讀經:使徒行傳第十一章。
默想:「這巴拿巴原是個好人,被聖靈充滿,大有信心。於是有許多人歸服了主。」(徒11:24)
默想一:巴拿巴帶領許多人歸主的秘訣是什麼?不是因他擁有什麼,而是他在神面前是怎樣的人—在生命的本質上是一個好人,被聖靈充滿,大有信心。他的信仰與生活有關,也與周遭的人有關。他的信仰不僅活出與他的名字『安慰與鼓勵』有關,懂得與人同工。他的生活與人的關係也良好,為人慷慨,以助人為樂。
默想二:領人歸主最有效的方法是什麼?是平日生活的見證!你每一天的一舉一動就是在詮釋你的信仰。你所講的與所行的一致嗎?你所信的和所表現的相合嗎?你的信心與行為相符嗎?你愛主也愛人嗎?在別人的需要上你看到自己的責任麼?
禱告:天父上帝,祢是光,在袮毫無黑暗。求祢時時光照我,讓我的生活與悔改的心相稱。願我心中所存的意念和我口中所說的話,在祢的恩膏下,榮神益人。奉耶穌基督的名禱告,阿們!
Bible Reading: Acts 11.
Insight: “He (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” (Act 11:24)
Insight one: What was the secret of Barnabas bringing a great number of people to the Lord? It was not because of what he possessed, but what kind of person he was before God — in essence, he was a good person, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. His belief was correlated with his life, as well as toward those around him. His beliefs not only matched his name “Consolation and Encouragement”, he knew how to work together with others. His life expressed a good relationship with people. He was generous and enjoyed helping others.
Insight two: What is the most effective way to bring people to the Lord? It is the testimony of daily life! Your every move of every day is an expression of your faith. Are your deeds consistent with your words? Does your belief correspond with your action? Is your manner of life worthy of your faith? Do you love the Lord as well as people? Do you see your responsibilities toward the needs of others?
Prayer: God heavenly Father, You are the light, and in You there is no darkness at all. Please shine on me always and make my life worthy of my heart of repentance. Let the thoughts in my heart and the words in my mouth, under Your anointing, to benefit people and glorify God. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.