双语灵修（葛培理牧师）：3月16日 知足常乐的秘密

3月16日

知足常乐的秘密

他向我们这信的人所显的能力是何等浩大，就是照他在基督身上所运行的大能大力，使他从死里复活……

——以弗所书1:19,20

耶稣告诉门徒说世界将要憎恨你们。你们将要“如羊在狼群中”，被人囚禁、鞭打、带到国王、执政官面前。即使是最亲近的人也会逼迫你们。因为世人憎恨、迫害耶稣，因此他们也会如此对待他的门徒。成百上千的基督徒已经找到以试炼为满足、喜乐的秘诀。我所遇到很多喜乐的基督徒，其实一生都在患难之中。他们被剥夺了太多常人所享受的权利和乐趣，有充分理由去叹息和抱怨，然而他们却得到了更大恩典和喜乐。

历史上，基督徒无论身处何种逆境，都能有喜乐之心。纵使在极大地患难中，基督徒依然能克服困难，并以此来侍奉、荣耀基督。

每日祷告：

救主耶稣，请让我记得要常常以祢为乐。无论身处何种环境，无论遇到何种绝望的境地，都要以祢为盼望和喜乐。奉耶稣基督的名，阿们。

March 16

The Secret of Contentment

I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him.It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…
—Ephesians 1:19,20(TLB)

Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate them.They would be“as sheep in the midst of wolves.”They would be arrested,scourged,and brought before governors and kings.Even their loved ones would persecute them.As the world hated and persecuted Him,so it would treat His servants.Thousands of Christians have learned the secret of contentment and joy in trial.Some of the happiest Christians I have met have been life-long sufferers.They have had every reason to sigh and complain,being denied so many privileges and pleasures that they see others enjoy,yet they have found greater cause for gratitude and joy than many who are prosperous,vigorous,and strong.

In all ages,Christians have found it possible to maintain the spirit of joy in the hour of trial.In circumstances that would have felled most men,they have so completely risen above them that they actually have used the circumstances to serve and glorify Christ.

Prayer for the day:

Lord Jesus,keep us ever mindful of the need to rejoice in You constantly;to go beyond the circumstance,no matter how desperate,and to see You as our hope and joy.In Jesus’Name,Amen.