God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal
May 6
Introduction
Psalm 87: Today’s reading is a hymn in praise of Jerusalem and affirms that the city is home to the people of all nations.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 87:5
Of Zion it will be said that all nations belong there and that the Almighty will make her strong.
Reading
87 The LORD built his city on the sacred hill;
2 more than any other place in Israel
he loves the city of Jerusalem.
3 Listen, city of God,
to the wonderful things he says about you:
4 “I will include Egypt and Babylonia
when I list the nations that obey me;
the people of Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia
I will number among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
5 Of Zion it will be said
that all nations belong there
and that the Almighty will make her strong.
6 The LORD will write a list of the peoples
and include them all as citizens of Jerusalem.
7 They dance and sing,
“In Zion is the source of all our blessings.”
Reflect
Zion refers to the sacred hill on which the Temple in Jerusalem was built; and according to verses 5 and 6, “all nations belong there” and people will be included “as citizens of Jerusalem,” the “city of God” (verse 3). What were your thoughts as you read this psalm?
Pray
Gracious God, thank you for your abundant blessings and for welcoming all who put their faith and trust in you. I sing your praises! Amen.
And now join us in praying for Bible distribution in China’s remote, rural farming regions. Gracious God, for millions of people in China’s farming regions, there are no stores that sell Bibles. Even if there were, farmers struggling in poverty wouldn’t be able to afford the price. But thanks to the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners, churches in the region are able to obtain Bibles to be shared with the people who are now coming to know you as the true God. Thank you, Lord God, that your Word is changing lives and eternities for the people in rural China. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 90: A psalm affirming that God is eternal.