*Volume 78 *No. 4 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * APRIL 2014
Contents: The Chosen…………………………1-2 Email news……….………..………….3 I’m Important by Melissa Ann Bell...4-5 Poem by Byrum ………………………4 The Grace of God by Chaplain Ron.….6 Praying for Leaders by Carol…....…….7
THE CHOSEN By Editor
As the King, the Messiah, and the Savior of mankind, Jesus still chose ordinary human beings to instruct and carry on His divine purpose on this earth. earth. Rather than reaching out to the prominent Pharisees and Scribes who studied and taught the law, law, Jesus selected a tax collector, fishermen fishermen, a scholar, and nationalists who dreamed of supremacy by their people. people. Bibleinfo.com When Jesus was dining at the home of Matthew (the tax collector), collector), many sosocalled sinners joined them them for dinner, dinner, but not without the notice of the the everever-watchful Pharisees, Pharisees, standing, perhaps, on the corner. corner. They questioned one of Jesus’ helpers: Why does your teacher eat with
tax collectors and sinners?
Jesus’ answer was piercing and precise - go and learn what this means: I
desire mercy, not sacrifice. Jesus designated persons to help Him who were authentic, teachable, merciful, merciful, and willing to receive the “Spirit of the law, law,” balancing ethics with soul changing beliefs and action, while replacing pride pride with humility and concern. concern. One of those chosen men was a hard working fisherman turned disciple. We often read about him during the Easter season, for although he was bold, bold, he still needed further spiritual courage to empower his beliefs and actions. In the final days, after Jesus was arrested and tormented, tormented, this man named “Peter,” who loved Jesus dearly, denied even even knowing Him because of extreme fear and the threat of danger. In sorrow, sorrow, Peter, Peter, later, later, wept bitterly over his actions and grieved deeply. deeply. In Luke 24 when the women brought news on the “first day of the week” that the stone had been rolled away from Jesus’ now empty tomb, this disciple listened carefully, while the others imagined this was just idle idle talk. Suddenly, Peter forgot all about his fear and failure; failure; instead instead he jumped up and ran an an unfaltering race with the other disciple, John, to see an empty tomb. The fact is that when Peter took action, he reclaimed his faith and, and, once Page 2
again, placed Jesus first in his thoughts and feelings. feelings. He not only had the moral courage to face those who knew about his denial, denial, he also had had the determination to leave leave all that disappointment behind and move forward - toward His Savior. We learn from him that although one stumbles, stumbles, there is always hope in God; there is healing in trusting in the love and mercy of Jesus. Peter Peter was a learner, learner, and he was willing to change; change; thus, he became a foundation stone in the building of that beautiful body of believers, called the Church. Easter Easter reminds us of God’s great compassion for every individual of every nation. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice and His resurrection, God looks beyond beyond human attempts at perfection as well as human failures and mistakes. He looks, instead, at Jes Jesus and then into the very heart and soul of every person, person, for “we” are now His chosen. He sees us as we are, just like He did the disciples, and in His love, love, He offers rebirth, new beginnings, reawakening, reawakening, and renewal. “In Him, we have redemption through His blood…” Ephesians 1:7
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!” Everything at His disposal, Not one thing for self’s empire, And we’ll find our wondrous treasure: Jesus Christ— Christ—our heart’s desire! Maxine Trigleth
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A WORD FROM PETER!
cleverly We did not follow clever ly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from Son, n, the Majestic Glory, saying, This is my So whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18 NIV …grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
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 ChristianTriumph.org
2 Peter 3:18 NIV
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I have had many problems with my stomach stomach due to the food. I arrived yesterday very bad, and my body is not good yet. But we are very happy because there are people that need Jesus. Thank you very much for helping us so we can continue in the mission work. In Jesus, Narciso Zamora
CHRISTIAN TRIUMPH EMAILS Email from Guatemala Dear Brethren: Thank you for your kindness sending me tracts to my parents’ house as I asked you by e-mail. I have been very careful in giving them out in the areas of where I work as a physician. I can assure you that they are being read. I ask our Lord to specially bless your ministry! Giving out your tracts has been something very special since I was a teen guy. If possible, please send me more Spanish tracts by ordinary mail to the next address.
(Personal references removed by Christian Triumph Editor)
Email from Cuba Very beloved in the Lord, brothers of the company of Christian Triumph Ministry: It pleases me to inform you that yesterday we received two parcels of literature, reason by which we express our our most sincere and profound gratitude to you and at the same time we remind our desire to continue active in the list of upcoming shipments, also if [you] could send us some theology books. I will appreciate [them] since here there is no good literature like like we need. There is deceptive and liberal material spread throughout our country, so please help us in accordance with your possibilities. Pastor
[Name & address protected for writer’s purposes)
Emails from Oklahoma and Peru From Oklahoma Church to Missionary Narciso Zamora (Peru): Brother Narciso: Thanks for your March 14th update of your evangelism in the remote mountains of Peru. May God grant your healing and continued strength, for your missionary labors. In appreciation of the work you are doing in the local church, the seminary for training ministers, and the mountain evangelism, our church in Oklahoma has appropriated mission funds which will be sent shortly. Your Friends in Christ
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EMAIL FROM A CHRISTIAN BROTHER IN PERU [Please] receive receive the warmest greetings from my family to all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am reading the books that you have sent me, but first I read the Mensajero de Esperanza (Spanish Faith Messenger). Afterwards I handed out the Mensajero and tracts to many brothers who were gathered at our worship service. I was also going to dictate a Bible study to a sister so that she could complete her Bible Course, but unfortunately she fell ill. In the small group I belong to, I have finished "Honesty of our Lord Jesus Christ" so that when I
From Narciso in Peru to the Oklahoma Church: My Dear Friends: God bless you. We continue with the work on the mountains; this week, we traveled 13 hours in by bus on the mountains. The way is very narrow – only to a car. But there are many people that want the Gospel. I travel with literature and New Testaments to evangelize.
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am asked to give a message at local or new congregation, I will be prepared and will immediately serve our Lord! Thanks also to Pastor Narciso. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Thank You for your literature. I pray for Christian Triumph; may the Lord bless all the servants that work in the company. Best regards, your brother in Christ Rigoberto Peru
I’m Important God is “the God that sees me.” By Melissa Ann Bell Author of White Collar Skid Row And Speaker Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” In the 1960’s a song writer added the words to this scripture, “Teach me Lord, Teach me, Lord, to wait.” This created a beautiful chorus but what does it mean to wait? Do we do nothing? What about “getting the show on the road?” Let’s look at Genesis 15 and 16 – We find a beautiful conversation between the Lord and Abram (later Abraham). God came to Abram in a vision and told him not to be afraid. In Verse 15:1, He said, “…I am thy shield, shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Abram asked what that reward could be since he had no children to inherit his estate. God assured him that he would have an heir of his own. Then He took him outside and suggested Abram look up toward the heavens and see if he could count the stars. God said, “…So shall thy seed be.” Verse 6, “[Abram] believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” In Verse 7, God reminds him: “…I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chalhal-dees, to give thee this land to inherit it.” And Abram was reassured that He was going to do what He said. We are often reminded in God’s Word that He will take care of us, such as in I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; Page 5 for he careth careth for you.”
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PROBLEM SOLVING In life, of problems, there are many, And of willing advisers there are plenty. Problems bring few benefits, we know, Unless we learn from them and grow. When you need help for a problem— Someone who can help you solve them, There are many people ready to advise, But what they suggest may not be wise. Problem solving is never easy, at best; But some solutions, withstanding the test, Have proven to be better than the rest. If you find one that works, you are blest! But I've discovered a better problem Solver! The Lord, I've found, is superior to any other. For when I take my problems to Him, He faithfully shows me how to solve them. Byrum C. Lee: 03/2014 Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7RSV
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Verse 8, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid,” when
Even so, I sometimes forget and want to just handle things without using the energy to “cast it all on the Lord and wait.” wait.” Although Abram accepted God’s promise, he didn’t realize that it was going to be such a long period of waiting - on God’s own timing. His wife, Sarai (later Sarah) had an Egyptian maid named Hagar. And as the waiting for the heir God had promised years ago became too long, Sarai decided to speak to Abram about her. Hagar was was young. It was a custom that a servant could bear a child by the husband and then that child become the son or daughter to the maid’s mistress. Although no one knows the exact conversation between Abram and Sarai, I wonder if it might have been something something like this: Abram, it’s been years since you
did you get here and where do you plan to go? go? I had to get away. I fled “from the face of my mistress.” Although she might have been headed home to Egypt, the angel told her to go back and submit to Sarai. After the instruction to return, the angel promised Hagar that she would have a son son and she should “call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction.” Verse 11. This was wonderful news! She knew that now she could reveal all her feelings and thoughts, concerning her circumstances, to God - because God hears. She always would be reminded of that, just by her son’s name. Verse 13, “And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?” Hagar learned as we do that God will always hear my afflictions, and He is the God that sees me. I can retrace my steps and go wherever I need to go because I have a God who has and does hear my every cry. I’ll never need to flee from His face. Psalm 63:163:1-3, “O God, thou art my God; early early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise praise thee.” God loves each one of us. We can individually affirm, I am important! My
had that vision from God about giving us an heir. Sometimes, God helps those who help themselves! I think we should use Hagar. Maybe she is who God has provided to give us an heir. Whatever the discussion, Abram took Hagar and she conceived. Next, however, something happened on which they had not intended. Hagar soon despised her mistress! Even though using her was not considered as cruelty, Hager’s Hager’s feelings mattered, especially when she knew that she was pregnant. Abram and Sarai just wanted to get the show on the road, but it became more of a production than they had planned! Hagar must have expressed anger and resentment, for the Genesis Genesis writer tells us that when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from Sarai’s face which leaves us with the impression that Hagar never wanted to see her again. We are not told how far she traveled, but in Genesis 16:7, we discover her by a fountain fountain of water in the wilderness. Most likely, she was exhausted, lonely, discouraged and frightened. Then she heard her name, spoken by the angel of the Lord who found her.
God hears and sees me. -----All scriptures in this article have quotes, but these quotes have been added by the Faith Messenger Editor to indicate that they come from the Authorized King James Version (Holy Bible Placed by THE GIDEONS (1965 Edition)) although this translation does not use quotes in its text. Italics are used for the author’s remarks. Editor
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WAITING with HOPE! By Anita
THE GRACE OF GOD By Chaplain Ron
My computer was giving me problems again! Eventually, I called an acquaintance who is an excellent computer repair person, and after leaving it with him, I waited and hoped that it could be repaired. Waiting is a challenge challenge to my endurance. The call came; the repair was finished, but now ice was on the sidewalk and the roads. Finally my good neighbor offered to go pick it up in his Jeep and that was welcome news! After he had been gone a while, I kept looking out the window, window, trying to catch sight of his Jeep; I was getting anxious as I waited, again. After getting my computer back, I reflected on that situation and was reminded of another HOPE and another time of waiting but one which means more than anything in our wildest wildest dreams: The Hope of our Wonderful Savior’s return. Hope is a definite feeling that things will turn out all right; it always looks forward to the accomplishment. God’s Word is our source of Hope. In the Old Testament, there is record of the expectation expectation of the Messiah, and that anticipation was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus who came to earth to become our Redeemer. Now, His second coming is our wonderful Hope. As the song says: With
“So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:26 NIV Of all the verses in the Bible, this one haunts me the most. This is just the first book of the Bible; the beginning. There are 65 more books to go. We read that in the first chapter of Genesis, God is in charge. Out of the chaos, God formed this world and placed everything in order. With purpose and planning, He created man, giving him a soul like no other creation. creation. I look back in Genesis and read about the first sin – the first murder and then the sacrifice. Then I see in the time of Noah that the earth was nothing but wickedness. Thankfully, Noah found “grace” in the eyes of the Lord because the flood wiped out all other other creation except that which was covered by God’s mercy. We were created for greatness, for receiving blessings blessings from God because of His compassion, as well as an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful relationship with Him now and forever. Yet, so many times, persons procrastinate and give little value to God or their eternal selves. They end up alone, without Him, dead and buried. God’s grace always has been and always will be more than enough to cover our sins! His merciful love is a Gift! All we need to do do is just trust Him to forgive our wrongdoings. This, This, in fact, is the exact reason Jesus died on the cross – to liberate us from the eternal penalty of sin. Noah lived in a time far worse than 2014, and he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. God’s grace was sufficient for him and his family. Today, that grace is still as abundant as when the world was created. Today, if we repent of the sinful problems that plague mankind in every generation, God’s grace is sufficient, and His promises to be with us, to help help us and
His joy we welcome Hi s returning! What a time of rejoicing that will be! And what a privilege is now ours, knowing that we can each one be ready to meet Him! “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7 17:7 6
then to carry us Home to Heaven remain steadfast and sure. We will never be alone if we accept His invitation to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name! name!” John 20:31. In receiving Him, we are given the assurance of an abundant life now and without end.
10.Pray that they measure up to His word and will 11.Pray that they desire to even know His will and His Word 12.Pray that they seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness 13.Pray that they will know and keep the responsibilities of their offices, 14.Pray that they will conduct their lives to be pleasing to Him 15.Pray that they desire to live Holy, before God, and seek Him with their whole hearts.
The first book of Genesis ends with Joseph’s body placed in the coffin; he was not buried at that time. “And Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, ‘God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.’” Gen. 50:25 NIV Fortunately, Joseph did believe in the grace of God, and in time, he lived to enjoy many of God’s great blessings. ---------------------------------------------
Carol has committed to donating the proceeds of the sales of her mother’s handmade quilts to Christian Triumph. If anyone is interested in supporting this missionary ministry through purchasing one of these quilts, please send your request to Christian Triumph and we will notify her.
Praying Praying for Leaders By Carol
Attention: Readers If you have ever raised funds for Christian Triumph in an unusual and creative way, we would love to tell your story in a future issue of the Faith Messenger.
As I am told in God’s Word to pray for those in authority over me, I pondered, “How?” I cannot pray for wisdom for them because it says in James “If any lack wisdom let him ask of God…” I can ask for myself but each person must desire His own wisdom and ask for him or herself; people will if they are in His will, but too many are wise in their own conceit. So the Lord gave me some things for which I can pray for our leaders, the leaders of our land, from top to bottom. I can pray pray that they will: 1. Come to the knowledge of God 2. Comprehend (with thankfulness) His blessings 3. See and understand where they fit into His plan for them 4. Be thankful for every good Gift 5. Give thanks to the Giver for those gifts 6. Acknowledge Acknowledge the Giver as Supreme 7. Pray that they desire to follow His will 8. Pray that they desire to forsake self and follow Him alone 9. Pray that their thoughts will be focused on Him
Thanks to authors who have donated their well written books, in the past, as gifts to readers.
EASTER Even though we become distracted by new Easter clothes, egg hunts, dinner with the family, and the holiday itself, itself, the memories of a Holy God, giving Himself as an innocent, perfect sacrifice must linger in our memory. Why would the Creator of all give such a gift to uncaring people? There is no answer to that except love, an unselfish, unconditional love. Since mankind mankind cannot enter a heavenly eternity with the stain of sin, Jesus came to cleanse us from our wrongdoings. We all, like sheep, have gone astray…and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all…For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isa 53) Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see! God bless, Editor
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Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Mark 16:15-16 NIV
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