2009 Heisman Trophy

 

For the first time in years there is no clear cut candidate who will win the Heisman Trophy. For that reason alone the race is interesting. And for the first time in years I may be seeing glimmers of hope restored in my attitude. 

Like other sports fans, I have my opinions each year.  Sometimes my opinion matches that of the “experts”. But even then it is not enough to override the disappoitments of years when the results seem to be a sham; when it appears the fix is in; when networks like ESPN have more to do with choosing the winner than players’ performances on the field do. 

But I am hopeful this year will be different.

Below are my top 5 picks, with number 1 being who I would have voted for had I been given a vote.  I know that some of my choices can’t win – not all were even invited to the party in New York. But that doesn’t matter. These are my slections:

1. Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska – Senior

A dominant player in the trenches; the best player in the country this year. PERIOD.  And in this year when there is no clear cut QB or RB, a defensive lineman can win.  (I know a defensive player was once given the trophy, but this time Suh should legitimately “win” it.)

Watch the video: Suh

2. Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford – Senior

It was tough not voting for Gerhart. He is equally deserving for both his stats and his style.

3. Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama – Sophomore

It is hard to believe no Tide player has ever won the Heisman.  Ingram may go home with it. If he does, there is no injustice, he is a great back.  But I wouldn’t give it to him this year.

4. Tony Pike – QB – Cincinnati – Senior

While it is over used hyperbole, Pike is the driving force behind the Bearcats’ undefeated season.  His backup played well in periods Pike was injured, but without Pike Cincinnati would be good but not great. 

5. Colt McCoy – QB – Texas – Senior

The Maxwell Award winner should have won the Heisman last year.  His numbers were down a little, but McCoy’s performances still shined.  He has Texas playing again for the National Championship.

The Christ of Christmas

The WORD

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.     – John 1.1-4, 14a

This Christ of Christmas shines down through the ages like a gem with many facets. Each facet (or Hebrew name) reveals a different aspect of His personality, love, and provision for humanity.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18.10

ELOHIM

In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.”    – Genesis 1.1

  • El = Mighty or Strong
  • Him = plural (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); Total Power and Might

This Christ of Christmas is the Creator, mighty and strong. he saw us in our mother’s womb. (Psalm 139) He createde us and has a special plan for every life.

JEHOVAH-ROHI

Jehovah my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

This Christ of Christmas is our Shepherd. He desires to lead us through paths of righteousness.

Jehovah-Rohi says:

I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”  – John 10.11

JEHOVAH – M’KADDESH

Jehovah who sanctifies. (Exodus 31.13)

Sanctify = Consecrate, dedicate.

This Christ of Christmas desires to set us apart to walk in holiness, because He is our God.  

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.”   – 1 Thessalonians 4.3a

JEHOVAH – RAPHA

I am the Lord who heals you.” – Exodus 15.26

This Christ of Christmas is our healer; body soul, and spirit.

He himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.”   – Matthew 8.16-17

JEHOVAH – NISSI

“The Lord our banner.” (Exodus 17.12b, 13, 15)

The Christ of Christmas is our banner (Victory)! Lift Him up.

But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”  – John 12.32

EL SHADDAI

“The One who  is more than enough.”

This Christ of Christmas is more than enough to meet our needs in every situation.  What seemingly impossible need can we bring Him?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen   Ephesians 3.20-21

 JEHOVAH – TSIDKENU

Jehovah Our Righteousness  (Jeremiah 23.5-6)

This Christ of Christmas is our Righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”   – 2 Corithians 5.21

JEHOVAH JIREH

The Lord will Provide” a sacrifice – Genesis 22.13-14

This Christ of Christmas is our Lamb of Provision! All may partake of His free gift of eternal life.

Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”   – John 1.29

Let Us Bow Before Him! Continue reading