August was another good month for Knowledge of Jesus Ministries. We had the opportunity to minister to a great number of people. We also received a good report from a Honduran minister we help support. In early September, he will baptize seventy people who have recently been saved where he preached God's word. Thank you for helping us and praying for us.

Last month I acknowledged that I had lack of tolerance with poor drivers. I knew that the irritation was hurting me, stealing my peace, and I wanted to be free. I am happy to announce that God is replaced intolerance with sympathy.

When I used myself as an example, I did so that you may see how to solve similar problems. In order to be free I had to confess this sin, pray and allow God to make the change from within. Notice; only God can make an unequivocal change in our lives. Men try to change themselves, or others, with outside force. This form of control is only temporary. Therefore, it is obvious that we cannot make definite changes in anyone's life; we must be changed. The following scripture may help you to understand what I am trying to say.

Jesus said, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matt. 26:41). We must consider this verse when we need to change something that is hurting us.

I think about the Apostle Paul. After he had talked about being free from sin (See Romans, Chapters 6 & 7) he concluded with the following; For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but (how) to preform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but the sin that dwelleth in me. (Romans 7:14-20).

There is a state of sin; we are all born in this principality. (Rom. 5:12). Christians are set free from this state, but sin remains in their flesh. Our freedom from death and hell is not a license to allow sin in our flesh to control us. For example, if someone is drowning in a lake and another saves him he is free from the lake. On the other hand he is still dripping with lake water. This, however, does give hin license to put his head down into his soaked clothing and destroy himself. Such an act would be like one destroying himself by yielding to sin in his flesh.

We can try to conceal the sin in our flesh, or we can deny that it exists. However, he who does this is deceived. (John 8:7). Hidden sin will be exposed! You have probably seen examples of this. When we coddle sin in our flesh we focus on the imperfections of others, we become critical, even judgmental.

Christians are not slaves to sin! After we recognize that we are free from the lake of iniquity we can deal with sin in our flesh. We should enjoy identifying our imperfections and confess them, read God's word and ask Him to expel each sin as we call it by name. Then we will become more like Christ. Love will replace condemnation. Therefore, we thank God for His grace but, we should thank Him more for His mercy. Through these we are made like Him.

Thank you for praying for JoAnn. In May, she turned her ankle and stretched a ligament, so, she hobbles. Later, when she moved a large flower pot she pulled a rib where it connects to the cartilage; this also hurts. According to her doctor both of these injures are slow to mend. We need for God to hasten her healing. I need her unrestricted help in this ministry!