Arms for Alms

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24

Purple crocuses popping out of a dreary garden bed. I have seen the first signs that Spring renewal is on its way. Renewal or revival is the promise of new life where once all seemed dead. The purple crocuses are a reminder that God’s renewing power is at work around us. It is a season of extraordinary grace and renewal. It is God’s gracious offer of Springtime for our souls.

In what aspect of your life would you like to experience renewal? It may be for your own inward personal relationship with the Lord. It may be in implementing some outward community action.  Lent challenges us to perform gracious acts of giving; what has traditionally been called almsgiving or giving to the needy. Adopting an outward focus is an opportunity to express our gratitude and seek renewal as we hear the cry of the needy and seek to enter their world to help. In Matthew 8, Jesus modeled Kingdom compassion to the marginalized of his day by listening, touching and healing a leper. In our acts of compassion we are stirring up our faith in Christ and asking Him to enter with us to minister.

“Go to those who need you, go to those who need you most” was John Wesley’s advice. Yet, who are the poor? Who are the most in need? Who are the most pushed to the margins and most vulnerable? In our community of Kearney it might mean supporting, 1) Crossroads, a new homeless shelter, 2) Compass, providing care for modern day orphans, 3) Collage, defending the unborn. It does not take a lot of research to find the poor but it does require developing an ear to the local news and street information. If we spend time responding to the poor we will begin to pray differently. We will realize their absolute dependence on God’s mercy and find ourselves turning to God with increased faith and less self dependence. This kind of prayer acts like a Springtime renewal – a refreshing re-prioritizing. Purple is a fitting color for these spring flowers that are popping up now as it is a royal color – hosanna to our King!