I wish I didn’t know
Hennie Symington

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. 16 What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!” — if you don't give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. James 2:15-16 (GNT)

Serve the kingdom among the poor
Just a stone's throw from my neighbourhood there are people living like ants in shanties leaning into the wind. And if by chance you pass by there, the laundry waves at you and the sheets of corrugated iron beckon you to take a closer look at the children playing in dirty streets while moms are cooking food on open fires and dads plod home through the smog.

At night I cannot sleep. It's dark outside and the wind is blowing fiercely. It’s raining and I see the shabby little houses fighting for survival. I cannot get then out of my thoughts knowing there are too many people sleeping in one room, knowing that oil lamps and candles fall over setting houses on fire, knowing there are sounds in the night that scare children. But I wish I didn’t know as I lie between my clean white sheets with a solid roof over my head.

Where is God's helping hand?
If I could just once put reach out to someone in need to show that I am aware of them even if I can’t do much to relieve their plight. I know there are many helping hands of those who voluntarily help to build houses or who live simpler lives in solidarity with the poor and needy. What about me? Or you?

Prayer for today

God, in your house are many mansions but in my own heart I cannot even find room for one person in need. Forgive me and give me a loving heart and willing hands to help where you want me to.