I am not enough.
But there is one who is. One who brings peace, hope and a redemptive plan for all the brokenness that we carry on our shoulders and the violence in our hearts.
John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
In John’s words about repentance, he also talks about the change that comes with that repentance. A change of character that embodies compassion, honesty and fairness. John knows that it is not those deeds that make a person ‘righteous’ or ‘worthy’, but rather it is out of the changed desires of heart that a person does these “good deeds”.
Scholars and the online masses like to debate where forgiveness and grace begin and how the “good deeds” and being a good person fit in. I’m not smart enough to answer those questions. To me, it is like the love between two people. Does a person show affection, attention and loyalty because of love or obligation? Do acts of kindness and time together create fondness for the receiver or the giver? Where does the feeling of love begin? Where do the acts associated with love begin?
Where does the beach end and the ocean begin?
Does it matter? Like a wise philosopher once said, “JUST DO IT”.
What does all of this look like to John the Baptist?
Luke 3:9-11
9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
So here I am. Two weeks into this 2 year assignment in Europe. I’m navigating IKEAs and getting settled in a new country trying to ‘Just Do It’ with the support of many who are also giving out of the compassion in their hearts. Working alongside others who have a love for people. The Gospel is clear that a ‘changed’ (I prefer “changing” because we are all on a journey and hopefully further along today than we were yesterday) heart is one that joins together to lift up the poor and needy and those in need; stranger, kin and friend alike. So thank you for being a part of my life and being a part of this season of my journey.
My hope this week is that you would think about how much God loves you. We are a mess, and yet the God of the Universe looks down on humans and says “I have so much more for you beyond this life! Hang in there beloved child!”
In relation to actual Convoy of Hope work:
- I just landed about 10 days ago and I’m getting settled into the work at our office, looking for an apartment and I’m adjusting to a new routine. Found a local gym and a nice walking trail. Things are going smoothly.
- This month we will start having planning sessions about what work we will be able to support in 2026. Please pray for wisdom and guidance so that we can do good work and find ways to improve.
- I’ll be traveling to visit a new partner in Greece where ministry and support for Kurdish and Ukrainian refugees is being provided. Please pray for those people in Northern Greece to continue to find community and encouragement as they find themselves learning to live in a foreign land.
