Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 25 is an acrostic, with each verse beginning with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet, generally in order.  In this psalm, as C.H. Spurgeon says, we see the very heart of "the man after God's own heart," lifting up his soul in trust to the LORD, and pouring out his heart to God in prayer about his enemies, need for guidance, transgressions, repentance, and troubles. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:  Verses 1-3: As "I lift up my soul" to the LORD, what deep parts of my life am I prompted to pray for? Verses 4-5: In what areas of my life do I need the LORD to "teach me [His] paths" and to "lead me in [His] truth"? Verses 6-15: What transgressions do I need to pray for God to forgive or "remember not"?  Or in what temptations do I need to pray for God to "pluck my feet out of the net"? Verses 16-18: Pray for all those who are feeling "lonely and afflicte

  Psalm 24 declares that the fullness of the earth and everyone who dwells in it belongs to the Creator.  In wonder, the psalmist states that a worshiper who has "clean hands and a pure heart," through righteousness received from the God of his salvation, is given the privilege to enter the LORD's presence and seek His face!  The personifications of the gates and doors opening for the King of glory only add to the grand image of welcoming the victorious King! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2: How should viewing everything as ultimately belonging to the LORD be lived out in my life? The Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 in 1 Corinthians 10:26, and then says "So, ... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (vs 10:31).  Thus, what additional insights does the 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 passage provide? Verses 3-6:  Similar to what was asked in Psalm 15, who are those given the privilege of ent

  Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved psalms.  Having been a shepherd himself, David describes the LORD's provision, refreshing care, guidance, restoration, protection, and comfort for His sheep (verses 1-4).  Then, David describes the LORD as a Host who provides security in the presence of enemies, and blesses abundantly with goodness and lovingkindness (verses 5-6).  The psalm closes with the joyous hope that we will be able to "dwell in the house of the LORD forever."  Amen! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3: Reflect on each word in the first phrase:  "The", "LORD", "is", "my", "shepherd" .   For example, "my" reminds me that not only is He the Good Shepherd for all the people of God, He is " my " LORD, so that I can have a personal relationship with Him What do each of the phrases in these verses illustrate to

  Psalm 22 prophesies the sufferings of Christ on the cross, and the glory after His resurrection.  David's experiences, as he wrote this psalm, is only a shadow of what Christ endured on the cross in fulfillment of these prophecies.  C.H. Spurgeon says, "We should read reverently, putting off our shoes from off our feet, as Moses did at the burning bush, for if there be holy ground anywhere in Scripture it is in this psalm."  Here, we catch a glimpse of the deep agonies Christ suffered for our sakes.  In verses 1-21a, the Son cries out to the Father, experiences forsakenness as He takes on the sins of the world, endures the mockings and hostilities of those around him, and is physically "dried up" as He faces the "dust of death."  However, in verses 21b-31, are the answers to why Christ willingly endured the cross.  He died for our sins, so that "all the ends of the earth shall ... turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worsh