Download - FM Oct 2010
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…”
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.
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)
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
*Volume 124 *No. 08*Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *OCT 2010
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(Continued from Page 1)
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
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.
To do the will of Him who speaks
IS FREEDOM.
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—our heart’s desire!
By Maxine Trigleth
“…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.
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.”
“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
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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.
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.
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 (edited)
Have a wonderful October -
In the Lord!
Anita
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.”
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
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.
“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! (edited)
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.
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory….
O the half has never yet been told!
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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
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.
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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
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!
�
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. �
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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
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)
+
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.
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A WORD FROM ANITA 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 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.)
We Thank You, Evelyn.
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
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
……………………………………………..
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! �
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Psalm 42:1
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