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As a Christian I believe my past is forgiven; I can start over with a clean slate. I believe God is in ultimate control of my life. While that doesn't mean I'll always win the race nor ever get tired. It means I can believe the promise of Romans 8:28, which says God can bring good out of every experience for those who trust in him. So I don't need to worry about failing.  He is the sovereign God of the universe and He's never once lost control. He strengthens and He secures His people. Those who know their God operate in such a context of confidence, they can face whatever comes and "display strength and take action." It is amazing how spiritually naive we can be sometimes in the midst of all the struggles that we try to win everyday by ourselves. Sometimes the Holy Spirit has to walk right up and tap us on the forehead -- which is exactly what He has done to me this morning. I praise God for you all and this ministry. Change, real change, takes place slowly. In first gear, not overdrive. Far too many Christians get discouraged and give up. Breaking habit patterns you established during the passing of years cannot occur in a few brief days. Remember that "instant" change is as rare as it is phony. In a world of relativism, the Bible talks in terms of right and wrong, good and bad, yes and no, true and false. In a world where we're encouraged to do it "if it feels good," the Bible addresses that which is sinful and that which is holy. Scripture never leaves us with a bewildered look on our faces, wondering about the issues of life. It provides the kind of solid foundation you and I need. Sometimes I disobey the Spirit's leading, choose for self, and pay the price of emptiness and disappointment. Sometimes I take a headlong plunge for others and nearly burst with fulfillment and joy. At some time in our lives all of us have felt the sting of undeserved criticism; the point at which we can then say, "God, I am doing my best. Give me peace." And God is always there with us. Jesus Christ did not die for us because we were actually worth dying for. He died for us because He considered us worth dying for. He put our best interests above His own, and He willingly went to Calvary. If we want to worship God by serving, we need to do it right. We need first to take time to determine our spiritual gifts. Those are the unique abilities that God places in each of us that enable us to build up and encourage others.
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