Devotions and activities by Sonya VanderVeen-Feddema © 2012
Day 1 God has always carried his world close to his heart like a loving shepherd carries his lambs (Isaiah 40:11). He created a good world because only goodness and light fill his heart. Before the darkness of people’s sin marred God’s good purposes, pastures were perfectly green, waters were quiet, and food was plentiful. However, everything changed when people sinned. Today in many parts of the world, once green pastures are parched and brown, water is a source of disease, and poverty overshadows countless lives. But, still, God’s plans stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11). Throughout the biblical story, God has made his heart known to us. For example, he commanded the Israelites to be open-handed to the poor and hungry, instead of being hardhearted and tightfisted (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Later, he told his people to defend the weak and the fatherless, to uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed, and to rescue the weak and the needy (Psalm 82:3-4). The prophet Isaiah identified God as a refuge for the poor and the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat (Isaiah 25:4a). And Mary, Jesus’ mother, sang praises to God, saying he is pleased to lift up the humble and to fill the hungry with good things (Luke 1:52b, 53a). God’s love-shaped story continues today in our lives. We are commanded to do for hungry, poor, and oppressed people exactly what God has always called his children to do. He has given us the privilege and responsibility to reflect his heart. We invite you to read the devotionals in this booklet for the next three weeks to discover a Heart for the World Psalm 33:11 God’s heart for the world and to celebrate what he has allowed you and the <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Reformed</strong> World Relief Committee (CRWRC), now known as World Renew, to accomplish in the past 50 years. We hope that as you read these devotionals and take part in the daily action ideas, activities, and giving suggestions you’ll also recognize and anticipate what he will continue to do through World Renew and you till Jesus comes again. Prayer Dear God, you command us to imitate your loving, caring, and sharing heart. Create in us pure hearts. Grant us willing spirits to share with and learn from all people. (Psalm 51:10a, 12b) In Jesus’name, amen. action Read Psalm 23. What actions did the Shepherd Lord take on David’s behalf? Put 25 cents in Peter Fish for each one. Think about ways God is yours and the world’s shepherd. What actions can you take to be a “shepherd” for hungry people?