June 19 is a special day in Texas. On that date in 1865, the slaves in Texas found out the Civil War had ended and they were set free.
Abraham Lincoln had given the slaves legal freedom on January 1, 1863, in the Emancipation Proclamation. The war had ended in April when Robert E. Lee and other Southern generals had surrendered. Yet the slaves in Texas continued in slavery until June 19 because they did not know they were free.
We have found that the same phenomenon keeps people in bondage to debt. The Bible says that the borrower is the slave of the lender (Proverbs 22:7), and this slavery is enforced by a web of laws, customs and practices which we call the money system. The money system, and the spirit of money, or mammon, which underlies it seek to control people through fear. To be sure, the Bible also says that a slave should be a good slave (Col. 3:22, 23), but at the same time, God has provided for forgiveness of debt (Deut. 15:1) and renegotiation of problem debt (Prov. 6:1-5) because you cannot serve God and money (Luke 16:13). Many people simply do not know that God has given them a pathway to freedom from debt slavery.
Financial freedom starts with the inner resolve to be free, and once that decision is made, you can make your own emancipation proclamation. There will still be a fight to realize your freedom, just as the slaves had to wait two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for the forces holding them in bondage to be defeated. The difference between you and these slaves is that you can learn to live in freedom from the moment you make your personal Emancipation Proclamation. In addition, you will be fighting your own fight, not waiting for others to fight for you. So watch for your time of victory to arrive, as it may come quietly. But if you persevere, it will surely come.
The Bible says that people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6a). Don't let that happen to you.
You can't live free if you don't know you are free. 
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.
