The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 25:7-11, “After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove,

8 while Paul said in his own defense, ‘I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.’

9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, ‘Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?’

10 But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know.

11 ‘If then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.’”

Legal trials are formidable events, to say the least. Especially is that so when there is no evidence to support the accusations! The Apostle Paul’s experience was exactly that: an accusation without evidence to support it.

The passage above covers what we might call a “pre-trial hearing.” The Gospel message that occasioned the Jewish dislike had brought both parties to Caesarea, where Paul was expected to be tried before Festus, the Governor of Judea. The Jews ostensibly wanted Paul to be tried in Jerusalem, as their plan was to assassinate him en route. Festus was clearly aware of the Jewish plot when he proposed returning to Jerusalem, yet he desired to favor the Jews. Nevertheless, Paul asserted his innocence by effectively saying, “We’re in court now. Let’s do it right here.”

Innocent people are not fearful of being tried, so long as the trial is conducted fairly and honestly. Truth will “always out.” Yet, Paul saw only one legal procedure open to him: he utilized his legal right and appealed to Caesar.

Always, our best recourse is a prayerful appeal to the LORD. Remember, it was at the Sea of Galilee that Jesus healed the speech impediment of a man, saying, “’Ephphatha!’ That is, “Be opened.” And the man began speaking plainly. He can do all things! And He does them well!

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 118:19-25, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous will enter through it.

21 I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 O LORD, do save, we beseech You; O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!”

It’s easy to praise the LORD when things are going well; but when they’re not, it’s quite different.

The psalmist had difficult days, too. One doesn’t have to read many psalms before discovering it.

Yet, when you continue reading, you discover the psalmist’s method for extracting himself from the gloom of difficulties. He simply started praising the LORD! It was “positive thinking” all the way with a sure focus on the LORD!

Life is not always a “bed of roses.” There are many rough roads that we encounter in a single day’s activities. Some jump out at us when we least expect them. Some are of our own doing. Yet, they all serve as distractions, determined to ruin our days – unless we determine otherwise!

One significant factor toward brightening your situation is learning that those who lived in biblical times faced the same negatives that we face today. What’s more, they lacked the facility we possess for correction: the Scriptures! Isaiah says, “Seek from the book of the Lord, and read…” (Isa. 34:16).

You know, we don’t read as much from the Bible as we ought. Oh, but when we’re in trouble, we do! But in those “dry” times of life, it just seems “easier to seek other means.” Want a rich reward? Get into the Book! God’s Book! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re rewarded!

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,

I Chronicles 16:8-15, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.

10 Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.

11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

13 O seed of Israel His servant, Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

14 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded to a thousand generations…”

Singing was always foremost in Israel! The Israelites loved to sing! It was a joyous, melodious method of expressing love and devotion to the LORD. Ninety-nine verses in the Bible, stretching from the book of Exodus to the epistle of James, speak of singing.

I grew up in a church that loved to sing, and the churches I have known over the years that have greatly blessed of the LORD have been churches that emphasized Christ-exalting music! “For this is what the LORD says: ‘Sing aloud with joy for Jacob, and be joyful with the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say ‘LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’” (Jer. 31:7). Hebrews 2:12 says, “I will proclaim Your Name to my brothers, in the midst of the assembly I will sing your praise.”

Spiritual music always has the LORD as its primary focus. It is intended to engender praise in the participants; still, the focus of the people is always to be on the LORD. He is the One we are adoring! He is the One who is worthy of our praise!

“Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea…

Oh, you islands, and those who live on them. Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices…Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains. Let them give glory to the LORD…” (Isa. 42:10-12).

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 119:1-8, “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.

2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.

3 They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways.

4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.

5 Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!

6 Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments.

7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.

8 I shall keep Your statutes; do not forsake me utterly!”

“This is going to be one of the very best days you are ever going to have!” How many of us have received such a greeting when we ventured into something that we’d never before encountered? It was simultaneously exciting and somewhat fearful, all wrapped together.

This Psalm involves something of that mystery! The idea that those who have observed the testimonies of the LORD are blessed is balanced with “Oh that my ways may be established…” It’s that latter phrase that seems to indicate that “my ways” are not yet all that they ought to be. At the same time, there is no clear indication that we cannot achieve all that the LORD desires for our lives. We simply must comport with His desire.

There is nothing but joy that He desires for us. It all clearly depends upon our willingness to do things His way. Note the excitement of the one who elects to keep His commandments. There is no shame; only thanksgiving with joy. Yes, there is a “learning curve” to His ways. No spiritual child becomes a spiritual adult overnight. His Word leads us into righteous paths that experience the warmth of spiritual sunlight. It’s not an overnight venture; but it’s exciting all the same, and joyously rewarding all the way!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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 16:1-11, “Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.

2 I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’

3 “As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, nor will I take their names upon my lips.

5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.

6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

8 I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.

10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

11 You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

The distractions of this world are enormous! We are virtually surrounded by “things” that desire to blind us from the meaningful things of life. The glitter attracts and opens the door for our entrance into the lesser and meaningless, mindless avenues of destructive activity. They look so inviting, yet when they disappear, we’re left empty – cheated of time and the truly productive activities that have been robbed by the clock!

The Psalmist surely experienced something similar because he has certainly rushed into the safety and refuge of the LORD. Catching his breath, as it were, he then speaks forthrightly of the superiority of the LORD’s blessings – blessings set before us as a fruitful table of delights!

“The LORD is the portion of my inheritance…,” he cries aloud. “My heritage is beautiful to me…I will bless the LORD, who has counseled me…” My heart is glad and my glory rejoices… Your presence is fullness of joy…” and “…there are pleasures forever.”

All of this encourages the true and hungry believer to forgo the worldly clutter-counters of mankind and feast at the Majestic Table of the LORD! Give yourself to prayer and study of the Word He has set before you! Your life will be enriched beyond your wildest dreams! His Word is Wonderful!

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