Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 33 is a call to give praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.  Reasons to praise Him include His character, His power as Creator, His plans, and His watchful eye.  May the trust and hope of every generation be upon the LORD, as we "sing to Him a new song!" Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3: When we sing a "new song" to the LORD, it is not so much that the song is new, but that we continually have new reasons for singing praise to Him!  What do I praise God for today? Verses 4-19: Why does the righteousness and truth of God's character and His word inspire praise? (vs. 4-5) Why is the Creator worthy of awe?  (vs. 6-9) Why does knowing that God's plans endure forever bring blessing? (vs 10-12) Why is it praiseworthy that God sees all and watches over those who fear Him? Verses 20-22: Because God is so worthy of praise and thanksgiving, how should we respond? If you would like to medi

  Psalm 32 is another one of the Penitential Psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).  David begins by acknowledging that blessed are those whose transgressions, sins, and iniquities are forgiven, covered, and not counted.  He recounts physically wasting away until he has confessed his transgressions and received forgiveness.  We are assured that God is our hiding place, protector, and deliverer, so that we should not be like a stubborn horse or mule that needs curbing.  This psalm closes with a reminder of the contrast between the wicked and the righteous; in that while the wicked are full of sorrows, the righteous can be glad in the LORD, rejoice, and shout for joy! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 Three common words for sin used in verses 1-2 & 5 are transgression (i.e. rebellion or crossing a line), sin (i.e. failure or falling short of God's will), and iniquity (i.e. crooked or perverse).  We live in

  " Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last ." (Luke 23:46).  Psalm 31:5 includes Christ's last words on the cross.  However, Psalm 31 may also apply to anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, attacked, or physically wasting away with grief.  Prayers expressing trust (vv. 1-8 and 14-18) surround the central prayer of distress over the death schemes of the enemies (vv. 9-13). Then, the psalm closes with blessings offered to the LORD, who hears the cries of faithful ones who wait for Him (vv. 19-24). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 How does God's "righteousness deliver me" from shame? In what ways has the LORD been a "rock of refuge" and "strong fortress" for me? Verse 5 Take time in prayer, to surrender all to the LORD and to give thanks for redemption throug