Yesterday, I spent some time going back to our nation's roots. I had to. I had trouble with the crimes that as child would watch on TV and got me scared of life. The sad part is there are still traces today close to 20 years after. What a sad reality. And it is not like it's any one person's fault. The enemy does steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Our war is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, the principalities of the dark forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
Yesterday, I might have a clue as to the root of such crimes. God led me in my research. The enemy still has strongholds in this nation that needs to be broken by the blood of the Lamb.
I recall that our nation's history was the fruit of a number of conquests in the land that left us battle-torn. A power struggle existed between the natives and those who conquered us. There was a deep oppression and a spirit of corruption that prevailed when the Spaniards conquered our islands. People were oppressed and the poor had to give in to the mandates of those who were more powerful. Our rights were non-existent and we were seen as a lesser people.
Murders became rampant as part of war. Were I to think that the very land that I live in could have been the graveyard of men and women who lost their lives, probably foreigners too, for freedom and the power to rule.
That is part of the reason why the Philippines commemorates and celebrates their Independence Day. We knew and identify with the sacrifices that were made to bring this country to freedom.
However, looking back and in the present, the battle is far from over. There remains a battle between good and evil. A battle in the heavenly realms where Jesus and his saints are fighting to free the people from the strongholds of the enemy. It is a battle we have yet to be freed from and one we can cry out to God to save us.
Jesus died on the cross years before the Spanish took rulership of this nation. He died on the cross so that we may all be freed from strongholds that tie us to sin. Divinity is of no use if there is no righteousness. Our land needs God's righteousness to be restored and the true and "free" worship of God to be expressed in our nation.
We need all the help that we can get. We are not alone in this pursuit. Jesus is with us. He is with us in our attempt to rebuild and restore the ruins of this nation that still affects its people. He is with us to restore us back to righteousness and relationship with God and our countrymen. By accepting the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. Receiving His forgiveness. And turning 180 degrees away from your sins while there is still time.
Titus 2:11-14, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."
We give our lives to Jesus Christ first individually, second as a family, and finally we change our communities and nation.
We need to understand that our relationship with God is a personal one. It is not religion or the faith of another that will save us. It is our acceptance of Jesus Christ personally in our lives and surrendering to Him completely. 100 percent. It is not the faith of a saintly man that will save us. Unless we follow Jesus, we are not yet part of Christ's family. "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38). "...whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).
Ask God to be a personal God. Repent all known sins and resolve to follow Him from this day forward. By His grace you can. God be with you.
Comments
Post a Comment