Month of Praising - Day 31

第 31 天  詩 150
1 你們要讚美耶和華！在神的聖所讚美他！在他顯能力的穹蒼讚美他！
2 要因他大能的作為讚美他，按着他極美的大德讚美他！
3 要用角聲讚美他，鼓瑟彈琴讚美他！
4 擊鼓跳舞讚美他！用絲弦的樂器和簫的聲音讚美他！
5 用大響的鈸讚美他！用高聲的鈸讚美他！
6 凡有氣息的都要讚美耶和華！你們要讚美耶和華！

Day 31  Psalm  150 
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary；
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts；
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet；
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance；
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals；
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
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今天不僅僅是讚美月的最後一天，也是2015年的最後一天，我們將一同來讀最後的一篇詩篇。詩篇150篇是一篇讚美的詩篇。在短短的6節經文中，“讚美”就出現了13次之多。詩人在6節經文中回答了3個非常重要的問題

1. 誰要讚美耶和華？ - 凡有氣息的都要讚美耶和華；
2. 為什麼要讚美耶和華？ - 為著祂他大能的作為： 祂的所作 - 創造，保守和救贖的工作；為著祂極美的大德：祂的所是，祂的美善。
3. 如何來讚美耶和華？ - 各樣的樂器： 角聲、鼓瑟彈琴、擊鼓跳舞、絲弦的樂器、簫、大響的鈸和高聲的鈸，更重要的是我們的聲音！

也許我們的2015年就像走過150篇的詩篇一樣，我們經過喜樂和憂愁，經過歡笑和眼淚，經過高山和低谷。但150篇的詩篇結束在一個真實向 神的敬拜和讚美上。那麼，你我又當如何來結束我們的2015呢？

讓我們一同來讚美耶和華 - 因祂大能的作為讚美他，按着祂極美的大德讚美他！

Today is not only the last day of the Month of Praising, but also the year end of 2015. We are going to read the last Psalm in the Bible, which devotes to praise. In the total of 6 verses, the word "praise" is used thirteen times. In this short Psalm, the psalmist answers three fundamental and essential questions:

1. Who is to praise the Lord? - everything that has breath;
2. Why is the Lord to be praised? - for His mighty acts which refers to His doing: His works of creation, provision and redemption; and for His excellent greatness which refers to His Being: all His attributes.
3. How is to praise the Lord? - with all kinds of instruments: trumpet, lute, harp, timbrel, dance, stringed instruments, flutes, loud cymbals and clashing cymbals, and most importantly the voice of you and me!

Our journey in 2015 may just like walking through the 150 psalms of the book of Psalms, during which we meet with joys and sorrows, tears and trials, pains and pleasures. But the book of Psalms closes on the highest note of praise! How should we end up with the year of 2015?

Let's praise the Lord with all that is within us - for His mighty acts and His excellent greatness!

Month of Praising - Day 30

第 30 天  林後3:16-18，弗3:20-21

林後3:16-18

16 但他們的心幾時歸向主，帕子就幾時除去了。 17 主就是那靈；主的靈在哪裏，那裏就得以自由。 18 我們眾人既然敞着臉得以看見主的榮光，好像從鏡子裏返照，就變成主的形狀，榮上加榮，如同從主的靈變成的。

弗3:20-21

20 神能照着運行在我們心裏的大力充充足足地成就一切，超過我們所求所想的。 21 但願他在教會中，並在基督耶穌裏，得着榮耀，直到世世代代，永永遠遠。阿們！

Day 30 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Ephesians  3:20-21

16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord，the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit；and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all，with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory，just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations，forever and ever. Amen.

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許多的時候，我們會羨慕舊約聖經中的一些屬靈偉人的經歷，例如摩西，我們羨慕“耶和華與摩西面對面說話、好像人與朋友說話一般”。然而保羅在哥林多後書第三章中告訴我們，摩西所承受的執事原是屬死的執事，摩西臉上的榮光原是漸漸退去的榮光，以致摩西將帕子蒙在臉上，叫以色列人不能看到那逐漸消退的榮光。

然而，在新約裡，這帕子在基督裡已經廢去了，我們的心幾時歸向主 - 也就是當我們承認耶穌基督是我們個人的救主，是我們生命的主宰的時候，我們就得著內住的聖靈，從而面對面的看見 神，也經歷到聖靈在我們心中改變的大能，超過我們所求所想。

感謝 神！在基督裡，我們不僅僅不再被定罪，更是榮上加榮地被改變成主自己的形狀，從而活出主自己那自由而豐盛的生命! 但願這位榮耀的 神在你我身上得着榮耀，直到世世代代，永永遠遠。阿們！

Many times, we may envy the great spiritual experiences of some Old Testament heroes, such as Moses. we admire that "The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." But Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3 that the ministry of Moses is a ministry of condemnation. Moses had to put a veil over his face so that Israelis can not see that faded glory.

But in the New Testament, the veil is done away in Christ. As soon as we turn to the Lord, i.e. as soon as we recognize Jesus Christ as our Savior and our Lord, every thing becomes bright and clear. By turning unto Christ we become partakers of the Holy Spirit. We are not only redeemed from the Law, but also set free by the indwelling Spirit, and transformed in the same image of Jesus Christ by the Spirit from glory to glory!

Praise the Lord! To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations，forever and ever. Amen.

Month of Praising - Day 29

第 29 天  約 16:25-33
25「這些事，我是用比喻對你們說的；時候將到，我不再用比喻對你們說，乃要將父明明地告訴你們。 26 到那日，你們要奉我的名祈求；我並不對你們說，我要為你們求父。 27 父自己愛你們；因為你們已經愛我，又信我是從父出來的。28 我從父出來，到了世界；我又離開世界，往父那裏去。」
29 門徒說：「如今你是明說，並不用比喻了。 30 現在我們曉得你凡事都知道，也不用人問你，因此我們信你是從神出來的。」
31 耶穌說：「現在你們信嗎？ 32 看哪，時候將到，且是已經到了，你們要分散，各歸自己的地方去，留下我獨自一人；其實我不是獨自一人，因為有父與我同在。 33 我將這些事告訴你們，是要叫你們在我裏面有平安。在世上，你們有苦難；但你們可以放心，我已經勝了世界。」
Day 29  John  16:25-33
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language；but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language，but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name，and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you；27 for the Father Himself loves you，because you have loved Me，and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again，I leave the world and go to the Father.” 29 His disciples said to Him， “See，now You are speaking plainly，and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things，and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 31 Jesus answered them， “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming， yes，has now come，that you will be scattered，each to his own，and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone，because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you， that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation；but be of good cheer， I have overcome the world.”

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In today's Scriptures in addition to the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives further reasons why the disciples should turn their sorrow into joy.

1. The wonderful promise and privilege of prayer - there would be a new relationship between us and the Father because of His resurrection and ascension. Jesus assured the disciples that a day would soon come when they would pray to the Father in His name; and Jesus would also pray to the Father for us as our High Priest. The promise of the prayers is that the Father loved us and would hear our requests and meet us needs - fully because of what the Son has achieved on the Cross;
2. to share His victory over the world -  note the contrast between "in Me" and "in the world." In Christ there is peace; in the world there is tribulation. That is what we need to claim when we face the word: we are in Christ, and therefore we have everything we need to overcome the world!

Let there be joy in us and praise to our Lord!

在今天的經文，耶穌繼續告訴當時的門徒們為什麼要喜樂的原因：

1. 關於禱告的寶貴應許 - 因著耶穌的復活和升天，我們在天父面前得著了一個全新的地位。我們不僅僅可以奉耶穌的名向天父祈求，耶穌也要為我們求父，而父竟然愛我們，答應這些的請求，從‘而叫我的喜樂可以滿足 - 這一切都是子在十字架上所成就的；
2. 有份於祂的得勝 - 注意經文中關於“在我裡面”和“在世上”的對比：在我裡面有平安，在世上有苦難。也許我們會像當初的門徒們一樣遭遇苦難，但我們可以放心，我們的主已經勝過了世界，勝過了所有的苦難 - 而如今，我們在祂的裡面！

願我們喜樂，也把當得的讚美來歸給我們的主！

Month of Praising - Day 28

第 28 天  約 16:5-15

5 現今我往差我來的父那裏去，你們中間並沒有人問我：『你往哪裏去？』 6 只因我將這事告訴你們，你們就滿心憂愁。 7 然而，我將真情告訴你們，我去是與你們有益的；我若不去，保惠師就不到你們這裏來；我若去，就差他來。8 他既來了，就要叫世人為罪、為義、為審判，自己責備自己。 9 為罪，是因他們不信我； 10 為義，是因我往父那裏去，你們就不再見我； 11 為審判，是因這世界的王受了審判。

12 「我還有好些事要告訴你們，但你們現在擔當不了。13 只等真理的聖靈來了，他要引導你們明白一切的真理；因為他不是憑自己說的，乃是把他所聽見的都說出來，並要把將來的事告訴你們。 

14 他要榮耀我，因為他要將受於我的告訴你們。 15 凡父所有的，都是我的；所以我說，他要將受於我的告訴你們。」

Day 28  John 16:5-15

 5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me，and none of you asks Me， ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you，sorrow has filled your heart.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away；for if I do not go away，the Helper will not come to you；but if I depart，I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come，He will convict the world of sin，and of righteousness，and of judgment: 9 of sin， because they do not believe in Me；10 of righteousness，because I go to My Father and you see Me no more；11 of judgment，because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you，but you cannot bear them now. 13 However，when He，the Spirit of truth，has come，He will guide you into all truth；for He will not speak on His own authority，but whatever He hears He will speak；and He will tell you things to come. 

14 He will glorify Me，for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

In the Scriptures of yesterday, Jesus told His twelve disciples and all the believers that once He left, Father will send us another Helper, who will abide with us forever. In today's Scriptures, Jesus teaches us three important things that the Helper will do.

1. To convict the world of sin，and of righteousness，and of judgment - it is the work of the Holy Spirit that a self-righteousness sinner can confess that he or she is a sinner and needs the salvation of Jesus Christ;
2. To guide us into all truth - without the help of the dwelling Spirit of truth, it is impossible for us to understand the truth, 
3. To glorify Jesus Christ - the Holy Spirit does many things, but this is what he aims at in all of them, to glorify Christ by showing to us the things of Jesus Christ.

Brethren, that is what Jesus Christ achieved when He went away to the Father. That is why Jesus commands the disciples to fill their hearts with joy and praise instead of sorrow! How should you and I respond to this great salvation?

昨天的讚美經文告訴我們因著耶穌基督的工作，天父要差聖靈保惠師來，讓祂永遠地與我們同在。今天的經文中，耶穌更是告訴我們聖靈保惠師的三個重要職分：

1. 叫世人為罪、為義、為審判，自己責備自己 - 只有是聖靈的工作才能夠讓我們這些都曾經自以為義的人承認自己是一個需要主耶穌基督救恩的罪人；
2. 引導我們明白或者進入一切的真理 - 沒有內住聖靈的幫助，我們沒有辦法明白真理；
3. 來榮耀耶穌基督 - 在聖靈的職分中，這是最重要的一個，也是我們常常忽略的一個。聖靈來是為了讓我們真知道耶穌基督在十字架上所做成的，讓我們能夠將榮耀歸給耶穌基督。

這是為什麼當日耶穌叫門徒們不要因祂的離開而憂愁，反而應當喜樂的原因。今天，你我又應當如何回應耶穌基督所做成的呢？

Month of Praising - Day 27

第 27 天  約14:16-23

16 我要求父，父就另外賜給你們一位保惠師，叫他永遠與你們同在，

17 就是真理的聖靈，乃世人不能接受的；因為不見他，也不認識他。你們卻認識他，因他常與你們同在，也要在你們裏面。

18 我不撇下你們為孤兒，我必到你們這裏來。

19 還有不多的時候，世人不再看見我，你們卻看見我；因為我活着，你們也要活着。

20 到那日，你們就知道我在父裏面，你們在我裏面，我也在你們裏面。

21 有了我的命令又遵守的，這人就是愛我的；愛我的必蒙我父愛他，我也要愛他，並且要向他顯現。」

22 猶大（不是加略人猶大）問耶穌說：「主啊，為甚麼要向我們顯現，不向世人顯現呢？」

23 耶穌回答說：「人若愛我，就必遵守我的道；我父也必愛他，並且我們要到他那裏去，與他同住。

Day 27  John  14:16-23

16 And I will pray the Father，and He will give you another Helper，that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth，whom the world cannot receive，because it neither sees Him nor knows Him；but you know Him，for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans；I will come to you.

19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more，but you will see Me. Because I live，you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father，and you in Me， and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them，it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father，and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him， “Lord，how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us，and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him， “If anyone loves Me，he will keep My word；and My Father will love him，and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

何等的安慰，知道主在離開世界以前為我們所求的 - 父賜下聖靈給我們！藉著聖靈那條經歷祂同在與領受祂啟示的蒙福之路向我們敞開了：我們愛，因為 神先愛了我們。藉著祂愛的激勵，我們渴望在一切事上討祂的喜悅。即便有時候，遵守祂的命令不是件容易的事，然而我們必經歷聖靈保惠師來做我們隨時的幫助。聖靈將忠心的與我們同在，直到 神成就一切祂在我們身上所定的旨意。讚美主！

How comforting to learn what our Lord prayed for before He was to depart from the world - that God would send the Holy Spirit to us! Through the Holy Spirit we find the blessed path to experiencing His abiding presence and receiving the revelation from the living God: We love Him because He first loved us. Out of that compelling love comes forth the desire to please Him in everything we do. And in endeavoring to keep His commandments, which may be challenging at times, we shall experience the very present help from our Comforter the Holy Spirit – who will faithfully abide with us until every single purpose of God is fulfilled in our lives. Praise the Lord!

Month of Praising - Day 26

第 26 天  賽 12:1-6

1 到那日，你必說：耶和華啊，我要稱謝你！因為你雖然向我發怒，你的怒氣卻已轉消；你又安慰了我。

2 看哪！ 神是我的拯救；我要倚靠他，並不懼怕。因為主耶和華是我的力量，是我的詩歌，他也成了我的拯救。

3 所以，你們必從救恩的泉源歡然取水。

4 在那日，你們要說：當稱謝耶和華，求告他的名；將他所行的傳揚在萬民中，提說他的名已被尊崇。

5 你們要向耶和華唱歌，因他所行的甚是美好；但願這事普傳天下。

6 錫安的居民哪，當揚聲歡呼，因為在你們中間的以色列聖者乃為至大。

Day 26  Isaiah  12:1-6

1 And in that day you will say:

“O Lord，I will praise You；

Though You were angry with me，

Your anger is turned away，and You comfort me.

2 Behold，God is my salvation，

I will trust and not be afraid；

‘For Yah，the Lord，is my strength and song；

He also has become my salvation.’”

3 Therefore with joy you will draw water

From the wells of salvation.

4 And in that day you will say:

“Praise the Lord，call upon His name；

Declare His deeds among the peoples，

Make mention that His name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord，

For He has done excellent things；

This is known in all the earth.

6 Cry out and shout，O inhabitant of Zion，

For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

這是一首那些飽嘗救恩水泉的人所唱的詩。喔，我們要稱謝 (v1)！我們要提說 (v4)！我們要唱歌 (v5)！我們要揚聲歡呼 (v6)！沒有什麼能攔阻這泉源湧出向著我們至大 神的讚美來！我們豈不是經歷過 - 祂成了我們的拯救與力量？今日豈不就是這裡所說的”那日”？讓我們這錫安的子民一起向祂獻上不止息的讚美！

This is a hymn sung by those who have tasted the fullness from the well of salvation. Oh, we will praise (v1)! We will declare (v4)! We will sing (v5)! We will cry and shout (v6)! Nothing can hold this spring back from gushing out streams of praises to our great God. Have we not experienced Him as our Salvation and Strength? Is not today, “that day”? Let us, the people of Zion, praise Him all the more!

Month of Praising - Day 25

第 25 天 路 2:8-17

8 在伯利恆之野地裏有牧羊的人，夜間按着更次看守羊羣。

9 有主的使者站在他們旁邊，主的榮光四面照着他們；牧羊的人就甚懼怕。

10 那天使對他們說：「不要懼怕！我報給你們大喜的信息，是關乎萬民的；

11 因今天在大衛的城裏，為你們生了救主，就是主基督。

12 你們要看見一個嬰孩，包着布，臥在馬槽裏，那就是記號了。」

13 忽然，有一大隊天兵同那天使讚美神說：

14 在至高之處榮耀歸與神！在地上平安歸與他所喜悅的人 ！

15 眾天使離開他們，升天去了。牧羊的人彼此說：「我們往伯利恆去，看看所成的事，就是主所指示我們的。」

16 他們急忙去了，就尋見馬利亞和約瑟，又有那嬰孩臥在馬槽裏； 17既然看見，就把天使論這孩子的話傳開了。

Day 25  Luke 2:8-17

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields，keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold，an angel of the Lord stood before them，and the glory of the Lord shone around them，and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them， “Do not be afraid，for behold，I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior，who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths，lying in a manger.”13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest，

And on earth peace，goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was，when the angels had gone away from them into heaven，that the shepherds said to one another，“Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass， which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph， and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him，they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

有什麼形容比”大喜的信息”更適合描述彌賽亞的降臨？在至高之處祂是 神的榮耀，在地上祂是世人的平安。 神的應許藉著耶穌基督的道成肉身現今終於實現了！那些牧羊人迫不及待的要去看這位救主，並且歡喜的傳揚這好消息，身為這福音果子的你和我呢？

Is there ever a better phrase than “good tidings of great joy” to describe the coming of the Messiah? He is the glory of God in the highest and He is the peace of men on earth. The promise of God now at last was fulfilled through the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those shepherds could not wait to see this Savior, and to rejoice and make known this glad tiding. What about you and me? As the fruit of this gospel are we too overjoyed with such amazing tidings?

Month of Praising - Day 24

第 24 天  彌 5:2-4

2 伯利恆的以法他啊，你在猶大諸城中為小，將來必有一位從你那裏出來，在以色列中為我作掌權的；他的根源從亙古，從太初就有。

3 耶和華必將以色列人交付敵人，直等那生產的婦人生下子來。那時掌權者其餘的弟兄必歸到以色列人那裏。

4 他必起來，倚靠耶和華的大能，並耶和華－他神之名的威嚴，牧養他的羊羣。他們要安然居住；因為他必日見尊大，直到地極。

Day 24  Micah  5:2-4

2 “But you，Bethlehem Ephrathah，

Though you are little among the thousands of Judah，

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

The One to be Ruler in Israel，

Whose goings forth are from of old，

From everlasting.”

3 Therefore He shall give them up，

Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth；

Then the remnant of His brethren

Shall return to the children of Israel.

4 And He shall stand and feed His flock

In the strength of the Lord，

In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God；

And they shall abide，

For now He shall be great

To the ends of the earth；

Month of Praising - Day 23

第 23 天  提前 1:15-17， 3:16
15「基督耶穌降世，為要拯救罪人。」這話是可信的，是十分可佩服的。在罪人中我是個罪魁。
16 然而，我蒙了憐憫，是因耶穌基督要在我這罪魁身上顯明他一切的忍耐，給後來信他得永生的人作榜樣。
17 但願尊貴、榮耀歸與那不能朽壞、不能看見、永世的君王、獨一的神，直到永永遠遠。阿們！

3:16 大哉，敬虔的奧祕，無人不以為然！就是神在肉身顯現，被聖靈稱義，被天使看見，被傳於外邦，被世人信服，被接在榮耀裏。
Day 23  1Timothy 1:15-17， 3:16
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance，that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners，of whom I am chief. 16 However，for this reason I obtained mercy，that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering，as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal，immortal，invisible，to God who alone is wise，be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh，
Justified in the Spirit，
Seen by angels，
Preached among the Gentiles，
Believed on in the world，
Received up in glory.

神兒女的生活明顯的成了一台戲演給天使也演給世人觀看。基督耶穌降世，不是為了榮耀祂自己的名，而是為了人的罪而來的，或說是為了我這個人而來的。基督依著祂的全能，可以輕易擊敗罪的權勢，但卻無法將人從罪中釋放出來。基督耶穌降世為人，有人的性情，經歷一切人所能經歷的，知曉人的貧乏，綑綁與憂傷。祂成為初熟的果子獻給神，也為人開了一條又新又活的路。

The lives of God’s children are actually on display - a spectacle to the angeles and to the world.  Jesus Christ came to this world not to glorify His own name, but for the sin of the world, or I may say for me the sinner.  With Christ’ might, He could easily destroy the power of sin, but without atonement He would still not be able to set man free from sin.  Instead, Jesus Christ came to this world to become a man with human nature, to experience a man’s life, to understand man’s poverty, bondage and sorrows.  He became the first fruit sacrificed to God, and opened a new and living way for man.

Month of Praising - Day 22

第 22 天  賽 61:1-4
1 主耶和華的靈在我身上；因為耶和華用膏膏我，叫我傳好信息給謙卑的人，差遣我醫好傷心的人，報告被擄的得釋放，被囚的出監牢；
2 報告耶和華的恩年，和我們神報仇的日子；安慰一切悲哀的人，
3 賜華冠與錫安悲哀的人，代替灰塵；喜樂油代替悲哀；讚美衣代替憂傷之靈；使他們稱為「公義樹」，是耶和華所栽的，叫他得榮耀。
4 他們必修造已久的荒場，建立先前淒涼之處，重修歷代荒涼之城。
Day 22  Isaiah  61:1-4
1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me，
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor；
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted，
To proclaim liberty to the captives，
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound；
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord，
And the day of vengeance of our God；
To comfort all who mourn，
3 To console those who mourn in Zion，
To give them beauty for ashes，
The oil of joy for mourning，
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness；
That they may be called trees of righteousness，
The planting of the Lord，that He may be glorified.”
4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins，
They shall raise up the former desolations，
And they shall repair the ruined cities，
The desolations of many generations.

“等候”的過程雖然常是煎熬的，卻也是人認識神恩典與旨意最短的途徑。人在等候的過程中，感覺到的，有時候是焦慮，失望與不解；甚至為了縮短等侯的時間，會為神找下台階，如此就不會因等侯不及答應，折損神在自己心中的分量。神賜盼望，也叫盼望歡呼成眼見，但為使仇敵啞口無言，神也許延遲了祂的應許，但差遣祂的靈，藉著他的愛子，傳達祂是那位，好公義，樂施憐憫，掌王權，顧惜祂百姓的神。

The period of ‘waiting’ can be trying and frustrating, yet it is the shortest path for man to know God’s grace and will.  While waiting, one may feel anxious, disappointed and confused.  In order to shorten the time of waiting, one may even try to find excuses for God’s unfulfilled promises in a way that will not affect God’s supremacy in one’s own heart.  God is the One that gives hope, and also the One that causes hope to become sight.  Yet in order to silence the enemy, God may delay the fulfillment of His promises.  However, He sent His Spirit, and through His beloved Son, to deliver the message that He is God who loves justice and mercy, who reigns and cares for His people.

Month of Praising - Day 21

第 21 天  來 1:1-12
1 神既在古時藉着眾先知多次多方地曉諭列祖，
2 就在這末世藉着他兒子曉諭我們；又早已立他為承受萬有的，也曾藉着他創造諸世界。 3 他是神榮耀所發的光輝，是神本體的真像，常用他權能的命令托住萬有。他洗淨了人的罪，就坐在高天至大者的右邊。
4 他所承受的名，既比天使的名更尊貴，就遠超過天使。
5 所有的天使，神從來對哪一個說：你是我的兒子，我今日生你？又指着哪一個說：我要作他的父，他要作我的子？
6 再者，神使長子到世上來的時候，就說：神的使者都要拜他。
7 論到使者，又說：神以風為使者，以火焰為僕役；
8 論到子卻說：神啊，你的寶座是永永遠遠的；你的國權是正直的。
9 你喜愛公義，恨惡罪惡；所以神，就是你的神，用喜樂油膏你，勝過膏你的同伴；
10 又說：主啊，你起初立了地的根基；天也是你手所造的。
11 天地都要滅沒，你卻要長存。天地都要像衣服漸漸舊了；
12 你要將天地捲起來，像一件外衣，天地就都改變了。惟有你永不改變；你的年數沒有窮盡。
Day 21  Hebrews 1:1-12
1God，who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets，2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son，whom He has appointed heir of all things，through whom also He made the worlds；3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person，and upholding all things by the word of His power，when He had by Himself purged our sins，sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high，4 having become so much better than the angels，as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:
“You are My Son，
Today I have begotten You”?
And again:
“I will be to Him a Father，
And He shall be to Me a Son”?
6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world，He says:
“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
7 And of the angels He says:
“Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But to the Son He says:
“Your throne，O God，is forever and ever；
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness；
Therefore God，Your God，has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”[
10 And:
“You，Lord，in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth，
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish，but You remain；
And they will all grow old like a garment；
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up，
And they will be changed.
But You are the same，
And Your years will not fail.”

______________________________________

當我們思想人一生的經歷與美善時，若神不在其中，我們便是愚昧，虛妄的人；我們尋也是尋不著其真義，猶如瞎眼的尋求光明一般；所有的遭遇，一切的人，事，物，停留在表淺，沒有絲毫的意義。

神多方多次向人顯明了祂的自己；藉著祂的愛子基督耶穌，自顯祂的慈愛，公義與全能；祂是神榮耀所發的光輝，是神本體的真像；有了愛子就明白了一切，並且存到永遠。

To consider our life experiences and any perceived goodness apart from God in it is foolishness and vanity. We search and can’t find it, just like the blind searching for light. Every experience, every thing becomes meaningless if it stops short of God.

God has revealed Himself many times and in many ways.  Through His beloved Son He revealed His loving kindness, righteousness, and omnipotence. The Son is the radiance of His glory, the true image of God Himself. Whoever has the Son has everything through all eternity.

Month of Praising - Day 20

第 20 天 賽 9:6-7
6 因有一嬰孩為我們而生；有一子賜給我們。政權必擔在他的肩頭上；他名稱為「奇妙策士、全能的神、永在的父、和平的君」。
7 他的政權與平安必加增無窮。他必在大衛的寶座上治理他的國，以公平公義使國堅定穩固，從今直到永遠。萬軍之耶和華的熱心必成就這事。

Day 20 Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

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Our Lord is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! Let us praise and rejoice, for He shall reign forevermore. That is a promise! Aren’t these verses filled with such hope and joy? What a difference Christ brings to this world. It was crooked and perverse. But with Christ, everything is made new in His peace, righteousness, and justice. All is made right with the birth of the Child! Let us praise our wonderful Savior and Counselor! For He is good indeed!

我們的神是萬王之王，萬主之主！讓我們歡喜頌讚祂，因祂永遠做王。這是神給我們的應許！你讀這些經文的時候心裡是否被盼望與喜樂所充滿？我們的神耶穌基督實在是改變了這個世界。在如此歪曲悖謬的世代，因著基督，一切都更新了！平安、公義、和正義，都因著這位嬰孩的誕生而得以彰顯！讓我們讚美我們這位奇妙的救主! 因祂甚是美好！

Month of Praising - Day 19

第 19 天 西 1:15-22
15 愛子是那不能看見之神的像，是首生的，在一切被造的以先。
16 因為萬有都是靠他造的，無論是天上的，地上的；能看見的，不能看見的；或是有位的，主治的，執政的，掌權的；一概都是藉着他造的，又是為他造的。
17 他在萬有之先；萬有也靠他而立。
18 他也是教會全體之首。他是元始，是從死裏首先復生的，使他可以在凡事上居首位。 19 因為父喜歡叫一切的豐盛在他裏面居住。
20 既然藉着他在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，便藉着他叫萬有－無論是地上的、天上的－都與自己和好了。
21 你們從前與神隔絕，因着惡行，心裏與他為敵。
22 但如今他藉着基督的肉身受死，叫你們與自己和好，都成了聖潔，沒有瑕疵，無可責備，把你們引到自己面前。

Day 19 Colossians 1:15-22
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.

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Praise the Lord for His wonderful works on the cross! By Him all things were created. But also by His blood, and Him only, we are reconciled to the perfect and pure God. Can you imagine that… the day that we are blameless in all things and all of ours sins, no matter how great or how small, forgiven? In fact, we are to be presented “...holy, and blameless, and above reproach” in God’s sight. This can only be by the blood of Jesus - our Lord, our Savior, the preeminent in all things, the giver of peace that the world cannot give. Now, being reconciled to God, let us lift up our holy hands and praise Him! For He is worthy!

感謝神為我們在十字架上所成就的奇妙的救恩！萬物都是藉著祂被造。我們更是藉著祂的寶血，祂的自己，得以與完美而聖潔的神和好。你能想像有一天，你我會毫無瑕疵，所犯的所有罪，無論大小，都已被神赦免了嗎？實際上，我們在神的眼中是“聖潔，沒有瑕疵，無可責備”的兒女，全都在乎耶穌的寶血。祂是我們的救主，是超越一切，賜世界所不能給予的平安的神。現在我們既已與神和好，都該高舉我們的神聖的雙手來敬拜祂！因祂是配得的！

Month of Praising - Day 18

第 18 天 啟 5:6-14
6 我又看見寶座與四活物，並長老之中有羔羊站立，像是被殺過的，有七角七眼，就是神的七靈，奉差遣往普天下去的。
7 這羔羊前來，從坐寶座的右手裏拿了書卷。
8 他既拿了書卷，四活物和二十四位長老就俯伏在羔羊面前，各拿着琴和盛滿了香的金爐；這香就是眾聖徒的祈禱。
9 他們唱新歌，說：你配拿書卷，配揭開七印；因為你曾被殺，用自己的血從各族、各方、各民、各國中買了人來，叫他們歸於神，
10 又叫他們成為國民，作祭司歸於神，在地上執掌王權。
11 我又看見且聽見，寶座與活物並長老的周圍有許多天使的聲音；他們的數目有千千萬萬，
12 大聲說：曾被殺的羔羊是配得權柄、豐富、智慧、能力、尊貴、榮耀、頌讚的。
13 我又聽見在天上、地上、地底下、滄海裏，和天地間一切所有被造之物，都說：但願頌讚、尊貴、榮耀、權勢都歸給坐寶座的和羔羊，直到永永遠遠！
14 四活物就說：「阿們！」眾長老也俯伏敬拜。

Day 18 Revelation 5:6-14
6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
8 Now when He had taken the scroll,the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song，saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,
12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

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“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” He is indeed worthy of our praise! The angels sing and the elders bow in worship of Him, and Him only. So what about you, and me? By nature He is worthy, for He is our God and we were created to worship Him. By actions He is worthy, for He slain and redeemed us to God by His blood. So Lord, help us to know more deeply who You are, so that we can praise You the way You ought to be praised!

曾被殺的羔羊是配得權柄、豐富、智慧、能力、尊貴、榮耀、頌讚的。”祂實在是配得我們的頌讚。天使和長老跪拜，單單的讚美祂。你和我當如何稱頌如此榮耀的神呢？從神的所是來講祂是配得的，因為祂是我們的神，我們被造就是為了敬拜祂。從神的所做上來講祂同樣是配得的，因他被釘死在十架上，用自己的寶血贖回了我們。主啊！幫助我們更深的認識你，這樣我們才能按著你所配得的來讚美袮！

Month of Praising - Day 17

第 17 天 啓示：21：1～7

1我又看見一個新天新地，因為先前的天地已經過去了，海也不再有了。

2  我又看見聖城新耶路撒冷由神那裡從天而降，預備好了，就如新婦裝飾整齊等候丈夫。

3  我聽見有大聲音從寶座出來說：「看哪，神的帳幕在人間！他要與人同住，他們要做他的子民，神要親自與他們同在，做他們的神。

4  神要擦去他們一切的眼淚，不再有死亡，也不再有悲哀、哭號、疼痛，因為以前的事都過去了。」

5  坐寶座的說：「看哪，我將一切都更新了！」又說：「你要寫上，因這些話是可信的，是真實的。」

6  他又對我說：「都成了！我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛；我是初，我是終。我要將生命泉的水白白賜給那口渴的人喝。

7  得勝的，必承受這些為業：我要做他的神，他要做我的兒子。

Day 17 Revelation  21:1-7

1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth，for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I，John，saw the holy city，New Jerusalem， coming down out of heaven from God，prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying，“Behold，the tabernacle of God is with men，and He will dwell with them，and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes；there shall be no more death，nor sorrow，nor crying. There shall be no more pain，for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said， “Behold，I make all things new.” And He said to me， “Write，for these words are true and faithful.”6 And He said to me， “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega，the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things，and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

這是何等大的一個盼望，也是神藉著使徒約翰給我們的啓示，將來我們得救信主的聖徒們都會在新天新地𥚃與我們親愛的主耶穌基督同座席。不再有死亡，不再有痛苦，衪會親自擦乾我們每一位的眼淚，並賜生命的泉源給我們。就如同保羅曾經說過，「我想，現在的苦楚若比起將來要顯於我們的榮耀就不足介意了。」羅馬書8:18

How great is this hope that was revealed to us through the apostle John - the saints, who are saved through faith in Christ, will dwell with our Lord Jesus Christ in the new heaven and new earth.  There will no longer be death nor pain.  He will wipe away all of our tears and give us the fountain of the water of life.  It is as Paul had written, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18). Praise the Lord!

(You can view this and all praise devotions on our SVCA praise blog)