June 19th 1865 is a day that many Africa American slaves in Texas learned that in truth, they had been freed from the tyranny of slavery for over 2 years. They had not gotten the word that the Emancipation Proclamation giving them that freedom had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
To this date in 2008, people of all color, celebrate this momentous occasion in the month of June. Many African Americans fought in this Civil War for a freedom of man.
But, even of greater importance is the war fought by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to purchase our freedom from sin and eternal death. He shed His precious blood to give us a "righteous" freedom known as "Salvation." Salvation means a change of bondage.
It is a wonderful thing to be free! But the freedom established by man is not an everlasting freedom. We still have bondages. Many who were "slave to the master," are now "slave to the dollar" and other earthly things which have no lasting effects. We are so prone to invest our time and money in property, stocks, bonds, and such to increase our status.
Jesus said "I have come that ye might have life; and that more abundantly (fully)." To be a slave to righteous, means to be free from death, hell and the grave.
To have this knowledge is truly wonderful to me. I can sing the words of an oldtime spiritual song with renewed hope; "I'm free; praise the Lord I'm free. No longer bound; no more chains holding me. My soul is resting; it's another blessing. Praise the Lord; Haleujah! I'm FREE!!"
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Juneteenth
Monday, June 16, 2008
Affliction is but the shadow of God's wing.
So Jesus in love sends afflictions my way;
The lessons that come in this school of deep pain
Will teach me to follow my Lord once again!"
__ Bosch__
These words help me to see a bigger picture of Love. Through my suffering with Lyme Disease and it's many effects, I become convinced of answered prayer.
When I was much younger, I prayed to GOD that He would not allow me to live my life away from HIM. I didn't want to remain frivolous in a sinful life style and not bring HIM glory.
We don't always understand why things happen; but if we will apply the WORD of GOD to our circumstances, we can see that there is a greater purpose. Romans 8:28 states that "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the "called" according to His purpose."
As I apply this scripture to what I am enduring, then I am reminded of my earlier prayer. I Peter 4:12-13, tells me "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the "fiery" trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
I cannot view my affliction as punishment. Jesus died to redeem me from eternal separation from the Father. He who knew no sin, became sin for me that I might receive the gift of eternal life "in Him."
If you ever think that life has thrown you a "curve ball," think not with the natural eye, but with the spiritual eye. You can then see that it's not a "curve," but a "compass" to help you find your way back to Him.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Power Of Prayer
Prayer is the most powerful means of overcoming any kind of discouragement. It connects you with an omnipotent, omniscient Father who loves you unconditionally, who sees where you are and is going to help you in it.
-Charles Stanley
Jesus said in Matthew 5:13; "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven."
I have found that I have a light to shine for God through my suffering the effects of Lyme Disease. There are so many promises of His unfailing love, presence, and comfort for me found in His Holy Word, the Bible. His promises are true and He is faithful.
If ever I have been grateful; it is to have memorized many scriptures as a child. The "words of life" found in His Word has given me a direct line to talk with Jesus; to see His heart and know how much He loves me.