A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: On this Juneteenth national holiday, we join our African-American fellow citizens in celebrating emancipation today and the freedom we have as Americans. St Paul also spoke of freedom in Galatians 5: "For freedom Christ has set you free!" We are free from the consequences of our sins, including eternal death, and we have the full forgiveness of all our sins through Christ. We can live freely as we bear the fruit of His Spirit. A former student and friend, Adam A. Smith, has written a personal memoir which I recommend entitled, "Multiracial Roots: Black Fruit," which will be coming out this Fall. As St Paul continues, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." May you rejoice in your freedom in Christ throughout this week.
