*Volume 85 *No. 08 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *OCTOBER 2006
Contents: Amazing Grace Amazing Grace POEM by Maxine Personal Profile Bible Verses In My Opinion by Juli Anita’s Corner Love with Faith
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AMAZING GRACE (A story-version of Luke 15)
The young, confident son firmly approached his Father with a careless glance, “Father, I am ready to leave home! I will need the savings that You have set aside for me, and I would like it this week.” The Father looked deeply into His son’s eyes, and His heart felt a twinge of pain. Here stood His younger son to whom He had devoted attention and wealth; yet, He always knew that one day this time would come. Long ago, this child’s determined (even rebellious) ways alerted Him to a future separation. Slowly, a big, sorrowful tear rolled down the Father’s cheek. In a few days, the son was on his way marching down the road, singing at the top of his voice – for, at last, he was on his own and could do as he pleased. He (and only he) would make the decisions from now on; and the first choice would be – to go as far away from Home as possible. Then he would live the life of the young and wealthy, have his own set of friends and bathe in the glory of their admiration. So much for the old ways! →↑
In the following weeks, the son celebrated his new life of ease. Several persons were always with him, eating and drinking while he paid the bill. But soon reality began to replace the impulsive dreams of a defiant, unthankful heart, as hunger caused the son to dig deep in his pockets, finding only emptiness. The money was gone – and so were his so-called friends! Worried and in need, the son found a meager job of feeding the farmer’s pigs. As if to add pain to insult, the pigs had more food than he did. One hopeless morning, feeling low in the pit of despair, the son began thinking about that eventful day when he had made the decision to leave Home - to become self-directed and liberated from the old ways. All of a sudden, an image flooded his memory – a picture of his Father’s face and that big tear rolling down his Father’s cheek. Was it possible that his Father might allow him to come home again? Even though he felt sure that he did not deserve such mercy, just maybe he would still be allowed to live and work with the hired help. Immediately, a little voice reminded him that he had made some huge mistakes, and that maybe his Father would not forgive him at all! In fact, maybe… when he knocked on the door, his Father would just walk away – like he (himself) had done. Yet, the hunger pains forced him back into reality, and he was acutely aware of his need. Once again, a decision must be made. Should he just give up or should he “try”? With some hesitation, he arose slowly and placing one aching foot in front of the other, he trudged on - forward - toward that heavenly place, called “Home.” The road was rough; the way was long, and still some distance from Home, the son stopped, staring longingly as far as his eyes could see. (Continued on Page 2)
(Amazing Grace – continued from Page 1)
Who promises to forgive as well as to restore. His Amazing Grace (mercy) is without measure or understanding. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…and ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied…and my people shall never be ashamed…and it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions…” (Joel 2: 25 – 28) God’s mercy is for every individual and for every nation. In one of the most significant verses in the writings of Joel, we read, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered.” (Joel 2:33) In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul confirms this very truth: “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Because of His grace, God made a way for us to return and to become restored, “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he (lives) in God.” (1 John 4:14) + --Nancy Faith Messenger
His clothes were dirty and torn; his eyes were blurry with fatigue, and he felt dejected and lonely. He could see no one. No one was watching for him at the end of that dusty road…No one! But – but – wait! What is that speck? It moved! A person? Walking?Walking. And now Not walking - but running!! Running as fast as He can! And He is crying! Crying! Father! It is Father! The Father raced to His son, throwing His arms around the heart-sick young man, kissing his cheek while the tears flowed. (And not just one big tear drop…but many!) “Father, oh, Father, I am so sorry. I have wronged Heaven and You…” “My child, my child…” and for just a moment, Father looked away as the tears stained his face; but in a moment, a quiet moment, the deep creases of pain on His face seemed to soften. Gently, His loving voice was heard, assuring His child of the Joy in having him Home again. With great happiness, He called loudly to His household, “Bring the best for My Child! Invite our friends. Let us have a Homecoming Party - for my Beloved who was gone has come Home again!” This original story of the Prodigal son was told by Jesus and then recorded in the Gospel of Luke. It reveals how much God loves us, and what a great Gift of Himself that Jesus gave to us, by paying the penalty (with His life) for our wrong decisions. Being set free of our sins, we can return to our merciful God, the Father and enjoy His blessings on this Earth and the promise of an eternal life in Heaven. Similarly, in the Old Testament Book of Joel, we read another account of God’s great mercy. In this historical report, the people were also like the prodigal son. They continued to wander away, creating their own world, without God, and then a terrible disaster occurred. A horrific mass of Locust attacked their fields, turning day into night, stripping the trees and all vegetation. Only bare branches and dusty earth remained. At this time, Joel, a prophet, began warning the people of further catastrophes that awaited them while calling for their return to a God Who loved them. The beautiful book of Joel gives insight into the Heart of our compassionate God (Father) ↑
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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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How can we ever repay Him? A love like that is too great! We will ever bow in submission, To the one who canceled our fate. By: Maxine Trigleth +
THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT TURN BACK (Luke 9:51) He set His face toward Jerusalem, And refused to be turned aside. To temptation, He remained unyielded, And with comfort, He would not abide.
Just Who Are the Christian Triumph Workers? Workers?
His friends did not understand Him, They wanted to crown Him as King, So they could be free from oppression, And Caesar would no longer reign.
Personal Profile by Nancy, Editor
Indeed, He was Lord of a Kingdom, But the price had not yet been wrought, It involved a spiritual nature, Where He ruled from the throne of the heart.
I was a teenager (two weeks out of high school) when I left home from Illinois to become Rev. L. Y. Janes’ missionary – secretary. Never having traveled by bus anywhere, the 1,000 mile trip by Greyhound to Corpus Christi, Texas, was scary, lengthy, and tearful. Yet, at the end of the journey, I found smiling faces, caring hearts, and a missionary family that took me in as one of their very own. Brother Janes and Evelyn Anderson, his daughter, became my mentors, and soon were showing me a whole new world of missions. My highschool Spanish improved as well as the typing. (Pictured is Orville Coleman, myself, and L. Y. Janes. We were celebrating our February birthdays.) Years later, I look back and feel sadness at leaving Christian Triumph. Life definitely took a more difficult turn with family and financial struggles for years to come. Unfortunately, not long after making a move, I began experiencing acute emotional distress. (Continued on Page 4)
This plan was a corporate endeavor, And confirmed before time began, Golgotha’s hill was the setting, It was all for the love of man. He could have refused that journey, The giving of His life deny, His love for humanity was utmost, And that made Him willing to die. The cross cast a shadow before Him, Every step He took on that road, But His heart was yielded and ready, To bear the weight of that load. That day on Golgotha’s summit, Outside of Jerusalem’s walls-His death was so cruel and wicked, That His loved ones stood appalled. CRUCIFIXION—a slow dying process, ROME CONSENTED--to the worst of death’s types, Forever the pure and the Holy Bore our blame with His blood and His stripes. That plan paid the price for redemption, The victory over sin now is ours, We are made to be more than conquerors-Because we are filled with His power. 3
(Personal profile – continued from Page 3)
stated that He did not come to judge but to save; likewise, our judgment belongs to God. Unless one walks in another’s footsteps, one cannot understand his/her pain. Personal renewal may require professional counseling; it may take the investment of time; but with God’s help, the transformation will happen! And, as Jesus promised in John 8:36, “...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” + Never give up! God believes in You! +
Later, I learned this despair was partially the result of traumatic childhood abuse (unknown to my parents). Impacted severely, I became seriously depressed and confused; in fact, I lost my way. No one really understood then or even now. Even while struggling to be a good mother and productive Christian, post traumatic stress plagued me day and night. Confusion soon followed, and finally ended in brokenness and guilt. In time, I began counseling with professional, caring psychologists and after many hours of personal, hard work, things slowly began to change. My three, precious daughters (seen here – visiting – with Brother and Sister Janes) were always near, and their presence called deeply to my soul, while the “ship tossed with the storm.” Miraculously, my daughters, as well as our Heavenly Father, never gave up on me. Although God’s Hand of discipline was firm, His heart of Love never wavered! God always believed in my ability to become that person whom He had “called” to “missions” while in the fourth grade at Richland grade school. (E. Peoria, Illinois) Now, after many years, God has again made it possible for my “restored self” to once again join the missionary work at Christian Triumph. Often in corresponding with our missionary partners, I share what a privilege it is to be a part of the ministry, and that statement is absolutely true. To add to this happiness, my children and grandchildren help when needed. As editor of the Faith Messenger, I often plead with every person to remain hopeful, to be encouraged, and to always believe in God’s power which will make a difference. These are not just words; they are personal experiences of life. Through the Love of Jesus Christ, any person can be empowered to choose a different life, a new way, while receiving the healing touch of God’s Hand. The change does not always occur overnight even though God immediately forgives and restores. As God is patient, we must also be long-suffering with ourselves and others in the formation of new life patterns. Jesus specifically
This is the heart of the Gospel! + ************************************ Editor’s note: If anyone feels led by the Holy Spirit to share your unique story with our readers, it may be a help to someone facing similar challenges. (Permission to edit is requested.) If you have faced abuse in your life, and are having difficulties, please remember that we, in this ministry, care - and our prayers are for your healing. Please write: to Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187, Corpus Christi, Texas 78465-5187 +
Biblical Instruction Regarding Abuse
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them….everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: Wake up, O sleeper…” (Ephesians 5:11-14)
+ By Grace We Are Changed! “…God, Who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions— it is by grace (we) have been saved…through faith…it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:4-10) +
“…repent and do the things you did at first.” (Rev. 2:5)
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In My Opinion: Protection bare back yard, an unexpected loss of funds. Perhaps some of those could also have a root problem, but can we see that root problem every time? So much in our world is unable to be seen. Job did not expect all that happened to him. The devil may have been to blame since he has his hand so firmly on this world, but how many more things are just because the world works in the way it works and we people get in the way while it’s working? Or we invent something that messes up the natural order of things? Does God protect us from ourselves? From our own mistakes? Will He protect all of us from every mistake or every purposeful act which might have a negative consequence? If we pray every minute of every day (even though most of us can’t get out a prayer a week), will He take away ALL harm? I don’t think so. We have the natural world in such chaos; it is more like in Noah’s day than any other time. God is logic’s perfection. Many of Jesus’ stories were to teach us how to live and also that choices have consequences, that logic should be considered when doing anything. Think of the story of the talents (even though it is about the Kingdom of Heaven, we can learn how to act here on earth from it): if you bury your money, you aren’t going to gain profit or interest. And some things Jesus said outright as He advised us on how to live (see the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7): if you lay up your treasure here instead of in Heaven, working on your physical gain instead of your spiritual gain, you will lose both your profits and your soul. Does this mean our prayers are falling on the “ears” of a God who does not truly care and is saying, “You made this mess, now you get yourself out of it or suffer the consequences?” No. I know the answer to that question by one single set of verses in Matthew 7:7-11, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you…or what man of you, whom if his son asks for bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask Him?”
A woman who has been a servant of Christ loses a baby or gets cancer. A precious child is abused by a family member. An innocent baby suffers with AIDS or drug addiction. A man embezzles from the church to which he came as minister. A family who has served Christ faithfully for generations loses a child to disease. A Christian home is demolished by wind, water or fire. The Son of God prays to let the cup pass if it is God’s will, but he receives only the cross in answer. Where is God’s protection? I don’t know. I really don’t know. Is the answer in the Bible? Is it merely that we must pray and God will spare us from any harm the world may see fit to bring to our door? If we put the blood of the lamb on our doorstop, will the Angel of Darkness pass by? I’ve thought long and hard about this. I’ve prayed God to show me the answer. And I still don’t know. Sometimes I feel as if I am on the brink of an answer. Some claim that if you only pray with enough faith, the faith to move mountains, that you will be protected. But protected from everything? All harm? We live in a world that is dangerous to man, a world where our own decisions have multiple consequences. Yet, if something goes wrong we want to blame it on God or on the devil. If we build a home in a flood plain, chances are that at some point it’s going to be flooded. If we drive down the road in a manmade vehicle at 60-70mph, and the manmade vehicle malfunctions, because someone cut costs to build it, we will get hurt. If we continue to pump our food sources full of hormones, pesticides, and artificial everything, they will eventually do our human bodies harm. If we continually mistreat our bodies, they will break down. If we don’t go to the doctor when we should and we wait for treatments that could help us, we will get worse. But there are so many other things that can happen that have no explanation, no fault: abuse of an innocent child, a miscarriage in a healthy woman, an aneurism in a young person, a tornado in an area without tornadoes, a snake bite in your own 5
of perfection and peace and beauty and PROTECTION. Praise God that whatever I go through down here on this earth is a fleeting moment in an eternity of peace! This poem does pretty well at explaining how I think I feel about God’s protection: This, Too, Will Pass Away If I can endure for this minute Whatever is happening to me, No matter how heavy my heart is Or how dark the moment may be— If I can remain calm and quiet With all my world crashing about me, Secure in the knowledge God loves me When everyone else seems to doubt me— If I can but keep on believing What I know in my heart to be true, That darkness will fade with the morning And that this will pass away, too— Then nothing in life can defeat me For as long at this knowledge remains I can suffer whatever is happening For I know God will break all the chains That are binding me tight in the darkness And trying to fill me with fear— For there is no night without dawning And I know that my morning is near. Anonymous Juli Ginn
That’s my verse to rely on. It not only tells me God is willing to help in any situation, but it requires my own act to ask, as well. Prayer will go a long way toward helping me stay safe, but sometimes I also need to use common sense and responsible action. I do have to learn from my mistakes...A LOT; maybe I do have to suffer consequences...A LOT; and maybe this world does work in a cruel and unfair way...A LOT! But my God is there and He has his Holy way of working. We should be careful about questioning and providing answers we say are from God in any subject, especially one so personal as His total, absolute protection. As He told Job and his friends when they were questioning the way things worked and making assumptions about what God was doing and thinking (see the whole book of Job, esp. the last few chapters): “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? (38:2) ... Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? (38:4) ... Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? (38:34) ... Hast thou an arm like God? Or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? (40:9) ...” Then to Job’s friends, who thought they knew the reasons for Job’s plight, the Lord said, “My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.” (42:7) ... And what did Job say? “I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from Thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” (42:2-3) From all of this, I guess we could say that — yes, God will protect a person who prays to Him. He could and would protect us from everything. That’s why He made a heavenly home for us. But this world is not heaven and if I build my house on sand, it’s going to crumble sometime. And, sorrowfully, at times, the innocent will suffer. Therefore, I’d rather build my house on the Solid Rock, the Solid Foundation of Jesus Christ Who is my hope, my love, and my life, so when I suffer, as in this world we all will, I can rely on Him to help me through it all. ALL OF IT, all of the world’s cruelty, until at last He gives me what He has promised through His Son — a heavenly home
by Anita I accepted an invitation to become a volunteer with our local grade school. There were children disadvantaged while learning to read. I could listen and help them as they needed assistance. Little did I know that the Principal was listening to how I used the PHONIC system in guiding the children, and after the second day, he offered to pay gas money if I would come three days. This, in turn, developed into doing the same a few miles over to another school. “For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6) If we are willing to be as clay in the Master’s hands, we find that He has a plan for us beyond our imagination. (edited) 6
(Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay)
LOVE WITH FAITH (Continued from Sept. Faith Messenger)
By George Bell James tells us in the Bible that faith without works is dead. Let us inject the word “love” and use it this way, that faith without love is dead and will not work. People can see if we are genuine in love or just pretending. When we love someone, we will be long-suffering as the Lord is with us. We must keep a hand out – all the time as the Lord said that His hand was extended for a gain-seeking people. We are the works of the Lord and should walk as He walked, seeking those who need Him. The Word tells us that we have to believe that He is - and that He is the rewarder of those that seek Him. His love will prevail in our efforts to spread the Word of God to others in believing that He will do these things we ask. The great commission is to go out telling all those that will listen about the saving grace of the Lord Jesus and the love He has to offer to each one of us. Paul tells us that some sow and some water, but it is God that gives the increase. So our sowing and someone else watering provides the opportunity for God to give the increase. This is why we must tell others about the Lord Jesus and His kindness. The reason for “love with faith” is not only for our benefit but the saving of others – to their benefit and the Glory of God. So we as Sons of God are not slacking in our efforts to live right before God and the world but to tell the world about our God and Father. As the preacher in Ecclesiastes tells us to hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man, having love with faith so others will see and have the opportunity to experience the same love as we do. So that at the end, we will all rejoice eternally with our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ together. (Conclusion of this article in the November Faith Messenger.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Could it be that our “testings” (temptations) are for the purpose of strengthening us so we may triumph over sin? Is the “testing of Jesus” an experience that illustrates how one can emerge stronger from the trial? The testing of Jesus was in the “wilderness”, an area of yellow sand, crumbling limestone and warped, twisted ridges. The heat is extreme, and Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit found Himself alone in this place called, The Devastation. Being alone allows one to think and not just to act. There is a time when advice from others must be replaced with giving ourselves time alone with God.. Preceding this event, we read about the baptism of Jesus. “At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’” The Evil one subtly attacked Jesus after an amazing, marvelous experience with His Father, God. Likewise, we, too, must be very careful to stay very close to God after those mountain top experiences. Now began a struggle in the heart, mind and soul of Jesus. The Evil one’s allies and weapons tested His thoughts and desires; this happened several times afterwards. The tempter challenged our Savior through His friend, Peter, (Luke 22) and in the garden of Gethsemane. Yet, Jesus’ own triumphant experiences over testing (temptations) now enables Him to help us to fight our battles, and time has proved over and over that JESUS IS LORD! (Continued in the November FM) + LETTERS: Dear Sister Evelina, …I just received the Faith Messenger and was delighted to see your name, precious friend…you were always an inspiration to me…Nilah +
A LOOK AT THE BOOK Of MATTHEW
Dear Ones…I read and re-read your paper and always get a real blessing. M. O’Keefe
The temptations of Christ Chapter 4 →↑
THANKS TO ALL WHO WRITE. God bless! 7
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“Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”
“Be glad, O people of Zion, Rejoice in the Lord your God, For He has given you The Autumn rains in righteousness.”
(Joel 2: 32)
(Joel 2:23)
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