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Book of Psalm 75
22/01/2024
(亚萨的诗歌,交与伶长,调用休要毁坏。)
1 神阿,我们称谢你,我们称谢你,因为你的名相近,人都述说你奇妙的作为。
2 我到了所定的日期,必按正直施行审判。
3 地和其上的居民,都消化了。我曾立了地的柱子。(细拉)
4 我对狂傲人说,不要行事狂傲。对凶恶人说,不要举角。
5 不要把你们的角高举。不要挺着颈项说话。
6 因为高举非从东,非从西,也非从南而来。
7 惟有神断定。他使这人降卑,使那人升高。
8 耶和华手里有杯。其中的酒起沫。杯内满了搀杂的酒。他倒出来。地上的恶人必都喝这酒的渣
滓,而且喝尽。
9 但我要宣扬,直到永远。我要歌颂雅各的神。
10 恶人一切的角,我要砍断。惟有义人的角,必被高举。
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Book of Psalm 74
21/01/2024
(亚萨的训诲诗。)
1 神阿,你为何永远丢弃我们呢?你为何向你草场的羊发怒如烟冒出呢?
2 求你记念你古时所得来的会众,就是你所赎作你产业支派的。并记念你向来所居住的锡安山。
3 求你举步去看那日久荒凉之地,仇敌在圣所中所行的一切恶事。
4 你的敌人在你会中吼叫。他们竖了自己的旗为记号。
5 他们好像人扬起斧子,砍伐林中的树。
6 圣所中一切雕刻的,他们现在用斧子锤子打坏了。
7 他们用火焚烧你的圣所,亵渎你名的居所,拆毁到地。
8 他们心里说,我们要尽行毁灭,他们就在遍地把神的会所都烧毁了。
9 我们不见我们的标帜。不再有先知。我们内中也没有人知道这灾祸要到几时呢?
10 神阿,敌人辱骂要到几时呢?仇敌亵渎你的名,要到永远吗?
11 你为什么缩回你的右手。求你从怀中伸出来,毁灭他们。
12 神自古以来为我的王,在地上施行拯救。
13 你曾用能力将海分开,将水中大鱼的头打破。
14 你曾砸碎鳄鱼的头,把他给旷野的禽兽为食物。(禽兽原文作民)
15 你曾分裂磐石,水便成了溪河,你使长流的江河干了。
16 白昼属你,黑夜也属你。亮光和日头,是你所预备的。
17 地的一切疆界,是你所立的。夏天和冬天是你所定的。
18 耶和华阿,仇敌辱骂,愚顽民亵渎了你的名,求你记念这事。
19 不要将你斑鸠的性命交给野兽。不要永远忘记你困苦人的性命。
20 求你顾念所立的约。因为地上黑暗之处,都满了强暴的居所。
21 不要叫受欺压的人蒙羞回去。要叫困苦穷乏的人赞美你的名。
22 神阿,求你起来,为自己伸诉。要记念愚顽人怎样终日辱骂你。
23 不要忘记你敌人的声音。那起来敌你之人的喧哗时常上升。
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Book of Psalm 73
20/01/2024
(亚萨的诗。)
1 神实在恩待以色列那些清心的人。
2 至于我,我的脚几乎失闪。我的脚险些滑跌。
3 我见恶人和狂傲人享平安,就心怀不平。
4 他们死的时候,没有疼痛。他们的力气,却也壮实。
5 他们不像别人受苦,也不像别人遭灾。
6 所以骄傲如链子戴在他们的项上。强暴像衣裳遮住他们的身体。
7 他们的眼睛,因体胖而凸出。他们所得的,过于心里所想的。
8 他们讥笑人,凭恶意说欺压人的话。他们说话自高。
9 他们的口亵渎上天,他们的舌毁谤全地。
10 所以神的民归到这里,喝尽了满杯的苦水。
11 他们说,神怎能晓得?至高者岂有知识呢?
12 看哪,这就是恶人。他们既是常享安逸,财宝便加增。
13 我实在徒然洁净了我的心,徒然洗手表明无辜。
14 因为我终日遭灾难,每早晨受惩治。
15 我若说,我要这样讲,这就是以奸诈待你的众子。
16 我思索怎能明白这事,眼看实系为难。
17 等我进了神的圣所,思想他们的结局。
18 你实在把他们安在滑地,使他们掉在沉沦之中。
19 他们转眼之间,成了何等的荒凉。他们被惊恐灭尽了。
20 人睡醒了怎样看梦,主阿,你醒了,也必照样轻看他们的影像。
21 因而我心里发酸,肺腑被刺。
22 我这样愚昧无知,在你面前如畜类一般。
23 然而我常与你同在。你搀着我的右手。
24 你要以你的训言引导我,以后必接我到荣耀里。
25 除你以外,在天上我有谁呢?除你以外,在地上我也没有所爱慕的。
26 我的肉体,和我的心肠衰残。但神是我心里的力量,又是我的福分,直到永远。
27 远离你的,必要死亡。凡离弃你行邪淫的,你都灭绝了。
28 但我亲近神是与我有益。我以主耶和华为我的避难所,好叫我述说你一切的作为。
约伯记［第24章］
Book of Job 24
【安静、知道祂是神！】
19/01/2024
一、人总是喜欢问为什么来认识神（V1）
这一章是约伯对以利法第三次言论的一段答辩，但同时也是他思想现实世界的混乱而产生的一种困惑。人总是喜欢问“为什么？”、“为什么不可以这样？”、“为什么神这样待我？”，我们总是对神的判断决定产生质疑，而忘了神有绝对的权柄。因为祂是神。
二、我们总是看世上的事来认识神
约伯开始觉得神没有照顾好人也没有阻止坏事发生，觉得这样一点也不公平！他的情绪再次出现起伏，又忍不住向神大发牢骚了。因为以下事情，他想找神理论：
1. 恶人横行无忌 (V2-12)
约伯在这里描述了恶人当道、社会不公、穷人总是受欺的凄惨光景。他埋冤说到“神却不理会那恶人的愚妄”，甚至对神质疑说：“难道那些受苦的人都是罪有应得吗？”
2. 黑暗之子当道 (V13-17)
在一段里，他继续描述说那些杀人的、奸夫和盗贼，他们的罪行都在黑暗的掩护下进行。对神的反应，他表示非常不明白为什么这些都是神赐给以色列人的律法所严令禁止的。既然如此，神为什么不立刻施行报应呢？
我们总是容易因为别人的事，世上的事情而去想神为什么这样做。但是因着这样我们反而定睛在事情的发生上，而没有定睛在神的身上。甚至或许会像约伯那样，质疑神的做法。求神帮助我们，不要我们自己的认识，而去质疑神的做法。
三、我们总以人生的结局来认识神（V18-25）
约伯觉得神似乎保住恶人，看顾他们，以致他们有恃无恐，更加放肆，而且世世代代有恶人兴起。最后恶人之死在世上都好像与其他人一样。而约伯当时并不能明白、更是看不见，死后且有审判的真理，所以对恶人和善人的死亡都是一样而产生疑惑。
我们感恩，因为透过祂的话语，我们更可以认识他是全能公义的神。透过祂的话语，我们现在都知道死后且有审判的真理。
总结：
不要被“为什么”和“别人怎样”来困惑我们对神的认识。我们要安静，来到祂的面前，问祂我们可以做什么。
Job Chapter 24: “Be still and know that He is God!”
GK611 Morning Devotion
19/1/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang
1. People always like to ask why they come to know God (V1)
This chapter is Job’s reply to Eliphaz’s third speech, but it is also a kind of misperception caused by the confusion of his thinking in the real world. People always like to ask “Why?”, “Why can’t this be like this?”, “Why does God treat me like this?”. We always question God’s judgments and decisions, forgetting that God has absolute authority. Because He is God.
2. We always look at things in the world to know God
Job began to feel that God did not take good care of people or prevent bad things from happening. He felt that this was unfair! His mood fluctuated again, and he couldn’t help but complain to God. He wanted to seek explanation from God because of the following things:
(1) Evil people run rampant (V2-12)
Job here describes the miserable situation where evil people are in power, society is unfair, and the poor are always bullied. He buried his grievance and said, “Yet God does not charge them with wrong.” and even questioned God, “Do those who suffer deserve it?”
(2) The Son of Darkness takes charge (V13-17)
In one passage, he goes on to describe murderers, adulterers, and thieves who committed their crimes under the cover of darkness. In response to God’s response, he expressed that he did not understand why these things were strictly prohibited by the laws God gave to the Israelites. In this case, why doesn’t God retaliate immediately?
It is always easy for us to think about why God does this because of other people’s things and things in the world. But because of this, we focus on what happens instead of focusing on God. Maybe even like Job, question God’s ways. Ask God to help us not to question God’s ways rather than our understanding.
3. We always know God at the end of life (V18-25)
Job felt that God seemed to protect the wicked and watch over them, making them fearless and more arrogant, and wicked people would arise from generation to generation. In the end the death of the wicked seems to be the same as for everyone else in the world. At that time, Job did not understand, let alone see, the truth that there would be a judgment after death, so he had doubts about whether the death of evil people and good people was the same.
We are grateful because through His words, we can know Him as the Almighty and righteous God. Through His Word, we now know the truth that there is a judgment after death.
Conclusion：
Don’t let the “whys” and “hows” of others confuse our understanding of God. We are to be still, come into His presence, and ask Him what we can do.
约伯记［第23章］
Book of Job 23
【定意寻求神】
18/01/2024
约伯认为神的同在恩宠已离开他。然而，约伯也知道唯有神是一切问题的答案。因此，他定意要寻见神。
一、神必理会我（v1-7)
为了得到公正的裁判，约伯渴望直接与神相见。这时的约伯不再埋怨神对他一直保持沉默，似乎要以忍耐与顺服的心来到神的面前。这种态度反映了约伯想要靠着对神的信心，还有对神主权和良善属性的肯定，来面对他现在的环境。
二、我必如精金（v8-12)
虽然神好像隐藏了，没有与约伯同行，然而他也承认自己并不能凭肉体感受到神，乃是凭信心相信神始终在带领他。如今，约伯坦然愿意接受「试炼」，相信神让他经历苦难，是要借着「试炼」把他「炼成精金」！
到了这个时候，约伯似乎开始感觉他现在所经历的一切背后都有神的心意，虽然他还不明白是什么目的。
三、神是独一的（v13-17)
约伯意识到这位独一的神是永不改变的。这位独一的神拥有独一的权能。因着这样的理解，约伯相信神绝不会喜怒无常、前后不一，而是在他身上有一个特别的计划！
总结：
让我们坚定寻求他，紧紧的抓住神，就算我们还看不到、不明白祂的心意。因为我们知道神是一切问题的答案，祂也依然掌权！
Job 23 Determined to Seek God
GK611 Morning Devotion
18 Jan 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella Ling
Job thought that the favour of God’s presence had left him. However, Job also knew that God alone was the answer to all his problems. Therefore, he was determined to seek God.
1. God will pay attention to me (v1-7)
In order to receive a just judgment, Job longed to meet directly with God. At this point Job no longer complained about God’s continued silence toward him, but seemed to come to God with a heart of patience and obedience. This attitude reflected Job’s desire to face his present circumstances with confidence in God and an affirmation of His sovereignty and attributes of goodness.
2. I will be like fine gold (v8-12)
Though God seemed to be hidden and not walking with Job, yet he recognised that he did not feel God in the flesh, but believed by faith that God was always leading him. Now, Job was openly willing to accept the “trials”, believing that God was allowing him to go through the sufferings in order to “refine him into fine gold” through the “trials”!
By this time, it seems that Job was beginning to feel that there was a divine purpose behind everything he was now experiencing, though he did not yet understand what it was.
3. God is the One and Only (v13-17)
Job realises that this One God is never changing. This one and only God is sovereign. Because of this understanding, Job believed that God would never be temperamental or inconsistent, but had a special plan for him!
Conclusion:
Let us seek Him steadfastly and hold fast to God, even if we do not yet see or understand His heart. For we know that God is the answer to all questions and He still reigns!
约伯记［第22章］
Book of Job 22
【自己属于哪种人？】
17/01/2024
引言：
当我们用一根食指指别人的时候，我们的手势其实有三根手指在暗中指向自己···！
一、作恶悖逆神的人（22:1-20）
1.人的作为能取悦神吗？（V1-4）
人的行为公义、正直、良善，是不是就可以叫神得益处呢？神不会因为你敬畏祂而审判你。换言之，你必定是得罪祂，犯罪了，才遭受管教和痛苦。
人真的不会因自己的美好生命见证而取悦神吗？其实是会的！人真的不会因为敬畏神而免于审判吗？在约伯的时代尽管他们不以为然，但是神的信实和属性是我们可以理解的。雅各书 2:13 因为那不怜悯人的，也要受无怜悯的审判，怜悯原是向审判夸胜。
换句话说，当人效法耶稣基督，常常给予恩典与怜悯，这将胜过审判。正如《彼得前书 4:8》“ 最要紧的是彼此切实相爱，因为爱能遮掩许多的罪。”由此可见，我们今天所领受的真理真是释放了我们。
2.欺压贫寒岂能不受审？（V5-11）
以上控诉如果属实，约伯真的难逃审判！（主耶稣在马太福音25章也说过类似得话）但是这并非事实，约伯并不是这样的人。神也没有这样看约伯，反而是高度的肯定他的为人。今天人可以误解我们、甚至诬告我们，但更重要的是我们在神面前是个怎么样的人？若是我们果真问心无愧，这事神也知道；否则就难免将来要面对主的审判。
3.恶人以为神看不见吗？（V12-14）
以利法的观点是‘恶人会以为神看不见他’，神在高处被云遮挡，因此祂看不到人的问题，祂也不能审判人？这是以利法对约伯观点的说法，但是约伯并非这样。这岂不是一种诬告吗？
4.天降灾祸岂是偶然吗？（V15-18）
恶人的路你要跟着走吗？他们未到死期就被大水冲去。他们对神说，离开我们吧！全能者又能拿我怎样呢？使他们兴旺的是神，全能者又能拿我怎样呢？意思说天降灾祸于约伯岂是偶然的吗？言下之意还是要定罪约伯。
否则的话你想天降大祸是偶然的吗？常规而言“并不是”！但是约伯例外；他是受到仇敌的攻击，而且有神的许可。意思说，祷告也未必有用？因为是神许可魔鬼这么做，只要不伤及约伯的命。这是神更高的旨意和对约伯的试验与信任啊！
5.行恶的难免遭灾被灭！（V19-20）
当他们被审判管教的时候，义人会欢喜，无辜的旁人也会讥笑。心想真是活该，早知今日何必当初呢？岂不是这些分别善恶树的果子都是扭曲的。都需要大大的重整。
你是作恶还是行义呢？恶人的后果肯定比约伯更惨！
二、行义敬畏神的人（22:21-23）
1.认识神得真平安（V21）
这是真实的事实！但是对正在受苦中的约伯，这句话似乎没有太大作用。但是，这是信心的盼望，对将来的等候，这是信仰中的本质，是行义敬畏神的人。我们确实要真正认识神，信靠神，以致大大放松自己经历神。
2.听从神的人免恶（V22）
领受训诲，心存神的话语，这必然蒙福的应许。这话虽然是老生常谈，但是关键是自己领受了多少？经历多少呢？
3.离恶归善当义人（V23）
这话是说你若离开罪恶，全心归向全能者、谦卑的除掉家中的一切罪恶，你就可以重新被建立。这对一般人而言都是正确的真理。但是对神眼中的义人约伯记很不对称。对我们而言这确实是重要的提醒。
三、与神关系亲密人（22:24-30）
1.神比珍宝更珍贵（V24-26）
放下地上的珍宝，让神自己成为你的珍宝。向神仰脸，让神成为你的喜乐。
神在你的生活中占什么位置呢？你是以神的喜悦、旨意、真理为优先标准吗？还是以自己的需要、欲望为做事的动力目标呢？越是面对动荡的未来局势，越要加速提升对神的委身和付出啊！
2.人要祷告又回应（V27-28）
认定神就可以求告神，跟着往往也会经历神。在祷告的时候，我们也许会向神立志，或者承诺了什么？许了什么愿？许愿就要还愿。我们要回应神的介入，与神有积极的互动。
约伯缺少的应该不是祷告，而是他朋友们的话“没完”他的回应也就“没了”！这要成为他经历考验的过程。就像我们向神求告某件事情的突破，神似乎迟迟没听我们的祷告？原来神也在等候我们的成长。
3.神必拯救谦卑人（V29-30）
神阻挡骄傲的人，赐恩给谦卑的人。这样的做事法则是圣经的一贯原则，义人必蒙拯救的概念。言下之意就是约伯你是怎样的人？怎样的生命？你的结局就显明出来。这观点是对的，只是时间还没有到，所以事情还在过程中。
总结：你是哪一种人呢？
义人认识神？恶人不认识神？
我们要竭力成为认识神的义人啊！
Job 22 What kind of person are you?
GK611 Morning Devotion
17 Jan 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan
Introduction:
When we use one index finger to point to others, our gesture actually has three fingers secretly pointing to ourselves -!
1. Those who do evil against God (22:1-20)
(1) Can man’s works please God? (V1-4)
Is it possible for a man’s behaviour to be righteous, upright, and good, so that God can be benefited? God will not judge you because you fear Him. In other words, you must have offended Him and sinned to suffer discipline and pain.
Is it true that man will not please God by his testimony of a good life? Actually, it will! Will man really not be exempt from judgment because he fears God? In spite of their disbelief in Job’s day, God’s faithfulness and attributes are understandable to us. James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.In other words, when one follows the example of Jesus Christ and gives grace and mercy often, it will overcome judgment. As 1 Peter 4:8 says, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” From this we can see that the truths we have received today are truly liberating.
(2) How can you oppress the poor and needy without being judged? (V5-11)
If the above accusation is true, it is really difficult for Job to escape judgment! (Jesus said something similar in Matthew 25.) But this is not true, Job was not such a man. God did not see Job in this way either, but rather highly affirmed his character. Today people can misunderstand us and even falsely accuse us, but more importantly what kind of person are we before God? If we have a clear conscience, God will know about it; otherwise, we will inevitably face the Lord’s judgment in the future.
(3) Do the wicked think that God is invisible? (V12-14)
Eliphaz’s view is that ‘the wicked will think that God cannot see him’, that God is on high and covered by clouds, and therefore He cannot see man’s problems and He cannot judge him? This is what Eliphaz said about Job’s point of view, but this was not the case with Job. Is this not a false accusation?
(4) Is it by chance that the plagues come from heaven? (V15-18)
Will you follow the way of the wicked? They are swept away by the waters before they die. And they said unto God, Depart from us! What can the Almighty do with me? It is God that make them to prosper; and what can the Almighty do with me? Does this mean that it was not by chance that the heavens sent a plague upon Job? The implication is that Job was still to be condemned.
Otherwise, do you think it was a coincidence that the plague came from heaven? As a general rule, “no”! But Job was attacked by his enemies, and with God’s permission. Does this mean that prayer may not work? Because it was God who gave the devil permission to do it, as long as it did not hurt Job’s life. This was God’s higher will and test and trust in Job!
(5) Those who do evil will inevitably be destroyed! (V19-20)
When they are judged and disciplined, the righteous will rejoice, and innocent bystanders will sneer. They will think to themselves, “What did I do to deserve this? Is it not true that all these fruits of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil are twisted. All need great reorganisation.
Do you do evil or do you do righteousness? The consequences for the wicked are surely worse than Job’s!
2. Those who do righteousness and fear God (22:21-23)
(1) Knowing God for true peace (V21)
This is a true fact! But to Job, who was suffering, this statement did not seem to have much effect. But this is the hope of faith, the waiting for the future, which is the essence in faith, the one who does righteousness and fears God. We must indeed truly know God and trust in him, so as to greatly experience Him ourselves efforlessly.
(2) He who obeys God is free from evil (V22)
The promise of receiving instruction and taking to heart the Word of God is surely a blessing. Although this is a cliché, the key is how much have you received it? How much have you experienced it?
(3) Depart from evil and become righteous (V23)
The Word says that if you turn from your sins to the Almighty with all your heart, and humbly put away all the evil in your house, you will be built up again. This is the correct truth for mose people. But it was very asymmetrical to Job, the righteous man in God’s eyes. It is indeed an important reminder for us.
3. Intimates in Relationship with God (22:24-30)
(1) God is more precious than treasures (V24-26)
Lay down your earthly treasures and let God Himself be your treasure. Lift up your face to God and let Him be your joy.
What place does God have in your life? Do you prioritise God’s pleasure, will, and truth as your standard? Or do you use your own needs and desires as the motivating goal for doing things?
The more you face the turbulent future, the more you must accelerate your commitment to God!
(2) One must pray and respond (V27-28)
When we recognise God, we can ask Him, and then we will often experience Him. In prayer, we may have made a will to God, or promised something? Wish for something? A wish made has to be returned. We have to respond to God’s intervention and have an active interaction with Him.
Job’s lack of prayer should not have been a lack of prayer, but a lack of response to the “endless” words of his friends! This was to be his process of testing. Just like when we ask God for a breakthrough in something, and He seems to be slow to hear us? It turns out that God is also waiting for us to grow.
(3) God will save the humble (V29-30)
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. This law of doing things is a consistent principle of the Bible, the concept that the righteous will be saved. The implication is Job what kind of person are you? What kind of life? Your end is revealed. This is the right view, it’s just that the time hasn’t come yet, so things are still in process.
Conclusion: What kind of person are you?
The righteous know God? The wicked do not know God?
Let us endeavor to be righteous men who know God!
约伯记［第21章］
Book of Job 21
【不平之鸣的真实问题】
16/01/2024
引言：
约伯在这一章向他的朋友琐法提出反驳，讲诉事实上恶人非必有恶报，约伯为自己的遭遇发出‘不平之鸣’！约伯也从自己的情况，转向整个社会的现象，对于人生的不公平，发出真实的问题！
一、倾听我就是安慰我（V1-6)
约伯请求朋友说，如果你们要安慰我，就请细听我的倾诉。约伯说他不是要向人诉冤，而是要向神诉冤，并且是焦急地诉冤。义人亨通，恶人遭殃，是很正常，很容易接受的。但是，义人受苦，恶人亨通，不可思议反差太大。以致连约伯都说：我每逢思想，心就惊惶，浑身战兢。听的人也会惊奇和摀口。
倾听是安慰苦难中的人非常重要的方法，也是让苦难中的人抒发心声的途径。但是人若只想到自己，却忽略别人的需要，他自然听不见对方的心声，更不能陪伴人走出困境。
二、以真实的现象提问（V7-26）
约伯以真实现象提出5个问题，质疑朋友‘恶人享福只是暂时’的观点。
1. 为什么有恶人长寿强盛？（V7-9）
2. 为什么有恶人顺利享乐？（V10-12）
3. 为什么有恶人无神亨通？（V13-15）
4. 为什么有恶人未遭恶报？（V17-22)
5. 为什么善与恶生死无异？（V23-26)
约伯宣告：虽然恶人也会强盛亨通，而无辜的我，却家破人亡，我虽然充满了困惑，但他却始终坚持自己的立场：恶人所谋定的离我好远。（V16）
三、错谬的话徒然安慰（V27-34)
约伯知道他的朋友们认为他是邪恶的，因为他们的逻辑是：恶人才会受苦；因此，在受苦的约伯也是邪恶的。尽管他们用心良苦地为约伯解释他所受的苦难，但他们不相信约伯是无辜的。所以，他们错谬的的话语，不但不能给约伯带来安慰，而是带来指控和定罪。
当我们要帮助那些经历痛苦的人时，我们都应该好好地审视自己，求神让我们能更加富有同情心和同理心。
总结：神是一切问题的答案！
你心中有以上5个问题吗？这些都是真实的问题，可能也是一些基督徒的真实挣扎。
其实，只要我们不去与人比较和争竞，并珍惜神赐给我们的一切，我们就不会心怀不平；那些真实还没有得到解答的问题，是要让我们更信靠神的一种方式！因为神是一切问题的答案！
Job 21 The Real Problem Underlying Cry of Injustice
GK611 Morning Devotion
16 Jan 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Daniel Kew
Introduction:
In this chapter, Job refutes his friend Zophar, saying that evil people do not necessarily have evil consequences, and Job makes a “cry of injustice” for his own experience! Job also turned from his situation to the phenomenon of the entire society and raised real questions about the unfairness of life!
1. Listening to me is comforting me (V1-6)
Job asked his friends, “If you want to comfort me, please listen carefully to what I have to say.” Job said that he did not want to complain to people, but to complain to God, and he wanted to complain impatiently. It is normal and easy to accept that the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer. However, the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, which is an incredible contrast. So much so that even Job said: Whenever I think about it, my heart is troubled and my whole body trembles. Those who listen will also be astonished and cover their mouths.
Listening is a vital way to comfort people in suffering, and it is also a way for people in suffering to express their feelings. But if a person only thinks about himself and ignores the needs of others, he will naturally not be able to hear the other person’s voice, let alone accompany others to get out of trouble.
2. Ask questions based on real phenomena (V7-26)
Job raised 5 questions based on real phenomena, questioning his friends’ perspective that “That the triumphing of the wicked is short.”
(1) Why do the wicked live long and prosperous lives? (V7-9)
(2) Why do the wicked enjoy success? (V10-12)
(3) Why do the wicked prosper without God? (V13-15)
(4) Why do the wicked not suffer evil retribution? (V17-22)
(5) Why do good and wicked make no difference in life and death? (V23-26)
Job declared: Although the wicked will prosper, I the innocent one, have lost my family. Although I am full of confusion, I insisted on my position: The counsel of the wicked is far from me. (V16)
3. Wrong words comfort in vain (V27-34)
Job knew that his friends thought he was wicked because their logic was that only the wicked suffered; therefore, Job, who was suffering, was also wicked. Although they had good intentions to explain Job’s suffering, they did not believe that Job was innocent. Therefore, their erroneous words not only failed to bring comfort to Job but brought accusations and condemnation.
When it comes to helping those who are experiencing pain, we should all take a good look at ourselves and ask God to make us more compassionate and empathy.
Conclusion: God is the answer to all problems!
Do you have the above 5 questions in your mind? These are real questions and probably real struggles for some Christians.
As long as we don’t compare and compete with others, and cherish everything God has given us, we will not feel unfair.The real unanswered questions are a way for us to trust God more! Because God is the answer to all problems!
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Book of Psalm 72
15/01/2024
(所罗门的诗。)
1 神阿,求你将判断的权柄赐给王,将公义赐给王的儿子。
2 他要按公义审判你的民,按公平审判你的困苦人。
3 大山小山,都要因公义使民得享平安。
4 他必为民中的困苦人伸冤,拯救穷乏之辈,压碎那欺压人的。
5 太阳还存,月亮还在,人要敬畏你,直到万代。
6 他必降临,像雨降在已割的草地上,如甘霖滋润田地。
7 在他的日子义人要发旺,大有平安,好像月亮长存。
8 他要执掌权柄,从这海直到那海,从大河直到地极。
9 住在旷野的,必在他面前下拜。他的仇敌,必要舔土。
10 他施和海岛的王要进贡。示巴和西巴的王要献礼物。
11 诸王都要叩拜他,万国都要事奉他。
12 因为穷乏人呼求的时候,他要搭救,没有人帮助的困苦人,他也要搭救。
13 他要怜恤贫寒和穷乏的人,拯救穷苦人的性命。
14 他要救赎他们脱离欺压和强暴。他们的血在他眼中看为宝贵。
15 他们要存活。示巴的金子要奉给他。人要常常为他祷告,终日称颂他。
16 在地的山顶上,五谷必然茂盛。(五谷必然茂盛或作有一把五谷)所结的谷实,要响动如利巴嫩
的树林。城里的人,要发旺如地上的草。
17 他的名要存到永远,要留传如日之久。人要因他蒙福。万国要称他有福。
18 独行奇事的耶和华以色列的神,是应当称颂的。
19 他荣耀的名,也当称颂,直到永远。愿他的荣耀,充满全地。阿们,阿们。
20 耶西的儿子大卫的祈祷完毕。
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Book of Psalm 71
14/01/2024
1 耶和华阿,我投靠你。求你叫我永不羞愧。
2 求你凭你的公义搭救我,救拔我,侧耳听我,拯救我。
3 求你作我常住的磐石。你已经命定要救我。因为你是我的岩石,我的山寨。
4 我的神阿,求你救我脱离恶人的手,脱离不义和残暴之人的手。
5 主耶和华阿,你是我所盼望的。从我年幼你是我所倚靠的。
6 我从出母胎被你扶持。使我出母腹的是你。我必常常赞美你。
7 许多人以我为怪。但你是我坚固的避难所。
8 你的赞美,你的荣耀,终日必满了我的口。
9 我年老的时候,求你不要丢弃我。我力气衰弱的时候,求你不要离弃我。
10 我的仇敌议论我。那些窥探要害我命的彼此商议,
11 说,神已经离弃他。我们追赶他,捉拿他吧。因为没有人搭救。
12 神阿,求你不要远离我。我的神阿,求你速速帮助我。
13 愿那与我性命为敌的,羞愧被灭。愿那谋害我的,受辱蒙羞。
14 我却要常常盼望,并要越发赞美你。
15 我的口终日要述说你的公义,和你的救恩。因我不计其数。
16 我要来说主耶和华大能的事。我单要提说你的公义。
17 神阿,自我年幼时,你就教训我。直到如今,我传扬你奇妙的作为。
18 神阿,我到年老发白的时候,求你不要离弃我,等我将你的能力指示下代,将你的大能指示后世
的人。
19 神阿,你的公义甚高。行过大事的神阿,谁能象你。
20 你是叫我们多经历重大急难的,必使我们复活。从地的深处救上来。
21 求你使我越发昌大,又转来安慰我。
22 我的神阿,我要鼓瑟称赞你,称赞你的诚实。以色列的圣者阿,我要弹琴歌颂你。
23 我歌颂你的时候,我的嘴唇,和你所赎我的灵魂,都必欢呼。
24 并且我的舌头,必终日讲论你的公义,因为那些谋害我的人,已经蒙羞受辱了。
约伯记［第20章］
Book of Job 20
【从琐法言语中检视我们的生命】
12/01/2024
引言：琐法第二次说话
琐法认为钱财和物质的损失，都是神的惩罚。他指控约伯是一个贪恋钱财和物质的人，叫他赶快认罪。但他不知道的是，其实约伯在失去产业和孩子的第一时间，仍然称颂、敬畏神，这是我们可以学习的。
真正让约伯感到痛苦的，并不是失去产业，而是他觉得自己失去了与神之间的连结。虽然琐法的第二次发言说得很好，但这不适用于在约伯身上。虽然如此，琐法的回应仍然可以帮助我们检视我们的生命。
一、说话要留心别失控
1. 回应要远离急躁 （V1-2）
琐法的心中急躁， 回答时的状态，就是急躁及烦恼。他对约伯的回应非常敏感，甚至每一句话都是为了反驳对方。因着自己的急躁，每一句的回应都没有进入对方的感受，反而成为找机会控告对方的话。
2. 面对反驳要冷静 （V3a）
琐法把约伯对他智慧的质疑当作羞辱他和责备他的话，结果脾气急躁，生气了。这导致他有许多话急着要说出来。
3. 留心失控的回答 （v3b-4）
“我的悟性叫我回答”(3节)，原文直译是“我的悟性的灵叫我回答”。其实琐法的回应暴露了他的性格，他性情急噪，容易冲动。他等不到约伯把话说完，就迫不及待地说话了。性情急噪的人往往说自己是出于冷静理智的。
我们要时刻留心，面对心里急躁的时候，真的要保持安静，让神介入。悟性就是理性，琐法一连串的回答都是出于理性，但是安慰朋友不应用纯理性。当我们开始讲理的时候，大家都有自己的理由，结局就是把对方推去没有道理的那一边。最后就像约伯的朋友们一样，控告对方有罪。
二、生命要检视别行恶
1. 短暂的快乐 VS 永久的喜乐（V5）
2. 世界的势力 VS 生命的尊荣（V6-11）
3. 以恶为甘甜 VS 以善为美事（V12-16）
4. 眼前的利益 VS 永恒的奖赏（V17-21）
5. 义人的结局 VS 恶人的结局（V22-29）
琐法的回应带出了五个论点，以上五个点是恶人和义人不一样的结果。无论是善人或是恶人所追求的都一样，如平安、喜乐、福乐。当中不一样的是，这是依靠谁得着这一切。恶人靠恶、靠自己，义人靠神，并且当我们依靠恒久的神，就知道神比任何都是最长久的。约伯成为我们很好的模范，就是无论在任何环境都永远靠神。
总结：拥抱永恒可信靠的神
Job Chapter 20: Examining Our Lives from the Words of Zophar
GK611 Morning Devotion
12/1/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang
Introduction: Zophar speaks for the second time
Zophar believed that financial and material losses were punishments from God. He accused Job of being a man who was greedy for money and material things and told him to quickly confess his sins. But what he didn’t know was that even when Job lost his property and children, he still praised and feared God. This is something we can learn from.
What pained Job was not the loss of his inheritance, but the fact that he felt he had lost his connection with God. While Zophar’s second sermon makes a good point, it does not apply to Job. Still, Zophar’s response can help us examine our lives.
1. Be careful when speaking and don’t lose control
(1) Respond without being impatience (V1-2)
Zophar’s heart was impatient, and when he answered, he was impatient and agitated. He was so sensitive to Job’s response that every word he said was intended to refute the other person. Because of impatience, every response one made did not address the other person’s feelings. Instead, it became an opportunity to accuse the other person.
(2) Stay calm in the face of refutation (V3a)
Zophar took Job’s doubts about his wisdom as words of shame and reproach, and as a result, he became short-tempered and angry. This caused him with a lot to say.
(3) Watch out for out-of-control responses (v3b-4)
“my understanding causes me to answer.” (verse 3), the literal translation of the original text is “and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.” Zophar’s response revealed his character. He was impatient and impulsive. He couldn’t wait for Job to finish speaking before he spoke impatiently. People with an impatient temper often say that they are acting out of calm and rationality.
We must always pay attention, and when we face impatience in our hearts, we must stay quiet and let God intervene. Understanding is reasoning, and Zophar’s series of answers are all based on reason, but absolute reason should not be used to comfort friends. When we start to reason, everyone has their reasons, and the result is to push the other person to the unreasonable side. In the end, like Job’s friends, accuse the other party of guilt.
2. Life must be scrutinized and do not do evil
(1) Temporary happiness VS permanent joy (V5)
(2) The power of the world VS the honour of life (V6-11)
(3) Treat evil as sweetness VS regard goodness as beautiful (V12-16)
(4) Immediate benefits VS eternal rewards (V17-21)
(5) The outcome of the righteous VS the outcome of the wicked (V22-29)
Zophar’s response brought out five points. The above five points are the different results of the wicked and the righteous. Both good people and evil people pursue the same things, such as peace, joy, and happiness. What’s different among them is that who they depend on to get all these. The wicked rely on evil and themselves, while the righteous rely on God. And when we rely on the eternal God, we know that God is the most everlasting than anything else. Job has become a good example for us to always rely on God no matter what are the circumstances.
Conclusion: Embracing the Eternally Trustworthy God