Throwing your lot in with random people.

(Daniela, myself, Mirjam)

I have much to write about my time with Daniela. However, time is pressing for me to get some sleep! As I was just journaling and reading through Romans again, I had a few thoughts to put out there.

Daniela represents two immediate things to me:
One: Romans 12:9-12
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Two: Daniela is the church in Munich Germany. Alive and well. Breathing and moving. Shining brightly in each situation she finds herself in. Many have said that the church in Europe is dead (or at best, barely breathing)... which COULD be true I guess, but the thing I feel called to remember- God surpasses our best evaluations and measurements. By far. The person who wrote the book that said the church in Europe is dying forgot to talk to people like Daniela. Or Mirjam. Or Hans. THEY are the church here. They are caring for each human being the Lord places in their path. THEY are an example to me of how I should be living my life.

Afterall, Paul did say-
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

My friend Erin reminded me of this:
"...this does not necessarily mean you feel comfortable and I will not pray this for you. Instead- may you willingly give up your personl dignity, throwing your lot in with these random people. May you lose yourself as you delve completely into Him."

Amen.
So be it.

(More shall come about my weekend in Munich. The Lord did SO many things!)