*Volume 123 *No. 07*Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *SEPT 2010
Contents: Welcome Back.............Home Page Fruits of the Spirit ............ 2 Love, Softness/Gentleness ....... 3 Patience ........................ 4 Humility ......................... 5 New Faith Messenger Design ..... 6 Left Side of the Ark ............. 7 An Apology ...................... 7
Welcome Back!
In the words of the Apostle Paul, we sincerely greet you: “May God bless you all! Yes, [we] pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give each of you His fullest blessings, and His peace in your hearts and your lives. All [our] prayers for you are full of praise to God. When [we] pray for you, [our hearts are] full of joy, because of all your wonderful help in making known the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now…” (Living Bible Phil. 1)
We hope that each one of you experienced God’s Spirit in a special, wonderful way these past few months. Welcome back!
THE GOOD NEWS! Jesus “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (NIV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life….” (NIV) Song – Just As I Am – Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bidd’st me come to theeO Lamb of God, I come, I come. This is the Gospel! God loves Me! I am of infinite worth to Him!
Blueberries
Fruits of the Spirit Blackberries
“When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol…” (Gal.5…Living Bible) -Faithfulness By Sara …speaking of picking blackberries – my father had to be the best blackberry picker of anybody I have ever known. When I was younger, we would go to my mother’s old home place to pick berries. Dad always managed to get the most. The summer before my freshmen year of high school, we moved to the country, and the land my parents purchased had loads of wild blackberry vines. Dad would disappear for an afternoon and come back loaded down with containers full of berries. We could always tell when Dad picked the berries because they were clean – no pieces of leaves, bits of stems or other debris that my sister and I managed to get into our containers. My Mother had a time keeping up with all the berries Dad brought home. She canned them, froze them, made pies with them and gave some away. TennTucky Blackberry Cobbler 1-1/4 cups sugar, divided 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup milk
½ cup butter, melted 2 cups frozen blackberries Whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour and milk just until blended; whisk in melted butter. Pour batter into a lightly-greased 12x8 inch baking dish or 11x8 inch baking dish; sprinkle blackberries and remaining ¼ cup sugar evenly over batter. Note: The batter looks quite liquid-y, but it does not need more flour. Bake cobbler at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown and bubbly. cookingwithsara@gmail.com
Faithfulness: Jesus ends a story with these words: Matt. 25: 23……. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things: I will put you in charge of many things.” (NIV) Proverbs 3:3, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (NIV) Psalm 18:25, “To the faithful, You [God] show yourself faithful…” (NIV) 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); 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
was really bad, something my Dad had picked up for $2.00, with flat tires. I guess your Dad felt sorry for me, so he gave me a little pig to raise and then sell to have enough money for a new bike. Borrowing money from my Dad to buy feed, I raised the pig and sold it. I had enough money left over to buy a brand new “Western Flyer” from the Western Auto Store. It was a honey, and I rode it several times out to see you guys on the farm. Your Dad was a great man and Mil and I loved him. He touched a lot of lives….David (Editor: I will miss you Dad, until we meet again.) -------------
Strawberries
LOVE With a little sugar and cream, nothing is as tasty as a dish of strawberries. And yet, the Sweet Gift of God’s love exceeds any feeling that we will ever experience. “…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8
Delicious, Soft Peach
SOFTNESS/GENTLENESS By Anita
-----
...speaking of strawberries and love, my Dad, Wilbur Hunter, was one of the most devoted Pastors I have ever known. In May, he went Home to be with His loving, Heavenly Father.
The very word “soft” is so appealing to me. Soft breezes, soft music, soft cuddly places to rest or recline...soft replies from those I love and care for…soft answers from those I do business with…the very softness of attitudes, (mental) approach, answers, dispositions, feeling, opinion, outlook – all of these speak of gentleness…kindness. They also have a way of changing unfortunate situations into success stories. A Dad was known for being grouchy and would often yell at his son to do better. In time, the Dad became aware of his problem and gently apologized to his son, whose response was in the form of tears. That day, the Dad and his son were truly reconciled by gentleness. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Prov.15:1) Man was God’s crowning work of creation. All other things created previously,
Brother began year at a East Illinois. learned
Hunter his 50 ministry mission in Peoria, There he to love the homeless, the addicts, and the lost who found new purpose in receiving the Love of God. He passionately supported missions! (Editor) A story sent to me by Dad’s nephew When I was 11, and, I think you and Ronnie both had good bicycles, at least, Ronnie did, my bike
- See Page 4 3
-from Page 3 (Softness/Gentleness)
distorted the wood so that it really didn’t match up anymore. It was a pain to open and close. Every morning as she was getting dressed and every night as she was changing into her pajamas, she would struggle with that old dresser. Some days it would drive her to distraction, frustration and even tears. I would walk into her room to see her tugging on the dresser drawer and it wouldn’t budge… For most of those three years with that old dresser, I believed that the day would soon come when she would be old enough to get the dresser open without frustration. Going in and out wasn’t the only problem the dresser had. Periodically the bottoms would start to fall off of the drawers…I can recall all the trouble it was, but it really never occurred to me to buy a new one. Occasionally my husband and daughter would say that we needed a new chest of drawers. I just balked at that. No way! That dresser held clothes as well as any other and besides, it had sentimental value and was a cherished antique. Their struggling against me in the matter was fruitless. Then one day I was contemplating what to get my daughter for her 11th birthday, and the idea of a new dresser came to mind. In a moment all their silent suffering hit me. Why in the world had I made them endure this old piece of furniture for so long? All of a sudden I felt so guilty for having ignored all the signs, blinded by my frugality, love of antiques and my attachment to an old pile of wood my grandparents used to own. Had they even liked this dresser? I wondered if the dresser gave them problems too. When my daughter came home from her ball game on the day of her birthday and
as recorded in Genesis 1, were made with man in mind. All of these came about by the Word being spoken, not a loud, hasty, hard word but by the kind Word of God. I have found that trying to give a kind word lifts my spirit and gives me encouragement. I remember Proverbs 15:1 from an early age and know that if I had paid attention to it, there are times I could have had a cheerful heart rather than guilt. (edited) ---------------
Patience By Donna
I have a lot to learn about this fruit of the Spirit: “Patience.” “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” Prov. 25:15 I have a soft spot for antiques – even when they aren’t necessarily functional. When my daughter was eight years old and until she turned 11, her clothes were kept in a dresser that used to belong to my greatgrandfather. I don’t know exactly how old it was, but probably at least 70 years old. We had waxed the boards so they would slide more easily, but time and weathering had 4
letter to the Philippians, he stated, follow the example of Christ Jesus…as a man, he humbled himself, and was obedient to death even to the cross. In the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 18: 3-4, we read, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Psalms 35, David said, I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom. Also, in Proverbs 22:4, By humility and fear of the Lord are riches, honour, and life. This word, “humble” plays an important part in the Christian’s life; we are not to be boastful, haughty, self-sufficient or braggers. We are to possess the qualities of Jesus our Savior, kindness, love and compassion. These qualities make us stronger in our walk with God. So, therefore, we need to humble ourselves before God by being obedient to His word. (edited) ---------
saw her new dresser, already in place with clothes put away, she had a look of pure joy on her face. It took a long time-too long- but her longsuffering paid off. There are a lot more riveting stories of patience and perseverance paying off –like the women’s suffrage movement, the civil rights movement – freedom movements against colonial governments…just like my daughter, many of the things you may want to see changed will not be your decisions to make. You can make your wishes known…then patience and a gentle spirit are your best tools with which to effect change. (condensed) ---------------
Humble By Jo
“Humble,” just a six letter word, not often used in our daily conversations, has great meaning in God’s word. Humble is the opposite of proud, boastful or being self-sufficient. In Peter’s first writing to God’s elect, he advised them to be subject one to another and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and gives grace to the humble. Also, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He in due time would exalt you. In James’ writing to Christians, he observed they were not practicing holy and righteous living. They failed to show any difference in their behavior. In Chapter 4, he tells them that God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble. Also in verse 10, he tells us to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord and He shall lift us up. Paul sent a letter to the Colossians in reference to the word “humble.” Since you are the elect of God, put on holiness, beloved, mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and longsuffering. In his
Editor’s note: What kind of fruit would exemplify “humility?” ======
Gently All my senses awaken as I gaze into the fall. Leaves dressed so beautifully, glowing colors, jewels all. Leaves flowing so gently; they find their bed on earth. My heart is truly comforted, for their passing is but a birth. 5
Editor: Did you notice our newly designed heading for the Faith Messenger (at the top of the first page)?
spot with a Bible, purchased specifically to hold my place, just in case someone ventures into my territory or loses their way and accidentally sits in the wrong place. Don’t want those “new-comers” to accidentally take up residence in my spot either – they’ll have to claim their own territory. The “right siders” (those who perpetually sit on the right side of the church) are not quite as dedicated at “marking their spot” as we “left siders”; they tend to leave only a few minor pieces of evidence: a forgotten pen, maybe even a bulletin or two. On occasion, I’ve discovered a scribble pad with trace evidence that so-and-so was there. We “left siders” on the other hand, are all out territorial markers – make no mistake. We don’t want ANYONE mistaking OUR PLACE at the pew for an open invitation to park there – NO SIR. We’ve got quite a collection of “pew marking tools” – the aforementioned Bible, pens (with our names on them, so there’s no mistaking whose pew this is), a year’s worth of bulletins with all our doodles and scribbles, Sunday school lessons from when we were knee high to a grass hopper, song books embellished with OUR NAME and so on. This could be why there are only six of us on the left side of the church– we’ve left so much evidence of our inhabitants that there’s no room for the “right siders” to sit. If the church was the Ark, we’d be ridin’ high in the water – that’s for sure. Other evidence of the “stiff neck” malady is our insistence on using “Christian clichés” when sharing “the Word”. Just imagine, if you will, the terms “blood of the lamb” or “washed clean by the blood” to a 10year-old who takes every word literally. I thought myself able to communicate with children until faced with the task of explaining the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior to a child. Starting off with “Jesus sacrificed” . . . I didn’t get very far. Wild eyed and innocent my new prodigy asked me “What does sacrifice mean?” Have you ever read Webster’s definition? Before I could explain the definition, I had to explain the words used to define – propitiation, homage, slaughter, forfeiture, relinquished, deity . . well, you get the picture. (See Page 7)
Sherry, a gifted graphic designer, who attends First Church of God in Texas, was sitting in a Sunday service when she was inspired to create this special Faith Messenger heading. Please read her email below as well as an article which she was invited to write.
I have been a graphic designer since 1977, starting my career working for a newspaper. We attend First Church…where my husband serves as a Deacon and the Music Director. I serve as Sunday school teacher and church Secretary/Treasurer. We faithfully read the Messenger and one Sunday during services, I felt the need to “doodle.” Before I knew it I had sketched a few “Messenger” headings. After recreating the art in a digital form, I felt the need to send to you. With the blessings that God has so graciously given our family, I have learned to always listen to that still small voice. (Condensed)
By SHERRY RODDY Columnist Many times in the Bible, God called his people “STIFF NECKED” because they refused to obey his word or listen to his call. I find today that we die-hard Christians are pretty hard-headed as well. Don’t think so? Then tell me why we all have our own designated “spot” in the church? Some of us, myself included, have gone so far as to litter our spot in the pew with our own collection of paraphernalia. I’ve even “marked” my 6
(Continued from Page 6: Ark)
An Apology To Our Readers and Friends Please forgive our lack of ability to answer all letters within a proper amount of time, in the months of March through July of this year. As I mentioned in some of your letters, my Dad was placed on HOSPICE in March, and I was his caregiver until he went to Heaven. Because of congestive heart failure and bladder cancer, his needs were persistent. It was my great honor to care for him, but it required all of my energy and time. Pastor Israel, President of Christian Triumph, had several eye appointments and did have eye surgery to correct his vision and the hole in his eye. He is still recuperating. Diana, Office Manager, has been working but is still healing from the two wrecks which happened a few months ago. There were other challenges as well, but God has seen us through the Valleys. Thank each one of you for special prayer. We appreciate hearing from you and by the time you receive this Faith Messenger, things should be caught up and going good. Please let us know if we forgot anything or did something incorrectly. Thank you! -------------------
I got so lost in the translation, I got lost in the witnessing. The best translation she could understand related to a baseball’s “sacrifice hit.” Then it hit me. How many times have I used those “Christian clichés” in my witnessing to a nonbeliever, or a new Christian, only to leave them confused, dazed and wondering? We Christians have a tendency to do that. We spit out a scripture for every question – some can even tell you the book, chapter and verse. (I can assure you it’s not me; my mind doesn’t work that fast.) What we fail to do is explain the “cliché” in “real life” terms. i.e., “Washed clean by the blood of the Lamb” – means all the things I’ve done wrong are forgotten because Jesus (the Lamb) took my punishment by dying (and bleeding) on the cross. The NIV Bible has done an excellent job in translating to us “non-King James reading Christians” what God is trying to tell us. But even the NIV can’t explain to a 10-year-old how much God truly loves us and how much Jesus gave up (sacrificed) for us. And if a 10-year-old who has spent her entire life attending church faithfully still doesn’t understand the clichés, how can a new found Christian or even a non-believer understand? We Christians tend to sound “churchy” and arrogant when sharing the Word. We don’t always have to quote scripture to relay God’s message. He loves us, plain and simple. And His love is unconditional. We can’t earn it and we can’t buy it, and we can’t inherit it. (For you, my 10-year-old prodigy, this means God loves you no matter what you have done or will do.) Maybe my next project should be “Christianity for Dummies, 101". Hey, it worked for Microsoft! My new goal is to take every question my young prodigy has about Bible verses and explain in her terms – starting with the words “sacrifice” and “blood”. Some how it seems to always end up relating to baseball. Do you think Jesus would have liked baseball? (Edited) --------------
Letter: From the Church of God Mission, Ghana (Email was sent to us by Ruth, who asked that tracts be sent to Pastor Daniel) “By His grace, the entire membership of the Church in Ghana are doing well…I am acknowledging the receipt of your inspiring gospel tracts sent to me recently. I am indeed very grateful to you for your very prompt and positive response to my humble request. The gospel tracts will be very helpful to me in my personal outreach ministry in my fast-developing neighborhood, here in Accra.” Pastor Daniel Christian Triumph will be sending him more tracts, books, and used Sunday school literature. OCTOBER Faith Messenger – many more letters, the Study of Matthew, and Christian Triumph news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! --------------
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
Jesus – “…the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit produced.” -Living Bible Matthew 7
8
9