“…When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it… It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it… It is because of unfulfilled vows that God gets angry with man, withholding his blessings and guidance for them…” –Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
A major Manila newspaper is heaping praise on Manila Mayor-elect Isko Moreno while simultaneously offering a searing indictment against his predecessor, outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. However, the truth is Manila is in decay. Taking the case of Lawton Plaza and the vicinity towards Luneta—up until the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard—these places showcase the downfall of the city, depicting it as a dirty and impoverished city. The image is contrary to those who regard Manila’s old days, when the city was the premier city and business center of the Philippines.
I am not sure if Estrada and those that came before him were aware of what was happening in their city but I am certain city residents were so sick of the locality’s current state that they trusted a virtual unknown to run the place. My only prayer is that Moreno is able to match concrete action with the promises made during the campaign. Also, I hope he does not succumb to the corrupt and ineffectual system he is now controls.
He owes his win to God and the city. If he can lift Manila up from the doldrums, it may be his stepping stone to running for president in the future.
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There is no point in President Rodrigo Duterte dragging the mother of Antonio Trillanes IV in the reported anomaly surrounding Kevlar helmets. Yet, with those believing silence is synonymous with guilt, the Department of Justice (DOJ), under the administrations of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Duterte, have been silent on the matter. This means DOJ sees no basis in claiming Trillianes’ mother has any liability in the matter.
While this is not a defense of Trillanes, it is clear, if there was any evidence against his mother, proper charges would have been filed. Otherwise, there is nothing against her and the president should leave her alone. As it says in the Book of Ezekiel, it is only the person who “sinned” who should be punished. There is no justification in dragging other people, whether it be the father, mother, or sibling of the “offender.”
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If the water crisis in Metro Manila is the result from a lack of rain, then it constitutes an admission from government that rain is the remedy. While heavy rains would help replenish local dams, the question is, do we have the power to create such precipitation?
The answer is yes. According to Psalm 147:8, it is God who sends rain; in Deuteronomy 28:1 and 12, it is He who opens up the heavens to bring down rains at the appointed time; and in Hagai 1:10-11, it is God which forbids the rain to fall.
How does man compel the rain? It can be done through the miracles He performs. There should be no question that rains can be beckoned. However, there is a condition that must be fulfilled. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says we need to listen to (or study) the word of God and obey everything written in it. If we listen and obey God’s commands, He will bless us.
Try to listen and obey the word of God and assume His power to call down the rains. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!
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