January 2 is Emancipation Day, marking the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which started the ball rolling to free all Americans from slavery.
Our organization, the Emancipation Network, takes its name from the Emancipation Proclamation, and we also strive to free Americans from slavery: debt slavery.
The author of the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln, is our example both as an emancipator of others and as one who escaped from debt slavery himself. As a young man, Abraham Lincoln had participated in a failed business which left him in debt for an amount about equal to the cost of a home today. Yet he managed to live his life and achieve his destiny despite his financial disaster. He is a pathfinder for all of us who have suffered financially.
Lincoln teaches us that we should continue to build our lives while working through our debt problems. He never quit working, even after some of his assets were taken by his creditors. He increased his earning power by educating himself to become a lawyer. He married and saved money to buy a home, all while still in debt. Eventually, he was able to pay his debt and thereby earned his nickname of "Honest Abe." He kept control of his life and did not let his creditors rob him of his future, giving priority to his family but working to be fair to his creditors.
His experiences escaping debt slavery gave him an understanding of the importance of debt relief, and he became a bankruptcy lawyer. His compassion for the down and out led him to oppose slavery of all kinds, whether financial or physical. In the end, his path led him to become the Great Emancipator.
The best way to honor him on Emancipation Day is to follow his example.
Start building your life before you pay off your debts and help others once you are set free.
And may you have a blessed and happy New Year. 
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
