Today is Juneteenth! June 19, 1865 was the date when the news of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation reached African American slaves in Texas. The actual date of the proclamation was September 22, 1862, nearly three years after it was issued! We praise God for the historic proclamation, which officially ended the slave trade in America. It’s a time to reflect upon the sacrifice, of both black and white Americans; and to appreciate the spiritual strength of Black Americans who stood strong in the face of tyrannical racism. Our nation has a rich heritage, which stems from the faith of black Americans, who persevered by faith, to see a better day for their children. As we reflect upon the meaning of this day, let us also thank God, not only for this historical event, but also for the glorious emancipation found through faith, in Christ! The “good news” is the emancipation which Christ provides is immediate! We don’t have to wait for nearly “three years,” but the instant one calls upon the name of our God, he delivers! (Psalm 34:19) “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Thank God for His divine deliverance! “Therefore, if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36).
Happy Juneteenth!
Pastor Al
HISTORY
Below is Dwight D. Eisenhower’s speech to allied troops on the eve of D-Day, June 6, 1944. As our forefather’s prepared, along with our nation 71 years ago to embark on a great crusade, the invasion of Europe; so we are poised to embark an even “greater” crusade tomorrow! Our enemy is “battle hardened” and “fierce,” but unlike D-Day our enemy is already “defeated!” Not only that, but the “battle” is not ours, but the Lord’s!
(2 Chronicles 20:15-16a, 20-23) And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
As we seek the blessing of our God in this “noble undertaking,” let us go move forward with an attitude (spirit) of “praise,” that our God might set an “ambush” for the “adversary!” May God grant you His strength, flexibility, wisdom, and love in this huge endeavor. Thank you all for your commitment to excellence and your dedication to the Lord! Please pass on my appreciation to the volunteers in your areas of responsibility, as well.
For His Glory,
Pastor Al
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
