The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:19-27, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer, but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Have you ever read the Scriptures and then asked yourself, “Why does it speak so soundly to me?” Ouch! That is my question. I’ve always been slower to hear, but quicker to speak, each of which is clearly contrary to Scripture! Yes, there is hope! To my credit (if there’s any left), I have earnestly endeavored to put away every negative thing that once selfishly invaded my life. If you have invasions like that, there is an answer: prayerful commitment to the LORD daily! I wish you every blessing on your journey. The LORD is clearly able to affect His powerful control over your life, too!

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 3:1-8, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
5 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.”

Notice how the negatives in these verses precede enforcement of the positives. Notice also how the requirements always precede the rewards. It’s a divine pattern that always precedes life. It was true in Old Testament days, and it remains true today.

Each “no” in life precedes a “yes.” Parents cry “No!” to their children before they say “yes.” Eventually, however, teachings become more positive and overtake the negatives as the child grows and learns.

All of this naturally becomes the pattern in our spiritual lives. The Ten Commandments, although eternally existent, recede somewhat into the background, as the positives of the New Testament format and shape our lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

We must rejoice in the divine play our LORD has for us! And rejoice we will, as we grow to understand His plan for us! What a plan! What a life! What a Savior!

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 50:14-23, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High;

15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

16 But to the wicked God says, “What right have you to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth?”

17 “For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you.

18 “When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you associate with adulterers.

19 “You let your mouth loose in evil and your tongue frames deceit.

20 “You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.

21 “These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.

22 “Now consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.

23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright, I shall show the salvation of God.”

Would I not be correct, were I to say that you and I each speak differently to various persons that we know? Of course we do! Parents speak “down” to their children, “up” to their elders, and “face-to-face” with those who are socially equal.

So does the LORD. In verses 14 and 15 above, He speaks to those He intends to rescue. The remainder of His discourse concerns those who are evil. Yet, they pretend to be His affiliates and speak of Him, yet they characterize the very evil the LORD denounces. They have forgotten God!

Most sincerely, I trust that you have not forgotten Him. I pray that your life reflects the very characteristics of a true believer! Pray for me, too. For I am subject to the same verbal traps as you! Surely, our chief desire is to radiate His love to others; and to do so, we must be firmly attached to Him, thinking and speaking only that which exalts our wonderful LORD!

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 91:1-7, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence
4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.”

The rescue of the American pilot, who was recently shot down in Iran, is undoubtedly one of the most incredible events in all of human history! Parachuting from his plane, then scrambling for his life and hiding until he could activate the apparatus that would lead his searchers to his location… it was all amazingly unique!

Then, add to all of that, he thanked the LORD for His protection; not only for himself but for those who diligently hunted for him! All the while, he was under enemy fire! The man was indeed “dwelling in the shelter of the Most High,” the Almighty!

Danger is hardly a friend to any of us. Yet, prayer summons the activity of our Heavenly Father, who is always alert to the trouble His people encounter. Never fear asking Him anything. He is indeed “a very present 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,

Psalm 91:1-7, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence
4 He will cover you with His pinions, And bunder His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.”

The rescue of the American pilot, who was recently shot down in Iran, is undoubtedly one of the most incredible events in all of human history! Parachuting from his plane, then scrambling for his life and hiding until he could activate the apparatus that would lead his searchers to his location… it was all amazingly unique!

Then, add to all of that, he thanked the LORD for His protection—not only for himself but for those who diligently hunted for him! All the while, he was under enemy fire! The man was indeed “dwelling in the shelter of the Most High,” the Almighty!

Danger is hardly a friend to any of us. Yet, prayer summons the activity of our Heavenly Father, who is always alert to the trouble His people encounter. Never fear asking Him anything. He is indeed “a very present 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