Take It To Jesus

Anna Golden Take It To Jesus

Take It To Jesus

What do you say to someone in your life who is deeply hurting?

You may be surprised, but you don’t have to say anything.

Besides prayer, what your grieving loved one really needs is for you to just be there.

Be a good listener and let them talk about their grief and struggles.

Actually, comforting hugs and your presence will mean a lot more than well-meaning pronouncements that might come off wrong.

Talented Christian artist, Anna Golden, has been there.

She was recently inspired to co-write the song, “Take It To Jesus,” after a close friend of hers lost her fiancé.

I hope this song touches you as much as it does me.

Will someone please pass the Kleenex?

All of the lyrics are good, but these particular words really struck a chord with me:

He hears you before you can speak
Come with me, let’s take it to Jesus. – Song lyrics, “Take It To Jesus.” 1

Let’s take it to Him, because Jesus knows.

He knows our pain and what it means to suffer greatly.

Who better to turn to when our lives are turned upside down?

As Golden said in an JFH interview earlier this year, 

“Oftentimes when you’re in a place of leadership, especially within the ministry, people expect you to have the answers, to know what to say during such unimaginable grief,” Golden explains.
“I literally said to my friend, ‘I have nothing to say.’ The last thing you want to say is ‘God has a plan’ or give a specific scripture. We’re all so busy trying to figure out what to say and have the right answers, but nothing I can say can take away the pain you are feeling. All I can give you is Jesus.” Anna Golden.2

Jesus.

One glorious, life-changing Name – God in the flesh, and the blessed assurance of our salvation and eternal joy through Him.

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1 Song lyric, courtesy of Anna Golden. (2022, April 28). Anna Golden – Take It To Jesus [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEkYc1aibBI

2 Anna Golden interview.  “ Emerging Worship Artist and Songwriter Anna Golden Releases a Live Video Of Her Newest Song, Take It To Jesus.” [Jesus Freak Hideout]. May 13, 2022, Web. Accessed May 16, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/05/13.AnnaGoldenReleasesLiveVideoofTakeItToJesus.asp

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A Culture Of Disrespect

Are You Raising Children in This Culture of Disrespect?

Every day, I love watching the wildlife that have taken a fancy to the rolling green pastures located behind our home. 

Besides the hawks, herons, and deer, it’s also a blast to see cows grazing in those fields.

I know that the beauty of our surroundings comes from our Creator God and I will never take it for granted.

And, now that spring has sprung, the mama cows are birthing babies.

The calves chasing each other at mealtime are a hilarious sight to see.

anti-God people

Unfortunately, vultures are out there too. 

Recently, a friend of ours posted about an awful scene that she witnessed.

Several vultures were attacking one of the newborn calves.

The mother cow by herself wasn’t able to defend her baby.

Someone called the ranch owner for help.

The thought of that defenseless young calf in jeopardy makes me think about our younger generation today.

A stretch?

No, I don’t think so.

Satanic “vultures” are out, and they’re going after any semblance of Biblical family values that our great country has left.

A Growing Culture of Disrespect

Parents – your child’s innocence is under threat, often without your knowing about it.

Know what your kids are exposed to

Be on guard and protective, not only regarding what your kids watch on social media and TV, but also what they’re exposed to in some public schools.

Here’s an alarming example, and also here.

Cases like these are becoming more widespread. 

Of all the social institutions designed by God, I suppose none is under greater attack than the family. This shouldn’t surprise us, for destroying relationships is the ultimate scheme of Satan and it is here we find the most intimate. Indeed, it seems that the entirety of the world, the flesh, and the enemy are today aligned against the biblical family. And the family is the heart of a culture.Dr. Del Tackett, Christian author. Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Your children need your guidance to face the bombardment of confusing messages they’re receiving from just about everywhere. Don’t leave it up to other people.

Disrespect For God’s Design

Culture of disrespect

In one disturbing headline, a female singer is getting press because she wants to change her identifying pronoun.

It’s not like she’s alone in that kind of thinking.

Social media giants like Pinterest and Facebook, for example, are asking people which pronoun they want to use when they sign up. 

It’s all very bizarre and a reflection of how far and rapidly we’ve sunk.

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.Hebrews 4:13, (NASB).

depression rates among you are rising

Father God, please protect our younger generation.

Without any boundaries, or any realization of how valuable they are to God as they are – kids are tempted and encouraged to follow the world’s lusts and desires every single day.

Unsurpassed Joy

We are backsliding into a Sodom and Gomorrah-like society where almost anything goes.

I do enough research to know that the vultures are not done.

Does anyone really think it will stop here?

No, it will get much, much worse.

Thankfully, there is an eternal way out of this someday.

The “when” is up to God.

He alone knows the number of our days.

Some day in the future, Christians will breathe a sigh of relief because all of this demonically-inspired evil will disappear.

At that future time, we can look forward to praising and delighting in God forever. 

We will have unsurpassed joy.

God is our Father and He cares about His children – that includes you and me.

No headlines glorifying evil will ever distract us again.

Frankly, when the doers mess with us, they’re messing with Him.

How do we live in a culture like this, dear Remnant? Stand strong and do not lose hope. Stay true to God’s Word. Be the Virtuous Female or the Noble Male. Concentrate on building and nurturing your family with a fierce determination, for the attacks of the enemy here are ever-present and relentless.Dr. Del Tackett, Christian author, Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

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1&3Dr. Dell Tackett quotations, courtesy of Dr. James Dobson Family Institute post. From “7 Threats in Our Times, #7: The Attack Upon the Biblical Family.” February 9, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/7-threats-in-our-times-7-the-attack-upon-the-biblical-family

2Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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The Secret To Being Content

The Secret To Being Content

It’s not often that a song can actually bring me to tears, but I heard one recently that opened the floodgates.

This song is called, “Wonderful Life,” and it was cowritten and recorded by one of my favorite Christian artists, Matthew West.

Matthew West "Wonderful Life"

Christian artist, Matthew West

“Wonderful Life” talks about a man named Ron from Houston who was suffering from familial ALS for three years.

As the story goes, Ron was a big West fan so he got in touch with the artist. Their amazing friendship began and it inspired the artist to write the song.

Sadly, Ron’s condition got progressively worse.

Despite the pain, the many tears, the struggles, and the emotional upheaval that he went through, Ron never lost sight of his future heavenly home.

I believe this is a perspective we can all embrace in the challenging years ahead.

That is, to be content in whatever our circumstances because there’s a much better place waiting for us.

P.S.  You may want to grab some tissues.

Matthew West, Wonderful Life

Wonderful Life” is a powerful and beautiful song.

It tells a story that I think that we can all relate to in some way.

Lately, I’ve had a habit of writing songs that make me cry. Maybe I’m getting soft . . . or maybe these past couple of years have changed me in some good ways. Too often I think we do anything we can to avoid feeling the feelings. Pain, heartbreak, loss . . . but the story that inspired this song really reminded me that life is all of it. It’s the broken AND the beautiful. It’s the “gone mad” AND the magical. It’s the awfully wonderful life. Life is hard, but God is faithful. I don’t want to be numb to the feelings. I want to lean in and feel it all. To make the most of every second. To trust that God is working through it all, and that after this wonderful life is over, I’ll be going home.  – Matthew West, Christian artist and songwriter.

Christ will give us strength for the every day until He calls us home.

I love this statement of faith from Paul.

Remarkably, the apostle was in a Roman prison when he wrote this to the Philippians:

12I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:12-13, (NASB).

The Secret To Being Content? Jesus

The secret to being content no matter what the circumstances? 

Jesus. 

Through Him, we have the strength to accept and persevere through the troubles of this life. 

Please note, if you are in need of any type of medical attention, seek it out.

If you need support and love from friends and family, seek it out.

Remember this life is not our final destination.

As one person wrote in an online comment about the song “Wonderful Life”, . . . our first moment in Heaven one day will make up and repay for every single hardship we had here on earth.’”

Amen!

In fact, that first moment in Heaven (and every single day afterward) will be filled with unimaginable, wonderful, and beautiful joy!!!

As quoted from Ron himself during a phone call with Matthew West, “I am blessed, and so are you.”


1Matthew West profile photo, courtesy of Matthew West Facebook post, December 26, 2021. Accessed May 4, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/matthewwest

2Matthew West quotation, courtesy of Matthew West Facebook post, April 27, 2022. Accessed May 3, 2022. retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/matthewwest

3Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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The RX For Discouragement

The RX For Discouragement

RX

When you’re feeling sick, the prescription that the doctor writes for you is of utmost importance.

Depending on what you’re suffering from, that prescription can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

We just want to feel better, right?

So what about suffering from Discouragement?

Is there a prescription for that?

Let’s face it.

There’s a lot to be discouraged about these days.

I cringe when I hear about the latest attacks on the family.

Clearly, we’re sinking into a moral decline that, guaranteed, will have devastating effects on the next generation.

No wonder so many parents are feeling discouraged and helpless.

What is the RX for Discouragement?

Is there any relief out there at all?

No question, if you’re suffering from extreme anxiety or depression or have suicidal thoughts, please never feel ashamed about seeking help from a qualified Christian counselor. There are plenty of therapists available on the local level to help you with your struggle.

What if, on the other hand, you’re suffering from “spiritual” discouragement? 

Please know that you’re not alone with that struggle either.

If anyone could identify with the discouragement we feel in our lives, He is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We read in the Bible about His suffering on the Cross.

The betrayal from Judas and the insults and beatings that our Lord suffered at the hands of His evil captors.

All that Jesus went through was predestined so that He would eternally save believers from a demonic world.

the RX for discouragement

The RX for spiritual discouragement is Jesus.

Satan can attack with a vengeance, but through prayer and support from Christian friends, you can receive comfort and strength.

What did Jesus do in the Garden of Gethsemane as the moments drew near for His unbearable physical and spiritual suffering on the Cross?

He prayed.

Know that we are, most assuredly, not alone.

He cares about us and completely understands our deepest fears and emotions.

Who is our Matchless King set to rescue us at the time appointed by God Himself?

Jesus is.

The poem, "He Is"


I believe the following poem is a great reminder of why it’s important to trust God through all of our circumstances. 

He Is!

When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.

When you are completely helpless, He is most able.

When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable.

When you are the weakest, He is the most able

When you are the most alone, He is intimately present.

When you feel you are the leastHe is the greatest!

When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.

When it is darkest, He is the only Light you need.

When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.

When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.

When you say that you cannot, remember that He can!

– Author Unknown

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The Cards You’ve Been Dealt

Trusting God With The Cards You’ve Been Dealt

cards you've been dealt

Are you happy with the cards you’ve been dealt?

Is your life right now going “exactly” as you’d planned it?

Odds are, if you’re like many other people, your answer is probably “no.”

No one would ever wish for a debilitating illness, a contentious divorce, or their child addicted to drugs.

Those are just a few of the gut-wrenching challenges that can touch our lives and lead us down a path towards depression and anxiety.

Statistics for 2022 show that anxiety disorders of various types affect over 284 million people worldwide.

That huge number is close to the population of Indonesia, the 4th largest country in the world.

In other words, a lot of people are suffering, and you’re not alone.

Those childhood dreams we used to have of a perfect existence?

They quickly fade once harsh realities and the demands of this life darken those once, rose-colored, glasses.

Life is hard, and it’s getting harder.

Please, where’s that refresh button?

Are the difficult cards you’ve been dealt for a purpose?

That’s a hard question, especially for people of faith who think God has forgotten them in their troubles.

God Has Not Forgotten About You

God does not forget about us.

In fact, He cares more than we could ever imagine.

There is a peace that only He can give and when our hope becomes assurance – it’s grace.

Until man bows in humility and recognizes that God orders the sun to shine and the rain to fall and the stars in place and the planets in order and recognizes that a God who can control the whole universe is interested in the details of his life. Until a man or a woman bows in that posture of humility, there is ultimately no hope for their neurotic anxiety-filled lives.- Alistair Begg, Christian pastor and author.1

Recently, I watched a video from The Skit Guys that is really touching. If it can provide you with any encouragement at all, then I am thankful.

 

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1Alistair Begg quotation courtesy of truthforlife.org. From “A Biblical Approach To Anxiety – From Standing Firm in Shaky Times, Volume 3.” Podcast, [31:22-31:53]. October 21, 1990, Web. Accessed April 25, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/a-biblical-approach-to-anxiety/

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