~ Teenage Saints ~

[Lani]

Read: Micah 4:1-3 http://www.christianityoasis.com/bible/ ... ld_lookup=
~ and ~
Micah 6:6-8 http://www.christianityoasis.com/bible/ ... ld_lookup=

"Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Amos 5:24 (NRSV)


In my country, South Africa, June 16 is a public holiday called Youth Day. On this day more than 30 years ago, young people of Soweto, a black township, peacefully demonstrated against our oppressive, apartheid government. Many lost their lives - some as young as 12 years old - when the demonstrators were attacked. Many predicted a gloomy end for us. Most found it difficult to imagine a future of peace and hope = gifts that our loving God earnestly desires for all humanity.

As the world gathered in South Africa for the soccer World Cup competition a year ago, many thousands came here to support their national teams. Once the world's pariah because of apartheid, South Africa had become the world's host. The bravery shown by those young people decades ago had led to my country's transformation. This shows that with God's help and the actions of brave people, anything is possible.

History moves me to give thanks to God for brave people who, through the ages, have stood against injustice. Our world will always need Christians to continue to say to the darkness, "I beg to differ." No amount of darkness can put out God's light. As Romans 8:28 tells us, God can bring good out of anything.




Prayer: "O God, give us brave hearts and the will to make this world morelike you want it to be. Amen"

Prayer Focus of Day: Countries facing political turmoil

Thought for the Day: God's eternal desire for justice can be embodied in our lives.

Story shared by: R. Rink, (South Africa)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 6/16/11