Jesus Dwells with You!

At a meeting that I was in this past week I was told of an intern’s 'mess up' with some Spanish words in a worship service. It was at the beginning of the service in the Confession and Absolution. Instead of saying 'Jesus died for our sins' the intern mixed up a word. 'Morir' in Spanish means 'to die'. The soon to be pastor, instead of saying "morir" said "morar". Now, this may not seem to be a big change, but 'morar' means 'to dwell with'.

I spoke with a few of our food pantry guests about the two words. They seemed to think that it was just fine to say, "Jesus dwells with you in your sin". Even in our sin, we can find Jesus. He is just waiting around to help us, understanding our sorrow and our failures. The nuances of the slip up can remind us that we are both, Saint and Sinner, and that through it all, Jesus is with us. This All Saints Day may you remember that Jesus dwells with you in all circumstances.

Encouragement

“Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for-ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The letter to the Ephesians was written at a time when the church needed encouragement! They were discouraged by politics, taxes, and the challenges of a struggling young church. The author, whom most scholars now believe was a disciple of Paul, wrote mostly to Gentiles offering them hope for a certain future! The author wants them to know that the church is fulfilling a purpose that Christ began! That purpose is greater than we can imagine or even ask for! The purpose is that Christ would dwell in your hearts through faith and that you would be rooted in love. What greater purpose could Abiding Love have?

As we begin this rally call to ‘Imagine Ministry Beyond Belief’, may you know of the purpose of Christ.