Category: Daily Devotionals – Smith Wigglesworth

  • Faith Based on Knowledge

    January 11

    Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” — John 6:29

    Scripture reading: Luke 9:1–11

    I remember a person who had not been able to smell anything for four years. I said, “You will smell now if you believe.” She went about smelling everything and was quite excited. The next day she gave her testimony.

    Another came and asked, “Is it possible for God to heal my ears?” The eardrums had been removed. I said, “Only believe.” She went down into the audience in great distress; others were healed, but she could not hear. The next night she came again. She said, “I am going to believe tonight.” The glory fell. The first time she came feeling; the second time she came believing.

    At one place, there was a man anointed with oil for a rupture. He came the next night and rose in the meeting saying, “This man is an impostor. He is deceiving the people. He told me last night I was healed; I am worse than ever today.” I spoke to the evil power that held the man and rebuked it, telling the man he was indeed healed. He was a stonemason. The next day, he testified to lifting heavy weights and that God had met him. “By His stripes we are healed.…And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah53:5–6). He was against the Word of God, not me.

    “‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?‟ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent’” (John 6:28–29). Anything else? Yes. He took our infirmities and healed all our diseases. I myself am a marvel of healing. If I fail to glorify God, the stones will cry out. (See Luke 19:37–40.) Salvation is for all. Healing is for all. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all.

    Consider yourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God (Romans 6:11). By His grace you will get the victory every time. It is possible to live a holy life.

    Thought for today: The Holy Spirit has the latest news from the Godhead and has designed for us the right place at the right time.

    基于知识的信仰

    1月11日

    耶稣回答说:‘这是神的工作,就是你们信祂所差来的那一位。’——约翰福音 6:29

    圣经阅读:路加福音 9:1–11

    我记得有一个人已经四年闻不到任何东西。我说:“如果你相信,你现在就会闻到。”她开始闻各种东西,非常兴奋。第二天,她作了见证。

    另一个人走过来问,‘上帝能治愈我的耳朵吗?’她的耳膜已经被摘除。我说,‘只要相信。’她满怀焦虑地走进人群;其他人都得到了医治,但她还是听不见。第二天晚上她又来了。她说,‘今晚我要相信。’荣耀降临了。她第一次来是凭感觉;第二次来是凭信心。

    在一个地方,有一个男人因疝气而受膏。他第二天晚上来到会中站起来说:“这个人是骗子。他在欺骗人们。他昨晚告诉我我已经痊愈;今天我比以往更严重。”我对附在这个人身上的邪恶力量说话并斥责它,同时告诉这个男人他确实已经痊愈。他是一名石匠。第二天,他作证说自己能举起沉重的物体,并且神已经与他相遇。“因他受的鞭伤,我们得了医治……耶和华使我们众人的罪孽都归在他身上”(以赛亚书53:5–6)。他反对的是神的话语,而不是我。

    ‘我们当作什么,才能行 神的工呢?’耶稣回答说:‘信 神所差来的那一位,这就是 神的工。’(约翰福音 6:28–29)还有别的吗?有。他担当了我们的软弱,医治了我们一切的疾病。我自己就是医治的奇迹。如果我未能荣耀 神,石头也要呼喊。(见路加福音 19:37–40)救恩是给所有人的。医治是给所有人的。圣灵的洗也是给所有人的。

    要算自己向罪已经死了,却向神活着(罗马书 6:11)。靠着他的恩典,你每次都能得胜。过圣洁的生活是可能的。

    今日的思考:圣灵掌握着来自神的最新信息,并为我们设计了在恰当时间出现在恰当的地方。

  • Victory over Difficult Circumstances

    January 10

    He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. — Philippians 3:21

    Scripture reading: Matthew 4:16–25

    I have come across several mental cases. How difficult they are naturally, but how easy for God to deal with. One lady came saying, “Just over the way there is a young man terribly afflicted, with no rest day or night.” I went with a very imperfect knowledge as to what I had to do, but in the weak places, God helps our infirmities. I rebuked the demon in the name of Jesus, and then I said, “I‘ll come again tomorrow.” The next day when I went, he was quite well and with his father in the field.

    Fifty miles away, there was a fine young man, twenty-five years of age. He had lost his reason, could have no communication with his mother, and was always wandering up and down. I knew God was waiting to bless. I cast out the demon power and heard later that he had become quite well.

    Thus the blessed Holy Spirit takes us on from one place to another. So many things happen; I live in heaven on earth. Do not wait for inspiration if you are in need; the Holy Spirit is available, and you can have perfect deliverance.

    I was taken to three persons, one in the care of an attendant. As I entered the room, there was a terrible din and quarreling. It was such a noise it seemed as if all the powers of hell were stirred. I had to wait for God‘s time. The Holy Spirit rose in me at the right time, and the three were delivered. That night, they were singing praises to God.

    Christ is the same today. When He reigns in you, you know how to obey and how to work in conjunction with His will, His power, His light, and His life. When we have faith based on knowledge, we know He has come. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). God is with the person who dares to stand upon His Word.

    Thought for today: How bountiful God is when we depend on Him! He gives us enough to spare for others.

    战胜困难境况

    1月10日

    他甚至能够把万有都服在自己脚下。——腓立比书 3:21

    圣经朗读:马太福音 4:16-25

    我遇到过几位精神病患者。他们本性上多么难以应付,但对于上帝来说却是多么容易处理。有一位女士来说:“就在那边有一个年轻人受苦严重,日夜不得安宁。”我带着对自己应该做什么的非常有限的了解前往,但在软弱的地方,上帝帮助我们的无力。我奉耶稣的名斥责了那邪灵,然后我说:“我明天会再来。”第二天当我去的时候,他已经完全好了,并且和他的父亲在田里。

    五十英里之外,有一个二十五岁的好青年。他失去了理智,无法与母亲交流,总是上下游荡。我知道上帝正等待赐福。我驱除了恶魔的力量,后来听说他已经完全康复。

    因此,受祝福的圣灵将我们从一个地方带到另一个地方。发生了许多事情;我在地上生活在天堂。如果你有需要,不要等待灵感;圣灵是可用的,你可以得到完全的解脱。

    我被带到三个人面前,其中一个由看护照料。当我走进房间时,里面一片喧嚣和争吵。噪声之大,似乎地狱的所有势力都被唤起。我必须等待上帝的时机。圣灵在适当的时候在我内心升起,这三个人都得到了释放。那天晚上,他们在向上帝唱赞美歌。

    基督今天仍然是一样的。当他在你里面掌权时,你就知道如何顺从,以及如何与他的旨意、他的能力、他的光明和他的生命协作。当我们的信心建立在知识上时,我们就知道他已经来了。“圣灵降临在你们身上,你们就必得着能力”(使徒行传 1:8)。上帝与那些敢于立足于他话语的人同在。

    今日思考:当我们依靠上帝时,上帝是多么的丰盛!祂赐给我们足够的东西,也能分给别人。

  • Testimony of Faith

    January 9

    “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” — John 6:28–29

    Scripture reading: Psalm 4

    I was healed of appendicitis, because of faith based on the knowledge of the experience of faith. When I have ministered to others, God has met and answered according to His will. We know that God will not fail us when we believe and trust in His power. The centurion had this faith when he said to Jesus, “Speak a word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). Jesus answered him, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.‟ And his servant was healed that same hour” (v. 13).

    In one place where I was staying, a young man came in telling us that his sweetheart was dying; there was no hope. I said, “Only believe.” This was faith based on knowledge. I knew that what God had done for me He could do for her. We went to the house. Her sufferings were terrible to witness. I said, “In the name of Jesus, come out of her.” She cried, “Mother, Mother, I am well.” Then I said that the only way to make us believe it was for her to get up and dress. Soon she came down dressed. The doctor came in and examined her carefully. He said, “This is of God; this is the finger of God.” It was faith based on knowledge.

    If I were to receive a check for a thousand pounds and knew only imperfectly the character of the man who sent it, I would be careful of him. I would not rely on the money until the check was honored. Jesus, on the other hand, did great works because of His knowledge of His Father. He knew He could count on the character of God. Faith begets knowledge, fellowship, and communion. If you see imperfect faith, full of doubt, a wavering condition, it always comes because of imperfect knowledge.

    Thought for today: God is more eager to answer than we are to ask.

    信仰见证

    1月9日

    “我们当行什么才能做 神的工呢?”耶稣回答说:“信神所差来的那一位,这就是神的工。” — 约翰福音 6:28-29

    经文阅读:诗篇 4

    我因信仰而得了阑尾炎的治愈,这种信仰是建立在信仰经验的知识基础上的。当我为他人服事时,上帝按祂的旨意与他们相遇并应允我们。我们知道,当我们相信并信靠祂的能力时,上帝不会让我们失望。当百夫长对耶稣说:“只要你一句话,我的仆人就必痊愈”(马太福音 8:8)时,他就有这样的信心。耶稣回答他说:“照你所信的,给你成就吧。”其仆人就在那时痊愈了(v.13)。

    在我住的一个地方,有一个年轻人进来说他的恋人快要死了;没有希望。我说:“只要相信。” 这是基于知识的信心。我知道上帝为我所做的,他也能为她做。我们去了她的家。她的痛苦让人难以忍受。我说:“奉耶稣的名,从她身上出来。”她喊道:“妈妈,妈妈,我好了。”然后我说,要让我们相信唯一的方式是她起身穿衣服。很快她穿好衣服下来了。医生进来仔细检查。他说:“这是上帝的作为,这是上帝的手指。”这就是基于知识的信心。

    如果我收到一张一千英镑的支票,而对寄支票的人只是有所了解,我会对他保持谨慎。在支票兑现之前,我不会依赖这笔钱。另一方面,耶稣因为认识祂的父而行了伟大的作为。祂知道可以依靠神的品格。信心孕育知识、团契和交通。如果你看到不完全的信心,充满怀疑、摇摆不定,这总是因为知识不完全。

    今日思考:上帝比我们更渴望回应我们的祈求。

  • Faith’s Commanding Position

    January 8

    Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1

    Scripture reading: Psalm 20

    Paul related his conversion many times over, and I believe it is good to rehearse what God has done for you. I have been privileged to travel to every part of the world and have seen that God has arranged a plan for me. I said to my congregation, “The Lord is moving me to go out through the States and Canada.” When the Lord told me, I said, “Lord, You have three things to do: You have to find money for home and find money to go, and You have to give me a real change, for You know that sometimes my mind or memory is no good at all to me.”

    Right away money came from all over, and I said, “It is true God is sending me. I already have fifty pounds.” My son George said, “Father, Mother‘s gone to heaven, and you are leaving us; what will we do?” I said, “George, you open the next letter.” In it was twenty-five pounds. He saw that God would provide.

    I went to Liverpool, and a man said, “Here is five pounds for you.” When I was on the ship, a poorly dressed lady gave me a red sugar bag, and there were twenty-five gold coins in it. Just as I was getting on the ship, a man came and gave me a book and said, “There is a page for every day in the year.” And the Lord said to me, “Put down everything that takes place in the month.” I did so, and I had a memory like an encyclopedia. You see, I never learned geography, and God sent me all over the world to see it.

    Do not fail to claim your holy position—the commanding position of faith—so that you will overcome the power of the Devil. The best time you have is when you are in the most difficult position.

    Thought for today: Ask God to give you the grace to use the faith you have. God will work the miracle if you dare to stand upon the Word.

    信仰的主导地位

    1月8日

    信就是所望之事的实底,是未见之事的确据。——希伯来书 11:1

    经文阅读:诗篇 20篇

    保罗多次讲述他的信仰转变,我相信回顾上帝为你所做的事情是好的。我有幸旅游到世界各地,并看到上帝为我安排了一个计划。我对我的会众说:“主正在感动我去美国和加拿大各地。”当主告诉我时,我说:“主啊,你有三件事要做:你必须为家里找到钱,为出行找到钱,并且必须给我真正的改变,因为你知道有时候我的心思或记忆对我毫无帮助。”

    很快钱从各地汇来,我说:“果然,上帝在差遣我。我已经有五十英镑了。”我的儿子乔治说:“父亲,母亲已经去天堂了,而你也要离开我们;我们该怎么办?”我说:“乔治,你来打开下一封信。”里面有二十五英镑。他看到上帝会提供帮助。

    我去了利物浦,一个人对我说:“这是给你的五英镑。”当我在船上时,一位衣着寒酸的女士给了我一个红色糖袋,里面有二十五枚金币。正当我准备上船时,一个人走过来给了我一本书,并说:“这本书里有一整年的每日一页。”主对我说:“把这个月发生的所有事情都记下来。”我照做了,我的记忆就像百科全书一样。你看,我从未学过地理,但上帝派我去世界各地看它。

    不要放弃认领你的神圣位置——信仰的指挥位置——这样你就能战胜魔鬼的力量。你最好的时光是在你处于最困难的位置时。

    今日的思考:请向上帝祈求赐给你恩典,让你能够运用你所拥有的信心。如果你敢于坚守神的话语,上帝就会行奇迹。

  • The Living Word

    January 7

    When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. — Matthew 8:1–3

    Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1–11

    When I read these words, my heart is moved, for I realize that Jesus is just as much present with us as He was in Jerusalem when He walked the earth. How it changes our whole nature as we comprehend what Jesus meant when He said, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). This living Word is not given to us just because of the narratives or the wonderful parables that Jesus taught, but so that we, through it, might be changed. Beloved, His presence is so remarkable that if we will but call on Him, believing that He has the power to give eternal life at His command, we will be changed in body, soul, and spirit.

    When Jesus was on earth and beheld suffering humanity, He was moved with compassion. He met the most difficult problems; one of the hardest conditions to meet was leprosy. The moment that leprosy was pronounced upon a person, it meant that he was doomed. Just as there was no remedy at that time for a leper, there is no earthly power that can deliver us from sin. Leprosy was the disease that had a death sentence, and sin means death to the spiritual man unless it is cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Here was a leper with the seal of death on him, and there was only one hope. What was it? If he could come to Jesus, he would be healed. But how could a leper come to Jesus? When a leper came near other people, he had to cry out: “Unclean! Unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45)—so how could a leper ever get near to Jesus?

    The difficulty was tremendous, but when faith lays hold, impossibilities must yield. When we touch the Divine and believe God, sins will be forgiven; diseases will go; circumstances will change. I can almost read the thoughts of the people as they passed by the leper: “You poor leper! If you had been where we were, you would have seen the most remarkable things happen, for people were delivered from all kinds of diseases today.” The leper might have asked, “Where were you?” They would have answered, “We have been with Jesus!” Oh, the thrill of life when we have been with Jesus.

    Let me give you a little picture. Every night when Jesus left the disciples and made His way up the mountainside, they would watch Him as far as the eye could see, until He disappeared. On the next day, the crowds would gather and watch for His appearing. They were so taken up with watching for Jesus that when they saw Him coming down the mountain, they could not keep quiet. Their hearts were full of the thought of seeing Him, but where was the leper? The leper, too, had come, but the eyes of the people were not on the leper now. They were watching for Jesus. The leper kept close to the crowd, and as Jesus drew nearer, he began his chant, “Unclean! Unclean!”

    The crowd immediately moved away from him, leaving the path clear for the leper to be the first to get to Jesus. No one could turn him back. No one could stop a man whose heart was set on reaching Jesus. No power on earth can stop a sinner from reaching the side of the Master, if he has faith that will not be denied. Perhaps some have awful diseases in their bodies, or their souls are far away from God. They have been prayed for, and have prayed themselves, but the thing is not removed, and they are in the place where the leper was. He knew that Jesus could heal him. All he had to do was get close enough to Jesus.

    Jesus makes one great sweeping statement from that day to this as He says, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately, the man‘s leprosy was cleansed.

    Thought for today: When you are in the place God wants you to be, you will be healed.

    活的道

    1月7日

    他从山上下来的时候,有许多群众跟随他。看哪,有一个麻风病人来拜他,说:“主啊,你若愿意,必能使我洁净。”耶稣伸手按他,说:“我愿意,你洁净了吧。”他的麻风立刻得了洁净。——马太福音 8:1-3

    圣经朗读:以赛亚书 53:1–11

    当我读到这些话时,我的心被感动了,因为我意识到耶稣与我们同在,就像祂在地上行走时在耶路撒冷一样。当我们理解耶稣说的“你们查考圣经,因为你们以为里面有永生;给你们作见证的就是这些”(约翰福音5:39),我们的整个本性都会因此改变。这活的道不是仅仅因为那些叙述或耶稣所教导的奇妙比喻而赐给我们,而是为了让我们藉着它得以改变。亲爱的,祂的同在是如此非凡,如果我们愿意呼求祂,相信祂有能力凭着祂的命赐给我们永生,我们在身体、灵魂和心灵上都会被改变。

    当耶稣在世上,看见受苦的人类时,祂充满了怜悯。祂面对最困难的问题;其中最难处理的情况之一是麻风病。当一个人被宣布患有麻风病的那一刻,就意味着他注定要被毁灭。正如当时对麻风病人没有治疗方案一样,也没有世间的力量能使我们脱离罪恶。麻风病是一种带有死亡判决的疾病,而罪意味着属灵的人若不被耶稣的血洁净,就必然死亡。这里有一个盖上死亡印记的麻风病人,而唯一的希望是什么呢?如果他能来找耶稣,他就会得医治。但麻风病人如何能来找耶稣呢?当麻风病人接近其他人时,他必须喊叫:“不洁净!不洁净!”(利未记 13:45)——那么麻风病人怎么可能接近耶稣呢?

    困难是巨大的,但当信心抓住时,不可能的事必定会屈服。当我们接触神圣并相信上帝时,罪将得到赦免;疾病将消失;环境将改变。我几乎能读懂人们经过麻风病人时的心思:“可怜的麻风病人!如果你在我们那里,你会看到最奇妙的事情发生,因为今天人们从各种疾病中得到了释放。”麻风病人可能会问:“你们在哪里?”他们会回答:“我们与耶稣在一起!”哦,当我们与耶稣在一起时,生命的激动与欢乐啊。

    让我给你描绘一个小画面。每晚当耶稣离开门徒,走上山坡时,他们都会目送祂,直到视线所及之处,直到祂消失。第二天,群众会聚集,等待祂的出现。他们如此专注于等待耶稣,以至于当他们看到祂从山上走下时,无法保持安静。他们的心充满了见到祂的念头,但那麻风病人在哪里呢?麻风病人也来了,但人们的目光现在已不在麻风病人身上,他们在注视耶稣。麻风病人紧贴人群,当耶稣走近时,他开始喊叫:“不洁净!不洁净!”

    人群立刻从他身边让开,为麻风病人留下了通向耶稣的道路。没有人能阻拦他。没有人能阻止一个心志坚定要靠近耶稣的人。世上没有任何力量可以阻止一个有信心的人到达主的身边,如果他的信心不会被拒绝。也许有些人体内有严重的疾病,或者他们的灵魂远离上帝。他们已经被祈祷过,也自己祈祷过,但问题并没有被解除,他们仍然处在麻风病人所在的地方。他知道耶稣能够医治他。他所要做的只是靠近耶稣。

    从那一天起,耶稣说了一句伟大的概括性话:“我愿意,你洁净了吧。”那人的麻风病立刻就洁净了。

    今日思考:当你处在上帝希望你所在的地方时,你将会被治愈。

  • The Way to Victory

    January 6

    Hold fast to the LORD your God. — Joshua 23:8

    Scripture reading: Genesis 32:24–33:11

    If God is ever disappointed when you wait in His presence, it will be because you are not fervent. If you are not serious and intense, you disappoint God. If God is with you and you know it, be in earnest. Pray and believe: “Hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:6). If you do not, you disappoint God.

    Jacob was that way. God said, “You are not real enough; you are not hot enough; you are too ordinary; you are no good to Me unless you are filled with zeal—white hot!” The Angel of the Lord said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks” (Genesis 32:26). Jacob knew if God went without blessing him, he could not meet Esau. If you are left alone with God and you cannot get to a place of victory, it is a terrible time. You must never let go, whatever you are seeking—fresh revelation, light for your path, some particular need—never let go. Victory is ours if we are earnest enough.

    You must always master that with which you are wrestling. If darkness covers you, if a fresh revelation is what you need, or if your mind needs to be relieved, always get the victory. God says you are not earnest enough. You say, “The Word does not say that.” But it was in God‘s mind. In wrestling, the strength is in the neck, chest, and thigh; the thigh is the source of strength. So God touched Jacob‘s thigh. With that strength gone, defeat is sure.

    What did Jacob do? He hung on. Jacob said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (v. 26). And God blessed him: “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel” (v. 28). The change of Jacob to Israel was wonderful! Now Jacob had power.

    What happened after that? Read how God blessed and honored him. Esau met him. There was no fighting now. What a blessed state of grace! They kissed each other: “When a man‟s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

    “What about all these cattle, Jacob?”

    “Oh, they are a present.”

    “I have plenty; I don‘t want your cattle. What a joy it is to see your face again!”

    What a wonderful change! Who caused it? God.

    Could Jacob hold God? Can you hold God? Yes, you can. Sincerity can hold Him, dependence can hold Him, weakness can hold Him, for “when [you are] weak, then [you are] strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). I‘ll tell you what cannot hold Him: self-righteousness cannot hold Him; pride cannot hold Him; assumption cannot hold Him; high-mindedness cannot hold Him—thinking you are something when you are nothing, puffed up in your imagination. You can hold Him in your prayer closet, in the prayer meeting, everywhere: “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

    Can you hold Him? You may sometimes think that He has left you. Oh, no! He does not leave Jacob, Israel. What changed his name? Jacob obtained the blessing because of the favor of God and his yieldedness to God‘s will. God‘s Spirit was working in him to bring him to a place of helplessness. God worked to bring him to Bethel, the place of victory. Jacob remembered Bethel, and through all the trying circumstances, he had kept his vow. (See Genesis 28:20–22.) When we make vows and keep them, God helps us and
    leads us to victory.

    Thought for today: Let us in all our seeking see that we have the favor of God. Keep His commandments. Walk in the Spirit. Be tenderhearted and lovable. If we do these things, our ministry will be a blessing to others.

    通向胜利之路

    1月6日

    要紧紧倚靠你们的神耶和华。——约书亚记 23:8

    经文阅读:创世纪 32:24–33:11

    如果当你在神面前等候时,神感到失望,那是因为你不够热切。如果你不认真、不专注,你就会让神失望。如果神与你同在,而你知道这一点,就当认真。祷告并相信:“要坚持那向终极坚固的盼望的信心和喜乐”(希伯来书 3:6)。如果你不这样做,你就会让神失望。

    雅各就是那样的人。上帝说:“你不够真实;你不够热烈;你太普通;除非你充满热心——炽热的热心,否则你对我毫无用处!”耶和华的使者说:“让我去吧,因为天快亮了”(创世记 32:26)。雅各知道,如果上帝在未赐福他之前离开,他就无法去见以扫。如果你独自与上帝相处而无法达到胜利的境地,那将是非常痛苦的时刻。不管你在寻找什么——新的启示、指引你道路的光、或某种特定的需要——都不要放手。如果我们足够虔诚,胜利就是我们的。

    你必须始终掌握你所挣扎的对象。如果黑暗笼罩你,如果你需要新的启示,或者你的心智需要得到释放,总是要获得胜利。上帝说你不够真诚。你会说,“圣言没有这样说。”但这在上帝的心意中。在摔跤中,力量在于颈部、胸部和大腿;大腿是力量的源泉。所以上帝触碰了雅各的大腿。力量一旦消失,失败就是必然的。

    雅各做了什么?他紧紧抓住。雅各说:“我不让你走,除非你赐福给我!”(第26节)上帝就赐福给他:“你的名字不再叫雅各,要叫以色列”(第28节)。雅各变为以色列真是奇妙!现在雅各有了力量。

    那之后发生了什么?阅读上帝如何赐福和尊荣他。以扫遇见了他。现在没有争斗了,多么蒙福的恩典状态啊!他们彼此亲嘴:“人的行为蒙耶和华喜悦,连他的仇敌也与他和好。”(箴言 16:7)

    “雅各,这些牛怎么办?”

    “哦,他们是礼物。”

    “我有很多;我不需要你的牛。再次见到你的面孔真是太高兴了!”

    多么美妙的变化啊!是谁造成的?是上帝。

    雅各能抓住神吗?你能抓住神吗?是的,你可以。真诚可以抓住祂,依靠可以抓住祂,软弱可以抓住祂,因为“因为我的能力是在人的软弱上显得完全”(哥林多后书12:10)。我来告诉你什么抓不住祂:自以为义抓不住祂;骄傲抓不住祂;假设抓不住祂;自高自大抓不住祂——自以为自己有价值而实际上什么也不是,在自己的想象中自高自大。你可以在你的祷告室里抓住祂,在祷告会上抓住祂,到处都可以抓住祂:“看哪,我站在门外叩门,若有听见我声音就开门的,我要进到他那里去,我与他,他与我一同吃饭”(启示录3:20)。

    你能抓住他吗?你有时可能会认为他离开了你。哦,不!他不会离开雅各,也不会离开以色列。是谁改变了他的名字呢?雅各因蒙神的恩宠,以及顺服神的旨意而获得了祝福。神的灵在他里面工作,使他到达无助的地步。神的工作是为了带他到伯特利,那胜利之地。雅各记得伯特利,并且在所有的艰难环境中,他都守住了自己的誓言。(见创世记28:20–22。)当我们立誓并遵守誓言时,神会帮助我们,引领我们走向胜利。

    今日的思考:在我们所有的寻求中,让我们看到自己得到上帝的恩宠。遵守祂的诫命。顺着圣灵行事。心存柔情,值得被爱。如果我们做到这些,我们的事工将会成为别人的祝福。

  • Alone with God

    January 5

    Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. — Genesis 32:24

    Scripture reading: Psalm 62:5–63:4

    Jacob was given time to think. Oh, to be left alone with God! In the context of the Scripture, we read that several things had preceded his being alone. His wives and his children had been sent ahead. His sheep, oxen, camels, and donkeys had gone ahead. He was alone.

    Often, you will find that you are left alone. Whether you like it or not, you will be left alone as Jacob was left alone. His wives could not make atonement for him; his children could not make atonement for him; his money was useless to help him.

    What made Jacob come to that place of loneliness, weakness, and knowledge of himself? He recalled the grace with which God had met him twenty-one years before, when he saw the ladder and the angels and heard the voice of God: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (Genesis 28:15). He remembered God‘s mercy and grace.

    He was returning to meet his brother Esau, who had become very rich. Esau had been blessed abundantly in the things of this world. He had authority and power to take all that Jacob had and to take vengeance upon him. Jacob knew this. He also knew that there was only one way of deliverance. What was it? Only God could keep Jacob safe. God had met him twenty-one years before when he had left home empty-handed. Now, he was returning with wives, children, and goods, but he was lean in soul and impoverished in spirit. Jacob said to himself, “If I do not get a blessing from God, I can never meet Esau,” and he made up his mind he would not go on until he knew that he had favor with God. Jacob was left alone. Unless we get alone with God, we will surely perish. God intervenes when conflict exists. The way of revelation is plain. The Holy Spirit‘s plan is so clear that we have to say God was in it after all.

    Jacob was left alone. He knelt alone. The picture is so real to me. Alone! He began to think. He thought about the ladder and the angels. I think as he began to pray, his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. Jacob had to get rid of a lot of things. It had all been Jacob! As he got alone with God, he knew it. If you get alone with God, you will find it to be a place of revelation. Jacob was left alone, alone with God. We stay too long with our relations, our camels, and our sheep. Jacob was left alone. Hour after hour passed. He began to feel the presence of God, but he still had not received the desired blessing.

    Jacob said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” (Genesis 32:26). And God blessed him: “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel” (v. 28). The change of Jacob to Israel was wonderful! Israel! Victory all the time! God is building all the time. God is sufficient all the time. Now Jacob had power over the cattle, power over Esau, power over the world. All was in subjection as he came out of the great night of trial. The sun rose upon him. Oh, that God may take us on in the same way.

    Thought for today: God intends for people to be severed by the force of His power, so hold fast; He will never let go. If we let go, we will fall short.

    与神独处

    1月5日

    雅各独自留下来,有一人夜里与他摔跤,直到黎明。——创世记 32:24

    经文阅读:诗篇 62:5–63:4

    雅各得到了思考的时间。哦,能够独自与上帝相处!在圣经的背景下,我们读到,在他独处之前发生了几件事。他的妻子和孩子们已经先行离开。他的羊、牛、骆驼和驴也都先行离开。他独自一人。

    你常常会发现自己被独自留下。无论你喜欢与否,你都会像雅各布那样被独自留下。他的妻子无法为他赎罪;他的孩子无法为他赎罪;他的钱也无济于事,无法帮到他。

    是什么让雅各来到那个孤独、软弱并认识自己的地方?他回想起二十一年前上帝以恩典与他相遇的情景,那时他看见了天梯和天使,听见上帝的声音说:“看哪,我与你同在,凡你往哪里去,我必保佑你,领你归回此地;我必不离开你,直到我成全对你所说的一切”(创世记 28:15)。他记起了上帝的怜悯和恩典。

    他正要回去见他的兄弟以扫,以扫已经变得非常富有。以扫在世俗的事物上得到了丰富的祝福。他有权力和能力夺走雅各所有的一切,并向他报复。雅各知道这一点。他也知道只有一条出路。那是什么呢?只有神才能保护雅各的安全。二十一年前,当雅各空手离家时,神就与他相遇。现在,他带着妻子、孩子和财物归来,但他的灵魂仍然瘦弱,精神仍然贫乏。雅各对自己说:“如果我不能从神那里得到祝福,我永远无法见以扫,”于是他下定决心,在确认自己蒙神喜悦之前,他绝不前行。雅各独自一人留下。除非我们与神独处,否则我们必定会灭亡。当冲突存在时,神会介入。启示之道是明确的。圣灵的计划如此清晰,以至于我们不得不说,这一切归根结底都是神的作为。

    雅各独自留下。他独自跪下。这幅画对我来说如此真实。独自一人!他开始思考。他想到了梯子和天使。我想当他开始祈祷时,他的舌头粘在了口腔的上颚上。雅各必须摆脱许多东西。这一切都是雅各自己!当他与上帝独处时,他明白了。如果你与上帝独处,你会发现那是一个启示的地方。雅各独自留下,独自与上帝同在。我们与亲人、骆驼和羊群相处太久。雅各独自留下。一小时又一小时过去。他开始感受到上帝的存在,但他仍未获得渴望的祝福。

    雅各说:“我不让你走,除非你赐福给我!”(创世记 32:26)。上帝于是赐福给他:“你的名字不再叫雅各,要叫以色列”(28节)。雅各改名为以色列,这是多么奇妙啊!以色列!永远胜利!上帝一直在建造。上帝一直是足够的。现在雅各掌管牲畜,掌管以扫,掌管世界。当他走出那黑暗的试炼之夜时,一切都归于顺服。太阳照在他身上。哦,愿上帝以同样的方式引导我们。

    今日的思考:上帝意图用祂的力量将人分开,所以要紧紧抓住;祂永远不会放手。如果我们松手,我们将会失败。

  • Opportunity for Action

    January 4

    Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. — 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Scripture reading: Proverbs 15:28–16:9

    On a ship one day, some people said to me, “We are going to have a program. Would you be a participant in the entertainment?”

    I replied, “Come in a quarter of an hour, and I will tell you.”

    They came round again and said, “Are you ready?”

    “Yes,” I told them, “I have got a clear witness that I have to be in the entertainment.”

    So they said to me, “What can you do?”

    “I can sing,” I offered.

    They said, “Where would you like to be scheduled in the entertainment? We are going to have a dance.”

    I said, “Put me down just before the dance.”

    I went to the entertainment, and when I saw the clergymen trying to please the people, it turned me to prayer. My turn came, and I went up to the piano with my “Redemption Songs.” When the lady saw the music, she said, “I cannot play this kind of music.”

    I said, “Be at peace, young lady. I have music and words inside.” So I sang:

    If I could only tell Him as I know Him.
    My Redeemer who has brightened all my way;
    If I could tell how precious is His presence,
    I am sure that you would make Him yours today.
    Could I tell it, Could I tell it,
    How the sunshine of His presence lights my way.
    I would tell it, I would tell it,
    And I‘m sure that you would make Him yours today.

    I sang the song, and when I finished, the people said, “You have spoiled the dance.” Well, I was there for that purpose, to spoil the dance. From the least to the greatest, they were weeping. They never had a dance, but they had a prayer meeting. Six young men were saved by the power of God in my cabin.

    A preacher came to me afterwards and said, “How dare you sing that?” “Why,” I said, “how dare I not sing it?” It was my opportunity. He was going to India, and when he got there, he wrote in his periodical and mailed it to England. He said, “I did not seem to have any chance to preach the Gospel, but there was a plumber on board who seemed to have plenty of opportunities to preach to everybody. He said things that continue to stick with me. He told me that the book of Acts was written only because the apostles acted.”

    You see, I was in the drama of acting in the name of Jesus. And so that opened the door and provided me a place that I could speak all the time. The door was open in every way. Glory to God!

    Thought for today: You are in the right position when you allow the glory of the new life to cause you to act. Live in the Acts of the Apostles, and every day you will see some miracle worked by the power of the living God.

    行动的机会

    1月4日

    无论做什么,都要为上帝的荣耀而做。——哥林多前书 10:31

    经文阅读:箴言 15:28–16:9

    有一天在船上,有些人对我说:“我们要举办一个节目。你愿意参加娱乐活动吗?”

    我回答道:“过一刻钟再来,我会告诉你。”

    他们又过来了,说:“你准备好了吗?”

    “是的,”我告诉他们,“我有一个明确的证据表明我必须参与娱乐。”

    所以他们对我说:“你能做什么?”

    “我会唱歌,”我说。

    他们说:“你想在娱乐节目中安排在哪个环节?我们将举办一场舞会。”

    我说,‘就在舞会前放我下去。’

    我去参加娱乐活动,当我看到神职人员试图取悦人们时,我转向了祈祷。轮到我时,我带着我的《救赎之歌》走上了钢琴。当那位女士看到这本乐谱时,她说:“我不会弹这种音乐。”

    我说,”安心吧,小姐。我内心有音乐和文字。”于是我唱了:

    如果我能够按照我所认识的去告诉他。
    我的救赎主,他照亮了我所有的道路;
    如果我能够讲述他的同在是多么珍贵,
    我相信你今天就会把他归为己有。
    我能说吗,我能说吗,
    他同在的阳光如何照亮我的道路。
    我会说,我会说,
    我相信你今天就会把他归为己有。

    我唱了这首歌,当我唱完时,人们说:“你破坏了舞蹈。”好吧,我来的目的就是为了破坏舞蹈。从最小到最大的,他们都在哭泣。他们从未有过舞会,但他们举行了祈祷会。六个年轻人在我的小屋里被神的力量拯救了。

    有一次,一个传教士后来来到我面前,说:“你怎么敢唱那首歌?”我说:“为什么,我怎么敢不唱呢?”这是我的机会。他要去印度,当他到那里时,他在他的期刊中写道,并寄往英国。他说:“我似乎没有机会传讲福音,但船上有一个水管工似乎有很多机会向每个人传讲福音。他说的话一直让我记住。他告诉我,《使徒行传》之所以被写成,只是因为使徒们采取了行动。”

    你看,我是在以耶稣的名义表演戏剧。所以那为我打开了门,并为我提供了一个可以随时说话的地方。门在各方面都打开了。荣耀归于上帝!

    今日思考:当你让新生命的荣耀促使你行动时,你就是处在正确的位置。活在《使徒行传》中,每天你都会看到活神的力量行一些奇迹。

  • Above the Ordinary

    January 3

    They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. — Acts 6:5

    Scripture reading: Acts 6:8–15; 7:55–60

    God has privileged us in Christ Jesus to live above the ordinary human plane of life. Those who want to be ordinary and live on a lower plane can do so, but as for me, I will not. The same anointing, the same zeal, the same Holy Spirit power is at our command as it was at the command of Stephen and the apostles. We have the same God that Abraham and Elijah had, and we do not need to lag behind in receiving any gift or grace. We may not possess all the gifts as abiding gifts, but as we are full of the Holy Spirit and divine anointing, it is possible, when there is a need, for God to make evident every gift of the Spirit through us as He may choose.

    Stephen, an ordinary man, became extraordinary under the Holy Spirit‘s anointing until, in many ways, he stands supreme among the apostles. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). As we go deeper in God, He enlarges our capacity for understanding and places before us a wide-open door. It is not surprising that this man chosen to serve tables was later called to a higher plane. You may ask, “What do you mean? Did he stop taking care of his responsibilities?” No, but he was lost in the power of God. He lost sight of everything in the natural and steadfastly fixed his gaze on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), until he was transformed into a shining light in the kingdom of God. May we be awakened to believe His Word and to understand the mind of the Spirit, for there is an inner place of purity where we can see God. Stephen was an ordinary person, but he was in the place where God could move him so that he, in turn, could affect those around him. He began in a humble place and ended in a blaze of glory. Dare to believe Christ.

    Thought for today: Chosen for menial service, Stephen became mighty for God.

    超凡

    1月3日

    他们选了司提反,就是一个满有信心和圣灵的人。——使徒行传 6:5

    经文阅读:使徒行传 6:8–15;7:55–60

    神在基督耶稣里特别赐福给我们,使我们能够超越普通人的生活层次。那些希望平凡、过低层次生活的人可以这样做,但就我而言,我不会这样做。我们掌握的膏油、热情和圣灵的能力,与司提反和使徒们掌握的完全一样。我们有与亚伯拉罕和以利亚相同的神,我们在接受任何恩赐或恩典上不必落后。我们可能不会拥有所有恩赐作为持续的恩赐,但当我们充满圣灵和神圣膏抹时,在有需要的时候,神可以凭祂的选择,通过我们显明圣灵的每一种恩赐。

    司提反,一个普通人,在圣灵的恩膏下变得非凡,以至于在许多方面,他在使徒中居于至高地位。“司提反充满信心和能力,在百姓中行了大奇事奇迹。”(使徒行传 6:8)当我们在神里更深时,祂会扩大我们理解的容量,并为我们摆开一扇敞开的门。不足为奇的是,这位被选来侍奉桌上事务的人,后来被呼召到更高的境界。你可能会问:“你是什么意思?他不再照顾自己的职责了吗?”不,他没有,而是沉浸在神的能力中。他在属世的事物上失去了视线,坚持不移地将目光固定在耶稣身上,“那位信心的创始成终者”(希伯来书 12:2),直到他变成神国中的光明之子。愿我们醒悟去信靠祂的话语,并去理解圣灵的心意,因为有一个内在的纯净之地,我们可以在其中看见神。司提反是一个普通人,但他处在神可以动他的地方,以便他反过来影响周围的人。他从卑微之地开始,最终在荣耀中燃烧。敢于相信基督。

    今日的思考:被选来从事卑微的服侍,司提反为神变得强大。

  • Equipped with Power

    January 2

    Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation,full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. — Acts 6:3

    Scripture reading: Acts 6:1–10

    During the time of the inauguration of the church, the disciples were pressured by many responsibilities. The practical things of life could not be attended to, and many were complaining concerning the neglect of their widows. Therefore, the disciples decided to choose seven men to do the work of caring for the needs of these widows—men who were “full of the Holy Spirit.” What a divine thought. No matter what kind of work was to be done, however menial it may have been, the person chosen had to be “full of the Holy Spirit.” The plan of the church was that everything, even everyday routines, must be sanctified to God, for the church had to be a Holy Spirit church. Beloved, God has never ordained anything less.

    The heritage of the church is to be so equipped with power that God can lay His hand upon any member at any time to do His perfect will. There is no stopping point in the Spirit-filled life. We begin at the Cross, the place of disgrace, shame, and death, and that very death brings the power of resurrection life. Then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, we go on “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Let us not forget that possessing the baptism in the Holy Spirit means that there must be an ever increasing holiness. People know when the tide is flowing; they also know when it is ebbing. How the church needs divine anointing. It needs to see God‘s presence and power so evidenced that the world will recognize it.

    Thought for today: When we please God in our daily service, we will always find that everyone who is faithful in the little things, God will make ruler over much (Matthew 25:21).

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    你们中间要挑出七个有好名声、充满圣灵和智慧的人,我们可以派他们管理这事。——使徒行传 6:3

    圣经阅读:使徒行传 6:1–10

    在教会成立的时候,门徒们承受着许多责任的压力。生活中的实际事务无法顾及,许多人抱怨他们的寡妇被忽视。因此,门徒们决定选出七个人来处理这些寡妇的需求——这些人“充满了圣灵”。这是多么神圣的思想啊。无论要做什么样的工作,无论多么卑微,被选中的人都必须是“充满圣灵”的。教会的计划是,一切事情,甚至日常事务,都必须奉献给神,因为教会必须是一所圣灵的教会。亲爱的,神从未吩咐过低于这个标准的任何事情。

    教会的遗产是要被装备得如此充满能力,以至于上帝可以随时在任何一个肢体身上施手,成就祂完美的旨意。充满圣灵的生命没有终点。我们从十字架开始,从耻辱、羞愧和死亡的地方开始,而正是这种死亡带来了复活生命的能力。然后,充满圣灵的我们,就“从荣耀到荣耀”前行(哥林多后书 3:18)。让我们不要忘记,拥有圣灵的洗意味着必须有不断增长的圣洁。人们知道潮水什么时候涨,也知道潮水什么时候退。教会是多么需要神的恩膏。它需要看到神的同在和能力显明到世人都能认识。

    今日的思考:当我们在日常服侍中取悦神时,我们将总会发现,每个在小事上忠心的人,神必使他管理许多(马太福音 25:21)。