I was one of the millions of Manny Pacquiao fans who watched with excitement and pride for what could be the last fight in his career. What shocked all of us was the split decision at the very end when Timothy Bradley was named the winner. Really?!? Is the world really that corrupt? I personally would have to say a resounding, “YES!” To score Pacquiao as the loser when he clearly landed most of the shots, even causing Bradley to lose his bearings a couple of times, losing balance, and twisting his ankle was blatantly inexcusable!
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am disgusted with how the world operates and thinks they can get away with robbery. This is a sign and a wonder to me, that they can broadcast something to millions of people all over the world and expect us not to think that something fishy is going on with bad decisions like that! They are manipulating the system for their own gain. Millions of dollars are funneled into the gambling establishments; to get a big pay off, they wage on the long shot and fix the result.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Jeremiah 17:11
Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools.
Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools.
It seems now Bob Arum, the fight promoter wants a full investigation in the scoring of the fight. This move doesn’t surprise me one bit. They’ll do anything to keep both sides happy, appeasing the masses even though they have no intention of overturning the result. Even if they schedule another match in November, would it really matter? They will manipulate the result for their own benefit again. A rematch will gain them millions more, so this mishap has proven to be quite profitable. Or was it planned? Only God knows their plans and schemes. Pacquiao is just a commodity to their financial windfall. He is their Golden Boy for the moment since he can cause millions of people like myself to shell out money to watch him fight. From now on, I will only watch boxing for entertainment purposes, not to see fairness played out in the ring since big business is really running the show.
Isaiah 61:8
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.
For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Pacquiao showed finesse and class by not disputing the decision. He could’ve cursed, pouted, or displayed utter disgust by the decision, but instead he praised God and silently accepted his defeat. I am proud that He glorified God by his words and actions. He clearly trusts in the Lord’s sovereignty and knows he is the clear winner in God’s perspective. My eight year old son Charles said, “Pacquiao lost in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes, he was the winner.”
As I watched in amazement, I was reminded of King David while I watched Pacquiao fight Bradley. God gave King David supernatural strength and power to overcome his adversaries. Even as a young boy, he slew a lion and a bear with his sheer God-Given ingenuity. He beat Goliath and thousands of enemy soldiers who raised their fists against Israel Israel Israel
God gave Pacquiao supernatural strength, speed, and power to take the boxing world by storm by winning eight division world championships. Then God tapped him for an even bigger title; to be His child. Pacquiao has displayed courage, boldness, generosity, reformation, and transformation. This is what pleases God the most. Pacquiao gained my respect and admiration as well as millions of others when he humbly received his defeat.
As a result of this controversy, more eyes are watching him now more than ever. More people are curious about the bible because of Pacquiao’s bold statements and comments. A neighbor of ours is now interested in sitting in on one of our bible studies because of Pacquiao’s statement of faith. Many thousands, if not millions are curious about Pacquiao’s God of the Bible. I hope he continues on his quest for truth and knowledge of God; and I hope that as he grows in his faith, he will boldly share it with the world. God has blessed him with strength, power, and riches; I pray that he will use his influence to continue magnifying and glorifying God even more; not only with his generosity, how he conducts himself on and off the ring, but also that he gives God the glory for his blessings, so that millions will see the God he serves. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts…” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Pacquiao may have been robbed of his title and victory on June 9, 2012, but he was not robbed of his title as a Child of the Living God. (1 John 3:1) He may have been robbed of the months he spent training for a fight that he would have no control of the outcome, but he was not robbed of his peace and joy which remains in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:22) The world may mock his faithful walk with the Lord, but his feet remain planted in The Word. (Ephesians 6:14-15) He may lose his status, his fame, his fortune, etc., but his eternal rewards and riches remain untouched in heaven. (Matthew 5:12)
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither– whatever they do prospers.
The Takeaways:
1 – Evil and Corruption are pervasive forces in this world. This is a wake up call to many. More to come on this topic…
2 – Pacquiao was given great favor by God, much like King David; much is expected of him.
3 – Pacquiao should continue in growing and sharing his faith, which could lead a multitude towards Jesus Christ; which is the ultimate purpose in his life.
4 – God is sovereign and is always at work behind the scenes. Whatever looks bleak or whatever appears to be a defeat will end up benefiting countless others and glorifying God in the end. So Trust in Him!
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