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!

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

I GOT THIS TODAY IN AN EMAIL! SO GOOD!

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?



Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I

Never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed

Over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave

Clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly

Folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to

the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the

Entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom

Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the

tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other

disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in

And saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside.. He also noticed the linen

Wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head

Was folded up and lying to the side.


Was that important? Absolutely!


Is it really significant? Yes!


In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have

to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and

Every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure

that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait,

Just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the

Servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.


Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe

his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that

napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the

wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and

Laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table,

Because..........



The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'



He is Coming Back!! Be Blessed

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.

Goodbye 2008... Hello 2009.

So it is the end of another year. Wow. Hard to believe. And though a lot hasn't changed, which in most retrospects that's great, I know God is in the process of changing those that need changing.

I lift up this Prayer to You Father.

Precious Father,

I come humbly before You on the brink of this new year and I ask for forgiveness for all my failures and shortcomings. I ask that Your hand of mercy and grace will guide the lives of my family members and me through this next year. I thank You for the blessings You have given to me in 2008. You have blessed my health, my wealth, my family, my spirit, my womb (even though there isn't a child there yet, or could there be?). I praise You for these things.

I ask, Father, that Your hand would continue to be upon the health and the spirits of those that I hold so dear. Be with my blessed parents, baby brother, precious husband, precious aunt, special cousins, sweet in-laws, good friends, loving pastor and church, myself, and on my womb. I Pray even now for the precious child that is making his/her way into our life when Your time is right. I thank You for Your words of wisdom as given to me through others. You truly are a good God.

Go before us now and bless 2009 Father. Let us be blessed with blessing uncountable and let us lay them all back at Your holy feet. I love You Father and I give You all the glory for every situation that I am walking through and will walk through.

Amen.

Merry Christmas 2008!

Merry Christmas to all!!! Keep me and my family in your Prayers as I do the same for you!

Happy Birthday Precious Savior!!!

Luke 1:37

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.

God's Blessings .... in the form of stress relief for me!

Now, if you know me, you know that I do not like to be deep in debt. Granted, I understand that there are times that you have to go in debt such as homes, medical issues, vehicles, school, etc. I get that. But, I hate to feel as though I am over my head in debt. That said, my husband and I have really worked hard in the last couple of years to clear out any debt that we have. I currently own no credit cards other than 1 JCPenney card that I rarely use and if I do it is paid off in the next month. I don't think that it's bad to have a credit card, I just wanted rid of mine. Michael still has a couple for us in case of an emergency. One big thing that has been weighing on my mind lately is the fact that I owe around $25,000 in school loans from my Master's Degree and my Rank I. This stressed me to no end.

I have applied for loan forgiveness of my interest through the Student Loan People. After a very LONG process, I was granted almost $1,000 in forgivness. That sure was a blessing. I then applied for a loan forgiveness program for Ky teachers. I was unsure of the amount that I would get because I teach math all day to 5th and 6th graders but the 4 years prior to last year I wasn't working with upper grades. I am not going to go into great detail because it would just bore you and take forever. I found out yesterday that I qualified for the big forgiveness even though I have only taught up upper grades for 2 years. A payment of $17, 500 was made on my account, nearly wiping it clean. I only owe $5,600 or something like that now.

This made me think, wow... forgiveness and then my slate is wiped nearly clean. Well, open your eyes Alesha. I should feel this way daily because 2,000 years ago my debts were paid, my slate was wiped clean in a perfect transaction made possible by my precious Savior! If it felt that good to have that much money transferred to my account..... but how much better it feels to have that much Saving Grace transferred to me. I am so blessed. If God blessed me with this loan forgiveness for no other reason yesterday, it was to show me how faithful He is and to help me parallel that blessing to the biggest blessing that I'll ever have! How wonderful He is!

John 10

So, here is Jesus' very own people accusing Him of creating this "story" that He is the Son of God. Imagine, the very people that you love and came from, discrediting your journey to earth to die in their place. Even to this day, Jews and Gentiles alike do not give Jesus the credit He is due. But in a day not to far away, He will get His glory from EVERY man! This chapter was so powerful to me even though I've read and heard these verses a million times. Read and think of our Risen Savior who is alive and well today! He has His scars to prove His love for us!

John 10:

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

(HOW AWESOME! THIS PRECIOUS DOOR HOLDS THE KEY TO A SHEPHERD WHO IS CALLING US BY NAME, GOING BEFORE US IN OUR LIVES, AND LETTING US BE SO INTIMATE WITH HIM, THAT WE KNOW HIS VOICE BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT!)

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

(WE CAN GO IN TO LEARN AND GROW AND WE CAN GO OUT AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL TO OTHERS SO THAT THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE SAME THING!)

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

(HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US! HE TOOK ALL THE PUNISHMENT THAT WE DESERVE!)

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(THAT SAME POWER IS THE POWER GOD IS USING TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS! GOD IS SO MIGHTY!)

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

42 And many believed on him there.

Billy Brittain "Obama" ... yes this is about politics

My baby brother Billy Brittain called me last night to ask me to read his latest blog entry on Myspace. I just read it and I am so proud of him! I wanted to share with my readers. Keep in mind, you may not agree with this post. I am not asking that you do (though I really wish you'd consider it ha!) but please take the time to read what he has written. And please, do not take this as an offense if you do not agree. That is not my intent. I don't apologize for my beliefs but I am not trying to lose friends over this post. I don't know of many 17 year old boys that take the time and effort to write something for God's glory. I am very proud of him and the servant of God that he is becoming!

6:09 PM - Obama
Current mood: thankful

As you know In November we (as a nation) will be voting in a new president to serve four years as leader of our great country. As always the election process has been a slow and heated battle between the democrats and republicans. And after all the smoke has cleared it looks like one democratic candidate has emerged as a favorite for the majority of the U.S. This person being Barack Hussein Obama.
..BOF_DEF--> As a christian and a strong believer in the lord Jesus Christ I personally don't support Obama in anything he does. The reason being is that the practices that he preaches go against the holy word of God. And if your an Obama supporter your gonna say: "He's a christian and he's been a member of his church for 25 years so how is he going against God?" Well I'm not gonna judge Obama and say that he's not a christian. But if he is a christian then he has really let the world influence his beliefs. The reason I say this is because Obama is a supporter of civil unions, for those of you who don't know what that is: A legal union of a same-sex couple, sanctioned by a civil authority. Thus meaning Obama supports homosexuals and lesbians.
The Bible clearly speaks against homosexuals throughout. In Genesis 19:4: "But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter." In this verse of scripture the men that are mentioned are those who inhabit the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. And as you may know Sodom and Gomorrah was a sin ridden city that was destroyed by God because of its wickedness. The men are confronting Lot (one of the few righteous inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah) to try to get to two strange men (angels of God) who came to Lot's in the night. "The enormity of Sodom's wickedness is indicated by the eagerness with which not a few degenerates, but all the men of the city desired to commit the crime of homosexual rape, probably leading to murder, on two unknown visitors to the city. Lot's desire to protect them demonstrates his basically godly character (2 Peter 2:8) even through his carnality had led him into this compromising association". This is a footnote from my KJV New Defenders Study Bible, the notes being written by the creation scientist Dr. Henry Morris. This is a clear example of Obama's unbiblical beliefs.
There is more scripture in the bible that references back to homosexualism. In Romans 1:24, 26-27: 24 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleaness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishounour their own bodies between themselves." 26 " For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature." 27 "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward one another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and recieving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet." Now the footnote for these verses. " The descent into evolutionary paganism is always followed by gross immorality, specifically including sexual perversion, such as described in Romans 1:26-29.Ancient Sodom was so notorious for homosexuality that its practice has long been known as sodomy (See Genesis 13:13; 19:4-9)." It does go on to say that its becoming more accepted in America today. I believe that the reason its becoming accepted is because of people like Senator Obama.This isn't the only reason I don't support Obama but its the main one. Obama is also a supporter of abortion and ending the war in Iraq. Both of these issues are spoken against clearly in the bible. The war is helping to set up the soon to be Armageddon.
What our nation needs is a christian president who is a firm believer in God. Who stands upon the word of God and will help bring morality back to our struggling nation. Until we vote in a president who will lead our nation by the word of God our nation will never prosper. It won't do anything but fall until the Armageddon and thankfully for myself I will be in Heaven.
After I say these things I assume that the argument of separation of church and state will come up. And I strongly disagree with this as well. The government was based off God's word and shouldn't be separated from it now. In Isaiah 9:6: " For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This verse shows that the government of our nation was and is supposed to be based off of God's holy word. It's just one of many verses that mention this. Another few more modern examples of our government being based off of God's word are: The Declaration of Independence assumes that American freedom is ensured by obedience to the creator (a.g. "all men are created equal") . And the background of the U.S Constitution is based on English common law, which was derived mainly from scripture, and efforts of many Bible-believing founding fathers.
I know this has been an extremely long blog and if you've read it all I thank you dearly. I just want to show all of you that Barack Hussein (Saddam who?) Obama is not the right candidate for presidency. If his beliefs were based off the holy word of God then he would be but he's not. Therefore I ask that you do not support him in any way.

And I know John McCain isn't like Huckabee and isn't a complete Conservative but he's the next best candidate because he isn't a complete left side Liberal.
Thank you for reading Vote McCain,
God Bless

Another Year........Another reason to say THANK U JESUS!

So here it is 9:49 pm on December 31st 2007. Hard to believe a whole year of life has flown by at unmeasurable speeds. 2007 had so many hopes and dreams, some of which are still in the making, but overall many were fulfilled. Early, early, early into the new year of 07, I was diagnosed with my gall bladder issues and had that fixed within the first month. I spent the next few months trying to get use to life without a gall bladder and am actually still doing so. Let me tell ya, there's more to it than you think, at least for some of us.

February showed up with a new little man who has really brought our family together and got my mind rolling about my own baby future. By April, I had decided that I was ready to start trying for a baby of our own. In May, I signed up on my insurance at work that deals with maternity leave and began trying. The summer brought on lots and lots of work stress and drama. All of which ended up coming to a close right as the new school year began.

September brought "pregnancy" excitement and twisted ankles, and exited with my still messed up, no baby in sight, and my mother falling ill and being flown via helicopter to Lexington, Ky for treatment. From then until now, it has been my mission to try to help my mother and my family even more so, while still trying to maintain my own home and trying to conceive adventure. And it all ends in about 2 hours so that it can resume in another time frame. Who knows what 2008 will hold? I sure don't. If I had have known this time last year, what 2007 would have brought, I am not sure I could have handled it. But ahhh our Precious Savior! He knows our frame and what we can withstand. He surely knows that we could not handle the stress of knowing what the next year would bring. He knows that it must come one day at a time. I am so thankful to Him for that.

I'll admit... as much as I love the holidays, they do sort of bring out a blue feeling in me. New Year's especially does that. I look back over all the past memories and I begin to miss the times, the people, and the situations that were once a huge part of my life. It is then I must turn and look unto Jesus and realize that our life is a vapor and in a short time it will vanish away. But those memories are eternal and the love I have shared with those who have gone on will never fade away. Actually, it gives us something to look forward to in our eternal future.
I could never thank God enough for all that He has done for me and continues to do in my life. I am so undeserving. I deserve nothing that He has done, yet He has done each and every thing. Instead of the plenty of whippings I deserve for disobedience, my Heavenly Father has shined his mercies and grace upon me and spared me again. I praise Him for all that He is and all that He always will be.



My prayer for those of you reading is this......... If you don't know Jesus, please don't waste another day without Him. You can't fix yourself enough to be ready to accept Him. Being Saved isn't about how perfect you can be. It's about realizing that this awesome, awesome King took the form of a human and came to this earth 2,00o years ago. He died a gruesome death upon the Cross just so that you could have eternal life. That's what salvation is about. Believe that truth, tell Jesus you believe it. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and tell Him that you believe that He came to complete the Father's will and to provide salvation to ALL mankind. Tell Him you want Him to be your personal Savior. And you know what? He will do just that. He will come into your heart that simply and He will help you with each situation that you feel is not good enough to give to Him. Jesus didn't die for people who were sinless, perfect and without problems or issues. The Bible says that He died for all mankind........and do you honestly know anyone who fits the above standards? I don't. Please, please realize that this is the hour for you! Don't put off this decision that you have been wanting to make for so long. God knows who this post is for even if I am not positive who this is speaking to. Please, heed this calling and get saved before it's too late. Not too late even in the sense of dying, rather the sense of seeing this all powerful King come back to earth to claim His children, and you are left standing because technically you never became his blood bought child. One simple, loving gift and you didn't accept it. Please don't let that be the case!




Dear Heavenly Father,

God I come to you tonight with a heavy heart. Lord you know who this message is for. I have thoughts but you know each individual that will read it and that will be pricked in their hearts. Lord, let them let down there guard and resist satan's warfare of using excuses to keep them from you. Save their souls Jesus. Please Lord just save them before it is too late. Let them see that the time is at hand and that we will not dwell on this earth for much longer. Now is the time for the accepting of your perfect gift!

God I thank you for all of your many blessings this past year. Lord, through many of a trial, you have comforted my grieving heart. Oh Lord when I have been so overwhelmed I didn't know if I could make it, You lifted me and held me in your strong loving arms and rocked me. I am adult, but I am your baby. I still need you to rock me into sweet peace and I thank you for still doing that for me Jesus. Lord, thank you for the health and the lives that you have spared this year in my family. Thank you for the relationships that you have restored throughout my family and friends. Thank you for the advanced notices of situations that we have no control over that you have given us. Most importantly, thank you for Saving me 17 years ago and never "letting me alone." Thank you for my family's salvation now and for those that I know you will save. I thank you for the precious child that I know you are molding and creating even now and preparing to send our way. You are a faithful God! The Heavens proclaim your goodness!

God I pray for the lost in my family, friends, coworkers, and folks that I come in contact with. I pray for the lost throughout the entire nation and world Jesus. Please send a revival to their hearts and to the hearts of the Christians who are asleep. Lord, I pray for the continued safety, good health and well being of my parents, brother, husband, in-luvs, and friends. God I pray that you would touch my mom's heart even now and just continue to heal each artery, vein, and vessel. Heal her of each disease and issue that plagues her body. I pray for my dad's body and health and for that of my brother and husbands. Heal each of them physically. Heal each organ and each ailment. Lord, heal each of them spiritually, help them to continue to grow in grace and knowledge. Heal them emotionally. Lord, you know what may being looming ahead for them, Jesus heal them even now if it be possible in thy perfect will and use them for years to come to bring glory and honor to you as you have for so many years in the past. Use my little brother God to continue to point to You. Lord, I pray that each decision he makes will be guided by Your influence and fit perfectly into Your will. Use him in mighty ways to bring glory to You. I pray for each member of my extended family and my in-luvs and their health throughout 2008. I pray for each situation that may arise throughout our lives and for your guidance. Lord, I pray that you would just continue to bathe us in your wonderful blessings from on high and help us to recognize each of them and where they are from. And God, I Pray for that one special blessing that I know is on His/Her way even now. Lord, save my child's soul at an early age and just use him/her to bring You glory. Help Michael and I to be mindful of the parents we need to be and help us to continue to grow to be just that. I ask that you guide Michael and I in the year ahead to make correct decisions and good choices. Help us in all areas that we need help in. Most importantly, help us to totally surrender all to you. Lord, I also pray for the salvation of my precious cousin/nephew baby Gavy at an early age and for that of his precious parents soon. Lord just cover my family in your blessings and protection. Lord, bless my pastor and his family and our church and sister churches. God just continue to do mighty things with us. Bless us with more souls saved and more opportunities and help us to realize each opportunity that we have. I thank You for answering my end of 2006 prayer God and for blessing me so greatly with those answers. I thank You and I praise You for all that You are. I praise You for being a Constant in a world of change.
In Your Precious and Holy Name..... Amen.

ONE MORE THING... PLEASE READ THE LYRICS OF THIS SONG.........

IT IS SO TRUE...

While You Were Sleeping Lyrics
Artist(Band):Casting Crowns

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight, tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America Looks like another silent night As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children And while we’re lying in the dark There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night, in the night America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King Will we be sleeping? Will we be sleeping? United States of America Looks like another silent night.

Christmas with the Brittain's and the Goodlett's

We had a great time celebrating Thursday with Gavy & Jess, Friday with Sandy and Mamaw, Saturday with mom, dad, and Billy, and Monday with the Goodlett clan. Here are some pics that are probably not in order but oh well : ) Merry Christmas!