A2G: Who Programmed You?

As I listened to a message this morning, the Lord placed this question in my mind, "Who programmed you?".  It brought to mind the many challenges I've experienced in life and how many could be attributed to the negative behavior modeled for me by significant others.  Those negative behaviors impacted my self esteem, my moods, how I dealt with problems, how I responded to being challenged by others, and so forth.  Surrounded by this negativity for the most critical years of development, my early childhood, ensured many were integrated into who I became.  It did not matter how much I may have despised this behavior, I became much of what I despised.  Most difficult of all, was realizing I disliked who I became and believing it was impossible to change. 

When things in my life became unbearably painful, I began to think life was not worth living and entertaining thoughts of suicide.  In the midst of this depression, I came to find myself at church and on my knees asking Christ to come into my life.  That day, a depressed teenager began a change process that continues today.  Little by little, God began to change and teach me the truth of his word which states "if any man be in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation.  The things of the pass are gone away, behold ALL things are made new."  Today I continue to become a better me, a better father, a better husband, a better friend, a better worker, a better supervisor, a better teacher, a better student, a better unconditional lover of all, and most important of all a better servant of Christ.  Becoming this better person is possible because of His world, His love, and His Spirit.  They guide me and teach me daily how to stay confident, hopeful, forgiving, and loving.  How awesome is that!  God's word provides the foundation enabling me to continuously grow into the person he intends me to be.  Hold on to His word and become who He intended you to be!  Just a little advice to go!  

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

1. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

2. If any man be in Christ Jesus….  2 Corinthians 5:17

3. Ask and you shall receive…  Luke 11:9

4. More than conquerors……Romans 8:37

5. Spiritually controlled….. Romans 8:6

6. Refuge and Strength….. Psalms 46:1

7. Fruits of the Spirit….. Galatians 5:22-26

8. Never leave you….. Deuteronomy 31:6

9. Peace and No fear…. John 14:27

10. No more pain…… Revelation 21:4