Brokenness

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
Isaiah 58:9b-12

where to begin...???
first off, my heart breaks for the people affected by hurricane katrina. i wish there was some way i could get down and help those hurting, broken people. i wish i could take in a family who has lost everything - giving them a home filled with love and compassion. tomorrow i'm planning on going to atlanta to serve food to 'refugees'. (that word sounds so terrible...'displaced people')

in my head i have some projects i would like to build or construct. i would like to run away for a few days - go camping or shopping or something outside of being 'trapped in my home'. but each of these things all cost money. but they all seem quite selfish compared to 'spending myself on behalf of the hungry or satisfying the needs of the oppressed' to which i'm called. on friday i read this chapter in isaiah and it has JUMPED into my head and heart. i can't help but think how selfish i am...what a wretch i am. how can i be worried about the cost of gas, when there are so many dying because of lack of food and medicine?

Father,
i've prayed to have my heart broken by the things which break Your heart...and You have granted my request. i'm broken, saddened, hurting with those who are suffering. here's my offering - myself - use it for Your glory. may my hands serve You thru a heart full of praise.

and for the those affected by this terrible storm, i cry out to You for mercy. move Your children to spend on behalf of these hurting people. loosen the chains of oppression that Your light might shine forth. Holy Spirit, come and open the door for Your Truth to be heard and accepted with open hearts. let Your name be praised - let the revival begin in America. Come, Jesus, to Your people and let Your holiness be known among this country.
in Christ Name and thru the Power that Raised Jesus from the Dead ~ Amen

*City of Refuge Ministry *Tom & Steven *Mayor Ray Nagin