 We deceive God, others, and ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9, Hebrews 3:13).
We flatter God and lie to Him (Psalm 78:36). We say we’re sinners while thinking we’re good, believing that God should answer our prayers, bless us, and reward our work. We ask God to protect us from sin, but we don’t watch over ourselves carefully. When Satan temps us, we yield easily. We say God is infinitely powerful and merciful, providing all things, yet we excessively worry and pursue earthly things. We say that God is most important, yet we don’t keep His commandments, nor the promises we made to Him in distress (Psalm 78:56-57, Hosea 7:16). Sometimes we live like God doesn’t even exist. Not only deceiving God, we deceive others also (Matthew 23:5). We are friendly to their faces but backstab them (Psalm 28:3, 12:2, 55:21; Jeremiah 9:4, 8; Proverbs 20:6). We judge their pride while we remain arrogant (Romans 2:1). Furthermore, we deceive ourselves. We distort God’s rules to justify ourselves. We covet others’ wealth and frame it as prudence. We are ignorant (Job 11:12), thinking we know something when we don’t (1 Corinthians 8:2), or we are something when we aren’t (Galatians 6:3). We don’t see our wickedness (Matthew 3:7, Psalm 58:4). We don’t know the power of sin. We are prone to errors, yet we’re stubborn. We ignore God’s guidance (Psalm 25:4-5) and neglect others’ opinions (Proverbs 26:16). We think God is not so far above us. When we don’t understand the Bible, we leave Him (John 6:50-66, Psalm 73:22). Don’t be too self-confident or trustful of our hearts or wisdom. Be suspicious of yourselves (Proverbs 28:26). Beware your blindness (John 9:39, 1 Corinthians 3:19). Ask God to help us see ourselves. Examine ourselves with His words (James 3:17, John 1:47, Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:27). Have we kept our promises? Are our prayers just a show? Trust His words (Proverbs 3:5). Seek others’ advice. Accept your mistakes. Earnestly seek His grace as if you don’t have it (Philippians 3:8-11). Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOe0RKYwXwo 人心诡诈至极 我们对上帝、他人和自己不诚实（耶利米书 17:9，希伯来书 3:13）。 我们奉承上帝并对祂说谎（诗篇 78:36）。我们说我们是罪人。然而我们认为我们很好，上帝应该听我们的祈祷，祝福我们，和奖励我们的工作。 我们祈求上帝保护我们免受罪的侵害，而我们却没有小心地保护自己。当被誘惑时，我们很容易屈服。 我们说上帝是无限的强大和仁慈，提供一切。然而，我们过度忧虑和追求世俗的东西。 我们说上帝是最重要的. 但我们不遵守祂的誡命和不信守我们在危难中向祂作出的承诺（诗篇 78:56-57，何西阿书 7:16）。 有时，我们生活得好像上帝都不存在一样。 我们不仅欺骗上帝，也欺骗别人（马太福音 23:5）。 在别人面前，我们是他们的朋友，但我们在背后伤害他们（诗篇 28:3, 12:2, 55:21; 耶利米书 9:4、8; 箴言 20:6）。 我们评判他们的骄傲，尽管我们也同样的傲慢（罗马书 2:1）。 此外，我们也欺骗自己。 我们歪曲上帝的规则来辩护自己。我们觊觎他人的财富时，将其构图为合理的。 我们是无知的（约伯记 11:12）, 认为我们知道我们不知道的事情（哥林多前书 8:2）或者我们算是了不起但我们不是（加拉太书 6:3）。 我们看不到我们的邪恶（马太福音 3:7，诗篇 58:4）也不知道罪恶的力量. 我们很容易出错。然而我们很固执. 我们不理会上帝的指导（诗篇 25:4-5），不考虑其他人的意见（箴言 26:16）。 我们认为上帝并不过分高于我们。当我们不明白圣经时，我们就离开祂（约翰福音 6：50-66，诗篇 73：22）。 不要太自信, 太相信自己的心或智慧。要怀疑自己（箴言 28:26）。当心我们的盲目（约翰福音 9:39，哥林多前书 3:19）。 求神帮助我们看清自己. 用祂的话来审视自己（雅各书 3:17，约翰福音 1:47，罗马书 12:8，哥林多前书 1:12，哥林多前书 9:27）。我们遵守诺言了吗？我们的祷告只是一场表演吗？ 相信上帝的话（箴言 3:5）。 寻求他人的建议. 接受自己的错误。诚恳地寻求神的恩典，就好像我们没有一样（腓立比书 3:8-11）。  Conflicts are normal because we are imperfect and different, but conflicts can block our prayers (1 Peter 3:7), happiness (James 3:18), and fellowship with God (1 John 4:20).
Christ wants us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Peacemakers resolve conflicts not by avoiding conflict (which is cowardice) or appeasing others (which is co-dependency). Reconciliation takes precedence even over worship (Matthew 5:23-24). But how do we reconcile? First, make the first move. Peacemakers make peace. Reconcile quickly because conflict can’t resolve itself and putting it off worsens it. We are afraid of rejection and being misunderstood, so we often avoid confrontation and hide (Genesis 3:10), making us distant, demanding, and defensive. Ask God for love (2 Timothy 1:7) because love can overcome our fear (1 John 4:18). Second, ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). He will teach us what to say and when to say it. Third, begin with your fault. Conflict typically comes from our desires battling within us (James 4:1) and from pride, which leads to argument (Proverbs 13:10). But we can choose to get along, to learn, and to be flexible. Be humble (Matthew 7:3, 5; 19:24; 23:24). We need others to identify our blind spots. Just say, “I am sorry I am only thinking of myself.” Fourth, seek to understand their hurt (Philippians 2:4-8) and perspective. Typically, argument happens when someone was abused or humiliated. Listen (James 1:19), particularly to the emotion behind the words. See their perspective. Be considerate, particularly of their fears (can be irrational) and doubts (Romans 15:2). Fifth, speak the truth tactfully, with love (Ephesians 4:15). It is not what you say but how you say it. Being abrasive isn’t persuasive. Don’t say things designed to hurt, belittle, or insult (Colossians 3:8). Usually, it is rude to tell it just as it is. Instead, speak the truth lovingly. Use helpful, not harmful, words (Ephesians 4:29). Speak wisely, not recklessly (Proverbs 12:18). Sixth, attack the issues and problems, not each other. Seventh, focus on reconciliation and accept disagreements, not requiring seeing eye-to-eye. God has forgiven our sins and restored our relationship with Him. Now, bring people together (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Be peacemakers. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1udN6OShf4 如何解决冲突和恢复关系 冲突是正常的，因为我们是不完美并且有差异的, 但冲突会阻碍我们的祈祷（彼得一书 3:7）、幸福（雅各书 3:18）和与上帝的相交（约翰一书 4:20）。 基督希望我们成为和平缔造者（马太福音 5:9）。和平缔造者不是通过逃避冲突（这是怯懦）或安抚他人（这是共同依赖）来解决冲突。 和解甚至比敬拜更为重要（马太福音 5:23-24）。但怎么恢复关系呢？ 第一是主动迈出第一步. 和平缔造者缔造和平。 快点和解冲突因为它无法自行解决, 并且推迟解决冲突会招致恶化。 我们害怕被拒绝和被误解, 所以我们避免面对冲突和躲藏起来（创世记 3:10），使我们疏远、苛求和防卫别人。 求上帝给我们一颗爱心（提摩太后书 1:7）因为爱可以战胜恐惧（约翰一书 4:18）。 第二是向上帝求智慧（雅各书 1:5）. 教我们说什么，以及何时说。 第三是从我们的错开始. 冲突通常来自我们内心欲望的战斗（雅各书 4:1）, 和来自骄傲，导致争论（箴言 13:10）。 但我们可以选择相处、学习、和灵活。 要谦卑（马太福音 7:3, 5; 19:24; 23:24）。我们需要别人来识别我们看不到的自我弱点。 只需说：“对不起，我只想到自己。” 第四是了解他们的伤痛（腓立比书 2:4-8）和观点. 时常当某人受到虐待或羞辱时，就会发生争吵。 聆听（雅各书 1:19）, 特别是话语背后的情感。看看他们的观点。 体谅他们,尤其是他们的恐惧 (可能是不合理的) 和疑虑（罗马书 15:2）。 第五是用爱婉转地讲實话（以弗所书 4:15）. 不是你说什么，而是你怎样说。粗暴是没有说服力的。不要说有伤害、贬低或侮辱人的话（歌罗西书 3:8）。 通常，未經過濾的话是没有礼貌的。 相反，要充满爱地说實话。使用有益而非有害的话（以弗所书 4:29）。 说话要聪明，不要鲁莽（箴言 12:18）。 第六是攻击问题，而不是彼此. 第七是专注于修复关系，接受大家可以有不同意见。 上帝已经赦免了我们的罪，并恢复了我们与祂的关系。现在，我们要使人和好（哥林多后书 5:18-20）, 成为和平缔造者。  God despises wickedness. Those He hates get His wrath and punishment, with no mercy (Hosea 9:15, Jeremiah 12:8, Psalm 7:11).
Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau despised the covenant of grace, selling his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:30-34, Hebrews 12:16). God hated Esau but loved Jacob (Romans 9:13). Yet, Esau had vastly greater earthly possession than Jacob (Genesis 27:39). To those God hates, God may give them plenty of earthly things—honor, power, thrones, wealth, and pleasures, even the choicest ones (Habakkuk 1:15-16, Job 21:7, Psalm 73:5). God gives them up to the lust of their hearts. They spend so much time and effort on worldly profits and pleasures, though none of it truly satisfies. One day, death will strip away what little they have and leave them with eternal damnation. Those God loves may not have as many earthly possessions, but God is sufficient to carry them through their journeys to heaven. God gives them priceless spiritual blessings, such as the holy love, spiritual joy, peace, and the foretaste of heaven. Many neglect their souls for this world’s pleasures. When invited to a great banquet, many forsake it for paltry earthly things (Luke 14:15-20). Many put off eternal salvation till such and such time. Many put their hand on the plow and look back (Luke 9:62), as the Israelites in the wilderness earnestly yearned for Egypt, and Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom. Consider how miserable and foolish they were, greedy for the husks instead of feasting at the king’s table. Even the best of earthly profits and pleasures cannot satisfy us but only give us great vexation and guilty consciences with no true peace or rest. Don’t sell the blessings of the covenant for a mouthful of meat as Esau (Genesis 25:29-34). How bitter he became. Don’t neglect your soul and things above for earthly pleasures; they are nothing better than what God gives to those He hates. See the great things God has done. See the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Forsake worldly profit, honor, and pleasure (Luke 14:33). Instead, intensely seek spiritual and heavenly things. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DbKAsBOiuw 我恨恶以扫 上帝憎恨邪恶。那些祂恨恶的人将受到祂没有怜悯的忿怒和惩罚（何西阿书 9:15，耶利米书 12:8，诗篇 7:11）。 以撒有以扫和雅各两个儿子。以扫轻看恩典之约，为了一点食物出卖了长子的名分（创世记 25:30-34，希伯来书 12:16）。 上帝恨恶以扫，但爱雅各（罗马书 9:13）。然而，以扫比雅各拥有更多的属世财产（创世记 27:39）。 那些上帝恨恶的人，上帝可能赐给他们许多属世的东西——荣誉、权力、宝座、财富和享乐，甚至是最上等的（哈巴谷书 1:15-16，约伯记 21:7，诗篇 73:5）。上帝任凭他们随心所欲。他们在世俗的利益和享乐上花费了无数的时间和精力，虽然没有一样能让他们真正快乐。有一天死亡会夺去他们仅有的一点点，留给他们永恒的诅咒。 上帝所爱的人可能没有那么多的世俗财产，但上帝的提供足以让他们完成通往天堂的旅程。上帝赐给他们无限宝贵的属灵祝福，例如圣洁的爱、属灵的喜乐、平安和天堂的预尝。 许多人为了享受世界而忽略自己的灵魂。当被邀请参加一个盛大的宴会时，许多人为了微不足道的世事而拒绝参加（路加福音 14:15-20）。许多人将永恒的救恩推迟又推辞。许多人手扶着犁向后看（路加福音 9:62），就像旷野中的以色列人渴望回到埃及，又像罗得的妻子回首所多玛一样。想想他们是多么悲惨和愚蠢, 贪婪地咀嚼毫无价值的食物外壳，而不享受王的盛宴大餐。 即使最好的世俗利益和快乐也不能满足我们，反而带来极大的烦恼和内疚，没有真正的平安或休息。不要像以扫那样为一碗红豆汤而出卖盟约的祝福（创世记 25:29-34）。他后来为此变得痛苦无比。不要为了世俗的享受而忽视您的灵魂和天上的事。没有什么属世的东西比那些上帝给祂恨恶之人的东西更好的。 看看上帝所行的大事，看看天国就在眼前。抛弃世俗的利益、尊荣和享乐（路加福音 14:33）。相反地，追求属灵和属天的事。  When God gives you a dream, clearly communicate it to others and enlist them to fulfill it. A lack of communication and cooperation will get us fired. But getting people to work together leads to promotion.
Nehemiah gathered volunteers to work together to build the Jerusalem wall in two months, a task failed by many for decades (Nehemiah 3). Let’s learn from Nehemiah. First, divide the dream into smaller tasks. To make the work manageable, Nehemiah separated the wall into more than twenty sections. He used the existing ten gates as markers, starting from the Sheep Gate and going counter-clockwise. Second, share ownership of the dream with others. Nehemiah always used the word “we.” Ownership increases motivation. He also showed how the dream would benefit others, for example having people build wall next to their own house (v10, 23, 28, and 29). Third, develop a cohesive team to build something bigger than yourself. Nehemiah used the words “next to him/them” 20 times. Typically, two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Jesus had a team, and Paul worked with partners (1 Corinthians 3:9). Strive side-by-side with others to bring glory to God (Philippians 1:27). Fourth, create workgroups around pre-existing relationships. Nehemiah organized workgroups based on priest ministry (v1), geography (v2), family (v3, 12), and profession (v32). There was no mention of any professional builders. Fifth, love your neighbors, but invest more in those who bear more responsibility. Nehemiah didn’t waste time on those refusing to join (v5). He didn’t speculate why. We don’t even know our own motivation, let alone others’. Christ had twelve disciples but focused on Peter, James, and John (Galatians 2:8-9). Sixth, never stop saying “thank you.” Live in gratitude and appreciation (Ephesians 1:16). When you recognize others, be specific with their names and tasks done. Nehemiah mentioned 71 names (Nehemiah 3), even the volunteers’ parents. People love to hear their names, and parents love to be proud of their children. Nehemiah recognized detailed work (v6) and great attitudes (v20). Our work in the Lord is never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are remembered by serving and giving. God rewards by how we serve and give (Proverbs 14:14, 22:9). Work together to bring glory to God and be a great witness to the world. Summarized a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39BbUJDBvyE, starting at 14 minutes. 建立团队，齐心协力 当上帝给我们一个梦想时，我们应该把它清楚地传达给其他人，然后招募他们一起来实现这个梦想。在工作中，缺乏沟通和合作会让我们被解雇，但那些知道如何聚集人一起工作的会得到升迁。 尼希米将志愿者聚集在一起,两个月内重建了耶路撒冷墙，这是一项过去几十年来都失败了的工作（尼希米记 3）。 让我们向尼希米学习这里的功课。 首先，将梦想分解为一个一个小的任务。为了使工作易于管理，尼希米将城墙分成二十多个部分，用现有的十个门作为标记，从羊门开始逆时针方向走。 第二，与他人一起共同拥有这个梦想。尼希米总是使用“我们” 这个词。拥有权增加推动力。他也阐明这个梦想如何使人受益，例如让人建造在自己房子旁边的城墙（10、23、28 和 29 节）。 第三，培养有凝聚力的团队，建立比自己更大的事工。尼希米用了 20 次“在他/他们旁边”这个词。通常两个人比一个人好（传道书4：9-12）。耶稣有自己的团队，保罗与伙伴们一起工作（哥林多前书 3：9）。当并肩努力工作，将荣耀归与上帝（腓立比书 1:27）。 第四，围绕已有的关系建新工作组。 尼希米基于祭司事工（3:1）、地理位置（3:2）、家庭（3:3，12）和职业（3:32)建立不同的工作组。他没有在其中提到任何专业的修建者。 第五，爱你的邻舍，但更多地投资于那些承担更多责任的人。尼希米没有浪费时间在拒绝加入的人身上（3:5）。他没有推测这些人拒绝的原因。我们甚至不知道自己的动机，更不用说其他人的动机了。基督虽然有十二个门徒，但祂专注在彼得、雅各和约翰身上（加拉太书 2：8-9）。 第六，不要停止说“谢谢，” 活在感恩和欣赏中（以弗所书 1:16）。当你表扬他人的成就时，具体说明他们的名字和完成的任务。尼希米提到七十一个名字（尼希米记 3）, 甚至提到志愿者父母的名字。 人喜欢听到自己的名字，父母也喜欢为自己的孩子感到骄傲。尼希米认可细致的工作 (3:6) 和优秀的态度 (3:20)。 在主里的工作永远不是徒然的（哥林多前书 15:58）。 我们的服务和付出将被铭记。上帝因为我们如何服务和付出来奖励我们（箴言 14:14, 22:9）。 让我们共同努力来荣耀上帝，向世人作出伟大的见证。  The spirit of charity is one of humility (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) that:
Christ on earth showed humility. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His behavior should kindle our love for Him; and lead to us following His examples of humble love, and our contempt for all earthly glory (Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16). Carefully examine yourself (Habakkuk 2:4, James 4:6). Our original nature is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9). Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such spirit of charity will lead to getting His rich promises and the crown of glory in heaven. Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88 仁爱和它的果子 仁爱的精髓是谦卑（哥林多前书 13：4-5）：
来到地上的基督表现出谦卑。祂成为人 (尘土中的虫)，像仆人一样生活，存心顺服，以至于死，且死在十字架上（腓立比书 2：6-8）。祂的行为应该点燃我们对祂的爱，使我们效法祂谦卑的爱的榜样, 蔑视一切地上的荣耀（马太福音10:24-25, 20:25-28; 约翰福音13:13-16）。 仔细省察自己（哈巴谷书 2:4, 雅各书 4:6）。人狂妄的本性为神所憎恶和会得到惩罚（提摩太前书 3：6；箴言 16：5, 6：16, 29：23；撒母耳记下 22：28；以赛亚书 23：9）。 认真努力追求谦卑、温柔和仁爱的心（彼得前书 3:4），这是基督的灵在地上的彰显。如此可以得到祂丰富的应许和天上荣耀的冠冕。  We may leave our evil path for awhile. But like a dog returning to its vomit, we tend to return to what was bad for us (Proverbs 26:11).
For awhile, we may become religious: Seek salvation, like Israelites searching for John the Baptist; grieve for our mistakes, like Saul’s bitter weep (1 Samuel 24:17, 26:21) and Ahab’s fasting (1 Kings 21:27); believe in Christ’s words (John 2:23-25); leave everything to follow Christ, like the disciple Judas (Matthew 19:27); or have affection for God, like the Israelites committing to follow God’s command (Matthew 13:20-21; Galatians 4:11, 15-16; Exodus 15:1-19; Deuteronomy 5:27, 29). Like the Israelites, we can experience God’s majesty, as at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16-18, Exodus 32); numerous miracles (Exodus 13:21-22, 16:14-17, 32:8; Joshua 10:13; Luke 16:31); God’s judgment and punishments (Numbers 11:3, 16:41, 16:31, 21:6, 21:1); and God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 32:13-16, Isaiah 26:10). Pain and suffering can bring us to God (Isaiah 1:5, Proverbs 27:22), but after our misery has subsided, our love for God may disappear quickly (Hosea 6:4). We may behave well because of our love for worldly interest, honor, our children etc. But while we may be good in one area, our wickedness shows up in another. Our original nature is corrupt and is the slave of sin (John 8:23, 34; Romans 7:14; Jeremiah 17:9, 13:23). Unless our nature is changed, our resolution to do good is built on sand (Matthew 7:26). We will return to our filth, gratifying our lust (2 Peter 2:20-22). Without a change in nature, there is no sure foundation for our goodness. We may become worse than before (Mark 4:17, 1 John 2:19, Hebrews 10:38, Luke 14:29-30, Ezekiel 18:24). By ourselves, we cannot change our nature (John 3:4). We need God to give us a new heart and make us holy. With our sinful nature changed by God, we will have a new understanding; new conviction; and a new appetite for God’s word and imitating God’s character by doing just and holy things. Summarized from a Jonathan Edwards sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQZosI2QMPI&t=124s 愚昧人重复行愚妄事 人可能暂时离开邪恶的道路, 但就像狗回到呕吐之物一样，他往往倾向于回到对自己不利的状态（箴言 26:11）。 我们在一段时间内可能会有虔诚的表现。我们会像那些去找施洗约翰的以色列人一样寻求救赎； 像扫罗一样为自己的错误悲痛哀哭（撒母耳记上 24:17, 26:21）；又如亚哈一样为罪禁食（列王纪上 21:27）； 也相信基督的话（约翰福音 2:23-25）； 又像使徒犹大一样放下一切跟随基督（马太福音19:27)；或者像以色列人承诺遵守上帝的命令一样热爱上帝（马太福音 13:20-21; 加拉太书 4:11, 15-16；出埃及记 15:1-19; 申命记 5:27, 29）。 像以色列人一样, 我们可以经历过上帝的威严，例如在西奈山（出埃及记 24:16-18, 出埃及记 32）； 也经历过许多神迹（出埃及记 13:21-22, 16:14-17, 32:8；约书亚记 10:13；路加福音 16:31）；又经历过上帝的审判和惩罚（民数记 11:3, 16:41, 16:31, 21:6, 21:1）；并且经历过上帝的赐福 (申命记 32:13-16, 以赛亚书 26:10). 痛苦和折磨可以把我们带到上帝那里（以赛亚书 1:5, 箴言 27:22），但在痛苦平息之后，对上帝的爱可以很快就消失了（何西阿书 6:4）。 因为爱世俗的利益、荣誉和儿女等的缘故，我们可能表现良好。但我们在一个领域可能做得不错，邪恶却会出现在另一个领域上。 我们的本性是败坏的，我们都是罪的奴仆（约翰福音 8:23,34; 罗马书 7:14; 耶利米书 17:9, 13:23）。除非本性改变，人行善的决心是建在沙土之上（马太福音 7:26），他将回归到原本的污秽，满足自己的情欲（彼得后书 2:20-22）。 如果没有本质的改变，我们的善良没有坚定的基础，我们可能会变得比以前更糟（马可福音 4:17, 约翰一书 2:19, 希伯来书 10:38, 路加福音 14:29-30, 以西结书 18:24）。 我们不能靠自己改变本性（约翰福音 3:4），需要上帝赐给一颗新心，使我们成为圣洁。 上帝改变我们的罪性以后，我们将有新的认识、新的信念、和新的对上帝话语的渴慕。我们将有新的热忱，行公义圣洁之事以效法上帝的品格。  God plans (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 14:33) just as He tells us to plan (Proverbs 4:26, 1 Corinthians 14:40). Without planning, we will drift and waste our lives (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Let’s see how Nehemiah made God-inspired plans for a better future: 1. God put an intense desire in Nehemiah’s heart. He prayed for God’s favor and asked for success (Nehemiah 1:4, 11). If we don’t know what to do, ask God what He wants us to do (James 1:5). He will show us. 2. Prepare for an opportunity and wait for the right time. Planning is demanding (Proverbs 13:16). Nehemiah prepared for at least four months before asking the king for help (Nehemiah 2:1). Ask for help (James 4:2). Let others say no. Don't say it for them. 3. Expect and admit fear. For the first time, Nehemiah looked very sad before the king. During his time, causing the king to be upset could lead to death. Nehemiah was very afraid (Nehemiah 2:1-2). Courage is not without fear. Nehemiah admitted his fear, but he didn’t let fear stop him. 4. Make it easy for others to understand you. Nehemiah started wisely by showing his loyalty to the king and appealed to what the king could understand: respect for ancestors (Nehemiah 2:2-4). 5. Set a clear target (Nehemiah 2:5) and act prudently. If we aim at nothing, we hit nothing. Don’t worry if your goal is too high. Let God bail us out. Such goals can honor God. Then act prudently, one step at a time. Haste makes waste. 6. Set a deadline (Nehemiah 2:6). Typically, a goal without a deadline is just an empty wish. 7. Nehemiah anticipated barriers and calculated the cost accordingly (Nehemiah 2:7-8, Proverbs 27:12, Luke 14:27-28). He put together detailed protections and provisions he needed to build. Then he honestly expressed his specific wishes to the king. 8. Trust God to meet our needs, and give God the credit (Nehemiah 2:7-8). Only God could change the king’s heart (Proverbs 21:1). God won’t do what we can do, such as planning and doing what’s under our control. And we can’t do what only God can provide. We should strive to live according to God’s will (James 4:15). And if God doesn’t accomplish our plans (Proverbs 16:1), always trust His love and sovereignty. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85gpbwcvP2U 制定改进生命的计划 正如上帝告诉我们要计划一样（箴言 4:26，哥林多前书 14:40），上帝自己也计划（耶利米书 29:11，哥林多前书 14:33）。如果没有计划，我们就会随波逐流，浪费生命（以弗所书 5：15-17）。 让我们向尼希米学习，从上帝受启发，为更美好的未来制定计划： 1. 神把强烈的渴望放在尼希米的心里。他祈求神的恩惠和计划的成功（尼希米记 1:11）。 如果不知道应做什么，就该问上帝祂的心意如何（雅各书 1:5）。祂会向我们显明。 2. 为未来的机会做准备，等待合适的时间。计划是苛求的（箴言 13:16）。 尼希米准备了至少四个月后才向王寻求帮助（尼希米记 2:1）。 寻求帮助（雅各书 4：2），让别人说不，不要替他们拒绝。 3. 满怀期待并承认恐惧。尼希米起初在国王面前显得非常悲伤。在那时代使国王心烦意乱可能会带来死亡之灾。尼希米非常害怕（尼希米记 2:1-2）。 勇气不是没有恐惧，尼希米承认自己非常害怕, 但没有让恐惧阻止他。 4. 让别人更容易理解你。尼希米明智地先表现出对王的忠诚, 然后从王所能理解的尊重祖先的话题开始陈情（尼希米记 2：2-4）。 5. 设立明确的目标，并谨慎行事（尼希米记 2:5）。如果不瞄准目标，就不能击中。如果目标设定很高，不要担心， 让上帝帮助我们。这样的目标可以荣耀上帝。 当谨慎行事, 一步一步地尝试实现目标。欲速则不达。 6. 设定计划的期限（尼希米记 2:6）。没有截止日期的目标通常只是空洞的愿望。 7. 尼希米的计划预想到可能的障碍，并且计算代价（尼希米记 2：7-8, 箴言 27:12，路加福音 14:27-28）。他详细地制定了为重建城墙所需要的保护和设施, 然后诚实而具体地请求王提供帮助。 8. 相信上帝会满足我们的需要，并将功劳归于上帝（尼希米记 2：7-8）。只有上帝才能改变君王的心（箴21:1）。 上帝不会替我们做我们能做的事（尼希米记 2:5）, 例如制定计划和做自己控制范围内的事情。我们也不能提供只有上帝才能提供的一切。 当努力按照上帝的旨意而活(雅各书 4:15）。如果上帝不完成我们的计划（箴言 16:1）, 也应永远相信祂的慈爱和主权。  Pray continually, keeping a running conversation with God. Tell Him whatever He puts in your mind and do not give up. God likes it (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 1:6).
Follow the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer as you pray throughout the day (Psalm 119:164, Matthew 6:9-13). First thing in the morning, think about our loving and powerful heavenly Father and pray with gratitude (Matthew 6:9, 1 Corinthians 4:7). At breakfast, honor and adore God’s name in prayer (Matthew 6:9, Psalm 145:2). God’s names reflect His character: Abba means loving; El Dia, all-knowing; Jehovah Rapha, healing; El Shaddai, almighty; Jehovah-jireh, provider; Jehovah-shalom, peace; and Jehovah Tsidkenu, provider of our righteousness. Our prayers depend on our knowledge of God. Knowing God more brings us less worry, more confidence, and a better understanding of ourselves (Psalm 9:10). So reflect on God’s attributes. Later in the morning, pray for what matters most: God’s purpose and plan for your life (Matthew 6:10). Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, His plans and purposes. God will provide everything else (Matthew 6:33). At lunch, pray for everything you need for that day (Matthew 6:11), not tomorrow. Experience God daily and trust in His provision. Just ask. Nothing is off-limits. We have not because we ask not. Let God decide whether to give (John 14:13). Also, pray for what others need (1 Samuel 12:23). Trust God and don’t be anxious (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:6-7). By mid-afternoon, it’s likely we have done something wrong. Pray for forgiveness and hold no guilt (Psalm 32:5). Forgive others and give up your resentment (Matthew 6:12). By dinner, especially if we get tired, we make mistakes. Ask God to help you make wise decisions (Matthew 6:13). We cannot prevent bad thoughts, but we shouldn’t entertain them. Avoid watching bad stuff (Psalm 101:3). We can endure and overcome all temptations because God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). By late evening, prayerfully acknowledge that God has all the kingdom, power, and glory (Matthew 6:13). He is in control. He and His family will win in the end. Anyway, pray continually. It even will add hours to our day (Proverbs 10:27). Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDGZZLt_0VE 如何在一天中不住地祷告 不住地祷告，与上帝保持不间断的对话，将祂放在自己心中的一切告诉祂，并且不放弃。 上帝喜欢这样的行为（以弗所书 6:18, 帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:17, 雅各书 1:6）。 按照主祷文的模式全天来祷告（马太福音 6：9-13; 诗篇 119：164）。 早晨的第一件事是思念全能而慈爱的天父, 怀着感恩的心向祂祈祷（马太福音 6:9, 哥林多前书 4:7）。 然后，早餐时在祈祷中尊荣和喜爱上帝的名（马太福音 6：9；诗篇 145：2）。上帝的名反映出祂不同的品格，例如：阿爸的意思是慈爱； 埃尔迪亚, 全知；耶和华拉法, 医治； 伊勒沙代, 全能；耶和华以勒, 供应者；耶和华沙龙, 平安；耶和华齐克努（Tsidkenu）, 我们公义的提供者。 我们的祷告基于对上帝的认识。更多地认识上帝会减少忧虑，增加信心，并加深对自己的了解（诗篇 9:10）。所以，要反省上帝的属性。 在上午稍后，为最重要的事情祷告: 上帝的旨意和祂对我们生命的计划（马太福音 6:10）。 先求祂的国和祂的义, 祂的计划和祂的旨意。上帝会提供其它一切（马太福音 6:33）。 午餐时为今天(而不是明天)所需的一切祷告（马太福音 6:11）。每一天都经历祂，依赖祂的供应。向祂祈求吧，没有什么是不能求的。我们得不到，因为我们没有求。让上帝决定是否给予（约翰福音 14:13）。此外，当为他人的需要祷告（撒母耳记上 12:23）。信赖祂，不要忧虑（彼得后书 1：3；腓立比书 4：6-7）。 到下午中旬之时我们很可能已经做错了事。 祈求上帝赦免，不再有内疚（诗篇 32:5）。也要赦免他人，不再心怀怨恨（马太福音 6:12）。 到晚餐特别是当我们疲倦时，我们就会犯错。此时祈求上帝帮助做出明智的决定（马太福音 6:13）。我们无法阻止坏的思想进入脑海, 但不要让那些东西留在那里享受。避免看邪僻的东西（诗篇 101:3）。我们可以忍受并胜过所有的试探，因为上帝总会提供一条出路（林前 10:13）。 在一天结束时，在祷告中承认上帝拥有一切的国度、权能和荣耀（马太福音 6:13）。祂掌控一切，祂和祂的家最终会获胜。 总而言之，要不住地祷告。这甚至会使我们每天的时间加多（箴言 10:27）。  Every dream needs support. True success is never a one-person show, and every dream will have opposition. Opportunity and opposition go together. Many people oppose change, especially when it threatens their unfair advantages.
Let’s learn how Nehemiah enlisted support for the dream God put in his heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s methods to enlist support:
As we can see, his vision had been transferred to many. "Let us start building,” they said (Nehemiah 2:18). After 90 years of ruin, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days! Don’t worry. Commit your dream to God and trust Him (Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Peter 5:7). Focus on others’ needs. Attempt great things for Him and expect great things from Him. Summary of a sermon by Rick Warren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzVR8-Cvl3M starting at 14 minutes 为梦想争取支持 每一个梦想都需要支持. 真正的成功从来不是一个人可以完成的, 并且每一个梦想都必有人反对。机会和反对并存。很多人反对改变, 尤其是威胁到自己不公平的优势之时。 让我们学习尼希米如何争取支持，完成上帝放在他心中的梦想, 重建耶路撒冷城墙。 尼希米争取支持的方法：
正如我们所看到的，许多人已经接纳了他的梦想说“让我们开始建造吧 （尼希米记 2:18）。”尼希米在52天内重建被毁90年的耶路撒冷城墙。 不要忧虑担心。当倚靠上帝， 将你的梦想交托并信靠祂（诗篇 37:5，箴言 16:3，彼得前书 5:7）。关注他人的需求。为神去尝试伟大的事，从神那里期待伟大的事。  Since John the Baptist, the good news of the kingdom of God has been preached, and many are “forcing their way into it” (Luke 16:16).
John the Baptist was the forerunner, paving the road and preparing the people for Christ (Matthew 4:17, 11:11; Luke 1:17) and for the disciples (Matthew 10:7). Then, like the morning star before the sun, John diminished (John 3:30), and many wanted to enter the kingdom of God, including Pharisees and Sadducees, tax collectors, and soldiers (Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:12-14). The kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing (Matthew 11:12). Many desire to enter the kingdom of God and run away from their misery and from hell (Luke 10:42, Psalm 27:4). Once the opportunity to enter is gone, those remaining will not be spared from God’s wrath. No one can comprehend the power of God’s anger, so press earnestly, firmly, and steadily to try to get in. The path to get in is difficult to find (Matthew 7:14, Luke 13:24). Like searching for the hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:1-5), we must use our utmost energy (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Such desires depend on God giving our hearts the resolution. “To press” implies there will be barriers, opposition, and difficulty along the way. And devils will continue to distract and discourage us. But with God’s given earnest spirit, we can press on (Philippians 3:10-11). Look up to God and repent. God’s mercy is sufficient to enable us to enter His kingdom (Acts 8:22, 2 Timothy 2:25, Jonah 3:8-9). Be willing to sacrifice everything for His kingdom. Crucify our possessions, pride, and worldly wishes for the sake of your soul and salvation (Galatians 5:24; Luke 3:19; Matthew 14:3, 19:16-22). Forget your accomplishments. If we want to reminisce, we should reflect on our past mistakes (Jeremiah 2:23). Forge ahead for our salvation (Philippians 3:13-14). Persevere to the end. Don’t arouse God’s anger (1 Corinthians 10:22, Ezekiel 22:14). Since no one knows when He will return, use this time to press on towards the kingdom of God. A summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylcKyZwiUIo 努力进入神的国 自施洗约翰以来，神国的好消息一直在被传扬，许多人努力要进去（路加福音 16:16）。 施洗约翰是先锋. 他为基督（马太福音 4:17、11:11; 路加福音 1:17）和门徒（马太福音 10:7）铺平道路, 做好准备。然后，约翰就像太阳出来之前的晨星一样消失了（约翰福音 3:30），而许多人因为他的事工想要进入神的国，包括法利赛人、撒都该人、税吏和士兵（马太福音 3:7，路加福音 3:12-14）。上帝的国一直在大力地推进（马太福音 11:12）。 许多人迫切渴望进入上帝的国，逃离苦难和地狱（路加福音 10:42，诗篇 27:4）。因为一旦进去的机会消失，剩下的人不会免于上帝的忿怒。没有人理解上帝愤怒的力量。所以要认真、坚定、稳定地努力进去。 进上帝之国的路很难找（马太福音7:14，路加福音13:24）. 要用最大的力量去寻找（传道书 9:10）像在搜索隐藏的宝藏（箴言 2:1-5）一样。 只有上帝将决心赐下，才会有这样的渴望。 努力意味着一路上定会有障碍、反对和困难。魔鬼会继续阻碍和分散我们的注意力。但凭着上帝所赐的恳切精神，要奋力前行（腓立比书 3:10-11）。 仰望上帝并悔改，祂的怜悯足以使我们进入上帝的国（使徒行传 8:22、2 提摩太后书 2:25、约拿书 3:8-9）。 要愿意为上帝的国牺牲一切。为了灵魂和救恩，将个人的财产、今生的骄傲、世俗的愿望都钉在十字架上（加拉太书 5:24; 路加福音 3:19; 马太福音 14:3，19:16-22）。 忘记过去的成就。如果我们想回忆往事，请记住过去的错误（耶利米书 2:23）。为了救恩向前迈进（腓立比书 3:13-14）。 竭尽全力坚持到底。 不要惹怒上帝（哥林多前书 10:22，以西结书 22:14）。 无人知道主何时再来，那就趁着今天向上帝的国度奋进吧。 |