10-16）

百姓体会到偶像是无益的神，所以百姓这次不但向神哀求、认罪，也愿意接受神的管教，并且用实际行动除掉他们中间的外邦神，事奉耶和华。

当百姓把心中那个中心的位置让给神的时候，神向着百姓的心肠立刻就从管教转移到怜悯和同情。因为我们的神不是高高在上地看着我们受苦，而是在死荫的幽谷中陪我们一起经过，心中担忧我们的软弱。

五、复兴后兴起领袖（V17-18）

当下亚扪人正安营在基烈，以色列人随时面对争战，所以以色列人知道他们急需一位属神的领袖。一位属神的领袖，对于神的百姓来说，就是这么地重要。

当以色列人没有领袖的时候，他们就没有方向，也没有遮盖和保护；甚至在当时的士师年代，当以色列没有领袖的时候，以色列人不仅是属灵上没有得到带领和保护，甚至是他们在肉体上也是随时会受到仇敌的攻击。

总结：不是停在兴起领袖，而是继续发旺，建立更多属神的领袖起来带领！

以色列民过去不断面对复兴又回到败坏的循环，因为领袖没有传承，百姓也没有起来继承导致民都忘记了神。我们不但都要起来兴起成为领袖，而且还要不断建立门徒，传承神的教导，要发旺！

Judges 10: Rise and Shine!
GK611 Morning Devotion
11/01/2023
Speaker: Asher Chang

Introduction: Not stopping at germination, but continuing to grow and bear fruit.

1. To be raised up from humility（V1-2）

The meaning of Tola is ‘worm’. He should have been unappreciated by his parents at birth and adopted such a name. Although he was humble, he did not give up. When God chose him to be a judge, he willingly rose up and saved Israel.

It is very challenging for leaders with low self-esteem to lead a team, but we need to shift our vision from low self-esteem to God, receive the faith that comes from God, build up the self-esteem of being a child of God, and rise up to be a leader of God.

2. There will be prosperity in the rise（V3-5）

Jair was a wealthy and powerful judge. The Bible does not record many of his deeds, but rather it records that he had thirty sons, and they all had donkeys. Having thirty towns of his own, he could be materially very prosperous and plentiful. Jair had many resources and could have produced thirty sons of God. But in the end, none of the sons could rise up and become leaders. After Jair’s death, Israel became even more corrupt than before.

Today, when God chooses us to be leaders, we should not stay in the enjoyment of abundant resources and stable Shepherding, but rise up into the heart of God and build up disciples so that all of God’s sons and daughters can rise up and become the next generation of leaders.

3. Without a leader, the people were in chaos（V6-9）

Since the death of Jair, the judge, the Israelites were without a national leader. Jair did not do much, but kept accumulating wealth for himself and his sons, so that the life of the Israelites was not well established.

(1) The people disobeyed God’s Word（V6）

When the people had no leaders and no great difficulties, they began to think that they could live without God. Their relationship with God was hot and cold, and they began to look for something special to satisfy themselves. In this rebellion, seven Gentile idols were introduced at once, so you can imagine that the people had forgotten all about God.

(2) The Coming of God’s Discipline（V7-9）

The Israelites introduced idols everywhere, and God raised up difficulties everywhere to discipline them. God told them to reap what they sow, and to worship false gods, and the people there rose up against them. As a result, the people of Israel were oppressed for eighteen years.

Let us take heed, and not wait until God’s discipline comes and we experience eighteen years of oppression before we regret it.

4.Revival Begins with Turning Back （V10-16）

The people realized that idols are unprofitable gods, so the people not only pleaded and confessed their sins to God this time, but they were also willing to accept God’s discipline and serve the Lord by getting rid of the foreign gods in their midst with practical actions.

When the people gave up the central place in their hearts to God, God’s heart toward them immediately shifted from discipline to mercy and compassion. For our God does not watch our sufferings from on high, but walks with us in the valley of the shadow of death, worrying in his heart about our weaknesses.

5. Raising up leaders after revival（V17-18）

Now that the people of Ammon were camped in Gilead and the Israelites were facing war at any time, the Israelites knew they desperately needed a godly leader. A godly leader was so important to God’s people.

When Israel did not have a leader, they had no direction, no cover and no protection. Even in the days of the judge, when Israel did not have a leader, the Israelites were not only spiritually unprotected, but they were also physically vulnerable to the enemy at any time.

Conclusion: We are not stopping at raising up leaders, but continuing to flourish and building up more godly leaders to lead.

The people of Israel used to face revival and then return to the cycle of corruption because the leaders were not passed on and the people did not rise up to inherit, causing the people to forget God. Not only must we all rise up as leaders, but we must continue to build up disciples and pass on God’s teachings, and prosper!

10/01/2023

引言：

少装了一颗螺丝，导致车辆在行驶过程中突然抛锚；一点私欲最终也同样能够引发出灾难！

一、亚比米勒的私欲 – 自立为王（V1-6）

基甸之妾所生的儿子亚比米勒因着过去在家庭所受的伤害，找到娘家的示剑人来资助他雇用匪徒，杀害自己的弟兄，来满足自己去得着高位，自立为王的私欲！

二、约坦公义的宣告 – 罪酿咒诅（V7-21）

基甸的小儿子约坦站在基利心山，勇敢地对着示剑人做出公义的宣告，就是不守本分，放纵私欲的人，他们所行的恶必会带来咒诅。

三、私欲带来的祸患 – 恶有恶报

1. 示剑人的背叛（V22-29）

神的手临到行恶的示剑人，导致他们开始背叛亚比米勒。

2. 示剑人得报应（V30-49）

臣宰希布勒告知亚比米勒，迦勒带着示剑人背叛他，亚比米勒就回击，并杀害了许多的示剑人。

3. 亚比米勒阵亡（V50-55）

当亚比米勒来到与示剑人有关系的提备斯，正攻取这城的的时候，一个妇人只是透过一块磨石就间接地把亚比米勒打死了。

总结：留心私欲带来的后果（V56-57）

亚比米勒和示剑人最终都恶有恶报！可见我们一切的私欲和伤害，都要在主里被处理，以至于我们能够得着医治，否则如果我们任由这些破口继续在我们生命中运行，最终就必会带来恶果！

Judges 9: Pay attention to the consequences of selfish desires
GK611 Morning Devotion
10/01/2023
Speaker: IP Moses

Introduction:

Missing one screw can lead to vehicle break down suddenly while driving; a little selfish desire can also lead to disaster in the end!

I. Abimelech’s selfish desires – making himself king (V1-6)

Abimelech, the son of Gideon’s concubine, due to the harm he suffered in the family in the past, he found men of Shechem from his Mother’s side family to help him hire bandits and kill his brothers so that he could satisfy his selfish desires to gain a high position and make himself king!

II. Jotham’s declaration of righteousness – sin breeds curse (V7-21)

Gideon’s youngest son, Jotham, stood on Mount Gerizim and bravely made a righteous declaration to the people of Shechem, that is, those who do not keep their duty and indulge their lusts, their evil deeds will surely bring curses.

III. Disasters brought about by selfish desires – evil comes with evil

1. The betrayal of the Shechemites (V22-29)

God’s hand came upon the evildoers of Shechem, causing them to start rebelling against Abimelech.

2. Retribution for the people of Shechem (V30-49)

The ruler of the city Zebul told Abimelech that Gaal had betrayed him with the people of Shechem, and Abimelech fought back and killed many of the people of Shechem.

3. The death of Abimelech (V50-55)

When Abimelech came to Thebez, which was related to the Shechemites, and was attacking the city, a woman crushed Abimelech to death indirectly just through a millstone.

Conclusion: Be mindful of the consequences of selfish desires (V56-57)

Both Abimelech and the people of Shechem were punished in the end! It can be seen that all our selfish desires and wrongs must be dealt with in the Lord so that we can be healed. Otherwise, if we allow these gaps to continue to operate in our lives, it will eventually bring evil results!

06/01/2023

引言：为什么“没招”我们？（士8:1-3）

几年前我才发现新加坡很流行一句福建话“没招”？意思说有好处，为什么没有招我同去呢？这样很不够朋友不是吗？这一个“没招”差点引发同胞们的冲突。感恩基甸善于用正面眼光看人说话，于是智慧的言语间化解了一场危机。

主说：“你们是世上的盐。”保罗说：“你们的言语要带着和气，好像用盐调和···。”箴言也说：“要回答柔和，使怒消退···。”适当的言语真是最大的威力！

一、讽刺基甸自取其辱！（士8:4-17）

1.抵挡神计划者被警告（V4-9）

疏割人和毗努伊勒人基本上也都是以色列人，但是从他们的说话显示他们不信基甸的得胜是神的计划与带领。他们以讽刺的言语拒绝了对基甸的相求。显然这事是神所不喜悦的，因此，严厉的警告和管教后来也真的临到他们。他们表面上是反对基甸，但是事实上他们是冒犯了神。

2.到了时候审判真实现（V10-17）

谁不信，谁被管教！谁作恶，谁遭殃受死。时间一到，事情果然就应验了。这事提醒我们，不信的罪和抵挡神计划的人会有什么结局呢？神是说话算话而认真的神，如果神在历史的事上是这样做事，在将来永恒审判的事情上岂不更要认真看待吗？

3.敌人作恶自食其果（V18-21）

敌人的王被擒拿了，这是出于神的帮助。但是，敌人是否就一定要被杀死呢？似乎神把主权交于基甸。当被基甸审判的时候，当年如果敌人没有杀死基甸的兄弟们，基甸还可以不杀他们。但是他们既然杀人，如今就要偿命，这是公平审判的结果。

二、如何信神免于失脚（士8:22-35）

1.好领袖归荣耀给神！（V22-23）

把人引到神面前，让神作主管理这当然是一件好事。我们的服事心态也该这样。

2.如何看待属灵物品？（V24-28）

在信仰中有很多属灵物品，这些本来都是好的。但是人要有很健康的属灵智慧，否则很容易把物件偶像化，就会陷入仇敌的网罗。

3.领袖离世信心消失？（V29-35）

基甸一离世，百姓顿时失去了属灵领袖的带领，很快就陷入黑暗的网罗里。可见属灵领导团队和接棒人是何等重要，否则一代辛苦所建立的根基，一夜之间就被摧毁了。

总结：人生过程都是属灵功课！

时时认定神、凡事谦卑作人、持守真理原则作判断，这是每一个人生阶段都需要学习的功课啊！

Judges 8: Homework for a Life of Faith
GK611 Morning Devotion
06/01/2023
Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction: Why are we “not invited”?

A few years ago, I found out that Singapore has a popular Hokkien saying, “not inviting”. It means that if there are benefits, why didn’t you recruit me to go with you? This is not good enough for friends, right? This “no inviting” almost triggered a conflict among my compatriots. I am grateful that Gideon is good at looking at people in a positive light, so his words of wisdom defused a crisis.

The Lord said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one..” Proverbs also says, “Be gentle in your answers, so that anger may subside —.” Proper speech is truly the greatest power!

1. Sarcasm Gideon made a fool of himself! (V4-17)

(1) Those who resist God’s plan are warned (V4-9)

The Succoth and the Penuel were basically Israelites, but their speech showed that they did not believe that Gideon’s victory was God’s plan and leadership. They rejected their request to Gideon with sarcastic words. It was obvious that this was displeasing to God, and therefore a severe warning and discipline did come to them later. They were apparently oppo

(2) The time has come when judgment is truly fulfilled (V10-17)

Whoever does not believe, is disciplined! Whoever does evil, suffers death. When the time came, it was fulfilled. This incident reminds us of what will happen to the sin of unbelief and to those who resist God’s plan. God is a God who keeps His promises and a God of seriousness. If God works in this way in history, should He not take it more seriously in the future eternal judgment?

(3) The enemy reaps the consequences of his evil deeds (V18-21)

The king of the enemy was captured, with the help of God. But does it follow that the enemy must be killed? It seems that God left the sovereignty to Gideon. When judged by Gideon, back then, if the enemy had not killed Gideon’s brothers, Gideon could still not kill them. But since they had killed, now they had to pay for it, which was the result of a fair judgment.sing Gideon, but in fact they were offending God.

2. How to trust God to avoid losing your footing (Ps 8:22-35)

(1) Good leaders give glory to God! (V22-23)

It is certainly a good thing to draw people to God and let Him be the Lord’s management. Our ministry mindset should be the same.

(2) How do we view spiritual objects? (V24-28)

There are many spiritual things in the faith, and they are all good. But one has to have a healthy spiritual wisdom, otherwise one can easily idolise the objects and fall into the snare of the enemy.

(3) The leader left the faith disappeared? (V29-35)

As soon as Gideon passed away, the people lost the leadership of their spiritual leaders and were
soon caught in a snare of darkness. This shows how important it is to have a spiritual leadership team and a successor, otherwise the foundation that has been built up through hard work in one generation will be destroyed overnight.

Conclusion: The course of life is a spiritual lesson!

Identifying God at all times, being humble in all things, and holding on to the principles of truth and judgment are lessons that need to be learned at every stage of life!

05/01/2023

引言：被召的人多、选上的人少

一、挤入基甸三百（v1-8）
1. 不凭眼所见（v1）
米甸军队人数像蝗虫般的不计其数、骆驼多如海边的沙。而今天，基甸回应了神的呼召，早晨起来第一件事就是带领跟随的人，对着米甸人来安营。从这里我们看到，基甸因为耶和华3次给他的印证，使他勇敢的相信神对自己的拣选，而不再凭眼见，勇敢地面对敌人。

2. 不自我夸大（v2）
神告诉基甸祂不能把米甸人交在他们手中。理由不是他们的人太少，没有能力击败米甸人。而是跟随他的人过多，免得他们在得胜后向神夸大，认为是自己的能力所做到的。

谦卑不自夸是我们当有的生命素质。骄傲自负的人在争战中必会落败。因为神抵挡骄傲人。

3. 不惧怕胆怯（v3）
神接下来的筛选条件是惧怕胆怯的人可以离开。惧怕胆怯的人会影响军队的士气，对一场战役的输赢有很关键的影响。还记得12个探子进入窥探迦南地吗？当10个胆怯的回来报恶讯后，给神的子民带来的结果是倒闭旷野。

神在筛选军队的同时，也在考验基甸的信心。3万2千人，要对付13万5千人已经是很不容易的事了，现在神还要他宣告（公开批准）惧怕的可以回家。所以对基甸来说，这是他的信心受到严厉考验的时刻。但是我们看到基甸就是这么单纯的顺服照做。结果真的超过三分之二的人就离开了。剩下1万人。我们会像基甸那样信靠神吗？

4. 不体贴肉体（v4-8）
军人喝水的两种方式，一、要先将背包取下、还要摘脱部份军装、武器，才可以跪下用口对水，大口大口地喝。这种喝水的方式、耽延时间，也容易被敌人攻击。二、为防备敌军，站着用手捧水而喝。所以，用手捧着舔水的人，不但是个时刻儆醒的人，更是一个不体贴肉体的人。（不为了方便和能大口大口地喝水，而放下背包、军装、武器）。
有机会放纵而不放纵的人，是经过十字架对付的人。这样的人神才能用。神今天看重的不是人数，不是教会有多大？有多少会众？神看重的是教会里有多少生命成熟、能被主用的基督徒。

二、争战得胜在神（v9-25）
我们若挤入了神拣选的基甸三百，就要相信神必带领我们胜过人生的每一场战役。就像在接下来的经文所看到的：

1. 神赐印证加信心（v9-11）
300人要对付13万5千常常欺压他们的米甸军队。我想当基甸看着远方密密麻麻，米甸军营里火把发出的光，心里一定是焦虑、挣扎和惧怕。神很体谅基甸。因此祂吩咐下到米甸营里去，还可以带着仆人普拉给他壮胆。并且让他亲耳听到一人所做的梦，目的是要让他很有把握地知道，神已经将仇敌交在自己的手中、以坚固他的胆量。

真正的信心是神所赐的，也是神所坚固的。当我们像基甸那样单纯的来回应神时，要相信神能够体恤我们的挣扎和担忧。祂会用我们所能明白的方式给我们印证，使我们的信心被坚固，赐我们勇气去完成所托付的。

2. 神赐策略人跟随（v15-22）
当基甸和三百勇士们按着神的策略摆阵站立、大声吹角及呼喊“耶和华和基甸的刀！”，神就开始行动。当人跟随神所赐的策略来争战时，得胜是必然的。因为是神为我们来争战。就像V21基甸他们只在敌营四围站立，并没有进入战场。神就使敌军自乱阵脚，全营的人都乱窜，自相击杀和逃亡。

3. 同心合一必得胜（v23-25）
接着v23-25以色列人其他的支派从全地聚集，同心合一的来追赶米甸人。并把他们的两个首领俄立和西伊伯杀了。军队里没有个人表现。争战要得胜，除了绝对服从领袖的命令外，同心合一的应战是很关键的。就像在巴别塔事件中，当每个人同心合一的做一件事，即便不合神心意的事都有可能成就，更何况是神已经应许要把仇敌交在他们的手中。因此，当以色列的各个支派从全地聚集，来击杀仇敌，就带来了大获全胜！

总结：起来回应神
要成为神的基甸三百，我们必须竭力挤进去。2023，我们不要再坐着等组长来推我们才动，而是自动的起来回应神。鼓励弟兄姐妹们，让我们甘心牺牲，愿意献上自己！成为神的基甸三百，在生命中不断突破，也带领别人经历复兴，成为荣神益人的将领！

Judges 7:Many are called, but few are chosen
GK611 Morning Devotion
05/01/2023
Speaker: Ps. Deborah + Rev. David

Introduction: Many are called, but few are chosen

I. Squeeze into Gideon’s Three Hundred (v1-8)

1. Not by sight (v1)
Midian’s army was as innumerable as locusts, and camels as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Today, Gideon responded to God’s call, and the first thing he did when he woke up in the morning was to lead his followers to camp against the Midianites. From this, we can see that Gideon bravely believed that he was chosen by God because Jehovah has given him 3 times of affirmations. Hence, no longer by sight, instead he faced the enemy bravely.

2. Do not exaggerate on your own (v2)
God told Gideon that He could not deliver the Midianites into their hands. The reason was not that they were too few to defeat the Midianites. It is that there are too many people following him, lest they boast to God after victory, thinking that it is their own ability.

Humility without boasting is the quality of life we should have. The proud and arrogant will lose the battle because God resists the proud.

3. Not afraid, not timid (v3)
God’s next screening condition is that people who are afraid and timid can leave. The fear of timid people will affect the morale of the army, which has a critical impact on the victory or defeat of a battle. Remember when the 12 spies went to spy on the land of Canaan? When the 10 cowardly returned to report the bad news, the result brought to God’s people was collapse in the wilderness.

While God was selecting the army, he was also testing Gideon’s faith. With 32,000 people, it is not easy to deal with 135,000 people, and now God wants him to declare (publicly approve) that those who are afraid can go home. So for Gideon, this was a time when his faith was severely tested. But we see that Gideon simply obeyed and followed. As a result, more than two-thirds of the people really left. There are 10,000 people left. Will we trust God as Gideon did?

4. Not carnal (v4-8)
There are two ways for soldiers to drink water. First, they have to take off their backpacks, part of their uniforms and weapons before they can kneel down and drink water with their mouths. This way of drinking water, delaying time, also easy to be attacked by the enemy. 2. In order to guard against the enemy, stand and drink water with your hands. Therefore, a person who holds water in his hands is not only a person who is always vigilant but also a person who is not carnal. (Not putting down backpacks, uniforms, and weapons for convenience and to be able to gulp water).

Those who have the opportunity to indulge but not indulge are those who have been dealt with by the cross. Gods can only use such people. What God values today is not the number of people, but the size of the church or how many congregations. What God values is how many mature Christians in the church can be used by the Lord.

II. The battle is won by God (v9-25)

If we squeeze into Gideon’s three hundred chosen by God, we must believe that God will lead us to overcome every battle in life. As can be seen in the following verses:

1. God’s affirmation and faith (v9-11)
300 men against 135,000 Midianite troops who were constantly oppressing them. I think Gideon must have been anxious, struggling, and afraid when he looked at the densely populated places in the distance and the light from the torches in the Midian army camp. God cares for Gideon. He, therefore, commanded him to go down to the camp of Midian, and may also take Purah his servant to embolden him. Then let him hear the dream of a man with his own ears, to let him know with certainty that God has given the enemy into his hands to strengthen his courage.

True faith is given by God and established by God. Trust God that He will empathise with our struggles and worries when we simply respond to God the way Gideon did. He will affirm us in a way we can understand, strengthen our faith, and give us the courage to complete what we have been entrusted with.

2. God strategises, man follows (v15-22)
When Gideon and the three hundred warriors stood in formation according to God’s strategy, blowing the trumpet loudly and shouting “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”, God began to move. Victory is guaranteed when man follows a God-given strategy to fight. Because God fights for us. Just like V21 Gideon, they only stood around the enemy camp and did not enter the battlefield. God caused the enemy army to confuse itself, and the whole camp ran wild, killing each other and fleeing.

3. Unity will prevail (v23-25)
Then v23-25 The other tribes of the Israelites gathered from all over the earth and pursued the Midianites with unity. Then killed their two leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. There is no individual performance in the military. To win a battle, apart from absolutely obeying the orders of the leader, it is very important to fight with unity. Just like in the Tower of Babel incident, when everyone does one thing with unity, even things that are not in line with God’s will can be accomplished, not to mention that God has promised to hand over the enemy into their hands. So when the tribes of Israel gathered from all over the earth to strike down the enemy, it brought a great victory!

Conclusion: Rise Up and Respond to God

To be Gideon’s 300 of God, we must squeeze our way in. In 2023, we will no longer sit and wait for the cell leader to push us before moving but will automatically get up and respond to God. Encourage brothers and sisters, let us sacrifice willingly and offer ourselves! Become God’s Gideon 300, constantly breakthrough in life, lead others to experience revival, and become a general who glorifies God and benefits others!

04/01/2023

引言：

若每一年要提取存在银行的储蓄，却发现没有了。你会怎么做呢？
以色列民正是遇到类似的事情，但经历七年才醒觉，也仍然要等神主动拯救，百姓们才得救。基甸本来什么都不是，但是凭着顺服跟随神，最后成为拯救百姓的士师。

一、神的慈爱一直都在V1-6

1.人总是会重犯 V1

国中平安了四十年，时间再一次冲淡了百姓的记忆。以色列人又再一次行耶和华眼中看为恶的事情。我们的身上或许也同样在面对一再软弱、跌倒的经历。唯有我们认清自己的罪，恨神所憎恶的罪，定意钉死我们的老我，保守自己常在神的爱中才能远离神所憎恶的事。

2.神总是有恩典V2-5

这是神对以色列民在士师记第四次的管教。悖逆的以色列民总在一年收割之时被敌人抢夺粮食。神并没有实行最严厉的管教，还是继续降下秋雨春雨，让地有出产。可惜的是，百姓们仍然侍奉偶像巴力指望获得丰收，最后却是全被抢夺，变得极其穷乏。

我们若离弃神，追求各种偶像得到财力，最后的结果就是极其穷乏。

3.呼求看见出路V6

神不断在七年里施恩，百姓们居然等了七年，变得极其穷乏，才明白过来呼求耶和华。

二、神的劝勉叫人回转 V7-10

百姓们在之前的三次悖逆时，只要呼求耶和华，神马上拯救他们。这一次呼求的时候，神透过先知赐下话语指出百姓们的悖逆，严厉警告，再次提醒不可再拜祭假神。

当我们祷告时候，也常常只关心怎么样让我的问题得到解决，而不是听神的话语；神所关心的，却不是立刻挪去我们的难处，而是让我们在难处中懂得回转，改变自己，与祂建立更深的关系。

三、神赐于顺服者平安 V11-40

1.神视基甸为大能的勇士V11-24

百姓们听了先知的责备，却仍然不舍得离开巴力。但是神的拯救再次显明，主动呼召和兴起约阿施的儿子，基甸作为士师并称他为大能的勇士。他虽然胆怯，对以色列没盼望，而且非常自卑。但是他知道如何呼求神，而且很认真地求印证，对于当时候极其缺乏的环境来说，基甸求证据是付出代价的，他所献上的对当时候来说都是厚重的礼物。神很爱他，透过献祭显示祂的荣耀与能力，让基甸看见神同在的印证。

2.神必帮助顺服者 V25-35

神吩咐基甸拆毁父亲所筑的巴力坛，砍下坛旁的木偶，再为耶和华筑一座坛。他虽然怕父家和本城的人，但是还是顺服神执行了神所吩咐的。神的灵就降在他身上，他就吹角，召集族人。

3.印证中得神平安 V36-40

基甸向神一再求印证，他知道神或许会向他发怒。神让我们明白，领袖并非一开始都是成熟的。所以神并没有发怒，而是耐心指导基甸的，透过他所求的印证应允他。

我们是可以向神求信心，向神祈求帮助并不会被神责备，因为神悦纳我们向他呼求。我们或许有时会信心软弱，但是我们可以求神来坚固，祂必帮助我们，像帮助基甸一样，成为大能的勇士！

总结：神的恩典一直都在，愿意顺服而行的神必与他同在，处处都有平安。
人总是会犯错远离神，但是神总是在等待人的悔改。
当我们愿意行动，悔改，顺服的时候。神的平安必与我们同在。

Judges 6: The Peace of God to Those Who Obey
GK611 Morning Devotion
4/1/2023
Speaker: Asher Chang + IP Moses Ou

Introduction:

Be awake!

If every year you want to withdraw your savings that are in the bank, but you find that they are gone. What would you do?
A similar thing happened to the people of Israel, but it took seven years for them to wake up, and they still had to wait for God to take the initiative to save before the people were saved. Gideon was nothing, but by following God in obedience, he eventually became the judge who saves the people.

1.God’s lovingkindness is always there V1-6

(1) People will always repeat their sins V1

After forty years of peace in the kingdom, time once again washed away the people’s memory. The Israelites once again did what was considered evil in the eyes of the LORD. We may also face the same experience of repeated weakness and stumble. Only if we recognise our sins, hate the sins that God hates, determine to crucify our old self, and keep ourselves always in the love of God can we keep away from the things that God hates.

(2)God is always gracious V2-5

This is the fourth time God disciplined the people of Israel in the book of judges. The rebellious people of Israel were always robbed of their grain by their enemies at the time of the annual harvest. God did not impose the severest discipline, but continued to send the autumn and spring rains to make the land productive. Unfortunately, the people continued to serve the idol, Baal, hoping for a good harvest, but in the end they were all robbed and became extremely poor.
If we turn away from God and pursue all kinds of idols to get wealth, the end result will be in extreme poverty.

(3)Crying out to see a way out V6

God continued to be gracious for seven years, and the people actually waited for seven years and became extremely poor before they realised to call on the LORD.

03/01/2023

引言：

歌曲被创造出来都是为了要表达作者的心情。今天底波拉和巴拉的颂歌，就是他们在战胜迦南王耶宾后，对神要表达的赞美和感恩！

一、感恩神不改变的信实

1. 神兴起愿意摆上的领袖（V1-2,9）

在以色列百姓再次行恶的日子里，神不但兴起底波拉和巴拉，祂也为他们兴起了一群愿意摆上自己性命去争战的领袖，来预备以色列的复兴！

2. 神与以色列曾立下永约（V3-5）

自从神在西乃山与百姓立下永约，祂就一直不离不弃地带领他们。哪怕他们在旷野兜兜转转38年，神最终还是以祂信实将他们带进迦南地。

3. 神给人醒悟悔改的出路（V6-8）

在珊迦并雅亿生活的年代，以色列人受尽了迦南人的欺压，不仅生活不方便，连武器也被没收，这都是因为他们选择了别神。而如今当他们醒悟悔改的时候，神就为他们预备新的士师底波拉，去带领他们胜过欺压他们的迦南人。

二、纪念神所赐下的得胜

1. 百姓都当传扬神的拯救（V10-12）

底波拉和巴拉呼吁以色列各个阶层的百姓都要一同来欢喜地传扬神拯救他们的好消息！

2. 有回应和没回应的支派（V13-18）

神虽应许赐给以色列得胜，然而在争战的过程中却有愿意回应神出来争战和不愿意回应神留在原地的支派。这提醒我们要及时地去回应神的心意！

3. 耶和华从天为百姓争战（V19-22）

按实力来说，以色列人是无法迦南王耶宾和他的联军的，但是当神自己从天上为以色列来争战的时候，神就能使整个争战的环境为以色列来效力，并使以色列能够得胜。

4. 争战中是福或祸的选择（V23-27）

看见神的心意却不回应，让米罗斯的居民陷入到咒诅；反过来，只是女流之辈的雅亿，勇敢地去回应神要攻击以色列敌人的心意，刺杀迦南的将军西西拉，就得到了尊荣和福气。

5. 在神没有任何难成的事（V28-30）

从前西西拉都是带着掳物，打胜仗而回到家中，从人来看要胜过军力强大的他是件难事，然而在神凡事都能。

6. 神用脸光照爱祂的百姓（V31）

只要神的百姓愿意从敌对神的光景中回转，神就必用祂的笑脸光照每一位愿意重新来爱祂的百姓，并赐给他们平安。

总结：

透过底波拉和巴拉的颂歌去再次认定，神是信实的，只要我们愿意来回应祂的心意，祂就必会为我们争战，无论多大的困难，祂都必使我们得胜！

而是否要选择回应神，是我们人必须要做的。这也是人要做的有关是福或是祸的选择。让我们都选择爱神，选择从过犯中回转归向神，这样我们就必经历得胜，进入复兴！

Judges 5: Deborah and Barak’s Hymn – Commemorate the victory given by the faithful God!
GK611 Morning Devotion
03/01/2023
Speaker: IP Moses Rev Tan

Introduction：

Songs are created to express the author’s feelings. The hymn of Deborah and Barak today is their praise and thanksgiving to God after defeating Jabin, king of Canaan!

I. Be grateful for God’s unchanging faithfulness

1. God raises up willing leaders (V1-2,9)

In the days when the Israelites did evil again, God not only raised up Deborah and Barak, He also raised up for them a group of leaders who were willing to sacrifice their lives to fight, to prepare for the revival of Israel!

2. God made an eternal covenant with Israel (V3-5)

Since God made the eternal covenant with the people on Mount Sinai, He unceasingly leads them . Even though they wandered around in the wilderness for 38 years, God finally brought them into the land of Canaan with His faithfulness.

3. God gives people a way to come to realise the truth and repent (V6-8)

In the days when Shamgar and Jael lived, the Israelites were oppressed by the Canaanites. Their lives were inconvenient, and their weapons were confiscated, all because they chose other gods. But now when they came to realise the Truth and repent, God prepared for them a new judge, Deborah, to lead them to defeat the Canaanites who oppressed them.

II. Commemorate the victory given by God

1. The people should proclaim God’s salvation (V10-12)

Deborah and Barak called on the people of all walks of life in Israel to come together and spread the good news of God’s salvation with joy!

2. Responding and non-responsive tribes (V13-18)

Although God promised to give Israel victory, during the battle, there were tribes who were willing to respond to God to fight and those who were unwilling to respond to God and stayed where they were. This reminds us to respond to God’s will in time!

3. Jehovah fights for the people from heaven (V19-22)

In terms of strength, the Israelites were unable to compete with the Canaanite king, Jabin and his allied armies, but when God Himself fought for Israel from heaven, He could make the entire battle environment work for Israel and enable Israel to win.

4. The choice of blessing or curse in battle (V23-27)

Seeing God’s will but not responding, the residents of Meroz fell into a curse; on the contrary, Jael, who was only a woman, bravely responded to God’s will to attack Israel’s enemies and assassinated Canaan’s general Sisera, hence received honour and blessing.

5. Nothing is impossible with God (V28-30)

In the past, Sisera always brought booty and returned home after winning battles. From a human point of view, it was difficult for him to defeat a mighty army, but with God, everything is possible.

6. God shines His face on His people who love Him (V31)

As long as God’s people are willing to turn back from being hostile to God, God will use His smiling face to shine every one of His people who are willing to love Him again and give them peace.

Conclusion：

Through the hymns of Deborah and Barak, we can reaffirm that God is faithful. As long as we are willing to respond to His will, He will fight for us. No matter how difficult it is, He will give us victory!

And whether to choose to respond to God is what we humans must do. This is also a choice that people have to make about whether it is a blessing or a curse. Let us all choose to love God, choose to turn from our sins and return to God, then we will experience victory and enter revival!