Year: 2023

17/03/2023

引言：

圣经中多次提到那日，指的就是主再来时候的审判日。有关人类的结局和命运会如何，世人都非常好奇想要知道，其实答案都在圣经的里面！在圣经中有关末世信息的经文其实一共有150章，而玛拉基书第4章其实是其中非常重要的一章！

一、神的大而可畏之日

1.恶人的结局（V1）
在神大而可畏的审判日临到的时候，所有不信的恶人，他们的身体都会被火烧尽，然而他们的灵魂则会落在永不熄灭的火湖中，接受永远的极刑。

2.义人的结局（V2-3）
在神大而可畏的审判日临到的时候，敬畏神的义人要复活过来，并得着神完完全全的医治。他们必要欢喜快乐，在神公义的审判下，践踏一切不信的恶人。

二、做好准备迎接那日

1. 记念神的律例典章（V4）
对于迎接主的再来，我们首先要做的，就是尊重圣经，也就是神的话语，不仅要认真地去读，而且也要竭力地去活出来。

2. 顺服以利亚的工作（V5-6）
对于迎接主的再来，我们第二样要做的，就是要顺服圣灵，也就是以利亚的灵所在做的先知性的工作。无论我们是作为肉身或属灵的父亲，还是作为肉身或属灵的孩子，让我们都要学习先做转向的人，去修复那些破损的关系，好让我们在神的恩典下去度过主再来以前世界所会面对的大灾难。

总结：

让我们都要带着一颗敬畏的心去迎接神大而可畏的审判日。要知道我们持守圣洁，走在讨神喜悦的道路上并不是徒然的。当主再来的时候，我们的身体必要得着完全的修复，进入到那个永不朽坏的身体中！

所以如今，当我们继续在预备自己等候主再来的日子里，我们要诚实并认真地去看待神的话语，并竭力地去活出来。同时，我们也要欢迎圣灵，也就是以利亚的灵所要做的工作。让我们都选择首先做那个转向的人，去修复一切破损的关系，好让我们在神的恩典下胜过末后的达灾难，并最终迎接主的再来！

Malachi 4: Meet that day with awe
GK611 Morning Devotion
17/03/2023
Speaker: IP Moses Ou + Rev David Tan

Introduction:

The Day is mentioned many times in the Bible, referring to the Day of Judgment at the Lord’s return. The world is very curious to know what the end and destiny of mankind will be, but the answer is in the Bible! There are actually 150 chapters in the Bible about the end time message, and Malachi 4 is actually one of the most important chapters!

1. The great and fearful day of God

(1) The end of the wicked (V1)
When the great and fearful day of God’s judgment comes, all the unbelieving wicked will have their bodies consumed by fire, yet their souls will fall into the lake of fire, which will never be quenched, and receive eternal death.

(2) The end of the righteous (V2-3)
At the coming of the great and awesome day of judgment of God, the righteous who fear God will be raised up, and will receive the complete healing of God. They will rejoice and be glad, and trample down all the unbelieving wicked under the righteous judgment of God.

2. Preparation for that day

(1) Remember God’s laws and regulations (V4)
The first thing we must do for welcoming the Lord’s return is to respect the Bible, which is the Word of God, not only by reading it carefully, but also by living it out with all our might.

(2) Submit to the work of Elijah (V5-6)
The second thing we must do to welcome the Lord’s return is to submit to the prophetic work of the Holy Spirit, that is, the prophetic work that Elijah’s spirit was doing. Whether we are as physical or spiritual fathers, or as physical or spiritual children, let us learn to be a person who will turn, to repair those broken relationships so that we can go through the great tribulation that the world will face before the Lord’s return by the grace of God.

Conclusion:

Let us all meet God’s great and fearful judgment day with a reverent heart. Know that it is not in vain that we keep holy and walk in the way of pleasing God. When the Lord returns, our bodies must be completely restored to the body that will never perish!

So now, as we continue to prepare ourselves for the day of the Lord’s return, we are to look honestly and seriously at the Word of God, and to live it out with all our might. At the same time, we are to welcome the work that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Elijah, will do. Let us all choose to be the ones who turn first to repair all broken relationships, so that we may, by God’s grace, overcome the end-time tribulation and finally welcome the Lord’s return!

16/03/2023

引言：叶公好龙

一、回到主来的预备中（V1-6）

1.你预备好了吗？
立约的使者-弥赛亚
在先知书里，忽然一词通常是代表灾难或审判的到来。

当时，是圣殿重建完成之后已经83年了。百姓因为弥赛亚迟迟还没回到锡安，所以失望地质疑，公义的神在哪里呢？表面看来，他们好像是很属灵的渴慕主和已经预备好等候弥赛亚的到来。但实际上他们的所作所为，正如叶公好龙一样，根本没有预备好自己的心。如果主真的当下来的话，他们的结局将会是灾难和灭亡的审判。

主再来的日子近了，我们预备好了吗？

2.你敷衍了事吗？
接着先知说神会在他们意想不到的时候突然进入祂的殿。神立约的使者来到的时候是要做洁净、审判、炼净、而且熬炼的工作。洁净将从责任重大的利未人也就是祭司开始。审判从神的家开始。因为他们是带领百姓先献祭予神的人。因为他们要先恢复起初对神的爱和信靠，并成为敬畏神合用的器皿，这样才能凭公义献上供物给耶和华，而不是敷衍了事地事奉。

弟兄姐妹，今天我们对神的事奉是尽心尽意的吗？还是敷衍了事？神是有怜悯和丰盛的慈爱、而继续不断的给我们机会的神。但我们不要滥用神的恩典。让我们不要敷衍了事，而是抓住每一个可以调整生命和态度的机会，对齐神、备好自己等候主的再来。

二、回到丰盛的赏赐中（V7-12）

1.失去祝福的破口（V7-9）
以色列人以为当献的就是奉献、 有参与事奉、有敬拜就以为是了。可是在神的眼中这些的奉献只不过是基本当纳的而已。十分之一和当献的供物是属于神的。不是我们的，所以不可以留下给自己用。经文告诉我们，如果我们没有献上，就会自招咒诅。

弟兄姐妹，如果我们当中还有人没有履行十一奉献，今天就堵住这失去祝福，自招咒诅的破口。把当纳归还给神，回到神早已给我们预备的丰盛赏赐中。

2.得神丰盛的途径（V10-12）
神接着给以色列人一个挑战，就是在奉献上试试祂。‘试试’的原文跟‘试探’是同一个词。神禁止人试探神，唯独在这处圣经，却挑战百姓试试祂。神为什么‘赌’到这样大，是因为钱是人最难胜过的诱惑。耶稣说不能事奉2个主。尤其是事奉神的人一定要胜过金钱，不然很难专心服事神。

三、回到完全的顺服中（V7-12）

我们会否也向以色列人那样，凭眼前的遭遇，只看见神永远计划中的一个小片段的人间事故，便怀疑神的公义，以为敬虔事奉神是枉然，就妄下定论呢？单单因见别人行恶未受报，便不想忠心事奉神，不愿继续过敬虔生活，甚至想照样去行恶，这并非出于正义而打抱不平，乃是要为自己的灵性堕落找借口。

四、回到敬虔的生活中（V16-18）

1. 渴慕所做蒙纪念（V16）
‘那时’指的是当那些不敬畏神的人在顶撞、抱怨神不公平同时，神却藉先知告诉以色列百姓，祂非常在意敬畏祂的人所谈论的事，并且侧耳倾听。 而凡是敬畏神、思念祂名的人，他们所谈论的，神都会记录在祂面前的纪念册上。

当我们看到傲慢自大，行恶的人依然过着好日子，不要为作恶的心怀不平，也不要在乎他们什么时候才会遭报。反之，要留意自己的一举一动是否被神纪录在祂面前的纪念册上。

2. 渴慕行善事奉神（V17-18）
在神所定的日子，就是主耶稣施行进入千年国度之前的审判的时候，神说将把善人和恶人，事奉神的和不事奉神的，分别出来。得奖赏或被刑罚就看我们在世上是否敬虔度日？所以我们要渴慕行善和争取每个事奉神的机会。

总结：

信实神在我们生命的每时每刻都以祂的真理法则和慈绳爱索引导我们走入祂为我们早已预备的福分。让我们常常检视我们的心，以悔改的生命常常回转到神的心意中。

Malachi 3: Returning to the Heart of God
GK611 Morning Devotion
16/03/2023
Speaker: Ps Deborah + Rev David Tan

Introduction: Lord Ye loves dragons

I. Back to the preparations for the Lord’s return (V1-6)

1. Are you ready?
Messenger of the Covenant – Messiah
In prophetic books, the word “suddenly” usually signifies the coming of disaster or judgment.

At that time, it was 83 years after the rebuilding of the temple. Because the Messiah has not returned to Zion, the people are disappointed and started questioning, where is the righteous God? On the surface, they seemed to be spiritually longing for the Lord and ready for the coming of the Messiah. But in fact, their actions, just like Ye Gong loves dragons, did not prepare their hearts at all. If the Lord really comes, their end will be a judgment of disaster and destruction.

The day of the Lord’s return is near, are we ready?

2. Are you serving halfheartedly?
Then the prophet said that God would suddenly enter His temple when they didn’t expect it. When God’s covenant messengers come, they will do the work of cleansing, judging, purifying, and refining. Cleansing would begin with the accountable Levites, that is the priests. Judgment begins at the house of God as they are the ones who lead the people to offer sacrifices to God. This is because they must first restore their initial love and trust in God, and become suitable vessels who fear God, so that they can present offerings to Jehovah in righteousness, instead of serving in a hasty manner.

Brothers and sisters, are we serving God with all our hearts and soul today? Or being hasty? God is merciful and abounding in love, and He continues to give us opportunities. But let us not misuse God’s grace. Let us not be hasty but seize every opportunity to adjust our lives and attitudes, align ourselves with God, and prepare ourselves for the return of the Lord.

2. Return to the rich reward (V7-12)

(1) The gap of losing blessing (V7-9)
The Israelites thought that what they should offer was dedication, that they took part in the service and worshipped. But in the eyes of God, these offerings are nothing more than basic dues. Tithes and offerings belong to God. It’s not ours, so we can’t keep it for ourselves. The scriptures tell us that if we don’t give, we bring upon ourselves a curse.

Brothers and sisters, if there are any of us who have not fulfilled our tithes, let us close this opening today that breaches our blessing and invites our own curses. Pay back the dues to God and return to the rich rewards that God has already prepared for us.

(2) The path to God’s abundance (V10-12)
God then gave the Israelites a challenge to test Him in dedication. The original text of ‘try’ is the same word as ‘test’. God forbids people to test God, but only here in the Bible, the people are challenged to try Him. The reason why God “gambled” so much is that money is the most difficult temptation for man to overcome. Jesus said cannot serve two masters. In particular, those who serve God must overcome money, otherwise, it will be difficult to concentrate on serving God.

3. Return to perfect obedience (v7-12)

Will we also be like the Israelites, relying on what happened before us, seeing only a small fragment of unfair incidents in God’s eternal plan, and start doubting God’s justice, thinking that it is useless to serve God reverently, and jumping to conclusions? Just because you see others doing evil without getting retribution, you don’t want to serve God faithfully, you don’t want to continue to live a godly life, and you even want to do evil in the same way.

4. Return to a godly life (V16-18)

(1) In remembrance of what you desire to do (V16)
“At that time” refers to when those who did not fear God were contradicting and complaining that God was unfair, God told the people of Israel through the prophets that He cared very much about what those who feared Him said, and He paid attention to listen. And all those who fear God honoured His name, what they talked about, God will record in the l of remembrance before Him.

When we see arrogant, evil people still living a good life, don’t feel miserable and don’t bother when they will be punished. On the contrary, pay attention to whether your every move is recorded in the book of remembrance before Him.

(2) Desire to do good and serve God (v17-18)
On the day appointed by God, that is, when the Lord Jesus will execute the judgment before entering the thousand-year kingdom, God said that he will separate the good from the wicked, and those who serve God from those who do not. Whether we are rewarded or punished depends on whether we live godly in this world. So, we must desire to do good and strive for every opportunity to serve God.

Conclusion：

At every moment of our lives, the faithful God guides us into the blessings He has prepared for us with His laws of truth and cords of love. Let us examine our hearts frequently, and return to God’s will with a life of repentance.

15/03/2023

引言：最后的意义重大

过去父母最后再问还要不要晚餐的时候，如果回答不要了，半夜肚子饿还可以偷偷打开冰箱的门，看看还有没有食物可以吃。今天如果是天堂的门，要关了，我们没有权利可以开的时候，我们的回应会是怎样呢？

昨天经文提醒我们信仰的生命，今天是讲我们事奉的生命。仿佛神在很认真对我们每一个人说话。是对我们每一个最后的呼召！

一、起来，君尊的祭司！

1. 认真地听从（V1-3）
我们都是认识神服事神的祭司。放在心上的听从是非常认真的听从与顺服。我们若认真听从顺服神，就能长久活在神的祝福里。我们若离弃神，不把神的话当一回事，咒诅就会临到我们。连我们的后代也会遭殃，一同被神除去。

2. 存敬畏的心（V4-7）
存敬畏神的心就如把神的的每一句话都记在心里，不做神不喜悦的神。就如诗篇第一篇所形容的，唯喜爱耶和华的律法，昼夜思想，这人便为有福。生命和平安的约是从人对神的敬畏和顺服而来的。

神设立祭司的制度，是要我们与神同行，成为神的使者。一颗敬畏神的心，是完全放下自己，活出神的道，不绊倒别人。

3. 回到神的道（V8-9）
堕落的祭司就会误导百姓。一列火车的列车长若自行把火车驶出轨道，车里的人都会有生命的危险。今天我们不是单顾自己而已，而要看重我们的在神眼中的身份。是君尊的祭司，不要因体贴肉体，结果绊倒别人。

二、活出，圣洁的国度！

1. 遵守神立的约（V10）
诡诈就是不忠实、没有信用。当我们用诡诈的心来对待人的时候，就如我们诡诈对待神。若对神对人没有了爱，剩下的就是诡诈，就如背弃了神的约。我们要更多认识神的爱，回应神的爱，回到神的约里面。

2. 跟随神的圣洁（V11-12）
事奉外邦神的女子，就如外邦神的儿女。祭司就如神的儿女，体贴了肉体，娶了外邦神的儿女，子孙后代就会跟随母亲敬拜敬拜外邦偶像，不再成为神的后裔。

对我们而言，更应该深思的是，我们有没有把神的吩咐认真地放在我们心里面，明白神的圣洁。神曾经很多次吩咐以色列百姓不要娶外邦的女子，到了最后一卷书还在提这件事情。如此可以看见人的悖逆和神的耐心。

3. 喜爱神的婚姻（V13-16）
神喜悦的婚姻是一男一女、一夫一妻、一生一世。神有能力为亚当造多位的妻子，但祂只造了夏娃，是为了带来虔诚的后裔。

总结：最后的警告，你是否愿意回应？（V17）

今天神透过话语在问我们一次，我们是否愿意起来回应？烦琐的原文是使人厌倦、感到疲倦。我们的祷告不会使神厌烦，只有我们的罪孽会使神厌倦。

诡诈的心带来咒诅管教临到就苦了自己。神严厉警告我们目的不是为了要咒诅人，而是要人谨守我们的心，及时悔改！以便重回祝福的应许。

Malachi 2: The Last Call
GK611 Morning Devotion
15/03/2023
Speaker: Asher Chang + Rev David Tan

Introduction: The Last Call has significant meaning

In the past, when parents asked if they wanted dinner at the end, if they answered no, they could still open the door of the refrigerator in the middle of the night to see if there was any food left to eat if they were hungry. What would our response be today if the door to heaven were to close and we had no right to open it?

Yesterday the scripture reminded us of the life of faith, today it is about the life of our ministry. It is as if God is speaking to each one of us very seriously. It is a last call to each one of us!

1. Arise, priests of the King’s honour!

(1) Listen attentively to （V1-3）
We are all priests who know God and serve Him. Hearing and obeying that is put on the heart is very serious hearing and obeying. If we listen and obey God earnestly, we will live long in God’s blessing. If we turn away from God and do not take God’s Words seriously, the curse will come upon us. Even our descendants will be cursed and removed by God together.

(2). Have a fearful heart （V4-7）
To have the fear of God is to take to heart every Word of God and not to do things that does not please God. Blessed is the man who loves the law of the Lord and meditates about it day and night, as described in the first Psalm. The covenant of life and peace comes from the fear and obedience of man to God.

God established the institution of the priesthood so that we might walk with God and become His ambassadors. A God-fearing heart is one that puts itself down completely and lives the Word of God without stumbling over others.

(3) Return to the Word of God （V8-9）
A fallen priest will mislead the people. If the conductor of a train pulls the train off the track on his own, the lives of all the people in the train are in danger. Today we are not to think of ourselves alone, but to look at our identity in the eyes of God. We should not stumble over others as a result of caring for the flesh.

2. Live out the nation of holiness!

(1) Keep the covenant of God （V10）
To be deceitful is to be unfaithful and faithless. When we treat people with a deceitful heart, we treat God with deceit. If there is no more love for God and for people, what remains is deceitfulness, just as if we have forsaken God’s covenant. We need to know more about God’s love, respond to God’s love, and return to God’s covenant.

(2) Following God’s holiness （V11-12）
The woman who serves the Gentile gods is like a child of the Gentile gods. The priests are like the children of God, who are carnal and married to the children of the Gentile gods, so that their children and grandchildren will follow their mothers in worshiping and adoring the Gentile idols, and will no longer be the descendants of God.

What is more important for us to think deeply about is whether we have put God’s command seriously in our hearts and understand God’s holiness. God had commanded the people of Israel many times not to marry Gentile women, and this matter is still mentioned in the last book. This shows the rebellion of man and the patience of God. 3.

(3). Loving God’s Marriage （V13-16）
The marriage that God loves is one man and one woman, one husband and one wife, for one lifetime. God had the power to make many wives for Adam, but He made only Eve in order to bring forth a godly offspring.

Conclusion: The final warning, are you willing to respond? （V17）

Today God is asking us once through the Word, are we willing to rise up and respond? The wearied original text is tiresome and wearisome. Our prayers do not bore God, only our sins do.

A deceitful heart brings a curse on itself when discipline comes. The purpose of God’s stern warning is not to curse people, but to keep our hearts and repent in time! So that we may return to the promise of blessing.

14/03/2023

引言：

感恩回顾15周年！神的作为需要时间来证明····

一、生在福中不知福？（1:1-5）

神爱世人，更爱以色列，当然包括亚伯拉罕和他的子孙；以色列（雅各）和以扫（又称以东）当然也都是神所爱的，但是为什么他们的地业和后代却遭受咒诅呢？因为曾经是生在福中不知福，不知感恩敬畏神。

二、处于恶中不知恶？（1:6-8）

不认主为主，不让主作主，这在神的眼中是恶的。
在奉献的事情上显出自己的心态轻视神，非常不认真也是恶的。
甚至连属灵领袖（祭司）都是这样，这岂不是处于恶中不知恶吗？

三、何为适当的回应？（1:9-14）

1.及时认错悔改是出路（V9-10）
及时祷告悔改，这行动一向都是所有错误、犯罪、恶化事情的积极出路急转弯。
关上殿门，就是不要让人继续往错误献祭的事上继续败坏。这是领袖在整体错误的事情上当付的代价。

2.外邦人因敬畏而蒙恩（V11）
外邦人中也有敬畏神的人，原来敬畏的心态是可以自发的，不一定是因为明白律法，被律法规定了才做出来。

3.警觉言行免于冒犯神（V12-14）
对于冒犯亵渎神的事，可以是言语或行为，我们的心态不对就会说不对的话，做不对的事。因为我们要留心保守自己的心思。

总结：我们要定意敬畏神

你是个对神认真的人吗？
对神不要无知，对人生才有真正的智慧和蒙福！

Malachi 1: Do you know God?
GK611 Morning Devotion
14/03/2023
Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction:

Thanks for reviewing the 15th anniversary! God’s deeds take time to prove…

1. Not knowing the blessings when blessed (1:1-5)

God loves the world, and loves Israel even more, including Abraham and his descendants of course; Israel (Jacob) and Esau (also known as Edom) are also God’s beloved, but why are their inheritance and descendants cursed? Because they did not know their blessings when they are blessed and did not know how to be grateful and fear God.

2. Being in the midst of evil and not knowing the evil (1:6-8)

Not recognising the Lord as the Lord, not allowing the Lord to be the Lord, is evil in the eyes of God.
It is also evil to show one’s attitude of despising God and to be irresponsible when doing His work.
Even spiritual leaders (priests) are like this. Isn’t this not knowing evil in the midst of evil?

3. What is the appropriate response? (1:9-14)

(1). Timely admittance of mistakes and repentance is the way out (V9-10)
The act of timely prayerful repentance has always been the positive way out of all wrongs, sins, and exacerbations.
To close the door of the temple is to prevent people from continuing to be corrupted by wrongly offering sacrifices. This is the price a leader pays for being totally wrong.

(2). The Gentiles are blessed with fear (V11)
Among the Gentiles, there are also people who fear God. It turns out that the attitude of reverence can be spontaneous, not necessarily because they understand the law and are stipulated by the law.

(3). Be vigilant in Words and deeds to avoid offending God (V12-14)
For things that offend and blaspheme, be it Words or actions, if our mindset is wrong, we will say the wrong things and do the wrong things. Therefore, we must guard our minds carefully.

Conclusion: We must be determine to fear God

Are you serious about God?
Don’t be ignorant about God, only then you can have real wisdom and be blessed in life!

10/03/2023

引言：

箴言28:11富足人自以为有智慧。但聪明的贫穷人，能将他查透。神看重智慧人，远胜过那些有财有势的人。

一、受教的智慧（V1）

人生有一大智慧，就是要懂得受教。如果人能受教，他就会一直重复没有学到的功课，甚至最终到了一个时刻，他就完全进入到败坏的里面。

二、节制的智慧

1.肉体（V3）
人有肉体的需要是正常的，但必须要有节制，并有真理作为界线来满足自己肉体的需要。

2.情绪（V8,9,11,20,22）
人不管理好自己的情绪，就会挑起许多的争端，甚至最终导致不只影响自己而已，也影响到自己所在的那个群体。

三、牧养的智慧

1.对儿女（V15,17）
作为父母，管教儿女是必须的，也唯有如此，儿女才能学到功课，父母才能得着育儿中的安息。

2.对员工（V19,21）
作为老板，虽然他要爱员工，但也千万要给员工设立在工作中清楚的规范。当员工违反规定的时候，老板如果借着言语的管教并没有让员工明白过来，老板甚至需要考虑用一些更严厉的管教方式，好让员工能够明白到自己的不是。

四、交托的智慧（V26）

人生在世，想解决问题的时候难免会想到去找有权柄的人来为自己处理问题，不过也要知道，事情能不能最终得解决和成就，乃是在乎主耶和华最高的权柄。

五、行义的智慧

1.终久享福（V2,6,16,24,25）
义人最终必得安稳、得喜乐，并看见恶人跌倒，落入到自己的网罗里。

2.国位坚立（V4,7,12,14）
义人以诚实公义治理国家，他就能够明察秋毫，他的国位也必坚立。

3.建立他人（V5,10）
义人能够建立他人的生命，而不像恶人去损害他人。

4.以善胜恶（V13）
好人与坏人，强者与弱者，都是神所造的，而且都蒙神赐给他们生命气息。所以我们要学习去爱身边不可爱的人，尤其是学习如何去活出以善胜恶的生命。

5.领受启示（V18）
恶人始终不听神话语的劝诫，而义人愿意谨守遵行神的话语，就必必领受神对他生命的带领和启示。

6.得着尊荣（V23）
义人的生命是谦卑的，虽然他在生命中可能一度活得很低微，但最终他必会被神抬举，得着尊荣！

7.义乃选择（V27）
义人的路会领受神的祝福，然而要不要选择活出义的生命，这其实是人的一个选择，尤其是面对社会上整个邪恶的大环境。

总结:

箴言29章让我们看到五大人生的智慧，就是受教、节制、牧养、交托和行义这五大智慧。当我们靠着圣灵去活出来的时候，我们就能够在人生中少走许多弯路，也能够治理好神托付在我们权柄以下的人。并且也因着我们愿意去活出义的生命，我们就能够活得轻省，同时也要领受义人一切的祝福！

Proverbs 29: The Five Wisdom of Life
GK611 Morning Devotion
10/03/2023
Speaker: IP Moses Ou + Rev David Tan

Introduction:

Proverbs 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out. God values the wise far more than those who are wealthy and powerful.

1. The wisdom of being taught （V1)

One of the great wisdom of life is to know how to be teachable. If a man can be teachable, he will keep repeating the lessons he has not learned, even to a point where he eventually enters completely into corruption.

2. The wisdom of self-control

(1) The flesh （V3)
It is normal for a man to have physical needs, but there must be self-control and truth as a boundary to satisfy his physical needs.

（2) Emotions （V8,9,11,20,22)
People who do not manage their emotions well will stir up many disputes, which will eventually affect not only themselves, but also the group they are in.

3. Shepherding wisdom

（1) To the children （V15,17)
As parents, it is necessary to discipline children, and only in this way can children learn lessons and parents find rest in nurturing children.

（2) To employees （V19,21)
As a boss, although he must love his employees, he must also set clear rules for them in the workplace. When an employee violates the rules, if the boss does not make the employee understand through verbal discipline, the boss even needs to consider using some harsher discipline so that the employee can understand his wrongdoing.

4. The wisdom of surrendering （V26)

In life, when you want to solve a problem, you will inevitably think of finding someone with authority to handle the problem for you, but you should also know that the ultimate solution and achievement of the matter depends on the highest authority of the Lord.

5. The wisdom of doing righteousness

（1) Long lasting blessing （V2,6,16,24,25)
The righteous will ultimately be secure and happy, and will see the wicked fall into their own snares.

（2) The king’s position is firmly established （V4,7,12,14)
When a righteous man governs his country with honesty and righteousness, he will be able to see the truth, and the king;s position is firmly established.

（3) Building up others （V5,10)
The righteous man is able to build up the lives of others, and does not harm them as the wicked do.

（4) Overcoming evil with good （V13)
The good and the bad, the strong and the weak, are all created by God, and all are given the breath of life by God. Therefore, we need to learn to love the unlovable people around us, and especially learn how to live a life of overcoming evil with good.

（5) Receive revelation （V18)
The wicked man always disobeys God’s Word, but the righteous man who is willing to keep and obey God’s Word will receive God’s guidance and revelation for his life.

6. To be honoured （V23)

The life of a righteous man is humble, and though he may live a lowly life for a time in his life, he will eventually be lifted up by God to honour and glory!

7. Righteousness is a choice （V27)

The way of the righteous man will receive God’s blessing, yet whether or not to choose to live a righteous life is actually a choice for man, especially in the face of the whole evil environment in society.

Conclusion:

Proverbs 29 shows us five great wisdom of life, namely, the five great wisdom of being teachable, self-controlling, shepherding, surrendering, and doing righteousness. When we live them out by the Holy Spirit, we will be able to take fewer detours in life and rule well over those whom God has entrusted to us under His authority. And also because of our willingness to live righteously, we will be able to live lightly, and at the same time receive all the blessings of the righteous!

引言：

大卫知道神已经将他分别出来，给予他保护和照顾。因此，即使他在面对危难，他仍然有平安和喜乐。

一、向神呼求（V1）

大卫信靠神的公义，知道神必会恩待诗人。因为大卫曾经历过神的帮助，所以他不丧胆也不害怕，因为知道神如今还会帮助他。因此，经历神的恩典是加赠我们信心的沃土。同样的，数算神的恩典，也是加赠我们祷告信心的秘诀。

二、劝勉警诫（V2-5）

1. 对敌人的劝勉（V2-3）
大卫提醒他的敌人，他们要推翻他的努力是徒然的，因为神是站在他的一方。今天神把我们从世界中分别出来，乃是为了归祂自己、与祂连接。所以，神是站在我们这方。祂必听我，必垂听我们的祷告！

2. 对敌人的警告（V4-5）
大卫向敌人发出呼吁和警告，劝他们当畏惧神，以公义的心向神献上当献的祭，谦卑的听神的话，信靠祂。

三、知神看顾（V6-8）

我们看见大卫因着倚靠耶和华而经历的快乐和满足，胜过庆祝五谷丰收的欢乐。他知道即使在痛苦中他看不到神善良的明证，但他在神里面也能安然居住。因他知道真正的喜乐和平安并不依靠环境，而是靠赖神的保护和供应。

总结：

弟兄姐妹，神常用环境来熬炼我们信靠祂的心。当我们在环境当中没有埋怨，没有不平，而是数算神以往的恩典，满怀信心倚靠祂的时候，祂就必赐给我们喜乐和平安。

Psalm 4: Peace and Joy in Distress
GK611 Morning Devotion
09/03/2023
Speaker: Ps Stella + Rev David Tan

Introduction:

David knew that God had set him apart and given him protection and care. Therefore, even though he was facing crisis, he still had peace and joy.

I. Cry Out to God (V1)

David believed in the justice of God and knew that God would be gracious to the psalmist. Because David had experienced God’s help before, he was neither discouraged nor afraid, because he knew God would help him now. Therefore, experiencing God’s grace is like fertile ground for our faith. Similarly, counting God’s grace is also the secret of giving us confidence in prayer.

2. Exhortation and Warning (V2-5)

(1) An exhortation to the enemy (V2-3)
David reminded his enemies that their efforts to overthrow him were futile because God was on his side. Today God separates us from the world to make us belong to Him and connect with Him. So, God is on our side. He will listen to us and hear our prayers!

(2) Warning to enemies (V4-5)
David sent appeals and warnings to his enemies, advising them to fear God, offer sacrifices to God with a righteous heart, listen to God’s Words humbly, and trust in Him.

3. Know that God Cares (V6-8)

We see that the joy and contentment that David experienced in relying on the Lord outweighed the joy of celebrating the harvest. He knew that even in his pain he could not see evidence of God’s goodness, yet he could dwell safely in God because he knows that true joy and peace do not depend on circumstances, but on God’s protection and provision.

Conclusion：

Brothers and sisters, God often uses circumstances to refine our trust in Him. When we have no complaints or grievances in the environment but count on God’s past grace and rely on Him with confidence, He will give us joy and peace.

引言：体会诗人赞美的心情！

播放赞美之泉的诗歌：《争战得胜在于祢》，一同敬拜来感受低谷时若能赞美的心情。

一、在敌人面前赞美神 V1-2

诗篇的开始就如一首诗歌的主歌，在形容大卫当时候的情形。大卫晚年时，他的儿子押沙龙叛乱，大部分的以色列人都跟随押沙龙背叛他。当时候被迫逃难的大卫心情非常沮丧。当时候很多人认为这是大卫因犯罪而受神的惩罚，所以众人都认为大卫这次得不着神的帮助。对一生信靠神的大卫来说，是一个极大的打击。

当我们在面对困难挑战的时候，我们里面也常常会听到恶者对我们的控告，不断用谎言对我们说，神不会帮助我们使我们陷入更深的沮丧和忧郁中。大卫在逼迫逃命的时候，他仍然唱诗歌颂神。困难成了锻炼大卫的信心的管道。

这首诗歌鼓舞我们，在人生低谷和沮丧中，赞美神，让神动工，就看见一条出路。

二、在无助时候抬起头 V3-4

大卫很快就把目光从看困难到转向神。‘但祢’原文是充满感情、强调的语气。大卫已经向神彻底认罪悔改，他明白也深信神已经赦免他。

当大卫坚定于他所认识的神时，他突破了控告与谎言。恢复尊严，抬起头来向神求告。

三、在争战中让神出手V5-8

大卫是蒙召作王的人，他不但在神里面避难、安息，更在神里面得胜。当敌人‘起来’攻击大卫的时候，重新得力的大卫回应是呼求神‘起来’，救他。

当我们不再定睛在环境，而转向神并神修复关系的时候，即使在仇敌的面前也能得着安息，因为神必保佑，是指神必扶持保护我们。

总结：困境中赞美神吧，因救恩属乎耶和华！

救恩是神赐予我们的白白的恩典。仇敌使用困境蒙蔽我们的眼，用谎言搅扰我们的耳朵，使我们没办法看见这恩典，罪使我们与神隔绝。当我们转向神悔改的时候，我们的赞美可以使仇敌逃离。这些困境谎言没办法拦阻我们，因为耶和华已经得胜。

Psalm 3: The victory of the battle belongs to You
GK611 Morning Devotion
08/03/2023
Speaker: Asher Chang + Rev David Tan

Introduction: Experience the psalmist’s feelings of praise!
Play the worship song from the Stream of Praise: “The battle belongs to You” and worship together to feel what it would be like to praise when times are low.

1. Praising God in the presence of the enemy V1-2

The Psalm begins as the main song of a psalm, describing the situation of David in his day. In David’s later years his son Absalom rebelled and most of the Israelites followed Absalom and betrayed him. David, who was forced to flee, was in a very depressed state. Many people at the time thought that this was God’s punishment for David’s sin, and so the people thought that David would not receive God’s help this time. It was a great blow to David, who had trusted God all his life.

When we face difficult challenges, we too often hear in us the accusations of the evil one against us, constantly telling us with lies that God will not help us plunging us into deeper depression and sadness. When David was forced to flee for his life, he still sang and praised God. Difficulties became a channel for exercising David’s faith.

This psalm inspires us to praise God and let God move in the midst of life’s lows and discouragement, and we see a way out.

2. Lifting up the head in times of helplessness V3-4

David soon turns his gaze from looking at difficulties to turning to God. ‘But You’ in the original is an emotion-filled, emphatic tone. David had confessed his sins to God in complete repentance, and he understood and was convinced that God had forgiven him.

As David stood firm in the God he knew, he broke through the accusations and lies. Restore his dignity and lift up his head to God.

3. Making God’s hand in the battle V5-8

David was the one called to reign. He not only took refuge and rested in God, but he triumphed in God. When the enemy ‘rose up’ against David, the renewed David responded by calling on God to ‘rise up’ and deliver him.

When we stop fixing our eyes on circumstances and turn to God and His restoring relationships, we can rest even in the presence of the enemy, for God will bless, meaning God will sustain and protect us.

Conclusion: Praise God in the midst of trouble, for salvation belongs to the Lord!

Salvation is a free gift from God. The enemy uses hardship to blind our eyes and distract our ears with lies so that we cannot see this grace. Sin separates us from God. When we turn to God in repentance, our praise can cause the enemy to flee. These troubling lies cannot stop us, for the Lord is victorious.