The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 5:13-18, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’

15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”

“Freedom” is surely one of the cardinal words in the English language! I am not familiar with the word in Farsi, but it is—as of this hour—a signal word in the country of Iran! The regime that has dominated the country for multiple years is now in full retreat! Three principal cities have broken free! What’s more, Crown Prince Pahlavi, who has been in exile for many years, has committed himself to return and govern the nation. The people are excited beyond belief!

“Freedom,” in any language, in any country, in any life is of inestimable value! Yet, it is more than supreme when it has meaning spiritually. The Apostle Paul writes that we “were called to freedom.” Christ Jesus has issued that call. Bound in slavery by the chains of sin, His death and resurrection set free each and every person who accepts Him as Savior and Lord.

Knowing human nature, as I do, I am confident that there were or are those in Iran today who considered themselves free when they were not. You may be like that—thinking you are free when you truly are not. Only knowing Jesus—being committed to Him—sets you truly free.

Trust Him today. Just pray, admit, and confess your sins to Him. He will forgive you completely.

How will you know you’re forgiven? Believe me, you will know! Just don’t forget to say, “Thank you!” It’s a whole new life!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Psalm 40:13-17, “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; Make haste, O LORD, to help me.

14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those

be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt.

15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, ‘Aha, aha!’

16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’

17 Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer. Do not delay, O my God.”

Psalm 70:1-8, “O God, hasten to deliver me; O LORD, hasten to my help!

2 Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; let those be turned back and dishonored who delight in my hurt.

3 Let those be turned back because of their shame who say, ‘Aha, aha!’

4 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified.’

5 But I am afflicted and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer. O LORD, do not delay.”

Whenever we’re in trouble, we immediately seek someone to help! The one we seek is the one who is competent and nearby.

These two Psalms depict the cry of someone in desperate need! Thus, “hasten” is always a principal word! Time is the designation of utmost importance! “Haste” and “Hasten” are doubly needed in our day! “Help” is the cry of each! And help is exactly what we need!

Still, caution squeezes itself into both verses. It is an ingredient that on our part must never be ignored! Its action, however, must always be tempered, so as to avoid crying “Wolf, wolf,” and drawing unprepared helpers into the fray.

In each instance in the above verses, “hasten” is properly tempered and addressed to the only One competent to hear and respond. The LORD is truly our best and only help in time of trouble!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Luke 8:22-25, “Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out.

23 But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.

24 They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.

25 And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?”

I’ve had the privilege of ministering in Mexico numerous times, and I’ve always enjoyed the people there. On one occasion, I learned of a man who had encountered such severe difficulties that he simply determined to end his life. There was no way out! He ripped off his shirt and climbed up on a bridge determined to jump to his death—when something strange hit his chest. He quickly climbed down and looked to see what had hit him. It was a tract—a gospel tract! Stunned by what had happened, he sat down and read it. The tract told of Jesus, who gave His life on the cross for the sins of all mankind—the same sins that had convinced the man to end his life.

Broken in heart, the man wept profusely as he prayed for forgiveness for what he had nearly done. Christ then entered into his heart, and he arose and returned home rejoicing!

How could something like this happen? It happened because of Jesus! It is He who “commands even the winds,” and they obey Him. Jesus is ever and always available to rescue the human heart from sin and destruction. Some simply don’t know where to look for help. Others believe that no one can help them because they’ve gone too far!

No one is beyond the reach of Jesus! No one! He died and was buried; but He arose from the dead, proving that His power exceeds that of the “winds and the water.” Whatever your trouble, it’s never too late! You just have to call on Him.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 3:5-12, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

There is no question but that these are practical words of wisdom from the LORD. We are to trust the LORD thoroughly and unconditionally, knowing that He knows everything even before it occurs, and will always direct us safely through every difficult encounter.

We must always completely rely upon Him, whether or not we understand His instruction or the direction of His leadership. His wisdom always enables us to avert evil and avoid the hurt that evil inevitably brings.

Irrespective of His incalculable wealth, our offerings, like small, thoughtful gifts, lovingly honor and bless Him, respecting His goodness to us.

We can rest with assurance that His discipline will be applied, not because He delights in administering it, but because it’s beneficial to our behavior in all matters of life. The end result is that we learn, and our deportment in life redounds to His honor and glory!

The LORD, therefore, delights in His children and rejoices in their love. May He ever be praised and loved for His multiplied blessings!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Did you ever get into such a hurry that everything you intended to do just turned sideways? I’m sure you have. I know I have! We live in a topsy-turvy world!

Has it ever seemed to you that “people,” that is, other people, were the cause of our troubles? Well, we all face days that feel like a “scramble.” We race from one thing to the next, trying to hold everything together; doing our best to accomplish something worthwhile.

Yet, even in the rush, the LORD never loses sight of us. His peace isn’t fragile, and His presence isn’t hurried. When we quiet our hearts and lift our eyes and hearts to Him, the “scramble” miraculously turns into “surrender!” At that juncture, what once seemed chaotically out of control begins to take shape under His calm, yet firm direction.

You know what we need to do? We need to be still and remember that the LORD is in control. Why, He’s Master of Everything! Yes, we learned that in Sunday School when we were just kids. We didn’t know all that was wrapped up in “stillness” back then, did we? Maybe it’s time we learned!

“That all sounds good,” you say; “but how will we know whether it works for us?”

Most things work if we just try them. If something’s worth doing, it’s surely worth a try. Maybe if we were just “still” for a time, the LORD would make Himself known to us. If we’re even still a bit longer, He might just solve one or more of those troublesome problems we have. For my part, I think it’s worth examination. After all, He is God. And we’ve always been taught that He can do anything – provided, of course, that it’s timely and commensurate with His will and character.

Remember the challenge of Jehoshaphat: “Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Put your trust in the LORD your God and you will endure. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed” (v. 21). The LORD is no less capable today than then. It looks like a decision for our trust.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom