"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen"


      What can God do? What limits does God have? Our usual answer would be God can do all things, he has no limits. The question isn't really what God can or can't do, but what is God willing to do in your life. Paul's answer would be that God can do more than we can imagine. He told the Philippian church, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So the question then becomes how much am I willing for God to do in my life?

      When back in his hometown of Nazareth Jesus didn't do many miracles. Was it that his power was somehow less at home? Were there no problems, sickness for him to cure? I'm sure the answer was no on both accounts. Jesus hadn't lost any of his power and there were needs all around. But the home folk wouldn't let him because they couldn't see Jesus as any more than just the carpenter's son. The limits were placed on Jesus by others. 

       The same is true today. Any limits we feel towards God aren't due to his limits, but the limits we place on him. God wants to reveal himself to us. He wants us to know and believe the mystery that is his Son and the gospel message. He desires that we share that message with others. And to that end he is willing to give us anything and everything we need to accomplish his will. The limits come when we don't really believe that. Yes God can do miracles, just not in my life. Sure God uses people and empowers them, but it's always the other guy.


             Don't limit abundant power of God with our limited view. 
       

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with Gods people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."


           A few of you may be old enough to remember Shirley Temple movies. Of course you always had Shirley Temple being cute, and then some tragedy would happen and then a nice couple would make it all right in the end. A common scene, especially during the depression, was that of the waif child, nose against the window, staring into a toy shop or restaurant at all the kids playing with toys or eating a hot meal. That is the image that Paul paints of us before Christ's death on the cross. We were outsiders who could only press our noses to the window of God's grace and promises, but all the while separated from him. 


                       The world at that time was just as segregated as it is today. The rich didn't care for the poor, men had the advantage in all situations over women, slaves had no voice before their masters. Yet above all these prejudices was that of the Jew and Gentile. The enmity between these two groups was legendary. There was no greater prejudice then the hatred these two groups felt for one another. And yet somehow in the grace of God given us through the cross of Christ, these two found common ground. As Paul would tell us in Romans, we are all sinners, and we are all justified freely through faith in Christ. 


                         When we look at others, and make judgement's about their worth to God, just remember in Christ we are all members of the same family, parts of the same body. We are one in the Spirit.
                        

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved." 


          Have you ever been overshadowed by a sibling? My older brother was great at science and band. I managed to get by in science and didn't stay with band past 6th grade. That's not to say it was Carl's fault I did those things, but I just couldn't compete in those areas. Sometimes you may feel that people over look what you can do because they focus on the other sibling. 

        Ephesians 2:4,5 may feel that way. Verse 8 is usually the one quoted when we mention this section or talk about being saved by grace. But, Paul begins his discussion here after reminding us where we are without God's love and grace. We are victims of our own desires and sin. We are disobedient rebels, lost. Two of the most powerful words in Scripture are, "but God". I know they don't appear beside each other here, but that is what Paul is saying, "But, God, who loved us and is rich in mercy, changed everything.

         This is a great verse to remind us where we have come from, nothing, and where we are now, we are alive. When sharing the gospel with someone that is a go to kind of verse, especially when you bring in the first part of chapter 2. We are all lost without Jesus, even the ones who think they have it. We can't earn God's favor, but neither do we have to. It isn't our riches that save us, but God's. And the only way to have access to that storehouse of love and mercy is through faith. 

                                           Memorize this and then find someone to share it with.