Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what You want me to see in Scripture today. Direct my eyes throughout the day to see what You want me to see. Order my steps to cross paths with Your divine appointments. Guide my mind to think upon You and spiritual things. Give my ears focus the hear what You want me to hear. In Yeshua’s name, amen.
Reading: Psalm 75 key: vs. 7-8
7 For exaltation comes
not from the east nor from the west,
nor even from the desert.
8 For God is the Judge:
He lowers one and lifts up another.
Attention: Allow me to give you some instruction this morning. My goal with the CLJ is to mentor you in the lifestyle process of daily study of the Word of God. I encourage you to read for understanding. Observe key or repeated words in the text. Many times, if some word or text does not get my attention immediately, I reread the chapter multiple times. Then I ponder the text asking the Holy Spirit, “What do You want me to see and learn today?” Insight does not always come immediately with only one reading.
This chapter of Psalms required me to read it several times and do what I am proposing you to do. The word “horn” finally got my attention. It is mentioned four times and initially I was wondering which type of horn was the psalmist referencing, the instrument or the power of animals. In Scripture, the reference to an instrument uses the words ‘trumpet’ or ‘Shofar’ (ram’s horn).
The psalmist comments first about the character of the wicked as being boastful and lifting (a bull’s horn) in defiance, demonstrating their arrogance and pride. Notice the psalmist mentions their “outstretched neck.” Both Moses (Exodus 33:3) and Jeremiah (17:23) characterize the children of Israel as being “stiff necked,” not willing to receive instruction.
The final comment of the psalmist declares an action of God, “I will cut off the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.” What is God promising? He will humble and destroy the wicked, but He will lift the horns of the righteous. He will promote those who are righteous. He will lower one and lift up another.
The question I need to answer is, am I stiff necked? Am I teachable or am I defiant, prideful, and rebellious?
Action: Lord, give me a teachable spirit.
Yield: When I submit to the Holy Spirit, I am teachable.
Engage: I am engaged with the Holy Spirit when I am teachable.
Relationship: I am in full relationship when I am working with the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, create in me a teachable spirit. I desire to be an obedient servant and slave of Yours. Amen.
Memory Verse: Psalm 51:19
19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
A broken and a contrite heart, O God,
You will not despise.
Music Video: Create In Me A Clean Heart – Keith Green
Remember, “Abide in Jesus, today!”