2 Corinthians 12:6

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.

(v6, NIV)

Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

(v6, ESV)

For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

(v6, NASB)

If Paul were to boast, he would actually look good in foolish eyes. He would be able to puff himself up with things other people view as worthy of boasting. Paul has many things he could easily boast about. Also, sometimes when you boast about something, people do not believe you at first; especially the more spectacular the thing is that you are boasting in. He would not be a fool because he would be boasting about things that are true. Unfortunately, some people who boast are boasting in untrue things. Sometimes people will recount certain stories and exaggerate certain details. However, if you're caught in your exaggeration or lying, you look foolish. Paul would not because Paul would boast in things that actually happened.

As Paul has mentioned before, he will keep from boasting. This is so that nobody will think more of him, or "credit" as the NASB version says. When we boast about ourselves, we are elevating ourselves. If there are levels to represent what you are, the level others see you at is being raised when you boast about yourself. Notice that your actual level does not raise but your perceived level raises. Paul doesn't want that. Paul wants them to see him for who he is, not for an augmented picture of himself. He doesn't want to hide behind a mask and pretend to be someone he's not. He wants his actions and words to speak for themselves.

Deception

Today I miss my devotion time because I didn't get enough sleep, so I slept in. I am starting to see the difficulties where keeping up in my relationships in Christ and even in my studies, but through God's grace he helps us even when I don't realizes.

Well today I could done homework but I instead I ended up going out with friends knowing tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I came back and are dorm was having a devotional meeting and we were studying in 1 peter, like I am. And through this devotion I learn deception that is from Satan.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1peter 1:13

This challenge me. how often deception seeks by other things in life even our sins. Sometimes we go back to visit our sins because a sense of weakness in us and yea we are sinful people but through Christ there is victory. because of the cross Satan is defeated and sin is defeated. Never second guess and sometimes that the problem. I often think well I will eventually get to have victory over my sins. But the truth is that victory starts NOW because of Grace and what he done already.
I ask myself a question after this devotion what escapes my awareness what are things in my environment I am use to and don't notice, my default setting. Because the everyday life can be a deception and we can miss breathing and living the abundant life in Christ.

'I have come to give life and give it to the fullest'

2 Corinthians 12:2-5

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.

(v2-5, NIV)

Paul begins to tell about a revelation 14 years ago. It almost seems weird that Paul is bringing this up. He simply says and nothing more. It's almost like he's putting it out there to say it is something he could lengthen on about puffing himself up, but he does not. A revelation like this is quite amazing and probably something people would agree is worthy of boasting about.

Paul is now going to move towards boasting about his weakness. He won't boast about this revelation, but he will boast about his weakness. His opponents must think this to be counter-intuitive or an oxymoron. How can you boast about your weakness? That isn't something people boast about. Superman doesn't go around telling everyone what kryptonite does to him, he hides that fact. Most people don't go around telling everybody about things they're ashamed of in their lives. But as we'll see, it is something worthy of boasting in.

Bible Memorizing -- No More Fishing on My Own

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense"

(Proverbs 19:11)

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

(Philippians 2:4)

Matthew 5 -- Take Initiative to Restoring Relationships

"If you enter your place of worship and are about to make an offering, but you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God"

(Matthew 5:23-24 Msg)

In life, two person starts a relationship because of coincidence, but yet it could be easily destroyed because of knowing too much of each other.

It is so easy to just give up the relationship and move on someone else when you have a conflict with someone, but the bible doesn't teach us that way.

Oh Lord, I am seeking your wisdom. I pray you will review the way to me slowly, and during the process both of us will learn something from You. I really don't know what to do at this moment.

2 Corinthians 12:1

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 12:1, ESV)

Paul is going to continue boasting. But it is somewhat confusing as to why there is nothing to be gained by it. Or rather, why would he continue if there is nothing to be gained by it?

For the Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

(1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

He says it himself that God's kingdom is in power and not talk. His talking doesn't really mean anything in a sense. We can talk about all sorts of things, but it doesn't really matter until we actually do those things we talk about, or those things come to pass. But I guess for now, he is doing what he can through this letter.

This boasting continues to show me that Paul is willing to sink to their level in order to somehow appease them through means they can understand.

What do you live 4

A question arose from me, more of a reminder for me. Sometimes the most basics important things we should know in life as Christian is hardest to do. But I know with God's strength even the impossible can b e made probable.
What I was reminded: As the Scriptures say,

“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
But the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 peter 24:25

What do you live 4? Everything we are in this world will fade what is the eternal thing that will last forever through scripture ?

2 Corinthians 11:30-33

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

(v30, NIV)

This is completely weird. Who the heck boasts about their weakness? People boast about all sorts of things, but never about their weakness. Weaknesses do not make you look good or anything. It's not a means of showing pride in. Yet, it's almost like Paul takes pride in it.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

So there is reason to boast in weakness. Paul is reassured of his weakness. However, I don't want to go too much into it. I'll get there soon enough.

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.

(v31, NIV)

People may not have believed Paul. The things he is saying are hard to believe. Whether it is his credentials, or the gospel they have turned away from, or his love for them, or even his claim to boast in his weakness, they have a hard time believing Paul. However, he asserts to them that God supports his claims. God's lie detector does not reveal any lies.

2 Corinthians 11:16-29

I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face.

(v16-20, NIV)

Boasting in yourself is wrong for the most part. This is because boasting in yourself is used to elevate yourself as the end goal. However, in this section, Paul is speaking as a fool in order to try and speak on the level of a fool. Since some of those at the Corinthian church have turned away to false gospels, they have become fools. Paul doesn't want to do this, but he is doing this in order to show them that even in their foolish way of thinking, Paul is superior to those they are following.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

(1 Corinthians 9:19-23, NIV)

Paul is becoming like those he is preaching to. In the same way he talks about becoming like a Jew to the Jews in 1 Corinthians 9:12-23, he is becoming like a fool to those at the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 11. In this case, his target audience is turning to false apostles. This turning reveals their foolishness. Paul is becoming a fool in order to reach out to them in a sense. He is trying to speak on their terms for them to understand. Sometimes we need to become like the people we are reaching out to. However, we should not sin in the process.

From verses 21 to 29 Paul lists out a bunch of his credentials. He is showing the ways he is superior to those other false apostles.

though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

(Philippians 3:4-6, NIV)

Similarly, in Philippians, Paul lays out his credentials. However, in Philippians, he is laying out his credentials that would be highly viewed by Jews. To the Jew, he becomes a Jew.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

(v13-15, NIV)

These people who were presenting a different gospel from Paul are false prophets. These people preach something different from the Word of God. We should know that God's word is where we learn about this truth. However, some of them even twist scripture for their own purposes. Similarly, Satan pretends to be a good guy. All these are hard to tell because they don't go up to you telling you flat out that they're deceiving you. If they did that, they wouldn't be deceiving you. It makes me think of two similar things.

Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'

" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.

"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "

(Matthew 13:24-30, NIV)

In here, those who are weeds are sown among those who are wheat. It is difficult to tell wheat from the weeds until after they are ready to be harvested. In the same way, you can't tell who will be saved from those who won't be saved right away. Only time will tell.

The other thing the passage made me think of was an analogy given by Pastor Jim Chen a while back. In his sermon I remember him talking about the narrow path and the wide path.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

(Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

A picture depicted two doors. One was small and one was large. The small one was labelled heaven, going along with the analogy of the wide and narrow path. However, the large door was also labelled heaven. This is because even though it is the path leading to destruction, it's not simply labelled "hell". What I mean to say is that Satan and the false prophets come as the "good guys". They don't come waving the flag telling you who they are. They are deceiving you and it is hard to tell that they are deceivers. However, they will get what they deserve in the end.

1 Peter 1:1-12

I nearly forgot today to write on my blog!

i am starting a new series on 1 peter. looking at the themes I find that peter talks a lot about suffering and persecution/trials and continuing to live in God grace. Especially since I am going to be encountering a lot of trials and I have.

Reading just 12 verses is like a lot to take in. promises and encouragement to continue.

Through Christ death and resurrection we have the privilege under God's grace living in a new life with this inheritance of salvation. Though through many harsh trials we under go we are like being tested and refined, like gold that is being refined. We should never give up where/what God desires us to be and where the spirit is moving because even the angels wants to know this!

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

Leviticus -- Answering the Call...from Your Roots

"If you sell land to one of your countrymen or buy any from him, do not take advantage of each other."

(Leviticus 25:14)

What happen if we don't follow the biblical way?

"If in spite of this you still do not listen to me but continue to be hostile toward me, then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over...."

(Leviticus 26:27)

Is it simislar to our American way of life?

"But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers...when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant...the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD."

(Leviticus 26:40-45)

While reading Leviticus, it recalls a artical below that was shared by my father.

----------------------------------------------------

Answering the Call...
...from Your Roots

On Sunday evening, Os Guinness opens the 30^thAnnual FCCI International Conference. He’ll be reminding us that our “Call” to business is just as valuable in God’s eyes and plan as any other “call” to others in the Body of Christ. Hearing that message about 15 years ago changed my life, but now a question related to his newest message seems to be taking that change to yet another level.

As Os introduced his incredibly timely book, The Case for Civility: and Why Our Future Depends on It, he outlined three mega-questions that will have inestimable impact on our world in the years to come.

Question 1: Will Islam modernize peacefully?

Question 2: What belief system will replace Marxism in China?

Both of these beg to be unpacked … at least a little … and I’m sure Os will do some of that at the Conference, but it’s the 3^rd question that most challenges me. It may also hold the most potential to engage all of us in the business world – especially in the Western business world.

Question 3...
>>>Click here to read this article.

Jeremiah 52. Historically speaking

I getting to the point in my devotion where its a challenge to keep my devotion consistently. There many frustrations in life that brings me down but I come once again by His grace to remember to think clearly for why I doing the things I doing. To grow intimately closer to Him and live out his will.
This is the last chapter of Jeremiah. I find more as a history then anything else. Here this proves already the result of Jeremiahs prophecies how Israel was taken into captivity. Though it just history I find there something that speaks to us. History teaches us a great deal of who we are as Human beings and who God is in the mist. I think the more I see what we did as a Human being I see God's goodness. It confirms me To see a Wrathful loving and faithful God at the same time, who knows when to act and is not ignorance of everything but doing something in mist were not aware of. bring us judgment and peace love and understanding. I don't know there just something about history that we cant regard them as only facts but something more.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

(2 Corinthians 12:8-9, NIV)

As I was reading ahead I came across these verses. I just want to go over them briefly for now. How utterly sweet are his words? How awesome is the word of God. In this section you can tell Paul's overpowering worry and anxiety over this weakness. Maybe worry or anxiety isn't the right words, but there is a strong desire for him to be rid of this thorn in the flesh. Now God could have just said "yes", or he could have just said "no". God would still be God. But how sweet are his words. How loving he is when he says "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (9, NIV). It reminds me of times in my life when I am battling over something I want rid in my life. Now, I should desire to rid myself of it and you should simply keep it. However, though you still struggle with this weakness of yours, look to comforting words from God.

Exodus -- "I Am Who I Am"

Very often, we have a desire to make a different. We want to change the situation. We want to change the cultures. We want to change people's heart. Our desires leads us into action. But without a right source of power and wisdom, things will not be working probably, and only leads into frustrations.

I ask myself, who am I to make the change? Who am I to change people's heart? Without God's mercy, I cannot even change my own heart.

"The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?"

(Exodus 4:11)

God is the one who make the change. Let God be God, and let human be human. We do our best, and God takes care the rest. Humbly seek and you will find.

2 Corinthians 11:1-12

I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that.

(v1, NIV)

This is in light of boasting that he will do soon. This seems contrary to his previous statements about boasting in God.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV)

But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(2 Corinthians 10:17, NIV)

However, when encouraging others to boast in the Lord, he is often contrasting those who boast in themselves for selfish reasons. Those people may wish to take pride in themselves as the end result. They may take pleasure in belittling of others. However, Paul's purpose is ultimately for God as we'll probably see when we get to those verses.

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.

(v2, NIV)

The picture presented is of those at the Corinthian church as the bride and Jesus is the groom. This picture is used in other places in the bible as well.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

(Ephesians 5:25-32, NIV)

This picture of Christ and the church is a similar picture. The picture painted in verse 2 is similar to the way the husband instructed in Ephesians is to cleanse his wife.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

(v3-4, NIV)

Unfortunately, they are falling away. Paul is worried about this and does not want that to happen. For some reason, they are buying into these false gospels.

But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

(v5-6, NIV)

This somewhat leads into Paul's boasting. Some of them may have thought that Paul was inferior to these other people. Because he seemed inferior, that may be why they were so easily swayed by their smooth talking. Paul does not have the gift of gab, but he has the knowledge given to him by God. We know from the beginning of 1 Corinthians that God's wisdom trump's man's wisdom in everything.

Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

(v7-9, NIV)

Clearly, when Paul offered the gospel free of charge, he was not doing something wrong. This leads me to think that the false prophets preaching a false gospel may have charged them for the what they were preaching. Some of them may have been deceived into thinking that since it costed more than the free gospel Paul preached, it must have been superior. He doesn't want to hinder those he is preaching the gospel to. He doesn't want that to come in the way of the work of the gospel. In addition, it is his joy and desire to do so.

What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

(1 Corinthians 9:18, NIV)

As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.

(v10-12, NIV)

Paul's actions may have come into question. It may seem weird that they could perceive Paul as being unloving. I guess they were just really deceived. Paul is continuing in his fight to keep those deceivers from deceiving those at the Corinthian church. He wants them to realize, but it's hard to realize you're being deceived when you're being deceived. Even when you're being deceived you can still fall into the trap.

Studies and spiritual life

I had an interesting chapel this morning. the speaker told us an interesting polls. He said that most people desire to go to Bible college is simply draw closely to God. But the polls shows that most student coming out of bible college actual grew more distance from God.
maybe it the going to chapel everyday causing apathy. or maybe it the all the studying about God and such, if I study about God all day then who cares about my spiritual life. Or even the opposite Try striving for spiritual life but fail in studies and that puts you in a rough situation.
I idea behind this is that your studies, secular or not is infused in your spiritual life. According to Warfield a brilliant theologian and professor at Princeton long time ago challenge us that our studies is our worship and at the same time our devotion is to our worship. You cannot have one with out the other.
So the challenge is how does your worship looks like in your life?

some practical tips:
-set apart study with prayers>where can God take you in your studies?
-return to Him along the way>after a hard days work come back to Him
-rest him when things get out of hand
-Come with a sense of humility humbleness that you don't everything
-your GPA don't give you the right to say your are more spiritual or better

Job -- He Gives and Take Away

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised."

(Job 1:21)

2 Corinthians 10:13-17

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you.

(v13, NIV)

As mentioned before, we are to boast in God. However, there are limitations in boasting about God. Clearly God is the one we are to boast in, but there are ways we shouldn't boast in Him. These limits are according to God's assigning. I shouldn't simply go around boasting that God is bringing many people to repentance in Australia. That may be true, but I don't know that and it's not the field God has assigned to me.

Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory.

(v15-16, NIV)

The goal is for the faith of those at the Corinthian church to grow. Our boast in the field God has assigned to us is not meant to elevate ourselves, but instead to elevate others. In this way the hope is to encourage and edify others. In the growth of their faith, hopefully the gospel is preached to more places as a result. Those who are growing will preach to others.

But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(v17, NIV)

Verse 17 is similar to 1 Corinthians 1:31. This is such an awesome and bold statement.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

(v18, NIV)

It doesn't really matter if I go around telling others how great I am. This form of priding me to others is silly and not beneficial. You also have less credibility if you're simply advocating yourself in some manner. However, it does matter and is of great importance if God commends you. This is in direct contrast to those who measure themselves against other people in order to commend themselves. If we are doing God's will and God's instruction, it is far better than any boasting we do of ourselves.

2 Corinthians 10:12

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

(v12, NIV)

There are many people who compare themselves with others. In fact, I do it all the time and I shouldn't. We compare to see who's better in a way of priding ourselves so we can boast. We should know that it is wrong to do so. The people who do that are unwise. This way of measuring can also produce in us a false sense of security. For example, you might do something bad like steal a candy bar from the store. However, in comparing yourself to a convict who got caught robbing a bank you consider yourself better than him. In this comparison you may begin to think that it's okay to steal the candy bar since you're not robbing a bank. We know that we are to compare ourselves to God. He is the one true standard that we could never measure up to and in doing so we realize the error in our ways. Does comparing to others produce anything good? More specifically, does comparing like these people who try to "commend themselves" (v12, NIV) benefit us? They are boasting in themselves which will eventually lead to a letdown. Sooner or later you'll become ashamed of your boasting. In addition, this pride that stirs in you is wrong and will lead you astray. Don't boast in yourself. Boast in God.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV)

Genesis 12-22 -- ``On the Mountain of the LORD It Will Be Provided``

In the life story of Abram, we can review a fews charterers of God, and a few ways how God teaches us.

Abram was a man who had no child even in his 75 years old life, but God still promises Him that "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them....So shall your offspring be." (Genesis 15:4) To Abram, it must be something that really hard to believe, but he believed in the Lord anyways.

In Chapter 22, finally Abram got his son, Isaac, his only son. But God told him "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2). To Abram, it must be something hard to obey, but he listened to the Lord anyways.

When he was about to kill his son, Isaac, the angle of the Lord called out "Do not lay a hand on the boy," (Genesis 22:12), instead, he told a ram to be the burnt offering to the Lord.

The angle follows, “Now I know that you fear God...I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore... because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22:15-18)

If we look at Abram’s life and his faith to God, we know that he was a person who listened, obeyed, and believed in the Lord, even though it was something that out of our human capacity to understand.

The question is that, do we have such a faith to God as Abram?! We often want to see the whole picture and then we are willing to commit to God. But this perhaps is not the way how God want to review things to us. God wants us to obey Him. And as a human, we need to humble ourselves and admit our limitation, and priase our Almighty God.

In Abram`s story, one God`s charterers is reviewed, which is God is faithful. “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability" (1 Corinthians 10:13). God tested Abram based on his great faith to God, and He is faithful because He DOES fulfill His promise to Abram later on. (Genesis 22:22-24).

“On the Mountain of the LORD It Will Be Provided” (Genesis 22:14). This means that if you believe in Him, you are on the mountain of the Lord. And if you are on the mountain of the Lord, you will be provided!!! This is His promise to us.

"Sometimes you don't need to see the road lies ahead of you, you only need to see the step ahead of you. That's all you need, for now."

2 Corinthians 10:1-11

By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

(v1-2, NIV)

Though Paul seemed very bold in his writings to them, by comparison he seemed timid when he was with them. He is asking them to remove this charge from them. He does not want to have to prove himself, even though he can prove himself. What's interesting is that this boldness he expects to direct towards certain people regardless. Those people are the ones who think that Paul is living by the standards of this world.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

(v3-6, NIV)

Paul is describing the differences between him and the fleshly. This is the difference between the followers of Christ as those who live by the standards of this world. There is a clear difference and the weapons of the followers of Christ seem more fierce and scary. If they are charging Paul to prove himself to them, they are also asking Paul to use his weapons which are given to him by God and wielded through the power of God. These accusations are not only towards Paul, but "against the knowledge of God" (v5, NIV). Paul will not stand for an accusation against God and if they do not retract their accusation he will be forced to take action.

You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.

(v7-8, NIV)

It may seem on the surface that Paul is bold in his writing but timid when present with them. However, this is not the case. They are only looking on the surface and so they cannot see the truth. His boast is not something he is ashamed of. This boast is in the Lord. We should never be ashamed of boasting in the Lord. How or why would you ever be ashamed for any boast? In a sermon by John Piper, he describes a few different situations where you would be ashamed of boasting. One was about a kid who boasts he can outrun the new skinny kid in the neighbourhood. However, when they actually race, the new skinny kid ends up beating him. In another example, one kid knows that another kid at school has a father who's in jail. So he makes fun of the other kid and his dad and brags about how his father is respectable and honest and would never go to jail. However, one day he comes home to find that his dad has been accused of embezzling money. There were other stories, but I think you get the idea. So, with that in mind, how do you avoid being ashamed? You can have an honest dad, or you can have strong enough legs so you can beat the skinny kid in a race. Another way is that you can keep your mouth shut and not brag. I can't remember what else John Piper said, but God is not like us humans. Humans can sin and we let each other down all the time. If you are a follower of Christ, can you name one time where God let you down? I can understand that some of you may possibly think of one. However, I believe that it may seem like that through our narrow perspective. I find that whenever I feel let down by God, sooner or later I look back and am that much more strengthened in my faith by Him. I just couldn't see it at the time.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

(Romans 8:28-29, NIV)

Do noT give up on the LORD

There are days when we have like the world comes against us and never get thing right. I am talking abut does dark days when things don't go you way and it can sometimes feel Satan is is winning. But take heart and trust in the LORD for he has not given up on you. most of the times we given up on him.
Israel have gone a long way in Jeremiah and at their pivotal point they give up because the been capture by the Babylonians. But the LORD said

"In those days, at that time,"
declares the LORD,
"the people of Israel and the people of Judah together
will go in tears to seek the LORD their God.

They will ask the way to Zion
and turn their faces toward it.
They will come and bind themselves to the LORD
in an everlasting covenant
that will not be forgotten.

My people have been lost sheep;
their shepherds have led them astray
and caused them to roam on the mountains.
They wandered over mountain and hill
and forgot their own resting place.

Whoever found them devoured them;
their enemies said, 'We are not guilty,
for they sinned against the LORD, their true pasture,
the LORD, the hope of their fathers.'

Jeremiah 50:4-7

The question we have to ask ourselves "Have we given up the LORD?" because he has never given up on you.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

(v6, NIV)

To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

(Newton's third law simplified)

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of energy in equals energy out. Regardless, what you put in is what you get. I am very lazy, and with that mentality, lazy people often think they can get the same or even more out of something by putting less into it. Somehow by doing less work they can still get the same results or even better results. Verse six is not exactly the same thing, but its close.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

(v7, NIV)

Again there is this idea that you should not give because of obligation. The willingness that is decided in your heart is what is required. "for God loves a cheerful giver." (v7, NIV).

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

(v8, NIV)

I guess this is the verse the song God is Able is based upon. The "way things work out" and is not governed by simply the way things work. God is the Lord and creator of this universe. It's not simply how it works but God who makes it work.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven

(Hebrews 1:1-3, NIV)

The entire universe created by God is sustained by Jesus. The spinning and swirling planets and stars are all kept going and in motion because of Jesus. God is able, and he is the one who ensures that what you put in is what you get out. In addition, he is able to sustain you. God gives you everything that you need to abound in every good work. So for those who are reluctant to give because of what little they have, they should know that God will provide for them.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

(v10-11, NIV)

Not only will God provide what you need, but the supply of your necessities will increase. Now some may teach that God will make you rich with money. I believe God can do that and that he does do that sometimes. However, this isn't the "one size fits all" rule. To teach this prosperity gospel is an injustice to God and his Word. God will increase your store of seed, but he doesn't always increase your supply of money. Regardless, your supply will be replenished by God allowing you to continue to give generously.

This becomes hard to read and interpret. It can easily be read as the prosperity gospel and I am afraid of possibly misleading others. Clearly, those living in poverty, who are faithful followers of Jesus do not all of a sudden become rich because of their faith. That can and does happen, but it doesn't happen for everyone. The fact remains that their generous giving will continue to be resupplied and increase. The truth and heart of these verses are not whether you will become rich with money or not. The message and result of reading this is to give generously with a joyful heart and not worry about running out of what you are giving.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

(v12-15, NIV)

Giving doesn't only result in their supply of the physical things you give them. Your act of giving results in their expressions of thanks to God. People are often wondering what is the best deal to get the most "bang for their buck". Here it is. Give generously and the recipients will receive the things you are giving them and their thanksgiving to God will increase.

This giving is a result of God's surpassing grace upon you. God is the one who allows you to give generously. All we have is God's, so we should treat it as God's.

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

(v1-2, NIV)

Paul doesn't even need to tell them about this. He already has confidence in them that they will follow through. Paul has even been boasting about them.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.

(v3, NIV)

Paul has been going on boasting about them. However, they have yet to prove themselves in this matter. They still have yet to give generously as Paul has boasted. He has confidence in them, but the fact remains that they still haven't fully proven themselves. The boasting is really quite empty if the person you're boasting about hasn't proven themselves yet. You can boast about some friend of yours who can do something really amazing like spit a seed a distance of 10 meters. They may believe you or they may not. But if you keep on boasting about it for a long time, sooner or later, they'll want to see it. So, Paul is hoping to give them a chance to give sooner rather than later.

For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

(v4-5, NIV)

Paul might even become ashamed of them if they don't follow through. However, they will be given the opportunity and hopefully Paul's boasting was not an empty one.

The point is also made about not giving grudgingly. The gift should be given joyfully like the Macedonians (2 Cor 8:2).

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

(v5, ESV)

The notes in my bible say this about the word "exaction" in verse 5: "Or a gift expecting something in return; Greek greed". Not only should they give joyfully, but part of proper giving means not expecting anything in return. If you did expect something in return, you're not actually giving. If you expect something in return, it becomes a payment. Therefore, it can no longer be a gift or something given.

What have we become?

*Read carefully

¹ Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

² Why do the nations say,
"Where is their God?"

³ Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.

⁴ But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.

⁵ They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;

⁶ they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;

⁷ they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.

⁸ Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

Psalm 115:1-8

That is who we are.....

Genesis 9: The Covenant Under the Rainbow

Isn't it beautiful to be protected under the light of the rainbow?

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9: 12-16

God promise men that "Never again will be a flood to destroy the earth". And now, "as for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it." (verse 7) The covenant of rainbow shows God is righteous, but also mercy and kind. He grieved in what we have done, but it is just because He loves us so much.

"The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain" Genesis 6: 6

Every heavy rain fall cleanses dirt away, and the rainbow appears to remind us that there is a new beginning have began again.

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Paul is sending Titus to them. Along with Titus are also two others.

I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.

(v16, NIV)

As much as Paul has encouraged them and talked about desires and concerns, it is God who ignites in us those concerns. God put those concerns into Titus' heart. It may be easy to take credit for that and take pride in it. We fool ourselves all the time with belief in our own efforts. Don't kid yourself; attribute to God what is God's.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV)

For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.

(v2, NIV)

Those at the Corinthian church may not be so happy to have someone coming to them against their own will. However, in the same way that those at the Macedonian church joyfully gave, Titus is acting on his own initiative instead of obligation. He wants to go to Corinth and isn't just doing it because Paul is sending him.

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

(v20-21, NIV)

Now Paul is anticipating some criticism for his actions. He is trying to avoid this criticism. He isn't trying to hide from anybody and he isn't ashamed of what he's doing. He's telling them clearly of his actions and intentions. He is avoiding criticism because it is in line with what he thinks is the right thing to do. There are many times where it's not obvious what the right thing to do is. I hope that you all agree that the right thing always agrees with what is right in the eyes of the Lord. However, it seems somewhat odd that the right thing also has to do with the eyes of men. The way Paul says it, it seems to first imply that what is right in the eyes of the Lord is his first and foremost reasoning for what he defines as "honourable". In ESV the word is "honourable". It's assumed that the right thing is the thing that is honourable in the eyes of the Lord. However, Paul is going beyond to not only do what is right in God's eyes, but also what is right in the eyes of men. That's not wrong as long as you're within the bounds of what is right in God's eyes.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

(v1-4, NIV)

Paul begins to tell those at the Corinthian church about the Macedonian church. Those at the Macedonian church were giving generously even though they were poor and facing "a severe test of affliction" (v2, ESV). Their generosity is characterized by their overflowing joy and extreme poverty. Generous giving isn't about the absolute amount given. Rather, it is generous if you gave out of poverty. This means that a person who barely had enough for himself or maybe did not even have enough for himself still gave out of what little he had. Often times we think that we are generous when we are giving a little out of our vast wealth. These people didn't even have that much for themselves and they still gave. What's also important is that they gave joyfully. Can you imagine if they didn't even want to give, but they gave anyway? Maybe they felt forced to give or obligated somehow. If someone gave something to you but you knew they didn't want to or weren't happy about it, it's a little sad. You might not even want what the person is giving to you just because their heart isn't in it.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

(v5, NIV)

Their giving is first to the Lord. This could mean they gave their proper 10% tithe first. It could also mean that they simply served in their capacity towards the Lord in whatever they were committed to at the time. It could mean other specific things too. Regardless, their priorities are first and foremost to God. Their giving was in line with God's will.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

(v8-9, NIV)

Paul is encouraging those at the Corinthian church to give like those at the Macedonian Church. Jesus is our model. Jesus became poor for us. In the same way, we should be willing to become poor for the sake of others. We are also made rich because of Jesus. However, this is not necessarily rich with money. No, we are rich with this saving grace. We now have an opportunity to be called righteous through Jesus' sacrifice.

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

(v11-12, NIV)

They have the desire, so they should just go ahead and follow through. It doesn't matter whether they have very little; they can still follow through with their willingness using what little they have. It's sad to hear when people use their inexperience as an excuse not to serve or do something. To a certain extent it is a worthy notion, but it only leads me to question their willingness. If they truly desire to follow through with whatever it is, their inabilities should not keep them from following through with their willingness. You can give what you have. You can eve work on what you lack. Don't make excuses; follow through with your willingness.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

(v13-15, NIV)

Now in giving the benefit goes both ways. It's not simply that something is taken away from the giver in order to help the recipient. In addition to that, the giver receives something from the recipient. The benefit goes both ways.

Genesis 4 -- Why we get frustrated on doing right?

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:6-7

The first sin after Adam and Eve got kicked out from the gardens was Cain who killed his brother Abel because he was jealous to the Lord that He didn’t not look at his favour of offering.

I started to wonder, if the Lord was “smart” enough, why didn’t He looked at both Cain and Abel, so that Cain won’t be jealous. Why He did so? What message He is trying to give?

Sometimes, you might have done a lot of things that are not recognized by other people, and even sometimes you might FEEL that God seems doesn’t recognized your work as well. But God told us that we shouldn’t look for recognition. We shouldn’t be angry or frustrated. If you do what is right, you will be accepted! Getting recognized OR seeing the result of the work is NOT the end goal of work, but this is what we supposed to do, because this is the consequences of sin. But through doing, we will see and experience God.

We also need to have a expectation that we WILL get frustrated, because this is how sin work. Sin desires to have you, but we MUST master it.

"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability" 1 Corinthians 10:13

Happy 100 Posted day!!

WOHO. We have reached the 100 posts on Draw Me Close To You blog. May God continue guide our life, and through daily devotion we will learn more about Him every day.

You guys are such an encouragement to me =)

more than prophecies

There not much new insight I can offer in my devotions on Jeremiah 48-49 but other that it is about Philistines and Moab destruction. But I think there something to it behind Jeremiah's prophecies, something that hold true. If compare ourselves to all the destruction that was listed upon the philistines and Moab, there is some kind of truth about us. We are no different them them the only different is that we receive pardon from Christ. Even at that, we still put a mockery on What Christ has done but living our lives base upon the desire of our sinful hearts. This is what prophecies are like they bring us back to reality sense that we ought to remember better that God is God and were not. As simple as it sounds and truthful it may sound in the end we are nothing like human beings who always forgets.

2 Samuel 11 and 1 Corinthians 10:13

I was listening to a sermon about David and Bathsheba. I'm just going to assume that you all know the story. The story is found in 2 Samuel 11.

The point that struck me was that you shouldn't let your emotions guide you. Now I've heard that before and know it to be true. However, for some reason, I've only limited my focus for that teaching to relationships. It made me think of how easily we are swayed to sin by our feelings. Our sinful desires think selfishly only of temporary pleasures. When we in the heat of the moment give in to that, we are allowing it to control us.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

(1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

Now, I'm not saying that we can defeat sin on our own. We can't defeat sin by ourselves. Fortunately, as far as everyday temptation goes, God does not let us to be tempted beyond our ability. He knows how much we can handle. Furthermore, he provides the way of escape. You will never be backed into a corner that you cannot get out from.

1 Peter 1:13-21 -- Hope

Hope comes from God.

Change comes from God.

Wisdom comes from God.

Salvation comes from God.

For God is good, ALL the time.

Cardboard Testimonies, saw this from Step's blog = awesome:

In hard times praise the LORD

"Do not fear, O Jacob my servant;
do not be dismayed, O Israel.
I will surely save you out of a distant place,
your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security,
and no one will make him afraid.

Do not fear, O Jacob my servant,
for I am with you," declares the LORD.
"Though I completely destroy all the nations
among which I scatter you,
I will not completely destroy you.
I will discipline you but only with justice;
I will not let you go entirely unpunished." Jeremiah 46:27-28

It another day. like others days like these can like walking to the unknown. and where u step in the cracks can take a beating on you. But in ever circumstance praise the Lord for he is our peace and lifts us off the ground. He discipline us by his justice. he shows compassion when we don' t deserved it. Ask our selves what do we deserved to come in to presence? This is a God who bigger than you can imagine. A God where even words can described him. Will we forget about him?

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

(v2-4, NIV)

Paul has them in his heart and acts accordingly. He now encourages them to have him in their hearts. "We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one." (v2, NIV) may have been said in anticipation of the hesitation to make room in their hearts for Paul. Paul is assuring them that he is not trying to trick them. He is not trying to guilt them into doing so either.

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.

(v8-9, NIV)

Paul's letter may have caused them grief. However, their grief has led to their repentance. They felt bad and because of that they repented of their wrongdoing.

The problem isn't getting them saved, it's getting them lost

(John Piper quoting his dad)

I heard that in a sermon. It's true. If you're taking a road trip to Ottawa and you accidentally take a wrong turn, you are heading in the wrong direction. However, if you don't realize it, you won't even think of asking for directions to get back on track. So, you have to realize you're lost even before you can stop to ask for directions.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

(v10-11, NIV)

There's a difference between godly grief and worldly grief. Godly sorrow leads to salvation, but worldly sorrow leads to death. In addition, godly grief produces desire and action. If you are downcast and it does not cause you to do something about it leading to salvation, then it can only be worldly sorrow.

Psalm 53 -- Doing Vs Being

Life is full of mystery sometimes. I always try to figure out and plan out everything ahead in the future. I try to predict and control things according to my own knowledge. However, this is not what God intend us to live our life. He wants us to let go, and just totally trust in Him, for He is good.

"I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints."

Remind myself, try not to be frustrated to the unexpected incidents, or try not to be too critical to things and people. Remember that "doing" is not what God's purpose of life, but "being". Be the truly little child of God. Trust in Him, and be enjoy in His present, even through trails, or difficulties; and be the encourager of other people.