Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Today is the first day in Lent and for forty days, not counting Sundays, we will do our best to try and be closer to God and Jesus. We generally do this through sacrifice and with sacrifice, self-reflection. While we self-reflect it is our goal that we get closer to our creator and through that we will have a clean heart and spirit.
If our goal is to be closer spiritually to God and Jesus, then volunteering or giving to others during Lent appears to be an equally worthy option. Throughout his ministry, Jesus told us over and over again that the way to him is to help and love others. Following Jesus’ ministry, we ensure that our hearts are clean and that we have a right spirit within each and every one of us. Not only does emulating Jesus help ourselves, it has a much larger effect on the community in which we live. While self-sacrifice is a great way to be spiritually closer to God and Jesus, giving of ourselves has a much larger impact in the world.

Prayer: Loving God, Thank you for sending us your Son to sacrifice himself for us. During this season, let us never forget to think of others and help those in need. In your name we pray, Amen.

James & Rebecca Keller