讀經:使徒行傳第十四章

默想:「我們進入神的國,必須經歷許多艱難。」(徒14:22)

默想一:進入神國的道路為什麼那麼難走?因為那是一條窄小又是人少走的路(太7:14),但那是唯一通往永生的路。為此我們必須抱著努力進窄門的決心信靠主(路13:24)。有主陪我們同走天路,不會孤單,不用懼怕。

默想二:人必須經歷艱難,才能進神的國嗎?不是!而是神藉著苦難讓我們經歷神的同在、磨練、塑造,使我們有堅強的信心參於神國的工程。神容許的患難不是懲罰,而是警告;不是完蛋,而是機會。在神的恩光中,臨到我們身上的艱難都與我們有益。

禱告:感謝神,因袮在基督裡的應許。主耶穌說:「在世上你們有苦難,但你們可以放心,我已經勝了世界。」無論環境多敗壞、多淒慘、多險惡,我知道祢不會撇下我為孤兒,我深信祢必與我同在同行。奉主耶穌的名禱告。阿們!

Bible Reading: Acts 14

Insight:  “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Act 14:22)

Insight one: Why is it so hard to walk on the path of the Kingdom of God? For it is a narrow gate and those who find it are few (Mat 7:14); yet that is the only way to eternal life. For this reason we must trust in the Lord and strive to enter through the narrow door (Luk 13:24). Having the Lord to accompany you through the heavenly path, there is not fear. 

Insight two: Do people have to go through hardships in order to enter the Kingdom of God? No, it is not! But God, through hardships, let us experience God’s presence, polishing, shaping, so that we may have steadfast faith to participate the work in the Kingdom of God. The hardships that God allows is not punishment, but warning; not the end, but new opportunities. In the grace of God, the hardships that come unto us are all beneficial to us. Remember, the hardships that God allows are all good for us.

Prayer: God heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise in Christ. Jesus said, ” In the world you have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” No matter how corrupt, miserable, and sinister the environment is, I know that You will not forsake me alone as an orphan, and I am confident that You will be with me and accompany with me. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!

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