EDITORIAL
On one of the walls in our home hangs a plaque with this message: "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." This serves as a constant reminder to us to pray. But it also reminds us of another very important ministry, that of "thanksgiving." Are we not too often lax in this? We pour out requests by the hundreds to our God, but somehow, sometimes we fail to be thankful. It reminds us somewhat of the ten lepers. They all cried out to the Lord for healing, but only one returned to give Him thanks.
The Thanksgiving season is again upon us. What better time to pause to be thankful and to give thanks? Someone may say, The Lord knows I am thankful even though I may not express it in words. But I am of the opinion that God wants us to tell Him so. I think it is good occasionally to set a day aside (not just the last Thursday of November) for the giving of thanks, when we make no requests, but spend our regular time of prayer, thanking our Father for all His benefits.
I could literally fill this issue of TRIUMPH with things for which I am thankful. I am sure you too have many blessings, even though some may be blessings in disguise. Just a bit of reflection on your part will turn up many things of the past, present, and future which should bring to your lips a ready "thanks."
"Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift" -- Christ the Lord.
In Christ our Lord.
Arthur E. Gordon
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DEAR SHUT-IN
EXCERPTS from
LILLIAN'S LETTERS
CONCERNING obstacles, Lillian says,
What are obstacles sometimes but the springboard to special opportunities. Have we the right to say, Lord, you're lazy or, too slow? You don't know what you're doing? I can see it so much better than you , , , should be done this way? Romans 8:28 -- Romans 8:28 -- Romans 8:28. We all have our crosses to bear in one way or another. Sometimes the punctures of the thorns only make beauty marks where the light of Christ shines through. Can we take it? We can do nothing in ourselves. Are we willing to be shaped into usefulness for Him? I'm no different than you, I yell, Ouch! oft' times too.
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Of loneliness she says,
Did you ever feel lonely for God? When He seemed hidden to you? Not too long ago I felt just this way. My heart cried for Him. I felt lonely, so lonely. Then I heard a sermon on my radio that made my spiritual eyes pop wide open. I could not hide from Him -- not even if I wanted to. He sees all. What a thrilling thought. It seems God feeds me in-between meals oft' times. At least it's there if I will just help myself.
Reading in my Bible I found that every hair on my head is numbered. Of course I had heard this before, but apparently not with the inner ear. He knows them all. Matthew 10:30. I thought to myself, Why, I don't know that. Every time I pulled a comb through my hair, some came out. It got to be a bit of a thrill to comb my hair, for if He knew, He had to be watching.
Then another thrill in Psalm 139:2: He sees my downsittings and my uprisings. Oh, Jesus, that close? Really, that close do you watch me? Then in Psalm 139:3: He sees my laying down. Then, last night another thrill: He knows the things that come to mind -- every one of them. Ezekiel 11:5. He knows all those heartbreaks, those yearnings, and how I love Him, too. He knows me -- I who am slapped together with dust, dirt, and two-thirds water. Sure, I've heard it over and over, but every once in a while it all seems fresh and new and wonderfully awesome. It seems I will never get over why He bothers with us weak beings, but the wonderful thing is He does -- so much that He gave His life for us. Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it. It's thrilling for the child of God, and horrifying to others. God loves all, but we have to accept Him.
If we love Him we will serve Him willingly, lovingly, joyfully. Have you ever seen people with hang-nail religion? They're miserable, and they snare annoyingly those around them. It makes your heart weep for them. They hate to go to church; never read their Bible. About the only time they pray is in personal distress. Selfish! Selfish! Selfish!; In the things of God they are forever dragging their feet. You can't depend on them. God says He wishes we'd either be hot or cold, that He doesn't want any fence sitters. Revelation 3:15 & 16. In Matthew 6:33 He says to seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things (material necessities) will be added unto you. I tell you I'm lots happier being a shut-in, with all my miseries, than lots of up-and-abouters with no time for God.
Miss Lillian Butt suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. Before her illness she was a nurse.
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Christ is the light of the world. No darkness can abide in the life which Christ has enlightened.
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If you have no use for the Son, neither have you any use for the Father who sent Him.
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HOW I FOUND CHRIST
BY FUMI TAKETA
It was Christmas, 1952, when I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart, and was saved. I was still in the hospital--ill with meningitis which had caused total deafness and paralysis on my left side. In my desperate need for help, which was beyond human power, Mrs. Elizabeth Weisman, a Christian volunteer worker at the hospital, led me to Christ--and I found the living God.
I was a Christian in name only, before my illness. I had believed in God, but He was to me a vague, impersonal Creator. Now that I am born again, and the Lord is my personal Savior, God has become very real. I believe in these promises: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16), and, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
I am thankful to my friends, doctors, nurses, therapists, relatives, family, and others who have helped me. They gave me the inspiration and the incentive to become better acquainted with God. I am praying for all of them. I believe it was the Lord Himself helping me through them, especially through Mrs. Weisman and my family.
After I was saved, my parents renounced their faith in Buddhism to become Christians. Buddhism was their life, but they gave it up to worship the God to whom I give credit for saving my life and my soul. Their conversion is truly a miracle, and their new faith is a blessing for me. I am also very happy and thankful that one of my sisters and her husband have turned to Christ. I am trusting the Lord to save the rest of my family, for Acts 16:31 says: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Before my illness, I had seldom heard people talk about God or the Lord Jesus Christ in their everyday conversations. So it was that I had been beset with doubts about my faith. Through a correspondence Bible Study course, I found out for myself concerning God's truths, and my doubts disappeared. His promise in John 8:32 became true for me: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
In the Bible Study lessons, I learned that the Holy Spirit was a Person--as real as the Lord--and was not an "It" as I had thought. He made me see that my shortcomings and faults were sins in the sight of God. I had thought only murderers, thieves, and people with vile, wicked habits were sinners, but in the Bible, I found that God classifies our wrong heart feelings and attitudes in the same category (Romans 1:29-31). And according to Romans 3:23, we are born sinners: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Jesus says in John 3:3, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Ephesians 1:7 tells us, "In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."
I confessed and repented of my sins to the Lord, and I know He has forgiven me. I claimed this promise: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). There is joy within me because I have made my peace with God.
I had thought my life would become restricted if I surrendered my life and my will to the Lord--it is just the opposite. He has given me His freedom instead. He has freed me from my inner bondage. John 8:36 says, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
I am constantly amazed how the Lord helps me to face life. I have never regained my hearing, but lipread to overcome deafness. I am able to walk around in the house without my leg brace now, but need it and a cane when I go outside. I pray to the Lord about everything, for Hebrews 4:16 tells us, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." I shall continue to trust Him implicitly.
I am learning that the Bible is a veritable mine of God's priceless and unsearchable riches, such as: truth, faith, forgiveness, compassion, patience, understanding, peace of mind, joy, hope, and charity or love. To me, Christ's way of life is an exquisite blend of the practical and the ideal. He is helping me to be more aware of the finer aspects of life, to be more thankful and appreciative of my blessings which I have been taking for granted, and above all, He is giving me the right direction in life. I believe it is not our circumstances which determine our happiness or misery, but our attitude toward them. In Proverbs 23:7 we read: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." With Christ as my Lord and Master, life becomes more meaningful and worthwhile each day. I thank and praise God for His unspeakable Gift.
My prayer is that those of you who have not made your decision for the Lord Jesus Christ, will accept Him in your heart now as your personal Savior. "And him that cometh to me," says Jesus, "I will in no wise cast out" (John 1:12). May God bless you and keep you in His care.
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THERE IS NOT a sin committed on earth or in hell but has its spring and foundation in your breast and mine. You are all sin, your nature is sin, your heart is sin, your past life is sin, your prayers are all sin. Oh, that you would despair of being righteous in yourself! Then take the Lord Jesus for your righteousness. In Him is no sin. And he stood for us and offers to be your shield, your way to the Father.
-- Robert M. McCheyne
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PALM TREES and WELLS OF WATER
by Gordon F. Cook
Exodus 15:27
This particular verse of Scripture had little meaning for me until very recently. Each time I read it, I found myself wondering what was so significant about this incident, and what would cause the Lord to record it as a part of His Word.
A short time ago, however, we drove through some of the arid wasteland of the western part of our country. It seemed that the miles stretched out endlessly before us, with no spot of shade, no welcome fertility, no refreshing oasis to be seen. But just when we began to feel that we could stand the hot sun no longer--just when we were at the point of despair, we drove over the brow of a small hill to look down upon a beautiful village, hidden away among the shade trees, affording us a hiding place from the unbearable heat, and a place of refreshment in a barren land.
This verse of Scripture came immediately to mind: "And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters."
So it is that God provides for His children, as they journey through the arid wasteland of this life. He knows where to plant the "palm trees" and "wells of water" for us. He knows just when we reach the point of not being able to bear further testing. Then He sends the welcome refreshment for our souls. He is faithful in this, as the Apostle Paul reminds us: " . . . God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested, tried) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Oftentimes we have seen others under trial and have wondered it we could bear up under such trial if it should come to us. But we can be sure of this: that God would enable us to stand that test, or He will not permit it to come.
We should also remember that God grants His children to be to one another that needed source of refreshment and encouragement. It is our privilege not only to know God's comfort, but also to " . . . be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (II Corinthians 1:4). What a thought: that while He is the "God of all comfort: He sometimes ministers that comfort to those in need, through another believer. What a blessed experience it is to know that you have been God's instrument, that He has worked through you and spoken through you, to meet the need of another child of God. This is a much neglected ministry, and a ministry to which we ought, more and more, to give ourselves. Remember that a cup of water given to one who belongs to Christ, will not go unrewarded. (Mark 9:41)
The "palm trees and wells of water" provided by our Lord are like no others. His refreshment is like the wine, miraculously provided at the wedding in Cana of Galilee: it was good beyond the rest. Thank God for the oasis in the wilderness, for the "streams in the desert" (Isaiah 35:6).
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TRIUMPHANT
I NEED not fear the power of sin,
Nor yet the awful plight I'm in,
For God has met my need, complete,
That I should never know defeat.
Through Christ, the dreadful need was met,
His blood it was which paid the debt,
He shed it on the cursed tree,
He shed it for the likes of me.
When life or death would bring defeat,
I show to it the paid receipt;
It holds no sway o'er my soul or frame--
Of one who trusts in Jesus' name.
The power of sin has fled the fray,
The plight I've known has lost the day,
Complete, stand I, a blood-bought one,
Triumphant now through God's dear Son.
The blood, my friend, avails for you,
If you would be triumphant too;
Your faith in Christ is what's required,
To have the victory desired.
-- a.e.g.
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SERMON SERIES
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER
No. 3
ARE YOU DISTRESSED?
I Peter 1:3-6
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations."
Many who read this message will have to answer in the affirmative the question, "Are You Distressed?" Maybe for you distress has been caused by an unhappy family relationship, mounting bills, poor health, or something else equally oppressing. It doesn't matter too much what causes it, the important thing is that it is with you and it weighs heavily upon you, to the point of despair. What can be done about it? Our text throws light on the problem, which we would do well to examine.
FOR A SEASON (6)
Peter would have us remember that this distress is only for a season. " . . . now for a season (for a little while) . . . ye are in heaviness" The season may seem exceedingly long when in the midst of it but in actuality it is very short. When measured with eternity it becomes as nothing. James compares this life to a vapor; when we look back over it from the vantage point of eternity, I am sure our troubles will appear as even less than a vapor.
"Manifold temptations" may have brought you to this place of distress. "Temptations" might better be translated "trials." Our faith is on trial. Each adverse circumstance is another trial to test our faith. But the verdict need not be, guilty. We may be acquitted on every count. We need never succumb to trials. It all depends how we face-up to them.
For the Christians in Asia Minor the trials were "manifold"--manyfold. Many trials of all kinds were heaped upon them. If one time of testing is distressing, what of many times; if one kind of testing is distressing, what of many kinds?
Peter, in this verse (6), presents the great Christian paradox--rejoicing in trials. But how can this be? Our text tells us, in verses three through five. This is the long view. Too often we have the short view. The microscopic view magnifies the trials. The telescopic view, the proper and Biblical one, magnifies eternal realities. When our gaze is fixed on eternity, there remains little space for distress, no matter how many-fold the trials. Peter knew this. Thus he lists for us several truths upon which we can profitably fix our attention. These are things, says he, "Wherein ye (can) greatly rejoice."
ABUNDANT MERCY (3)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again , , , " Compare the two expressions: manifold temptations and abundant mercy. God is a God of mercy--abundant mercy. The world is a place of temptations--manifold temptations. But, be assured, the mercy far outweighs the temptation.. For every trial there is a way of escape. "Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." You can count on it. God said it.
Think along with Peter on some of the expressions of the abundant mercy of God. First:
A LIVELY HOPE (3)
God has "begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Those of us who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are born (begotten) of God unto a lively or living hope. There is another kind of hope, one which dies with the individual. Sometimes it dies before the individual. It often dies when adverse circumstances come crowding in, circumstances which leave in their wake misery and despair. But ours is a living hope. It ceases not at the grave. No set of circumstances can destroy it. Its foundation is laid in the mercy of God. Its guarantee is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Peter writes this, yet he had not always believed this way. He was with the other disciples that gray Sunday morning, three days after their Master (and their hopes) had been nailed to the cross. They mourned and wept as those who were completely bereft of all hope. Mary Magdalene brought them a message of hope, exclaiming that Jesus had arisen. But they believed her not. Two others who had seen Him on the road to Emmaus, told the disciples the good tidings, but neither did they believe them. But then they saw Him with their own eyes. "He appeared to Cephas (Peter); then to the twelve; then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once."
Now Peter writes to distressed Christians in Asia, and in fact everywhere, that theirs is a living hope--one guaranteed to them by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Paul writes a similar message of hope when he says, " . . . knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus . . . ." No dead nor dying hope, this, but one which makes this life worth living and eternity very near and real.
Another expression of the mercy of God is our
INHERITANCE (4)
This should cause the distressed soul to shout for joy. If the living hope is wonderful, how much more is its object--the inheritance? There are no words adequate to describe our blessed inheritance. The best we can do is present it in the negative. It is INcorruptible, UNdefiled, and UNfading.
Being incorruptible it is not subject to decay or dissolution. The opposite is true now. Our autos rust, our clothes become threadbare, our food rots, and even the most precious of all, our bodies waste away. We are indeed creatures of corruption. But, blessed be God, our heavenly inheritance is not subject to corruption. It is eternal prepared by the eternal God.
Our inheritance is undefiled. It is not touched nor tainted by sin. Let me ask: why are you distressed? Let me answer: because sin has produced a set of adverse circumstances in your life. We don't have to meditate long to recall to mind some things which prove us tainted with defilement--the sweat of the brow, the thorn on the rose, the unproductive earth. But our future inheritance is undefiled; "there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth." Oh, abundant mercy of God! How wonderful to know that we shall at last be free, entirely and everlastingly free, from the curse which holds us captive.
Our inheritance is also unfading. Now, we cast our gaze upon an object which is bright and brilliant and beautiful only to look back a short time later and find it dim and dull and repulsive. It shall not be so with our eternal inheritance. Our eyes shall never grow weary beholding its beauty.
This inheritance is "reserved in heaven for you." Somewhere up there there is a door with your name engraved on it. The great Landlord has registered your name, not in the guestbook, but in the book of reservations--the book of life. We shall not be disappointed at the last moment as we are here, at times. We reserve a seat at the game only to have it rained out. Our seat in the auditorium is directly behind a post. Our seat on the train is claimed by another. And so it goes, down here. But our reservation in heaven has been purchased for us by the Owner's own Son. The Owner has promised with His infallible Word that it is kept for us, exclusively. But the reservation must be made now. If you delay, you will surely find a "no-vacancy" sign at the gates of bliss when you think to enter. The flames of hell are reserved for those who delay.
YOU ARE KEPT (5)
As the inheritance is kept for us, just so are we kept for the inheritance. "(You) who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed . . . ." says verse five. "Kept" is a strong word in the original. It should be rendered, "guarded," or "garrisoned." We are garrisoned by the power of God through our faith.
One morning, very early, the servant of the prophet Elisha arose and, as was his custom, went to the city gate to take a refreshing look at the countryside. However, on this particular morning, the view was anything but refreshing. Instead of the tranquil scene he expected, the land was filled with soldiers who were set up in battle array. He knew well what this meant. They had come to take his master prisoner. Running quickly back to his master's quarters, the servant breathlessly poured out his sad news, and exclaimed, "Alas my master! how shall we do? Elisha, man of faith that he was, answered calmly, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." The servant may have looked puzzled at this, but Elisha didn't stop to explain. He prayed, rather, that the man might see what he himself was aware of constantly, that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Faith knew this. The servant had to have his eyes opened to it.
Are you surrounded by the enemy and being stormed with manifold temptations? Have you given way to distress, crying, "Alas what shall I do?" Oh, Christian let God brush from your spiritual eyes the cobwebs of doubt, that you might see clearly, that "If God be for us, who can be against us." and that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" The forces of darkness would drag your poor soul to the pit, but you are guarded by the power of God unto a final and complete salvation. Fear not, therefore. Only believe. Your final deliverance is closer than you may think.
Are you distressed? Look up! "your redemption draweth nigh."
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Have you not lived long enough in (worldly) pleasure? Come and try the pleasures of Christ--forgiveness and a new heart.
-- Robert M. McCheyne
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Christ answers the need of your soul. You are all guilt; He is a fountain to wash you. You are all naked; He has a wedding garment to cover you. You are dead; He is life. You are all wounds and bruises; He is the Balm of Gilead. His righteousness is broader than your sin, and then He is so free.
-- Robert M. McCheyne
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