Truth 101 Class

  Psalm 100, entitled "A Psalm for Giving Thanks," closes this series of enthronement psalms (Psalm 93-100), calling all the earth to praise God as King. We are to praise, serve, and worship our Creator and LORD with joy and gladness because of His goodness, steadfast love, and faithfulness! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 At times when we may not feel like making a joyful noise or serving with gladness, what can help us to be joyful and glad again? Verse 3 begins with " Know " - What does this indicate about thanksgiving and praise? In what ways have I experienced God's goodness, steadfast love, and faithfulness? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" (feat. The Martins): Link

Psalm 99 begins with "The LORD reigns" and is in the series of enthronement psalms praising God as King (Psalms 93-100). This psalm highlights God's holiness (verses 3, 5, & 9).  What a privilege it is to be able to enter the presence of our Holy Lord, to call upon His Name, and to worship at His footstool! Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 How is the reign of our Holy LORD described in these verses? Verses 6-7 Just as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel served as examples for Israel, who are some of the role models in my life? How might I serve as an example for others? Verse 8 Even prominent leaders called by God, such as Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, needed forgiveness for wrongdoings.  What does this show me? Verse 3, 5, and 9 As I am reminded of God's HOLINESS, what is my response? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Holy...

Psalm 98 is another one in the series of psalms praising God for His universal reign as King (Psalms 93-100). This psalm, with its exuberant joyful praise, was the inspiration for the lyrics to the beloved hymn "Joy to the World!" written by Isaac Watts. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-3 What are some of the reasons why we are called to "sing to the LORD a new song"? Verses 4-6 How can I "make a joyful noise to the LORD"? Verses 7-9 Creation rejoices at the coming of the LORD (e.g.,  "the sea roars", "the rivers clap their hands", and "the hills sing for joy" ).  What am I looking forward to with Christ's Return? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts:   Link

  Psalm 97 is another in the series of psalms praising God for His reign as King over all the earth. Through metaphors referencing the Day of the LORD similar to those in other parts of Scripture, this psalm anticipates the return of Christ to fully establish His Kingdom. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 What do these verses tell us about the return of Christ our King? [NOTE:  Similar metaphors in other parts of Scripture include clouds and darkness (Joel 2:2), fire (Revelation 20:9), lightning (Matthew 24:27), and mountains (Zechariah 14:4)] Verses 6-12 How is the reign of the LORD described in these verses? As a citizen of God's eternal Kingdom, how should I be living my life now while on this earth? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let the Earth be Glad" (Psalm 97) by Timothy Paul Milner:   Link

  Psalm 96 is in the series of psalms that call us to worship our LORD the great King and Creator.  There is a universal emphasis for ALL the earth (vv. 1,9), the nations (v. 3), ALL the peoples (v. 3), families of the peoples (v. 7), and all creation (vv. 11-12) to worship, anticipating the coming of Christ to establish His Kingdom and to judge in righteousness.  NOTE:  Psalm 96 is similar to the text in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33 written by David for the occasion of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-13 With a New Year upon us, what "new songs" of praise can we sing to the LORD? What glorious things of God are we to praise Him for, as indicated in these verses? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Today is Born Our Savior, Christ the Lord" (Psalm 96) by Francesca LaRosa: Link

  Psalm 95 begins with an invitation to worship the LORD our God, King, and Creator.  But, it ends with a warning that those with hard hearts will not enter His rest. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-7 What are some of the ways we can worship God as described in these verses? What do these verses tell us about why God is worthy of our worship? Verses 8-11 In the hardness of their hearts, Israel rebelled against God and tested Him in the wilderness at Meribah and Massah (ref. Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13).  Pray for softened hearts for those we know who have gone astray or do not know God's ways (v. 10). Hebrews chapters 3-4 quote these verses.  What do the parallels between the rest in the Promised Land and rest through salvation by grace teach us? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down" by th...

  Psalm 94 is a cry for God to rise up, judge, and take vengeance upon the wicked for their injustices.  The wicked who are arrogant and senseless are contrasted with the righteous who are sustained and comforted by the LORD. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-11 What injustices do we see around us that would cause us to pray for God to rise up, judge, and take vengeance?  Verses 12-21 How do these verses provide encouragement for the righteous in spite of the wickedness in the world? In what ways has the LORD held me up and comforted my soul (vv. 18-19) If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 94" by Sons of Korah:   Link