Year: 2023

24/08/2023

引言：

神允许亚玛力人攻破洗革拉，并用火焚烧，相信是神要把大卫从这个舒适的安乐窝里赶出去，也准备他在不久的将来要上希伯仑去作王。

一、倚靠不放弃（V3-15)

1．坚定倚靠神(V3-6)

此刻，大卫不仅失去他的妻儿、失去他的百姓、失去一切，甚至即将要失去他的性命。面对如此绝境，大卫似乎只剩自己一个人。然而，大卫却抓住耶和华他的神，心里坚固，至终倚靠神。

绝境会使人转向神，尤其大卫相信神会帮助他。

2.求问耶和华（V7-15）

我们看见当大卫心中倚靠神不放弃，即使周遭的人已陷入绝望，只剩下独自一人有信心，也坚持下去，并马上来到神面前求问神。结果，神就使用埃及少年人帮助他们找到他们的家人！

二、显王者风范（V16-25）

1.以少胜多(V16-20)

虽然，所有的优势都在亚玛力人那里，但神却让已非常疲惫的大卫的军队以少胜多。当时大卫找到敌人的阵营，我们看见他们不单夺回亚玛力人在洗革拉所掳的，连亚玛力人在其他地方所掳的都夺走，因此他们是更多的夺回，因为得着神的帮助。

2.平分财物(V21-25)

大卫很清楚的知道，他们的胜利是来自神的帮助。既然得胜是神白白的恩典，而不是看人有没有出力，大卫觉得人就不能独占，应当大家平分。这里显出了大卫的王者身量。

三、归荣耀与神（V26-31)

既然是神使他们得胜，所以虽然掳物甚多，但大卫没有为自己取得一物，反而成为一个王，犒赏他的百姓，把掳物送赠给跟随他的人，还有南地的百姓。这一次大卫在洗革拉所经历的功课，把他的生命和信心带到了更高之处，因此他把一切荣耀都归于神。

总结：

大卫在绝境中仍选择倚靠神到底，神也安排了使者（埃及少年）领他们到敌军那里去，不止杀败敌军把原有的夺回，甚至得到掳物全部分给百姓，成就了大卫作王的生命。

在这里，我们看见神做事的法则，常常是先倒空再充满、先拆毁再建造。神常常也允许苦难、剥夺临到我们身上，因为神要把我们从我们的绝境中救出来，让我们重新活在神荣耀的旨意当中，使我们的生命被提升并且更加丰盛！

1 SAMUEL 30 ELEVATION IN THE MIDST OF DESPERATE SITUATION
GK611 MORNING DEVOTION
24/8/2023
THE MORNING DEVOTION SPEAKER: PS. STELLA LING

INTRODUCTION:

GOD ALLOWED THE AMALEKITES TO BREAK THROUGH ZIKLAG AND BURN IT WITH FIRE, BELIEVING THAT IT WAS GOD’S WAY OF DRIVING DAVID OUT OF THIS COSY COMFORT ZONE AND PREPARING HIM TO GO UP TO HEBRON TO REIGN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

1. RELIANCE WITHOUT GIVING UP (V3-15)

(1). STRONG RELIANCE ON GOD (V3-6)

AT THIS MOMENT, DAVID HAD NOT ONLY LOST HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN, HIS PEOPLE AND EVERYTHING, BUT HE WAS EVEN ABOUT TO LOSE HIS LIFE. IN THE FACE OF SUCH A DESPERATE SITUATION, DAVID SEEMED TO BE ALL ALONE. HOWEVER, DAVID TOOK HOLD OF THE LORD HIS GOD, STRENGTHENED HIS HEART, AND RELIED ON GOD TO THE END.

DESPERATE TIMES LEAD PEOPLE TO TURN TO GOD, ESPECIALLY DAVID WHO TRUSTED GOD TO HELP HIM.

(2) ASK THE LORD (V7-15)

WE SEE THAT WHEN DAVID RELIED ON GOD IN HIS HEART AND DIDN’T GIVE UP, HE PERSEVERED EVEN WHEN THOSE AROUND HIM WERE IN DESPAIR AND HE WAS LEFT ALONE WITH FAITH, AND IMMEDIATELY CAME TO GOD TO ASK HIM. AS A RESULT, GOD USED THE EGYPTIAN TEENAGERS TO HELP THEM FIND THEIR FAMILIES!

2. SHOWING THE KING’S DEMEANOR (V16-25)

(1) OVERCOMING THE MANY WITH THE FEW (V16-20)

ALTHOUGH, ALL THE ADVANTAGE WAS WITH THE AMALEKITES, GOD ALLOWED DAVID’S ARMY, WHICH WAS ALREADY VERY TIRED, TO WIN WITH FEW. WHEN DAVID FOUND THE ENEMY’S CAMP, WE SEE THAT THEY NOT ONLY RECAPTURED WHAT THE AMALEKITES HAD TAKEN AT ZIKLAG, BUT ALSO WHAT THE AMALEKITES HAD TAKEN ELSEWHERE, SO THAT THEY WERE RECAPTURING MORE, BECAUSE OF GOD’S HELP.

(2) EQUAL DIVISION OF POSSESSIONS (V21-25)

DAVID KNEW FULL WELL THAT THEIR VICTORY WAS FROM GOD’S HELP. SINCE THE VICTORY WAS BY GOD’S FREE GRACE, AND NOT BY MAN’S CONTRIBUTION, DAVID FELT THAT MAN SHOULD NOT HAVE THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO IT, BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE DIVIDED EQUALLY AMONG ALL. HERE DAVID’S KINGLY STATURE IS REVEALED.

3. GLORY TO GOD (V26-31)

SINCE IT WAS GOD WHO GAVE THEM THE VICTORY, ALTHOUGH THE CAPTIVITY WAS GREAT, DAVID DID NOT GAIN A THING FOR HIMSELF, BUT BECAME A KING, REWARDING HIS PEOPLE, AND GIVING GIFTS OF CAPTIVITY TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED HIM, AS WELL AS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SOUTHERN LAND. THE LESSONS DAVID EXPERIENCED AT ZIKLAG ON THIS OCCASION TOOK HIS LIFE AND FAITH TO A HIGHER PLACE, AND SO HE GAVE GOD ALL THE GLORY.

CONCLUSION:

DAVID CHOSE TO RELY ON GOD TO THE END EVEN IN THE MIDST OF HIS DESPERATE SITUATION. GOD ALSO ARRANGED MESSENGERS (EGYPTIAN YOUTH) TO LEAD THEM TO THE ENEMY ARMY, AND NOT ONLY DEFEATED THE ENEMY ARMY AND TOOK BACK WHAT THEY HAD, BUT EVEN GOT ALL THE CAPTIVES TO GIVE TO THE PEOPLE, THUS FULFILLING DAVID’S LIFE OF REIGNING AS A KING.

HERE WE SEE THAT GOD’S LAW OF DOING THINGS IS OFTEN TO EMPTY BEFORE FILLING, TO TEAR DOWN BEFORE BUILDING. GOD OFTEN ALLOWS SUFFERING AND DEPRIVATION TO COME UPON US, BECAUSE GOD WANTS TO DELIVER US FROM OUR DESPERATE SITUATION, SO THAT WE CAN LIVE AGAIN IN GOD’S GLORIOUS WILL, AND SO THAT OUR LIVES WILL BE UPLIFTED AND BECOME MORE ABUNDANT!

23/08/2023

引言：记得有爸爸的娃

一、神的安排总让人意外

1.陷入两难的大卫 （V1-2）

非利士的将领带着军队前进，要攻打以色列人；亚吉王跟在其后，而大卫则在亚吉王后边。大卫是硬着头皮跟在后面的，因为他知道眼看神的受膏者要和神的百姓即将自相残杀。他内心非常挣扎和煎熬，原因是他没有寻求神的带领，就逃到非利士地，结果今天就面对两难的困境了。

2.非利士人的担心 （V3-5）

非利士人的首领惧怕大卫临阵倒戈，被以色列人前后夹击。就是恰好这个时候，非利士人的首领才发现大卫。很意外的，就是这个担心，让大卫有了一条出路。

二、困难再大心仍要有神

1.困难中神赐平安（V6-7）

亚吉指着永生的耶和华起誓，其实这并不表示他信靠耶和华，而是表示对大卫的尊重。但这或许是神借着亚吉的口，让大卫看见了神拯救的手。

2.心中有神的大卫 (V8-9)

大卫看起来像是自辨，说了装门面的话，好想真的很想参与战争一样。当他说“主─我王”的时候是指谁呢？这话并不表示大卫坚决要参战，他只是要知道非利士首领对他有什不满的地方。

对党时候的亚吉而言，是指他自己，因他相信大卫对他忠心；但对大卫而言，表面上是指扫罗，其实心中想着的是神。大卫心中至终跟随神！

3.跟随神必有出路（V10-11）

虽然大卫自作主张逃到非利士之地，而酿成这一次的两难困局里。但感恩大卫的心至终跟随神，虽然有软弱，这使他陷入困局当中，但他的心回转神，听心中神的声音，以耶和华为神，心中至终跟随祂，神就为大卫开了一条出路。

总结：心中有神就找到回家的路

虽然大卫逃到非利士境内原本不在神的心意中，但慈爱的神仍然在大卫最需要祂的时候伸出援手，不只奇妙的带领大卫脱离为难的处境，接下来我们更会看到，这样的转折甚至帮助他和他的伙伴们得以救回自己的妻儿。

即使我们有时也会稍微偏离了方向，但心中要有神，相信神永远都在我们身旁，这是祂的慈爱，也是祂温柔的提醒，提醒我们唯有与祂同行，才能带来真正的祝福与平安。

1 SAMUEL 29 WHERE THERE’S A GOD, THERE’S A WAY
GK611 MORNING DEVOTION
23/8/2023
THE MORNING DEVOTION SPEAKER: CO- WORKER ASHER CHANG

INTRODUCTION: A CHILD WHO REMEMBERS HIS DAD

1. GOD’S ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALWAYS SURPRISING

(1) DAVID IN A DILEMMA (V 1-2)

THE PHILISTINE GENERALS ADVANCED WITH THEIR ARMIES TO ATTACK ISRAEL; KING AGRIPPA FOLLOWED, AND DAVID WAS BEHIND KING AGRIPPA. DAVID WAS BRACED TO FOLLOW BECAUSE HE KNEW THAT HE WAS LOOKING AT GOD’S ANOINTED ONE ABOUT TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD’S PEOPLE. THE REASON FOR HIS INNER STRUGGLE AND TORMENT WAS THAT HE HAD FLED TO THE LAND OF PHILISTINE WITHOUT SEEKING GOD’S LEADING, AND AS A RESULT, HE WAS FACED WITH A DILEMMA TODAY.

(2) THE PHILISTINES’ WORRY (V 3-5)

THE PHILISTINE LEADERS WERE AFRAID THAT DAVID WOULD CHANGE SIDES IN WAR AND THEY WILL BE ATTACKED BY THE ISRAELITES. IT WAS AT THIS EXACT MOMENT THAT THE PHILISTINE LEADERS DISCOVERED DAVID. QUITE UNEXPECTEDLY, IT WAS THESE WORRIES THAT GAVE DAVID A WAY OUT.

2. DAVID WITH GOD IN HIS HEART (V8-9)GOD’S PEACE IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE (V6-7)

(1) GOD’S PEACE IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLE (V6-7)

THE FACT THAT ACHISH SWORE BY THE LIVING LORD DID NOT ACTUALLY INDICATE THAT HE TRUSTED THE LORD, BUT RATHER THAT HE HONOURED DAVID. BUT IT MAY HAVE BEEN GOD’S WAY OF SHOWING DAVID GOD’S SAVING HAND THROUGH THE MOUTH OF ACHISH.

(2) DAVID WITH GOD IN HIS HEART (V8-9)

DAVID LOOKED LIKE HE DEFENDS HIMSELF , PRETENDING AS IF HE REALLY WANTED TO GET INTO THE WAR. WHO WAS HE REFERRING TO WHEN HE SAID, “THE LORD MY KING”? THIS DID NOT MEAN THAT DAVID WAS DETERMINED TO GO TO WAR, HE JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THE PHILISTINE LEADERS HAD AGAINST HIM.

(3) BY FOLLOWING GOD AND THERE IS A WAY OUT (V10-11)

ALTHOUGH DAVID TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO FLEE TO THE LAND OF PHILISTINES, WHICH LED TO THIS DILEMMA, HE WAS THANKFUL THAT HIS HEART ALWAYS FOLLOWED GOD. BUT DAVID WAS THANKFUL THAT HIS HEART ALWAYS FOLLOWED GOD. THOUGH THERE WERE WEAKNESSES THAT BROUGHT HIM INTO THE DILEMMA, HIS HEART TURNED TO GOD, LISTENED TO THE VOICE OF GOD IN HIS HEART, AND FOLLOWED GOD TILL THE END AND GOD OPENED A WAY OUT FOR DAVID.

CONCLUSION: IF YOU HAVE GOD IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY HOME!

ALTHOUGH DAVID’S FLIGHT TO PHILISTINE WAS NOT ORIGINALLY GOD’S WILL, THE LOVING GOD STILL REACHED OUT TO DAVID WHEN HE NEEDED HIM THE MOST, AND NOT ONLY MIRACULOUSLY LED DAVID OUT OF HIS DIFFICULT SITUATION, BUT AS WE’LL SEE NEXT, THIS TURN OF EVENTS EVEN HELPED HIM AND HIS COMPANIONS TO GET THEIR WIVES AND CHILDREN BACK.

EVEN THOUGH WE MAY SOMETIMES STRAY A LITTLE FROM THE PATH, HAVING GOD IN OUR HEARTS AND BELIEVING THAT HE IS ALWAYS THERE FOR US IS HIS LOVING-KINDNESS AND A GENTLE REMINDER THAT WALKING WITH HIM IS THE ONLY WAY TO BRING TRUE BLESSING AND PEACE.

22/08/2023

引言：

这章经文让我们看见，大卫和扫罗因为在困境中心里惧怕，忘记了神，以自己的方法应付问题，结果使自己陷入更大的困境！

一、投敌的大卫陷两难（V1-2）

上一章描述，大卫因害怕死在扫罗的追杀，就靠自己的想法逃奔非利士地寻求庇护。但是，却必须靠说谎欺骗来换取安定的生活。现在，更是面临要和非利士人一起去攻打以色列，陷入进退两难的局面！

当我们在进退两难的时候，正是要牢牢地抓紧神的时候！更要牢记得神曾经为我们成就的一切事！不然我们就会被恶者‘牢牢地抓住’！

二、交鬼的扫罗活见鬼（V3-25）

1. 扫罗问神 神却静默（V3-6）

扫罗惧怕非利士人的攻击，急着要求问神，但是神没有任何的回应。因为扫罗的心中只有王位，他对神的敬畏，只是想保住王位的手段而已！

我们都会面临许多事需要抉择，想要知道下一步神的旨意。但是要明白神旨意，不是在危急时才来求问；而是在乎我们平常跟神的关系、对神话语的认识。

2. 指神的名 誓要交鬼（V7-10）

扫罗求问神没有得到回答，他就想起死去的撒母耳，于是去找交鬼的妇人，甚至还以神的名起誓，交鬼妇人绝不会受到惩罚！扫罗为达成自己的目的，竟然不顾后果用神的名字亵渎神！

当一个人在绝望的时候，很常就会孤注一掷，什么事都有可能做！求神光照我们，有没有隐而未现的罪？有没有把神当做神？是否也会在情急中利用神的名？

3. 撒母耳回答何必问（V11-19）

当招了撒母耳上来时，扫罗就问他当如何行，而撒母耳的回答是：何必问（V16）！因为神的心意之前已向扫罗显明，要将国权交给大卫！如果再问的话，就是更明确的答案：明日你与你的众子必死！

当人以拜偶像的心态求问神，是无法得到神的启示，或是得到刑罚的启示。求主改变我们对神的态度！

4. 扫罗扑倒 因甚惧怕（V20-25）

当扫罗最需要指示和安慰的时候，撒旦反而叫他害怕扑倒。他已经没有信心和体力来应付下一场争战了。扫罗本想借着交鬼消除惧怕，结果却是更惧怕；本希望能找到出路，结果得知的却是死路！这是扫罗悖逆神不知悔改的结果！

总结：

大卫和扫罗这两个自陷困境的王，虽然在神面前都是罪人，但结果大卫蒙恩得救，扫罗却遭到弃绝。因为大卫懂得悔改归向神，而扫罗却是一意孤行，心中只有王位而没有神！

这道离你不远 (罗10:8)，其实只要真心向神认罪悔改，神必赦免。虽然罪罚仍会临到，因为这是罪的工价！但是神的赦免和同在，可以除去害怕！得回平安与永生！

1 SAMUEL 28 TWO KINGS IN TROUBLE
GK611 MORNING DEVOTION
22/8/2023
THE MORNING DEVOTION SPEAKER: PS. DANIEL KEW

INTRODUCTION：

THIS CHAPTER SHOWS US THAT BECAUSE DAVID AND SAUL WERE AFRAID AT THE CENTRE OF THEIR DIFFICULTIES, THEY FORGOT ABOUT GOD AND DEALT WITH THE PROBLEMS IN THEIR OWN WAYS, WHICH RESULTED IN EVEN GREATER DIFFICULTIES FOR THEMSELVES!

1. DAVID, WHO SURRENDERED TO THE ENEMY, WAS CAUGHT IN A DILEMMA (V1-2)

THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER DESCRIBED THAT DAVID FLED TO THE PHILISTINES TO SEEK REFUGE BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID OF BEING HUNTED BY SAUL. HOWEVER, HE MUST RELY ON LYING AND DECEPTION IN EXCHANGE FOR A STABLE LIFE. NOW, HE IS FACING A SITUATION WHERE HE NEEDS TO ATTACK ISRAEL WITH THE PHILISTINES AND IS CAUGHT IN A DILEMMA!

WHEN WE ARE IN A DILEMMA, IT IS TIME TO HOLD ON TO GOD FIRMLY! REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS THAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US! OTHERWISE, WE WILL BE ‘TIGHTLY GRASPED’ BY THE EVIL ONE!

2. SAUL, WHO COMMUNE WITH THE MEDIUM, MET THE DEAD (V3-25)

(1) SAUL ASKED GOD, BUT GOD WAS SILENT (V3-6)

FEARING THE ATTACKS OF THE PHILISTINES, SAUL ASKED GOD ANXIOUSLY, BUT GOD DID NOT RESPOND. BECAUSE SAUL ONLY HAD THE THRONE IN HIS HEART, AND HIS FEAR OF GOD WAS JUST A MEANS TO KEEP THE THRONE!

WE ALL FACE MANY DECISIONS AND WANT TO KNOW GOD’S WILL FOR THE NEXT STEP. BUT TO UNDERSTAND GOD’S WILL, WE DON’T JUST ASK FOR IT WHEN WE ARE IN A CRISIS; IT DEPENDS ON OUR USUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND OUR UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S WORDS.

(2) SWORE BY THE NAME OF GOD TO COMMUNE WITH MEDIUM (V7-10)

SAUL ASKED GOD AND GOT NO ANSWER, SO HE THOUGHT OF THE DEAD SAMUEL, SO HE WENT TO FIND A MEDIUM, AND EVEN SWORE IN THE NAME OF GOD THAT THE MEDIUM WOULD NEVER BE PUNISHED! TO ACHIEVE HIS OWN PURPOSE, SAUL USED THE NAME OF GOD TO BLASPHEME GOD REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES!

WHEN A PERSON IS IN DESPAIR, HE OFTEN PUTS ALL HIS EGGS IN ONE BASKET AND CAN DO ANYTHING! MAY GOD ENLIGHTEN US, IS THERE ANY HIDDEN SIN? DO YOU REGARD GOD AS GOD? DO YOU ALSO USE GOD’S NAME IN DESPERATION?

(3) SAMUEL ANSWERED WHY ASK (V11-19)

WHEN SAMUEL WAS CALLED UP, SAUL ASKED HIM WHAT HE SHOULD DO, AND SAMUEL’S ANSWER WAS:SO WHY DO YOU ASK ME? (V16)! BECAUSE GOD’S WILL HAD BEEN REVEALED TO SAUL BEFORE,TO HAND OVER THE KINGDOM TO DAVID! IF YOU ASK AGAIN, IT WILL BE A CLEARER ANSWER: TOMORROW YOU AND YOUR SONS WILL DIE!

WHEN PEOPLE INQUIRE OF GOD WITH AN IDOLATROUS MENTALITY, THEY CANNOT GET REVELATION FROM GOD, OR REVELATION OF PUNISHMENT. MAY THE LORD CHANGE OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS GOD!

(4) SAUL FELL DOWN BECAUSE OF GREAT FEAR (V20-25)

WHEN SAUL NEEDED INSTRUCTION AND COMFORT MOST, SATAN MADE HIM FALL WITH FEAR. HE NO LONGER HAS THE CONFIDENCE AND STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH THE NEXT BATTLE. SAUL WANTED TO USE COMMUNE WITH THE MEDIUM TO ELIMINATE HIS FEAR, BUT IN THE END, HE WAS EVEN MORE AFRAID; HE HOPED TO FIND A WAY OUT, BUT WHAT HE LEARNED WAS A DEAD END! THIS WAS THE RESULT OF SAUL’S DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD AND HIS LACK OF REPENTANCE!

CONCLUSION：

DAVID AND SAUL, TWO KINGS WHO WERE IN TROUBLE, BOTH WERE SINNERS BEFORE GOD, BUT IN THE END, DAVID WAS SAVED BY GRACE, BUT SAUL WAS REJECTED. BECAUSE DAVID KNEW HOW TO REPENT AND TURN TO GOD, BUT SAUL WAS DETERMINED TO GO HIS OWN WAY, WITH ONLY THE THRONE IN HIS HEART AND NO GOD!

IN FACT, “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU” (ROMANS 10:8), AS LONG AS YOU SINCERELY CONFESS AND REPENT TO GOD, GOD WILL FORGIVE YOU. ALTHOUGH THE PUNISHMENT WILL STILL COME BECAUSE THIS IS THE WAGES OF SIN! BUT GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND PRESENCE CAN REMOVE FEAR! GET BACK PEACE AND ETERNAL LIFE!

18/08/2023

引言：

大卫主动选择了他的第二次逃奔非利士地之旅。这个后来被神称为合神心意的大卫，他这次的决定是否合神心意？他是靠什么做决定？

一、出于恐惧决定出逃（V1-4）

1.被自己的心思惊吓（V1）

这里我们没有看到大卫寻求神的意思，他出逃的决定完全是出于自己的思想，对自己说必有一日会死在扫罗的手上。当大卫听从自己负面的声音，他就采取了行动，逃奔非利士地投靠亚吉王。

我们要小心分辨声音的来源，有时候会是从魔鬼而来，有时候是从自己的思想而来。

2.惧怕死亡决定逃避（V2-4）

大卫因着害怕死在扫罗手里，于是倚靠自己的聪明，认为逃避就是最佳的解决办法！这时大卫完全被恐惧胜过，因而选择一劳永逸的方法，带领跟随他的人，连投奔到拜假神的非利士人的地定居。

二、逃出之后仍然恐惧（V5-7）

大卫选择不要‘与王同住京都’（V5），实际上是因为对亚吉王也不放心，还是活在恐惧之中。虽然大卫到了非利士地，环境是平安了，但心里却没有平安，没有安全感，因为他忘记了依靠神！

我们不要逃避问题，而是在问题中依靠神，相信神在我们生命中有美好的计画，会带领我们度过一切的难关，进入神丰盛的应许之地！

三、选择说谎骗取信任（V8-12）

这段经文记载大卫用似是而非的谎言应付亚吉，以骗取亚吉王的信任。大卫是侵夺了以色列的土地，可是他击杀的都是以色列的仇敌！大卫现在不错是躲避了扫罗的追杀，但却要在亚吉面前，天天说谎，活在自欺欺人的愚昧中。

我们要从大卫的失败之中学到教训。不论顺境逆境，我们不要按自己的小聪明生活，不要想借着作假和谎言来逃避危机，而是事事寻求神的带领。

总结：一生一世求问神

神的百姓如果不用神的方法做决定、解决问题，却用属世的方法行事为人时，只会带来谎言生出谎言，并生出更多的不顺从。

我们要像大卫后来在诗篇中所说的：有一件事，我曾求耶和华，我仍要寻求，就是一生一世住在耶和华的殿中，瞻仰你的荣美，在你的殿里求问！

1 Samuel 27 What do I rely on to make decisions
GK611 Morning Devotion
18/8/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel

Introduction：

David voluntarily chose his second run away to the Philistines. This David, who was later called by God to be after God’s heart, was his decision this time in line with God’s heart? What does he rely on to make decisions?

I. Deciding to flee out of fear (V1-4)

1. Frightened by own mind (V1)

Here we don’t see David’s intention of seeking God. His decision to flee is entirely out of his own thinking, saying to himself that one day he will die at the hands of Saul. When David listened to his negative voice, he acted, fleeing to King Achish in the Philistine land.

We must be careful to distinguish the source of the voice, sometimes it is from the devil, and sometimes it is from our own thoughts.

2. Fear of death and decide to avoid (V2-4)

Because David was afraid of dying at the hands of Saul, he relied on his own wisdom and thought that escape was the best solution! At this time, David was completely overcome by fear, so he chose a once-for-all method, led his followers, and even went to settle in the land of the Philistines who worshipped false gods.

II. Still afraid after escaping (V5-7)

David chose not to “live in the royal city with the king” (V5), in fact, because he was not at ease with King Achish, and he was still living in fear. Although David arrived in the Philistine land, the environment was peaceful, but he had no peace and no sense of security in his heart because he forgot to rely on God!

We should not avoid problems, but rely on God in our problems, and believe that God has a wonderful plan in our life and will lead us through all difficulties and enter the land of abundant promise!

III. Choose to lie to gain trust (V8-12)

This passage records that David used plausible lies to deal with Achish in order to deceive King Achish’s trust. David invaded the land of Israel, but all he killed were the enemies of Israel! It is true that David has avoided Saul’s pursuit, but he has to lie every day in front of Achish, living in self-deception and ignorance.

We have to learn from David’s failure. Regardless of good times and bad times, we should not live according to our own cleverness, and we should not try to avoid crises by cheating and lying but seek God’s guidance in everything.

Conclusion: Seeking God for the rest of your life

When God’s people don’t make decisions and solve problems in God’s way but behave in worldly ways, it will only lead to lies create lies and more disobedience.

We must be like what David said later in the psalm: One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, to behold the Your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple!

17/08/2023

引言：再度

大卫从撒上19章就开始了他被扫罗追杀的逃亡生涯。在24章，隐基底的亞杜兰洞里，他原本就有机会可以杀死扫罗，结束逃亡的生涯登基做王。当时大卫虽让胜过了试探，知道杀扫罗不是神的心意。但在跟随的人游说下，还是悄悄的割下扫罗外袍的衣襟 ，之后才后悔自责说不可伸手害耶和华的受膏者。今天26章里同样的历史再度重演。扫罗又再追杀大卫，而大卫也再次有机会面对可以杀扫罗的试探。这次大卫的态度和回应又如何呢？

一、 扫罗再度陷入试探（V1-4）

当西弗人再次来通知扫罗大卫藏身之处时，扫罗的肉体再次发动，挑选的三千精兵出来追赶大卫了。

从经文中的人物作我们的提醒：

1.要定义致死肉体，否则它就会随时发动，使人陷入在试探当中而跌倒。

2.绝对不可成为人与人之间，挑起争竞、仇恨的西弗人。

3.人很容易偏向讲对自己有利的话，所以会隐瞒真实的一部份。我们不可以只听单方面的话就信以为真，要查验真假。

二、大卫再度得胜试探（V5-12）

1.面对危机，勇敢出击（V5-6）

大卫除了打发人去探听扫罗是否再次的来追杀自己外，更是勇敢的主动出击。带了外甥亚比筛，一起下到扫罗的军营去。

求神帮助我们做领袖的，当困难危机临到时，要有承担力，也要起来带动更多人来追求并经历神。使我们的属灵生命不断被提升、更成熟，对神的信心也越大。

2.以善胜恶，再度得胜（V7-9）

大卫再一次面对可以结束逃难的日子，登基作王的试探。连亚比筛都觉这是神要大卫杀扫罗的印证。但是，大卫敬畏神，深知神的心意。他依然选择不加害于神的受膏者。大卫再度活出以善胜恶的生命树素质，再次得胜试探！

3.与神同站，经历神迹（V10-12）

当大卫选择与神同站时，将扫罗生死判断的主权交给神。我们看到，尽管随从扫罗王的保镖将领众多，大卫却可以神迹般的拿走扫罗身旁的武器和水壶，与亚比筛两个人大摇大摆的走出军营。因为是神使他们沉沉地睡了。

要相信当我们不怕吃亏而愿意选择与神同站时，神也会站在我们这边。神介入就必会带来神迹奇事。

三、属神选择再度提升（V13-25）

从大卫的申诉内容，我们再次看到他的生命和身量不断的被神提升，是因为他最关心和看重的是：

1.与神亲近（V19-20A）

大卫在被扫罗追杀，颠沛流离，居无定所，生命受威胁时，他最关心的，不是物质的损失，也不是精神情感的损伤，更不是能不能作以色列的王。大卫最关心和看重的乃是他不能在神的应许地敬拜祂，也不能与神的百姓在神的圣殿中一同敬拜祂。

2.追逐琐事（V20B）

虼蚤=比喻微不足道的存在。鹧鸪=是一种比鸡还要小的鸟类。

扫罗身为以色列王，放下国家大事不管。为了自己的私欲，劳民伤财的到处追杀一个微不足道，像跳蚤、鹧鸪的大卫。一生都浪费在追逐琐碎的事，最后不但什么都没得着，还遗臭万年。

3.再度提升（V21-25A）

扫罗虽再次悔改，却不明白神的心意。所以他对大卫说：‘我必不再加害於你’ 。但是大卫的回答却是：‘愿耶和华也重看我的性命’。大卫深知自己的生与死在神的手中，并且认定神必拯救他脱离一切患难。扫罗也第二次公开的祝福和宣告大卫全然得胜！

总结：选择走神的路（V25B）

V25B於是大卫起行，扫罗回他的本处去了。大卫选择与神同行，继续往前走神的路。但扫罗却选择回到他的本处，走回从前旧我的老路。

属灵生命的成长免不了要经历一次又一次的考验，仇敌也会注入许多试探。都是神儿女必经的路途。但愿在苦难逼迫中，我们每次的选择都是走神的路。使生命再度得胜，再度提升！

1 Samuel 26: Once Again Victory, Once Again Elevated
GK611 Morning Devotion
17/8/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Deborah

Introduction: Once Again

In Chapter 19 of 1 Samuel, David began his escape journey when he was hunted down by Saul. In Chapter 24, in the Cave of Adullam in En-Gedi, he had the opportunity to kill Saul, end his fugitive life and become king. Although David overcame the temptation to kill Saul at that time, under the urging of his followers, he quietly cut off the edge of Saul’s robe and later regretted that he should not stretch out his hands to harm Jehovah’s anointed. The same history repeats itself today in chapter 26. David had another chance to face the temptation to kill Saul. What about David’s attitude and response this time?

I. Saul fell into temptation again (v1-4)

When the Ziphites came again to inform Saul of David’s hiding place, Saul’s body was mobilized again, and the selected three thousand elite soldiers came out to pursue David.

Reminder from the characters in the scriptures:
1.The deadly flesh must be defined, otherwise, it will be activated at any time, causing people into temptation and fall.
2.Absolutely not to be a Ziph who provokes competition and hatred between people.
3.It is easy for people to say things that are beneficial to themselves, so they will conceal part of the truth. We can’t just listen to one-sided words and believe them to be true, we must check the truth and deception.

II. David overcomes temptation once again (v5-12)

1. Facing the crisis, attack bravely (v5-6)

In addition to sending people to find out whether Saul came to hunt him down again, David took the initiative to attack bravely. He took his nephew Abishai with him and went down to Saul’s camp.

Ask God to help us as leaders, when difficulties and crises come, we must be able to take responsibility, and we must rise and drive more people to pursue and experience God. Make our spiritual life continuously improve and mature, and our confidence in God will also increase.

2. Overcoming evil with good and once again victory (v7-9)

Once again David faced the temptation to end his exile and ascend the throne. Even Abishai felt that this was a sign that God wanted David to kill Saul. However, David feared God and knew God’s will very well. He still chooses not to harm God’s anointed. David once again lived out the essence of the Tree of Life that overcomes evil with good and overcame temptation!

3. Stand with God and experience miracles (v10-12)

When David chose to stand with God, he handed over the sovereignty of Saul’s life and death judgment to God. We have seen that although many bodyguards and generals are accompanying King Saul, David can miraculously take away the spear and the jug of water beside Saul and walk out of the barracks with Abishai. For it was God who put them into a deep sleep.

We must believe that when we are not afraid of losing money and are willing to choose to stand with God, God will also stand with us. God’s intervention will surely bring about miracles.

3. Godly choice causing elevation once again (v13-25)

From the content of David’s appeal, we can see once again that his life and stature were constantly being elevated by God, because what he cared about and valued most was:

1. Draw near to God (v19-20a)

When David was hunted down by Saul, he was displaced, he had no place to live, and when his life was threatened, what he cared most about was not material loss, nor emotional damage, nor whether he could be the king of Israel. David’s greatest concern and value was that he could not worship God in the promised land or with God’s people in God’s temple.

2. Chasing Trivia (v20b)

Fleas = a metaphor for insignificant existence. Partridge = is a bird smaller than a chicken

As the king of Israel, Saul put aside the important affairs of the country. For his selfish desires, he spends money chasing and killing an insignificant David who looks like a flea or a partridge. A whole life was wasted chasing trivial things, and in the end not only got nothing but also left a bad name forever.

3. Elevated once again (v21-25a)

Although Saul repented again, he did not understand God’s will. So, he said to David, “I will harm you no more”. But David’s answer was: “May my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord”. David knew that his life and death were in the hands of God, and he believed that God would save him from all tribulation. Saul also publicly blessed and declared David’s complete victory for the second time!

Conclusion: Choose God’s Way (v25b)

David chose to walk with God and continue to walk God’s way. But Saul chose to return to his original place and walk back to the old way of the old self.

The growth of spiritual life will inevitably go through tests again and again, and the enemy will also inject many temptations. It is the path that the children of God must go through. I hope that while suffering and persecution, every choice we make is to walk the way of God. Make life Once Again Victory, Once Again Elevated!

16/08/2023

引言：吃亏就是占便宜，占便宜就是吃亏

一、谦卑摆上的撒母耳 （V1）

撒母耳一生谦卑为神摆上，一生膏立了两位王。撒母耳死了，大卫即不能再倚靠撒母耳，也可能担心扫罗不守诺言，就吓到巴兰的狂野了。

二、愚顽又傲慢的拿八 （V2-13）

1. 名如其人 (V2-3)

拿八的名字或许是别人为他取的绰号，意思是‘愚顽’。可见他在人的眼中或是活出来的生命就是愚顽的生命。相反的，他的夫人则是亚比该，意思是‘我父是喜乐’，一位以父神为乐的人最后被神建立。

2. 回答愚顽惹祸上身 （V4-12）

大卫的仆人谦卑拜访，可是换来的是拿八的讥讽。他嘲笑大卫是悖逆扫罗奔逃的仆人。他并没有看见神的手，而且否定大卫。结果差一点酿成灭族之祸。

三、一时冲动的大卫 （V13）

傲慢的拿八却完全没有把大卫放在眼里，而且还公然羞辱他。大卫在过去都有柔和谦卑、忍耐顺服和非常节制的形象。但是这一刻因为自尊被伤，就被愤怒冲昏了头脑，而且命令各人都要带上刀，要找拿八算账。这里提醒我们，越是属灵的人，越要留心自己隐藏的肉体的软弱。

四、谦和智慧的亚比该 （V14-35）

1. 识时务者为俊杰 （V14-20）

亚比该只是从仆人听见，就意识到不对，马上随机应变，因为她明白大卫是神所拣选的仆人。她的选择并不是辩解，或是指责丈夫和怪罪任何人，而是把责任揽到自己身上，然后用实际的行动调动所有人预备礼物要去迎接大卫。

2. 说话合宜化冲突 （V21-31）

谦卑柔和的亚比该放下自己俯伏在大卫脚前，她也坦诚丈夫的软弱。她完全放下自己，只高举神，既诚恳又得体，处处为大卫着想。最后帮助到大卫，没有酿成大错。

3. 敬畏神且有见识 （V32-35）

大卫称赞亚比该的见识，见识原文的意思是一个人的判断力。她是一位敬畏神且有智慧判断里的妇女，面对冲突时，她不是以恶报恶，而是以神为先。

五、赏罚分明公义的神 （V36-44）

1. 神击打拿八 (V36-38)

凡自高的，比降为卑，拿八羞辱神的的受膏者，最后的结局就是被神击打。因为他的行为就如侮辱神一样。

2. 神建立提升亚比该 (V39-44)

自卑的，必升为高，亚比该从寡妇提升成了未来的王后。

总结：不一样的生命带来不一样的结局

拿八丝毫不顾念大卫曾经帮助他、守护他的产业，反而用言语羞辱大卫。感恩亚比该很有智慧又很谦卑，才化解了一触即发的冲突。傲慢的生命带来祸患，谦卑又柔软的生命则带来了平安。无论是对待人还是面对神，都让我们保有一颗谦卑的心！

1 Samuel 25 Different lives, different endings
GK611 Morning Devotion
16/8/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co- worker Asher Chang

Introduction: It may seem like a loss but actually is a gain

1. Samuel who humbly offer up (V1)

Samuel humbled himself for God and anointed two kings in his life. After Samuel’s death, David could no longer rely on Samuel, and probably feared that Saul would not keep his promise, so he was afraid of Balaam’s wildness.

2. The foolish and arrogant Nabal (V2-13)

(1) As the name implies (V2-3)

Nabal’s name may have been a nickname given to him by others, meaning ‘foolish’. It is evident that he was seen or lived out a life of foolishness and obstinacy. On the other hand, his wife was Abigail, which means ‘my Father is joy’, a man who took pleasure in his Father God and was eventually established by God.

2. Answering Foolishness and Facing Trouble (V4-12)

David’s servant humbled himself and visited, but was rewarded with the mockery of Nabal. He mocked David as a servant who had fled against Saul. He did not see the hand of God and denied David. The result was nearly the end of the family.

3. David was in the heat of the moment (V13)

The haughty Nabal, however, had no regard for David at all and had publicly humiliated him. David had been portrayed in the past as gentle and humble, patient and submissive, and very temperate. But at this moment, because of his wounded pride, he was overcome with anger and ordered everyone to bring a sword to settle the score with Nabal. Here we are reminded that the more spiritual a person is, the more he must be aware of his hidden weaknesses of the flesh.

4. The Humble and Wise Abigail (V14-35)

(1) The man who knows when to do his duty (V14-20)

Abigail realised from the mere fact that her servant had heard, that something was wrong, and immediately improvised, for she understood that David was God’s chosen servant. Her choice was not to defend herself or blame her husband or anyone else, but to take the blame on herself and then to mobilise all the people to prepare a gift to meet David.

(2) Speaking well to resolve conflict (V21-31)

Abigail, humble and gentle, laid herself down at David’s feet and confessed her husband’s weakness. She completely laid herself down and exalted God, and was both sincere and decent, thinking of David in every way. In the end, she helped David and did not make a big mistake.

(3) God-fearing and insightful (V32-35)

David praised Abigail’s insight, which means one’s judgement. She was a woman who feared God and had wise judgement. When faced with conflict, she did not repay evil for evil, but put God first.

5. A Righteous God Who Punishes and Rewards (V36-44)

(1) God struck Nabal (V36-38)

The anointed one who exalts himself and humiliates God like Nabal will end up being struck by God, for his behaviour is like insulting God.

(2) God establishes and exalts Abigail (V39-44)

He who humbles himself will be exalted. Abigail was exalted from a widow to a future queen.

Conclusion: Different lives lead to different endings.

Nabal had no regard for David’s help and protection of his property, but instead humiliated David with his words. Thanks to Abigail’s wisdom and humility, the conflict was resolved. A haughty life brings trouble, but a humble and soft life brings peace. Whether we are dealing with people or with God, let us keep a humble heart!

15/08/2023

引言：不要以常人的反应去反应！

一、你可以任意待你的敌人（撒上24:1-4）

1.小羊之泉有恩膏（V1）

隐基底的意思是小羊的泉源，大卫是主所宝贝的羊，躲藏在小羊的泉源，这不正是他最大的保障吗？难怪神的帮助显而易见，而且深深影响着许多人。甚至时至今日的我们也从中得益。我们都要藏身神的隐基底！

2.恶人三千追义人（V2）

大卫越显出义行，越照出扫罗的恶。为了心中的嫉妒，竟然要动用国家的三千精兵？可见人心一旦被蒙蔽，所做的错事是无限的放大而不自觉的。我们真要反省自己在做什么？说什么？我们的言行举止合乎真理吗？

3.人有三急真要命（V3）

国王率兵出战，半途出现内急，非得立刻找地方解决不可；又那么凑齐走进大卫和随从所躲藏的山洞，这岂不都是神的计划和安排吗？每一件事的发生其实都有神的美意和功课可以学习。无论是扫罗、大卫、随从和我们···。

4.显明真相显本事（V4）

大卫的随从看到神如何恩待大卫，把敌人的命交在大卫手中。但是大卫有更高的看见，我要得着仇敌的心而非仇敌的命。于是大卫只悄悄割下扫罗外袍的衣襟。大卫此时应该已经盘算好下一步要面对扫罗的计划。除灭仇敌的更好方法是成为朋友，而非除灭对方。

二、善意善行且活出真善美（撒上24:5-7）

割下王袍衣襟而自责！何等美善、礼仪、敬畏神而有的生命见证。越是在生命低谷的考验中，越显出出污泥而不染的真实美善。这正是神看中大卫而嘉奖的生命啊!

三、把握时机恰时显明真相（撒上24:8-15）

1.显出真实灵命见证（V8-9）

给敌人一个措手不及的真爱表达！对王的尊称、礼貌的下拜、一针见血的表白、神显出布局的事实；表明自己的忠诚与对神的敬畏，自己对王完全没有任何敌意或不敬之心。

这是给敌人看到自己的良善、给跟随者看到生命的美善、给神看到灵命的至善。最终可以荣神益人！

2.谦卑之至以善胜恶（V11-15）

我父啊！亲切的显明彼此的关系，并且扫罗的衣襟在手为证，大卫的刀确实就在扫罗身后，要杀扫罗根本是轻而易举的事。大卫显明完全没有要加害父王篡位之意，而且形容自己如同死狗、如同虼蚤，不足让王来对付。其实神就在他们中间主持公道，显明真相。

四、人心苏醒还得乘胜追击（撒上24:16-22）

在真理和真心话语的震慑之下，人心会掀起悔改的波涛，并且作出当下的悔改。这时若有真理的跟进者紧紧培育，真道的生命就会茁壮成长，甚至开花结果。可惜，没有人在真理中继续跟进，悔改的心就很容易被仇敌偷窃，以致邪灵可以再度入侵而变本加厉。

对一个悔改信主的人也是如此，在真理光照和有感染力的见证声中，人心会受感而作出对真理的回应。但是这也只是领受福音的稻种被放置在心上。如果没有人继续跟进保守、照管、浇灌，飞鸟一来就把稻种给吃掉了。这正是我们要留心和努力培植初信者的法则啊！

总结：从大卫与扫罗的人性得启发

两位蒙拣选的器皿，一个遵循真理，一个离弃真理，两者的生命何其不同，你会效法谁呢？我想大家都认为自己当然是选择效法大卫。但是事实上真的如此吗？因为扫罗的属性更像一般人性的作风不是吗？求圣灵帮助我们。

1 Samuel 24【A life that repays evil with good】
GK611 Morning Devotion
15/8/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction: Don’t react with ordinary people’s reactions!

1. You can do what you want to your enemies (1 Samuel 24:1-4)

(1) Spring of the Young Goat is Anointed (V1)

En Gedi means spring of the young goat. David is the precious sheep of the Lord, and he hides in the spring of the young goat. Isn’t this his greatest protection? No wonder God’s help is evident and deeply affects so many. Even today we benefit from it. We shall all hide in God’s En Gedi!

(2) Three Thousand of Wicked People Pursue the Righteous (V2)

The more righteousness David showed, the more he revealed the wickedness of Saul. For the sake of jealousy in his heart, he actually wanted to use the nation’s three thousand elite soldiers. It can be seen that once people’s hearts are deceived, the wrong things they do will be infinitely magnified without realising it. Do we really need to reflect on what we are doing? What we say? Are our words and deeds consistent with the truth?

(3) The need to answer the nature call are horrific (V3)

When the king led his troops to battle, he had urgency to go to the toilet badly in the middle of the battle, and he had to find a place to solve it immediately; and so coincidentally he walked into the cave where David and his followers were hiding. Isn’t this God’s plan and arrangement? Everything that happens has God’s will and lessons to learn. Be it Saul, David, the followers, and us…

(4) Show the truth and reveal the ability (V4)

David’s followers saw how God was gracious to David and entrusted the life of his enemies into David’s hands. But David has a higher vision, he wants to win the heart of the enemy, not the life of the enemy. So, David just quietly cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. At this time, David should have already planned his next strategy to face Saul. A better way to kill an enemy is to be a friend than to kill each other.

2. Good intentions and good deeds, live out the truth, goodness and beauty (1 Samuel 24:5-7)

Cut off the edge of the king’s robe and blame oneself! What a testimony of goodness, manners, and fear of God. The more you are in the test of the trough of life, the more you will show the true beauty that is not stained by mud. This is exactly the kind of life God rewarded David for!

3. Seize the opportunity to reveal the truth at the right time (1 Samuel 24:8-15)

(1) Show true spiritual testimony (V8-9)

Give the enemy an expression of true love by surprise! The respectful title of the king, the polite bow down, the sharp confession, the fact that God showed his plan; he showed his loyalty and reverence for God, and he had no hostility or disrespect towards the king at all.

This is to show enemies the goodness of oneself, show followers the beauty and goodness of life, and show God the supreme goodness of spiritual life. In the end, it can glorify God and benefit people!

(2) Humble to a point that overcome evil with good (V11-15)

My father! The relationship between each other is shown affectionately, and the corner of Saul’s robe is in his hand as evidence that David’s sword is indeed behind Saul, and it is a breeze to kill Saul. David showed that he had absolutely no intention of harming his father and usurping the throne and described himself as a dead dog and a flea, not worthy enough for the king to deal with. In fact, God is upholding justice among them and revealing the truth.

4. When the hearts of the people are awakened, they must pursue the victory (1 Samuel 24:16-22)

Under the awe of the truth and sincere words, people’s hearts will set off waves of repentance and make immediate repentance. At this time, if there are followers of the truth who are closely nurturing, the life of the truth will thrive, and even blossom and bear fruit. Unfortunately, if no one continues to follow up in the truth, the heart of repentance can easily be stolen by the enemy, so that evil spirits can invade again and intensify.

The same is true for a person who repents and believes in the Lord. In the light of the truth and the capturing testimony, the heart will be inspired to respond to the truth. But this is just the seeds of receiving the gospel being placed in the heart. If no one continues to follow up, take care of, and water, the birds will eat the seeds as soon as they come. This is exactly the law that we should pay attention to and work hard to cultivate new believers!

Conclusion: Inspired by the humanity of David and Saul

There are two chosen vessels, one follows the truth and the other forsakes the truth. How different are the lives of the two? Who will you imitate? I think everyone thinks that of course they choose to be like David. But is this really the case? Because the attributes of Saul are more like the style of ordinary human nature, isn’t it? Ask the Holy Spirit to help us.