SPEAKER_00 0:02

Jesus says, I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Welcome to Pillar's Abide in Me podcast, a weekly opportunity to abide in Christ through weekly pillar sermon and worship reflections. I'm Trish.

SPEAKER_01 0:22

And I'm Christian. Hear these words from the book of Ephesians. Now to him who, by the power at work within us, is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Hear it again. Now to him who, by the power at work within us, is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

SPEAKER_00 1:14

The power at work within us is not our power. It is surrendering to his power. This is why we talk about surrender. It's not give up, lose your passion for life. It's like surrender your way to the way, the power at work within you, guiding you into all that's good and right and true. It's not so much that he wants to clean up your foul language. He wants to fill your conversations with gratitude. Abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. It's not so much that he wants to keep you from doing such horrible things at night, but rather to fill your life with nurturing and nourishing things all day. Abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. It's not so much he wants to punish you for not being or feeling particularly nice toward your neighbor, but actually wants to reconcile you and all your neighbors in the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace. Abundantly, far more than all we can ask or imagine. I think this is less of an invitation to make you feel bad so you'll work harder. It's more an invitation to open your hands from the tight control we carry about our lives and our jobs and our relationships and to open ourselves to God's purposes in and through us that show up for us as goodness, truth, and beauty. Now to him who, by the power at work within us, is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.

SPEAKER_01 3:01

For our part as a pillar community, we love to be praying for you. So feel free to reach out to us at abide at pillarchurch.com. Let's pray. God of our salvation, you have restored us to life. You have brought us back again into your love by that triumphant death and resurrection of Christ. Continue to heal us as we go to live and work in the power of your spirit. To your praise and glory. Amen.