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)

Contents:

Amazing Grace 1

Amazing Grace 2

POEM by Maxine 3

Personal Profile 3

Bible Verses 4

In My Opinion by Juli 5

Anita’s Corner 6

Love with Faith 7

*Volume 85 *No. 08 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 *OCTOBER 2006

2

(Amazing Grace – continued from Page 1)

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) ↑

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

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3

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

+

Just Who AreJust Who AreJust Who AreJust Who Are the Christian the Christian the Christian the Christian

Triumph Triumph Triumph Triumph WorkersWorkersWorkersWorkers????

Personal Profile by Nancy, Editor

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 high-

school

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)

4

(Personal profile – continued from Page 3)

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

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! +

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)

5

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

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?”

In My Opinion: Protection

6

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

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

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)

7

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.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++

A LOOK AT THE BOOK

Of MATTHEW

The temptations of Christ

Chapter 4 →↑

(Reference for this study comes from the Holy

Bible as well as the book,

The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 1

By William Barclay)

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 +

Dear Ones…I read and re-read your paper and

always get a real blessing. M. O’Keefe

THANKS TO ALL WHO WRITE. God bless!

8

Faith Messenger

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