*Volume 124 *No. 08*Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *OCT 2010
Contents: October and Freedom......Home Page Few Are Chosen. . . . . . . . . .2 Articles by Anita and Jo. . . . .3 A Look at the Book of Matthew.... 4 Christian Triumph News........... 5 George Bell and Byrum Lee........6 Letters .......................... 7
FREEDOM by Maxine Trigleth
To breathe the air which He ordained— The precious life-sustaining flow— Sometimes so pungent with perfume, Allowing life in us to glow IS FREEDOM. To drink pure water from the well, To eat the food which body craves, To be released from hunger’s chain And lift our hearts in humble praise IS FREEDOM.
Morning Glories October -a breathtaking month to ponder the beauty of God’s world. Sunflowers- reaching up to the lingering warmth. Zinnias- standing tall with radiant hues. Leaves, red and yellow, in a sapphire sky. “God has made everything beautiful…”
Seeing flowers with Master’s touch, Painted with their fragile hues, Growing in the verdant fields— Makes us want to stop and muse— IS FREEDOM. To watch the rabbits scrambling, To see the hound dog chase his prey, To see the turtle hide his face Within his shell whene’er he may IS FREEDOM. To hear the music of the birds, To watch them in their daring flights, Swooping down to catch their prey, Filling us with soul’s delight, IS FREEDOM. (Continued on Page 2)
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Freedom To hear the torturous thunder roll, To see the frenzied lightning flash, To feel refreshing raindrops fall Upon our head and down our face IS FREEDOM
“…this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own.
To tread the trail He bids me go, To speak the thoughts which He inspires, To clasp the hand that is outstretched And sense warm friendship’s strong desire IS FREEDOM.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit…. God never abandons us.”
To do the will of Him who speaks IS FREEDOM.
“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made us understand that it is the brightness of His glory that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” - taken from 2 Corinthians 4 The Living Bible
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
FEW ARE CHOSEN To be chosen by the Master – What a unique honor owned. Chiseled for a life of service, Often called away from home. Gems well hidden deep within us He alone can ever see; Treasures He knows how to polish, Skillfully, so we will be A vessel truly in submission, Fashioned for His fields alone, And eventually to merit Words of welcome: “Come on home!”
L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Israel Hernandez, President; William Anderson, Vice-President; Fred Pena, 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
Everything at His disposal, Not one thing for self’s empire, And we’ll find our wondrous treasure: Jesus Christ—our heart’s desire! By Maxine Trigleth
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DESIRE By Jo Have we truly considered what “desire” means in the Kingdom of God? Jesus, in Mark 9, called his disciples to him and said, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant to all.” (A selfish type of desire) In Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote about a selfless type of desire; he said that he did not desire a gift from the saints; but he desired for them to bear fruit so that it may abound to their account. In Matthew 6:33, we are enlightened in how this selfless desire works: “But seek you first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
I noticed a pot in which I had placed some seeds, and it lacked much to be desired! There stood undernourished plants, and to my disappointment - unlike the other ones that I remembered in planting there before.
As a result of desiring God’s ways instead of our own, we, in turn, are blessed as he gives back to us - the desires of our heart: “He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him; he will also hear their cry and save them.” Psalm: 145:19
Although the pot was old (as was the soil), it had held beautiful plants in the past; yet these were not doing well at all. While they received help from the sun and water, even springing up, the plants now struggled to stay alive.
We then find great fulfillment in experiencing a closer walk with our Father. True desire inspires us to seek spiritual maturity, separating ourselves from unrighteousness.
What they needed was plant food! As I liken our spiritual lives to that old pot with malnourished plants, I am aware that we too cannot grow without consistent nutrition. However, our spirits will bloom if we abide in Jesus through Bible reading, expressions of praise, prayer, sacred music, and fellowship with Christian people. And then we too will flourish for the Word of God promises that “…inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.” 1 Cor. 4:16
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1. To desire spiritual maturity is an honest longing to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And then follows - Joy!
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I have found a hope so bright and clear, Living in the realm of grace; O the Savior’s presence is so near, I can see his smiling face.
Have a wonderful October In the Lord!
Anita
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory….
O the half has never yet been told!
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determine our eternal destination. How tragic to discover at the end of this earthly life that we have given our hearts (and soul) to the wrong person or purpose! In Matthew 6, we read a description that Jesus used to make this simple point: The “eye” represents the window of the soul, the mind, and the understanding which determines the belief and actions of a person. The eye is similar to a window. The cleaner the window, the more light it will shed. In contrast, the more soiled the window - the darker the room – the less spiritual enlightenment into the eternal soul of an individual. In Matthew’s writings, Jesus specifically speaks of one special quality that fills the eye and the body with light. And here is where our story of the rich and poor man relates. It is the benevolent eye which Jesus is applauding. In being flooded with God’s Light, we are able to be generous in our thoughts and actions: mercy replaces judgment; forgiveness, along with self-esteem, replaces jealousy; concern for the lives of men, women, and children replaces selfishness. All of these are possible through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. They are free for the asking. Jesus already paid the cost with His life on the cross. Choosing to live in darkness is a dangerous decision; even the rich man who had everything, at last, discovered his loss of illumination. His denial of God and lack of mercy made him a creature whose eye was blinded, whose desires were hurtful and foolish. D.M. Lloyd-Jones in his book, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, wrote that it is a perilous thing to trust in one’s mind, when not a Christian. Without God’s protection, the mind and soul are subject to the evil influences of the prince of darkness - described by the Word of God as a liar, murderer, and thief. God’s Light enhances while clearing one’s cloudy sight. It opens the heart for compassion, increases spiritual awareness, and then one begins to desire the Truth and the Love which empowers the ageless lives of willing persons. How tragic to face eternity like the rich man, without God and without Hope. God’s Love and Light are now available.
A LOOK AT THE BOOK OF MATTHEW Reference for this study comes from the Holy Bible as well as the book, The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1 By William Barclay Matthew 6:19-21 “The light of the body is the eye. So then, if your eye is generous, the whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is grudging, your whole body will be in the dark. If, then, the light which is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” - Jesus Jesus’ Timeless Story (in Luke 16) A poverty-stricken man named Lazarus was forced to beg for his food. Possibly because of malnutrition, his body became covered with sores, but in all of this, he must have remained a righteous man. Lazarus’ scraps of food came from the crumbs which fell from a rich man’s table, not because of that man’s generosity but because of his unawareness. Days passed, and Lazarus departed this earthly life; the angels carried him to Abraham’s side (because he was devout). In time the rich man took his last breath but because he had shut out God’s mercy, he went to Hades, where he suffered burning pain. Suddenly, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and there was Lazarus at his side. Remembering the command to be merciful (the command which he ignored), the (former) rich man appealed to Abraham to send Lazarus to dip a finger in some water in order to cool off his (the rich man’s) tongue. Abraham’s response was to remind the bankrupt (former) rich man that during his lifetime, he had everything he desired, and Lazarus had nothing. As well, there was a great gulf which separated them, and no one could cross over. Its depth roared a message that will forever shout this warning: How we spend our time on this earth…what we believe, whom we follow and worship, to whom we remain devoted - will 4
happiness in life has been in serving Jesus, and that remains even in her older years. She has always loved individuals, and, to this day, will repeat the name of someone she knew and in doing so - her face will brighten with delight. Please say a little prayer for her comfort and well being as she continues her spirit-filled journey. And - a special “thank you” to each one who asks about her welfare. This concern is very much appreciated!
Christian Triumph News
Evelyn Anderson is still doing well. She is cared for by Pastor Israel and Vitalina, his wife. Evelyn still lives in her home on the Christian Triumph grounds. At times, she visits her daughter also. One of the sweetest things that Evelyn says about Pastor Israel is “He’s a goodie!” She not only mentored him in the ministry but had a close relationship with his family. Israel is following in her footsteps, pastoring the local mission church and caring for the missionary work as President, care taker, and advisor. Both he and Vitalina are patient, kind friends who help Evelyn in many ways. They give of their time as well as leaving their own home to live with her at Christian Triumph. As Jesus said (in Matthew), “So then, if your eye is generous, the whole body will be full of light…” One can sense that Light of God in the lives of Pastor Israel and Vitalina as they generously give their all to this missionary work. Evelyn is, as always, an inspiration to the local church; she enjoys going to the services. Her
This summer, Tamara Rose, Evelyn’s granddaughter, enjoyed time with her, while working two weeks in the office for Diana, the office manager. Diana is now in the office or on the grounds at Christian Triumph – Monday – Friday. (except for Wednesday). At times, she has to run errands or go the post office to mail literature. Please feel free to leave a message or email, and she will respond. Pastor Israel, Vitalina, and Elena are at the mission site also. The local Bible Institute is in session, and they never miss their classes. Brother Silva is the director (under Pastor Israel). They meet Monday and Tuesday 7:00 P.M. to 10 P.M. Elena (Pastor Israel’s sister) is a Bible teacher there as well as Brother Leiva. Donna Schillinger (Evelyn’s granddaughter) and her family will be moving to Brazil in September. We will welcome their news. 5
about the Lord and what He has promised and done for me. “And we know that in all things God works for the good to those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (NIV)
MORE NEWS….. George Bell, writer of the English Bible lessons, recently underwent major surgery. Christian Triumph is printing an additional number of these English Bible lessons. Several will be sent to Pastor Daniel in Ghana. (Recently, Diana also prepared a bag of literature for Africa, using the used Sunday school literature that has been sent by caring churches.) The following is an email from George Bell in which he praises God for His care and blessings: Although I have one more surgical procedure in the fall, I am looking forward to next year because I know the Lord has a very important job for me to do. When I was 62 years of age and was praying, the Lord spoke to my heart, saying that He had given me 25 more years to live. (I was not asking or even thinking about this subject matter.) Subsequently, as I was preparing to go into the operating room, with my wife close by- sad and afraid, I reminded her of this very promise that the Lord had given me years earlier. Another very impressive experience occurred when a doctor told me that the heart specialists had called him to quickly come to the operating room because they could not revive me. Again, I was able to witness to the Lord’s promise, telling this doctor that God was with me. He agreed as he shared his encounter. He said the Lord told him exactly what to do for me. I even had the chance to witness to the home health nurses, telling them
+ Please request the (free) English Bible lessons by writing to - Christian Triumph Company, PO Box 5187, 905 Bluntzer, Corpus Christi, TX 78465-5187 _+_
Byrum C. Lee Recently, Barbara, daughter of Byrum Lee, sent us his book From Preacher to Poet to use in the Faith Messenger. On the back of the book is written: “Byrum C. Lee, after fifty years in pastoral ministry, has chosen to continue his ministry through poetic writings…” We wish to express our gratitude for this wonderful gift to Christian Triumph. As well, a CD was sent earlier with his poems. Byrum’s inspiring articles and poems contribute greatly to this publication. The following is one of his poems: WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS… “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians 3:17
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is liberty. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is tranquility. Come, Holy Spirit, dwell with us; From all sin to set us free. Come, sweet Spirit to empower us; We want only thine to be. 6
A WORD FROM ANITA
THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS IN: Ft. Worth, Texas, Seguin, Texas Hugoton, Kansas, Cherokee Village, Ark San Antonio, Texas, McAllen, Texas Tipton, Indiana, Metropolis, IL Beeville, Texas, Shattuck, OK Moore, Texas, Portland, Oregon Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Watseka, IL Bloomburg, Texas, and California ………………………………………….. LETTERS
Writer for the Faith Messenger
“I want to thank you each for your prayers, notes of encouragement, etc. I have done so well. I’m thankful. The surgery was two weeks ago today, and I am pleased at the progress made. I appreciate your prayers and am thankful for Christian friends, etc. that I can call on when I feel the need for prayer.” …………………………………………… WORDS FROM OUR CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH FRIENDS
From Illinois: What a wonderful way to spread the Good News of Jesus. You have touched so many lives from my life; it’s a ripple effect through all my family. Thank God for this amazing ministry. Matha ……………………………………………... From Texas: I have not written to you in many years, even though you kept sending me the Faith Messenger. I’m sorry for that. I enjoyed reading it. It was always inspiring. I missed a lot by not reading it, just putting it aside. I have been a Christian since January 1959. I was 24 years old....could you send 25 to 40 copies of the Messenger to our church every month? I would appreciate it. I believe it would be very helpful to them. Thank you and God bless all your efforts for Christ. Sincerely, Juanita ……………………………………………… Dear Triumph family, I hope all are feeling better. There are trying times all over our nation…I hope people get the message that “God is talking” and we can see people get back to God…Beverly ……………………………………………..
From Evelyn in Arkansas: My prayer is with you…When one has lost loved ones, they know your hurt, pain, grief- may the enclosed hankie…let you know- I was touched. I’ve been there many times. I’m 85, still working for my soon coming King and yours, too. CARD SENT To Bring You Special Comfort When we lose the ones we love it’s as if we lose a part of ourselves and we feel bewildered and lonely… And we cannot begin to see how the dark clouds of sorrow will ever lift. But be assured, that, as sunshine follows showers, happier memories will break through and help you toward brighter days. (We, at Christian Triumph, dedicate this beautiful card to each one of you who may be suffering the pain of loss.)
Christian Triumph values every letter, note, or contact from our readers and friends. Thank you! We trust in our Father Who will bless and provide for you – abundantly! It’s a promise!
We Thank You, Evelyn. 7
Faith Messenger A publication of Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, TX 78465
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“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1 NIV
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