Archives For Annotations

Laban’s Dream

November 6, 2012 — 1 Comment

I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ –Genesis 31:29

Point 1: If we only listen to the voice of God and the voice of conscience that speak to us at night, so much mischief and pain will be prevented in this life.

Point 2: Evil people are under the restraint and leash of the Almighty. They cannot harm us unless the injury passes through the loving providence of God. And when pain is permitted by God, we can be sure that it is meant to correct, build up, sanctify and draw us closer to Him, not to harm us but to give us hope and a future.

Point 3: Evil people boast on their ability to do injure, slander and do harm. We often hear people say it like this: “Pasalamat ka at nagbago na ‘ko.” Jesus, on the other hand, extolled the virtue of meekness and self-control.

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Common Sense and Divine Instruction

November 2, 2012 — Leave a comment

1 Now Jacob heard what Laban’s sons were saying: “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s and has built this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob saw from Laban’s face that his attitude toward him was not the same. 3 Then the Lord said to him, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:1-3)

This is a good place in the Bible where you can see common sense, sound advice and divine instruction put together in one critical life decision.

Jacob heard what his brothers-in-law were saying. He also observed that Laban’s attitude toward him changed by the look on his face. Then the Lord spoke to him about moving out and his two wives strongly agreed.

Often, when the Lord reveals His will for us, He orchestrates circumstances and events to prod us along to a certain direction using multiple means of confirmation.

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Calm Assurance

April 10, 2012 — Leave a comment

“Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom.” Genesis 13:12

Lot moved his tent towards Sodom.
Abraham moved to Hebron and built an altar to the Lord.

From the very outset of their separation, it was clear what kind of future both men were gonna have. Lot pitched his tent toward sin city. He chose the land that was near the place infamous for sin and rebellion against God. It was well known to the people of that region that Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked. Lot intentionally lived there.

Abraham chose what providence gave him. He didn’t quarrel. He didn’t need to fight his way through his destiny. He believed that God was the one who calls the shots. He knew that wherever Lot chose to dwell, he would be living in the opposite direction. He was ready for any possibility. He knew wherever providence would lead him, it would be for the best.

Calm assurance. Faith that rests in the sovereignty of God. Healthy respect for the will of the God of heaven who knew better than his clumsy choices. Abraham knew where his true riches came from. He was willing to let God have His way. Whether he was to live near Sodom or far from it, he knew his security ultimately rests in the spiritual strength of the Almighty. Continue Reading…

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Talking Behind Someone’s Back

March 31, 2012 — Leave a comment

And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” –Matt.9.11

Their tactics were so immature and childish, not to mention desperate. They knew they could not stand to reason with Jesus face to face so they approached His disciples to insinuate that something was wrong with Jesus’ having dinner with sinners.

Two things worth mentioning here:

One, when you have trouble with someone, take it up to the right person right away. You don’t need to go around telling other people about it. If you do, you will just sound like you are desperate for attention and approval. Be man enough and face the person. Let him hear those concerns from you.

Two, beware of people who whisper in your ears. If they don’t have the balls to bring their concerns to the right person, it’s probably because their concerns are unreasonable or plain wrong. These kinds of people sow discord. Avoid them.

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