JULY 30th...OLD IS GONE!! NEW BEGINNING!! I went by the place where I was born and raised a few days ago. The house was beginning to deteriorate and the roof was falling in. It was not much to look at and the place was beyond repair. I passed by it again a couple days ago and the place had been wiped clean. The new owners were preparing to build a beautiful new home where the undesirable building once stood. I thought, this is exactly what God does when he saves a sinner. He takes what is undesirable, wipes the slate clean and allows you to begin a new life. (2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here!) You don't have to go on being what you are today. God can take a life that is going nowhere and turn it into a new creation that has a fresh start. He forgives us of all our sins and walks with us through every step of the new life. Just like the new owners of the property I was raised on, I can't wait to see what the new home looks like. The new building process never ends with God. There is something new and exciting to experience everyday as you walk with God. A new relationship with God allows you to walk each day hand in hand with Him and enjoy knowing that your life has new purpose and direction. Let God tear down those old strongholds that have held you captive for so long and give you a new start. You will be glad you did. 
Pastor Don