*Volume 100 *No. 03 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *MARCH 2008
Contents: Why Distribute The Word? Just Passing Through by Jo/ Lost? Found! Time by Felicia A Clean Sweep by Anita A Look at the Book News and Letters
Kaylin
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Jesus Jesus “Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.” This same Savior Who died on a Cross Lives to give us Hope! If one will just ask Jesus into one’s heart. He will come in, pardon and give New Life! (Scriptures from John 1) Read: John 3:16
+ The Word Goes Out!
Why Distribute “The Word?”
Every human being begins a unique eternal journey, and although this passage seems to suddenly end on this Earth, the journey actually continues. Undeniably, we all travel a timeless pathway. Thus, Christian Triumph keeps on steadfastly distributing the life-changing Word of God to help individuals on their journeys; for indeed, we humbly follow the One who provides true direction: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Jesus On one’s journey, there is a Way to God: “…to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” JESUS is The Word and JESUS is The Way. →↑
Every two months, approximately 200 to 300 pounds of “The Word of God” is sent by Christian Triumph to other countries. The Mail Broker packages the literature in M Bags which cost less to send. Recently, a missionary partner (Elvira) helped us send literature to the Republic of Malawi in SE Africa. Pastor Manjomo had written some time ago, asking that we assist him in spreading the Gospel. Every person who joins in this missionary ministry is appreciated, and we thank you and our Savior.
--Feed My Lambs! In John 21, we read the conversation between Jesus and Peter. We accept Jesus’ command to Peter as our own. “Feed My lambs….Take care of My sheep…”
I Am Just Passing Through
What goes in the trunk: 1. Suitcases 2. Able to break souvenirs Inside the car: 1. Me 2. Mom 3. Sabrina (dog) 4. Snacks 5. Map
Old hymns tell stories about Jesus and His love. “This world is not my home; I am just passing through.” We are like strangers in a foreign country. In fact, we do not even speak the language of this world because we are children of the Kingdom. Another good hymn, describing the sacrifice of Jesus – a cruel death on the cross, prepares us for our journey Home. The song says, “What can wash away my sins- nothing but the blood of Jesus.” . “Jesus paid it all,” is a hymn that affirms the very reason that we have the promise of everlasting life through Him. And we know what awaits us at the end of the earthly road. We sing the old hymns as we continue on, “Peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.’” The earthly journey seems long, but so soon, it is near the time of departure into God’s Celestial Realm. Another hymn promises, “Each step I take, I know that He will guide me, to higher ground He ever leads me on.” Remember that we have an Anchor when the storms make our passage more difficult. Our Savior will keep our soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Are you worn, lonely, or blue from the journey? God loves you so much, and He tells you so in the old hymns. Sing a few words and joy will soon fill your heart.
Kaylin’s idea for planning her trip is very inspiring. Have we made plans for our journey “Home?” Our decisions today affect our Heavenly Tomorrow. It’s not too late to check the Map (the Bible) and change directions. Do we really need all the baggage we are carrying on our trip? Maybe we even need to consider with whom we are traveling. DESTINATION: Heaven (Kaylin is the great-great granddaughter of Rev. & Mrs. L.Y. Janes, the founders of Christian Triumph Company.)
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
Think on these things: Whatsoever things are True, Honest, Just, Pure and Lovely. -Jo
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.
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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
The Road Trip Home One day, on the computer, I found an entry by eleven year old Kaylin, entitled, “The Road Trip Back Home.” The subtitle was: Getting Ready: 2
“But all thro’ the mountains, thunder riv’n, And up from the rocky steep, There arose a glad cry to the gate of heav’n, ‘Rejoice! I have found my sheep!’ And the angels echoed around the throne, Rejoice for the Lord brings back His own. Rejoice for the Lord brings back His own.”
LOST?
The Ninety and Nine Elizabeth C. Clephane Ira D. Sankey
The night was black; no stars or moon shone to brighten The Way, and I was lost. When the trip began, the Road seemed clear, as straight and beautiful as a Highway could be. Happy was the Journey with white clouds filling the blue sky! Lost! What happened? A short-cut? A detour? A choice made without searching the Map? Longing to stop and plead for help, I felt sure that no one I knew would understand. And so down the Road I traveled – the wrong direction – away from the One Who cared with all His Heart. In time, The Good Shepherd found me, even in that terrible darkness. And those who did not understand His longsuffering must surely have asked, “Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine. Are they not enough for Thee?” But the Trustworthy “Shepherd made answer, ‘This of mine has wandered away from Me. And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.’” The Lost wander “over mountain and hill and” forget “their own resting place.” (Jer. 50:6) “Yet” The “Redeemer is strong, The Lord Almighty is His name.” (Jer 50: 3) Lost? The Journey may be confusing, but can anyone be lost to The Good Shepherd? God knows exactly where we are, and He is longing to bring us safely to His caring heart. Jesus did not come to condemn. In God’s Holy Word, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” When we are found or “willing to be found,” there will be a glad cry from The Good Shepherd, and it will echo around the Throne of God:
Most of us have become lost on a trip; it is not unusual or difficult to take a wrong turn or lose direction, even on life’s journey. Jesus intensely seeks those who are lost, and anyone who experiences the joy of being “found” will also has the assurance of an eternal Heavenly Home. John 3:16
“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; See on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me.
Come Home, come home!” W.L.T. Will L. Thompson
REJOICE! I HAVE FOUND MY SHEEP! (We are the Crown of His Creation!) 3
Still another said, “I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14) Parable told by Jesus
FOUND! Luke 15
What if a woman had 10 silver coins, each worth about a day’s earnings? And then, unfortunately, while in her house, she somehow lost one. (She now had nine coins left. Would searching for that one lost coin be worth the time and effort?) Without a doubt! It was worth every second! In fact, that one lost coin was so important that the woman stopped everything, turned on the brightest light she had and began carefully sweeping the house. Suddenly, she found her lost coin! With a cry of joy, she called her friends and neighbors, “Come! Celebrate with me! I found that which was lost!” Jesus told this story to the religious teachers of the law who were grumbling that Jesus welcomed sinners into His presence and that He even ate with them. After the parable was explained, Jesus added, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Being “found” by Jesus is the greatest and most joyful experience in life! Jesus is not out to harm us but to help us, in spite of troublesome trials and painful earthly circumstances.
Some wish to be Found! Some are too Busy! TIME By Felicia
Time…what is time? You never have enough when you need it, And you have too much when you don’t want it. It’s a funny thing…this thing called time. When you are young, you want to be old; When you are old, you want to be young. It’s a funny thing…this thing called time. Though every second ticks the same, every minute goes by the same, Every hour passes the same, and every day ends the same, Still there is never enough time when you need it, And too much time when you don’t want it. It’s a funny thing…this thing called time. You say that you want it to move faster, And then when it does, You say it moved too fast. It’s a funny thing…this thing called time. So don’t rush the next second, minute, hour, and day Because in time, you will live your last day, your last hour, your last minute, And finally your last second. And then at the endAt the end of your timeYou’ll only be able to think about how you never had enough time. It’s a funny thing…this thing called time.
“Into my heart, Into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, Come in today, Come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.” Chorus -(Harry D. Clark) + Sharing the Good News with Others! “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited. ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ ↑ 4
A CLEAN SWEEP
TIME AND THE STRANGER
The holidays are past, and I have put away the reminders of the season. As well, I have rearranged furniture and removed an accumulation of dust. Along with cleaning, I would like to give attention to the closets, desk drawers, and book shelves. However, good intentions are not enough to get these tasks accomplished; instead it takes time and effort. Interestingly, accumulation of things can crowd our very life style as well. It is much easier to let things go and just keep the regular routines because they are necessary. Yet, we need to realize that we are commissioned by God to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. Time and effort must be set aside for God also. Taking the time to read the Bible helps to remind us of the promises the Lord has graciously given us. Through them, we are encouraged to serve Him better. Scriptures instruct us so that we might help others along their spiritual journey or, perhaps, even point them to the Lord. Making a time for prayer is so important, keeping us in contact with our Heavenly Father. During these moments, we can thank the Lord for His many blessings and let Him know that we love Him. Prayer opens the door for us to share our fears and to express our needs. It is an opportunity to petition for others who may not be able to spend as much time in prayer for their needs. Fellowship with other Christians is greatly important in “keeping our heart” right with God. Listening to or singing the hymns is a joyful way to reverence God. This can be done while we are doing some of those necessary chores that crowd our time. One song especially speaks of this: “Take time to be Holy, Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word. Make friends of God’s children; Help those who are weak; Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.” In taking the time to be holy, we can keep our hearts swept clean, uncluttered and open to the . Lord. Anita
A few years after I was born (quite a few, in fact), my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family; in my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger…he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present, and even seemed able to predict the future. He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh; he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking but Dad didn’t seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go in the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.) Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them: Profanity, for example was not allowed in our home…Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad did not permit the liberal use of alcohol, but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. His comments were sometimes blatant, suggestive, and embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked …And never asked to leave. (Continued on Page 6)
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(Continued from Page 5) TIME AND THE STRANGER
These good deeds which draw attention to those who give them - mirror the trustworthy goodness of a caring God. Praise and honor are due our Holy Provider rather than to us. Motives: although it is respectful to express our gratitude to others for their good deeds, our personal motives for kind and generous actions are somewhat “mixed” when we seek the gratitude of others. Personal motives are a tricky thing. They need watching. The very fact that “generous” persons desire buildings and cities named after them because of a contribution - makes one question – what are their motives? We know that God’s motive was and is Love- unselfish love for the Crown of His Creation. However, our motives are often mixed and self-centered. I am reminded of a time that I was intently working on the Faith Messenger and the dogs began to bark. With mixed motives, I remained focused on my work regardless of the fact that someone might need my attention. In a few moments, I went to the door and there stood a person with a sweet and lovely gift. It was cold outside, and I felt ashamed, knowing my motives for continuing to work were based upon what I wanted and not on God’s guidance. (I definitely had to breathe a prayer for forgiveness.) Pure motives based on the sacred principle of unselfishness accomplish so much more than any self-seeking attempt at goodness. Jesus did many good deeds and miracles, and there were religious leaders who did believe in Him. Yet, because of others, they would not confess their faith “for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Mixed motives! (John 12) Although human beings are gifted in hospitality, generosity, and other ministries, the praise for their service will always belong to God. The desire for prestige, even in religious settings, is a desire which comes from neither a healthy sense of self-esteem or from a simple, loving heart. In the letter by Paul to the church of the Thessalonians, he reminds them that he was gentle with them, encouraging, and caring like a shepherd…but he also speaks strongly as to his motives: (Continued on Page 7)
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents’ den today, you would find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? “T.V.” He has a wife now -we call her “Computer.” Author unknown (edited)
Editor’s note: Do you find this article above rather controversial? Would you like to send in your own opinion and comments? Please send to: Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187 We also welcome articles, poems and writings that contribute to others through the distribution of the Gospel. Please allow for minor editing. Thanks.
--------- 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) Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.” The definition of the word- “Good” - as used in this scripture is - Good deeds that are not only good in quality but also beautiful. Our good deeds must be given with true warmth and lovely compassion. As our deeds show the beauty of God, they will also reflect His kindness. And, perhaps, the recipient will shake his head and say, “Well, truly God does care and understand!” 6
The Study of Matthew continued:
up with about 20 trained workers to go out in the surrounding area to evangelize, working with children and youth. Then in February, we’re planning a youth camp. We’re expecting a large number of youth who are not Christians. Pray for us as we evangelize among these youth.” In Christ, Pastor Narciso Zamora
“We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” (I Thess. 2) Likewise, Jesus expressed his thoughts about religious persons showing off or being afflicted with self-righteousness: “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 6) Later in the book of Matthew, Jesus speaks to the crowds and to His disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach…everything they do is done for men to see…” “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” In doing good deeds, allow the human need for appreciation to be filled from the Heart of God. In truth God will bless and flood your soul with joy. And if our good deeds receive gratitude and praise, let those praises be lifted to God also for He is the One Who makes our good deeds possible. +
News from the Christian Triumph Mission Church: Elena, sister to Pastor Israel, has agreed to be the new teacher for the children. Diana will assist her. The church has almost more children now than adults. While singing at the church, one of the little girls turned around with a big smile on her face and said so sweetly, “I love coming to this church.” (Approximately eight young people also attend.) As mentioned before, the children are treated with great respect and given snacks and lunch along with clothes. – Information provided by Diana
Editor’s note: In the May Faith Messenger, we will be telling the story of a Biblical family as well as honoring our mothers. Would you like to write about your mother or a grandmother, etc. and share this with the Faith Messenger readers? Please send article by the last week in March. Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187, 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187 or email to: christiantriumph@yahoo.com We have known the Janes’ daughters for 50 years. They will remember my name. I am a retired Church of God pastor and have 25 years with Warner Press. The Lord’s blessings on all of you. J. Holeman Thank you for your recent letter re: Sister Evelyn. Our family-many, many years ago would attend Church services in Guthrie, Oklahoma from time to time, mainly during Camp meetings and Assembly Christmas meetings. We lived about thirty miles away. Bro and Sis Janes and family also attended there…after the Janes family moved to Corpus Christi, my father kept in contact with Bro. Janes…it has lasted over the years. May it continue. O. Davenport Letter from Mrs. Moore regarding the Power of a Tract coming in April. Thanks for writing!
Update from Narciso, missionary to South America: (Narciso and his wife were recently robbed of all their material possessions as they began a new work in Peru.) We are so grateful for the help that people have been sending us. We are using the gifts to purchase things we need for the house. We didn’t have anything. We have been living in a room in the church but now we can buy things like furniture, pots and pans, silverware, dishes, beds and linens. This weekend we are conducting a seminar to prepare teachers to work with the children in the church. Some teachers from the Baptist church will be helping to teach this seminar. We expect to end 7
Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Corpus Christi, Texas Permit # 695
Address Service Requested
“One thing I do know. I was blind But now I see.” (John 9:25)
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