Forgetting our secret weapon

In our church, the pastors regularly remind us that when things go wrong or get bad, especially when even GOD seems to be silent, that is the time when we should look back to the past and remember all the times that GOD always came through and delivered us from situations beyond our “powers”.

When you do so, you are reminded not only of GOD’s faithfulness, but also of our numerous blunders, mistakes and bad judgment as well.

In the last two weeks I have been reviewing lessons from the past particularly those from the Bible and it is eerie how the same set of problems crop up for nations both in the biblical times as much as they do for those in modern times.

Two major mistakes that a number of Kings in the Bible have committed were to move on their own without seeking godly counsel or asking GOD. The secondary blunder is to run to another King or country for help to fight an enemy or an invader instead of asking or praying to GOD.

As I look back in the various events that have happened leading up to our expressed differences with China, I can’t help wondering if the Philippines and its leaders have also fallen into the same situation of puffing up their chests instead of kneeling in prayer, as well as calling on Uncle Sam and the Avengers instead of the Creator of the Universe?

Months into the controversy, I wonder why no one, not even in the religious community has made call for a day of prayer, or daily prayers for GOD’s intervention. We may not be a Super Power but no nation can withstand Super Prayers, which has also been the true secret weapon of Filipinos whether it is Cory Aquino or Manny Pacquiao.

I believe no right-minded Filipino or any human being for that matter has a desire for war to take place. In fact it would be out of character for us Filipinos to consider such except in times of invasion or direct oppression. If there is any nation that abides by GOD’s golden rule to “Love your neighbors” it has to be Filipinos. As such, it only makes sense that each and all of us devote some time to pray for the peaceful resolution of matters with China.

Some might think of this as being too spiritual or maybe even an act of weakness, but the people who think like that are people who don’t really know much about GOD in times of conflict, have never really put their trust in GOD and have never directly benefitted from what GOD does when we pray for our enemies as well as our concerns. Anyone who reads from the Books of the biblical kings will learn about how GOD either softens the heart of the bullies, frightens them, makes them fight amongst themselves, uses natural forces and disasters to eliminate them or simply leads his people into battle and win!

Whether it is World War 2 or EDSA 1, there are enough testimonies about miracles where overwhelming forces turned back, where tyrants were deposed or when enemies laid down weapons in honor of Christmas and to sing “Silent Night”.

If you want to make a difference say a prayer because that is our secret weapon, to call upon GOD to make his declaration come true: “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men”.

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Forgive my ignorance in political or governmental affairs but I can’t help feeling that President Noynoy Aquino has been walking in mud as far as his track record is in Foreign Affairs, particularly with regards to China.

First his administration fumbled the ball with bloody consequences because of the Luneta Hostage Massacre. From the inability to pass the phone or take a message, take control of the situation all the way to dispense true and speedy justice for the victims. Then followed the embarrassing mishandling of Taiwanese swindlers and their deportation to China.

PNoy finally poked the Dragon’s nose by pushing for multi-nation management of contested areas in the China Sea and having the bravado of calling the area the Philippine Sea. As the Bible teaches, before you go to war make sure you can finish the fight.

I presume that the President might be doing something but I along with several million Filipinos simply don’t know what’s going on.

For instance, Malacañang seems to have so much difficulty finding a suitable Ambassador to China. Why not appoint the Chairman/President – owner of “Oishi” food corporation Mr. Carlos Chan as Philippine Ambassador to China and just surround him with the best and brightest DFA and academic advisers?

I figure that the Oishi senior executive has more contacts and access in China considering he has invested so much time and money, putting up several factories in that country. In terms of respect, I get the impression that the elderly businessman is liked and respected both in business as well as among politicians. His children are all, grown up and capable of running the business if the “old man” were to be appointed as Ambassador.

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I have long been meaning to mention that the Philippine Heart Center needs to be expanded or relocated to a bigger area with twice it’s current capacity to serve. At a time when more and more Filipinos are suffering from heart related diseases, the hospital is reaching the tipping point where it will not be able to deliver help to all.

First of all, the PNoy administration should look into the future, make a real plan and build up the PHC as an upgraded regional facility. At the moment, the PHC needs room to expand and the nearby East Avenue Medical Center next door should be acquired for the purpose. If not, the North triangle and areas around the Ninoy Aquino Park would also be ideal.

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