Ever notice how things can seem the same long after changes have been made? Healthier eating, for example. You may make changes to your diet for health reasons, weight loss encouragement, seasonal availability, ethical cause, or even because it is the new thing and everyone else raves about it. But no matter the reason, seldom does the effect of the change show right away. Sure, you get more energy from eating lighter and grabbing fresh greens and veggies verses Doritos, but not the same day you do it. In fact, some changes can seem like the result will never come. Now on to something a bit more weighty, punny, but true, that has been an elephant in the room of our nation for decades.
Today is June 19th. Or Juneteenth. And I am ashamed to say, I had to look up what that meant. Once I found it (on Wikipedia of course!), I realized that I did know about the holiday, but by a different name. It can also be referred to as Freedom Day or Liberation Day. If you are not familiar… here’s a link.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth
This morning in my YouVersion Bible app, I noticed along with my verse of the day prompt, there was something that showed a “story”. ?? Never saw that before, but it’s probably been there all along. Side note – isn’t that true about so many things spiritually? You never notice it, or maybe never felt a crisis of conscience, but there it is, and the Spirit of truth is nudging you, “we’ve got to deal with this”. But that is called maturing, so take a moment to appreciate the growth in God and be thankful, not begrudging. If you have no clue what I am talking about – go get on your knees before God. Guaranteed if you ask Him, He will oblige you with an answer of what needs to go. Only don’t do it just once, that’s just an encounter. God requires a faithful endeavor, a foundation that will be built upon.
Ahem.
SO back to the “story”. I clicked and was rewarded with a fantastic devotional on Revelation 21:4.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.”
THAT is a beautiful promise. THAT is our hope. Eternal. Freedom. All glory to our Father!
Here is the link to download the Bible app to your phone, then just click “story” below “Good Morning”. I won’t do the injustice of paraphrasing this powerful message, which is especially applicable today.
*The story feature is not available for computers or laptops at this time.
Prayers and Petition 