I remember as a child how important it was for me to make sure I received my fair portion of the candy. Unfortunately most of us are still of that mind set. We want our portion of the things that are not even that good for us, indulging in the sweets of the world, because we are ignorant of the true riches. I now prefer my wife’s meat loaf over the sweets, but this has taken time for me to adjust my palette. Our Heavenly Father is very wise and patient with me, much more than I have been with my own children. Sometimes we make the right choices and when we do, He is well pleased and is quick to commend us. For example Abraham was tempted when the King of Sodom offered him the spoils of war. Abraham refused saying: ” least thou shouldest say I have made Abraham rich.” Then we read in the same context; ” After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying. Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” In other words God was saying, don’t worry you made the right decision, I will protect you and the King of Sodom doesn’t have the true riches but I am thy exceeding and great reward. (See Gen 14: 23 and 15: 1)

Is the Lord God your portion and is your hope in Him? So many of us (the children of God) get distracted with the cares of this life and we fail to seek Him. “The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lam 3: 25,26) Hope and quietly wait, that sounds easy enough but you and I know it is one of the most difficult things to do. The problem must be that our Heavenly Father is not the hope of our hearts. Jeremiah said: “The Lord is my portion therefore will I hope in Him.” I have been praying for the Lord to teach me more about waiting upon Him. It is hard to wait without faith and faith is the substance of things hoped for. Heb.11: 1 It’s not good enough to think my hope is in Him, my soul must say He is my portion. Beloved if you have also been guilty of this lack of hope don’t be discouraged we must all come to this place at some time in our lives. Even Jeremiah after going through some very hard times came to the point where he said, “my strength and my hope is perished from the Lord.” Lam.3: 18 Then he said; “My soul hath them (sufferings) still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, Therefore have I hope. It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” His hope was renewed in His God when he remembered Gods mercies fail not. That same mercy is there for you and I beloved. He also remembered how great the faithfulness of God is. Even when we believe not He is faithful. II Timothy 2: 13 Our hope is not in our selves, we well know our failures. Let us remember that Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith, He is the one who brought us to have faith in God and he is the one who will see us continue in the same hope.

When hope is renewed to our soul, not merely to our mind, we will want our portion and we will find ourselves diligently seeking Him. Remember what is written in Heb.11:6. ” But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

Christ in us is our hope of glory and if we hunger and thrist for HIM WE SHALL BE FILLED.

The problem is, we all have the ability to sin ever so easily. If you say, I believe I can live without sinning, it appears that you are in denial of this problem. The problem seems insurmountable – after all everybody sins, right? Not quite. Praise God there is one who did not ever sin; He manged to live holy and righteous all of His life even though he was made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Ro.8:3), and was weak and could do nothing of himself. (John 5:19) Some would say, ‘But that was Jesus.’ That’s absolutely right and guess who now is living in me? Many have endeavored to allow Jesus to take control of their lives, and have denied themselves of the privilege of living after the lusts of the flesh, and were quite faithful even unto death. In the book of Hebrews, chapter eleven, many are recorded as being faithful. Then chapter twelve starts out saying;

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

The faithful have left us testimony of God’s grace. It is a fact that sin does easily beset us, but it doesn’t easily beset Jesus. There is grace to lay sin aside or He would not expect it of us. We are told to run with patience the race that is set before us. Even if we have failed many times, we need to trust Jesus to teach us and lead us into absolute victory. Patience is the fruit of love; if we love Jesus we will wait upon Him to give us grace to run this race and to finish strong.

In Heb11:6 we are told:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Sometimes our faith wavers; instead of acknowledging our lack of faith, we insist that we believe and continue in unbelief. Our sin does often beset us and we don’t understand why. Sometimes up, and sometimes down; this is not the life that we have been promised. The victorious life is there for those who believe the promise.

Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (1 John 5:3) This faith seems to be so mysterious at times; it comes and it goes; why? Faith always remains the same – we are the ones coming and going. The same way we found it the first time is the way we shall find it again, in Jesus. That’s why we are told to keep:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Heb.12: 2,3

If we believe that ‘He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him’, then He will increase our faith because we are doing what pleases Him. If we are not pleasing Him, there is no way we can walk in faith, for He is the author and the finisher of our faith. When we fail to look unto Jesus, we are forsaking the fountain of life that flows by His faith working in us. Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross. If you have tasted the sweet life of victory, then surly you hunger and thirst for a life that ever pleases the Father; that life is waiting for all those who are willing to take up their cross and bear the shame. Then come to the throne and sit down with Jesus in His presence. The faith of Christ will enable us to rest and wait for all our enemies to be brought under our feet. “Oh how sweet to trust in Jesus and take Him at His word.” May we always consider Him ‘that endured such contradictions of sinners against Him least we be wearied and faint in our minds.’

May we be strong in the grace that is found by looking unto Jesus.

En Adam! En Cristo!
1.Todos muertos Ro. 5:12 1. Todos vivos. Ef. 5:6 Ju. 5: 24
2.Niguno justo. Ro.3: 10 2. Todos justificados. Ro.4:23 Ti.3:5
3.La paga del pecado es la muerte. Ro 3: 23 3. Todo pagado. Heb.10: 10-14
4.Todos ofendieron la ley. San2:10 1 Jaun 3:4 4. Todo cumplido. Ma. 5: 17 Ro. 8: 4
5.Disobedencia de uno. 5. Obedencia de uno. Ro.5: 18,19
6.No pudieron cesar de pecar. 1 juan 2: 19 6. No continuo en pecado. 1 jaun 3: 9
7.La sangre de los animales no quita 7. La sangre de Cristo quita.Heb. 10: 10 y 14
el pecado. Heb. 10: 4 8. Todos nacidos en carne. 8. Todos nacidos de Dios. Ro 8: 3- 11
9. Condenados en incredulidad. Jaun 3: 18 9. Justificados por la fe. Ro.5 : 1
10. No entraon en reposo. Heb.3: 19 10. Hay reposo en Cristo. Heb. 4: 3
11. Trajimos la imagen del terreno. 11. Traeremos la imagen celestial.
1 Cor. 15: 45-49

Muchos preguntan pudimos perder la salvasion?
Esta pregunta no es relativo. Salvacion es de Dios. (como Jonas dijo) No tiene nada que ver con la habilidad humano. Biblica pregunta sera; Sabes en quien has creido? 2 Tim. 1: 12
No tiene nada de ver si cree la doctrina de Calvin o de Arminian, sino mejor preguntar estas plenamente convencido de la promesa de Dios? Ro 8: 38,39
Estas en Adam o en Cristo? Ro.5: 10
Los que estan firmes en la gracia tienen la esperaza de
la gloria de Dios. .
Ro.5: 2

Tienes tu Vida Eterna? Jaun 3: 15

I have never been very athletic and I never played golf until about eight years ago. My two sons and five sons–in-law all like to play. They invited me to go with them several times and I declined, then I realized that it could be a good way for us to have some time together. The biggest challenge in golf is the way you swing the club. It looks simple enough you just whack the ball and it goes way down the fairway toward the green.

Like I said I never was very athletic and like most loggers I never worry about finesse or technique, just brut strength and determination will usually get the job done. Sometimes you end up doing it several times but the logs get to the mill and the paycheck comes in the mail.

My first day at golf was a real challenge and tuned out to be a memorable experience. The second hole was a par three, about 130 yards from tee box to the green. There was a small pond right in front of the tee box with several ducks swimming on it. The boys went first and they hit the ball nice and high so it went well above the water and up and on to the green. They showed me which club to use and assured me that it was easy. I took a strong swing at the ball and it took off like a bullet but only about one foot above the ground. It hit one of the ducks with a loud thump; the duck made its last quack and flopped over dead. The poor duck never knew what hit him but died with very little suffering. For me however I have suffered ever since; whenever I am getting all set to tee off, trying to remember all the Technique that requires all of my concentration, one of the boys is liable to say “quack”. What do you think that does for your golf swing?

I am finding out the developing of a good golf swing doesn’t come real easy. It’s somewhat like developing a good walk with Jesus. Many professing Christians talk the talk but it’s not so easy to find those who are walking in tune with the Holy Spirit and in harmony with the body of Christ. We have this treasure (Christ in us) in earthen vessels that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. II Cor. 4:7

Before I was born again life wasn’t nearly so complicated; I did what came natural. (See Ef.2: 2,3) I loved sin and lived a simple life of pleasing self. I simply ignored the pain I caused others and tried not to think about the consequence of my actions. Then my heart was captured by, “the man from Galilee”. When I saw his unconditional love for mankind, I was broken and repented of my selfish ways. Jesus came into my life, and I became a new creature, all old things had passed away and everything became new. (See II Cor.5: 17) Jesus had given me a new heart with a new passion. I no longer love sin in fact the new Spirit in me hates sin. This is a complete change. The heart as the driving force of this son of Adam has been transformed.

It didn’t take long to find out however that my heart had been set free but this body of flesh is still the same old corrupt self. Like Paul said: “In my flesh dwelleth no good thing.” …….. That’s why Jesus said: “ If you want to follow me you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me. Mt.16: 24

In the beginning of my Christian life, I observed the mature Believers walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and it seemed easy for them to walk in the victory free from the clutches of sin. Like a nice golf swing so effortlessly so effective and a pleasure to witness.

I was soon to learn that the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is a daily battle. The flesh always makes demands that are contrary to the will of God and not in accordance to the desires of my heart. Occasionally the flesh convinces me, the desires of the flesh are still the desires of my heart. Every time I get sucked in I regret it not only because I sin against God, but, because I allow my self to be deceived into thinking that I want to fulfill the lust of the flesh. When in fact after doing so I always am confronted with the sorrow of realizing I really didn’t even want to do it in my heart of hearts. The Spirit in me hates sin but the flesh loves it.

The word of God gives us sound teaching that will enable us (if we obey) to have victory over the flesh. “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal.5: 16 This of course is quite possible but it will not happen unless we set our hearts to it and truly desire it. Because, “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal.5: 17

Our Heavenly Father understood the depravity of our flesh and was merciful unto us and gave us the Mosaic Law. The law however could not teach us to walk in the Spirit it could give us some basic outline and show clearly how far away from God we were without Jesus.

Jesus came with a better covenant he promised to write the law in our hearts. Heb.10:16 The only way we can walk in the spirit is by faith; faith in the promises of God. We must learn to listen to the still small voice of the Spirit that is in us. It is a still small voice not a big loud demanding voice but a voice that encourages us to simply trust in Christ who is in us, our hope of glory.

Someone with understanding of the human body designed a golf club to be swung in a very smooth and powerful manner. Good athletes understand the importance of using the whole body to execute a greater performance. Most of us novice golfers are slow in learning this. We depend too much on our arms and try to mussel the club to greater speed. Which is very ineffective.

The first thing is to know where the target is. Then you stand so that the swing of the club will be in line with the target. Then address the ball and draw back the club slowly keeping your eye on the ball, shifting your weight to your right foot when the club is all the way back you start your swing letting your body get in sink with the swing, picking up speed as you come down with your eye on the ball. The idea is not just to hit the ball but hit through it. Then you are shifting your weight to your left foot. Once you hit the ball don’t think the job is done, because you must now look again at the target and let the swing continue in that direction. If everything was done properly the ball will go flying down the fairway straight for the hole.

God created the child of God for a purpose and the child is able to do, by God’s grace, all that he was created for. Ef.2: 10 Faithful and mature Christians understand the importance of waiting upon the Spirit to work in the rest of the members of the Body Christ because it is the will of God to keep unity for effective ministry. Many times young zealous believers are slow in learning this and try to push the Saints or jump out ahead and do it on their own.

In order for us to walk in the Spirit, we need vision, Jesus’ vision; our target must be the same as His. Then we must stand (be available) and meditate on the word of God, so that all that we do is in line or in harmony with the purpose of God. Then once we have moved out in faith to do what he has commanded we must not think we have done any great thing. We have only done a reasonable service and now we must keep our eyes on Jesus and let him bring everything to the fulfillment of his purpose.

The golf swing is still a great mystery to me and I doubt very much if I ever learn it well but I do know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 1:12

In Jesus, James Lucas

I did not mean to do it! How often we hear this disclaimer but did you mean not to?

When the Church in Jerusalem heard about the gentiles receiving the Lord Jesus in Antioch they sent Barnabas; “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Acts 11:23 This simple but all important exhortation is lacking amongst so many believers today. To illustrate the importance
of this lets look into the life of King Rehoboam.

“So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and
forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city
which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s
name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek
the LORD.” 2 Ch: 13,14 He didn’t purposely do evil but he didn’t purpose not to either. You may
also read 2 Chronicles 15: 2 & 12,13

When we fail to follow after Christ, we become like a leaf in the wind, without guidance. We may
not purpose to become worldly or materialistic but it’s easy to go with the current of this world
unless we purpose not to. We don’t want to be worrying about our finances and how we are going
to make ends meet but if we are not seeking the Kingdom of God first then we cannot wait in faith
for our Father to add all that is needed in this life.

We are to walk with Christ in the same way we received Him, in faith and purpose of heart.
(Col.2:6) This is how we can become rooted, grounded, and built-up in the faith! (Col.2: 7)
We need to be free from religious spirits and fleshy efforts and all that keeps us from simply
resting in Christ Jesus. (See Col.2; 8) Quite trying to be Christ like, SOMETIMES WHAT WE
THINK IS A NOBLE THOUGHT IS ONLY MANIFESTING OUR LACK OF CONFIDENCE THAT
CHRIST IS IN US we cannot reform the old man. Start believing you are truly in Christ and Christ
is in you, this is the mystery that has been baffling the worldly wise from the beginning. True
holiness and righteousness is only found in Him. Grace is found when in faith we cleave unto Him.

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning
every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in
Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me
mightily.” Col.1;26-29
Because we are complete in Him, that is perfect and we cannot improve upon that.(Col 2: 10)
Jesus said: “be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” MT. 5: 48
This is only accomplished by those who rest in the finished and perfect work of Christ Jesus.
“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb.10: 14)

Let the old man rest.
“ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances
that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over
them in it.” Col. 2: 13-15 If we fail to accept our death in Christ, then we will always be struggling
and alienated from the life in Christ. By his death and our death with him the old account is settled.

Get a life!
Being dead in sins and quickened (made alive) together with Him, it is paramount that we cleave
unto Him who is our life.
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the
right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also
appear with him in glory.” Col 3: 1-4 “For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Many professing believers are not manifesting the life of Christ. Because they have not “put off the
old man with his deeds.” They are not hid, they walk about with no shame of their nakedness,
many believe their figs leaves (religious or fleshy works) have them covered.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate
affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the
wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time,
when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man
with his deeds;” Col. 3:5-9 Many put off the fornication, covetousness and the obvious
un- Christian activities. But they fail to put off the anger, wrath, malice, and etc, in their effort to
reform the old man. They lie one to another and claim the righteousness of Christ but in fact they
are not manifesting the life of Christ.

We can by all means “get a life now” our Lord Jesus has made all provision for us. By believing he
died for us, we can put off the old man in faith, and by believing he rose from the dead and has
raised us up in Him, we can put on the new man.

“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that
created him:” Col.3;10 I DO NOT HAVE TO CHANGE, I NEED TO BELIEVE THAT I CAN PUT
ON THIS NEW MAN WHICH IS RENEWED AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM WHO CREATED HIM.

When we simply believe, we will simply obey. Lets get a life by going into our prayer closet and put
on the new man that has been provided for us. We cannot put on what is not available but we
better put on what has been made available. I don’t know about you but I don’t want my
nakedness to show anymore.

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And
above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God
rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in
word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him“. Col 3: 12-17

Look what we have in our prayer closet, bowels of mercies, if we pray for this in faith believing, we
will not be refused. Bowels of mercies is truly a godliness that will manifest who we are in Christ
Jesus and cannot be mistaken for the old man. Kindness will draw many unto salvation.
Humbleness of mind certainly was not found in the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This is
a true identifier of Christ’s presence.
Meekness is so beautiful that the English language fails in describing her loveliness. When the
child of God puts on meekness who would dare to harm him. Longsuffering will bring glory to God,
In a world where everybody is suffering most of them without hope. Forgiveness, don’t you want to
display what we received without merit, again and again. Forbearing one another, it will be great to
have the strength to carry our loved ones. Charity is indeed above all, because it is not just love
but its love in action. The bond of perfectness, oh to be perfect in love what a glorious hope.

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,” isn’t it wonderful that we do not need to be without
peace. The new man in Christ can permit peace to rule. If we are without peace we need to return
to the prayer closet.

The child of God who allows the word of Christ to dwell richly in him will be able to teach and
admonish others. Many hear but they don’t allow the word to dwell in them. However those who
do will be endowed the privilege to do all things in Jesus name. When all things are done in his
name then in all things Jesus is manifested. Only if he is manifested can it be said it was done in
his name. What a great honor it would be to stand and pray as Jesus did just before he left this
world. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were,
and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” John 17;4&6

Our Lord has put something on my heart that I want to share with you.
I was reading in Hosea chapter ten. Our Lord was speaking to his people Israel and I believe the same sins that Israel was committing, are very similar to the church in America today and in many other places in the world as well. We read in verse one and two.

“Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude
of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land
they have made goodly images. Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty:
he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.”

The church in America is an empty vine, because the fruit she bringeth forth is for her
self. Selfish people produce for themselves. Such as huge cathedrals with their
gymnasiums and state of the art construction, filled with the finest electronic
equipment, having leaders with their degrees managing the church in the same fashion
as a high-tec corporation.
We have indeed increased them, we have one on every corner all claiming,
their church is the one God is well pleased with. When in fact God is not
pleased, nor impressed with our selfish ways.

“Their heart is divided,” Jesus said “ Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth… It appears that we think it’s ok to lay them up if we do it in the name of God.
“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” So obvious, so much time, money and energy is spent on ourselves, when so little time, money and energy is given getting the gospel to a lost world. It seems in the eyes of many, the world is not so lost. Could this be because the world has infiltrated the church? This could also shed light on why so many “Christians” want to be involved in world politics. They are quite bold to make their political stand and very reluctant to boldly proclaim Christ Jesus. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. It seems the love of the world is driving them more than their love for the Kingdom of God.

A dived heart is a very serious problem.
Jesus explains, “The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thy eye be evil, (not single) thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that be in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (riches) Mt. 6: 22-24 “If therefore the light that be in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” The heart that is divided is deceived, satan is an angel of light, he told Eve, “your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3: 5 Their eyes were opened and the light they received blinded them from the true light. The light was good and evil this is confusion, a double standard, spoken with a forked tongue. Today the gospel that is preached is also of a double standard, you can have Christ and the world as well.

In Hosea 10: 13 our Lord proclaims, “ Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.” This is what the church of America has done, trusted in her way and not the way of the cross. They do preach of the cross but they refuse to bear the reproach and shame of the cross. The word that Jesus gave concerning the Scribes and the Pharisees certainly can be applied to many of our leaders in the churches today. “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do: but do ye not after their works: for they say and do not.” Ma.23: 3 If you have received light but are not able to walk in the light, you are in a greater darkness; than your ordinary lost person; the wisdom you have received is of this world and you have no understanding. “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28

“In the multitude of thy mighty men.” The church has been deprived from seeing the work of the cross in many of her leaders but she hasn’t lacked for mighty men, (1 Cor.1: 26-31) men with degrees and great titles like doctors, reverends, and his excellency. Men which draw disciples after themselves, heaping up treasures in the name of our Lord Jesus, who didn’t have a place to lay his head.

Unfortunately we all have been affected by this ungodly gospel in one way or another, most of the true believers have been upset with outlandish display of worldliness, to the point of being discouraged. Some have succumbed to the materialism being displayed and have become ineffective in their witness for Christ. Beloved let us take courage our Lord Jesus has not left us without instruction for this evil day.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness on you.” Ho10: 12

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness” My getting angry and pointing the finger at those who are obviously deceived is not going to help. If I can first sow righteousness to myself, then perhaps I will be salt and light in this evil time. We all need to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus and no one else, in total obedience to him. “Reap in mercy.” This is the only way we can reap; with out love we are nothing. “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These are they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep your selves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear; pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude

“Break up your fallow ground.” Fallow ground is ground that has been neglected or allowed to rest. If a farmer wants to bring forth an abundance of fruit he must use the ground or it will not produce fruit. Our Lord Jesus is simply saying it is time to seek the Lord with all of our heart. I am sure there is a need in my heart for more work of our Lord Jesus, like Jude wrote, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. The promise is, if will do so, he will come and rain righteousness upon us. We could use some of that, amen?

If it is time to seek the Lord like never before, and I do think you will agree that is the last days and our Lord is coming soon.

I propose we put up a prayer vigil around the clock until Jesus comes. Very simple each one volunteers to pray daily for an hour. If you are so inclined, email james@usaforjesus.com and simply state which hour you want to pray. We will set up a
twenty four hour schedule and post it on our web site showing how many we have praying at the different hours, your name will not appear just a check on that particular hour. You may change the hour at anytime, just request the change by e-mail.
for those who might not know the web sites are usaforjesus.com and hisvisionmission@yahoo.com
Your fellow servant in Jesus our Lord,
James Lucas

For many years I have pondered this question, the common answer is, no one is perfect, only God. That answer has troubled me because Jesus said in Matthew 5:48 “ Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Obviously our expectations of our abilities as Christians and the Lords expectations are far apart. Therefore let us at least be responsible enough to investigate the matter. If our creator is telling us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, it doesn’t matter what we believe because he who is perfect is giving us a direct command, after all if Peter would have said, no man can walk on water, he would have remained in the boat, and never have experienced the great blessing of seeing what God can do through those .who are obedient.

All that Our Lord Jesus commands us is to be regarded and we should never limit our obedience to our lack of faith and understanding. Please open your heart to receive a greater vision of the wonderful work that is being accomplished already, if you indeed are in Christ Jesus. For Christ in you is your hope of glory.

We continually hear that no man is perfect, how can we say that; when
we read what God said about Noah? (Gen.6:9) “ Noah was a just man and
perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God.” What are we to
believe? If God said Noah was perfect who are we to say he is not. I do
realize that Noah did not do every thing right in my eyes, I remember
reading he became drunk in his house and was lying naked. Obviously
Gods’ perspective and mine are not always on the same page. Then there
was Job. God lets us know in the very first verse of the first chapter of
the book of Job, what he thinks of Job. ‘’There was a man in the land of
Uz, whose name was Job; and that man, was perfect and upright, and one
that feared God, and eschewed evil.’’ Our Lords opinion of Job was very
high, no matter what his friends thought of him it didn’t change God’s
mind, he truly knew Job. You see God knew Job before the foundations of
the world. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation
of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in
love:” Ep.1:4 Notice he has chosen us in Him (Christ). There is nothing in
Christ that is not perfect and holy. Job like all those who are in Christ
Jesus are called of God to be made in the perfect image of our heavenly
Father. “ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us
not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it
doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man
that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1John
3:1-4 Do you have this hope in you?

In Romans 8:28,29 Paul says, “ for we know,” do you know what Paul is talking about? Paul knew that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Paul knew all things that he would go through in this life were designed of God to bring him into the image of the Father, a perfect man, as his Father in heaven is perfect.

I do thank God that we cannot do any works to make us perfect but we rest in the wonderful work of God “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ep. 2: 8-10 Will Jesus do anything less than perfect? We are his workmanship, now we simply trust him and walk in what he has prepared for us. We need not understand how he will accomplish it but we know, “ he hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 Tim. 1: 9 Then, “that great Shepard of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Heb.13: 20,21 He will make us perfect in every good work. Because that which he has began in us he will finish. For you see we have come into that heavenly city, the church of the firstborn, among the spirits of just men made perfect. (please read Heb.12:22,23)

Like John said the world does not know us because it knew him (Christ)
not. For we have this treasure in earthen vessels. The perfection we
have is in Christ not in the flesh. The world cannot see what is only
seen in the spirit. We all “shall give account to him that is ready to
judge the quick (living) and the dead. (God knows those who are his)
For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, (we
were dead in our sins when we heard the gospel) that they may be
judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the
spirit.” 1Pt.4: 5,6

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead; he said, Lazarus come

forth and he came out but he still had all the grave clothes upon him. He had all the appearance of a dead man but he walked out of the tomb, it wasn’t clear if he was dead or not even though he walked out of the tomb. Much the same for the ones, who are called out of the world into Christ they have been made alive in Christ, remember all that are in Christ are perfect. Even though it does not appear what they shall be until all the grave clothes are pealed off. Jesus reminds us be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect; this is what he is calling us to. If we sin however we have an advocate and we are to confess our sins and he will forgive us, and cleanes us of all unrighteousness.

Beloved in Jesus let us not worry about what we don’t understand but let us take heed to this verse in 1Ki 8:61
“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” To keep our hearts right with God is what he requires of us and if we do so, it will have an effect in our living for Christ. In Pro 4:23 it says. “ Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”

We know that children aspire to be like their parents, they will try to imitate them and try to do the things that they do; but because they are small it is difficult for them. However the DNA is there and sooner or later they will grow and become like their parents; Paul also knew that the children of God are predestined to be made in the image of their Heavenly Father. The child doesn’t have to do any special work to become like their parents, it will come naturally; if indeed we are born again and have become new creatures in Christ the life of Christ will be made manifest and time will bring the maturity that is lacking.
When the disciples said unto Jesus, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:27,28) That is all that he wants us to do. We should not manifest unbelief by trying to do the work that only God can do, but simply rest in Him and trust His work will be done, allowing the hope of Christ to bring the glory of Christ in us. “For the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (Pro.4:18)

Hello All,
Thank you for your prayer over the last week as we went to the Northern region to visit the former trainees. We made it safe, had a blessed trip and then returned home safe and sound.
Sammy Spurling and myself left Wednesday Morning at about three AM. It was about a 16 hour bur ride with a two hour lay over in the city of Kumasi. On the way there the we had a nice talk with the guy sitting next to us. His name was shadrach and he belonged to the 7th day adventist “church”. We had a nice time talking with Him about How Christ had freed us from the bondage of the law and has given his children life instead of death. We arrived in the city of Wa at about 7:00 to 7:30 wednesday night. When we got there Shadrach assisted us in finding our room and then asked if he could meet us the next morning so he could introduce us to his Mom and Dad.The plan was for me and Sammy to take the lead because I had to buy some parts for my motorcycle, then Tim and Mike would join us in Sawla 90 km south of Wa. So after a good night rest and visiting Shadrachs parents we were able to find the parts we needed and then it was back south to Sawla. On the way back the bearing on our tro tro(van) spoiled and so we were broke down on the side of the road for a couple of hours. We had no water and were in the hottest heat I have ever been in, so I was extremely thirsty. But other than being a little parched all went well.
We arrived in Sawla just shortly after Mike and Tim at around 4:30 Thursday afternoon. After getting settle into our room and taking a little rest we went and visited one of the former trainees out at some prayer camp( which is pretty much a place were there is no distraction so you can focus on Christ while you pray.) His name was Joseph and was encouraging to see him again.
The next morning after a very large amount of rice water we decided to go and visit Bole which is just 18 miles south of Sawla. Friday is Bole market day. That is were people from all over come to sell all sort of goods from vegetables to clothing. So our plan was to visit former trainees and to do a little shopping in the market.We were able to meet with some of our friends but a few had traveled to other parts of Ghana. We also met with an American from New Jersey who a volunteer for peace corp. . He is not a Christian so please pray for Him that the Lord would open his eyes. He is the only white person where he is so he is very lonely. We made plans to have a meal with him Sunday Afternoon which made him very excited. After finishing with visiting in Bole it was back to Sawla for the evening. That evening we were able to meet with the brother from the prayer camp again to see whether or not he would like to go out to a village near Sawla to investigate it to see whether or not we could come back to preach there.
The next Morning after borrowing a couple of motos we headed out to the village. We had a nice time out there. Mike was able to share the Gospel for about 45 minutes with the chief of the village. The chiefs response was I will not be a Christian because my idols are helping me. The idols helped his father and were helping him so he said that he would not become a christian. He boasted of the power he had because he worshiped the idols. He said that if he wanted to he could call the bees to come and chase us away. He wasn’t angry with us but was just explaining his position. The idol, which was just right behind us was a 2 foot pillar of mud. But he did however invite us to come back to his village to live there for a coupe of weeks possibly and share the Gospel with the people in the village. The name of the village is guirey and most of the people are idols worshipers. There is however one Methodist church in the village but I am unsure of how many people attend it.
The plan for Sunday was to go back to Bole and go to a couple of the churches where some of the trainees attend. Samuel and I attended the Bole Methodist church and Tim attended the Evangelical church of Ghana. Our meeting was somewhat discouraging to see, The pastor was not there and so the people were just going through some Methodist devotional which its mane theme was ending poverty and Gaining wealth by Faith. This particular Sunday they were talking about how to git people to come to there Church. They did not even use the Bible in all of this but were just following a manual for how to make a better church. During the study they asked us to share what we thought of the teaching and Samuel was able to encourage them to stick to the Bible instead of some man written manual for how to make a Methodist church. Some did not appreciate his encouragement but most did. I believe what he said was of the Lord and done in a humble and loving spirit. Jesus would have said it. Tim also had a chance to share st the ECG church and shared on the needed for the Churches to come together as the body of Christ. He shared how that if all the churches are just competing then the work will never get done. If every church is marking their territory and moving with a divided vision then their work will always fail. H e also received a positive response from the people and most agreed of their need to come together and the Body Of Christ.
After lunch with Matt(the white man) we were able to meet with a few more of the former trainees from Bole and to share with the our vision of going out into some of the unreached villages around their towns.
Our vision in all of this is to take some of the people who went through the training course and to now get them moving towards the work. So we want to take them into some of these villages and preach along side of them to help them to get moving. We are praying that the Lord would give them a desire to go out and to tell those who have not heard the truth. This work is far to big for a few white people so if the Africans themselves don’t catch the vision or should I say if the Lord doesn’t move their heart in that direction then it will never get done. Some of the trainees showed a desire to be involved in the work so we were encouraged about that . Please pray that the Lord would lead and guide us and the people there about how we should proceed in the next few months. There is a very great need in both the churches and unreached villages of Ghana for the divine Truth encased in Jesus Christ.
Love to all,
John Burwell
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