Interpretation Help Needed for Ma Mama on 10/23/06 Monday

Ma Mama needs aninterpreter on 10/23/06 Monday from 2-5:30pm?

For the direction to Roberts Rehab Center, where MaMama is staying, go to:http://www.uri.edu/student_organizations/kccf/mamama.php

Best Time to Call

You are encouraged to call Ma Mama. The best time to call is after 2:30 pm. Her number is 583-3123. We also need to have someone there on October 16th between 2 to 5 pm. If you can help, please let us know.

Ma Mama moved to Rm 6

SHE HAS MOVED TO ROOM 6 AT THE FIRST FLOOR. HER PHONE NUMBER IS 583-3123.

Ma Mama Transferred to Roberts Health Center

According to the doctor, Ma Mama's sore joints are caused by athritis, so they released her today. Ma Mam was transferred to Roberts Health Center (Direction) located in North Kingstown (9/15). She is staying at Rm 8, 1st floor. Her phone number is 583-3126. Best visiting hours are between 3-8PM daily.

Thank the LORD that Dr. Ma is able to deliver one of the classes on Wednesdays via webCT. However, She still needs someone to cover for her on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm ish. If you are able to help, please email jian_yun@yahoo.com or sign up at http://calendar.mail.yahoo.com/.User ID: urikccfPassword: fellowship

耶穌恩友這首歌的來歷

耶穌恩友這首歌馬媽媽最喜歡的歌。我也很喜歡﹐但從不知道這首歌是在什麼境況下寫成的。I came across this from a web site called "the Olivers are Ripe". it was a very touching story, and will certainly remind me how the author felt when I sing this song.

作 词: Jo­seph M. Scriv­en, 1855; 英译中译者 刘廷芳.

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,何等恩友, 慈仁救主,
all our sins and griefs to bear! 負我罪孽担我忧
What a privilege to carry 何等权利,
everything to God in prayer!能将万事 來到耶稣座前求!
O what peace we often forfeit,多少平安, 我们坐失,
O what needless pain we bear, 多少痛苦冤枉受
all because we do not carry 都是因为
everything to God in prayer.未將万事, 來到耶稣座前求.

2. Have we trials and temptations? 我们有无试探引诱?
Is there trouble anywhere? 有无难过苦关頭?
We should never be discouraged;決不应當因此灰心:
take it to the Lord in prayer.仍当到主座前求!
Can we find a friend so faithful何处能寻這般良友,
who will all our sorrows share? 同尝一切苦与愁?
Jesus knows our every weakness; 我们弱点, 主都知道,
take it to the Lord in prayer. 放心到主座前求!

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 我们是否软弱多愁,
cumbered with a load of care? 千斤重担压肩頭?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; 主仍做我避难处所,
take it to the Lord in prayer. 奔向耶稣座前求!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 你若真逢友叛亲离,
Take it to the Lord in prayer! 好向耶稣座前求!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 到衪怀中, 祂必保护,
thou wilt find a solace there.有祂安慰便无憂.

有一個人急需請位鋸木臨時工，看見一個模樣像工人的人，背著一把木鋸正沿街走來，便問身旁的人：「他是誰？看來頂誠實的，我想請他來幫工。」但身旁的人卻答道：「他不會為你作工的，因為你出得起錢，而他是專為貧窮的寡婦和病人盡義務的！」這人到底是誰呢？他就是享譽遐邇的名詩–『何得朋友我主耶穌』的作者，史克利芬弟兄（Scriven Joseph Medlicott 1819-1886）　　

一首不平凡的詩歌往往從不平凡的經歷中產生出來，史克利芬與他所作的這首詩歌自不例外。在它的背後確實蘊含著一段曲折的背景。史克利芬的家鄉是愛爾蘭，因他的父親為一皇家海軍上校，他自幼即羨慕能作一名軍官，故在考入英國聖三一大學後的第三年，轉學入一軍事學校。但他瘦弱的身體無法適應軍校的嚴格訓練，終於被迫放棄了在軍事上的雄心，重回聖三一大學。畢業後一度過著教書的生活，還算安適；然而誰能料到，竟有兩個悲劇接連臨到他，拆毀了他憧憬已久的結婚計劃。

當他早年在愛爾蘭時，曾與一女友訂婚，兩人相愛甚篤，及至結婚前夕，新娘竟墜水溺斃。後在加拿大，又認識親族中的以麗莎（Eliaz Roche）小姐，但不幸就在他倆快要結婚時，未婚妻竟突然得了重病，倏遽離他逝去。少年的不得志，加上這兩次慘痛的打擊，他的心幾乎破碎，但就在此極度悲痛中，恩主親自安慰了他，那堅剛無限的愛，再一次滋潤撫慰這顆破碎的心，他體會到主是唯一至寶，自此又重新得力振作起來，而樂意將所有生命、時間、財物奉獻出來，因為「我們在一切患難中，祂就安慰我們，叫我們能用神所賜的安慰，去安慰那遭各樣患難的人。」（林後一：4）史克利芬弟兄終日辛勞，扶助貧病軟弱之人，兩隻手常供給缺乏人的需用。在他看來，總沒有一件事是過於微小或艱鉅，只要發現人有需要，立即盡力幫助。　　

他一生就是這樣默默的服事人，從不計算工作的低賤，畢生遵行使徒的吩咐：「在神我們的父面前，那清潔沒有沾污的虔誠，就是看顧在患難中的孤兒寡婦。」（雅一：27）雖然弟兄一直是走孤單的路，「但有一朋友比弟兄更親密」，故在他回顧一生經歷時，寫了這首詩，呼出他的心聲：誰能像祂忠實、穩妥，背我重擔分我憂？惟祂知我每一軟弱，故當向主去祈求。　　

一八五七年，當他母親病重之時，他就把這詩寄去：「救主仍舊是避難處，祂的懷抱是你覆庇，經祂撫慰必無憂」，遠在愛爾蘭的母親因此大得安慰。以後康弗斯弟兄（C. Converse）為他譜上曲。當主使用慕迪和散基帶下環球大復興時，這首詩成了人人愛唱的詩歌。在他百年誕辰之日，人們還在Rice湖畔立了一個紀念碑，以尊崇這位安慰多人的詩歌作者。　　

介紹到這裡，何等願意與讀者共享一段話，頂能將詩中「應當向主去祈求」的感覺交通透徹：「一個人如果沒有在主面前流過淚，沒有將他一切苦和樂的事都帶到主面前與祂分一分，沒有將他秘密的事和主談一談，這樣的人與主就沒有親密的交往。你知道嗎？在主面前有一次的述說，有一次的傾心，就是與祂多一次的親密，多一次的認識。大衛是個常在神面前傾心吐意的人，所以他認識神的心意，他知道神聽，故他在曠野迦特流離，被非利士人拿住時，他能作詩誇口說：『我呼求的日子，我的仇敵都要轉身退後，神幫助我，這是我所知道的。』在他犯罪後，也並非僅是哭泣哀傷，卻來神前祈求：『神啊！求你按你的慈愛憐恤我，按你豐盛的慈悲塗抹我的過犯』。　　

馬太福音十四章中，我們看到當施洗約翰的門徒，眼見他們的先生遭到不測的慘禍，並非望著屍體整天悲傷，卻把他埋葬了，跑來告訴耶穌……把他們的傷心告訴主，甚麼事都化為沒有了。是的，我們的主樂意聽我們悲傷的事，也樂意聽我們喜樂的事。祂是我們可以把任何事都告訴祂的主，我們既有這樣一位主，何不把我們內心所有的隱衷都來『告訴祂』！」

Transfer to another rehab center rescheduled

Ma Mama was originally scheduled to move to Roberts Health Center(Direction) located in North Kingstown at 1PM today (9/14). However, this morning Ma Mama woke with sour and painful left leg and knee. The doctor decided to have her stay longer at the current rehab center (Vanderbilt Rehab Center of Newport) and have some tests done. Please pray for this situation.

Thank the LORD that Dr. Ma is able to deliver one of the classes on Wednesdays via webCT. However, She still needs someone to cover for her on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm ish. If you are able to help, please sign up at http://calendar.mail.yahoo.com/.User ID: urikccf Password: fellowship

More Updates on Ma Mama

Ma Mama is still in the NewPort Rebah center and is recovering qutie well. Dr. Ma said that Ma Mama might be transferred to another facility on the coming Thursday. Please pray for a smooth transition. Tiegeng was there on Monday and helped out duing the afternoon. Yayin is scheduled to be there on Wed morning. Meanwhile, Dr. Ma is trying to rearrange the class so that she can teach the course using Internet. Please continue to remember them in your prayers.

Helper needed for next Monday

Please sign up the calendar if you can help out on Sep 11th from 2pm to 5pm. We also need help on Wed morning between 8 am to 11:30 am. If you have time, please also join Ma Mama at the cafe for lunch/dinner. Thanks.

Visits are welcome

Jean and Dr. Sung visited Ma Mama and Dr. Ma Sunday afternoon. Ma Mama is making good progress in her recovery. It is safe to visit now but please following the hospital's instruction. It is fun putting on the gown and gloves. The hospital is a beautiful place to visit, no less worthy than any of the Newport Mansions. Admission is free. The scenery along the way is just so Newport, spectacular! Please bring you camera along.
Visiting hours: Weekdays: 4-8PM; Weekends: 2-8PM

Phone Calls are welcome

Ma Mama is making good progress in the rehab center. Feel free to call her between 4-8:30 pm and wish her a speedy recovery. Her phone number in the hospital is 845-1773.

Updates

As per Dr. Ma, as of Saturday 9/2, please do not visit Ma Mama due to contact precaution established by the hospital. We do not have details as of now but it is considered a routine hospital procedure at this time. An update will be issued as soon as it is available. Thank you.

Signing up to help Ma Mama in Newport

Dear all,

Praise the LORD that Zhaohui was at the rehab centerto help today. Ma Mama moved from Rm 631 to Rm 633earlier today, and her phone number is 845-1773.

The address of Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center of NewPort is
20 Powel Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Here is the direction to the rehab center from URI.

You can sign up to help at: http://calendar.yahoo.com.

User ID: urikccf
Password: fellowship

Please indicate your name as well as your phone numberand email for easier coordination and communication. You can refer to the existent events in the calendar.

Thank for your love and help in the LORD. May Godbless you! P.S. If you need tokens to the New PortBridge, you can contact Jianyun (Christine) at284-0356. If you have any questions regarding Ma Mama or if youneed tokens to Newport Bridge, please contact Jianyun (Christine) at 284-0356 or email mailto:jianyun.liu@gmail.com.

Daily Updates on Ma Mama: http://rikccf.blogspot.com/
KCCF web site:http://www.uri.edu/student_organizations/kccf/

Moving to the Rehab Center

Ma Mama was transferred to The Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center at Newport Hospital today. Everything went well and the facility is really nice. Dr. Ma said that the doctors and nurses were friendly and nice. Ma Mama is in Rm 631 and her phone number is 845-1771. The best time to call Ma Mama is between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Starting from next Tuesday, Ma Mama will be going through a series of rehab routines (One in the morning and one in the afternoon). We will need people to go and help (mainly with interpretation) during weekdays. Dr. Ma will try to figure out the schedule in the next few days, and we will start to coordinate the schedule shortly.
The visiting hour is 4-8 pm during weekedays and 2-8pm during weekends.
Ma Mama is making good progress in the last few days, and please pray for her continuing recovery.

Ma Mama

Things didn't go as they planed. Ma Mama is still staying at Rhode Island Hospital. She moved to Rm 406 earlier today. Tomorrow Ma Mama will be transferred to the rehab center located inside of New Port Hospital. This rehab center offers more intensive programs, which will help Ma Mama to recover sooner.

According to Dr. Ma, Ma Mama is feeling a lot better today. When she did the physical therapy, she didn't feel as much pain. Praise the LORD. It looks like she is recovering a lot faster than Dr. Ma antipated. We will keep you posted of any news. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Ma Mama will be released from the hospital tomorrow

Tie Geng was at the hospital today in the early morning. He said that things seemed to be going well with Ma mama. However, the pain was still bothering her alot, and she seemed pretty tired and slept most of the time.

Dr. Ma called tonight with more updates. Ma Mama will be sent to the Cedar Crest Nursing Center (a rehab center at Cranston) tomorrow around 1 p.m.. There is another rehab center close to the CVS in wakefield, but it does not have any opennings right now.

Here are a few specific things to pray for them prior to their transfer.
1. Pray for an uneventful transfer.
2. Pray that nurses would be patient and caring when moving Ma Mama around.
3. Pray that Dr. Ma and Ma Mama would rest well tonight.
4. Pray that Ma Mama would get used to the new environment after the transfer.

Ma Mama is making good progress today and may be released to the rehabcenter in one or two days. Dr. Ma called tonight and thanked all of you whohave been praying for them and helping them. She mentioned that the besttime to call is between 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm on her cell phone.We suggest that you check the KCCF website for updates and limit your phonecalls for now. Dr. Ma needs to rest well in order to take care of Ma Mamaduring the day. Once Ma Mama is in the rehab center, they will be more readyto have visitors.

Daily updates on Ma Mama

Ma Mama continues to make progress. She feels better after the blood transfusion yesterday. Thank the Lord that no reverse reactions to the blood transfusion has been reported so far. Today Dr. Sung's wife, Jingzhi, was at the hospital helping them make decisions as of which rehab center to choose. She has medical background in caring the elderly. The rehab center they are interested in won't have an opening until a couple days later, so they had asked the hospital to allow Ma Mama to stay a little longer. The date for Ma Mama to be released from the hospital is yet to be decided. Tomorrow, Tiegeng will be covering a few hours in the morning while Jingzhi another few hours in the day time so that Dr. Ma can run some errands.

Please continue remembering them in your prayers.

Updates on Ma Mama

Due to her low white blood count, Ma Mama received two bags of blood transfusion. The caring crew is observing her reactions towards the blood transfusion closely. Therefore, her expected release date from the hospital might be postponed. Dr. Ma is yet to research which rehab center is the best for Ma Mama to go after her release from the Rhode Island Hospital. Thank the LORD that Keke helped out in the hospital today so that Dr. Ma was able to get some things done. Tomorrow, Tiegeng will be standing by to help. Let's continue lifting them up in our prayers.

It is worth mentioning that Ma Mama was very happy to listen to the greetings from everyone as well as singing and sharing on last Friday night.

Updates on Ma Mama

Thank the Lord that Ma Mama had some rest last night. She is still under pain medication and was able to rest a bit better last night. Wei Wei went and helped out during the day and Haiwei went during late afternoon. Tomorrow Cao Yong and Keke will visit them in the hospital and Cao Yong will stay and help during the day. Dr. Ma will go and visit a few rehab centers tomorrow and pick one for Ma Mama. Ma mama is expected to be released from the hospital on the coming Monday. Once Ma Mama is transferred to a rehab center, we will be able to set up a regular routine visits. Stay tuned for more updates! Meanwhile, keep praying for them.

Updates on Ma Mama

A few of us visited Ma Mama this afternoon. Ma Mama didn’t take pain relief medication earlier today. Therefore she was in a lot of pain. We circled around her sick bed, knelt down and prayed with her and Dr. Ma. We truly sensed God’s presence, believed that God listened to our prayers right then. Later, Ma Mama started to take pain relief pills. Pray that she would have a good night sleep. Dr. Ma had a very restless night yesterday, since Ma Mama was in tremendous amount of pain after surgery. She expressed her sincere thanks to those who either called, visited or have been praying for them. However, she wishes to have a few days of quiet rest so that both she and Ma Mama can restore some strength. Possible good visit times will be posted on this site. We suggest that you also restrict your calls to Dr. Ma to minimum. All the information will be posted here. Thank you all for your prayers and support. May the name of the LORD be glorified through this!

P.S a public calendar has been created so that anyone will be able to sign up to help. We will send out more detailed information once Dr. Ma confirms their schedule.

Updates on Ma Mama

Ma Mama had hip replacement surgery around 4PM. She was in lots of pain even with anesthesia still in effect. Please pray that she would not suffer as much pain. Also pray that her doctors and caring crew would have wisdom to give her the best treatment. Also pray that God would lift up both Ma Mama and Dr. Ma’s spirit.

Updates on Ma Mama

Ma Mama will undergo surgery at 11 this morning. Pray for her, the surgeons, and the care team.

She is expected to recover from anesthesia today and partly tomorrow. The best time to visit her may be Saturday or later. She sends her greetings to all of you, in particular Ben Li who is leaving us this Saturday with his family. Dr. Ma has a restful night last night. She sends her thanks.

Updates on Ma Mama

Ma Mama had a number of procedures done, including pulling out 2 teeth and etc. They are extremely busy at this point. Dr. Ma is eating the food provided by the hospital since Ma Mama can not eat regular food. The hip replacement surgery might be done today. The hospital would not let Dr. Ma stay at the hospital overnight, since it is the hospital policy not to allow visitors after 8pm. Dr. Ma said that she will call once the surgery is done. Today might not a good day to visit them at the hospital, since there is a lot going on.

Ma Mama

We are sorry to report that our dearest Ma mama tripped and sustained a hip fracture and other injuries this afternoon. She is currently being evaluated at Rhode Island Hospital Emergency Room. There is no further details as of 11 PM Monday. She remains at peace and thankful to the Lord and shows no sign of pain despite the injuries. Please pray for speedy recovery. Lift up Professor Ma in your prayer that she may have strength as she takes care of Ma mama. Zhang Xin was also with them throughout the day.

Grateful for where I am

Lately I have struggled spiritually a lot. I am going through roller coaster rides these days. I am yet to learn how to “go on the heights”. I feel so completely out of control when it comes to the matter of taking care of Ethan. Often times, I feel despaired, and have no strength to carry on. I keep saying to myself that I don’t have anything that’s needed to be a good mom. All these happened because I let my eyes move away from our LORD Jesus. I forgot how loving, how merciful, how powerful HE is. Our LORD is the one who daily bears our burdens, and he cares for us. I do believe that whatever I am going through is under God’s control, and HE has a good purpose for it. This morning, I am especially grateful for the fact that I can NOT carry on with my life when I do not abide by the Spirit. I am grateful HE doesn’t let me go on with my life without HIM involved.

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

因耶和华欢欣，因就救我的神喜乐

雖然無花果樹不發旺、葡萄樹不結果、橄欖樹也不效力、田地不出糧食、圈中絕了羊、棚內也沒有牛． 然而我要因耶和華歡欣、因救我的　神喜樂。 主耶和華是我的力量．他使我的腳快如母鹿的蹄、又使我穩行在高處。 - 哈 巴 谷 書:3:17-19

May Prayer Requests

當 將 你 的 事 交 託 耶 和 華 ， 並 倚 靠 他 ， 他 就 必 成 全 。Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.（ 詩 37:5 ） Please post your prayer requests by adding comments to this post. Bring your thanks, or praises, or worries or burdens to the Lord, pour out your heart before Him. We'll pray for you too.

不忧不惧，不急躁，不烦恼，安静是一切力量的根源

The theme of May in the book "Stream in the Desert" is "不忧不惧，不急躁，不烦恼，安静是一切力量的根源”。 This theme speaks right to my heart. It seems to target the major weaknesses in my personality. How many times have I been worried? How many times have I been afraid? How many times have I been impatient? How long can I keep mouth shut? More importantly, how long can I keep mind quiet before the LORD? Hebrews 4:11 says "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest". When Christian believers pass away, we often hear the phrase saying someone "has rested in the LORD". I surely don't want to wait till death to be able to enter that rest. If I lift up my eyes to Jesus, I will then find the strength and ability to rest in HIM. My major problem is that too often I am distracted by the worldly things and forgot that:

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. - Psalm 34 4:10

When can I take Lord's word for it? I am one of those with little faith, but God has mercy on those who seek HIM. LORD, may I always have the thirst and hunger for you and your words!

Be still, and know who our GOD really is!

"Fresh Power" - Another great book by Jim Cymbala

http://cclw.net/book/fhdn/index.html

ZT: A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow
God said, No. !
You must grow on your own! ,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.


THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY
May God Bless You,
"To the world you might be one person, but to one
person you just might be the world"

「耶和华的喜乐是你们的力量」

读经：尼希米记八章十节
「又对他们说，你们去吃肥美的，喝甘甜的，有不能预备的，就分给他；因为今日是我们主的圣日；你们不要忧愁，因耶和华的喜乐是你们的力量。」（另译）

这里不是说，我们若有平安就有力量，乃是说，耶和华的喜乐是我们的力量。乃是祂的喜乐维持我们。在帖撒罗尼迦前书五章十六节，保罗嘱咐我们要常常喜乐。这怎么可能？我们怎能在难处、困苦、烦恼等等之中喜乐呢？这个喜乐从那里来？我们无法造出这个喜乐，因为我们若没有喜乐就是没有喜乐！在腓立比书四章四节，使徒将秘密告诉我们：「在主里常常喜乐。」（另译）主阿，你的喜乐就是我的力量。主的喜乐是甚么？主甚么时候喜乐呢？圣经只有一次记载主的喜乐，所以我们很容易知道其意义。那时主对推罗、西顿的尽职，表面看是失败了（路十13-15）。二十一节说，「正当那时，耶稣被圣灵感动就欢乐，说……。」祂说甚么呢？「父阿，……我感谢你，因为你将这些事向聪明通达人就藏起来，向婴孩就显出来；父阿，是的，因为你的美意本是如此。」耶稣基督欢喜遵行神的旨意，祂是在神的旨意里喜乐。主的喜乐与环境毫无关系，祂说，「父阿，……你的美意本是如此。」这是父的旨意──没有埋怨，没有背叛的意念，没有疑问为何祂要经过这一切。「父阿，……你的美意本是如此，」就是这样而已。

有一个人访问盲人学校，问小孩子他们为甚么瞎眼。他们都说不出话来，沉默了一阵子，然后一个小孩流泪回答说，「父阿，你的美意本是如此。」我们必须看见我们的主有一个喜乐，就是神的旨意成就时的喜乐。有时我们必须流泪喜乐。主在地上喜乐的原因，不是祂很成功，不是工作顺遂；祂乃是单单在父的旨意里喜乐。

这不是说，我们必须模仿主；乃是祂所有的喜乐，就是主的喜乐，要成为我们的。我们要得属于主的东西，分赐给我们。我们要得主的喜乐，祂的喜乐要成为我们的力量。

最坏的生活就是反应的生活，整天受人或环境影响；因为这就是说我们活在外面、不是从主而来的事物上。过那种反应的生活，是甚么意思？意思就是我们讲道而有人接受我们的信息时，我们就满了喜乐；而我们的信息不为人接受时，我们就有相反的反应。我们受这个影响，受那个影响，每一件事都使我们有反应，我们就七上八下的转来转去。这种生活表明我们没有在主里行事为人。当然，我们仍在肉体里，所以我们对事情有感觉，但感觉绝不该把我们拉下来，叫我们凭感觉活。所以我们必须停止过反应的生活，但我们怎能这样？我们要凭主的喜乐而活。当我们受试诱下沉的时候，我们可以往上看，并说，「难道主今天失去祂的喜乐么？」祂若失去了喜乐，那么我们就可满足于没有喜乐的生活！我们没有一个人能被摔倒而有真正的力量。但我们若赞美主，就有力量。我们一旦失去了喜乐，就失去了力量。那是圣经告诉我们要凡事谢恩的原因。我们说的时候，该带一颗降服于祂旨意的心：「主，我不在意事情如何，你的美意如此，所以我就喜乐了。」我们必须凭在祂里面的心意而活。这不是我有喜乐的问题，乃是祂有喜乐的问题；不是我有平安的问题，乃是祂有平安的问题。我们感觉憋气时，唯一使我们高昂的就是主的喜乐。我们必须活在我们的难处之上。

万事互相效力，叫爱神的人得处；曾有一位神的儿女说，「我们的心可伤痛，但我们为你的旨意，为你的所是赞美你。」

- from http://www.ccbiblestudy.org/Topics/95Daily%20Walk/95AS12.htm

凭着信, 将一切带到神面前

凭着信，我们仰望神，因为所有问题的答案在于他。凭着信，我们为主过每一天。我们活着的原因若是为任何神以外的人或事，我们就被这些人和事捆住，并且基督里的真自由也不复存在。我的祷告就是主使我不再因环境而失去里面的平安，因这平安是任何东西都夺不走的，除非我们自己先放弃了这个平安。“要让基督的平安在你们心里作主” -歌罗西 3：15是我这星期要默想的经文。

April 2006 Prayer Requests

當 將 你 的 事 交 託 耶 和 華 ， 並 倚 靠 他 ， 他 就 必 成 全 。Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.（ 詩 37:5 ） Please post your prayer requests by adding comments to this post. Bring your thanks, or praises, or worries or burdens to the Lord, pour out your heart before Him. We'll pray for you too.

又一本好书： 宗教情操真伪辩

http://www.chinachristianbooks.org/new/ChristianClassics/experience

BY： 爱德华滋（Ｊｏｎａｔｈａｎ Ｅｄｗａｒｄｓ， １７０３－６８），美国最伟大的神学家，他以弟一次大觉醒（Ｔｈｅ Ｆｉｒｓｔ Ｇｒｅａｔ Ａｗａｋｅｎｉｎｇ）为时代背景，些了这本有关宗教的文集，当时的大复兴等于英国所谓福音派的复兴。爱德华滋本人在此复兴运动中扮演了非常重要的角色，当时他是麻萨诸塞州北安普顿城一间公理会的牧师。 在此次复兴中，爱德华滋出于一位牧师的关切，而发出了区分真伪宗教经历的心愿。

在干旱疲乏无水之地，我渴想你；我的心切慕你

属灵情感的目标，在于属灵事物的可悦，不在于我们的自我利益。

属灵的感恩与只为自我利益的感谢，其差异如下：

一、对神赐福的真感恩是为了爱神自己而涌出的。基督徒已看见神的荣耀，他的心被神的荣耀说抓住，所以他的心变得柔嫩，当这位荣耀的神赐恩惠祝福给他时，更是易受感动。我能以人间的生活举例说明：若有一个人虽然对于另一个人没有爱，可是还会因对方所施与自己的恩惠感到感激。但对所爱的朋友、已有深厚感情的人，所表现的感激是大不相同的；当我们得到这样朋友的帮助时，更增进我们对他们已有的爱。同样，当我们蒙受这位伟大的神赐福是，更增强为爱的善良和荣耀而有的爱。所以我们不能从属灵的感恩排除所有的自爱：「我爱耶和华，因为听了我的声音，和我的恳求」（诗一一六：１）。我们对神的爱是基于神自己的本性，我们对神的感恩是感谢他为我们所作、所预备的救恩。

二、属灵的感恩不只是因神赐福的良善感动人心，乃是因神的良善是神属性的荣美而感谢。神无比的恩典表现在救赎的工作上，发光于基督脸上，有无限的荣耀，基督徒看见这荣耀就大为喜悦。如一个罪人需要救恩基督徒个人有份于基督的工作，就能帮助他集中心志在基督的工作上。他看见神救赎的仁慈作为，使他全神贯注神良善的荣耀属性。所以自爱促成属灵的思考。

From: 宗教情操真伪辨
http://www.chinachristianbooks.org/new/ChristianClassics/experience/

May He Himself be our joy

To summarize what Christine shared with me today over the phone before I forget, and Christine will add or correct when she gets less busy:

The Israelites followed the cloud column and the fire column in the desert when God led them out to the promised land. Where they stayed and for how long they stayed there was decided by God. Today, where we stay in a paticular situation and for how long we stay there is also decided by God, is also part of His plan. We often rely on God for He is a God of mercy and blessings, then we somehow rely on Him FOR His mercy and blessings, then what we really rely on is His mercy and blessings, not He Himself. Then we are actually joyful because of His mercy and blessings, not really joyful because of He Himself. Sometime, God our Father and our Lord plan situations for us to learn to be joyful solely because of Him, because He is with us. Like children we'll learn gradually to be joyful for the mother, but not only for her milk, for the Father, and not only for His blessings. Like Paul who treasured Jesus as most precious, nothing is worth a cent compared to Him. May the Lord strengthen us, for us to be lifted above the world's desires, above our dependence on comfortness and blessings, to be joyful no matter what, be joyful because we have Him, and He is with us always.