AdamParker.org

Independence Day 2008

Filed under: Blogging, End Times

To most people Independence Day is associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and other various events that celebrate the history of the United States. It’s a day for celebration because of the freedom that we as Americans have living in the “land of the free.”

However to some, Independence Day is just another day, another 24 hours they are held captive and forced into doing things they don’t want to do.

According to research from the Central Intelligence Agency, the State Department estimates there are at least 50,000 human trafficking victims brought into the United States each year. The United States is among the top three destination countries for sex traffickers, along with Japan and Australia. Once in the United States, traffickers most often set up shop in California, New York, Texas and Las Vegas. There are at least 2.4 million children that are exploited in the sex industry in America.

- Benjamin Nolot

There is a reality that many are ignoring, but is at the forefront of God’s heart. Many of us boast in our “freedom” here in the U.S., yet don’t take the time out of a day to intercede on behalf of those whose freedom has been infringed upon.

At the end of the age human trafficking will be predominant, according to the book of Revelation:

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargos (merchandise) any more; 12 cargos of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls and fine linen…and slaves and human lives – Rev. 18:11,13 (NASB)

In an article Benjamin Nolot wrote he goes on to say…

The sex trade industry is the natural bi-product of a generation fed by pornography from a young age…. Viewing pornography is participation with a spirit that is enslaving our woman and children, and will ultimately usher in the judgment of God upon the nations.

Jesus’ indictment against the Church of Thyatira was their “toleration” of Jezebel (Spirit of Sexual Immorality). We need to have a “no tolerance” policy for this spirit in our own personal lives. That means for us men if we are struggling with pornography, we smash our computers… Spiritual violence also includes guarding our eyes and our thoughts in every capacity.

Jesus is calling and inviting us to partner with Him in intercession. Much of the church is in the same place where His disciples were when they slept during an hour that called for intercession. Jesus called this apathy related to prayers for justice a “fainting spirit” (Lk. 18:1).

On this Independence Day I will be watching fireworks and spending time with my family, but we cannot forget about those who do not have that freedom. We must use this day to not only celebrate our freedom but cry out for those who are in bondage. God will hear our prayers and answer our cries.

Just within the last week or two there was a major U.S. bust across the nation spanning 16 cities where 389 people were arrested on charges of trafficking children for prostitution. In all, 433 exploited children have been rescued as a result of this initiative, which is really in result to the many people interceding. God does answer prayer.

So here are a few specific ways we can pray:

1. Pray for Justice for the Victims (Lk. 18:1-7)
2. Pray for Mercy for the oppressors
3. Pray that God would open up doors for authorities to make busts

I’ll end with one last quote from Nolot.

It is hard to imagine anything as horrifying as the Trans-Atlantic slave trade 200 years ago. The brutality of what we are seeing now in modern slavery rivals anything in history. Let’s learn from history and not be silent.

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