*** 赞美上帝 ***

sky5107

赞美上帝

我的日子不是甚少吗？求你停手宽容我，叫我在往而不返之先，可以稍得畅快（约伯记10:20）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，当我们感到沮丧和疲惫不堪时，我们可能会希望：上帝啊，请你暂时离开我吧。但是，感谢上帝，祂绝对不会那么做，祂曾对我们许诺：“我总不撇下你，也不丢弃你（希伯来13:5）

让我们赞美我们的上帝和祂的信实与恩慈！

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Job 10:20 "Are not my days few? Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort . . ."

Dear Brothers n Sisters,

When we feel most discouraged and worn out, we may wish that GOD would just "leave us alone" - but thank GOD, HE never does. HE promises us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb 13:5).

Let us praise our LORD for HIS faithfulness and mercy.  

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

Check out our facebook page, and share the article:

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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

sky5107

罪的后果

耶和华 神对蛇说：“你既作了这事就必受咒诅，比一切的牲畜野兽更甚，你必用肚子行走，终身吃土。我又要叫你和女人彼此为仇，你的后裔和女人的后裔也彼此为仇。女人的后裔要伤你的头，你要伤他的脚跟。”又对女人说：“我必多多加增你怀胎的苦楚，你生产儿女必多受苦楚，你必恋慕你丈夫，你丈夫必管辖你。”又对亚当说：“你既听从妻子的话，吃了我所吩咐你不可吃的那树上的果子，地必为你的缘故受咒诅。你必终身劳苦，才能从地里得吃的。地必给你长出荆棘和蒺藜来，你也要吃田间的菜蔬。你必汗流满面才得糊口，直到你归了土，因为你是从土而出的。你本是尘土，仍要归于尘土。”（创世纪3:14-19）   

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，基督徒倾向于将罪分类，有些被认为是微小又不重要的罪，有些被认为是会造成巨大而深远伤害的罪。事实上，没有一个罪是独立的。每一个对上帝的不服从，影响到的不仅是犯罪者，还有当代、乃至未来无数的人。

如果我们忽略亚当和夏娃的犯罪背景，那很少有人会宣告他们所犯的是极大的罪，因为他们只不过是从一棵标记着“不能吃”的树上，吃了几个果子而已。今天的人们认为，漠视上帝的命令没有什么，即使是圣经上的。

但是，上帝看待我们的犯罪完全不同。每个罪都必紧随着负面的后果，亚当和夏娃的不服从，导致他们在原本实现的两个基本领域（与上帝的亲密关系和上帝悦纳的工作）中经受痛苦和挫折。整个地球归入罪的诅咒，从此以后，出生在世上的每个人都有远离上帝的罪恶本性。

第一次的悖逆，使人类道德陷入了极坏的境地。文明至今，饱受了历代人类所犯无数罪恶的无数后果的影响，这个世界落得如此悲惨的地步，还有什么惊讶呢？罪不仅造成了苦难，也使上帝失丧了祂所看为宝贵的我们，伊甸园被关闭，向罪恶的人类紧锁。

在这个堕落的世界里，基督恩典和宽恕的佳音是我们惟一真确的盼望。虽然思想集中于罪的后果会令人不愉快，但却是必需的，因为这样做能够时常提醒我们上帝极大的救恩，并感动我们即使在最小的事上也要顺服上帝。因为每一个顺服（即使是最微小的），在上帝看来都是巨大又极其重要。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

The Consequences of Sin

Genesis 3:14-19

14 So the LORD GOD said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all livestock

    and all wild animals!

You will crawl on your belly

    and you will eat dust

    all the days of your life.

15 And I will put enmity

    between you and the woman,

    and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush[ your head,

    and you will strike his heel.”

16 To the woman HE said,

“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;

    with painful labour you will give birth to children.

Your desire will be for your husband,

    and he will rule over you.”

17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’

“Cursed is the ground because of you;

    through painful toil you will eat food from it

    all the days of your life.

18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you

    and you will eat the plants of the field.

19 By the sweat of your brow

    you will eat your food

until you return to the ground,

    since from it you were taken;

for dust you are

    and to dust you will return.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause. In reality, no one sins in isolation. Each disobedient to GOD affects not only the sinner but also countless others in both the present and the future.

If we were to separate Adam and Eve's sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallowing some fruit from a tree with a "do not eat" sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands—even biblical ones.

But GOD has a totally different view of our sins. Each one (sin) is followed by negative consequences. Adam and Eve's disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfilment—relationships and meaningful work. The whole earth fell under sin's curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the LORD.

That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition. Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape? Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of GOD's best. The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.

The good news of CHRIST's grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin's consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey GOD, even in the small things. Each obedient is huge to HIM.  

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

Check out our facebook page, and share the article:

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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

sky5107

嫉妒的根源

因为情欲和圣灵相争，圣灵和情欲相争。这两个是彼此相敌，使你们不能作所愿意作的。但你们若被圣灵引导，就不在律法以下。情欲的事都是显而易见的，就如奸淫、污秽、邪荡、拜偶像、邪术、仇恨、争竞、忌恨、恼怒、结党、纷争、异端、嫉妒〔有古卷在此有凶杀二字〕、醉酒、荒宴等类。我从前告诉你们，现在又告诉你们，行这样事的人必不能承受 神的国（加拉太5:17-21）   

极有可能在生活中的某一时刻，你会猝不及防地被嫉妒波及到。这嫉妒是来自灵命上的攻击？还是敌人引起你的贪婪？还是某人或某事的运作令你忿忿不平？

答案可能会令你惊讶，是“全都不是”。事实上，嫉妒是源自我们的内心，虽然我们可能会设法把责任推给别人。例如，我们会说：“嗯，是他们不应该拥有这些，因为他们不配得到，所以我完全有理由有这种情绪。”

在这里你看出是怎么回事了吗？我们不仅对某人生出嫉妒的情绪，而且还说我们的嫉妒是别人的过错！这根本是不对的，我们各自要为自己嫉妒的情绪负100%的责任。

嫉妒是肉体的产物，在圣经中与此类罪恶同列：拜偶像、奸淫、醉酒、邪术，这些罪与我们圣洁的上帝相悖，被描述为“属地的、属情欲的、属鬼魔的”（加拉太5:17-21；雅各3:15这样的智慧不是从上头来的，乃是属地的、属情欲的、属鬼魔的）。

嫉妒情绪能够导致将个人的成功与其他人进行不健康的比照，这种嫉妒的模式会发展成要打到对方的激烈竞争，而最终可能会导致恐惧和怨恨的全面爆发。这是多么糟糕的生活方式啊！

尽管嫉妒是一个普遍情绪，但它在真正信徒的生命中毫无一席之地。因此，我们每个人应该努力客观地看待我们内心的动机。今天你饱受嫉妒心态的困扰吗？那就将你真实的情绪放在上帝的跟前，求祂洁净你这个罪恶的心态。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

The Source of Jealousy

Galatians 5:17-21

17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the SPIRIT, and the SPIRIT what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the SPIRIT, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of GOD.

Most likely, you have been caught off guard by a wave of jealousy at some point in your life. Was it a spiritual attack? Did the Enemy make you covetous? Was someone or something working to make you resentful?

The answer—which may surprise you— is no. Jealousy actually springs from within us, even though we might try to deflect the blame. For example, we may say, "Well, they just shouldn't have that. They don't deserve it, so I'm perfectly justified in feeling this way."

Do you see what is actually going on here? We are not only feeling envious of someone, but we're also saying that our jealousy is the other person's fault! That's simply not true. We are each 100 per cent responsible for our own feelings of envy.

Jealousy is a product of the flesh. In the Bible, it is listed among such sins as idolatry, immorality, drunkenness, and sorcery—sins which stand against our holy GOD and are described as "earthly, natural, demonic" (Gal. 5:17-21; James 3: 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.).

Envious feelings can lead to unhealthy comparison of one's own success to someone else's. That pattern can grow into a competition to out-perform others—and may result in full-blown fear and resentment. What a horrible way to live!

Though jealousy is a common emotion, it has no place in a true believer's life. So each of us should try to look objectively at our heart motives. Are you plagued with an attitude of jealousy today? Lay your honest feelings out before the LORD, and ask HIM to cleanse you of this sinful attitude.

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

Check out our facebook page, and share the article:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victor-and-Esther/329640280513478?ref=hl

For more articles, check out our blog: http://www.victor-n-esther.com

(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

sky5107

识别“不稳定”的动向

诗篇139:13 我的肺腑是你所造的，我在母腹中，你已覆庇我。  

139:14 我要称谢你，因我受造奇妙可畏。你的作为奇妙，这是我心深知道的。  

139:15 我在暗中受造，在地的深处被联络，那时，我的形体并不向你隐藏。  

139:16 我未成形的体质，你的眼早已看见了。你所定的日子，我尚未度一日，你都写在你的册上了。

  

我要要求你去做一项可能令你不舒服的练习，我们要用不稳定的人时常说的话来检测自己。当你读到每一句话时，问问自己：我是否有类似的想法？

不稳定之人发表的话：

-何必试呢？我永远都做不对。

-每个人看着我，都是在等着我出丑。

-我是一个失败者。

-我又丑，看起来又可怕。

-我赢不了，我永远是个失败者。

-不管我怎么努力工作，都得不到认同。

-我对什么事都没有能力。

-没有人说过我好。

-我以前失败过，一次失败就永远都会失败。

-我不知道谁会喜欢我、尊重我或接受我。

-我根本不配被善待。

-我不适合这里或其他任何地方。

-别人看上去都很“和睦”，相比之下我总会“被冷落”。

-我根本不行，没有任何事能改变这一点。

-为何没有人关心我所讲的？

-没有人关心我的想法和感觉。

-人们对我好时，乃是有求于我时。

以上的话哪一句你感觉认同呢？把你感觉认同的话，以祷告的方式审察自己；然后，将这些特别的忧虑卸给上帝，让祂在它们各自领域中向你显明祂的真理。上帝想要使你灵命的成长，不受到任何事物的阻碍。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Identifying Insecurity

Psalm 139:13-16

13 For YOU created my inmost being;

    YOU knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise YOU because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

   YOUR works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from YOU

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 YOUR eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in YOUR book

    before one of them came to be.

Let me ask you to do what may be an uncomfortable exercise. We are going to examine statements that insecure people often make about themselves. As you read each one, ask yourself, do I think similarly?

Insecure people make comments like:

• Why bother trying? I'll never get it right.

• Everyone is looking at me, just waiting for me to make a fool of myself.

• I'm a failure.

• I am ugly and awful to look at.

• I can never win. I'm just a loser.

• No matter how hard I work, I never get any recognition.

• I am incompetent at everything.

• Nobody could ever speak well about me.

• I have failed before; once a failure, always a failure.

• I don't see how anyone could ever like, respect, or accept me.

• I don't deserve to be treated well.

• I don't fit here or anywhere else.

• Everyone else looks so "together." I feel "out of it" compared to them.

• I am an incomplete person, and nothing can change that.

• Why would anyone care to hear what I have to say?

• No one cares about what I think or feel.

• People are nice to me only when they want something from me.

Did any of the above statements ring true for you? Prayerfully consider the ones that got your attention. Then, take those specific fears to the LORD, and allow HIM to show you HIS truth in each area. GOD wants to set you free from anything hindering your spiritual development.

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

Check out our facebook page, and share the article:

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For more articles, check out our blog: http://www.victor-n-esther.com

(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

sky5107

不将无罪当作有罪

我这求告 神，蒙祂应允的人，竟成了朋友所讥笑的。公义完全人，竟受了人的讥笑（约伯记12:4）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，上帝称约伯是一个“完全正直，敬畏 神，远离恶事”的人（约伯记1:8），然而约伯的朋友们却在他遭遇不幸时讥笑和嘲讽他。当我们学习耶稣所讲的真理：“‘我喜爱怜恤，不喜爱祭祀’，你们若明白这话的意思，就不会将无罪的，当作有罪的了。”（马太福音12:7）

我们就懂得，上帝希望我们付出爱、仁慈和怜悯，给祂家里那些遭遇不幸的成员们，而不是讥笑、嘲讽和审判他们。

上帝向你所要的是什么呢？只要你行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心，与你的  神同行（弥迦书6:8）

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Job 12:4 "I am one mocked by his friends. Who called on GOD and HE answered him. The just and blameless who is ridiculed."

Dear Brothers n Sisters,

GOD had called job a "blameless and upright man, one who fears GOD and shuns evil" (Job 1:8) and yet Job's friends mock and ridiculed him in his distress. When will we learn the truth of what JESUS said "If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent." (Matt 12:7).

GOD wants us to show love, mercy and compassion towards members of HIS family who is in distress, not to mock, ridicule or judge them.

The LORD require of you, to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your GOD. (Macah 6:8)  

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

Check out our facebook page, and share the article:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victor-and-Esther/329640280513478?ref=hl

For more articles, check out our blog: http://www.victor-n-esther.com

(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

sky5107

破碎——上帝允许苦难塑造我们

约翰福音12:20-26 那时，上来过节礼拜的人中，有几个希利尼人。他们来见加利利伯赛大的腓力，求他说：“先生，我们愿意见耶稣。”腓力去告诉安得烈，安得烈同腓力去告诉耶稣。耶稣说：“人子得荣耀的时候到了。我实实在在的告诉你们，一粒麦子不落在地里死了，仍旧是一粒；若是死了，就结出许多子粒来。爱惜自己生命的，就失丧生命；在这世上恨恶自己生命的，就要保守生命到永生。若有人服事我，就当跟从我。我在哪里，服事我的人也要在哪里。若有人服事我，我父必尊重他。”

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，你渴望在生命中能够得到上帝最好的祝福吗？你渴望成为上帝所要你成为的人来实现祂所有的计划吗？对于这两个问题，你最有可能给出“肯定”的回答。但是，为了使你能够将生命完全降服于上帝，你愿意让上帝对你作任何祂所认为必需的改造吗？

第三个询问通常没有得到一个响亮的回答：“愿意”。然而，为了使我们能够享受上帝最好的祝福，并成长为上帝所计划成为的人，我们必须要将我们的意愿降服于上帝。不过我先承认，这不是一个容易的过程。

我们每个人都有某些渴望和习惯，是我们根本不想放弃的。而今天的经文教导我们，能够真正地为上帝而活，是需要先将我们的个人喜好置于死地。

正如你所料，在这个过程中痛苦是不可避免的，而若我们选择放弃个人顽固的意愿，那就会变得容易很多。但根据圣经，当我们成为信徒后，若仍保留罪恶的行为模式，它就会在我们的身上变得根深蒂固，那上帝就会允许足够的困难进入我们的生命，所以我们顽固的“肉体”会被击打得趋于破碎。因为直到那时，才能够使我们的心毫无保留地降服于上帝。

尽管很难明白，为何我们的天父这么爱我们，却允许我们经受痛苦。但就如父母不喜欢他的孩子受到伤害一样，上帝在我们的困境中没有一丝乐趣。相反，祂是如此地渴望我们在基督里能够经历丰盛的生命，所以祂才允许让苦难来塑造我们。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Brokenness - GOD allows hardship to shape us.

John 12:20-26

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see JESUS.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told JESUS.

23 JESUS replied, “The hour has come for the SON of MAN to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves ME must follow ME; and where I am, MY servant also will be. MY FATHER will honour the one who serves ME.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Do you desire GOD’s best in life? And do you hope to become the person HE created you to be, able to accomplish all HE has planned? Most likely, your answer is affirmative to both questions. But are you willing for the LORD to do whatever is necessary to bring about full submission in your life?

This third inquiry oftentimes does not receive a resounding “yes.” Yet in order for us to enjoy the best of GOD’s blessings and to blossom into the people we were designed to be, we have to surrender our will. Let me be the first to admit that it is not an easy process.

All of us have certain desires and habits that we simply do not want to relinquish. Today’s passage teaches us that dying to ourselves is necessary before we can truly live for GOD.

As you would expect, that is inevitably painful. It would be much easier if we could just choose to give up our stubborn wills. But according to Scripture, when we become believers, we retain unrighteous behaviour patterns, which can be rather ingrained. GOD has to permit enough difficulty to enter our lives so that our old “flesh” tendencies are broken. Only then can we yield our hearts to the LORD without reservation.

Though it is hard to understand, our heavenly FATHER allows pain because of HIS great love. Just as a parent hates for his child to hurt, GOD takes no pleasure in our difficulty. But HE so desires that we experience fullness of life in CHRIST that HE allows hardship to shape us.

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

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From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

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神的恩慈和严厉

可见  神的恩慈和严厉。向那跌倒的人，是严厉的；向你是有恩慈的，只要你长久在祂的恩慈里。不然，你也要被砍下来（罗马书11:22）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，保罗呼吁我们务要记住：上帝的每一句话语都是充满爱和圣洁、充满恩慈和公义、充满耐心和信实的。

我们既知道主是可畏的（见罗马书11:22），所以劝勉众人。我们在 神面前是显明的，盼望在你们的良心里也是显明的（哥林多后书5:11）

因此，我们必须倚靠上帝的灵来帮助我们“结出果子来，与悔改的心相称”（马太福音3:8）

Rom 11:22 - Therefore consider the goodness and severity of GOD: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in HIS goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Dear Brothers n Sisters.

Paul urges us to remember that GOD is loving and holy, gracious and just, patient and faithful to all HIS WORD.

" . . . We know what it is to fear the LORD, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to GOD, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience." (2 Cor 5:11).

Therefore, we must rely on the SPIRIT of our LORD to help us "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (Matt 3:8).

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应对艰难的境况

不但如此，我也将万事当作有损的，因我以认识我主基督耶稣为至宝。我为祂已经丢弃万事，看作粪土，为要得着基督，并且得以在祂里面，不是有自己因律法而得的义，乃是有信基督的义，就是因信 神而来的义。使我认识基督，晓得祂复活的大能，并且晓得和祂一同受苦，效法祂的死，或者我也得以从死里复活（腓立比3:8-11）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，使徒保罗懂得如何应对艰难的境况，即使囚进在监狱，他仍是定睛于基督，坚定地信靠救主。因此，尽管被囚，他仍会赞美上帝在他生命中的运作。事实上，他是充满着喜乐，从狱中写信给腓立比的信徒（腓立比1:18这有何妨呢？或是假意、或是真心，无论怎样，基督究竟被传开了。为此我就欢喜，并且还要欢喜。2:18你们也要照样喜乐，并且与我一同喜乐。3:1弟兄们，我还有话说，你们要靠主喜乐。我把这话再写给你们，于我并不为难，于你们却是妥当）。

专注基督，并不是一个自然反应，更不是一件容易的事。我们的本能是停留于眼前的处境，寻求解决办法或受痛苦和艰难的煎熬。其结果是，困难看起来是可怕的，并且挫败感淹没了我们。

然而，恐惧和挫败感并不能长住于一颗信靠上帝的心中。我在这里并不是说你会忽略你正经受的，而是你可以选择思想上帝的供应和关切，因祂是你的拯救者（哥林多后书1:10）、医治者（申命记32:39）、引导者（箴言3:6）。那些呼求神圣应许的真正顺服的信徒们发现，上帝推回了他们的负面情绪，在他们的境况中，常存有盼望、信心和满足（腓立比4:11）。虽然困境无法让你喜乐，但你能够确信上帝在掌管，并且祂在为困境中顺服祂的跟从者的益处而运作。

无论境况是多么的严峻或痛苦，上帝的法则和应许决不会改变。专注于基督，而不是着眼那些困境---当你爱上帝且服从祂的教导时，祂将安慰你的心，使你平安通过一切的磨练。然后，你就能够回应保罗的呼吁“靠主常常喜乐”（腓立比4:4你们要靠主常常喜乐。我再说，你们要喜乐）。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Handling Difficult Circumstances

Philippians 3:8-11

8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing CHRIST JESUS my LORD, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain CHRIST 9 and be found in HIM, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in CHRST—the righteousness that comes from GOD on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know CHRIST—yes, to know the power of HIS resurrection and participation in HIS sufferings, becoming like HIM in HIS death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The apostle Paul understood how to handle tough circumstances. Even while he was confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on CHRIST and trusted firmly in the SAVIOUR. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the LORD’s work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing (Philippians 1: 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, CHRIST is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,; 2: 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.; 3: 1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the LORD! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.).

Focusing on CHRIST is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles look scary and overwhelm us with a sense of defeat.

However, fear and defeat cannot live long in a heart that trusts the LORD. I’m not saying you’ll forget what you’re going through, but you can choose to dwell on HIS provision and care instead. HE is the Deliverer (2 Cor. 1:10). HE is the Healer (Deut. 32:39). HE is the Guide (Prov. 3:6).  The true and obedient believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that GOD pushes back negative emotions. In their place, hope, confidence, and contentment take up residence (Phil. 4:11). You aren’t going to be happy about a difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that GOD is in control and is doing something good for HIS obedient followers in the midst of trouble.

The LORD’s principles and promises don’t change, no matter how severe or painful the situation is. Focus on CHRIST instead of the circumstances—GOD will comfort your heart and bring you safely through all the trials when you love HIM and obey HIS teachings. Then you can answer Paul’s call to “rejoice in the LORD always” (Phil. 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!).

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

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严加管教

因为 神的恩赐和选召，是没有后悔的（罗马书11:29）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，一旦你信靠上帝，上帝就永远不会丢弃你，祂决不会放弃你、拒绝你或离开你。

作为一位慈爱的父亲，祂会严管你（…疼爱儿子的，随时管教---箴言13:24），但是祂总不撇下你，也不丢弃你（希伯来书13:5）。

在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。

（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）

Rom 11:29 - For the gift and calling of GOD are irrevocable.

Dear Brothers n Sisters,

Once you have placed your faith in the LORD, GOD will never cast you away. HE will never abandon you, reject you, or turn you away.

As a loving FATHER HE will discipline you, ( . . . the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them - Prov 13:24.) but HE will never leave you; never will forsake you. (Heb 13:5).  

We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"

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专注上帝，你会永是胜者



腓立比1:12-20

1:12 弟兄们，我愿意你们知道，我所遭遇的事更是叫福音兴旺。  

1:13 以致我受的捆锁，在御营全军和其余的人中已经显明是为基督的缘故。  

1:14 并且那在主里的弟兄多半因我受的捆锁，就笃信不疑，越发放胆传　神的道，无所惧怕。  

1:15 有的传基督是出于嫉妒分争，也有的是出于好意。  

1:16 这一等是出于爱心，知道我是为辩明福音设立的；  

1:17 那一等传基督是出于结党，并不诚实，意思要加增我捆锁的苦楚。  

1:18 这有何妨呢？或是假意、或是真心，无论怎样基督究竟被传开了，为此我就欢喜，并且还要欢喜。  

1:19 因为我知道这事借着你们的祈祷和耶稣基督之灵的帮助，终必叫我得救。

1:20 照着我所切慕所盼望的，没有一事叫我羞愧，只要凡事放胆，无论是生、是死，总叫基督在我身上照常显大。



亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，保罗没有把自己想象成一个受害者，尽管他在身体和情绪上都受到极大的打击，但是他相信他仍在上帝的主权之下。所以他没有满怀忿恨、离弃信心，而是转向上帝，使灵命继续成长。



我们能够从保罗学到很多：他坚定地专注上帝的主权，而不是自己的意愿。在我们的生命中，很容易会因别人伤害我们而使我们痛苦。然而，若在那一刻我们想的是我们被敌人控制，那我们就被打败了。圣经说，上帝“在天上立定宝座，祂的权柄统管万有”（诗篇103:19），上帝是绝对地统管。我们可能不明白，为何上帝会允许困难和痛苦发生在我们的生命中，但是我们能够确信：上帝的意念永远是为了我们的益处和祂的荣耀（耶利米29:11耶和华说：“我知道我向你们所怀的意念是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们末后有指望”）。



不但如此，真正的信徒还能学到：保罗投身于专注积极的结果，而不是个人的痛苦。不论是身体还是内心的痛苦，常常会吸引一个人的全部注意力。但是思虑我们的伤痛，并不能使我们在灵命上获取胜利，上帝对痛苦有祂的计划，而保罗就是一个很好的榜样：当福音传给御营全军（看守他的人）时，他充满了喜乐。



艰难的境况，在信徒的生命中是一个十字路口。如果我们将纷争责怪于上帝，那么我们走的是一条抱怨和消极的路；但是，若我们寻求上帝的教导，定睛我们天父的爱和供应（约翰福音3:16神爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的不至灭亡，反得永生），那么我们将会得到上帝所赐的信靠和盼望。



在此，我们夫妻感谢上帝，我们主耶稣基督的父，赐给我们美好的一天，也赐给我们你们这些忠心于主的弟兄姊妹们。



（以上所写的，你们可以用来建造耶稣基督的国度）



Focus on GOD and you be an all time Winner



Philippians 1:12-20



Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel



12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for CHRIST. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the LORD and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.



15 It is true that some preach CHRIST out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. 17 The former preach CHRIST out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, CHRIST is preached. And because of this I rejoice.



Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and GOD’s provision of the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always CHRIST will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.





Dear Brothers and Sisters



Paul did not picture himself as a victim. Despite tremendous physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under GOD’s sovereign hand. So instead of growing resentful and walking away from the faith, the apostle turned to the LORD and continued to mature spiritually.



We can learn much from Paul—He was determined to focus on GOD’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It’s easy to be bitter over the mayhem that another person has caused in our lives. However, the minute we start thinking that our enemies are in control, we’re defeated. The Bible says that GOD “has established HIS throne in the heavens, and HIS sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103: 19 The LORD has established HIS throne in heaven, and HIS kingdom rules over all.). HE is in absolute control. We may not understand HIS reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but HIS plan is always for our good and HIS glory (Jer. 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.).



Moreover, true believers can learn from Paul’s commitment to focus on positive results rather than on personal agony. Pain, whether in the body or the heart, often absorbs all of a person’s attention. But there is no victory to be had in dwelling on our hurts. GOD has a plan for that anguish, and Paul is a good example. He rejoiced when the gospel spread to the Praetorian Guard—his jailers.



Difficult circumstances are crossroads in the believer’s life. If we take the path of blaming GOD for our strife, we’ll be dealing with resentment and negativity. But if we focus on our heavenly FATHER’s love and provision (- "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life". John 3:16), we will find trust and hope as we seek to go HIS way.





We give thanks to GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for this day and for you, faithful brothers and sisters.

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(What is written above is granted to individuals for use in building the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST only)

From Victor n Esther - "My life journey with Jesus"