【保持头脑清醒Keeping a Clear Mind】

sky5107

保持头脑清醒

所以弟兄们，我以 神的慈悲劝你们将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的、是 神所喜悦的。你们如此事奉，乃是理所当然的。不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为 神的善良、纯全可喜悦的旨意（罗马书12:1-2）。

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，人的头脑是上帝的奇妙创造，世上没有什么能比得上它的性能和创造力。它控制我们的感觉、思想、言语、态度和行为。我们能成为什么样的人、能达到什么目标，主要取决于我们想的是什么、是怎样思考的。那么为何不明智地让我们的创造者带领我们的思想呢？

一个清醒的头脑，就是与上帝的话语保持一致，并服从圣灵的指挥。当上帝掌管我们的思想时，属灵的洞察力就会保守我们的角度和观点。上帝使我们能够超越境况的表面，观察到它的实质。我们不仅能够辨别对与错，还能辨别出好与最好。上帝赋予我们能力，使我们无论面对什么挑战，都能按照真理来思想。

但是这等清醒、专注的思想，必须慎重地选择，并且殷勤地保守。如果我们不警惕世界的影响，就会发现自己被挤压进世界的模板里了。那么很快，我们就会有一个支离破碎的头脑，无法专注属灵的事情，因为它被世俗的思想和关注所混乱和堵塞。我们必须谨慎考虑，什么才被允许进入我们的头脑，问自己，这是在帮助我成为上帝要我成为的人，还是在阻碍我呢？

一个更新的头脑，始于对上帝的降服。你没有力量清除那些混乱和阻碍（使你无法活在被上帝旨意充满的生命中），直至你给上帝完全地权柄来掌管你的思想。当你降服上帝并以祂的话语充满你的头脑时，祂就会改变你的生命，使你能够活出祂儿子、我们的救主耶稣的形象。

Keeping a Clear Mind

Romans 12: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of GOD’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to GOD—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’s will is—HIS good, pleasing and perfect will.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The human mind is an amazing creation of GOD. Nothing on earth can match its capabilities or creativity. It controls feelings, thoughts, words, attitudes, and behavior. Who we become and what we achieve are largely due to how and what we think. Wouldn’t it make sense to let the ONE who created us guide our thought processes?

A clear mind is one that’s aligned with GOD’s WORD and controlled by HIS SPIRIT. When the LORD has authority over our thoughts, discernment will guard our perspective. HE empowers us to look beyond the surface and view situations as they really are. We can distinguish not just between right and wrong but also between good and best. The LORD has granted us the ability to think rightly no matter what challenges may face us.

But such clear, focused thinking must be deliberately chosen and diligently maintained. If we don’t guard against the world’s influence, we will find ourselves squeezed into its mould. Soon we’ll have a fragmented mind that cannot focus on spiritual things because it is cluttered and clogged with worldly thoughts and concerns. We must carefully consider what we allow into our minds. So ask yourself, Is this helping me become the person GOD wants me to be, or is it hindering the process?

A renewed mind begins with surrender to the LORD. Until you give HIM full authority over your thoughts, you’ll have no power to clear out the clutter that hinders you from living in the fullness of HIS will. But as you yield to HIM and fill your mind with HIS WORD, HE will transform your life to the likeness of HIS SON our LORD JESUS.

sky5107

不能被震动的

你们总要谨慎，不可弃绝那向你们说话的。因为那些弃绝在地上警戒他们的，尚且不能逃罪，何况我们违背那从天上警戒我们的呢？当时祂的声音震动了地，但如今祂应许说：“再一次，我不单要震动地，还要震动天。”这再一次的话，是指明被震动的，就是受造之物都要挪去，使那不被震动的常存。所以我们既得了不能震动的国，就当感恩，照 神所喜悦的，用虔诚敬畏的心事奉 神。因为我们的 神乃是烈火（希伯来12:25-29）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，通常人们都喜欢安定，寻求舒适安逸。然而，我们的世界实际上却存在太多的不稳定，例如金融、健康，甚至一个国家的存活都毫无保障可言。

当我们的根基被震动时（遭受苦难），常常会让我们感到不知所措。有时是撒旦造成的苦难（当然是经过了上帝的允许），有时困境是出自上帝之手，但更多时候是我们自己种下罪的种子，自吃到苦果。然而，不论根源是什么，我们都有承诺：上帝使万事互相效力，叫爱祂的人得益处，就是按祂旨意被召的人（罗马书8:28）。而且全能者的旨意，永远都是要在世界或我们的生命中荣耀祂。

虽然上帝允许发生动荡混乱有不同的原因，但是让我们暂时先集中于其中一个原因：祂决对不允许人自恃自高。因此，上帝才会充满慈爱地允许足够的困难发生在我们的身上，好让我们认识到我们需要祂。现在思考，每一次以色列人离弃耶和华、转去敬拜假神时，他们就会面对考验，而如今在很多方面，我们也在做他们所做的事。单就我们的教会来说，就如一个国家，经常是崇拜假神，诸如金钱、地位、美貌或功绩之类。但是，造我们的主决不会容忍这类事情。

在自高中，我们倾向于认为不需要上帝，我们能掌管自己。但是，出于爱并希望我们达到祂赐给我们的更美好的境地，上帝会搅动我们的生活（遭受苦难），好向我们显明我们的倚靠是上帝。除了耶稣基督之外，如果你以任何的人事物为安定的根基，那么即使表面看起来是无罪般的舒适，最终也会证明是流沙（地狱）。

Things That Cannot Be Shaken

Hebrews 12: 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from HIM who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time HIS voice shook the earth, but now HE has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship GOD acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “GOD is a consuming fire.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As a rule, people like security. We seek what is comfortable. Yet the reality of our world is that much instability exists. For example, finances, health, and even a country’s ability to survive are not guaranteed.

When our foundation is shaken, we often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes Satan causes the difficulties—with GOD’s permission, of course. At other times, challenging circumstances are brought about by the LORD’s hand, but more than often it is the consequence of the seeds we sowed. Regardless of the source, we have the promise in Romans 8:28 that “GOD causes all things to work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to HIS purpose.” And in either case, the Almighty’s purpose remains: to glorify HIMSELF in our world and in our lives.

There are different reasons the LORD permits turmoil, but for now, let’s focus on one: He won’t allow anything that enables man to seem self-sufficient in his own eyes. Therefore, GOD may lovingly allow enough trouble for us to realize our need of HIM. Consider the trials the Israelites faced each time they turned away from JEHOVAH to worship other gods. In many ways, we do the same thing today. Individually, in our churches, and as a nation, we often glorify “gods” like money, status, beauty or achievements. But the ONE who created us will not tolerate this.

In our pride, we tend to think we’re able to manage without GOD. But out of love and wanting us to achieve something better HE has for us, HE may stir up our lives to reveal our dependence upon HIM. If you are basing your security on anything except JESUS CHRIST—even something as seemingly innocent as comfort—it will prove to be sinking sand.

sky5107

不能动摇的

但主的日子要像贼来到一样。那日，天必大有响声废去，有形质的都要被烈火销化，地和其上的物都要烧尽了。这一切既然都要如此销化，你们为人该当怎样圣洁、怎样敬虔、切切仰望 神的日子来到。在那日，天被火烧就销化了，有形质的都要被烈火熔化。但我们照祂的应许，盼望新天新地，有义居在其中（彼得后书3:10-13）  

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，每过去一年，世界的不安定好像就越明显。大自然和人为的灾祸赔上了无数的生命，还有政治的动荡、财富地位的得失。为此，我们不禁要问：“难道就没有不能动摇的吗？”

像这些看起来无法抵挡的事情，让我给你举一个更大的实例。从今天的信息里我们看到，就是天地也都将被震动，万有都会被毁灭，准确地说是被烧毁。感谢上帝，我们有祂的承诺，就是祂将建造一个新天新地。而在此期间，这个世界会遭受大动荡。

世界的动荡会造成不安和恐惧，所以我们只有专注真理，才能站立得稳固。圣经指出，主耶稣就是磐石和坚实根基（哥林多前书3:10-11 我照 神所给我的恩，好像一个聪明的工头立好了根基，有别人在上面建造。只是各人要谨慎怎样在上面建造，因为那已经立好的根基，就是耶稣基督，此外没有人能立别的根基。以弗所2:20 并且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶稣自己为房角石）。并且我们知道，上帝是永不改变和至高无上的，没有任何事能毁坏或动摇祂。祂的话语就是真理，直到永远。

作为基督真正的跟从者，我们知道，我们与上帝永恒的关系是可靠的。我们（真基督徒）是蒙上帝收纳的儿女，没有任何事能夺去我们这个位置。更重要的是，基督徒确实有一个上帝同在的永恒家园。虽然有时我们在困境中会感到不安定，但是我们要欢喜，这些考验是促使我们谦卑降服在主耶稣的十字架前，只有在那里，我们才能找到真正的平安和安定。

作为上帝的儿女，我们有确实的保障！我们能够得享安息，并且满怀信心，因为我们知道，我们的心在耶稣基督里是安稳的。大卫王说：“我将耶和华常摆在我面前，因祂在我右边，我便不至摇动”（诗篇16:8）。

Unshakeable

2 Peter 3: 10 But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of GOD and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with HIS promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With each passing year, the instability in the world seems more and more obvious. Natural and man-made catastrophes claim countless lives; political balance shifts; wealth and status come and go. It all causes us to ask, Is anything unshakeable?

As overwhelming as these things seem, let me give you an even bigger example. In today’s passage, we see that the heavens and earth will be shaken. It will all be destroyed—burned, to be exact. Thankfully, we have the promise that GOD will create new heavens and earth, but in the meantime our world will undergo great turmoil.

Instability can create feelings of insecurity and fear unless we focus on truths we can stand upon with certainty. The Bible refers to JESUS as a rock and firm foundation (1 Cor. 3: 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.; Eph. 2: 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.). And we know that GOD is unchangeable and sovereign; nothing can undermine or move HIM. HIS WORD is truth, and it will last forever.

As true followers of CHRIST, we know that our eternal relationship with GOD is secure. We (the true followers) have been adopted as HIS children, and nothing can rob us of this position. What’s more, believers are assured of an eternal home with HIM. Though we may at times feel unsettled by our circumstances, we can rejoice when trials bring us humbly to the cross of JESUS—there, we will find true peace and safety.

What assurance we have as GOD’s children! We can rest in peace and full confidence, knowing that our hearts are secure in JESUS CHRIST. King David said, “I have set the LORD continually before me; because HE is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Ps. 16: 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.).

sky5107

向着亮光前进

我们并有先知更确的预言，如同灯照在暗处。你们在这预言上留意，直等到天发亮晨星在你们心里出现的时候，才是好的（彼得后书1:19）

亲爱的弟兄姊妹们，有的时候，当我们需要深入懂得一个问题时，就会设法把注意力放在问题上，研究它、思考它，我们会从每个角度来查考。但是使徒彼得给了我们不同的方法，他说我们应该留意（或集中注意力）上帝写出的话语，直至透过启示之光，使我们逐渐明白问题的答案。

在自然事物中，我们常会用到专词“看见亮光”，当我们说：“你还没有看见亮光吗？”意思就是：“你洞悉所处境况吗？”事实上，是上帝的话语进入我们的心，为我们带来灵上的亮光（诗篇119:130 你的言语一解开，就发出亮光，使愚人通达）和所需的洞察力。

你曾经有没有在一个漆黑的房间里努力找出口，或在一个漆黑的夜里迷了路？在这种境况中，你会做的第一件事是什么？肯定是寻找亮光！

亮光可能是门缝的光，或是远处房子里发出的闪闪灯光，不论亮光来自哪里，你要做的肯定是直奔向它。你不会浪费时间研究那黑暗，也不会再把注意力放在黑暗上，你只会盯紧那亮光，因为你知道它的亮度将会驱除黑暗的混沌，使你能够确定周遭的方向。

如果你需要洞悉你面对的那些问题或境况，那么你就要留意上帝的话语。向着上帝的亮光前进，你就会渐渐明白问题的答案。

研经：约翰福音1:1-9

1:1 太初有道，道与 神同在，道就是 神。  

1:2 这道太初与 神同在。  

1:3 万物是借着祂造的，凡被造的，没有一样不是借着祂造的。  

1:4 生命在祂里头，这生命就是人的光。  

1:5 光照在黑暗里，黑暗却不接受光。  

1:6 有一个人，是从 神那里差来的。名叫约翰。  

1:7 这人来，为要作见证，就是为光作见证，叫众人因他可以信。  

1:8 他不是那光，乃是要为光作见证。  

1:9 那光是真光，照亮一切生在世上的人。  

Head for the LIGHT

"19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."(2 Peter 1:19)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Sometimes when we need insight into a problem, we try to get it by focusing our attention on that problem. We study it. We ponder it. We examine it from every angle. But the Apostle Peter gives us a different approach. He says we should take heed (or focus our attention) to the written WORD of GOD until the answer to that problem dawns on us through the light of revelation.

We use the term "seeing the light" in natural things all of the time. We say, "Have you seen the light on that yet?" meaning, "Do you have insight into that situation?" Well, the entrance of GOD's WORD into our hearts brings spiritual light (Ps. 119: 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.). It brings the insight we need.

Have you ever been in a dark room and tried to find your way out? Or lost outside in the dark night? What is the first thing you look for in these situations? Light!

It could be coming from under the door or shimmering from a lamp in a house far off. But either way, you head straight for it. You don't waste your time studying the darkness. You don't focus your attention on darkness. You fix your eyes on the light because you know its brightness will drive out the confusion of the darkness and orient you to your surroundings.

If you need insight on some problem or situation you're facing, pay attention to the WORD. Head for the LIGHT and the answer you need will dawn on you.

Scripture Study: John 1:1-9

The WORD Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. 2 HE was with GOD in the beginning. 3 Through HIM all things were made; without HIM nothing was made that has been made. 4 In HIM was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from GOD whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.