My friend, Cortaiga recently wrote an article for Jewel Warrior, a Christian's women devotional, that got me thinking. The article was about Juneteeth, and for several years after slavery was abolished; enslavement continued in some parts of the South because word had not yet reached to the slaves that they were free.
It was on June 19, 1865, in the city of Galveston, Texas that all slaves were free. More than a hundred years after the Declaration of Independence and two years after the Emancipation of Proclamation were signed. As Cortaiga explained in her writing, we as Christians need to come into our own "Juneteeth moment" and sometimes this is something we need to do daily.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we become free. We are no longer enslaved to the chains of fears, rejections, slavery to sin, eternal sickness, and death. Our freedom has been purchased through the bloody death and powerful resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Whether you make the decision to celebrate Juneteeth or not, my prayer is that you will celebrate and rejoice in the freedom you have received from Jesus Christ. It's good practice to meditate on God's Word and remind ourselves daily of our beautiful freedom thanks to Jesus' loving sacrifice.
7 Tips to Celebrating Spiritual Juneteenth
Tip #1: Meditate on Your Absolute Freedom in Jesus Christ
Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Tip #2: Realize That You Are Free From All Fear
God did not give me the spirit of fear, He gave me power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
Though a host encamps against me, my heart will not fear; though war arises against me. Inspire of this, I shall be confident. Psalm 27:3
The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1
I sought the Lord, and He answered me. And delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34
Tip #3: Your Freedom Breaks Every Generational Curse
Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for me, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hung on a pole.” Galatians 3:1
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Tip #4: You Have Been Freed From The Power of Sin
I have been set free from sin and have become a slave to righteousness. Romans 6:18
Tip #5: You Are Free From Lack
My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. Philippians 4:19
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack. Psalm 23:1
Tip #6: You Are Free From Worry & Anxiety
I will not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Tip #7: You Are Free From the Spirit of Rejection
I have been accepted in the beloved. (Paraphrased from Ephesians 1:6)
I am complete in Christ who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:10
Jesus was despised and rejected by men. A Man of sorrows and pain acquainted with grief, and like One whom men hide their faces He was despised and we did not appreciate His worth or esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3
(As God's children let's rejoice in our freedom!)
Kacie Starr Long is an author, talk show host, and the proud wife of Alfred T. Long Sr., when not writing, Kacie enjoys sewing. She works alongside her husband with their non-profit, Jacob's Ladder Ministries which provides programs and resources for individuals who have been incarcerated. Kacie is passionate about one of their programs, Sew Hope, which is a sewing school for previously incarcerated men and women. Connect with Kacie at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via her YouTube page for more inspiration and encouragement.
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