*Volume 90 *No. 03 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MARCH 2007
Contents: A Tailor-Made Yoke Yoke of Obedience God Is Love Children of the Night Heart Felt Love To All of God’s Grandmas Personal Profile/ A Look at the Book Chat Time
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A Tailor-Made Yoke. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”-Jesus (Matt.11:28)
For those who are exhausted from following the many religious recommendations - for finding God – notice Jesus’ clear but simple invitation, “Know God… by knowing Me.” “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Jesus - (Matt. 11:29-30) At times, religious leaders can be demanding and critical, (“They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” Matt. 23:4). Their many laws and “thou shalt nots” can be confusing, crushing and defeating when we are searching for Truth. But Jesus the Son of God was and is - The Truth; as well, He is – gentle and promises to make our load lighter as He (Himself) carries our burdens upon His own shoulders. Jesus shows us what God is like; in fact, the Bible explains in Psalm 139 that God in His love has known you individually from your very
first beginning, “For You (God) created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” As a mere embryo, you were watched carefully by God as He began to shape your precious life. And now, if you choose to be “yoked” with Him, He distinctly fashions a yoke of pure love that will tenderly bind you to Him so that He might carry your greatest loads. Uniquely, His yoke is also shaped to enhance your abilities and respond to your needs. “The yoke” simply portrays our willingness to believe in and join with Jesus while learning of God through His teachings. In doing so, we experience God’s forgiveness, and in return, our souls’ burdens become light. Thus, our hearts are at liberty to see the needs of others as we lift their burdens in prayer. Jesus’ compassion becomes our own as we follow His humble, gentle Spirit by going about “doing good.” In this life’s journey, we often become unhappily “yoked” to many things as well as yoked to other human beings. A question: Why not try a Divine “yoke” that is “easy”, well fitting, tailormade, and one that will bring joy, hope and peace? “HIS YOKE IS EASY” I’ve found my Lord and He is mine, He won me by His love; I’ll serve Him all my years of time And dwell with Him above. His yoke is easy, His burden is light, I’ve found it so, I’ve found it so; His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow. -Daniel S. Warner (Continued on Page 2)
own lives but also in the lives of those for whom we pray. As we comply with the Lord’s will, we become messengers of the Faith, spreading the Good News of salvation and of an eternal Home in Heaven. In becoming Yoked with our Savior, we become open as the Holy Spirit gently searches our hearts and challenges our attitudes. Sometimes, we may need to be taught how to be more like Jesus; yes, we may experience Divine discipline (instruction) so that our lives become more enhanced and empowered for good, but, remember: “His Yoke is easy; His burden is light.” The decision to wear “His Yoke” is certainly our own. Yet, sometimes, it is made with fear because it is our nature to compare the One, Supreme God with abusive authority figures. God is truly different! The Holy Bible says in 1 John 4:8 “God is LOVE.” God the Father, God our Savior, and God the Holy Spirit are not abusive, and it is not their will for any human being to inflict abuse on another. God’s will is for our good. 1 Corinthians 2, “…no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.”
Part Two The Yoke of Obedience The word “Obedience” has a bad reputation, and rightfully so, because of its misuse by various persons in authority. Just a few years ago (and even today), demands for obedience were often accompanied by beatings - with razor straps, belts, a nearby board, whips, fists, and other methods of punishment. Sometimes, even a “disobedient” tiny, vulnerable child (experiences) and experienced the wrath of a parent who inflicted bruises and welts upon his/her little body. Women were (and are) often punished in the same way if not “obedient” to their husbands. Innocent, unprotected persons of other cultures have and do suffer abuse for non-compliance by those who even claim the Name of God. This atrocity continues even today. Thankfully, years of change have brought a little protection to those most vulnerable, including defenseless, elderly persons who express personal independence - at the frustration of a few caregivers - who demand “obedience” to their wishes. This abuse of authority as well as the misuse of the concept of “obedience” is far from the loving heart of our Father God. Everything that God has created and asked of us is for our personal good as well as for the well-being of others. Jesus’ foundation for religion is based upon the loving, merciful heart of God. His call for “obedience” begins with His own personal, promise, “Learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” In asking us to “obey” or follow Him, He is sincerely asking that we trust Him as we LOVE God, ourselves, and one another. The first and second verses in 1 Corinthians call out to each and every searching person, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not LOVE, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal…and though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries…and have not LOVE, I AM NOTHING.” Thus, the source of the Yoke of Obedience is one of Love, as we are blessed by the Merciful Hand of God. Our yielding to God’s will opens the door to great and wonderful marvels, not only in our
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Faith Messenger Permit #695 Periodical Paid at Corpus Christi, Texas Published monthly, except July and August. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405 L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic, President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President; William Anderson, 2nd Vice-President; Diana Beletic, Secretary/Treasurer; Una Collins, Asst. Sec./Treas. This periodical is issued without charge in the name of the Lord Jesus to help inspire child-like faith and maintain Christ-like simplicity among the people of God. To send donations or for your FREE SUBSCRIPTION, write to the address above or contact Christian Triumph Co. at christiantriumph@yahoo.com. Or see us on the web at christiantriumphcompany.com
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GOD IS LOVE
Romans 8: “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans…….If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son for us but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also surely give us everything else?” Trust in God. His Yoke is one of pure Love. nh +
“I wish everyone could experience the love of God the way I have.” Those are the words of Corey Duane Hamilton, moments before his execution on January 9, 2007, at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Hamilton had been convicted of murder in the deaths of four employees of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in Tulsa, August 17, 1992. He was fingered as the trigger man by the three other men convicted of the murders of Ted Kindley, Sendy Lara, Joseph Gooch, and Stephen Williams. However, Hamilton continued to deny his guilt, and showed no remorse even to the time of his execution, simply addressing the victims' families by saying, “I pray that you have peace and all that you are in need of.” However, family members of the victims expressed unbelief in his sincerity because there was no indication of remorse. Hamilton was found guilty of murder by a jury of his peers and sentenced to death by the State of Oklahoma. Without debating the issue of Capital Punishment, there seemed to be conclusive proof of his guilt for the horrendous murder of four innocent people. The one thing that seemed most hurtful for the families of the victims was the lack of any evidence of repentance on his part. Failing to hear so much as an apology, those families are having difficulty in finding closure to their sorrow. The Bible promises, “If we confess our sins, (God) is faithful and just, and will forgive us” (I John 1:9). But if perchance Hamilton confessed his sins to God, is that sufficient for receiving pardon without seeking the forgiveness of those whom he had wronged? Hamilton claimed to have experienced the love of God which is without bounds. So we can only trust that God will do what is right in judging him. And since we have all sinned and are deserving of God's judgment, each of us must also plead for God's mercy through faith in Christ's atoning death. The one characteristic that describes God best is 'love,' (I John 4:8). The best loved and most quoted words in all Scripture were spoken by Jesus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
SCRIPTURES: 1 John 4:16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world, we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Romans 8: “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit, you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (adoption). And by Him, we cry, ‘Abba, (Father).’ Now if we are His children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a strong mind.” John 5:24, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Luke 19: 10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” John 12: 47, “…For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.”
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When Jesus said that God loved the world, no one is excluded. But love isn't the same as approval. When the first man, Adam sinned, he suffered the consequence by being driven from the Garden of Eden and from God's presence. However, disapproval of one's conduct does not imply rejection of the person, and God immediately set into motion a plan for his restoration and that of all mankind. Like the Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, God yearns for the return of every sinner, offering pardon and restoration, for “God is Love.” You cannot earn God's love by your good works nor can you destroy it by the most horrendous crime imaginable.
THE CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT Satan’s child deprived of light--Deeds of evil in the night, Prison bound by fear and shame, Draped in guilt---disgraceful fame. Wanderers on a lonely street--Sometimes wishing to retreat, Back to home where friends are true, But are threatened if they do. Devious hearts consumed with crime. Their better judgment undermined, By the schemes of Satan’s clan, Who manufacture cruel plans.
There is nothing you can do that will cause God to love you less, And there is nothing you can do that can make Him love you more.
Denied pure love to feed the soul--Scarred, abused from Satan’s hold, Anger filled with stinging tears, Wounded one devoid of cheer.
--Byrum C. Lee +
Child of sorrow and regret--I wish you had our Saviour met. With love so great, He died and bled, To give a blessed road to tread.
GOD GOT MY ATTENTION! I was headed for destruction, and I had no intention of changing my direction, until God got my attention.
Peace, He has for troubled hearts--Comfort, will to you impart. Forgiveness, for your life of shame, Mercy, as you bear His name.
Then I came to the conclusion, thru’ counsel and instruction to seek a course-correction; proved to be a wise decision.
Love, that covers every sin--Guide, on whom you can depend. Patience, that will see you through, Encourager, when you are blue.
It was like a blood transfusion--a spiritual infusion that altered my affection; made with God a good connection. Refrain:
Providence, when hunger cries, All our needs He satisfies. Deliverance, in His Master Plan, Up lifted by His righteous hand.
When God got my attention, I sought His intervention, And He paid for my redemption; now I’m a new creation.
These are your potential gifts--All designed your life to lift. There is nothing that could be To let you live more happily!!
--Byrum C. Lee 10/2006
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-M. Trigleth
I am thankful I yielded to Him! What has been given to me is offered to each person who will seek Christ. – Anita (edited)
HEART FELT LOVE God’s Grandmas By Jo Blackerby
Fountain of Joy Is there a melody of love in your heart? When we seek the Kingdom of God first, with all our hearts, His love is one of the blessings that is given to us. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) In our hearts, we can experience that “deep down peace” that bubbles up like a Fountain of Joy which passes all understanding. You can know it is there! It has been called “peace like a river” and just keeps on flowing - stable, lasting, with satisfaction that is greater than anything else for which one might wish. God’s love inside our spirits makes the difference! Yes, there are times of sadness if loved ones are lost, times of unrest during difficult situations, disrupted plans which bring disappointments; but in those times, God is also our Comforter. We may be “cast down, but we are not destroyed,” 2 Corinthians. God’s Love remains strong in spite of the “down sides” of life. As we grow nearer to God, this same love grows even more satisfying; it is greater than wealth, health, friends or fame. All may fade away, but God’s Love will never weaken or disappear; instead it continues to bring great Joy. God is our constant companion, Savior and Lord. Unlike gifts which are so beautifully wrapped but inside may not be what we anticipated - God’s Love is more precious and valuable than anything imaginable. One may think this kind of love is impossible - because of our human hearts which seeks their own selfish desires. Yet, God forgives and fills us with His pure, perfect Love, and it satisfies and surpasses any cravings that we could conceive. Someone may be enticed to seek after other attractions, but there is nothing as satisfying as the love we receive from our Heavenly Father.
To All of God’s Grandmothers Every Christian has a ministry regardless of age or physical condition. We also possess one of the greatest gifts there is, and that is prayer. Whether sitting in a chair, lying in bed or confined to our home, we still possess the power of prayer. Prayer is the key that “unlocks the door.” Today there are many doors in this world that need opening for the Lord. My question has been, “Lord, what can we do?” In Ezekiel 22:30, we read, “And I sought a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land.” (My thought regarding “the land” was – these are the ones who do not have someone to pray for them.) Also, in Leviticus 26:8, God’s Word says, “And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” Thus, God gives us the wisdom to know what to do and how to help; let us then be “doers of His word and not hearers only.” I beseech you, therefore, please become one of GOD’S GRANDMAS; cry out unto the Lord for our neighbors, children, our city, country, and a lost and dying world. Become a partner with God and with us as we pray for the lost. May the Holy Spirit comfort and Bless You! Love in Christ Jesus, One of God’s Grandmas (edited)
Scripture “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous 5
Both William and his sister, Una, are very supportive and pleased with the progress of the missionary work as well as the workers and current leaders at Christian Triumph. There is a new and fresh wind blowing around Christian Triumph, and God is blessing with the prayers and assistance of all who are interested and involved. - By UNC +
and His ears are attentive to their prayer.” 1 Peter 3:12
Christian Triumph Personal Profile
A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW SERMON ON THE MOUNT Chapter 5 (Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay)
William Anderson is the son of Evelyn Anderson and grandson to L. Y. and Una Janes. William grew up near Christian Triumph Company in both states of Oklahoma and Texas. At a very young age, he learned the processes involved in printing, folding, packaging and mailing the Faith Messenger as well the other periodicals, tracts and books that were published. This literature was mailed from Christian Triumph to Central and South America and many other countries. Bro. Janes was always willing to train one of his grandchildren as well as any one else that wanted to learn. As a child, William did simple jobs like collecting tracts for those who requested them. Over the years, William has wrapped and addressed the papers, operated the presses, folders, staplers, cutters and tying machines. He has also assisted in many repairs and improvements that have been made to the buildings. William has been involved in this evangelistic work for many years although there were times he was not actively involved, but even then he was willing to help when asked or needed. He became a Shareholder as a young adult and has served as President of the missionary company and is currently serving as 2nd Vice President. William has a sincere desire to see the work of Christian Triumph continue and to make certain that people from all over the world hear the teachings of Jesus and the plan of Salvation.
Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” As stated in the February Faith Messenger, the word “blessed” is more than a hope for the future. Instead it takes place now - in the present; the blessing exists for you today. It can be summed up by saying, “O the Joy of following Christ! O the sheer happiness of knowing Jesus Christ as Master, Saviour, and Lord.” (Page 83 in The Gospel of Matthew by William Barclay).
And now to the word: “mourn.” This original word in Greek is the most passionate usage of the word for mourning. It describes the deepest feelings that even Jacob experienced when he thought his son, Joseph, was dead. It is the emotion that consumes a person insomuch that he cannot keep from weeping. This beatitude can be taken literally. In allowing ourselves to grieve, we learn that indeed God and only God can and will sustain us in terrible, traumatic moments. As we mourn, our Heavenly Father’s Presence holds us close, comforting our very soul in its sadness. In times like these, we glimpse our friends and family through a totally different perspective. Their kindness and consolation touch the chords of our most tender feelings. We are blessed by their compassion, and once again, we connect with our fellowman. Often mourning results in individuals 6
little ones throughout the years. Amor is now available and free of charge if anyone would like to request a booklet. Mail orders to: Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187, 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187.
becoming more dedicated, caring persons. Blessed is the one who in being comforted by God, learns to care for the needs of others. (Continued on Page 7)
(Comforted from page 6)
Another thought and, perhaps, the most significant: “Blessed is the person who mourns for his own sins and then accepts his own unworthiness.” Sin is deceptive! Its masquerades as a “good time”, a few moments of pleasure, and an escape into self-satisfaction while, in reality, only devastation waits to conquer the soul. The consequences of sin are pain, sorrow, failure and defeat. And when one truly becomes aware of the demoralizing magnitude of sin, one truly begins to mourn. Consequently, the question: Who or what could possibly comfort a person who mourns for his own unworthiness? Yet the promise remains: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” + THE CROSS+ The Cross brings us reassurance for on it our Savior sacrificed His precious life that we might be set free from all our sins. This beatitude speaks volumes! Oh, the sheer bliss of knowing our hearts are cleansed through Jesus. Through His Divine and Precious Blood, He makes us worthy to fellowship with our Father God. And, oh, the Joy that awaits us in our Heavenly Home.
THIS LETTER is addressed to all interested in the book, God Almighty by Lester Fleenor. “We are happy to share the Lord's blessings and results of eight weeks' ministry in Africa: -- Arrangements were made in Holland for the Arabic translation of our book, God Almighty! -- The Swahili translation was accepted by Evangel Press in Nairobi for publishing. -- A second English edition of 3,000 copies was printed in Kenya and all were either given freely or sold at below cost to various Christian groups, including Church of God. -- We shared on Nairobi Christian FM radio the message of Christ's superiority over any other religious leader with a great response from listeners calling in with questions for him to answer. -- Preaching and supporting various COG congregations to help in expanding their vision for evangelism in Mombassa, Meru, Nairobi, and W. Province of Kenya.
Next Faith Messenger: Matthew 5:5
-- Seminars on cults including "Islam in the Light of the Bible," as well as "The Christian Pastors' Victory over Common Temptations" were received enthusiastically by 50 pastors from multiple denominations in Sudan and 60 leaders from the African Coptic Church in W. Kenya.
NEWS FLASH The Faith Messenger is sorted and mailed by a small business called Mail and Stuff. Ron, the previous owner, recently donated his services to reprint one of our little Spanish booklets named Amor. We thank him very much for this generous gift. Evelyn Anderson first compiled this children’s coloring book, and it has delighted many
For purchasing the book: Send your orders to truthinlove22@msn.com, and make checks to Truth in Love Ministry after receiving the books. Any proceeds will be used for printing and distribution in Arabic, Swahili, Spanish, French, and Hindi to be given freely or below cost in poor countries. *****
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Editor’s Note: In the April Faith Messenger, we will include another article written by George Bell. Thanks to all our writers and to those who send in letters for the ministry. We appreciate each one very much. Our prayers are for you, and we care. God bless you. (Comments are welcome!) Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Corpus Christi, Texas Permit # 695
Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
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“Let us examine our ways And test them, And let us return to the Lord.” -Lamentations 3:40 8
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