Lord, break my heart for the poor that their concerns would become my concerns.

I work at a Christian book store that has paired up with World Vision, an international organization mission driven to get the gospel out, and provide food, water, and clothing for children around the world. We have a goal of so many we need to get, but this is something that I constantly fall short at. Now mind you, this is a $35/month commitment, so not everyone can afford it, but sometimes I wonder if the way I present it inhibits those that can afford it from pursuing it. I have been sponsoring a child myself since this past November, and I will admit that $35 a month is a pretty penny that I could be spending on higher quality items, a new purse, shoes, my favority new movies and music, etc...but here's my thought--what better could I be doing with that $35 than blessing a childs life, hopefully for eternity? And it's not just the child that is influenced--the great thing about World Vision is that they provide programs and educational training for parents so that they can become self-sufficient and support their families more efficiently. Through providing the child with love and the gospel, and letters and photos of myself periodically, I am also witnessing to their families, and even their communities--in many communities, when mail is recieved the whole town gathers to celebrate it and read it. Wow. How else could I have that impact from where I am? Now mind you, I think it's very important to be active in your own community and provide your services to others, but if I can cut back $35 in discretionary expenses and give time--the more the better :). So I pray that God will break my heart for the poor--that more than the comfort of the person I am talking to at work, I will just have a passion to see these children sponsored and that the fire for that within me would become contagious..getting children sponsored through me and as a chain reaction through others that I come into contact with. May I have a heart for the poor, for those with less than me, and for those God has specifically put in my path for me to help.

I was reading the book of James today and came across this verse--James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." How are you carrying this challenge out?

For you who want to be challenged in your faith--that want to stretch even further and get even closer to God, or for those of you that feel like you're 'good Christians' or where you should be, I challenge you to read the book of James, or even specifically 3:1-12, 4:1-7, and 5:1-6. I've noticed my own toes stomped on. Start talking about our wealth, our selfish ambitions, and our tongue and we tend to get a little antsy, defensive, and uncomfortable. I called it a 'challenge' for a reason--only read it if you're willing to put forth 110% and make a change...if you read it and aren't willing you'll probably just end up with that gut wrenching feeling. Your choice.