A Devotional for Young People

Transcription

1 A Devotional for Young People USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 1 8/19/10 2:21:22 PM

2 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 2 8/19/10 2:21:24 PM

3 A Devotional for Young People USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 3 8/19/10 2:21:24 PM

4 Copyright 2010 World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA ; All rights reserved. No part of this resource may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher (unless otherwise indicated). Editorial director: Milana McLead Editor-in-chief: Jane Sutton-Redner Project editor: Laurie Delgatto Project contributors: Miyuki Bigelow, Laurie Delgatto, Leonetta Elaiho, Nathalie Moberg, Chaz Atkins, Ronada Hewitt, Shelby Dunbar, Stephanie Villarreal, Gabriella Fernandez Copyediting and design: Creative Solutions, World Vision U.S. Sales and distribution manager: Jojo Palmer Printed in the United States of America ISBN The Scripture in this resource is from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. During the preparation of this resource, all citations, facts, figures, names, addresses, telephone numbers, Internet URLs, and other cited information were verified for accuracy. World Vision has made every attempt to reference current and valid sources, but we cannot guarantee the content of any source and we are not responsible for any changes that may have occurred since our verification. If you find an error in, or have a question or concern about, any of the information or sources listed within, please contact World Vision. USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 4 8/19/10 2:21:25 PM

5 Table of Contents Introduction Lesson 1 Understanding God s Heart for Justice Lesson 2 Participating in God s Work in the World Lesson 3 Working Together for Justice Lesson 4 Team Attitude: Servanthood Lesson 5 Know Your Mission and Calling Lesson 6 Choose Your Lens Lesson 7 Act It Out Lesson 8 Listen Lesson 9 Speak Lesson 10 Walk Alongside Next Step Shout Out USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 5 8/19/10 2:21:27 PM

6 Introduction Understanding God s Heart for Justice provides an opportunity for you to reflect on and embrace God s call to live a life of justice. This 10-lesson devotional includes study, reflection, discussion, and prayer, inviting you to explore justice and peace as a way of life and a means for deeper communion with God and all of God s people. How to Use This Devotional This series can be used by either individuals or groups. Each lesson is designed for a 30- to 45-minute timeframe. Less time will be needed if you are completing the study on your own. Materials Needed a Bible a pen or pencil Leading Group Lessons If you are leading group lessons, read the Scripture passages together, read the stories and reflections aloud, and then give the group some quiet time to reflect on (and perhaps journal about) the discussion questions. Conclude by discussing action steps and inviting the group members to choose a step for the upcoming week. Conclude your time together in prayer. 1 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 1 8/19/10 2:21:31 PM

7 LESSON 1 Understanding God s Heart for Justice My understanding of justice is doing the right thing and not the wrong thing. I think I stand up for God s justice by leading by example, by being a person who leads people in the right direction instead of the wrong, and by standing up for what s right. Chaz, Albany, GA Ref lect Everybody has a story. In most stories, including our own personal stories, themes emerge. God has a story too. In God s story, justice is a strong and consistent theme. Oppression exists when justice is absent. Working for justice means working to achieve recognition of the dignity, respect, and God-given rights of all people. Justice is a huge part of God s story, and his desire is that we make the pursuit of justice for all people a part of our story too. Read Isaiah 10:1-2 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. A Devotional for Young People 2 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 2 8/19/10 2:21:43 PM

8 Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React When you think of justice, what words come to mind? How would you define oppression? What does it means to you personally to love mercy? 3 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 3 8/19/10 2:21:48 PM

9 What is your understanding of justice, and how do you feel personally challenged to stand up for God s justice? How would you be if you were the oppressed? Would you want someone to stand up for you or just sit there like they don t see how wrong a person is being towards you? Chaz, Albany, GA What one or two questions would you ask your peers to urge them to think about God s heart for justice among those who are oppressed? How can you make justice a part of your everyday thinking and living? Name three specific steps that you can take. A Devotional for Young People 4 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 4 8/19/10 2:22:08 PM

10 Respond Pray: Lord, as we sit in the comfort of our homes, where we have space, warmth, and peace, we confess that often we don t want to know about the problems of others. We put down the newspaper and turn off the television when we are confronted by facts we d rather not know. Forgive us for our lack of compassion and help us to understand the real problems of those who have no home of their own... no family to belong to... no friend to turn to. Help us to move through understanding to action, so that we continually look for ways to help bring about your kingdom on earth. Help us to use our time, our minds, our energy, and our money through work, through friendship, and through community action to help those in this nation and around the world who are without food, shelter, clothes, and most importantly hope. As we fulfill our calling to care, may they find the God who is the source of all care and comfort. Amen. Adapted from an Australian Prayer Book For further study, read and reflect on Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Deuteronomy 32: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 5 8/19/10 2:22:14 PM

11 LESSON 2 Participating in God s Work in the World [Young people] need determination and a deep-rooted passion for change [and a willingness] to struggle for a little bit. They need to be humble and open to all ideas and issues. Ronada, Washington, D.C. Ref lect Understanding yourself includes understanding the culture in which you live. Our Western culture often separates the spiritual world from the material world. The modern worldview places the Church in the spiritual realm, and leaves the responsibility for what happens in everyday life to government and other human institutions. Yet as Christians we recognize that God gives us the strength and ability to do all things. God s heart breaks for those who are poor and oppressed. Scripture demonstrates over and over how very much God is concerned with the material world. Read Psalm 12:5 Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise, says the LORD. I will protect them from those who malign them. Psalm 72:14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. Psalm 146:7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free. A Devotional for Young People 6 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 6 8/19/10 2:22:28 PM

12 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us... Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React Why do we continue to see injustice and oppression when God says he protects, rescues, and upholds the cause of those who are oppressed? What does it mean for the Lord to set prisoners free? 7 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 7 8/19/10 2:22:31 PM

13 Based on the 2 Corinthians verse above, what does an ambassador do? God has called me to use my writing to connect with... people in a way that I hope will impact many people. He s given me determination and drive. Ronada, Washington, D.C. What does it mean to be reconciled? What does the ministry of reconciliation look like? How do you think God can use you as an ambassador to represent him in seeking justice for the poor and oppressed? How has God called you to participate in his work in the world? A Devotional for Young People 8 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 8 8/19/10 2:22:48 PM

14 Where have you seen God s hand at work through you? Respond Pray: May God create in us a true poverty of spirit so that we may be fully at God s disposal, free from the ambitions, options, power, and prestige of this world. May we be liberated from that stilling and overwhelming sense of poverty that destroys personhood, and may we be freed from the contemporary illusions of life and death. May we then find resurrection life in the midst of what appears to be certain death, and the riches of our Lord s grace to the little ones in the midst of what appears to be hopeless poverty. Gene Beerens, in Sojourners magazine For further study, read and reflect on Deuteronomy 15:1-11 and Matthew 6: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 9 8/19/10 2:22:52 PM

15 LESSON 3 Working together for Justice You have to understand what justice is. Justice is basically righting wrongs. God works through me to do what is right. Shelby, Albany, GA Ref lect God s story is a story of inclusion. Everyone is welcomed to join this story, regardless of ethnicity, health, social status, nationality, gender, age, or other dividing factors; no one is excluded in God s kingdom. Through Christ, God has leveled the playing field, inviting all to come into relationship with him. Because God is willing to do this for us, with all our imperfections, we too are challenged to receive others just as they are. People are excluded when they are denied basic human rights and are not treated with dignity. In our communities, individuals can be excluded in many ways. Our society is constantly drawing lines between people based on how they look, what they have (or don t have), where they live, and even where they hang out. This is not the way God intended for us to treat one another. Though injustice and exclusion may seem to be a norm in our society, they hurt all of us in the end. Read Exodus 23:2 Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. Deuteronomy 16:20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live... A Devotional for Young People 10 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 10 8/19/10 2:23:03 PM

16 Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. How would you feel if you were oppressed and did not have anyone or anything to fall back on? What would you do to change it? Shelby, Albany, GA React What are some of the ways that you or others in your community are excluded? What do these verses say about the way God wants all people to act in the face of injustice? 11 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 11 8/19/10 2:23:18 PM

17 Sometimes unjust acts go unrecognized because they are commonly accepted. For example, slavery was an accepted practice in the United States until 1865, and until 1920, women in the U.S. were not allowed to vote. These are both examples of oppression and injustice, of people in power exercising that power for their own benefit. What is an example of a modern-day injustice that is commonly accepted? How do you think this injustice can be addressed? How determined are we as a nation to address this injustice? Explain your answer. What instruction can we find in the verses we just read for addressing this injustice? A Devotional for Young People 12 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 12 8/19/10 2:23:20 PM

18 How can working with others on this issue be more effective than working alone? Respond Pray: Dear Lord, Help us to follow your example by looking out for those who each day feel that they are marginalized, who cannot find hope, who believe that they have little to offer, who are overcome by the challenges of poverty. Help us to widen our horizons, to make space for the stranger, to watch out for those who feel invisible, to give time to the outsider, to talk to the person facing silence, to restore justice and value. Give us the courage to undertake this, the determination to join with others in seeing grace in every human face, the faith to embrace the opportunity in your name. Amen. Church Urban Fund For further study, read and reflect on James 2:1-13 and John 3: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 13 8/19/10 2:23:24 PM

19 LESSON 4 Servanthood Serving is sacrificing time to help others, whether it is feeding the hungry, community service, or advocating. Having a servant attitude keeps me focused on the goals I am trying to accomplish. Shelby, Albany, GA Ref lect Compared to the world s perspective, God s kingdom and God s way of doing things is upside-down: the weak are strong, the first are last, and the leader is a servant. In our society, those who are considered servants are often thought of as poor and powerless. In God s kingdom, the image of a servant captures the essence of true power, and reflects the image of Christ. We have the privilege of choosing to be servants in God s kingdom, just like Christ knowing that God often calls people the world may not see as powerful. Read Titus 2:7-8 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Matthew 4:18-19 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. A Devotional for Young People 14 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 14 8/19/10 2:23:32 PM

20 1 Timothy 4:11-13 Command and teach these things. Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React Name one or two people you know who have a true servant attitude. What stands out about these individuals? Do you feel like you have a servant attitude? Why or why not? 15 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 15 8/19/10 2:23:34 PM

21 What could you do to improve your servant attitude and become more like Christ? Never give up or lose faith because God never gives up on us. Work hard at what you are trying to accomplish and do the best you can. Shelby, Albany, GA How can you influence other young people to develop a servant s heart? Respond Pray: Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen. Anglican prayer For further study, read and reflect on Job 34:4, Hebrews 13:3, and Isaiah 58:10. A Devotional for Young People 16 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 16 8/19/10 2:23:45 PM

22 LESSON 5 Know Your Mission and Calling I know that life is not easy. For that reason I should always expect there to be obstacles in my way to prevent me from doing the things that I want to accomplish. Stephanie, Cicero, IL Ref lect Mission statements are popular these days. When done well, a mission statement provides a clear and concise reflection of an enterprise s reason for existence. It can be helpful even for individuals and families to come up with mission statements, which can help them keep their priorities in line and their vision clear. Jesus was way ahead of the trend on this one. His mission statement is found in Luke 4. Read Luke 4:18-21 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. 17 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 17 8/19/10 2:23:51 PM

23 React Who specifically does Christ name in his mission statement? I believe that my mission in life is to try and make a change in the world. Stephanie, Cicero, IL Why do you think he names these individuals, and what do they have in common? What does Jesus focus on these people say about their value to him? Jesus mission is inclusive of all people including, specifically, those who live on the margins. Just as the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus to fulfill this mission, his Spirit is also upon you. What does this mean to you personally as you pursue justice in your community? A Devotional for Young People 18 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 18 8/19/10 2:24:02 PM

24 Do you have a mission statement for your life? Take some time and use your own words to express what you feel your life s mission statement should be. Respond Pray: God of justice and compassion, we ask forgiveness for the widening gulf between rich and poor, for the use of money as a measure of all things, for the culture of self-gratification, for the continuing disparities between those who have so much and those who have so little. And for the suffering of those people who are excluded from the table of abundance. Forgive us for going along with what is easy, for failing to come to grips with the problems of change and to engage in the complexity of social issues. Fill us with a living faith, that we may become lively seeds of your kingdom, continually growing in your way of love, instruments of personal and social reconciliation, vehicles for a new dawn when those in poverty are welcomed to the table where compassion and justice meet. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen. Education for Justice For further study, read and reflect on Job 20:10, and Romans 12: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 19 8/19/10 2:24:05 PM

25 LESSON 6 Choose Your Lens Ref lect Everyone has a unique lens through which they view their community and the world. These lenses are created of layers that include life experiences, teachings, people, culture, and other influences. All of the things you have experienced in life good as well as bad have shaped your worldview, or your lens. Sometimes, trading our own lens for someone else s seems like an impossible challenge. Let s look at the world through God s lens as we read the following Scriptures. Read James 2:5 Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? Think about how Jesus chose to live. He did not associate himself with the powerful but instead chose the company of those who were typically despised in his culture; the Samaritans (mixed-race), lepers (diseased), disabled (thought to be cursed ), and tax collectors (considered thieves and traitors). Jesus appointed average people mostly fishermen as his apostles to carry out his work. Christ saw the value and significance of people that the world tended to dismiss or ignore. Even in his own hometown, Christ was rejected. Those in power the religious leaders didn t want to listen to him, but instead looked for opportunities to suppress his voice and his influence. Jesus did not fit their image of a Savior, so they rejected him and his message. The religious leaders cared so much more about their own ideas and positions of power that they were unable to see that the very Messiah they had been waiting for was among them. A Devotional for Young People 20 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 20 8/19/10 2:24:41 PM

26 Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React What are some symbols of power in American society? How do these symbols influence your day-to-day actions and decisions? What attitudes might you need to adjust to be a better advocate for justice? Why do you think Jesus says where your treasure is, there your heart will be also? 21 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 21 8/19/10 2:24:43 PM

27 How specifically does Christ s example guide you in your commitment to work for justice? Respond Pray: O Lord, for the power and persistence and glory of your vision, given through the ages to prophets, seers, dreamers and visionaries, we give you thanks. For those moments when something of that same great vision has dawned, bold and vivid, upon our own hearts, we are grateful. We pray now that the power of your revelation, present in our history in Jesus Christ, may revitalize our stale customs, challenge and transform our unjust politics and create anew our tired and self-centered religion. Forgive us the dullness of mind that blurs the sharp freshness of your dream, and the timidity of heart that would rather play safe with the familiar than risk the adventure of a new path. Forgive the inertia of self-interest that beats against the movement of your Spirit because it asks for the taking up of a cross in the journey of faith. Forgive us for the times when we confuse the petty dreams of our own imagination with the great vision of the new creation in Jesus Christ. Reveal yourself to us again, O God. Show us your glory. Revive that vision without which we perish. Let the reality of your kingdom, manifest in the words and deeds and destiny of Jesus, break in upon us and upon our world, judging, healing, reconciling and restoring. Grant us courage not merely to see that vision, nor merely to celebrate it in word and song, but to live it out in the great and small moments of our daily lives. And to your name be all honor and glory and power, now and forever. Amen. Author unknown For further study, read and reflect on Luke 18:22-23 and James 2:1-10. A Devotional for Young People 22 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 22 8/19/10 2:24:45 PM

28 LESSON 7 Act It Out I know my desire to make a difference will take me where I want to go and beyond. It will push me to my limit, and crumble all obstacles that stand in my way... Gabriella, The Bronx, NY Ref lect In our society, children and youth are seen by some as being part of the problem rather than part of the solution. However, the Bible is full of examples of young people making a stand and taking action based on their beliefs and faith in God. As we know from the example of Martin Luther King, Jr., change begins with a dream or a vision for something different that what is currently seen. And today, young people like you across the nation are standing up for justice. Read Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! 1 Timothy 4:12 Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. 23 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 23 8/19/10 2:24:51 PM

29 React What do you envision God s dream for your community to be? My dream [is] to make a difference [and] feel accomplished... knowing inside that I didn t just allow life to pass me by and I actually was involved with my surroundings. Gabriella, The Bronx, NY Does your age affect your ability to pursue your dreams? Why or why not? What is your dream to make a difference? A Devotional for Young People 24 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 24 8/19/10 2:25:04 PM

30 When and how did that dream begin, and where do you hope it will go? Respond Pray: We dare to imagine a world where hunger has no chance to show its face. We dare to dream of a world where war and terror are afraid to leave their mark. We long to believe in a world of hope unchained and lives unfettered. We dare to share in the creation of a world where your people break free. Dare we open our minds to difference? Dare we open our lives to change? Your kingdom come, O God. Your will be done. Amen. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development For further study, read and reflect on Isaiah 65:17-25 and Revelation 21: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 25 8/19/10 2:25:07 PM

31 LESSON 8 Listen Hearing is using your ears but not paying full and close attention to what is being said it is not understanding what is being said, and easily being distracted by the things around you. Listening is when you are paying close attention and taking in what is being said. It is understanding what is being said. Shelby, Albany, GA Ref lect What are you listening to? Most of us spent a lot of time listening to music, television, and videos. You likely use your listening skills more often than any other kind of skill. Although we are always listening and hearing things, good listening takes practice. Good listening takes much more time and effort on the part of the listener. The ability to listen well is much different that just the ability to hear. It s active rather than passive. Jesus was a master listener. He not only heard the prayers and concerns of those around them, but was able to listen and understand on a deeper level that allowed him to be an effective advocate for those he listened to. God calls us to the same type of listening. Read Proverbs 8:33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Psalm 81:13-14 If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! A Devotional for Young People 26 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 26 8/19/10 2:25:12 PM

32 Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React What do you think is the difference between hearing and listening? Give an example. To listen to God is to understand what he wants us to do. Shelby, Albany, GA What voices or sounds in your life are you listening to right now? What does it mean to listen to God? 27 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 27 8/19/10 2:25:27 PM

33 Give an example of something that might prevent us from listening to God and to others in our lives. Think about the dynamics between the rich and poor, the powerful and powerless. What happens to a relationship in this context when there is respectful listening on both sides? As you continue to pursue justice through your advocacy journey, consider the importance of listening to those around you. Write down a specific way you will practice listening in your own life. Why is listening important as you work to address injustice? A Devotional for Young People 28 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 28 8/19/10 2:25:30 PM

34 Respond Pray: Dear loving and compassionate God, Giver of all gifts, we pray especially today for the mercy and love you give us. Open our hearts and minds to you. Give us the grace to accept your mercy. As we live each day, we pray for those less fortunate, especially those who are hurting and whose wounds need to be healed. Help us become involved in ways that show them how deeply we care. Give us the personal courage to listen to their concerns and help them find the solutions to which they are entitled as your children and our brothers and sisters. Amen. Author unknown For further study, read and reflect on James 1:19-20 and Proverbs 19: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 29 8/19/10 2:25:32 PM

35 LESSON 9 Speak Miguel was oppressed by his peers and he grew to think it was okay. When standing up for Miguel I felt strong and confident enough that I could get my message across. It felt good helping out a friend. I felt as if I could do anything and was able to protect him from danger. Gabriela, The Bronx, NY Ref lect We all have a voice, but learning to use that voice effectively is a learned skill. Oppression can impact our lives and the lives of those around us in ways we may not even realize. By understanding that injustice can be subtle as well as obvious, you are more empowered to stand up for those who may not have an opportunity to speak for themselves. Words are a powerful tool. As you have probably experienced in your own life, words can inspire or tear down; they can be used for good or for evil. Read Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge... Zechariah 7:9-10 This is what the LORD Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other. A Devotional for Young People 30 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 30 8/19/10 2:26:23 PM

36 Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. React On whose behalf do you desire to speak? Would you be willing to speak out against issues of injustice to speak truth to power even if it was not popular to do so? Why or why not? How would you feel if you were in the crowd listening to the words of Zechariah? 31 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 31 8/19/10 2:26:25 PM

37 How would you feel if you were a widow or were fatherless? When it comes to advocating for justice everything won t always come out the way you want [it] to. You have to be persistent and assertive. Have patience; little things go a long way. Gabriela, The Bronx, NY Describe a time you used your voice to stand up for justice. What did it feel like? What did you learn? What role do you think God plays in our process of speaking out for those who experience injustice? A Devotional for Young People 32 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 32 8/19/10 2:26:35 PM

38 What advice would you give others who are learning to find their voices to advance justice in their communities? Respond Pray: To you, Creator of nature and humanity, of truth and beauty, I pray: Hear my voice, for it is the voice of the victims of all wars and violence among individuals and nations. Hear my voice, for it is the voice of all children who suffer and will suffer when people put their faith in weapons and war. Hear my voice when I beg you to instill into the hearts of all human beings the wisdom of peace, the strength of justice, and the joy of fellowship. O God, hear my voice, and grant unto the world your everlasting peace. Amen. Pope John Paul II For further study, read and reflect on Psalm 49:1-3 and Proverbs 8: Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 33 8/19/10 2:26:37 PM

39 LESSON 10Walk Alongside Never look at the cup as half-empty but as half-full, and always be optimistic about the future. Think about how you can make this world a better place. Always remember that a partnership is more effective than working alone. Gabriela, The Bronx, NY Ref lect Seeking justice is a journey you do not take alone. As you have seen over and over again through the Scriptures we ve read, God is leading this journey, and many others are on the road with us as well. As you walk alongside others in need, God walks alongside you. Yet the road to lasting change is not always easy. Living your dreams requires hard work, determination, and dedication. Read Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him [Christ] who gives me strength. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. A Devotional for Young People 34 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 34 8/19/10 2:26:42 PM

40 Jot down your thoughts regarding the Scriptures above. New advocates must bring fresh ideas and new energy so that we can move toward more justice. It is important to keep yourself motivated along with those beside you. Gabriela, The Bronx, NY React As you work to transform your community, how can you apply the preceding Scripture verses to your work and life? How have you experienced good coming from your troubles? What makes you weary when you think about the changes you want to see in your community? 35 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 35 8/19/10 2:26:52 PM

41 What has been easy as you have advocated for your community? What has been challenging? As other youth begin the journey of advocating for justice, what advice would you give them about not growing weary? Respond Pray: Lord God, you created all people as special and equal, yet we live in a world where there is great injustice. We know this grieves your heart and we ask your forgiveness for our complacency. Too often, we shrug our shoulders and do nothing, or we blame poor people themselves for their suffering. Sometimes our behavior and attitudes help to perpetuate injustice. O God, stir our hearts to action. Help us to be full of compassion. Just as Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem and healed those who cried out to him, let us be people who cry out for justice and spread the good news of your kingdom. We pray through Jesus our Lord, Amen. Be strong and patient. Learn what it is to be an agent of change and understand that change takes time. Gabriela, The Bronx, NY Micah Challenge For further study, read and reflect on Deuteronomy 31:5-7, Isaiah 12:1-6, and Hebrews 12:2-3. A Devotional for Young People 36 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 36 8/19/10 2:27:03 PM

42 Next Step: Shout Out When you ve finished this devotional, share your reflections and hear what other youth are saying. Register on the Web and join the MOVEment! Visit us online: Find us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: About World Vision World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God s unconditional love for all people. We envision a world where each child experiences fullness of life as described in John 10:10, and we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. About United States Programs World Vision seeks to transform communities, promote justice, and relieve suffering in the U.S. where poverty is prevalent by empowering children and youth, increasing the capacity of individuals, families, churches, and other organizations, and unleashing the assets of our partners. Transforming mission World Vision desires to see U.S. children and youth within their families and communities achieve life in all its fullness with dignity, justice, peace, and hope. We achieve this by strengthening and supporting a community s ability to build a better future for children and youth. 37 Understanding God s Heart for Justice USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 37 8/19/10 2:29:36 PM

43 Proven practices Through 60 years of experience in walking alongside the world s people living in poverty, World Vision has developed proven practices that equip children, families, and communities to lift themselves out of poverty. We share these best practices with local organizations churches, schools, and other service agencies. As a result, these organizations are better equipped to address the causes of poverty. Lasting impact World Vision s impact in a community is multiplied many times as we equip local service organizations simultaneously. The impact of our work is designed to last because these organizations will continue to serve children, youth, and families in need for years to come. About World Vision s Youth Empowerment Program Throughout history, young people have been a driving force in creating positive change in their communities, their countries, and the world. Today is no different. Despite the proven track record of youth-led change in our country, the hardships faced by young people in many U.S. communities can often overshadow their passion for change and leave them with little hope. Young people have long been beneficiaries of support and resources offered by caring organizations. Through World Vision s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), young people are trained, supported, challenged, and mobilized to be the change they would like to see in their communities. YEP works to strengthen the leadership and civic empowerment skills of youth so they are equipped to initiate change in their own communities. Through projects like YEP, World Vision embraces a movement that goes beyond treating youth as receivers to engage young people as participants in the decisions and activities that impact their quality of life. To learn more about YEP and World Vision s other youth initiatives, check out About World Vision Resources Ending global poverty and injustice begins with education: understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world. World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world. For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources Mail Stop 321 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA Fax: wvresources@worldvision.org A Devotional for Young People 38 USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 38 8/19/10 2:29:38 PM

44 Understanding God s Heart for Justice provides an opportunity for you to reflect on and embrace God s call to live a life of justice. This 10-lesson devotional includes study, reflection, discussion, and prayer inviting you to explore justice and peace as a way of life, and a means for deeper communion with God and all of God s people Weyerhaeuser Way S. Federal Way, WA USP102066_ World Vision, Inc. USP GodsHeart Devo_v2.indd 39 8/19/10 2:30:06 PM