which led to a conversation with Alicia. With all the ways that we are learning about what is going on in the world, there is still so much we don't know. But what we do know, we feel responsible for. We feel called to take action, not by our own ambition, but by the grace that is given to us ever so abundantly in Jesus Christ.
An example of something that is already being done? Arty recently got back from Kenya, working with the Hamms in Mathare Valley. They have been doing micro finance projects with families in the area, and posted the videos on youtube.
I am excited and in wonder at what the Lord of the Universe will use our hearts to do. May we not rest in awareness, but move to action. May we not act out of our own ability, but by the power that is within us of the One who has defeated darkness. May we forget what we understand to be our own limitations, and embrace the limitless nature of the One who put these desires within our hearts. May we forget ourselves, and remember the Cross. May we stop asking Jesus to come into the dreams we have for our live, and humbly ask how we can fit into the plans He has for his kingdom. May we not judge the need because of the scars of sin, but accept the broken remembering the way we once were. May our love extend beyond emotion, move to compassion, find no limitation, and overflow out of an abundance of the One we reflect. May we stop and realize that there is nothing we can do to change the world, because the only thing that could rescue the world has already been done. May we not be paralyzed by fear, but spurred on in hope. May we never settle for lives of comfort, or fall into the trap that wealth equals success. As we pray and learn and live together, may we remain humbled and find rest in the presence of the Jesus Christ...
My dear friend Becca reminded me of a song tonight... and I would like to share the words. Mind you, it is sung by the powerful voices of Shane and Shane.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great high priest, whos name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
who made an end to all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Halleluah! Hallelujah! Praise the One, Risen Son of God!
Behold him there, the Risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of Glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on High
With Christ my Savior, and my God
With Christ my Savior, and my God
