Thursday, Feb. 11th, 2016 2nd Day of Lent Matthew 6:6-21

On several occasions our congregation has packed food bags for the homeless, similar to what is referred to in the Rev. Dan Rift's devotion today.  We have also packed hygiene kits.  In each bag we also include a list of encouraging Bible verses and a list of resources for the homeless.  We don't do it for publicity or to show that we are somehow better than the recipients.  One can rarely know the motivation or depth of need of the one holding the sign.  We hope that somehow they can connect with an organization that can assist them in ways beyond receiving a food bag.  But Rev. Rift suggests something more.  It is not just us giving to someone in need.  As he suggests, often when I've given a food bag to someone, they will respond with words like, "The Lord bless you,"  or, "Thank you and God bless."  Do I hear these words, or just dismiss them?  Is it possible, that through the one we are serving, God is actually blessing us?  Is God present with the man or woman on the street, even as God is present with us in our comfortable car and through our acts of kindness?  The Holy Spirit of God is not limited to time, space, or economic circumstances.  As we say "God bless you," to another, are we open to receive God's blessing in return, even from one who may be homeless?  That's something to think about whenever we do acts of service.  It's not only about what we do for others, it's also about what they give to us.