4 min read

A Traitor and a Tree

A Traitor and a Tree

Alternative Routes, Part Two

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In this article:
-- Summary of "Alternative Routes: A Traitor and a Tree"
-- YouTube link for this message
-- Links to Devo by Stevo, a personal or small group study, and a full transcript of the message.
"People, you were placed by God at the location and address where you live, wherever that may be, for a purpose—to be a city on a hill, to have proximity with your neighbors and the people that you meet each day... You have been placed in proximity with people of all different kinds—where you work and live and gym, your favorite grocery store, all the places where you live and work and play—for a purpose."

In this message, I explored how proximity—being physically close to others—powerfully transforms our perspectives and relationships. Just as CP Ellis and Ann Atwater's forced proximity broke down decades of prejudice, and just as Jesus's deliberate proximity with Zacchaeus led to radical life change, we too are called to seek meaningful closeness with God and others.

God has strategically placed you exactly where you are—in your neighborhood, workplace, and daily routines—to be His representative to people that no one else in our church may ever meet.

Who in my life has God placed me in proximity with that I've been keeping at a distance, and how might drawing closer change both of us?"

Take time through this next week to simply notice the people around you. Every so often, throughout your day, stop and watch people for just a moment or two. Then, begin to imagine how you might be able to most past mere proximity to something more meaningful.

Here's the whole message – Alternative Routes: A Traitor and a Tree:

The Heart of True Fasting
May this season be more than a time of temporary abstinence. May it be a catalyst for lasting transformation—transformation that manifests in justice, generosity, and self-giving love. For this, according to Isaiah, is the fast that God has chosen.
It’s Time For A Change
I’ve decided to trust the Lord with this ministry and take a step of faith. While financial support remains important for the continuation of Do Everything In Love, I believe that making my content freely accessible aligns more closely with my mission.
Alternative Routes
If you walk with Jesus, whatever the road might be like, you never have to worry about falling and not being able to get up again. There is no falling without the hand of the Father, without the hand of Jesus reaching down and saying, hey, get back up, let’s keep walking.

New Subscription Model

I'm excited to announce a significant change to the Do Everything In Love subscription model. Starting today, nearly everything I write will be available for free.

Free – it's simple.

Why the Change?

This decision wasn't made lightly. After much reflection, I've decided to trust the Lord with this ministry and take a step of faith. While financial support remains important for the continuation of Do Everything In Love, I believe that making my content freely accessible aligns more closely with my mission.

Do I Still Want You to Subscribe?

Absolutely, but your subscription is now entirely voluntary—a way to support this work if it resonates with you.

I encourage you to subscribe if:

  • You find value in what I write
  • You feel blessed or encouraged by the content
  • You want to ensure Do Everything In Love continues

What This Means for Current Subscribers

If you're already a subscriber, you have options:

  • Keep your current subscription as is
  • Cancel your existing subscription and begin a new one
  • Cancel your subscription and read for free

A Step of Faith

While your financial investment remains both important and needed, I'm choosing to trust that those who benefit from this ministry will support it as they feel led. This is truly a step of faith for me.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I'm grateful for your continued support—whether that's through your subscription, your readership, or simply sharing content that speaks to you.

With gratitude, Steve

Please email me if you have questions or would like to change your subscription.