日期:2/3/25
引言:建立坚固的信仰基建
基建(基础建设)不仅仅是建造物理结构,也象征着我们灵命的建立与成长。《尼希米记》记载了尼希米如何带领以色列人重建耶路撒冷的城墙,他在过程中展现了坚定的信心、毅力和团队精神。
有趣的是,鸡的一些特性可以为我们提供属灵的启发。在中文里,“鸡建”听起来像“基建”,这正好提醒我们——稳固的属灵基建对信仰至关重要。今天,就让我们透过“鸡建”来学习尼希米的领导力,并思考如何建立坚固的信仰基建。
- 时刻警醒——属灵建造者的守望
鸡的特性:
鸡的视野非常广(大约300度),两只眼睛可以独立运作,使它们能够同时观察四周并警觉潜在的危险。
尼希米的功课:
尼希米带领百姓重建城墙时,敌人不断想要攻击他们。因此,他命令人们一手做工,一手拿兵器,保持警醒。
📖 尼希米记 4:9 ——“然而,我们祷告我们的神,又因他们的缘故,就派人看守,昼夜防备。”
📖 尼希米记 4:17-18 ——“修造的人都腰间佩刀修造,吹角的人在我旁边。”
应用:
在建立信仰的过程中,我们必须保持属灵的警觉,勤于祷告,防备一切削弱我们与神关系的攻击。
- 夜晚寻求庇护——信靠神的保护
鸡的特性:
鸡的夜视能力很差,因此天黑时会本能地寻找安全的地方休息,以避免危险。
尼希米的功课:
面对威胁时,尼希米没有依靠自己的能力,而是透过祷告和禁食寻求神的带领。
📖 尼希米记 1:4 ——“我听见这话,就坐下哭泣,悲哀几日,在天上的神面前禁食祷告。”
📖 尼希米记 6:9 ——“他们都要使我们惧怕,意思说,他们的手必软弱,以致工作不能成就。神啊,求你坚固我的手!”
应用:
当我们遇到困难时,是选择依靠神,还是凭自己挣扎?神是我们最可靠的避难所!
- 不断刨地觅食——持之以恒地服事
鸡的特性:
鸡会不停地刨地寻找食物,即使一开始找不到,也不会轻易放弃,因为它们知道最终会有所收获。
尼希米的功课:
尼希米在重建城墙的过程中,面对各种威胁、讽刺和挑战,但他始终坚定不移,不被分心,专注于神的使命。
📖 尼希米记 6:3 ——“我现在办理大工,不能下去。”
📖 尼希米记 4:6 ——“这样,我们修造城墙,城墙就连络,高至一半,因为百姓专心做工。”
应用:
当面对挑战时,我们是轻易放弃,还是坚持到底,完成神给我们的使命?
- 群体生活——团队合作的力量
鸡的特性:
鸡是群居动物,彼此依赖,共同防御外敌,它们在群体中会形成一定的秩序和合作。
尼希米的功课:
尼希米不是独自建造城墙,而是动员百姓齐心协力,各家负责不同的城墙部分。他们的团结最终带来胜利。
📖 尼希米记 3:12 ——“哈罗黑的儿子沙龙和他的女儿们修造了下一段。”
📖 尼希米记 4:19-20 ——“工作为大,工程浩大,我们在城墙上彼此相离甚远。你们听见角声在哪里,就聚集到我们那里。我们的神必为我们争战。”
应用:
我们是否愿意与弟兄姊妹同工,彼此配搭,用神赐予的恩赐共同建造神的国度?
- 持续沟通——彼此鼓励与坚固
鸡的特性:
鸡会不断发出咯咯声,提醒同伴警惕危险、召唤小鸡,或者分享食物来源。
尼希米的功课:
尼希米是一位优秀的沟通者和激励者。他不断鼓励百姓,提醒他们神的同在,并加强他们的信心。
📖 尼希米记 2:17-18 ——“我们重建耶路撒冷的城墙,免得再受凌辱。”
📖 尼希米记 4:14 ——“不要怕他们!当记念主是大而可畏的。”
应用:
我们的言语是用来鼓励和造就人,还是让人灰心丧志?
- 独立视觉——属灵洞察力与智慧
鸡的特性:
鸡的两只眼睛可以分别关注不同的事物——一只眼睛专注于觅食,另一只眼睛警戒周围环境。
尼希米的功课:
尼希米展现了极大的智慧与洞察力。他一方面专注于城墙的建造,同时也防备敌人的诡计,不受迷惑或威胁。
📖 尼希米记 6:2-4 ——“参巴拉和基善打发人来见我,说:‘请你来,我们在阿挪平原的一个村庄相会。’他们却想害我。我就差遣使者去见他们,说:‘我现在办理大工,不能下去。’”
应用:
在信仰旅程中,我们是否能辨别真理与谎言?我们是专注于神的工作,还是容易被敌人的诡计分心?
结论:成为属灵的建造者
“鸡建”(信仰基建)不仅仅是重建一座城墙,更是指建立稳固的属灵基建。尼希米的领导教导我们:
✅ 保持警醒,勤于祷告(尼希米记 4:9, 4:17-18)
✅ 信靠神,寻求祂的力量(尼希米记 1:4, 6:9)
✅ 坚定不移,面对挑战不放弃(尼希米记 6:3, 4:6)
✅ 同心合一,彼此配搭服事(尼希米记 3:12, 4:19-20)
✅ 鼓励造就,用言语激励他人(尼希米记 2:17-18, 4:14)
✅ 属灵洞察,明辨是非,专注神的工作(尼希米记 6:2-4, 7:5)
尼希米不仅重建了城墙,更恢复了百姓对神的信心。同样,我们也蒙召成为属灵的建造者,修复破裂的关系,坚固自己的信仰,并在神的国度中站立得稳!
The Wall of “Chicken-struction” (Faith Construction): Spiritual Lessons from Nehemiah Through the Traits of a Chicken
Introduction: Building a Firm Foundation of Faith
Construction is more than just erecting physical structures—it symbolizes the process of building and strengthening our spiritual lives. In the Book of Nehemiah, we see how Nehemiah led the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, overcoming obstacles with faith, perseverance, and teamwork.
Interestingly, some unique traits of chickens provide spiritual insights into this process of faith construction. In Chinese, the phrase we use for “Chicken-struction” sounds like “foundation,” reinforcing the idea that a strong spiritual foundation is essential for a thriving faith. Let’s explore how the characteristics of chickens reflect Nehemiah’s leadership and how we, too, can build a lasting foundation in our spiritual lives.
- Always Alert – The Watchfulness of a Spiritual Builder
The Trait of a Chicken:
Chickens have an incredible field of vision (about 300 degrees), and their eyes function independently, allowing them to monitor their surroundings and stay alert for predators.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
Nehemiah and his people had to stay watchful while rebuilding the wall because their enemies constantly sought to attack them. Nehemiah instructed them to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other.
📖 Nehemiah 4:9 – “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”
📖 Nehemiah 4:17-18 – “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.”
Application:
In building our faith, we must remain spiritually alert, pray diligently, and guard against any attacks that may weaken our relationship with God.
- Seeking Shelter in Darkness – Trusting in God’s Protection
The Trait of a Chicken:
Chickens have poor night vision, so they instinctively seek a safe place to rest at sunset to avoid danger.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
When Nehemiah faced threats, he did not rely on his own strength but sought God’s guidance through prayer and fasting.
📖 Nehemiah 1:4 – “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
📖 Nehemiah 6:9 – “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’”
Application:
When faced with challenges, do we rely on God or try to handle everything ourselves? God is our ultimate refuge!
- Persistent in Scratching the Ground – Persevering in Service
The Trait of a Chicken:
Chickens tirelessly scratch the ground for food, even when they don’t find anything at first. They persist because they know their efforts will eventually pay off.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
Despite opposition, threats, and ridicule, Nehemiah remained steadfast in rebuilding the wall. He refused to be distracted and stayed focused on God’s mission.
📖 Nehemiah 6:3 – “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”
📖 Nehemiah 4:6 – “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.”
Application:
Do we give up easily when facing challenges, or do we persevere in fulfilling God’s calling?
- Living in Community – The Power of Teamwork
The Trait of a Chicken:
Chickens are social animals that rely on one another for protection and survival. They establish order within their flock.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
Nehemiah didn’t rebuild the wall alone—he mobilized the people to work together, with each family responsible for different sections. Their unity led to success.
📖 Nehemiah 3:12 – “Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.”
📖 Nehemiah 4:19-20 – “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
Application:
Are we willing to serve alongside others, using our unique gifts to build God’s kingdom?
- Constant Communication – Encouraging and Strengthening Others
The Trait of a Chicken:
Chickens constantly cluck and communicate—whether warning of danger, calling their chicks, or sharing food sources.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
Nehemiah was an excellent communicator and encourager. He motivated the people, reminded them of God’s presence, and strengthened their faith.
📖 Nehemiah 2:17-18 – “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”
📖 Nehemiah 4:14 – “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.”
Application:
Do we use our words to uplift and encourage others, or do we discourage them?
- Independent Vision – Spiritual Discernment and Wisdom
The Trait of a Chicken:
A chicken’s eyes function independently—one can focus on food while the other stays aware of its surroundings.
The Lesson from Nehemiah:
Nehemiah demonstrated great wisdom and discernment. He remained focused on rebuilding while being aware of the enemy’s schemes.
📖 Nehemiah 6:2-4 – “Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: ‘Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.’ But they were scheming to harm me. So I sent messengers to them with this reply: ‘I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.’”
Application:
In our faith journey, are we discerning truth from deception? Are we focused on God’s work or easily distracted by the enemy’s lies?
Conclusion: Becoming Spiritual Builders
“Chicken-struction” (Faith Construction) is not just about building a physical wall—it’s about laying a firm spiritual foundation. Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem teaches us to develop:
✅ Watchfulness – Stay spiritually alert and pray (Nehemiah 4:9, 4:17-18)
✅ Trust – Seek refuge in God’s strength (Nehemiah 1:4, 6:9)
✅ Perseverance – Remain steadfast despite trials (Nehemiah 6:3, 4:6)
✅ Unity – Work together in community (Nehemiah 3:12, 4:19-20)
✅ Encouragement – Speak words of faith and support (Nehemiah 2:17-18, 4:14)
✅ Discernment – Stay wise and focused (Nehemiah 6:2-4, 7:5)
Nehemiah didn’t just rebuild a wall—he restored the people’s faith in God. Likewise, we are called to be spiritual builders, repairing broken relationships, strengthening our faith, and standing firm in God’s kingdom!
This version refines the wording while keeping the “chicken” + “faith construction” theme strong, emphasizing the connection between the traits of chickens and the spiritual lessons from Nehemiah. Would you like any additional adjustments?
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