indifference to the poor?

Hallo all,

a post before I 'disappear' for the month. :)

I think God has really been giving my life meaning in the past month or so and though there are so many things I still need to learn, I'm grateful for the chance to do something that I really believe in. Since 2004, I've been thinking that eventually I might want to be a missionary and my trip to Germany and all the things I learnt on that trip further fuelled that desire. Though I knew at that time that this was my heart's desire, I didn't yet know the place and I am still seeking. (But increasingly, it's being revealed to me that my heart is more for the 3rd world).

When I hear the stories of East Timor and see the photographs, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of shame. What a debt we owe to this neighbour of ours, who has remained afflicted while we kept moving forward and how unjustly I have been caught up in my petty little struggles when not so far away lies a nation stricken with poverty. Consistently God speaks out against indifference to the poor and my heart bleeds that I am precisely that, indifferent.

In church I sing such glorious songs and hear so much and say so much about the goodness and grace of God without really making that connection sometimes. I am so bogged down by my personal struggles and though I promise so much in my speech, I do so little. What is that point of all that talking, if we will not do?

There is this song called Lifesong, by Casting Crowns that always stirs my heart. It says "Empty hands held high, such small sacrifice, if not joined with my life, I sing in vain tonight."When I look at my life, how much of it really, is dedicated to improving the life of someone else in need? I want to give to my Lord an offering that pleases Him and I'm so thankful that with this new appointment at work, God is opening the door wide so that I can no longer have any excuses about lack of time or resources.

A verse that spoke to me this morning. Be blessed. :)

6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

Isaiah 58: 6-9