AM: June 19, 2019
You may hear a word today–Juneteenth. What it actually stands for is that on June 19, 1865, announced in the South that the Civil War was over and officially all the slaves were free. In our quick times of sharing information, it seems weird that news travelled so slowly back then–the last big battle and Lincoln’s shooting were months before this. But today is celebrating that announcement.
It must have been weird…one day you’re a slave, the next you’re a free man.
That’s what we have with Christ. We are slaves to our sin, but then, we believe, we ask for forgiveness from them, and, just like that, we’re free men and women through Christ’s salvation.
Today, don’t expect or even try to be perfect–it’s impossible. I mean, try to be kind, patient, loving, positive–but when you fail, bring it to God. Try and pray to him right away and just admit it, ask for forgiveness, and ask for wisdom to do better next time. We sometimes get into this bad habit of waiting until bedtime to do this, but pray all the time, throughout the day.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
Psalm 103:11-13
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.[f]”
Mark 11:22-25
Dear Lord, Forgive my many sins, like ____________________. Thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Teach me to be more loving, kind and patient to those around me. Amen.