八月廿五日

我欢欢喜喜坐在他的荫下，尝他果子的滋味，觉得甘甜。（歌2：3）.

圣经所说的信心与人一切的感官都有关系。它是视：“都当仰望我，就必得救。”它是听：“侧耳而听，就必得活。”信心也是嗅：“你的衣服，都有没药、沉香、肉桂的香气”，“你的名如同倒出来的香膏。”信心也是属灵的触：因有这信心，患病的妇人悄悄地跟在耶稣后面摸他的衣繸；因着信心，我们抓住圣善的生命的言语。信心也是属灵的味：“你的言语在我上膛何等甘美，在我口中比蜜更甜！”基督说：“你们若不吃人子的肉，不喝人子的血，就没有生命在你们里面。”“尝”是信心的至高作用之一。信心有初步乃是听。我们听到神的话，不只用外面的耳朵，也用内心的耳朵；我们听到那是神的话，我们就相信了他的话，这就是信的“听觉”。于是我们的心仰望那真道；那就是说我们明白了，我们通晓了真道的意义，这就是信心的“视觉”。以后我们再发现真道的宝贵；我们切慕它，闻到它的香味，这就是信心的“嗅觉”。于是我们就近在基督里为我们所预备的恩典，这就是信心的“触觉”。之后、快乐、平安、喜乐、交通就临到了我们，那就是信心的“味觉”。信心的这一切官觉都能使人得救。听基督的话就是听神求我们灵魂的话；而真正的福乐乃是藉着尝，因信把基督接在我们里面，使他的宝贵和甜蜜在我们里面成为我们灵魂的食粮。那末，我们才算“坐在他的荫下”，并尝他甘美的果子。

八月二十五日

经文: 你若是一心相信就可以。（使徒行传八：37）

这些话可以回答关于你所提出的与基督教教义有关的问题。你或许会：“我害怕受洗。要承认我与基督同死并同葬是如此严肃的事。我不敢自在地到主的桌前，我害怕若不分辨是主的身体，就是吃喝自己的罪。”（参阅林前十一：29）。耶稣赐你自由，不必害怕。若有陌生人来到你家，他将站在门口或在走廊上等待。但是你的孩子在家中感到自由自在。上帝的儿女也是如此。儿女可以闯入之处，陌生人不一定能涉足。当圣灵赐你作儿女的灵时，你可以无所畏惧地进入基督徒的领域中。在基督徒的内在特权上，同样的规则也适用。你以为与不可言喻的欢乐同乐，不能充满荣耀。你以为能蒙准进入基督的门内坐在祂的圣桌之下就已满足了。要知道你能享受的特权不会比最伟大的圣徒少。上帝对祂的儿女不会偏爱。当耶稣进入人心以后，祂签署了在主内有喜乐的通条。在耶稣为王之庭院内不需带上捆锁之链。上帝许可我们得以进入完全特权的步骤可能是逐渐的，但却是肯定的。你可以说：“我愿能享受上帝的应许，遵命而行。”“你若是一心相信就可以。”

Evening, August 25

Scripture: “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.”(Acts 8:37)

These words may answer your scruples, devout reader, concerning the ordinances. Perhaps you say, “I should be afraid to be baptized; it is such a solemn thing to avow myself to be dead with Christ, and buried with him. I should not feel at liberty to come to the Master's table; I should be afraid of eating and drinking damnation unto myself, not discerning the Lord's body.” Ah! poor trembler, Jesus has given you liberty, be not afraid. If a stranger came to your house, he would stand at the door, or wait in the hall; he would not dream of intruding unbidden into your parlour－he is not at home: but your child makes himself very free about the house; and so is it with the child of God. A stranger may not intrude where a child may venture. When the Holy Ghost has given you to feel the spirit of adoption, you may come to Christian ordinances without fear. The same rule holds good of the Christian's inward privileges. You think, poor seeker, that you are not allowed to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; if you are permitted to get inside Christ's door, or sit at the bottom of his table, you will be well content. Ah! but you shall not have less privileges than the very greatest. God makes no difference in his love to his children. A child is a child to him; he will not make him a hired servant; but he shall feast upon the fatted calf, and shall have the music and the dancing as much as if he had never gone astray. When Jesus comes into the heart, he issues a general licence to be glad in the Lord. No chains are worn in the court of King Jesus. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure. Perhaps our reader is saying, “I wish I could enjoy the promises, and walk at liberty in my Lord's commands.” “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” Loose the chains of thy neck, O captive daughter, for Jesus makes thee free.

《竭诚为主》8月25日 结实累累的友谊

我乃称你们为朋友。（约十五15）

除非我们完全的投上，否则不能真正体会献上的喜乐。自我的降服是最难的事－－“如果……我就肯了！”“或许我也该把生命奉献给神。”其中是没有丝毫舍己的喜乐。待我们真的完全舍弃了，圣灵就叫我们尝到主耶稣的喜乐。舍己的最终目标是为“朋友”（主耶稣）舍命。圣灵一来，最大的心愿就是为耶稣舍命；以往舍己的意念从不会触动我们的心，因为舍己是圣灵的爱。

主舍己的一生是我们的榜样－－“我的神，我乐意照你的旨意行。”主的舍己是满有喜乐的。我已经完全降服耶稣基督了吗？耶稣基督若不是我们的目标，我们的舍己奉献就毫无益处；我们的奉献若是专注在他身上，那模造的工夫就必逐渐明朗地显明。

当心别让私欲阻碍你行在神的爱中。扼杀人性的爱最残酷的方法之一，源自渴想追求个人私欲而否定别人需要。圣徒唯一的吸引是主耶稣自己。对神的爱并非情感用事，因为圣徒以神的爱去爱，是最实际不过的事。

“我乃称你们为朋友。”这友谊的根基是我们里面新造的生命。这新生命只与神的生命相连，与旧生命没有半点关系，是无可言喻的谦和，没有玷污的洁净，绝对忠于神。

August 25 The Fruitfulness Of Friendship

“I have called you friends.” John 15:15

We never know the joy of self-sacrifice until we abandon in every particular. Self-surrender is the most difficult thing – I will if . . . ! Oh, well, I suppose I must devote my life to God. There is none of the joy of self-sacrifice in that.

As soon as we do abandon, the Holy Ghost gives us an intimation of the joy of Jesus. The final aim of self-sacrifice is laying down our lives for our Friend. When the Holy Ghost comes in, the great desire is to lay down the life for Jesus, and the thought of sacrifice never touches us because sacrifice is the love passion of the Holy Ghost.

Our Lord is our example in the life of self-sacrifice – “I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” He went on with His sacrifice with exuberant joy. Have I ever yielded in absolute submission to Jesus Christ? If Jesus Christ is not the lodestar, there is no benefit in the sacrifice; but when the sacrifice is made with the eyes on Him, slowly and surely the moulding influence begins to tell.

Beware of letting natural affinities hinder your walk in love. One of the most cruel ways of killing natural love is by disdain built on natural affinities. The affinity of the saint is the Lord Jesus. Love for God is not sentimental, for the saint to love as God loves is the most practical thing.

“I have called you friends.” It is a friendship based on the new life created in us which has no affinity with our old life, but only with the life of God. It is unutterably humble, unsulliedly pure, and absolutely devoted to God.

八月廿五日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

食物和休息

经文:「主耶和华说：我必亲自作我羊的牧人，使他们得以躺卧。」（以西结书34︰15）

耶稣是羊群的大牧者，在祂的喂养下，信徒都得饱足，因为祂赐的粮，不是虚浮空泛的人间小学，乃是字字珠玑，满足人心的启示和真理。圣经的话语在圣灵的引导下，直指人心，滋养灵魂。对信徒来说，耶稣本身就是维持生命真正的属天灵粮。我们伟大的牧者应许，祂必会亲自供应我们灵魂的养分。在主日，我们地上的牧者或许两手空空，但我们的主却不会如此。

当我们的心充满神的真理，我们的心就得着安息。耶和华所喂养的羊群平安稳妥。没有狗惊吓它们，没有狼群来吞噬它们，也没有不良习性困扰它们。它们可以轻松地躺在草地上，慢慢地咀嚼、消化吸收草粮。上主恩慈的话语不仅给我们力量，更能安慰人心，让我们的生命得长进，灵魂得安歇。若教会的牧者无法供应我们的需要，让我们来仰望主，向祂求。

今天，愿我们，在神话语的青草地上得着饱足，没有任何忧虑烦恼，只有静思默想，平安宁静。

Food and Rest

Scripture: "I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the LORD God"(Ezekiel 34:15).

Under the divine shepherdry saints are fed to the full. Theirs is not a windy, unsatisfying mess of mere human "thought," but the LORD feeds them upon the solid, substantial truth of divine revelation. There is real nutriment for the soul in Scripture brought home to the heart by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself is the true life-sustaining Food of believers. Here our Great Shepherd promises that such sacred nourishment shall be given us by His own self. If, on the LORD's Day, our earthly shepherd is empty-handed, the LORD is not.

When filled with holy truth the mind rests. Those whom Jehovah feeds are at peace. No dog shall worry them, no wolf shall devour them, no restless propensities shall disturb them. They shall lie down and digest the food which they have enjoyed. The doctrines of grace are not only sustaining but consoling: in them we have the means for building up and lying down. If preachers do not give us rest, let us look to the LORD for it.

This day may the LORD cause us to feed in the pastures of the Word and make us to lie down in them. May no folly and no worry but meditation and Peace mark this day.

八月二十五日

「以色列人住在埃及共有四百三十年。正满了四百三十年的那一天，耶和华的军队都从埃及地出来了。」（出十二40至41）

　　当我们在苦难中的时候，巴不得神立刻来拯救我们，但苦难继续加增，我们的信心动摇，怀疑神的慈爱是否神把我丢在一旁，不是神没有能力拯救我，乃是神不拯救我了。苦难仍旧延长，甚至我们失掉了信心，神真有吗？如果真有，为甚么看著我在苦难中绝望了呢？这是在苦难中的人所常有的光景。受了膏，得了神应许的大卫，当他长时期在苦难中的时候也灰心了，他心里说：「必有一日我死在扫罗手里。」（撒上二十七1）他对神赐给他作以色列王的应许信心摇动了，神应许他的话到此时已经十几年了，作王的事仍是遥遥无期，而苦难仍继续增加，扫罗依然不停止地逼迫他，以色列人也忘记了他；他在灰心绝望中，去投靠了非利士人。

　　要知道神已经为我们的苦难限定了日期，在神那里天下万事都有定时，等到日期满足了，一天、一时、一分、一秒也不迟延。以色列人在埃及受苦的时期，最少有一百年的光景，似乎是神忘记了他们；然而满了四百三十年的那一天，神所定受苦的日子满足了，就从埃及领出祂的百姓来；他们因著苦难的锻炼，成了耶和华的军队。他们的人数因受苦而格外加添，并且他们个个都是坚壮的，苦难并未害倒他们。

　　「你将要受的苦你不用怕……你们必受患难十日。你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕。」（启二10）「凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。」（传三1）

《荒漠甘泉》8月25日

　　“但信还未来以先，我们被看守在律法之下，直关到那将来的信显明出来。”（加3：23直译）

　　在基督的福音还未传世之前，神往昔让受难的人禁闭在律法之下，为的是要人知道信心的意义。在律法下面，人能看见神圣洁的标准；在律法下面，人能看见自己的完全无能；在这样没有办法的时候，他乐于学习神的信仰之道。所以加拉太书说：“律法是我们的师傅，引我们到基督里。”

　　神现在还是常常喜欢将我们关闭起来，只留给我们一条信心的道路。我们的天性，我们的环境、试炼、失望，都是神用来关闭看守我们的东西，要叫我们看见：唯一的出路，乃是神所预备的信心的道路。摩西年少的时候，在埃及曾想用自己的努力，个人的势力，甚至武力、暴力，来拯救他的民族，所以神必须将他关闭野外四十年，然后才用他去做神的工作。

　　保罗和西拉往腓力比去宣传福音，受了鞭打，被下在监里，两脚上了木狗。他们四面的出路都关住了，只剩下一条信心的道路。他们信靠神。在最黑暗的光景里还祷告，唱诗，赞美神，神就向他们施行拯救。

　　约翰被放逐到了拔摩海岛。他四面的出路都关住了，只留下一条信心的道路。如果他不经过这样关闭的话，他决不能见到神荣耀的启示。

　　亲爱的读者，你是不是正遭遇了极大的困难呢？是不是正有一件极大的失望临到你呢？这件事情是不是叫你悲哀，叫里遭到说不尽的损失呢？你是不是很难过去呢？不要紧，你四面的出路虽然都已经关住了，却还留着一条信心的道路。好好地负起你的困难来交托神。赞美他！因为他使“万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处。”（罗8：28）。并且 “神为等候他的人行事。”（赛64：4）。你受过试炼以后，神的祝福，帮助，启示，都要加倍地临到里；除里自己以外，还有许多别的人，也都会因着你的试炼得到亮光和祝福。

八月廿六日

命定他的约，直到永远。（诗111：9）

主的民必在约中享福乐。圣灵带他们进入筵宴所，以爱旗飘扬在他们以上；那约便是他们无尽的安慰之源，他们必因那永约欢乐；晨星有定处，星宿顺轨道，但圣徒在基督里的利益必然安定如恒。最使他们快乐的是因那约的确实。他们知道那是“应许大卫那可靠的恩典”。他们欢喜庆贺，因为知道那约是签了字，加了印，批准了，一切手续都办妥了的。他们想到那约是不变的，心中也满了快乐，那约不是时间或永恒、或死所能废除的—那约必存到永远，必与万古磐石并存。他们也必饱食这约的丰富，因为这约供给他们一切的需要。神是他们的份，基督是他们的同伴，圣灵是他们的安慰，地是他们的客店，天是他们的家。他们因这约得以承受从亘古以来所存留给他们的恩典。当他们发现圣经中的宝藏时，他们的眼光透出快乐的光芒；当他们看到他们属天的至亲把一切基业都赐给他们的时候，他们的心灵必满了欢喜！神的民必因这约的恩慈更加欢乐。他们知道律法已经废除了，因为那约是靠立功之法的；但这约必永存，因为它是以恩典为根本，恩典为条件，恩典为主旨，恩典为保障，恩典为基础，恩典为顶石。这约是丰富的宝库，食粮的仓房，生命的泉源，救恩的府库，和平的宪章，快乐的海港。“主曾起誓立血恩约，应许救主，除我软弱……”

八月二十六日

经文: 众人一见耶稣，都甚希奇，就跑上去问祂的安。（马可福音九：15）

摩西和耶稣的不同是何等大！当摩西上何烈山四十天后，他的形像发生改变，使他的面容发光。他用帕子蒙上脸，因为百姓怕见他的荣光（参阅出三十四：29～33）。我们的救主改变形像，发出的荣耀比摩西的荣光更大。但是经上并没有记载百姓因祂面容之荣耀而盲目了。反而他们都甚希奇，跑近祂，向祂问安。律法的荣光排斥拒绝人，耶稣更大的荣光吸引人。耶稣是圣洁并公义的，但与祂的纯洁掺和，祂有更多的真理和恩典，以至罪人跑去就祂，希奇祂的仁慈，被祂的爱所迷惑。他们向祂问安，成为祂的门徒，以祂为他们的主和夫子。你可能因上帝律法的眩耀光芒盲目。你感到它对你良心有所要求，但是你无法在生活中守住在这些律法。不是因为你发现律法有错误，相反的，是为它要求你对它付出最高的尊重。更甚的是，它不能吸引你向上帝，反而会使你的心变得刚硬、濒临绝望。将你的眼睛转离摩西，定睛在耶稣身上。祂是上帝的儿子，祂比摩西更伟大。祂是爱之主，因此祂比颁赐律法者有更大的温柔。祂担当了上帝的震怒，在祂的死中启示了上帝的公义，甚于西乃山的烈火。公义已完成，现在是信徒受耶稣保护之时代。罪人哪，注视流血的救主。当你感到被祂的爱吸引时，快跑到祂的双臂中，你就能得救。

Evening, August 26

Scripture: “The people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.”(Mark 9:15)

How great the difference between Moses and Jesus! When the prophet of Horeb had been forty days upon the mountain, he underwent a kind of transfiguration, so that his countenance shone with exceeding brightness, and he put a veil over his face, for the people could not endure to look upon his glory. Not so our Saviour. He had been transfigured with a greater glory than that of Moses, and yet, it is not written that the people were blinded by the blaze of his countenance, but rather they were amazed, and running to him they saluted him. The glory of the law repels, but the greater glory of Jesus attracts. Though Jesus is holy and just, yet blended with his purity there is so much of truth and grace, that sinners run to him amazed at his goodness, fascinated by his love; they salute him, become his disciples, and take him to be their Lord and Master. Reader, it may be that just now you are blinded by the dazzling brightness of the law of God. You feel its claims on your conscience, but you cannot keep it in your life. Not that you find fault with the law, on the contrary, it commands your profoundest esteem, still you are in nowise drawn by it to God; you are rather hardened in heart, and are verging towards desperation. Ah, poor heart! turn thine eye from Moses, with all his repelling splendour, and look to Jesus, resplendent with milder glories. Behold his flowing wounds and thorn-crowned head! He is the Son of God, and therein he is greater than Moses, but he is the Lord of love, and therein more tender than the lawgiver. He bore the wrath of God, and in his death revealed more of God's justice than Sinai on a blaze, but that justice is now vindicated, and henceforth it is the guardian of believers in Jesus. Look, sinner, to the bleeding Saviour, and as thou feelest the attraction of his love, fly to his arms, and thou shalt be saved.

《竭诚为主》8月26日 你曾烦扰不安吗？

我留下平安给你们，我将我的平安赐给你们。（约十四27）

有时我们感觉平安，是因为无知；但当我们醒悟人生的现实，内心平安就消失了。除非我们从主耶稣得着平安，否则就不能有内在的平安。主耶稣说平安，他就成就平安。他的话永远是“灵和生命”。我接受了他所说的话吗？“我将我的平安赐给你们。”－－这平安是由于定睛在他脸上，体会他那不能动摇的安稳而来的。

你如今是否因困扰而痛苦？在神的允许下，你正受着风浪的冲击，虽然翻开信心的礁石，却仍找不着平安、喜乐与安慰。一切都绝望了，你该仰望主，接受他那无法动摇的平安。你若能彰显他的平安，便证明你与神有正确的关系，因为你可以自由地把心转向他。要是你与神的关系不对劲，你的心除了转向自己之外，便无路可通。若让任何事物掩蔽主的脸，你不是没有平安，就是活在虚假的稳妥里。

你现今是否仰望耶稣？在你逼近眉睫的事上去接受他的平安？若然，他要藉着你，也要在你里面，成为最美妙平安的福气。可是你若担忧，就拦阻了他，那你受的苦，就是咎由自取了。我们受困扰，是因为未有想到他。人一与主相会，困惑就必离开，因为在他没有困惑的事。我们唯一要注意的，是住在他里面。把一切铺陈在他面前，在一切困难、伤痛、愁苦之中，听他说：“你们心里不要忧愁。”

祈祷◆主啊，愿你的脸光临到我，并赐给我平安。你的平安，深如无法测度的大海，高如难以量度的高天。愿你在此刻感动我，直至光明、生命和自由穿透我。

August 26 Are You Ever Disturbed?

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” John 14:27

There are times when our peace is based upon ignorance, but when we awaken to the facts of life, inner peace is impossible unless it is received from Jesus. When Our Lord speaks peace, He makes peace, His words are ever “spirit and life.” Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? “My peace I give unto you” – it is a peace which comes from looking into His face and realizing His undisturbedness.

Are you painfully disturbed just now, distracted by the waves and billows of God's providential permission, and having, as it were, turned over the boulders of your belief, are you still finding no well of peace or joy or comfort; is all barren? Then look up and receive the undisturbedness of the Lord Jesus. Reflected peace is the proof that you are right with God because you are at liberty to turn your mind to Him. If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. If you allow anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you, you are either disturbed or you have a false security.

Are you looking unto Jesus now, in the immediate matter that is pressing and receiving from Him peace? If so, He will be a gracious benediction of peace in and through you. But if you try to worry it out, you obliterate Him and deserve all you get. We get disturbed because we have not been considering Him. When one confers with Jesus Christ the perplexity goes, because He has no perplexity, and our only concern is to abide in Him. Lay it all out before Him, and in the face of difficulty, bereavement and sorrow, hear Him say, “Let not your heart be troubled.”

八月廿六日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

主怜悯为怀

经文:「我也必在羊和羊中间施行判断。」（以西结书34︰22）

有些羊健壮活泼，所以就欺凌瘦弱幼小的，这是令牧者忧伤的罪。在信徒的圣会中，这些用肩撞别人，用角顶病弱者的行径是多么的可悲啊。神会记录这些骄傲、不善的举动，祂憎恶这些行径，因为祂眷顾弱者。

读者正是被藐视的一群吗？或是因为有温柔的心而在锡安哀伤的人吗？再或是被他的弟兄苛责论断的人吗？且莫因此怀恨在心，更重要的是，不要还击。把一切冤屈都交在主的手里，祂的判断比人更公正。神有祂的时候来伸张正义，用不着我们操心去催　神！让那些硬心的压迫者战兢，因为即使他们用凶恶的话威吓人，用铁蹄蹂躏弱小者，他们所行的都已经记录在案，最终他们必须站在那至高的审判者前，陈明他们所做的一切。

我的灵呀！且耐心等候吧，主知道你的苦楚忧伤，你的耶稣必怜悯体恤你！

He of Tender Conscience

Scripture: "I will judge between cattle and cattle"(Ezekiel 34:22).

Some are fat and flourishing, and therefore they are unkind to the feeble. This is a grievous sin and causes much sorrow. Those thrustings with side and with shoulder, those pushings of the diseased with the horn, are a sad means of offense in the assemblies of professing believers. The LORD takes note of these proud and unkind deeds, and He is greatly angered by them, for He loves the weak.

Is the reader one of the despised? Is he a mourner in Zion and a marked man because of his tender conscience? Do his brethren judge him harshly? Let him not resent their conduct; above all let him not push and thrust in return. Let him leave the matter in the LORD's hands. He is the Judge. Why should we wish to intrude upon His office? He will decide much more righteously than we can. His time for

judgment is the best, and we need not be in a hurry to hasten it on. Let the

hard-hearted oppressor tremble. Even though he may ride roughshod over others with impunity for the present, all his proud speeches are noted, and for every one of them account must be given before the bar of the great Judge.

Patience, my soul! Patience! The LORD knoweth thy grief. Thy Jesus hath pity upon thee!

八月二十六日

古时以色列人不能单独称神为父，有一次主耶稣称神为父，被犹太人听见了，犹太人要拿石头打死祂；犹碎打祂的原因，因为主耶稣自称是神的儿子，将自己和神当作平等的，当作神。从犹太人的话中看出一件事，人不可以称神为父，称神为父，就与神平等；称神为父，就与神相似。

　　主耶稣从死里复活，祂向门徒宣布的第一件事，就是：「我要升上去，见我的父，也是你们的父；见我的神，也是你们的神。」（约二十17）我们因主耶稣从死里复活和神就另有关系。（以前我们是在神的忿怒和咒诅中，与神的关系是仇敌。）就是亚当在未犯罪以前，人和神的关系，是造物者与受造者。但因耶稣基督从死里复活，我们在恩典、圣灵和生命中与神有了关系。我们得以因耶稣基督直接称神为父，神也要因耶稣基督称我们为儿子。我们和神的关系与耶稣基督和神的关系一样。

　　主耶稣升上去见父神的时候，祂已将我们在祂里面带到父神面前，我们的生命与基督一同藏在神那里，我们的生命也与基督一同从神而来，神的生命、性情、荣耀，我们都承受了，耶稣基督怎样得了神的一切，我们也要因耶稣基督得著祂所得著的，我们要与基督同为后嗣，一同承受神的产业，我们的信心和盼望的中心，必须在这上面才得著完全。我们若衹为今生的事有信心、倚靠神、有盼望，就十分可怜，这不是神在我们身上的要求。不信神的人在今生的福气上也满有盼望，若是我们衹为今生，构不到永远里，和不信的人有甚么分别？

　　「我们若靠基督，衹在今生有指望，就算比众人更可怜。」（林前十五19）

《荒漠甘泉》8月26日

　　“深渊说，不在我内。”（伯28：14）

　　我记得有一年夏天，我说： “我所需要的是海洋”，我就到有海洋的地方去，但是海洋说：“不在我内”！海洋并不照我所要的给我成就。于是我说：“高山一定会使我得到安息”，我就到有高山的地方去；我清晨醒来，前面立着我所渴望的巍然高山；但是高山说：“不在我内”！高山又不能使我满足。哦！我所需要的究竟是什么呢？我所需要的乃是神的爱海和真理山。深渊说，智慧不在它里面；是的，智慧本不象珍珠黄金，和宝石那样多。唯有基督是智慧，是我们最大的需要。我们的烦恼，只有基督的友谊和爱情能安慰我们。——濮登

　　你没有法子将一只老鹰扣留在森林里。你就是替他聚集了一群最美丽的小鸟在他四周歌唱，你就是给他在最大的松树上安放一根栖木，你就是差遣有翼的使者带最美味的珍馐给他，都不能动他的心。伸展着高耸的翅膀，他喜欢飞往他自己的老家——磐石，暴雨，瀑布中——去安息的。

　　人类的心，也象老鹰一般。如果没有永久的磐石，就永远得不到安息。我们的老家乃是天家。“主啊，你世世代代作我们的居所。”（诗90：1）——马可特夫

八月廿七日

他们还不信我要到几时呢？（民14：11）

我们要用全副力量殷勤对付自己不信的恶心。我们稍加放松就要羞辱了基督，我们若羞辱了他，他的面就必离开我们。不错，它像蔓草一样，我们不能把它的子从土里除去，但我们必顺用热心和恒心来把它的根斩除净尽。在可恨的东西当中这却是最可恶的！它的毒性很大，放毒的和被毒的都受其害。信徒啊！按你来说吧，神过去的恩典，反而增加你现在疑惑他的罪，你看这有多么可恶。当你不信主耶稣的时候，他就呼喊道：“看哪！我被压在你们之下，如同装满禾捆的车被压一样。”（改译摩2：13）这就是把尖锐的荆冠加在他的头上。一个被爱的妻子不信她恩爱忠实的丈夫真是一件忍心的事。这罪是无谓的、愚昧的，也是危险的。耶稣没有一点令你怀疑的地方，而疑惑那应当以爱和忠诚相待的主真是一件不当的事。耶稣是至高者的儿子，他有无限的丰富；疑惑全能者，不信足够者真是一件可耻的事。千山上的牛群足以饱足我们的饥肠，天上的粮仓无论如何不会被我们吃完。若基督只不过是一个水槽，那末我们不久便会饮尽他的丰满，但谁能使泉源干涸呢！万千人取饮于他，没有一个人发怨言说他的源头是细小的。去吧！谎言的*细，不信，因为它的使命是要我们断绝与主的交通，使我们离去救主的恩面。亲爱的读者呀！信徒心中的不信的恶心，实在是应当努力铲除的，因为那会拦阻你生命的增长，妨碍你灵程的进步，也能夺去你心中的喜乐和平安！

八月二十七日

经文: 我将我的灵魂交在祢手里。耶和华诚实的上帝啊，你救赎了我。（诗篇三十一：5）

一般圣洁的人在死亡的时刻常常会说出以上的话。对于有信心的人，生和死的主题不在于他的肉身或他的产业，而是他的灵魂。灵魂是他的宝贝，灵魂若安全，一切都好了。必死的身体不能与灵魂相比。信徒能将他的灵魂交在上帝的手里，灵魂是从祂而来，是属祂的。祂曾经维持，现在也能保守，也唯有祂能得着。在耶和华的手中，万事皆平安。现在或是将来我们交托主的事必然有保障。安息在上帝的照顾之中，活着是平安的，死了就有荣耀。无论何时，我们都当将每一事交托在耶稣的信实手中。即使生命危在旦夕，即使反对者多如海边的沙，我们的心仍然安居，并因有宁静的安息之处而喜乐。“耶和华诚实的上帝啊，祢救赎了我。”救赎是信心的稳固根基。大卫并不像我们这般能明白加略山，但是现世的救赎已足以令他喜乐，永远的救赎岂不更深地安慰我们？过去的释放鼓励我们能有力地为现在求帮助。主过去行过的事，祂现在会再行，因为祂并不改变。祂忠于自己的应许，且恩待祂的圣徒。祂不会掩面不顾自己的百姓。

Evening, August 27

Scripture: “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”(Psalm 31:5)

These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful man's solicitude in life and death is not his body or his estate, but his spirit; this is his choice treasure－if this be safe, all is well. What is this mortal state compared with the soul? The believer commits his soul to the hand of his God; it came from him, it is his own, he has aforetime sustained it, he is able to keep it, and it is most fit that he should receive it. All things are safe in Jehovah's hands; what we entrust to the Lord will be secure, both now and in that day of days towards which we are hastening. It is peaceful living, and glorious dying, to repose in the care of heaven. At all times we should commit our all to Jesus’ faithful hand; then, though life may hang on a thread, and adversities may multiply as the sands of the sea, our soul shall dwell at ease, and delight itself in quiet resting places.“Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Redemption is a solid basis for confidence. David had not known Calvary as we have done, but temporal redemption cheered him; and shall not eternal redemption yet more sweetly console us? Past deliverances are strong pleas for present assistance. What the Lord has done he will do again, for he changes not. He is faithful to his promises, and gracious to his saints; he will not turn away from his people.“Though thou slay me I will trust,Praise thee even from the dust,Prove, and tell it as I prove,Thine unutterable love.Thou mayst chasten and correct,But thou never canst neglect;Since the ransom price is paid,On thy love my hope is stay'd.”

《竭诚为主》8月27日 活的神学

应当趁着有光行走，免得黑暗临到你们。（约十二35）

应当把你在山上与神同在时所见的活出来。你若不顺从光，光就会变成黑暗。“你里头的光若黑暗了，那黑暗是何等大呢！”每当你放开成圣的问题，或任何事上神给你的亮光，你属灵生命就开始陷入枯干腐烂之中。要不断把真理活出来，在每一个范畴内都要实行，否则你所得的光，反成了咒诅。

最难对付的人，就是因过去的经历自满自足，却又没有把经历付诸实行的人。你若说成圣了，就要表现出来。经历若是真的，就必然在生活中流露。当心那些叫你自我放纵的信念，不论它们有多动听，都是从暗坑中出来的。

神学必须在最实际的关系中表现出来。主说：“你们的义若不胜于文士和法利赛人的义……”那就是说，你必须比最具德行的人更有道德。你可以懂得一切成圣的教义，但到底有没有在生活上行出来？你生命的每一部分：身体、道德、灵性，都要凭救赎的标准去审定。

祈祷◆主啊，愿我“像一颗树栽在溪水旁，按时候结果子”。求你显明这句话的真实。

August 27 Theology Alive

“Walk while ye have the light lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35

Beware of not acting upon what you see in your moments on the mount with God. If you do not obey the light, it will turn into darkness. “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” The second you waive the question of sanctification or any other thing upon which God gave you light, you begin to get dry rot in your spiritual life. Continually bring the truth out into actuality; work it out in every domain, or the very light you have will prove a curse.

The most difficult person to deal with is the one who has the smug satisfaction of an experience to which he can refer back, but who is not working it out in practical life. If you say you are sanctified, show it. The experience must be so genuine that it is shown in the life. Beware of any belief that makes you self-indulgent; it came from the pit, no matter how beautiful it sounds.

Theology must work itself out in the most practical relationships. “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees . . .” said Our Lord, i.e., you must be more moral than the most moral being you know. You may know all about the doctrine of sanctification, but are you running it out into the practical issues of your life? Every bit of your life, physical, moral and spiritual, is to be judged by the standard of the Atonement.

八月廿七日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

被拣选的人

经文:「你在苦难的炉中，我拣选你。」（以赛亚书48︰10）

这节经文是我们的座右铭，不但悬在眼前的墙上，也铭刻在我们心中。神所拣选的在祂看来都是好的。因神的选择我们被拣选出来，成为神的子民，这是无上的福份，胜于被选为国家的首长。既有这等的荣耀，即使需要吃点苦，也甘之如饴，就像犹太人为了逾越节羔羊的缘故，愿吃苦菜；我们也愿选择苦难的炉，因为那是神分配给我们的份。

我们在困苦而非荣华富贵中蒙拣选，在熔炉而非皇宫中蒙选召。在熔炉中，我们气力殆尽，不再光鲜，美容尽消，甚至为人唾弃，然而永恒的爱却在其中暗暗流露，显明神的拣选。所以，这就是我们的情况，在许多艰难考验来临之际，神清楚显明祂的拣选与呼召，而我们也再次肯定自己的抉择：我们选择主作我们的神，并且祂也已经确切无疑地表明我们是祂所拣选的。朋友，今天若火炉被加热七倍，我们也不怕它，因为荣耀的神子要与我们同在火焰中行走。

Choice Men

Scripture: "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction"(Isaiah 48:10).

This has long been the motto fixed before our eye upon the wall of our

bedroom, and in many ways it has also been written on our heart. It is no mean

thing to be chosen of God. God's choice makes chosen men choice men. Better to be the elect of God than the elect of a whole nation. So eminent is this privilege, that whatever drawback may be joined to it we very joyfully accept it, even as the Jew ate the bitter herbs for the sake of the Paschal Lamb. We choose the furnace, since God chooses us in it.

We are chosen as an afflicted people and not as a prosperous people, chosen not in the palace but in the furnace. In the furnace beauty is marred, fashion is destroyed, strength is melted, glory is consumed, and yet here eternal love reveals its secrets and declares its choice. So has it been in our case. In times of severest trial God has made to us our calling and election plain, and we have made it sure: then have we chosen the LORD to be our God, and He has shown that we are assuredly His chosen. Therefore, if today the furnace be heated seven times hotter, we will not dread it, for the glorious Son of God will walk with us amid the glowing coals.

八月二十七日

　旧约时代的圣徒称神为亚伯拉罕的神，以撒的神，雅各的神，他们列祖的神；每逢人提起亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的时候，人就有力量到神的面前，因为神曾与亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各立了约，又再三向他们申明，因此人提起亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的时候，神就要记念自己的约。

　　以色列人每逢有重大的事向神呼求的时候，总是提起他们的列祖。从前神为了以色列人拜金牛犊，要在烈怒中灭绝他们，摩西立刻提到亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各，于是耶和华后悔，不把所说的祸降与祂的百姓。（出三十二13）大卫将神殿的工程和王座移交他儿子所罗门的时候，他的祈祷中也提到了亚伯拉罕、以撒和雅各。（代上二十九18）以色列人虽然悖逆，因著列祖就成了蒙爱的。

　　但新约之下我们不再称神为亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的神，我们乃是称神为耶稣基督的父神；我们不因以色列人的列祖而蒙爱，我们乃是因耶稣基督而蒙恩。每逢提到主名的时候，我们就坦然无惧地进到神面前；每逢提到主名的时候，神就赦免我们按理不当赦免的过犯；每逢提到主名的时候，可以随意支取神的一切恩典。耶稣基督的名比亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的名更美好，是超乎万名之上的名，神通过了耶稣基督和我们立了新约，比通过亚伯拉罕所立的旧约更美好。若有人今天仍然提起亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的神，就太不智慧了。

　　如今就是那些在肉身中作他们三人之子孙的使徒，也不再通过他们先祖的名向神求恩典，也不提神向他们列祖所立的约。

　　「如今耶稣所得的职任是更美的，正如祂作更美之约的中保；这约原是凭更美之应许立的。」（来八6）「既说新约，就以前约为旧了。但那渐旧渐衰的，就必快归无有了。」（来八13

《荒漠甘泉》8月27日

　　“耶稣领他离开众人，到一边去。”（可7：43）

　　保罗不但在活动的时候忍受了试炼，在被禁的时候也忍受了试炼。我们在最剧烈的劳动下受苦，也许还站得住；但是到了放下一切活动的时候，被监禁在牢狱中的时候，恐怕最容易失败吧！

　　勇敢的小鸟，在翱翔的时候，能高飞直上云霄，忍受长途的辛劳；但是在笼中的时候，却只能垂头丧气地在笼门上拍着无力的翅膀了。你一定看见过：大鹰被幽禁在笼中的时候，是怎样无生气地低着头，垂着翅膀！啊！不活动是一个多么悲哀的景象啊！　　保罗在监狱！这是另一面的生活！你要不要看看他在监狱中作什么呢？他所望的，不是监狱，乃是狱顶上面的天；不是仇敌，乃是仇敌头上顶着的天！我看见他在缮写书信，签上了他的名字——不是非斯都的囚犯，也不是该撒的囚犯；乃是——“基督耶稣的囚犯。”（弗3：1直译）在这一切的事上他只看见神的手。他看监狱为宫殿，所以监狱中满布了胜利的欢呼，赞美，和喜乐。

　　被强迫离开了所喜爱的工作，他设立了一个新的讲坛——一个新的见证坛——他的监禁带给了我们一条最甘甜，最有益的自由之路。他在黑暗的拘禁中所带给我们的信息和亮光，是多么可贵啊！

　　保罗之后，曾有好多圣徒入狱。十二年之久，本仁（Bunyan）的口，在培特福（Bedford）监狱中，一声都不准开！但是在那里他却成功了他一生最伟大最佳美的工作。在那里他着作了一本书——除了圣经以外，最被人诵读的书。他说：“我在监狱中，和在家中一样安适；我一直坐下来写，写，因为喜乐催促我写。”　

　那个奇异的梦照耀了无数疲劳的旅客的路程。那位精神焕发的法国女士盖恩夫人（Madame Guyon）也曾许久被囚在监狱中。小鸟常会因受监禁唱出更悦耳的歌来，盖恩夫人心的音乐恶远荡出了牢狱墙外，驱散了人们不少的愁苦与伤心。

　　哦，属天的安慰都是从寂寞中流出来的！——李斯

八月廿八日

点灯的油。（出25:6）。

我的心哪！你需要多少，因为你的灯没有油就不能再点了。你的灯芯一冒烟，在黑暗中就得碰壁；若没有油，灯就灭了。你不能从你的本性中涌出油来，因此你必须到卖油的那里去为自己买油，不然你必像愚拙的童女一样地叹息：“我们的灯要灭了。”就是圣所里的灯若没有油也不能发光；虽然它们是在会幕之中，但它们也得常添油；虽然没有暴风吹拂它们，但也须常修剪，你的需要也是这样大。在恶劣的环境中你不能放光，除非另有恩典的新油加给你。并非随便什么油都可用以服侍主；地里涌出的大量的矿物油，鱼类出的动物油，或是各种核仁所出的植物油，都不能用；只有一种油可用，那就是上等的橄榄油。从人本性中所出的伪装的恩德，祭司手上来的幻想的恩，以及外表上礼仪的想象的恩，神的圣徒都不能用这些；他知道就是这些油像江河那么多，神也不喜欢。他只要客西马尼园的橄榄所压出的油，他必须从被压榨的主那里取油。福音的恩油是清洁没有渣滓的，因此它发出的光是清楚光明的。我们的教会是救主的金灯台，若它们要在暗世放出亮光，就必须多用这圣油。我们要为自己、为牧师、为教会祷告，愿他们的灯不缺油。真理、圣洁、快乐、知识、仁爱，这些都是圣灯所发出的光线，但我们自己若不藉着神的圣灵得到这油就不能放出这样的光来。

八月二十八日

经文: 你这不怀孕不生养的，要歌唱。（以赛亚书五十四：1）

我们能为基督结出一些果子，并能存着欢喜的盼望，因为我们是“耶和华所栽的，叫祂得荣耀”（赛六十一：3）。然而，有时候我们会感到十分贫乏。我们的祷告是无生气的，我们的爱是冷淡的、我们的信心是软弱的，在我们心园中的各种恩典都凋萎憔悴了。我们如同艳阳下的花朵，渴望一场清新的阵两。本经文向我们说的正是如此光景。“你这不怀孕不生养的要歌唱……要发声歌唱，扬声欢呼。”可是，我能唱什么呢？我无法谈现在，甚至过去也显得空虚。我能唱耶稣基督。我能夸祂从天降下，为祂百姓的救赎所付出的大爱。我要再到十字架前。这同一的十字架曾经赐我生命，也能使我结实累累。我的贫瘠是祂创造果实能力的平台。我的荒芜是镶嵌祂蓝宝石般永远之爱的框子。我带着贫穷前去、带着无助前去、带着所有羞耻和背道前去。我仍然是祂的孩子。我对祂存着信心，我虽然不育，仍要歌唱，仍要扬声。歌唱吧，信徒，因为歌唱能使你自己的心欢乐，也使其他荒芜的心欢乐。歌唱吧，不久你就能结出果子！不育的经验是痛苦的，但是主的造访是喜乐的。当我们感到一无所有时，就会驱使我们到基督的面前，并且在祂里面，我们找到了自己的果子。

Evening, August 28

Scripture: “Sing, O barren.”(Isaiah 54:1)

Though we have brought forth some fruit unto Christ, and have a joyful hope that we are “plants of his own right hand planting,” yet there are times when we feel very barren. Prayer is lifeless, love is cold, faith is weak, each grace in the garden of our heart languishes and droops. We are like flowers in the hot sun, requiring the refreshing shower. In such a condition what are we to do? The text is addressed to us in just such a state. “Sing, O barren, break forth and cry aloud.” But what can I sing about? I cannot talk about the present, and even the past looks full of barrenness. Ah! I can sing of Jesus Christ. I can talk of visits which the Redeemer has aforetimes paid to me; or if not of these, I can magnify the great love wherewith he loved his people when he came from the heights of heaven for their redemption. I will go to the cross again. Come, my soul, heavy laden thou wast once, and thou didst lose thy burden there. Go to Calvary again. Perhaps that very cross which gave thee life may give thee fruitfulness. What is my barrenness? It is the platform for his fruit-creating power. What is my desolation? It is the black setting for the sapphire of his everlasting love. I will go in poverty, I will go in helplessness, I will go in all my shame and backsliding, I will tell him that I am still his child, and in confidence in his faithful heart, even I, the barren one, will sing and cry aloud.Sing, believer, for it will cheer thine own heart, and the hearts of other desolate ones. Sing on, for now that thou art really ashamed of being barren, thou wilt be fruitful soon; now that God makes thee loath to be without fruit he will soon cover thee with clusters. The experience of our barrenness is painful, but the Lord's visitations are delightful. A sense of our own poverty drives us to Christ, and that is where we need to be, for in him is our fruit found.

《竭诚为主》8月28日 祷告何益？

求主教导我们祷告。（路十一1）

祈祷在人的生命中并无地位。我们常听到这样的说法：一个人若不祷告，他的生命就会受亏损。这个我不同意。受亏损的是在他里面神儿子的生命，那生命不是靠食物养活，而是靠祷告养活的。人重生以后，神儿子的生命就住在他里面；他可以养育这生命，也可以叫它饿坏。祷告是属神生命得滋养的方法。我们一般对祷告的看法，并不是新约圣经的看法。我们往往视祷告为从神求讨东西的途径。但圣经中的祷告，是叫我们得以认识神自己。

“凡祈求的，就得着。”我们在神面前埋怨，或与他辩论，或对他冷漠，却甚少求什么。试看有小孩子样式的儿女那种坦率大胆，是多么可爱！我们的主说：“你们若不回转，变成小孩子的样式－－”求吧。神必然成就。给主耶稣一个机会，让他可以自由行事。人非到了尽头，不会这样作。

当人到了尽头去祈求，并不是懦弱，因为这是唯一通往现实的方法。在神面前，只管按你的本相，摆出你那来到尽头的问题。每当你自满自足，就不会来求神。与其说“祷告改变万事”，不如说祷告改变我，然后我改变万事。神的行事方法，就是藉基于救赎的祷告，改变一个人对事物的看法。祷告不是改变外在事态，乃是在人的本性上行奇事。

祈祷◆“主－－我们的神、全能者作王了。”主啊，这句话是何等伟大和令人振奋。愿我因着知道你作王，而充满了宁谧的平安。

August 28 What's The Good Of Prayer?

“Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1

It is not part of the life of a natural man to pray. We hear it said that a man will suffer in his life if he does not pray; I question it. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a man is born from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve that life or nourish it. Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished. Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.

“Ask and ye shall receive.” We grouse before God, we are apologetic or apathetic, but we ask very few things. Yet what a splendid audacity a childlike child has! Our Lord says – “Except ye become as little children.” Ask, and God will do. Give Jesus Christ a chance, give Him elbow room, and no man will ever do this unless he is at his wits' end. When a man is at his wits' end it is not a cowardly thing to pray, it is the only way he can get into touch with Reality. Be yourself before God and present your problems, the things you know you have come to your wits' end over. As long as you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.

It is not so true that “prayer changes things” as that prayer changes me and I change things. God has so constituted things that prayer on the basis of Redemption alters the way in which a man looks at things. Prayer is not a question of altering things externally, but of working wonders in a man's disposition.

八月廿八日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

任何景况

经文:「至于我，我要求告神，耶和华必拯救我。」（诗篇55︰16）

是的，我必须要祷告，除此之外，我还能做什么？还有什么更好的事我可做？受冷淡，被遗弃，被出卖，被冤屈，喔，主啊，我要求告祢。尽管人们打击我，用言语刺激我，但我要在主里鼓励我自己，因知祂要带领我渡过难关，就像祂以往对待我那样。我要宣告我的信仰，耶和华必要拯救我。

除神以外，别无拯救。我不指望从人那儿得着帮助，即使可以，我也不要依靠属肉体的人。在夜晚、在黎明、在午后，我切切向祂呼求，我只单单向那全能的神求告，因求告祂已足够。

祂要如何拯救我，我不知道，但我知道祂一定会帮助我。祂会用最稳妥的方式，在最好的时机，来拯救我，祂必彻底、信实、完善地成就此事，直至极致。这位自有永有的神必定会解决我现在及未来的各样困难，而且当我经过死亡之门，那永生的奥秘也向我敞开时，这仍不会有任何改变：“耶和华必拯救我。”今天我要反复咏唱这首诗歌。这岂不像生命树上熟透的果子？我要吮吸它，它的滋味何等甜美！

Out of Any Circumstance

Scripture: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me"(Psalm 55:16).

Yes, I must and will pray. What else can I do! What better can I do? Betrayed, forsaken, grieved, baffled, O my LORD, I will call upon Thee. My Ziklag is in ashes, and men speak of stoning me; but I encourage my heart in the LORD, who will bear me through this trial as He has borne me through so many others. Jehovah shall save me; I am sure He will, and I declare my faith.

The LORD and no one else shall save me. I desire no other helper and would not trust in an arm of flesh even if I could. I will cry to Him evening, and morning, and noon, and I will cry to no one else, for He is all sufficient.

How He will save me I cannot guess; but He will do it, I know. He will do it in the best and surest way, and He will do it in the largest, truest, and fullest sense. Out of this trouble and all future troubles the great I AM will bring me as surely as He lives; and when death comes and all the mysteries of eternity follow thereon, still will this be true: "the LORD shall save me." This shall be my song all through this autumn day. Is it not as a ripe apple from the tree of life? I will feed upon it. How sweet it is to my taste!

八月二十八日

在世上有福的信徒，在世上有财物的信徒，在世上安逸的信徒，要他们在基督里有长进是很难的事情。因为世界累住了他们的心，他们好象已经满足了，他们并不太需要主耶稣。

　　在世上有苦难的信徒，在世上孤单的信徒，他们倒在基督里迅速地长进。

　　世福累住人的心比愁苦更厉害。

　　为这缘故，神常把祂所爱的人剥夺净光，成为世上孤苦的人，叫他们的心可以从世界中释放出来，等他完全得著了基督，他就情愿在孤单的光景中，他不愿意再回到热闹的人世中；因为他已经得著了上好的，他不再要次好的，他已经得著了属天的，他不愿意再享受属地的。好象人已经吃饱了满席的珍馐，再给他粗糙的饭食，他是吃不下的。在世上受过痛苦又在主里面得著享受的人，世福很难来诱惑他，他要象保罗一样看万事如粪土。不但不爱慕这些，并且嫌污秽麻烦，有时神将苦难赐给我们，比祂赐世福给我们更为宝贵；所以有许多圣徒甘心受苦，学习受苦。

　　我们也当利用神所赐给我们的苦难，在基督里面有长进，更不要白白受苦，徒然受了很多苦，却没有从苦难中找著隐藏的珍宝；并且主快来了，更要藉着苦难，奔那摆在我们前面的路程。神能把世上的福赐给我们，但祂不这样作，祂却将苦难赐给我们；因为祂知道何事与我们更有益处。为此，我们「就当放下各样的重担，脱去容易缠累我们的罪，存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程。」（来十二1）

《荒漠甘泉》8月28日

　　“耶和华…在那里试验他们。”（出15：25）

　　有一天，我到一家大规模的钢厂试验室去参观。在我四周都是一间一间分开的小房间。钢受试验到一个限度，就用数码标着优劣的等级。有的一绞就断，有的可以拉得很长，有的可以压得很紧：他们扭力、紧张力、和压力的大小，都有数码标明在上面的。厂主知道这一块钢受得住多少压力。他知道这一块钢如果用来造大船，造屋宇，或造桥梁，能够承担多少的重力。他知道，因为他的试验室这样告诉他。

　　神的孩子也常如此受试验。神不要我们象玻璃或者瓷器的花瓶一样脆弱。他要我们象坚韧的钢一般，无论怎样受绞受压，都不会破碎。

　　神不要我们作花棚里面的花草，他要我们作能被风雨击打的橡树；他不要我们作会被疾风吹散的沙丘，他要我们作抵抗狂风的花岗岩。要将我们作得这样，他必须带我们到他受苦的实验室去。我们中间有许多人都有自己的经验可以证明：受苦实在是神信心的实验室。——马可康该　

　对别人讲说信心是很容易的事，但是神常常将我们丢入坩埚里去提炼我们，要把贵金与劣金分别出来。哦，如果颠簸我们生活的飓风，能使我们的主更加宝贵的话，我们的颠簸也是舒适的了。有基督同在的风雨，比无基督同在的平静更好！——马可特夫　　若不受苦，神不能设法叫里的生命成熟。

八月廿九日

神啊，求你按你的慈爱怜恤我。（诗51：1）

克理病危之时有人问他说：“设若你的病不会好了，你愿意用哪节圣经作为安葬的讲题呢？”他回答说：“我觉得一个可怜的犯罪的人是不值得提他的；但若一定要在丧事礼拜中讲道的话，要用这话：‘神啊！求你按你的慈爱怜恤我，按你丰盛的慈悲涂抹我的过犯。’”在留遗嘱的时候他也抱着同样的谦卑的精神，他说碑文要这样刻：克理威廉生于一七六一年八月十七日，死于……“我是一条卑*、可怜、软弱的虫，但我愿投靠在你恩慈的膀臂中。”只有在洪恩之下最有经验、最得尊荣的圣徒才能到神那里去。人以为自己比别人强，其实他们不过是人。空船才浮得高，而满载的船却沉在水中；只有口是心非的人才会夸口，而真是神儿女的人反自觉无善可陈，因此才呼求神的慈怜。我们须要神怜悯我们的善行、我们的祷告、我们的讲道、我们的施舍和我们一切至圣之物。羊的血不单涂在以色列人的门框门楣上，也洒在圣所、施恩座和坛上，因为当罪干犯了圣物之后，必须用耶稣的血洗净它们，好不沾染污秽。若我们的工作须要怜悯，那末我们的罪该当怎样呢？每逢想到神无穷尽的怜悯随时都能恩待我们，挽回我们的退后，使我们折断的骨头欢畅的时候，我们心中是多少快乐而甜蜜呀！

八月二十九日

经文: 在一切离俗的日子，凡葡萄树上结的，自核至皮所作的物，都不可吃。（民数记六：4）

拿细耳人所许的愿中有一条就是不准喝酒。这规定说得更清楚是：他们不可能沾未发酵的葡萄汁，甚至不可吃葡萄，无论是新鲜的或晒干的。为了保证所许之愿的诚笃完整，不准许他们吃喝任何与葡萄有关之物，乃是为了避免罪恶。这确实是给那些为主分别出来的人的功课，教导他们要远离任何形式的罪恶。上帝呼召我们要远离的，不仅是各式各样的不顺服，甚至要远离它的精神和与它相似之事物。现今世代中，要严格行事是不受欢迎的，但却是最安全和最快乐的生活方式。向世界让步些许的人是处于可怕的危险之中。吃所多玛所产之葡萄的人，不久就会喝蛾摩拉所产的酒。与世界作任何程度的妥协都是灵魂的陷阱，会让他更有犯僭越之罪的倾向。喝葡萄汁的拿细耳人不能肯定它曾否经过发酵，所以，他不能肯定是否损害他所许的愿。我们必不能与试探嬉戏，反要快速逃避。情愿被人讥评为清教徒，也勿使人蔑视为假冒为善的人。谨慎行事可能包含更多的舍己，但自有乐趣在其中，那是比丰富赐更丰富的。

Evening, August 29

Scripture: “All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.”(Numbers 6:4)

Nazarites had taken, among other vows, one which debarred them from the use of wine. In order that they might not violate the obligation, they were forbidden to drink the vinegar of wine or strong liquors, and to make the rule still more clear, they were not to touch the unfermented juice of grapes, nor even to eat the fruit either fresh or dried. In order, altogether, to secure the integrity of the vow, they were not even allowed anything that had to do with the vine; they were, in fact, to avoid the appearance of evil. Surely this is a lesson to the Lord's separated ones, teaching them to come away from sin in every form, to avoid not merely its grosser shapes, but even its spirit and similitude. Strict walking is much despised in these days, but rest assured, dear reader, it is both the safest and the happiest. He who yields a point or two to the world is in fearful peril; he who eats the grapes of Sodom will soon drink the wine of Gomorrah. A little crevice in the sea-bank in Holland lets in the sea, and the gap speedily swells till a province is drowned. Worldly conformity, in any degree, is a snare to the soul, and makes it more and more liable to presumptuous sins. Moreover, as the Nazarite who drank grape juice could not be quite sure whether it might not have endured a degree of fermentation, and consequently could not be clear in heart that his vow was intact, so the yielding, temporizing Christian cannot wear a conscience void of offence, but must feel that the inward monitor is in doubt of him. Things doubtful we need not doubt about; they are wrong to us. Things tempting we must not dally with, but flee from them with speed. Better be sneered at as a Puritan than be despised as a hypocrite. Careful walking may involve much self-denial, but it has pleasures of its own which are more than a sufficient recompense.

《竭诚为主》8月29日 无比的亲密

我不是对你说过，你若信，就必看见神的荣耀吗？（约十一40）

每次你凭信心出去闯荡，总会发觉在常理的环境下，有些事物是完全违反你的信心的。常理并不是信心，信心也不是常理，二者的关系就是天然生命与属灵生命之间的关系。当理性叫你不能信靠主，你仍能坚信他吗？当生活中的事实高呼这是“谎话”，你能否依然信靠主的话勇往直前？在山上很容易说：“我相信神会成就。”但你必须下到鬼附的山谷去，面对讽刺的现实－－对你山上变像信念当面讥讽的现实。每次在我清楚自己有信心时，就必遇到与信心互相抵触的事情。我若说相信神会供给我需用的一切，然后不名一文，又没有出路，那我能否通得过这信心的考验？还是会倒退？

信心必须受试验，只有经过争战，信心才能成为你个人的产业。你的信心如今遇何试炼？这试炼或证明你的信心正确，或会置之于死地。“凡不因我跌倒的，就有福了。”最终的目标是对主的信靠。坚定信靠他，一切反对的事物只会更坚定你的信心。信心的生活要不断经历考验，而最后最大的考验，就是死。求神保守我们常装备好去作战：信心是对神说不出来的信任，绝不去想神不支持我们。

祈祷◆噢，我惊讶自己竟那么迟缓去发出赞美；愿你使我快速而正确地赞美你。愿你赐给我适当的感觉，强烈地认知到你的美善，以致我能使你的内心充满喜乐满足。

August 29 Sublime Intimacy

“Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith. Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture heroically on Jesus Christ's statements when the facts of your common-sense life shout – “It's a lie?” On the mount it is easy to say – ‘Oh, yes, I believe God can do it’; but you have to come down into the demon-possessed valley and meet with facts that laugh ironically at the whole of your mount-of-transfiguration belief. Every time my programme of belief is clear to my own mind, I come across something that contradicts it. Let me say I believe God will supply all my need, and then let me run dry, with no outlook, and see whether I will go through the trial of faith, or whether I will sink back to something lower.

Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict. What is your faith up against just now? The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it. “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me.” The final thing is confidence in Jesus. Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith, and the last great test is death. May God keep us in fighting trim! Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us.

八月廿九日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

满了滋润

经文:「他们的心必像浇灌的园子……」（耶利米书31︰12）

在天父的栽培浇灌下，我的灵不再荒芜，而是有主照顾的花园，花香常漫，恩典环绕，隔绝蛮荒，神用话栽种，爱心培育，用属天管教来除草，有神圣大能的保守。在全能神眷顾下的灵魂，焉能不为神结果子？

但是若花园缺水浇灌，花草就会枯萎而死。我的灵啊！若神离了我，这情形很快就会发生！在东方，无水浇灌的花园，不再称为是花园，因花草无法继续生长；反之，若有水持续浇灌，结果就大不一样。喔，让圣灵大大地浇灌我们的心灵：毫无遗漏——让花园的每一部分都得着灌溉；充充足足——让一树一草都得着充分的滋养，无论它们原来有多么枯干；涓涓不息——每时每刻都带来温暖和滋润；无比智慧——每株植物都各得所需。当你置身园中，葳蕤的草木就会告诉你那里有水流过；同样，当神的圣灵降临，很快你就能看到属灵生命的复苏。

主啊，求祢今天就浇灌我，让我因主耶稣的缘故，为祢结出属灵的果子！阿门。

Plentiful Refreshment

Scripture: "Their soul shall be as a watered garden"(Jeremiah 31:12).

Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness

but a garden of the LORD! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace,

planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and

guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the

LORD.

But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the LORD to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming. Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly -- every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully -- a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually -- each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment;

wisely -- each plant receiving just what it needs. In a garden you can see by

the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of

God comes.

O LORD, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen.

八月二十九日

「耶和华阿！求祢用手救我脱离世人，脱离那衹在今生有福分的世人；祢把祢的财宝充满他们的肚腹；他们因有儿女就心满意足，将其余的财物留给他们的婴孩。至于我，我必在义中见祢的面；我醒了的时候，得见祢的形象，就心满意足了。」（诗十七14至15）

　　在这段经文中有两个心满意足，但这两个心满意足的内容是不同的。

　　第一个心满意足是以地上的事为心满意足，以财物和儿女为心满意足。

　　第二个心满意足是以神为满足，以属天的事为满足，以得著主的形体为满足。

　　我们当知道说这话的人是谁，说这话的，不是贫穷的人，不是孤苦的人，不是卑贱的人，是有尊荣、有财富、有儿女、有妃嫔的大卫王，人所有的他都有，并且超过世人所有的；然而属地的东西不能满足他的心灵，因为属神的人必须神的恩典才能满足他的心；世人能以属地的事为满足，属神的人则不能。

　　信徒走迷了路，在世界中追求，到末了就觉出样样都是空的。不但大卫如此，他的儿子所罗门也是如此。所罗门年老时把自己的事写出来，他曾如何追求地，也得著了地，然而在他的灵里，却非常的虚空，是虚空的虚空，他说：「我所以恨恶生命，因为在日光之下所行的事，我都以为烦恼；都是虚空，都是捕风。」（传二17）

　　所罗门写传道书是叫别人以他为前车之鉴，他的话「是凭正直写的诚实话。」（传十二10）

《荒漠甘泉》8月29日　

　“耶稣背着自己的十字架出来。”（约19：17）

　　有一首诗名叫《换来的十字架》里面讲到一个疲乏的姊妹，以为她的十字架，一定比别人的更重，所以渴望和别人换一个背背。一天，她做了一个梦，梦中她到了一个地方，在那里横着许多十字架——各种形状不同，大小不同的十字架。有一个小十字架形状最美丽，上面镶嵌着宝石和黄金。这个姊妹一看见就说：“啊，这一个背着一定舒适。”所以她就把它拿起来，不料她虚弱的身体，竟在这个十字架下面震颤了。宝石和黄金果然美丽，可是它们太重了，她背不动。

　　后来，她又看见一个可爱的十字架，雕刻的木架上，盘着美丽的鲜花。她想，这一定容易背了。她就将它举起来，不料鲜花下面，有许多尖锐的刺，刺痛了她的皮肉。　　她一步一步向前走去，一个一个试着，发现每一个十字架，都不容易背。最后，她看见一个朴素的十字架，上面没有宝石也没有雕刻，只书着几句亲爱的话。她拿起它来，觉得这是许多中间最容易背的一个。她向它仔细一看，在阳光下，她认得这原来是她自己的旧十字架。啊！这个旧十字架竟是许多十字架中间最好最轻的一个！

　　亲爱的读者，神知道我们需要背的是那一个十字架。我们不知道别人的十字架多么重。我们常常羡慕有钱的人——他们的十字架是黄金的，上面镶嵌着宝石——我们却不知道这十字架是多么重。还有一些人，她们的生活似乎很是可爱——她们背着盘着鲜花的十字架——我们却不知道鲜花下面有许多尖锐的刺。如果我们能去试试别人的——我们以为比我们自己的更轻的——十字架看，我们就会发现：这些十字架中间，没有一个象我们自己这个那样叫我们满意。——译自信徒生活一瞥

八月三十日

要等候耶和华！（诗27：14）

等候好象是一件很容易的事，但是基督的兵丁得用多年的功夫才能学会这种姿势。神的战士太会“开步走”、“正步走”了，“立正”反而不能习惯久耐。有很多人在彷徨之中虽愿服侍神，但是不知所措。那末，该怎么办呢？就因烦恼而失望起来吗？要懦怯地退后，惧怕地转向，或是妄想地前进吗？不，只要等候，无论如何要祷告等候。要求告神，把你的情形陈在他面前，把你的难处告诉他，求他的应许帮助你。在工作上左右两难，不知该作什么的时候，要像一个小孩子一样谦卑地一心一意等候神。当我们感到自己的愚妄时，要诚心愿意让神的旨意来指引，但是要存着相信的心来等候。要向神表示你毫无犹豫的信心；因为不信靠和不依靠的等候，就是羞辱神，就是他使你等候到夜半也要信，因他必在一定的时候临到你；异象必来，绝不等待。要忍耐等候，不因在苦难之中而背弃神，而应为此赞美他。不要发怨言，正像以色列人向摩西发怨言一样；不要想再回到旧世界里，乃要忍受，站立，全心一意，不随已意地向那与你立约的神说：“神啊！现在不要成就我的意思，只要成就你的意思。我不知道该作什么，我已临到极度危难之中，但我愿等候你退了洪水，逐回仇敌。若你使我等待多日，我愿等候，因我的心单单定睛望你。我的神啊！我的灵魂等候你，并全心信靠你是我的喜乐、我的救恩、我的避难所和我的坚固台。”

八月三十日

经文: 耶和华啊，求祢医治我，我便痊愈。（耶利米书十七：14）

我看见他所行的道，也要医治他。（以赛亚书五十七：18）除去属灵的疾病是上帝的特权。医生可能治愈人肉体的疾病，即使如此，也当归荣耀于上帝。祂使医生有投药的智慧，祂赐人体的本能驱出疾病。至于属灵之病，唯有伟大的医生才有治疗的能力。那是祂的权利，祂宣告：“我使人死，我使人活，我损伤，我也医治。”（申三十二：39）耶和华的另一名字Jehoveah-Rophi──耶和华是医治你的（参阅出十五：26）。“我必医好你的伤痕”（耶三十：17），这是应许，它不可能从人而来，唯有从永在的上帝口中而出。因为这缘故，诗人向主呼求：“求祢医治我，因为我得罪了祢。”（诗四十一：4）敬畏上帝的人赞美主的名，说：“祂医治我们的一切疾病。”（参阅诗一○三：3）祂创造了人，也能治愈人。我们本性的创造者也能使这本性更新。不论你的疾病为何，这位伟大的医生能使你痊愈。祂是上帝，祂的能力是无限的。来吧，带着愚昧无知的瞎眼，带着没有力气的跛脚，来吧。带着软弱信心的残手，带着发怒气的热火，或带着战栗消沈的疾病，来吧！就是如你这般，来吧，因为上帝要恢复你的健康。从耶稣我们的主身上流出的医治能力，不受任何事物限制。魔鬼的兵团虽曾攻击这位爱的“医生”之能力，但是祂从来没有一次被击败。祂的所有病人在过去被治愈了，在将来也要得痊愈。

Evening, August 30

Scripture: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed.”(Jeremiah 17:14)“

I have seen his ways, and will heal him.”(Isaiah 57:18)It is the sole prerogative of God to remove spiritual disease. Natural disease may be instrumentally healed by men, but even then the honour is to be given to God who giveth virtue unto medicine, and bestoweth power unto the human frame to cast off disease. As for spiritual sicknesses, these remain with the great Physician alone; he claims it as his prerogative, “I kill and I make alive, I wound and I heal;” and one of the Lord's choice titles is Jehovah-Rophi, the Lord that healeth thee. “I will heal thee of thy wounds,” is a promise which could not come from the lip of man, but only from the mouth of the eternal God. On this account the psalmist cried unto the Lord, “O Lord, heal me, for my bones are sore vexed,” and again, “Heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.” For this, also, the godly praise the name of the Lord, saying, “He healeth all our diseases.” He who made man can restore man; he who was at first the creator of our nature can new create it. What a transcendent comfort it is that in the person of Jesus “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily!” My soul, whatever thy disease may be, this great Physician can heal thee. If he be God, there can be no limit to his power. Come then with the blind eye of darkened understanding, come with the limping foot of wasted energy, come with the maimed hand of weak faith, the fever of an angry temper, or the ague of shivering despondency, come just as thou art, for he who is God can certainly restore thee of thy plague. None shall restrain the healing virtue which proceeds from Jesus our Lord. Legions of devils have been made to own the power of the beloved Physician, and never once has he been baffled. All his patients have been cured in the past and shall be in the future, and thou shalt be one among them, my friend, if thou wilt but rest thyself in him this night.

《竭诚为主》8月30日 我信服基督吗？

然而不要因鬼服了你们就欢喜，要因你们的名记录在天上欢喜。（路十20）

耶稣在这里其实是说：不要因工作成功而欢喜，要因与我亲密的关系而欢喜。信徒事奉的网罗，往往是因成功而欢喜，因得神使用而欢喜。其实你若与他有正确的关系，他要藉你成就的，实难以估量。所以，要保持与他紧密的相连，那么不论环境如何，不管你每天碰见什么人，他都会透过你倾倒活水，而因着他的怜悯不让你察觉。藉救赎及成圣你与神连合了，那么不论你在哪里，都是出于神。若你保守自己在光明中，正如神在光明中一样，他就会藉着你在环境中的反应，成就他的计划。

今日的趋势是把重点放在事奉上。当心有些人把自己的用处，作为身分的根据。若拿用处作考验的根据，耶稣基督就是地上最大的失败。圣徒的指标该是神自己，不是用处有多少。算得上有价值的是神透过我们所作的工，而不是我们自己为神作的工。我们的主所关注的，是一个人与父的关系有多深。耶稣正率领许多儿子进到荣耀里去。

祈祷◆噢，主啊，我因你的话－－“好像人得了许多掳物”－－而感到欢喜。当我今天向你祈求，愿你将你的话放在我的口中，求你成就，以致凡我口所发出的，都是你的话。

August 30 Am I Convinced By Christ?

“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not . . . , but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19, 20

Jesus Christ says, in effect, Don't rejoice in successful service, but rejoice because you are rightly related to Me. The snare in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service, to rejoice in the fact that God has used you. You never can measure what God will do through you if you are rightly related to Jesus Christ. Keep your relationship right with Him, then whatever circumstances you are in, and whoever you meet day by day, He is pouring rivers of living water through you, and it is of His mercy that He does not let you know it. When once you are rightly related to God by salvation and sanctification, remember that wherever you are, you are put there by God; and by the reaction of your life on the circumstances around you, you will fulfil God's purpose, as long as you keep in the light as God is in the light.

The tendency to-day is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make usefulness their ground of appeal. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure that ever lived. The lodestar of the saint is God Himself, not estimated usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that Our Lord heeds in a man's life is the relationship of worth to His Father. Jesus is bringing many sons to glory.

八月卅日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

安慰、保障、满足

经文:「我家在神面前并非如此，神却与我立永远的约。这约凡事坚稳，关乎我的一切救恩，和我一切所想望的，祂岂不为我成就吗？」（撒母耳记下23︰5）

这丰富的应许，犹如一盒珠宝；这约就像包含一切的约柜。

这经文是大卫的临终之言，或许也是我们今日的喟叹。我们感慨事情常是不能如愿以偿，有许多的试验、忧虑、罪恶纷沓而至，使我们愁烦挂虑，难以安枕。

这儿有神的安慰——“祂已和我们立下永约。”耶和华以祂自己的名与我们立约，以主耶稣的宝血为印信。我们属神，神也属于我们。

这儿有保障，因为这约永不失效、缜密妥帖、信实可靠。这约不会因为时间的流逝而过时，不会因为条文含混而有疏漏之处，也不会有世事的不确定性。这约稳若盘石，生死可依。

大卫感到满足：他说，除了赐人平安的救恩，他别无所求。他在神的永约中，找着自由与释放，获得无比的欢欣喜乐。真的，神的约真正满足人心一切的需要。

喔，我的灵，今天就转向主耶稣吧，只有藉着祂方可与神立约。让祂成为你一切的一切！

Solace, Security, Satisfaction

Scripture: "Although my house be not so with God; yet He hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He make it not to grow"(2 Samuel 23:5).

This is not so much one promise as an aggregate of promises -- a box of pearls. The covenant is the ark which contains all things.

These are the last words of David, but they may be mine today. Here is a sigh:

things are not with me and mine as I could wish; there are trials, cares, and

sins. These make the pillow hard.

Here is a solace -- "He hath made with me an everlasting covenant." Jehovah has pledged Himself to me, and sealed the compact with the blood of Jesus. I am bound to my God and my God to me. This brings into prominence a security, since this covenant is everlasting, well ordered, and sure. There is nothing to fear from the lapse of time, the failure of some forgotten point, or the natural uncertainty of things. The covenant is a rocky foundation to build on for life or for death.

David feels satisfaction: he wants no more for salvation or delectation. He is delivered, and he is delighted. The covenant is all a man can desire.

O my soul, turn thou this day to thy LORD Jesus, whom the great LORD has given to be a covenant to the people. Take Him to be thine all in all.

八月三十日

神创造了万物；神并未歇了祂的工；神仍在推动生命轮；万物都在轮转之中，轮中套轮，轮转不息，从轮中脱落的就是死了。物自己轮转，又向外界轮转，整个的大宇宙都在轮中，并且轮转不是盲目的，轮转是有中心的，轮转是有规律、有秩序的，神自己是轮转的中心，也是轮转的能力，用祂权能的命令托住了万有。

　　在灵界中也是如此，神自己是推动一切事的中心，无论是谁都当行在祂的旨意中，若有不在祂安排中、守住自己的本位，反倒向前推进的，就是背叛的；不论天使、不论人，若背叛神，就要从神的轮转中脱落了。所以犹大以流荡的星比喻那些叛逆者，星在宇宙中是应当顺著轨道旋转的，但流荡的星是脱离轨道的，不列在轮转之中，因此有墨黑的幽暗为他们存留。（犹13）

　　我们在凡事上应当向著神，作事不失掉中心，知道自己是向著谁作的，是为谁作的。顺服在神的计画和旨意之中，以神所赐给我们的道路为满足，不用自己的聪明和智慧，免得我们出了神所定的轮转轨道而走了自己的道路，虽然我们是不会灭亡的，不能进入墨黑的幽暗中，然而我们的工作却不被神记念，我们纵然得救，也是仅仅得救，如同从火中抢救出来的一样。

　　「我凭著所赐我的恩，对你们各人说：不要看自己过于所当看的；要照著神所分给各人信心的大小，看得合乎中道。」（罗十二3）

　　「保守自己常在神的爱中，仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯，直到永生。」（犹21）

《荒漠甘泉》8月30日

　　“在海上坐船，在大水中经理事务的，他们看见耶和华的作为；并他在深水中的奇事。”（诗107：23-24）

　　凡是风，都是叫我们的灵程得帮助的。不能帮助我们的，乃是全然无风。北风、南风、东风、西风，都没有关系，只要是风，都可以帮助我们进港。所以你应当寻求一件事：生活在海洋里，不要惧怕风雨。让我们祷告说：“哦，主啊，送我们到海洋里去——到大水中去。我们现在所在的地方太靠近岩石了，和恶魔稍微一争，我们就会撞得粉碎。主啊，送我们到海洋里去——到大水中去，在那里我们可以有够大的地域来得到荣耀的胜利。”——披尔斯

　　在受试炼的时候，我们的信心最大。一切不能忍受试验的，都不过是肉体的信心。顺境中的信心不是信心。——司布真

八月卅一日

倚赖我的膀臂。（赛51：5）

基督徒在受苦至极的时候，在地上并没有什么可以依靠的，所以他不得不把自己完全交托给他的神。当他的船航到尽处的时候，人不能救他，他只能完全依靠神的大能和照顾。把人破碎在这磐石上的浪是有福的！把人吹到神，独有神那里的风是可称颂的！我们不能从神那里得到什么，是因为我们还有许多朋友；但当一个人在可怜无友、无依时，他不能到别的地方去，只能投在父的怀中，在其中享受福分！当他受到困难的重压时，他不能向任何人谈说，只能向神吐诉，他要为它们感谢神，因为他在这时更能多认识神。受风浪冲击的信徒啊！那是一个令人快乐的困难，因为它能把你驱到父前！现在你除了神之外，别无依靠，你要看看你是否全心相信他。不要用不当有的疑惑和惧怕羞辱你的神和你的主；要使信心坚强起来，要归荣耀于神。要叫世人知道你的神比千千万万的世界更宝贵。要叫富足人知道你虽在贫穷之中但有主神作你的帮助，你便多么丰富；要叫强壮人知道你在软弱之时有神永远的膀臂在你以下，你便多么强壮。现在正是信心应当奋发有为、有所建树的时候。要刚强壮胆，那末主你的神必定，像创造天地那样地确定，在你的软弱中荣耀他，在你的苦难中显出他的大能来。若是天有柱来支撑，同样穹苍的华美都必消失，同样你的信若是用肉眼希望另外的东西，也必失去它的荣耀。愿圣灵使你从此会依赖耶稣。

八月三十一日

经文: 我们若在光明中行，如同上帝在光明中。（约翰一书一：7）

我们是否真能清楚地在光明中，如同我们称为“我们的父”的上帝一般？圣经上说：“上帝就是光，在祂毫无黑暗。”（约壹一：5）这是置于我们面前的典范，因为救主亲自说：“所以你们要完全，像你们的天父完全一样。”（太五：48）虽然我们感到自己永远不可能像上帝一样完全，但是要努力追求，在达到这个目标以前，永不满足。年轻的艺术家不敢奢求能和拉斐尔或米开兰基罗媲美。但是若他心目中没有一个杰出的模范，他只能制造出一些粗糙平凡的东西。基督徒要行在光明中，如同上帝在光明中一样，这里指的是在相似性上而非在程度上。我们要真实、热枕、恳切、并诚实地在光明中，但是我们不可能有像耶稣一般的程度。我不能住在太阳上，因为太明亮了，但是我可以行走在太阳光中。虽然我不能达到属于万军之耶和华的，在纯洁和真理上的完全，但是我能定睛在耶稣身上。因此，我能竭力，靠着内住圣灵的帮助，改变成祂的形像。约翰．特拉普写过一本新的诠释，说：“在质上，我们在光明中好像上帝在光明中一般，但并非在量上。”我们能和上帝有相同的光明并且行在其中。唯有等待，直至我们度过约但，进入至高者的完全之中，我们才可能与上帝的圣洁和沌净相等。神圣相交的福气和完全的洗净是与行在光明中相连结的。

Evening, August 31

Scripture: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light.”(1 John 1:7)

As he is in the light! Can we ever attain to this? Shall we ever be able to walk as clearly in the light as he is whom we call “Our Father,” of whom it is written, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all?” Certainly, this is the model which it set before us, for the Saviour himself said, “Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect;” and although we may feel that we can never rival the perfection of God, yet we are to seek after it, and never to be satisfied until we attain to it. The youthful artist, as he grasps his early pencil, can hardly hope to equal Raphael or Michael Angelo, but still, if he did not have a noble beau ideal before his mind, he would only attain to something very mean and ordinary. But what is meant by the expression that the Christian is to walk in light as God is in the light? We conceive it to import likeness, but not degree. We are as truly in the light, we are as heartily in the light, we are as sincerely in the light, as honestly in the light, though we cannot be there in the same measure. I cannot dwell in the sun, it is too bright a place for my residence, but I can walk in the light of the sun; and so, though I cannot attain to that perfection of purity and truth which belongs to the Lord of hosts by nature as the infinitely good, yet I can set the Lord always before me, and strive, by the help of the indwelling Spirit, after conformity to his image. That famous old commentator, John Trapp, says, “We may be in the light as God is in the light for quality, but not for equality.” We are to have the same light, and are as truly to have it and walk in it as God does, though, as for equality with God in his holiness and purity, that must be left until we cross the Jordan and enter into the perfection of the Most High. Mark that the blessings of sacred fellowship and perfect cleansing are bound up with walking in the light.

《竭诚为主》8月31日 我的喜乐……你们的喜乐

要叫我的喜乐，存在你们心里，并叫你们的喜乐可以满足。（约十五11）

耶稣的喜乐是什么？若在耶稣身上应用“快乐”这词，实在是一种侮辱。耶稣的喜乐是对父绝对的顺服与舍己。因作成他父差他来作的工而喜乐。“我乐意照你的旨意行。”耶稣的祷告是要我们的喜乐日趋完备，直到像他的喜乐一样。我有没有让主把喜乐带给我？

生命的满溢不是在身体的健康，不是在外在的事物，不是在看见神的事工成就，乃在对神完全的明白，有耶稣与父神那种契合。拦阻这喜乐的第一件事，是挑剔猜度而来的恼怒。耶稣说今生的忧虑会阻塞神的话。我们还未知身处何方，已经被纷繁的事物抓住了。神为我们所作成的一切只带我们来到门槛，他还要我们进入，作他的见证，活出耶稣是谁。更与神连合，从而得喜乐，就有活水从你涌流。要做活水的中心，让主透过你倒出活水。不要在沉浸在自觉里，不要做成圣的自负者，要藏在基督里活。与神连合的生命，自然得像呼吸一般。那些最叫你蒙福的人，是那些不觉自己成为别人祝福的人。

祈祷◆噢，神啊，让我更多的认识你，并更切实地认识你的儿子、我的救主和主。愿你赐我愈来愈认识你的主权和统治，并且愈享受在你里面的单纯喜乐。

August 31 My Joy . . . Your Joy

“That My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

What was the joy that Jesus had? It is an insult to use the word happiness in connection with Jesus Christ. The joy of Jesus was the absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice of Himself to His Father, the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do. “I delight to do Thy will.” Jesus prayed that our joy might go on fulfilling itself until it was the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?

The full flood of my life is not in bodily health, not in external happenings, not in seeing God's work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the communion with Him that Jesus Himself had. The first thing that will hinder this joy is the captious irritation of thinking out circumstances. The cares of this world, said Jesus, will choke God's word. Before we know where we are, we are caught up in the shows of things. All that God has done for us is the mere threshold; He wants to get us to the place where we will be His witnesses and proclaim Who Jesus is.

Be rightly related to God, find your joy there, and out of you will flow rivers of living water. Be a centre for Jesus Christ to pour living water through. Stop being self-conscious, stop being a sanctified prig, and live the life hid with Christ. The life that is rightly related to God is as natural as breathing wherever it goes. The lives that have been of most blessing to you are those who were unconscious of it.

八月卅一日信心的支票簿 Faith's check book

主道常存

经文:「惟有主的道是永存的。所传给你们的福音就是这道。」（彼得前书1︰25）

世上的人以及他的教训，都要像花草一样，迟早都会凋谢消逝，但主的道却永远常存。

我们所传的，就是古老神圣的福音，还有什么东西，比神的话，更能存到永远？

我们所传的，就是历久弥新的福音，它仍然像当日主亲口所传讲时，那样富有生命的活力；正像起初它所成就的奇妙大工，如今它仍旧如此：让人信服继而悔改，使心灵重生且得着安慰，叫生命得着延续并得以称圣！

我们所传的，就是不改变的福音，花草会雕落枯萎，但这福音真理，却和主耶和华一样，永存不朽。人的意见观点会随时间而变更，但神口中所出的一切话，却句句定准，绝无反悔。

我们所传的，是叫人喜乐的福音，我们可以放一百廿个心在祂话语上面。“永远”包括今生来世、审判、永恒。因着在基督耶稣里恒久不变的安慰，愿荣耀都归给神。今天我们以神的话为粮，将来我们亦要如此，因主道常存。

Divine, Ever-Living, Unchanging

Scripture: "But the Word of the LORD endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you"(1 Peter 1:25).

All human teaching and, indeed, all human beings shall pass away as the grass of the meadow; but we are here assured that the Word of the LORD is of a very different character, for it shall endure forever. We have here a divine

gospel; for what word can endure forever but that which is spoken by the

eternal God?

We have here an ever-living

gospel, as full of vitality as when it first came from the lips of God; as strong to convince and convert, to regenerate and console, to sustain and sanctify as ever it was in its first days of wonder-working.

We have an unchanging gospel which is not today green grass and tomorrow dry hay but always the abiding truth of the immutable Jehovah. Opinions alter, but truth certified by God can no more change than the God who uttered it.

Here, then, we have a gospel to rejoice in, a word of the LORD upon which we may lean all our weight. "For ever" includes life, death, judgment, and eternity.

Glory be to God in Christ Jesus for everlasting consolation. Feed on the word today and all the days of thy life.

八月三十一日

神所命定的事情就是神的旨意，凡遵行神旨意的，都可以行得通，不但信徒遵行了神的旨意要得到神所命定的结果，就是不信主的人若行了神的旨意，也要按著神所命定的而成全。

　　神在创造的时候命定：「地要发生青草，和结种子的菜蔬，并结果子的树木，各从其类，果子都包著核；事就这样成了。」（创一11）如果农夫把种子种下，种子就要生长，因为这里面有神的命定和旨意，但这农夫不一定是信主的人。

　　神又说：「要生养众多，遍满地面，治理这地，也要管理海里的鱼，空中的鸟；和地上各样行动的活物。」（创一28）人若男婚女嫁，不论他是谁，就要生养；义人生养，不义的人也生养；因为是神的命定和旨意。天地间一切的事，衹要行在神的命定和旨意中，就要得著神所命定的结果。

　　以利亚求神不降雨，神就不降雨，又求神降雨，神就又降雨，当然是因为以利亚有信心，也是因为以利亚是按著神的命定和旨意祷告。在摩西的律法中，以色列人犯罪：「你头上的天，要变为铜，脚下的地，要变为铁。」（申廿八23）若是人们归向神，「耶和华必为你开天上的府库，按时降雨在你的地上。」（申二十八12）因此以利亚一祷告就蒙神垂听，又祷告就又蒙垂听，因为这是神的命定和旨意；所以我们若明白神的命定和旨意，祷告没有不蒙应允的。

　　假如有饥饿的人，衹管大胆向神求饮食，神必赐给，因为主说：「你们看那天上的飞鸟，也不种，也不收，也不积蓄在仓里，你们的天父尚且养活它；你们不比飞鸟贵重得多么？」（太六26）

《荒漠甘泉》8月31日

　　“那没有看见就信的有福了。”（约20：29）

　　眼见的事物是多么靠不住，所以神必须保守我们在看不见的事物里，这是多么要紧的一回事！如果一只鸟儿要飞，他必须离开墙垣和树枝单独信赖他的翅膀。如果他要接近地面，他飞行的工作就要受到亏损。

　　亚伯拉罕必须先看见自己的力量完了，自己不能在作什么了，自己已经死了然后才肯完全让神来作；当他不看自己，单独信靠神的时候，他才能完全相信；神所允许的必能作成。这就是现在神所要我们学习的功课；神必须拿去一切鼓励我们的东西，直到我们能够不凭东西来信靠他；那时候他就要叫他的话语成为事实。——宣信