February 2015 – benedictionofandrew

Psalm 4

Here is a short psalm this is a nice evening prayer for anyone who wishes to use before they sleep.

Psalm 4 (kjv)

An evening prayer of trust in God

1 Hear me when I call O God of righteousness: thou has enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity and seek after leasing? Selah.

3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will here when I call unto him.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune your own heart upon your bed, and be still.

Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their win increased.

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Again that word Selah has appeared like from the last psalm. The word as stated last time has an unknown meaning. It is thought to reference a period of music to play with out any words s these psalm are generally played to musical instruments or to be used as a means to signify a moment to reflect on the verse just read or heard and better understand it I generally again believe both are probably correct.

Verse 1 shows this is in fact a prayer as it is calling God to hear the speaker. It reaffirms that when we are being righteous in are ways. God is with us and reenforces us. The speaker then finally asks in fear and love of God for God to hear the prayer.

Verse 2 opens up speaking of the wicked mocking the Follower of God for their devotion and love of God in the first part of the verse. the 2nd part shows how they are lovers of themselves and the worldly and is asking why would people put trust and love in things that are not eternal.

Verse 3 Is the response to the wicked man’s love of self and mocking of the righteous by saying the Lord sets apart His followers from the world and keeps them for Himself. It also affirms that because the speaker is righteous God will here his prayer.

Verse 4 simply is meaning to not sin and join in the practices of self love instead commune with your heart or love of the Lord.

Verse 5 is an answer to the logical question that comes with verse 4 which is how do we commune or show are love of God? Well that is by doing sacrifices of righteousness or doing God works for the love of God with the expectation of nothing in return. Also by trusting God when situations seem critical that it will come out in the way the Lord wishes.

Verse 6 is a response to people saying show us the good of the world or that question if God is truly loving. So verse 6 is asking to give salvation and grace so that all can know the love and good that is God.

Verse 7 simply states the speaker loves God more then anything.

Verse 8 is saying the Speaker can sleep in peace and safety for He knows the Lord is watching over him.

So that is Psalm 4 the psalm that speaks to the Glory that God watches over all who call on his name. Keeps them in special protection and watches over them for He is a Loving God.

Gospel of John is that Jesus is God! (part 1 of chapter 1)

(Author Note: As this is the first time I posted a Bible Study topic let me give a quick explanation on it. Every week or so I will post something separate from my daily psalm posts. These readings go into heavy detail about certain scriptures and books of the Bible in hopes to educate the significance and importance of them.)

Before I talk about John and give you the introduction of my most favorite verse in the entire bible.(Which is John ch 1 verse 1.) I wish to give a brief lesson on what the Word Gospel means. As well as why Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John are called Gospels. I also wish to talk on why we have 4 books telling the same events roughly. This is going to be a bit wordy before we even get started so please entertain my ramblings as you might learn something new and this will help when talking about the other 3 when I get to them.

Well let’s start with what Gospel is. Gospel comes from the Greek noun “euangelion” and its verb form “euangelizo.”The noun means simply “Good News”; the verb form means to “bring the Good News.” So when someone says they bring the Gospel they are saying they are bringing the Good News. The 4 Gospels Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are actually the Gospels according to Mathew or Mark or Luke or John. Which simply means for example the Gospel According to John is the Good News According to John.

So Now that we have covered what Gospel means what is the News that keeps getting stated as being Good? The Good news is Jesus came to the earth and then died for all of us so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

The 4 Gospels are the story of His time on the earth each Gospel also covers a deferent aspect of Jesus personality or nature. This is a somewhat advanced subject that would be its own post by itself so I will go more in depth in a permanent page on the side Titled “The 4 aspects of Jesus” in the future.

So lets Start with what I personally consider the most powerful declaration in the bible.

John Chapter 1 verse 1 (kjv)

1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word Was God.

This is in my mind the most amazing phrase ever uttered in describing the Divine nature of God. We are simply told at the start of everything was the Word. That the Word was with God and not only that but the Word is also God. That is a very big thing to try and grasp and we are not even to verse 2 yet which will add another amazing fact of the Word.

John ch 1 verse 2-3 (kjv)

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Ok, so now in verse 2 were told God was the same as the Word meaning you can take everything in verse 1 and replace the mentions of Word with God and

God with Word as it is the something. We are further told in verse 3 that all things in creation made by God were also made through the Word. Thus confirming what was stated in verse 1 and confirmed in verse 2 that the Word and God are the same. This also tells us that the Word knows everything for everything was made through the Word. We are also told in these verse with the use of him the Word is a person.

John ch 1 verse 4-5

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.

So now in verse 4 him is the Word and the Word was life. We are also told life was the light of men. Which means by extension the Word is also the light of men. Since the Word is God, God is also the light of men.

Verse 5 tells us the Light shines in the darkness but darkness can not comprehend it. This is salvation that through the Word which is God life can be found but the evil of the world can not understand it.

(Author note: This is why Jesus says you must be born again for with out being born again we can not come to truly understand the Light shining in the darkness. We can see it and it calls out for us but we can’t comprehend it tell we accept it.)

John chapter 1 verse 6-8

6 There was man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that light but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Now we are introduced to John not the John who wrote this Gospel but to John the baptist the voice in the wilderness crying out. We are told he was sent by God to tell us about the Light so that we may believe and be able to comprehend it and thus be saved. We are told he is not the light who is The Word that is God but simply a witness to the Light so that we may know it. Now 9 well pick up talking about the Light John is witnessing so lets go on.

John chapter 1 verse 9-11

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own and his own received him not.

In verse 9 we see that the Light, John the baptist is witnessing about is the true light, otherwise stated the only way to life which is God. Further we are told the light bring light or life to every man that comes into the world. These means the Word is to once again bring life and salvation to all of mankind that has ever lived past, present and future.

Verse 10 tells us the Word was in the world since the beginning and once again we are reminded that the Word made the world. We are also told the world does not know him.

verse 11 tells us He came to his own people. Well who is God’s people? That would be the sons of Abraham through Issac and then through Jacob the Hebrews. We are also told that the Hebrews rejected the Word when He came to them.

John chapter 1 verse 12-13

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

13 Which were born not of flesh, blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Here is another one of chapter 1 mind blowing statements that we all should pay attention to. Verse 12 is telling us that As many as which means who ever receives will be given the power to become son of God. I invite the reader to think for a few minutes on the statement of God saying if you believe in the Word which is him he will make you a son of God. All you have to do is believe on his name.

Verse 13 tells us the sons of God who are made this way are not born of flesh and blood, nor by their own doing but only by God. This is what is meant by the statement born again. Which is what verse 12 and 13 talk about.

Now we get verse 14 another really powerful statement to the Good news according to John.

John ch 1 verse 14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

So now we are told something new about the Word that it became flesh. Further that it lived amongst mankind. That mankind specifically his followers which include the writer of this Gospel John. Saw his glory. Now what glory is it? Well it says the glory of being the only begotten of the Father or God. So now the Word is not only God but also the Son of God for it became flesh. The Word that became flesh we are also told was full of glory, grace and truth.

(Author’s note: here is the meaning of Glory, Grace, and Truth

Glory: meaning high renown or honor, as well as magnificence; great beauty.

Grace: the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

Truth: that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.)

John ch 1 verse 15-18

15 John bare witness of and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fullness have all received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Now verse 15 focuses on John the baptist. It tells us what he said when referencing to Jesus Christ. That this is the person who he was speaking about. That would come after but is ranked higher then him or more preferred. He also says that Jesus Christ was before him referencing that Jesus is the Word given flesh.

Verse 16 tells us that Through him, that is Jesus, we receive grace.

Verse 17 is to remind us that the Law is given by Moses but only grace and truth can come from Jesus Christ. We are only saved and shown the true nature of God through Jesus. This is what verse 17 is saying. Truth and grace does not come from the law like many of the Hebrews believed at the time.

Verse 18 tells us that none of us have seen God at anytime only the Begotten Son which is the Word given flesh who is with God can declare the truth of God.

I should point out here a Christin who has come to know Jesus if you know Jesus then you know the Father for only by the Word given flesh who is the Christ can we know God. As was stated in John chapter 1 the Word is the only true Light of the world.

(Closing Author Note: I am going to break Chapter One of John into three sections. This is the end of part 1 The explanation of the Word.

Part 2 well cover John the Baptist and his baptizing of Jesus.

Part 3 well cover the recruiting of the first disciples. I will post links to the respective parts here at the bottom as they are made.)

Maranatha!

Psalm 46 inspiration to the Hymn “A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD”

I grew up singing the hymn “A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD” it is a big memory for me. I am not sure how many people who have song that hymn are aware that Psalm 46 was the inspiration for the hymn. So today I would like to take a look at the Psalm, which is itself a song, and see why it inspired Martin Luther so much he wrote “A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.”

Psalm 46 (kjv)

“God is our refuge and strength”

1 GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear though the earth be removed, and through the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is out refuge.

Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is out refuge.

Selah.

Alright before I go through this verse by verse I first want to explain “Selah” the word that pops in every so often in the psalm. The truth is no one really knows what the word means at this point in time. The two leading ideas is it represent a point when just the musical instruments accompanying the singing of the Psalm play with out words for a set of time. The other theory is that we are meant to stop and reflect on the meaning of the verse that was just spoken. I personally tend to think the answer might very will be both theories are correct, that while the instruments are played we are asked to reflect on the verse. All right now lets actually look at the verses.

Verse 1 is a declaration all of us believers should take comfort and understanding that God is are refuge and strength in times of trouble. We should look to Him for He is always their with us.

Verse 2 can be a bit of stumble with how it is worded. However it is saying We do not fear even if the earth is removed or mountains are thrown into the sea. Why do we not fear? Because God is with us.

Verse 3 is reaffirming that even if it looks like we are about to be overcome we still should not fear because again God is with us.

Verse 4 and verse 5 tell us that God is in the Holy temple and because God is their the holy mountain the city Jerusalem cannot be moved. We as Christians should be aware because we are born again that the Holy Spirit, God, now rests in us and strengthens us which means this promise extends to us and that we can not be moved and death cannot overcome us for we are always with him.

Verse 6 talks about the unbelievers are angry their kingdoms have been moved by God. God utters his voice and the earth is melted. Meaning even the unbeliever have to submit before God. You should also realize their is another thing to understand as a christian that because we are now a temple for the Holy Spirit the heathen kings will rage against you.

Verse 7 Reminds us to take comfort for God is with us. He is are refuge.

Verse 8 and 9 Show us that though the heathen kings rage God will stop them. He will break them. With that rod of Iron that is referenced through out the Bible. He will end war, God will destroy the instruments of war and give the earth peace.

Verse 10 tells us to calm ourselves and take comfort for He is God. He will be exalted among the heathen he will be exalted on the earth. This means everyone will praise God and no one can overcome Him.

Verse 11 is a closing declaration That God is with us and that again He is are refuge.

I think it is obvious to see why Martin Luther wrote “A MIGHT FORTRESS IS OUR GOD” after reading this Psalm. It is declaring the entire time God is are refuge and he is forever with us and we can not be overcome as long as we take refuge in the Lord. That truly is the most Mighty Fortress I have ever heard of.

That is an amazing Declaration of Gods glory That he is are refuge peace and safety only come through God!

Maranatha!

The 2nd Psalm

To day I am going to bring up Psalm 2. This psalm historically looked at seems to be declaring that David the anointed and his heirs are protected by God from the nations. However as will be shown this is more of a declaration of Glory to the Messiah and God who will come and usher in his kingdom at the end of this age.

Interestingly this psalm is referenced in acts 4:25. For Peter and John are taken before the Sanhedrin after healing a lame man in the name of Jesus to be questioned about them preaching and healing in the name of Jesus and they went back to the other followers of the Way and cited the 2 psalm and referenced how Jesus was the anointed spoken of in it so First I will show the verses in acts then we can venture to the Psalm and have a look.

Acts Ch 4 Verse 19-28 (kjv)

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Ok, so while they didn’t call out Psalm 2. Verse 25 is a reference to the opening verse of Psalm 2 meaning that is the psalm they are talking about.

So lets now Look at Psalm 2

Psalm 2 (kjv)

1 WHY do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves,and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his Anointed saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

As you can see this psalm speaks about God being who really is in charge of the earth not the kings.

This psalm starts out in verse 1 asking why the people of the earth and the leaders of the earth could possibly imagine something as foolish as breaking away from God and reject his Anointed.

Verses 2-3 are explaining what they are thinking of doing. Again this is simply to break away from God and be rulers onto themselves.

This is shown to be foolish by the way God deals with the idea.

In verse 4 it is said: He laughs and Shall have them in derision. (well what is derision lets take a look at Websters it Means: the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt )

Well looks like the lord is going to hold them in contempt. How? Well verse 5 tells us. He will speak onto them in wrath (This wrath is the 2nd meaning of wrath 2 : retributory punishment for an offense or a crime. The crime they committed is to think they could rule in place of God and usurp Him and His Anointed.) and vex (or frustrate them) with his sore ( or extreme) displeasure.

verse 6 of the Psalm is saying God has set up the Ruler of earth on his holy hill Zion.

Verse 7 is the decree, God has said the king is his Son who He has set up to rule. When He says “Though art my Son; this day have I begotten the.” It is in reference to when He setup the Ruler of the earth. God planed the Messiah to be ruler of the earth before the universe was made. I will show this when I talk of John ch 1 later on this week. This should be understood as a declaration that God has chosen who is in charge and no one else can change it thus the folly of the kings who think otherwise and shows why he is going to Judge them harshly for trying to go against His decree.

In verse 8 God tells us he has given his Anointed the Messiah not just the sons of Jacob but the population of the world for an inheritance. As well as the whole Earth to rule over. This is again to illustrate why it is foolish for the Kings of the earth to think they can break away from God and His plan.

In Verse 9 God shows us the nations will be broken by the Messiah with a rod of Iron this referenced a lot in the New Testament and speaks of the future day of atonement when God brings the earth under His rule.

verses 10- 12 are a final warning and plea to the kings of the earth to do what is right before God. For the day is fast approaching when all of them will have to stand before the Lord and if they continue the idea of rebelling against God he will destroy them. However if they put trust into God they will be blessed. (this also serves as a reminder to the faithful to keep trusting God.)

So this is Psalm 2 a declaration to the Glory of God and his Son who He has declared is to be Ruler of the earth and that all will bow to Him.

Maranatha!

What is in a psalm

Psalms are songs and or poems to God. The entire book of Psalms is one giant book of Praise that contains prophecy and understanding of God because the songs and praises rise above time itself to celebrate the past actions of God, Present actions and Actions to be. At least every day I will try to post a short Psalm or Proverb to share it and reflect on it and even give a brief explanation on it.

Psalm 11 (KJV)

In the Lord I my trust

In the Lord I put my trust: how say ye to my soul flee as a bird to your mountain?

For lo the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do?

The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men.

The lord trieth the righteous: but wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright.

My study bible notes on this psalm is

A vision of the Lord on His throne is all the righteous need for security in the face of the threat of the wicked.

While I agree with the text I feel the explanation fails to put in perspective what we are looking at and what the Psalm is celebrating about God.

It starts off like all of us do at one point in are life asking God what are we to do when the wicked seem to be prevailing over us.

Then like when God revealed himself in a whirlwind to Job the Lord shows us a taste of His glory and brief look at His awesome power as well as a glimpse at his plan for the world.

It tells us that the Lord is in heaven were the foundations can never be broken. That He judges over both the wicked and the righteous. For the wicked He will lay out snares for them as well as cast them into the lake of fire or the 2nd death.

For the righteous get the Lord’s love and will be with Him.

This psalm echos the plan God has for man to let us live on the earth and to Judge are actions. While the wicked may seem to prosper God is promising that He will reward them the lake of fire for their wicked ways and He confirms his Love for the righteous. Like the study bibles explanation this reassurance of what God intends to do should be enough for us as it should put away are doubts at seeing evil grow knowing that in the end it will be for nothing and we still always have the love of God.

Well if any reading wish to add, comment away.

Maranath!

The Genesis the Creation of a new blog to talk about the Word.

Genesis ch 1 verse 1-2 KJV

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the Earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Well here we are at the beginning. Like the Spirit of God we are hovering over an earth that has yet to be given shape and life I, and what readers who have indulged my desire to write, stand on a blog with out shape or form.

Why am I here and what is this I am trying to do?

Well I am here because I want to read scripture in the bible and then talk about what it means and when I say scripture I mean all of it. I have no idea how long it will take but I pray it will be a good experience I encourage any who read to crack out a bible and look at the passages I talk about for themselves digest what I say and if interested have a conversation with me about it. My expectation of follower activity is low (As I don’t consider my self that important of a person.) so if it is just me talking to myself so be it.

Also as to why now I am doing this. Well I was listening to a man who did a bible study every week who recently stopped. Rather then despair over not getting to enjoy it for a time. I decided to try and grow trusting my learning of God to God and what He wrote and hopefully help a few people curious out who stumble on this blog as well. I have never done a blog before and I expect this to be very messy in the beginning I apologize to any one reading and beg you to bare with me as I grow.

Well now that the foundation has been laid I will try to work on my next Posting to be on topic with what I wish.

In closing I will share a Proverb for any who find this post to think on until I can bring a more substantive post.

Proverbs ch 16 verse 20

He that handleth a mater wisely shall find Good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. (kjv)

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord (esv)

(Closing Note: I wanted to quote two version translations of this proverb verse because I wanted to show something interesting about the word of God. That is how even when two versions of the same verse seem completely deferent the meaning that is trying to be conveyed still ultimately means the same thing. Despite attempts to Modernize the truth and meaning. The Word of God will always pierce through the darkness. You just have to look and accept it.)