Have you talked to Jesus today? What I find is that it’s sometimes easy for me to read the Bible but skip over prayer, as if spending time in the Word is enough. But it is not. Sometimes we get so busy living life and attending to the myriad of things that are calling for our attention left hand and right. Prayer might accidentally get pushed out the window. But how can we grow in Christ properly and be conformed to the image of His Son unless we daily commune and spend time with Him? Daily prayer is vital and necessary for a child of God. Martin Luther recognized, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Though most people probably won’t be spending three hours in prayer at the start of their day, talking to the Creator and Savior of our souls should be of the highest priority. I heard this hymn called “I Talked to Him Today” and wanted to share it. Hope it encourages you.
He was lead to Golgotha on the outskirts of town
Then nailed to a rugged cross, as the mockers gathered round.
The sky spoke like thunder when He finally bowed His head
He who had given life now hung there dead.
Then His mother and some friends came, to carry him away
They were trying to speak through a broken heart, but only tears could say.
The sun said cast no shadow on the world's darkest day
And with one last look, they laid Him in the grave.
But I talked to Him today, and my cares all fell away
He made me feel like life had just begun.
He said all of my trials can be turned into triumph
Through the victory that He's already won.
And I talked to him today, and the comfort that He gave
Filled me with desire to tell the world, that on Calvary he died
But right now He is alive, I know because I talked to him today.
Mary Magdalene came breathless to the place where Peter lay
He was searching through his broken heart, trying to find the faith to pray.
But as he heard her joyful story, his sorrow could not stay
And his hope sprang out through the words he heard her say.
She said I talked to Him today, and my cares all fell away
He made me feel like life had just begun.
He said all of my trials can be turned into triumph
Through the victory that He's already won.
And I talked to him today, and the comfort that He gave
Filled me with desire to tell the world, that on Calvary he died
But right now He is alive, I know because I talked to him today.
Here’s the music if you want to listen. If the video doesn’t show up,
Happy 4th of July, friends! As today marks the 246th year of America becoming a nation, I have so much gratitude in my heart.
Gratitude for:
*the blessing of being born and living in the United States of America.
*the privilege to attend church weekly. I was talking to a friend from China, and she told me she attends the underground church. The underground church doesn’t mean the believers literally meet under the ground, but that their church is not registered with the state/state recognized religion, so it’s kind of a secret. What a blessing Americans have that we can choose to go to a church that believes and preaches the Word of God, and aren’t forced to go to one that is run by the government.
*being able to publicly witness and pass out tracts. I don’t often think about this, but when my Chinese friend and I saw some people out witnessing along the street, she was amazed because in China, a person would get arrested for doing that. I am incredibly thankful Christians can spread the gospel of salvation without fear.
*holiday celebrations and fireworks. 💥 Even though I’m sadly not getting to see any fireworks, I still love them!
*so many freedoms we enjoy.
*America being founded on godly principles and the Bible.
Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Anyone can look through the history of this nation and see God’s blessing on it. As long as a nation keeps the Lord as its God, it will be blessed. But sadly, America has been rejecting the Lord and embracing false gods. Satan is doing his best to get rid of the Lord as the god of this nation, and the effects are devastatingly sad.
*patriotic music! Speaking of which, here’s one for you to enjoy.
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