Am I...?

“Am I the son I think I am…

Am I the friend I think I am…

Am I the man I think I wanna be…?”

I Am – Train

We will all come upon a time when everything is shaken.  And it is during these violent tremors that ripple through the hot mess of our lives that what yesterday was not even remotely pondered today becomes the 3:00 in the morning question that robs us of our sleep…and our peace.

“Am I…?”

good enough…

rich enough…

strong enough…

happy enough…

loved enough…

“Am I…enough?”

It strikes me that all my “am I” questions end, either consciously or sub-consciously, with an “enough.”

So these questions, at their core, are the cry of those realizing they are empty, insufficient, lacking.

Muhammad Ali carved a place for himself in our history by shouting,

“I am the greatest!” 

And for a time, that was hard to deny.

When we flip the question into a statement, when “am I” becomes “I am,” we are making a declaration of identity. 

In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes that statement, “I am”, eight times.

I am the bread of life – John 6:35, 48

I am the light of the world – John 8:12, 9:5

Before Abraham was, I am – John 8:58

I am the door – John 10:9

I am the good shepherd – John 10:11

I am the resurrection and the life – John 11:25

I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6

I am the true vine – John 15:1

When I find myself scared, doubting, and asking, “am I”…I have to honestly ask myself, “do I?”

Do I believe what Jesus said about Himself is true?

If it is, then the implications and impact are tremendous.

Every aspect of our very real, everyday lives would be impacted.

If true, this is a game-changer.

So let’s think about our “am I” questions.

Let’s also work off the premise that Jesus is exactly who He said He is.

Look at Jesus’ “I Am” statements and insert your name in the places Jesus uses “the.”

I am Jon’s bread of life.

I am Jon’s good shepherd.

I am Jon’s way, Jon’s truth, and Jon’s life.

Before Jon was, I am.

What difference does each of Jesus’ statements make in your circumstances,

Your career,

Your family,

Your marriage,

Your life

Fear will make you ask, “Am I enough?”

Jesus says, “I AM…”

…more than enough.

This was originally posted at Job 31 Ministries website.  

I am honored to be a part of this great ministry.  

Please check out their website at www.j31.org 

Beyond Us

“It’s beyond me…”

How many times when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances have we thrown up our arms and made that statement?

Face those circumstances as a group and we can easily change the statement to the plural – “it’s beyond us”

There is no humanly possible way we are going to be able to pull this off, make this change, restore this relationship, or move that mountain.

This is a great place to be in.

Seriously.

To get to the life that is “beyond us”…we’ve got to get beyond us.

Ephesians 3:20 (New International Version)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible)

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]

How many times have we limited what God can do in our lives because we only ask Him to help us do what we can do on our own?

How many times have we simply not asked, because we have such a myopic view of the power and glory of God?

Everything that is “beyond us” is right in God’s wheelhouse.

Committing to live a life that is “beyond us” means not only knowing that God is “infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams”…

But living like we know He is

www.jon-porter.com

Lessons From My Grandpa

Guest post today from my best friend, Kim Porter, 

on the anniversary of her Grandfather's homecoming.

One year ago today my Grandpa, James Barnes, went home at the age of 92.  He was a proud  veteran of WWII, a navy man, and a member of the Greatest Generation.  As his granddaughter I was privileged to hear his stories, jokes and wisdom.  I am reminded today that his wisdom came from his experiences in life.  Actually anyone of us who have parents and grandparents from the Greatest Generation have been influenced by the same  experiences.  

My grandfather left an impression on us that we will not soon forget. His worldview was shaped by his experiences and he sought to teach us as well.  The following poem written by my sister not only speaks of the lessons that he taught us but I am sure you may have been taught as well.

GRANDPA-Less

Today I realized I am GRANDPA-Less.

But there's More NOT Less Grandpa living in me.

He left me a legacy with actions much greater than his words.

Always do what's right.

Stay committed and cherish your wife.

Love each and every day.

Don't keep your emotions at bay.

Give what you can.

But never spend more than you earn.

Take excellent care of what you got and it will last much longer than you thought.

Take the time to laugh and play.

But work hard and do what the Bible does say.

Never skip church even on a rainy day.

Always arrive early...5 minutes early is 10 minutes too late.

Whatever you do...do it at your best.

Then take time for a good night's rest.

Eat for enjoyment never counting the cost.

For these are moments we have together that shouldn't be lost.

End each time together with a kiss...Grandpa, we know you liked them on the lips!

Speak your mind and stand by your convictions.

Love your country and pray for its direction.

Take time for family...it's the only one you'll have.

Make each person feel special.  I know Grandpa you have.

Be proud of who you are and who you are to become.

Always look heavenward to the Holy One.

Tell your story...because time goes by fast...remember it's your story that through 

future generations that will forever last!

Yes, today, I say good-bye to my last grandpa.  I AM GRANDPA-Less...

But, Grandpa, I guarantee your legacy will live on because there's no doubt in my mind that there's MORE not less Grandpa living in me.

Thank you Grandpa for not leaving me GRANDPA-Less.

                                                                                                                 

Lisa Fogg

As I read this poem I am reminded to listen to the stories of others and to be sure to tell my story to my children.  

God Bless

Kim