JUNE FAITH MESSENGER STARTING OVER “The day has finally come!” Sarah thought. It was 3:00 p.m., and she was to be married in one hour. She longed for the time when she and her future husband, Chris, would become one. This would be the turning point in their lives. 4:00 p.m. - As the wedding music plays, Chris ponders the future. Will he and Sarah have children? Will they both continue working? As thoughts run through his mind, he makes a choice to trust God to help with each decision. He determines that they will stay together no matter what happens! Happily, they enter into this new world and begin their journey as a family. It is at this very moment, they establish a "new beginning". At some point, every person begins a new life; for most, this occurs more than once. For example, a new change occurs when one becomes independent, moving away from one's parent’s house - growing into a greater maturity. "Starting over" happens for other reasons: moving to obtain a better job; going back to school to obtain more education; dealing with poor health from an accident or illness; losing a treasured loved one from illness or divorce; or making a change because of some environmental situation. Regardless of circumstances or even age, the most significant "new beginning", however, is when a person establishes a personal relationship with God. It often happens like this: a moment in time emerges when one begins to feel empty inside, and nothing can be found to fill that void. The need is for an infilling of God's love, and only Jesus can satisfy that deep longing. A new life begins! The "former person" is changed! The new person has been united with God, and joy fills one's spirit. In the Bible, new beginnings happen repeatedly. In Genesis 3 and 4, we see Adam and Eve "starting over". After being placed in the perfect Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the tree of the knowledge of Good and evil. The consequences of their sin changed their entire lives. "Then the Lord God said, 'Behold the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever
therefore, the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken." Nevertheless, God's relationship with man did not end there. The Old Testament of the Holy Bible tells us that from a heart of compassion, God formed a plan for sacrifices to be made, paying the penalty for sins. Adam and Eve worshipped God using this Divine method and took great comfort in knowing that God had forgiven them. In II Samuel 12, we read that King David made a terrible choice. He saw the wife of Uriah and desired her. He had Bathsheba brought to him as his mistress. Then King David sent her husband to the front lines of a dangerous battle, and there he was killed. -Very displeased, God sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront David about his sin and severe consequences followed. Fortunately, the story does not end there. “Then David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Nathan replied, 'The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die...'" (II Samuel 12:13) Although God forgave David for the sin of adultery and murder, King David's life was never the same. But he grew in wisdom and, later, found a "new beginning". In the book of Jonah, we read that God told His prophet, Jonah, to go to the city of Nineveh to "cry against it; for their wickedness has come up before me." Although Jonah refused, a difficult journey consisting of a terrible storm on a ship, getting thrown overboard, and having to live on the inside of a huge fish changed his mind. Eventually, Jonah was literally spit onto the shores of Nineveh, and needless to say, he "started over" as well as changed his behavior. He preached to the citizens, and the entire city repented and "began again"! There are many stories of "new beginnings" in the Old Testament. But, perhaps, the most inspirational ones are found in the New Testament: Jesus healing a man with leprosy; Jesus granting forgiveness to a greedy tax collector; the son who went astray, spending his inheritance on evilness, and then returning to find forgiveness from his loving father. Yet, the most significant "new beginning" results from a gift presented to all of us by God Himself. God allowed Jesus to become "our" sacrifice, thus, establishing a bridge of
reconciliation to God, our creator. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” The New Testament tells of another changed life. Following Jesus’ ascension to Heaven, a powerful man named Saul began to persecute Christians, ravaging the church, entering homes, and dragging good men and women off to prison. However, one day, as Saul was journeying to Damascus, "a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'" The voice belonged to Jesus, and Saul became literally blinded by the bright light. From this amazing experience, Saul was converted to Christianity, his name was changed to Paul, and he received his sight. Then Paul began a new life, devoting his days to spreading the Gospel as well as writing several letters that even now are available for us, in the New Testament. The most wonderful news of all is that "Your own new beginning" can also come through the love of Jesus Christ. When Jesus gave His life for us, He created that link that connects us to God, our Creator. Although consequences of our sinful actions may remain, we find forgiveness and mercy (if we but ask), and God helps us "start over." Remember the stories found in the Bible of "new beginnings". No matter what you have done in the past, you too can have a new life if you but look to Jesus. -by Randy Sackett
I whipped him 39 times With a whip that had broken bone And glass in it. I nailed His hands and feet to a cross. I put a crown of thorns on His head. I then let him hang from that cross; I came back a couple of hours later, And I stuck him with my spear. (He was surely dead when I did this.) He rose three days later from the dead. You know what's so wonderful about this FRIEND? I did all this bad stuff to Him, And He still loves me. He invites me to come live with Him in His mansions, And He gives me almost everything I ask for. You can have My FRIEND, too. All you have to do is ask Him to come into your heart. HIS NAME IS JESUS! Jesus wants to be your friend. +
Scripture: "If any man is in Christ, he bcomes a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold! All things are become new."
AND HE AROSE Ivan J. Smith 3-17-98
We do all manner of evil things, but still, he protects us with His wings. And He arose.
MY FRIEND -written by Donald Burchett (Washington Corrections Center Shelton, WA.)
When we’re afraid in sin’s dark night, for us, He does fight. And He arose. When we’re bound in strong chain, His love, our heart does sustain. And He arose.
I have a friend. I tore His clothes off; I spit on Him. I hit Him with my fist; 2
Thy will be done, On Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, And the power, And the glory, forever. Amen'"
When we feel defeated, know, in Jesus, we are completed. And He arose. Long ago we gave Him over to be tried, while for our souls Jesus cried. And He arose. While suffering crucifixion’s cruel task, our forgiveness from God, Jesus did ask. And He arose.
(Matthew 6:9-13) +
Into the dark grave Jesus went down, to arise and reclaim His precious crown. And He arose.
2. Jesus' instructions - how to pray to God, Our Father: "'And when you pray, do not be like the show-offs! They love to stand up and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that everybody will see them. Remember this! They have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room and close the door, and pray to your Father, Who is unseen. And your Father, Who sees what you do in private, will reward you…if you forgive others the wrongs they have done you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive the wrongs of others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you have done.'" (Matthew 6:5-15)
For us Jesus came to earth, He came to give us new birth. And for our salvation, Jesus arose.
A PRAYER FOR YOU From the HOLY BIBLE "'…I fall on my knees before the Father, from Whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. I ask God, from the wealth of His glory, to give you power through His Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and that Christ will make His home in your hearts, through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundations in love, and that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long and high and deep is Christ's love…'"Ephesians 3 , written by the Apostle Paul
(Find more words about forgiveness: in Matthew 18:21-35)
3. The prayer of repentance: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, we can trust Him, for He does what is right - He will forgive us our sins and make us clean from all our wrongdoing. If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and His word is not in us…For Christ (Jesus) Himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven and not our sins only, but also the sins of all……"(1
POWER IN PRAYER "The prayer of a righteous man has a powerful effect." (James 5)
John 1,2.)
THE WRONG KIND OF PRAYER: (James 4)
1. Jesus' example of praying to God, Our Father:
"Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from?
"'Our Father Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, 3
They come from your passions, which are constantly fighting within your bodies. You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you covet things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. And when you ask, you do NOT receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures.
"'And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My Name, I am there with them.'" (Matthew18:19-20) "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." 8. Jesus example of praying for and valuing little children: "Some people brought children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray, but the disciples scolded those people. Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' He placed His hands on them…" (Matthew 19:13-15)
4. Jesus' joyous revelation "'The world will greatly rejoice over what is going to happen to Me, and you will weep. But your weeping shall suddenly be turned to wonderful joy (when you see Me again)…. no one can rob you of that joy…you can go directly to the Father and ask…, and He will give you what you ask for because you use My Name. You haven't tried this before, but begin now. Ask, using My Name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy will overflow.'" (John 16) "THY will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!"
Jesus' prayer for YOU! "'I do not pray only for them (disciples), but also for those who believe in ME because of their message. I pray that they may all be one… so that the world will believe that you sent Me…O Father! You have given them to Me, and I want them to be with Me where I am…'" (John 17:20-24)
5. Jesus' firm guidance concerning prayer: "'I am the true vine, and My Father is the Gardener…Take care to live in Me, and let Me live in you. .for apart from Me, you can't do a thing…But if you stay in Me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests… I have told you this so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!'" (John 15) "THY will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven."
(scriptures from the Holy Bible)
GOD'S SWEETEST CREATION: BABIES "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge." Psa. 91:4 An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he
6. Jesus speaks of fasting as well as prayer: "'Remember this! If you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, 'Go from here to there!' and it will go. You could do anything! but only prayer and fasting can drive this kind out; nothing else can.'" (Jesus was speaking to the disciples about their lack of power in praying for an evil spirit to be cast out.) (Matthew 17:20-21) 7. Jesus tells of the power of Unity in prayer: 4
The Faith Messenger does not print in July or August.
gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body. The mother had remained steadfast. She had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live. (internet)
FROM HERE: Dear Christian Triumph Family, Warm greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I miss Evelyn's… good articles very much and Orville Coleman's, too. I know that he is with our Lord now. I pray for Evelyn's health so much and for Una, and Edith's (health) too, and for every one else. I appreciate your continued ministry. God bless all of you. I broke the femur bone in my right leg on May 25, 2002…then a real bad break in my left leg, November 12. 2004. Please pray for me. I need your prayers. Your missionary work is so very important and valuable… Kathryn Piper, Missouri
(Editor's note: Many Mothers provide daily for their babies. We applaud their loving care. Yet, our hearts ache for those babies who are not protected - the innocent victims of abortion. According to the Webster's dictionary, abortion means: induced termination of pregnancy before the fetus can survive. According to the web site, abortionfacts.com, in 1993, my state, alone, performed over 11,000 abortions. Two thousand of those were by prospective mothers from the ages of 15 - 19. Abortion is not a political issue but a spiritual matter. The death of God's sweetest creation is heartbreaking. Our mission to evangelize (to spread the Gospel) surely includes expressing the supreme value of innocent children.)
Dear Friends, …We pray for you dear ones that are faithful in God's kingdom so that others can find this wonderful salvation. I especially send Nancy my sympathy at her loss. Our mothers usually are the ones who guided us into this wonderful salvation. I know if her mother was a Christian that is so soothing at the loss. Sincerely, Beverly Cary
"Thy will be done on this Earth, as it is in Heaven."
(Editor's note: my mother was a Christian since her early years. Her influence led my dad to the Lord and eventually to the ministry. They both then kept my brother and me in church all of our childhood.)
Editor's note: In the SEPTEMBER, 2005, FAITH MESSENGER, we will designate a "prayer corner" to remember individual military personnel in Iraq and around the world. If you would like to send in a name for prayer, please mail it to Nancy Hunter, 10819 CR 9470, West Plains, Mo. 65775. Please send by JULY 31, 2005.
(letter)I want to thank you for the article in the February issue of the Faith Messenger. I ask the question over …again, "Why does life have to 5
be so difficult?"…Have you seen the new video production, "The Evidence for Heaven"? (VHS and DVD)…It is the testimonies of Christians who have had near-death experiences, and their spirits left their physical body. …Perhaps…suffering will drive…roots deeper into the bedrock of true Christian living. I'm praying for you. Stan Ambrosia
Dearest One, Just learned of you precious mom's passing on to Glory - like mine did not so long ago. They are rejoicing with Jesus, delivered from this oppressive world…May He (God) keep healing broken hearts and give grace and strength to endure…Jesus has borne our grief and sorrows. Love…and prayers, Granny Ruth Williams
(Editor's note: Stan sent a beautiful card with very compassionate thoughts.)
(Editor's Note: Thank you for the beautiful card. God bless and supply your needs.) FROM ABROAD:
Hi! Folks at Christian Triumph, I really appreciate the works you are doing for our Lord. In 1943 or 44, I was sent to Corpus Naval Air Station to take my training…my wife, Ruth, went with me…we knew Brother and Sister Janes from coming to Shawnee, OK. Brother Janes preached at the Church of God chapel in Shawnee when I was but a small boy. Ruth and I showed up on the Janes' doorstep, "so to speak", - they took us in and let us stay in a travel trailer that was parked in their yard. It was very clean and cozy. We stayed there until I found a place closer to the base where I was stationed. We never know how far reaching is the help we give others. It's like the works you…are doing there. But we know your great reward will be in Heaven. Christian love to all and thanks again. I lost my beautiful wife, Ruth, Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2005. She went to be with our Lord. My loss but Heaven's gain. We think of people that do not know God and Jesus Christ. They have no hope. We surely need to pray hard for the lost souls in this world. If Ruth would have lived to April 12th of this year, we would have been married 63 years. What memories I have! God be with you - Bill McMakin
Dear Beloved, (Christian Foundation Ministry) Christian Greetings, I, Evang. J. Erhabor, Jr is the President/Founder of the above ministry to preach Christ to the utter most part of the earth. In the year 2004 February, I as on a missionary journey to 19 Muslim culture center with 24 missionary workers. We were attacked by the Muslim terrorist and destroyed all our gospel materials including quantities of cassettes and giant print Holy Bible and also killed some of our entourage members, what a grate lost! I hereby request for quantities of gospel materials and Holy Bibles to fulfill the grate commission of our Lord Jesus Christ! Hope to hear from you, praying for you daily. God blessings. Yours in Christ, Evag. J. Erhabor JR Nigeria Dear friend in Christ, …Friend, many are perished for lack of knowledge at homes, schools, hospital and prisons. We went for evangelism around the communities, many accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal savior, but no Holy Bibles and gospel materials for day to day studies; also they love to attend a bible institution to understand the mysteries of heaven; no gospel materials for a library. We promise to pray and fast for you at all times to acknowledge our vision as your main objectives. There are devoted men and women called into the five fold ministries, help us to boast their vision to the world especially the Muslim and idol worshippers territory… Yours in the love of God, Pastor Chall Eghavba, Nigeria
(Editor's note: We appreciate this sensitive, kind letter and ask God to comfort Brother McMakin.
6
IN THE CARPENTER SHOP (Author Unknown ) I wish I had been His apprentice, To see Him each morning at seven, As He tossed His gray tunic about Him, The Master of earth and of Heaven. When He lifted the lid of His work-chest, And opened His carpenter's kit, And looked at His chisels and augers, And took the bright tools out of it; When He gazed at the rising sun tinting The dew on the opening flowers, And He smiled at the thought of His Father Whose love floods this fair world of ours Then fastened the apron about Him, And put on His workingman's cap, And grasped the smooth haft of His hammer To give the bent woodwork a tap, Saying, "Lad, let us finish this ox yoke, The farmer must finish his crop." Oh, I wish I had been His apprentice And worked in the Nazareth shop.
But, still as of old we may serve Him, For did not the Carpenter say, "Inasmuch‌" as ye aid my littlest one, Ye do it, my friend for me. His poor we have always with us The lonely, the sick, and the driven To these we may give of our succor, For of such is His Kingdom of Heaven. The drive of our world is terrific, There are many who fall by the way. We may find them in the street and the alley, Of our cluttered-up cities today. They feed on the crumbs from the table As did dogs in the Master's day; Yet we live in plenty and comfort, Nor drop them a crumb by the way. If the Carpenter's yearning for others Lived in our hearts, we'd hear Him say"Give! Give! Do not hoard, my brother, For this is the abundant way."
7