Psalm 22: A Praising, Christ Centered Easter

Happy Early Easter! I Pray that each of you have a great Easter that is centered around Praise for Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection for US! I am once again sharing Psalm 22 with you this morning. Can you tell that I love this Psalm? As you read it, think about Jesus and what He did for us. I know that I am so undeserving and so, so unworthy of such a gift from my Father, the King! It is by my Savior's wounds that I am healed and I am just so grateful that He loved me enough to offer me such a wonderful, free gift of Salvation!

If you don't know Him as your Lord and Savior, I Pray that you will stop and meditate on this Psalm. Let is speak to your heart and really listen. This isn't just a story, but our Christ who walked this earth just as we are and gave His life just so we could have an eternal one with His Father, Our Father, The King!

Psalm 22

¹My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

²O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

³But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

⁴Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

⁵They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

⁶But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

⁷All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

⁸He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

⁹But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

¹⁰I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

¹¹Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

¹²Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

¹³They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

¹⁴I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

¹⁵My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

¹⁶For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

¹⁷I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

¹⁸They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

¹⁹But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

²⁰Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

²¹Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

²²I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

²³Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

²⁴For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

²⁵My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

²⁶The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

²⁷All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

²⁸For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.

²⁹All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

³⁰A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

³¹They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Just wanted to share the notes from my New Defender's Study Bible on this Psalm. These are such interesting notes and they really provide insight on these prophetic verses of scripture!

22:1 why hast thou forsaken me. Psalm 22 is an amazing prophetic description of the future crucifixion of God's Son. This psalm was written a thousand years before its fulfillment and described in graphic detail the sufferings of Christ on the cross, long before the method of crucifixion was known and practiced among the Jews and Romans. It opens with the central of the "seven words" from the suffering Savior: "Why?" (Ma 27:46). The other "seven words" are located in order: Luke 23:34; 23:43; John 19:26-27; John 19:28,30: and Luke 23:46.

22:2 night season. This evidently a reference to the supernatural three-hour darkness at the height of His sufferings (Mat 27:45).

22:3 thou art holy. Here is the reason for the darkness and the silence of God. God had made the sacrificial Lamb "to be sin for us" (2 Co 5:21), and a holy God could not "look on iniquity" (Hab 1:13).

22:6 worm. On the cross, the Lord Jesus called Himself a "scarlet worm." This same word refers to the worm from which the Israelites of that day obtained their red dyes and is usually translated "crimson" or "scarlet." The female worm of this species, when laying her eggs, affixes her body to a wood surface on which she will die after the young are born. The wood, her body, and the young are reddened with the death of the life-giving mother. In a similar image the Lord Jesus made "peace through the blood of his cross" (Colossians 1:20).

22:8 let him deliver him. This was exactly the mocking cry of those enemies of Jesus around the cross who instigated His execution (Ma 27:43).

22:10 from the womb. Christ's miraculous conception and birth were unique among men. He did not need to be converted to God sometime after He was born, like other men with inherited sin-natures.

22:13 roaring lion. The picture seems to be one of an assembly of the wicked spirits of darkness gleefully prancing about His cross, waiting to swallow Him up - Satan, the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), mighty bulls, and dogs and unicorns (22:12, 16, 21). These references could mean demon-controlled men, but are actually invisible powers of darkness. Nevertheless, "having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it there at "his cross" (Col 2:14-15).

22:14 it is melted. The awful sufferings of crucifixion involved the slow separation of the bone joints, the collapse of the heart cavity, and finally a gushing of both blood and water (Jo 19:34) when the soldier's spear pierced His side.

22:15 potsherd. A "potsherd" is a broken piece of pottery.

22:15 my tongue cleaveth. Indescribable thirst was induced in the midday sun (Jo 19:28).

22:16 dogs have compassed me. It is possible that the reference to "dogs" was a euphemism for a crowd of sodomites (De 23:17-18).

22:16 pierced my hands. The piercing of His hands and feet is a clear reference to the nails which affixed Him to the cross (note also Ze 12:10; 13:6; Jo 19:37; 20:25-28; Re 1:7).

22:18 cast lots upon my vesture. The unusual action of gambling for His cloak is prophesied here and is one of the very few events recorded in all four Gospels (Ma 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34; Jo 19:24).

22:20 my darling. In the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, "darling" is monogenes, used in John 3:16 and elsewhere to identify Jesus as God's "only begotten" Son.

22:21 though hast heard me. At the very climax and completion of His sufferings, as He was about to be impaled on the mighty horns of the unicorns and swallowed by the ravening lion, the Father finally heard His cry, and delivered Him.

22:22 midst of the congregation. At this point in the psalm the theme suddenly changes from suffering to praise. The debt for sin has been fully paid, and our sin-bearer becomes our great praise-leader. His congregation at the foot of the cross was very small --His mother, John, and the other women. One day His praise would be in the midst of not just "two or three ... gathered together in my name" (Ma 18:20), but of "the great congregation" (22:25), "the general assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (He 12:23).

22:22 praise. It is strikingly significant that this first mention of the verb "praise" (Hebrew hallal) in the book of Israel's praises, as the Book of Psalms were called, is at Psalm 22:22. This surely seems more than coincidence, for twenty-two is the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. The chapter and verse structure in the Book of Psalms, unlike the rest of the Bible, was there from the beginning. Thus, the very purpose of human language is to praise our Creator and Savior, and the great occasion of praise is His victory over sin and death on the cross.

22:25 great congregation. See also Psalm 35:18; 40:9-10; 149:1.

22:27 All the ends of the world. As a result of His work on the cross, His followers will be His witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Ac 1-8).

22:31 shall be born. As the great message is carried to "all the ends of the world" (22:27_, the spiritual "seed" (22:23, 30) that "shall be born" because of His death will testify "that he hath done this" --literally, that as He cried from the cross (Jo 19:30), "It is finished!"

Have a wonderful, Christ Praising Easter!

Ps. Share this Psalm and notes with someone you know!

My Prayer

Psalm 25:

15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Overcoming Persecution

2 Timothy 3:12-17 (King James Version)

¹²Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

¹³But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

¹⁴But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

¹⁵And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The scriptures above tell us that when we live a Godly life, we will suffer persecution. This persecution may be physically, emotionally, socially, etc. We must realize this and not quit. Verse 14 tells us to continue on. This is something we must do as Christians. It is so hard to continue on when you feel as though you can't even get back up from the previous time, yet it is imperative to do so. When we stop, lay down on the job, we give satan the reigns for our lives. It gets tiresome but in the end, or I guess I should say the future since we as Christians have no end, it is worth it!

Verse 15 talks about knowing the holy scriptures from your childhood. I realize that not every one of us were taken to church and taught God's Word at home. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I was raised in church my entire life and that my parents consistently taught me God's Word. Maybe you didn't have that opportunity. But you can bestow such an opportunity to your children or little children around you. We may be the only Bible any of these children, or folks in general, ever read!

As many of you know, my heart greatly desires to have children, "to go forth and be fruitful." I know that God will give me the desires of my heart if I continue to earnestly ask for them and if they are for the right reasons. My reasoning is the fact that I truly cannot wait to teach my child/children about my Savior. I want to speak His name to my child daily and to be an example of Jesus' love. Until I am blessed with that opportunity, I Pray that I can demonstrate these things to my students. As a teacher in the public school system, we are not allowed to read from the Bible or have Prayer in our classrooms. However, my students know my heart and who holds it in it's entirety. When they have problems, they come to me and ask for Prayer. It truly is a beautiful thing! I Pray that I can always be a light to those around me, especially the young, pliable hearts of children!

Verses 16 and 17 speak of God's Word being inspired by Him and making the man of God "perfect and thoroughly furnished." I have always known that God's Word is totally inspired by Him but I really enjoyed reading the Greek meaning this morning in my New Defender's Study Bible. In the Greek, "Given by inspiration of God" is all one word, theopneustos, which means "God-breathed." Isn't that awesome? Can you just imagine God breathing on those men and their minds and bodies given total control to their Master to pen His Word? I Pray that God will "breathe" on my mind, spirit, heart, and body daily so that I can speak a word to those who may need it.

Lastly, I was curious when I read in verse 17 about God making His children "perfect and thoroughly furnished." Could we ever be perfect? Sure... when we are like Him. Here's what the notes from my awesome Bible states:

"3:17 perfect. The word used her for "perfect" (Greek artios) is found nowhere else in the New Testament. It seems basically to mean "new" or "fresh," which most expositors interpret as "complete." Perhaps, however, it refers to our ultimate perfection in Christ, when "we shall be like Him" (1 Jo 3:2), with all sin removed and the age-long effects of the curse taken away. He has promised, "Behold, I make all things new" (Re 21:5), and that must include us as well, even our bodies (Ph 3:20-21). We shall then, indeed, be as fresh and perfect as Adam was when he was first created -- even more so, as perfected in Christ. No doubt, the "man of God" shall be as perfect then as "the law of the Lord is perfect" now (Ps 19:7), for the Holy Scriptures are now, and will eternally be, our spiritual food (Ma 4:4; 24:35).

3:17 thoroughly furnished. "Thoroughly furnished" is one word in the Greek, meaning "completely equipped." We need nothing more that God's complete Word for our complete life."

Such an awesome message from God's Word in these appropriate times! God bless each of you!

God's Word On The Endtimes .... 2 Thessalonians 2

There are many of you who keep up with this blog as lurkers. : ) I don't mind that at all. But I hear from many of you and I want each of you to know that I love you. Tonight as I studied God's Word I was encouraged by the Spirit to include this chapter on my blog. This chapter of 2 Thessalonians deals with some end time truths. As I read, I really consciously thought of some of you who I do not recall a statement of Faith from. In other words, are these precious folks that I hold dear Saved by God's grace? I Pray that you are and that if you aren't you will take heed to this warning and really open yourself up to the opportunity. Time is passing quickly and the end is near according to God's Word. When Jesus appears in the clouds and we are called up to meet Him in the sky, it will be done and your chance will be gone. Things will continue on earth, but those who have heard the gospel and rejected it will be disillusioned and will suffer the consequences with satan. Please, I beg of you... do not be in that number. It pains my heart to think of those of you who I hold so dear dying and going to hell. Please ask Jesus into your heart. And if you need me... just email, call, text, comment. I'll be as much help as I can possibly be.

2 Thessalonians 2 (King James Version)

¹Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

²That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

³Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

⁴Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

⁵Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

⁶And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

⁷For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

⁸And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

⁹Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

¹⁰And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

¹¹And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

¹²That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

¹³But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

¹⁴Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

¹⁶Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

¹⁷Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

1 Thessalonians 4 (King James Version)

This has thoroughly touched my soul today. I have been reading in 1 Thessalonians and today I read chapter 4. Truly there are things here that show us how to live and truly there are things here that show us how things will be when we die. How awesome that we can say that both are wonderful and perfectly planned by our Heavenly Father. Notice the bolded statements.

1 Thessalonians 4 (King James Version)

1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

How do you use your vessel? Do you treat it in a manner that is pleasing to God? Am I asking you these questions to judge you? No... I am asking them even of myself daily. I think these are the kinds of questions we all need to ask ourselves daily if we want to grow in our precious Savior. How awesome to know that we soon will see our loved ones again in the air with our Lord! Amazingly, beautifully, sanctified by God!

The Results Are In...... As of About 10 pm Friday Nite.... WE GOIN' TO STATE BABY! UNDEFEATED THE ENTIRE SEASON!

WE DID IT... ALL BY GOD'S MERCIES AND GRACE!

Our boys with the trophy! We're goin' to State!

The Run Through!
Our JROTC... RIP JON, WESLEY, JESSICA, AND DANIEL! (not pictured in this shot)

The entrance... beautiful with blue smoke and fireworks!

Our stands! Tons of fans, especially for 17 degree weather!

Another entrance shot!

Some true blue bobcat fans... they had no shirt on the entire game!

Sooooooooo excited for these Bobcats! We are heading to state this Saturday at the Papa John's Stadium, 3pm. I'll be in my in-laws turf for this one. My home away from home, Louisville!


We beat Boyle Co. 17-15. It was tough but well worth all the stress. I am so proud of this group of boys! My little brother told me that he Prayed his way through it. I told him he wasn't alone, I did my fair share of Praying as well along with mom, dad, and a lot of other mothers and folks. I would get so hyped up and then feel God tugging at my heart to just sit, be still and Pray. I did just that. Then I'd jump up excitedly again and repeat the process. God is so good to hear all of our Prayers and not just those that are major in the world's eyes.

Our boys play in Louisville Saturday. If you live in the WYMT coverage area, tune us in. We'll be on T.V. You may even see me screaming and jumping around. HAHA Also, our boys will be honoring those students who have honored them at so many games in the past, the students who were killed this weekend. They will have a memorial to the students on their helmets and we will have a moment of silence aka in the Christian world... Prayer for our fellow comrades who have gone on. Please continue to bathe the families in Prayer.

Keep us in Prayer on Saturday as well. We are really looking forward to bringing home our first state title in 17 years! I am almost as excited as they are! HAHA Please Pray for a safe trip to and from Louisville for our boys and everyone who is headed that way. Please Pray that if we can bring God more glory by winning, that He will bless us to do just that. Please Pray that if interviewed our boys give God glory for the win and point to our Creator and Savior for all their successes and strengths. Pray for all of us who are excited, yet sad to see our favorite senior players' (aka my lil bro) football career at BCHS end.

Look at that number 69! Go Billy!

Billy thinks its a touchdown! I'm gonna miss watching him play!

GO BOBCATS!

Psalm 62 (King James Version)

1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

(Courtesy of Middlesboro Daily News)

Six turnovers help Bell hold off Boyle Co. 17-15

By JAY COMPTON/Sports Editor

Published:

Sunday, December 7, 2008 4:34 PM EST

LOG MOUNTAIN — The Bell County Bobcats are headed to the state championship game for the first time since they won it all in 1991.

The Bobcat defense forced six turnovers Friday night as Bell held off Boyle County 17-15 in the Class 4A semifinals.

“The old man is going back to the big house one more time,” coach Dudley Hilton said. “I didn’t know if I’d ever make it, but give Boyle County a lot of credit they’ve got a great football team.”

For the second straight week the Bobcats were taking down to the wire. The Rebels were driving in the final minute and a pass interference penalty gave them a first down at Bell 27 with 23.3 seconds to play.

Boyle quarterback Phillip Mason scrambled around before throwing an incomplete pass, then tried to go deep for Kentucky commit Jordan Aumiller as the clock ticked under ten seconds.

Bell senior Shawnta Zachery jumped up and intercepted the pass at the four yard line and slid down to clinch the win for the Bobcats with two seconds left to play.

“They threw the verticals and a couple of plays before that they had it open and they dropped it,” Zachery said. “I thought they might be looking to their big play man inside, the big UK man (Aumiller). So I cheated this way a little bit and kind of baited him. When it came I just went up an got it.

“I wanted to go back and score but it’s more important to get the win, anything could have happened. So I just intercepted it and fell down,” he said. “Then I just threw the ball up in the air. It was an amazing, great feeling.”

It was fitting that the ball landed in Zachery’s hands on the deciding play. With Boyle concentrating to stopping the Bell running game, the senior quarterback had a career day throwing the ball.

He completed 15-of-24 passes for 163 yards. Zachery also ran for 18 yards on ten carries including three times for first downs and a one-yard sneak for a touchdown in the third quarter that gave Bell a 14-9 lead they would never give up.

“What an outstanding performance by our quarterback. Shawnta stepped up big for us throwing the ball tonight and I put a lot of credit not just him, our defense played well too,” Hilton said.

Sophomore cornerback Cody Davenport had intercepted Phillips on Boyle’s first drive of the second half at the Bell 28-yard line.

The Bobcats went 72 yards on 14 plays with the biggest one being a 28-yard catch by Adam Overbay. He caught the ball eight yards down field on a crossing pattern and broke a pair of tackles on his way down the sideline to the Boyle County 11.

Overbay led the Bobcats with six catches for 73 yards in the game.

Three runs by Spencer Greer left Bell with a 4th & inches at the two. Zachery plowed ahead once for the first down, then again for the go-ahead score with 4:16 to play in the third quarter.

“What about little Overbay,” Hilton said. “I told you: ‘Thank the Lord that he came out’ and he showed why tonight.”

The Rebels’ next possession was brought to an early end as Billy Lawson rolled up running back Rees MacShara behind the line of scrimmage and the ball came free. Taylor Mills recovered the fumble and Bell took over at the Boyle 44.

Zachery passed to Matt Raines for nine yards and a first down on a 4th & 4 play. Then hooked up with John Dudley Hilton for an 18-yard gain down inside the Rebel five.

Boyle County opened the fourth quarter with their second goal-line stand of the game and a false start penalty moved the Bobcats back to the six.

Monte Merrick came on and kicked a 23-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-9 with 10:19 to play.

Mason completed 4-of-6 passes for 41 yards as Boyle County drove 80 yards on nine plays on the following drive. Tight end Lamar Dawson capped the drive with touchdown catch from ten yards out.

In a game filled with big plays from the Bobcat defense, their smallest defender Davenport made what might have the biggest play of all.

The Rebels went for the two-point conversion to tie the game. Mason scrambled to his left and looked to have a clear path to the pylon. But Davenport peeled off his man and came out of nowhere to knock Mason back before he reached the goal line.

“He took that boy’s head off. I really thought he made a heck of a play right there,” Hilton said.

With 6:10 to play, the Bobcats clung to a 17-15 lead.

They ground out two first downs and made the Rebels used all their timeouts before being faced with a 3rd & 12 from the Boyle 44.

Zachery went deep for Raines down the left sideline, but the pass was intercepted and Boyle’s last drive would start at their own 22 with 2:18 on the clock.

Mason — who was 17-of-31 passing for 175 yards and two TDs — drove them into Bell territory, but Zachery’s last second heroics sealed the win for the Bobcats.

“I can’t explain the feeling, it’s amazing. It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Zachery said of securing a spot in the championship game. “I just want to thank God first of all, and my family, friends, my team, coaches, everybody. It’s the greatest feeling in the world, seriously.”

The teams traded long drives in the first quarter with neither getting on the scoreboard.

Bell opened up with nine straight running plays out of the wishbone. Goodin and Greer alternated carries, but the drive stalled after a fumbled exchange and then a false start penalty.

Merrick pinned Boyle back at their own two-yard line with a 45-yard punt.

Mason came out throwing from his own end zone and completed throws to Bret Marshall and Ron Crutchfield for first downs before the Rebels were also forced to punt.

Zachery completed his first five passes and got the Bobcat offense moving again on their second possession. Overbay, Davenport and Chase Ely all made catches for first downs and another completion to Overbay gave Bell a first down at the Rebel 11 early in the second quarter.

But the Bobcats were eventually stopped on a 4th and 1 play from the two yard line.

On 2nd & 10 Mason again dropped back to pass from his own end zone and had to get rid of the ball under pressure from Lawson and Shawn Marcum. His pass went right to Matt Simpson at the 15 and he ran untouched into the end zone to put Bell on top.

Merrick’s extra point made it 7-0 with 9:07 to play in the second quarter.

“He just threw it up in the air and it was like he was throwing it to me and I just took it to the house,” Simpson said. “We got to the regional last year and lost in a heart-breaker. Our seniors have worked so hard (to get to Louisville) this year, it means everything to us.”

The Bobcats tried an onside kick, but Boyle recovered it at the 47.

Mason passed to MacShara for a 34-yard touchdown to complete a quick drive that tied the game with 8:23 left in the half.

“A lot of people might second guess me, but I was scared of that little boy back there returning kickoffs,” Hilton said of the decision to onside kick. “We lost here last year after Lexington Catholic returned the opening kickoff (for a touchdown).”

Bell moved the ball again on their next drive, but stalled in Boyle territory. Merrick missed a 44-yard field goal attempt and the Rebels took over at their own 20.

Aumiller gained a total of 41 yards on two catches on the following drive and Boyle County was threatening to take the lead.

MacShara made a nice move to cut inside the Bobcat 10-yard line, but John Dudley Hilton managed to strip the ball from behind him and Zachery recovered it on the one-yard line.

Bell couldn’t move the ball and Merrick came on to punt from the end zone. The snap sailed over his head and out of bounds for a safety to put the Rebels on top 9-7 with 48.9 seconds to go in the second quarter.

An interception by Raines made sure the Boyle wouldn’t add to that lead before the half.

“I thought we should have had two or three touchdowns in the first half,” Hilton said. “We had some bad mistakes but the bottom line is our kids didn’t quit.”

The Bobcats came out and forced two quick turnovers as they took control of the game in the third quarter. Then held on at the end.

“You’ve got to have a little bit of luck,” Hilton added. “We probably should have been beat last week and anybody could have won this game.”

Bell County (14-0) will play Bullitt East (9-5) Saturday at 3 p.m. in the state championship game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.

Bullitt East defeated Calloway County 52-49 in Friday’s other semifinal.

Above: The Bell County seniors pose with their trophy after holding on for a 17-15 win over Boyle County Friday night in the Class 4A semifinals. The Bobcats advance to face Bullitt East next Saturday at 3 p.m. Bell and coach Dudley Hilton (inset above) will be looking for their first state title since 1991.�� (JAY COMPTON/Daily News)

PART 4 -2008 Creation Conference-Binghamtown Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Gardner

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v20/i2/ancient.asp

On our last set of notes we left off talking about the confusion at Babel. We will now conclude these notes from Creation Conference 2008.

**************************************************************************************

*** Babylon (Modern Day Iraq) -
- Saddam Hussein spent charity money to restore Babylon.
- He believed that he was in the direct line of Nebacunezzar and that he was rightful heir to his world.
- Hussein even had his image placed over Nebacunezzar's on a gold coin to signify that he was in this direct line.


***What is the story of the Tower of Babel?***

Now the whole earth had one language and few words. And as men migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."

So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of the earth. - Genesis 11.

More Notes on the Tower of Babel

*** The Tower of Babel was built astronomical!

- Babylon was to bring (and stil is to bring) a one world order.

- PreBabylonian men were far superior to us.
- They had far better memories (we use about 10% of our brain, men from Adam's time used 100%).
- They also had smarter brains.
- They spoke 1 language and they lived five times longer than we do today.

***The foundation of the Tower of Babel has possibly been found.

(From http://unmuseum.mus.pa.us/babel.htm 's website)

Archaeologists examining the remains of the city of Babylon have found what appears to be the foundation of the tower: a square of earthen embankments some three-hundred feet on each side. The tower's most splendid incarnation was probably under King Nebuchadnezzar II who lived from 605-562 BC. The King rebuilt the tower to stand 295 feet high. According to an inscription made by the king the tower was constructed of "baked brick enameled in brilliant blue." The terraces of the tower may have also been planted with flowers and trees.


***The people took the science of astronomy and created astrology.

(From http://artvam.com/Article/Astrology_A_Little_Background/187 's website)

Astrology goes back to about 2900 BC. During this time, the Sumerians built temples in the form of pyramids. They did this to observe the stars and planets. Some say that it is even possible that Astrology goes back even farther than this but there is little evidence to support this theory.

It wasn't until about 2000 BC that the magi of Mesopotamia believed that there were indeed no accidents. He believed that everything in the universe including people, objects and all events, was connected. Not only did these magi, or priests study the stars but they also looked for omens in weather patterns. They would predict future events from the internal organs of many animals and even listened to the words of trees, dogs, cats and insects to hear what they had to say.

The main use of astrology, however, was to study the relationship between the position of the Earth and other bodies in the heavens such as planets, stars and even meteors and asteroids. They believed beyond any doubt that the position of each object in the universe has an effect on every person and even on our planet. It should be pointed out that with astrology, our Earth has no effect on these bodies themselves. This may or may not be true. Nobody knows for certain.

***WE DO KNOW FOR CERTAIN. ASTROLOGY ISN'T A SCIENCE, RATHER A PERVERSION OF THE SCIENCE OF ASTRONOMY!

Random Note *** First century batteries have been found. These were found among the ruins of the Minoans.


Other Ziggurats as Copies of Babel: Other Places Folks Worshipped gods


STONEHENGE

- These stones are in astronomical alignment. They are so technologically advanced that we couldn't even figure out the alignment until computers came about.

- None of the stones have a foundation, so the folks who made Stone Henge had to figure out how much soil would compress. We didn't even start worrying about soil compression until about 75 years ago.




*** Eg. Myans : Cancun, Mexico

- Cancun means "nest of vipers"
- In one section, there was a stone ring sticking out of the wall. They placed a colored cloth about 12 ft off the ground and the object of the game was to take the cloth out of the ring while the other team tried to get it, too.
- The winner's prize was to get their heart ripped out and sacrificed.


- The ziggurrat contained a serpent head and during the Autumn and Spring equinox it appeared to look like a snake slithering

(From http://www.stevealten.com/Domain/professor.htm )
The Kukulcan pyramid in Chichen Itza is an example of the unexplainable Mayan ingenuity. The pyramid is a perfect ziggurat of stone, with 4 sides, each possessing 91 steps. With the platform at the top the count it equals 365--as in days of the year. What is far more amazing is that for over 1,000 years, on each Autumn and Spring Equinox, the afternoon sun creates the shadow of a giant serpent on the pyramid's northern balustrade. As the sun sets, the body of the serpent appears to descend the steps to meet with its stone head.


- Aztec/Myan Calendar was 365. (some decimal) days.

- They figured this out 4 places past the decimal. They were extremely smart people. They were right because we still consider 365 days/1 year.

Genealogy draws 4,000 years to Christ and 2,000 years from Christ to us.

- There is no problem with genealogy and the truth. The Bible lines it all up and shows us.

Bishop Usher calculated Oct. 4,004 B.C. was the year of Creation.

Ussher next turned his attention to identifying the precise date of Creation. Like many of his contemporary scholars, he assumed that God would choose to create the world on a date that corresponded with the sun being at one of its four cardinal points—either the winter or summer solstice or the vernal or autumnal equinox. This view sprang from the belief that God had a special interest in mathematical and astronomical harmony. The deciding factor for Ussher came from Genesis. When Adam and Eve found themselves in the Garden of Eden, the fruit was invitingly ripe. Ussher reasoned, therefore, that it must have been harvest time, which corresponded with the autumnal equinox: “I have observed that the Sunday, which in the year [4004 B.C.] aforesaid, came nearest the Autumnal Aequinox, by Astronomical Tables, happened upon the 23 day of the Julian October.” (FROM: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scopes/ussher.html)


(Book: Animals of the World)

- The Mayans were the most accurate time keepers.

- Their calendar at year zero is within 50 years of the year Bishop Usher came up with.

- So you have a Biblical source and a very non Christian Source.

- Noah took the books already written on board to preserve the time line.



- Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Southeast Asia of a ziggurat set up to worship the sun, moon, and stars.



- Peru: Eldorado, city of gold Inca temple of the sun

- Machu Picchu built on rock, rapid running river, the base of Machu Picchu mountain is a village where people worship evil spirits and Jesus.

"The Temple of the Sun is a round tapered tower. The stonework of this temple is some of the finest in the city, outlining its importance. In the center of the temple is a carved rock with a straight edge. During the Summer solstice, this edge will precisely align with the light falling through the only window of the temple.

Observing the sun was very important to the Inca. During the winter solstice (when the Sun is furthest from the Earth), the Inca would hold a festival, which included sacrifice to bring the sun back.

Below the Sun Temple one can find the Royal Tomb, where it is said that Bingham found the remains of some important people. Unfortunately you cannot enter the Tomb, but you can have a peek inside.
Entrance into the Temple of the Sun is prohibited, but you can look inside from the structure above it.

Next to the Temple of the Sun stands a two-story building that got named Princess Palace. The stonework of this building with slightly inclining walls is better than that of most ordinary houses. This fact and the fact that it is bigger than most other housing structures suggest that someone important lived here (maybe even a Princess, who knows)." (From: http://www.opentravelinfo.com/travel_guide/south_america/peru/andean/machu_picchu_peru_inca_city_in_the_sky

- They built all houses they have 2 bulls with a basket between them and put a cross in the middle. They put their petition in the basket for the evil spirits, so they just added Jesus to the other gods.

"On the way up the hill you get a view of the grimy housing made out of Adobe bricks topped off with a corrugated iron roof and a Cross with at least one bull statue on every roof. " (From: http://www.epinions.com/review/trvl-Dest-Latin_America-Peru-Machu_Picchu/content_212559761028)



- Cusco - like a bowl and the light blinds you


-Massive stone blocks put together so tightly cut perfectly




- When you look at the shapes in the wall, you can see how they put animals in them.
Eg. Platypus found in the stones

- According to Evolutionists it evolved in Australia, what is it doing in an Incan stone wall?

- Either Inca is sailing or it was from Inca instead of "evolving" from Australia

- Noah's Ark and the flood ... everything died.

- Coal, oil, gas are all from the vegetation buried in the worldwide flood.

* If we study Nimrod, it will show us the prophecies of 1 world government today.

- We are in a crisis and the devil will take full advantage of it.

2 Corinthians 8: .... Giving for God

I have been studying in 2 Corinthians for that last week or so. This morning I read chapter 8 and could barely contain myself to keep studying instead of starting this blog entry because of the good stuff I was reading.

This chapter was so beautifully written and composed so well to explain to us, as Christians, the importance of giving. What does it mean to give? Giving is giving of your time, your talents, your abundance, your love, your friendship, etc. God has blessed each of us so greatly and we tend to forget that quite often. The love in our heart, the extra time (no matter how little), the food on our table, the money in our bank accounts (no matter how big or small); it is all of and from God our Father. God is really good at giving us above and beyond in all areas of our lives. Check out these verses:

2 Corinthians 8 (King James Version)

Example of the Macedonians

The Macedonians were such an example for Paul to use for the Corinthians. They were taught by Paul and they actually "got it." In so many of our churches today, folks don't "get it." They think it is all about themselves and they have the "ME, ME, ME" syndrome. These folks understood the importance of the gospel and of giving. Who were these Macedonians? They were the churches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Philippi that Paul ministered to.

1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit (make known to you) of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

(This grace is in reference to Christian character. According to Col. 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. This tells us that we should demonstrate our Christian grace through the words of our mouths. We also see that we should demonstrate our Christian grace through our deeds. 2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: Lastly, we should demonstrate through our Christian life as a whole. 2 Peter 3:18- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.)

2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

[This joy that is mentioned is the joy that goes along with giving. As stated in the "New Defender's Study Bible" commentary, "The grace of joy accompanies the grace of giving, especially when both are refined in the furnance of affliction and poverty. This is one of the paradoxes of the genuine Christian life. Like the widow and her mite (Mark 12:41-44), the Philippians 'first gave their owen selves to the Lord' (2 Corinthian 8:5), and then could share generously with others, since they naturally regarded their possessions also as belonging to the Lord. Thefore the apostle could promise them that God would 'supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19). ]

3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

(How important! They first gave themselves to the Lord. If we first give ourselves to the Lord, we would then see as the Macedonians did, that everything we have belongs to Him as well.)

6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

(Titus shared and gave of himself and all that he had. What an example for us to live by!)

Example of Christ

Who could be more of an example of giving than our Savior?! He gave of Himself so thoroughly just so that we might be Saved and have eternal life!

7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

[How true! Can you imagine any of our world's rich folk doing this? Me either! No one else is like Christ. He gave up everything, not just a portion, but EVERYTHING just for you and I. From the "New Defender's Study Bible" commentary 'He was the Creator of the entire cosmos (Colossians 1:16), with all its infinite riches, yet He left it all to die a cruel death, utterly impoverished, with even His meager garments stripped away a s He was spiked to the cross. This great gift of grace is the standard against which our own practices of the grace of giving must always be compared.']

(Also, read this testimony found in Philippians 2:5-8, 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. )

10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

(This comes from Exodus 16: 18. In this chapter of Exodus, the people were being preserved from hunger through God's manna or miraculous bread from Heaven. The people gathered and measured and all had exactly what they needed regardless of how great or how little they had actually gathered.)

Policies in Giving

16But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

17For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

20Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

(From "The New Defender's Study Bible" commentary, 'In the work of Christ, the end does not justify the use of questionable means. Our testimony before men must be credible if we expect it to be effective for the Lord. See also Proverbs 3:4 - So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. and 1 Peter 2:12- Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may be your good works, which hey shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. )

22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

24Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love (giving), and of our boasting on your behalf.

So what should this giving mean to us? It should mean that everyday, not just during this holiday season, we should give when God lays it on our hearts to do so. We should earnestly Pray and ask God for His guidance for the areas that are in need, whether it be a church, a needy family, a friend who is in need of spiritual guidance, etc. We should be willing to give of ourselves, our talents, our money, and anything that God has blessed us with. And we need to give for the right reasons above... for the reason of JOY, mentioned at the beginning of the chapter. It should give us Joy to give to others as God gives to us. We should never get so tied up in the gamble of giving as many ministries do. Don't worry about how much you will get back for what you give. Let God worry about what you need and you (and I) just continue to give.

2 Corinthians 1:22

2 Corinthians 1:22 : Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

My pastor has been mentioning some of the banking terms found in the Bible. He has talked about the binding agreements that is talked about and showing us God's promises via these terms.

Tonight I was beginning 2nd Corinthians. I have been here all day in my bed resting and trying to get all healed up from surgery on Friday. I read up to verse 22 and then read the commentary and realized that this was another of these terms. Here's what my commentary says:

1:22 earnest. The "earnest" is "earnest money," the deposit paid to guarantee that the whole promise will be fulfilled in the proper time. See 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:14. On the sealing of the Spirit, see note on Ephesians 1:13. (Source: New Defender's Study Bible)

2 Corinthians 5:5 (King James Version)

5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest (deposit paid to guarantee that the whole promise will be fulfilled in the proper time) of the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13 (King James Version)

13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:14 (King James Version)

14Which is the earnest (deposit paid to guarantee that the whole promise will be fulfilled in the proper time) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

How beautiful these verses are when you realize what they are talking about. God has placed a deposit to guarantee His promises! How wonderful! He didn't have to do that.... but He did because He is a good God. The Holy Spirit is this deposit. How amazing to have the deposit of such a promise living inside of us! Thank You Lord for the Trinity and for allowing me to have the Holy Spirit guiding me and reassuring me of the promises You have made me on a daily basis.

Charity

Charity (Greek "agape") does mean love... however it is best translated as "a generous and unselfish concern for others." When you view that meaning and read this "Love" chapter in 1st Corinthians... it really makes you open your eyes. We all know that our reason for being here is to serve others and that when we serve others, we are serving Christ. However, sometimes we tend to forget the extent of serving others. We have to do so with the right motives and with our hearts. Reread this chapter below and replace charity with "a generous and unselfish concern for others." See if it makes a difference in your Christian walk. I Pray that it does... it does in mine!

1 Corinthians 13 (King James Version)

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Ephesians 4:14-16

Ephesians 4:14-16

14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

These verses ring so true in today's society. I have never heard of a society that is more easily persuaded than the one we are living in now. Folks are acting like children by believing anything they hear and being too lazy to actually research it to see if it is true. We, as Christians, are told to "Speak the truth in love" and that's exactly what we need to do. We are not here to condone false teachings or beliefs but to show everyone the right way and ONLY way to God... Jesus Christ. We are also to include each member in the body. No one is above someone else. We each work out our own Salvation (the salvation of our spirit not our soul because that Salvation is by grace) and we must work together for the good of the Lord. Together we can do things that we couldn't do alone. Together we can achieve and prosper in Jesus' name. Together we can see more and more people come to a Saving knowledge of our precious Savior.

Let these verses inspire you and guide you to give your walk with Christ everything that you have got to give. Let it inspire you to let go of pet sins and your past so that you can move on to an uplifting and productive future for Christ. I Pray this for each of us (me included). God bless each of you!

I Am Glad God Hears My Groanings

I have written a lot lately about my studies in the book of Romans. Today, I was revisiting chapter 8 and I came across a couple of verses that I know I have previously mentioned in a post prior to this one. However, I wanted to make sure that I posted it today as a thanks to God for what it says.

Romans 8:26-27

26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

God, I thank You that You hear my groanings. Even when I Pray and I can't even form words to express what I feel, You read my heart and You hear my groanings and can interpret exactly what they mean. Thank You Father for such an intimate relationship as this!

Remember that guys, if you can't Pray just cry out to God and He will understand the groanings, the grunts, the sighs, the tears. He knows exactly what they mean! Praise His wonderful name!

Romans 6: 12-19

Romans 6: 12-19

12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

These are beautiful verses of scripture. They ring true in so many of our Christian lives. How many times do we give up the victory that Jesus has already given us so that we can turn back to a "pet" sin that we seek comfort in? Are we using our "members" for God's glory? Do we remember consistently that we are "made free from sin" and that we are "under grace" and not the law? These are important truths that we find in the book of Romans.

Often times as Christians we find ourselves committing a sin repeatedly because we know that we can ask for forgiveness. However, this is an abuse of God's forgiveness. I, myself, have been guilty of this in the past and yes, God forgave me, BUT in the whole process I lost my joy. I lost my joy in knowing that I was pleasing my Savior with my actions. I didn't consciously wake up each day saying that I was scheduling in that sin at such in such time, no. However, I did let myself be put into situations where I was vulnerable and weak to satan's temptations.

We all have "pet sins" and though ours may not seem like that big of a deal to others, they are huge to us and we know they are wrong. Remember in God's eyes, sin is sin and there is no comparison. We need to realize that we too died on the Cross along with Jesus that day. When we repented and accepted Him into our hearts, we began to be able to identify with His death and more importantly His life. Daily we need to keep our hearts focused on the high price that our freedom from sin cost. Daily we need to focus on stearing clear of sin. Daily we need to thank God for the beautiful act of love that He demonstrated through His precious Son's death on the cross. I Pray that you and I both can keep our minds focused on these truths no matter if we are facing a storm or the happiness of our lives high on the mountaintop.

A PROPHETIC PSALM THAT I LOVE

I just love this Psalm. It is amazing to me that it was written years and years before Jesus died for me (and you) on the Cross. I just love it! He is just so wonderful and I can't even begin to fathom just how much HE loves me. Praise His high and holy name!

P.s. Please comment on this Psalm and let me know what you think/feel about it!

Psalm 22 (King James Version)

King James Version (KJV)

Psalm 22

1My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

2O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

3But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

4Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

5They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

6But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

7All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

9But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

10I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. (OH... I WANT THIS FOR MY CHILD/CHILDREN!)

11Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

12Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

13They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

19But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

21Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

23Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

25My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

26The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

28For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations.

29All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

30A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

31They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.