The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute,

if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

For many of us, school is once again in session. Ah, and once again I am reading

student papers –testimonies of their lives and faith, or lack of it. The problems

they have previously faced are due to their lack of adherence to the verse above.

Some have lacked the correct instruction from their parents. Subsequently, they

have listened and followed the ways of their classmates. They wanted to be liked

by others, so they behaved like others. The simply dwelled on the wrong things.

And in the end, they plunged themselves deeply into sorrow and regret.

Set your thoughts on Jesus and the directive of His Word! To do so is to build a

life of spiritual and physical fulfillment. There is no better way!

Love and prayers,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Luke 9:28-31, “Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. 30 And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, 31 who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

The true glory and brilliance of the LORD Jesus Christ overshadowed what His

disciples and the people normally saw of Him. Only the three disciples were

permitted to witness this revelation of His brightness! Moses and Elijah were

there. Moses had died, but was alive here, proving that death is not the final

stage of man’s existence. Elijah had not died. He was caught up to Heaven

without the experience of death. Moses represents the dead in Christ; Elijah

represents those who will be alive when Christ comes for His Church. Both

are the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:3ff. ~ The glory and power

of Jesus is far more than we know! Faith (belief, trust) is the key to our

understanding.

We love you more than you know,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Luke 6:40, “’A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone,

after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.’”

Some teachers train pupils by telling them what to believe.

Others, train pupils by showing them how to behave. Both

methods have their merits. But even more important is who

the teacher is! Who is teaching you? Sometimes, we don’t

have a choice, say in school. But we do have the right and

responsibility for whether we follow the instructions and

behavior of our teachers. Choose carefully! Jesus is the

Greatest Teacher! His teachings and behavior cannot be

superseded! Always pattern your behavior after Him.

We love you and pray for you daily,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Deuteronomy 33:27, “’The eternal God is a dwelling place,

And underneath are the everlasting arms…’”

Moses had come to the end of his life. He was blessing his

sons, the 12 tribes of Israel, noting the positives and negatives

of their individual lives. He admonishes them to serve the

LORD, saying, “The eternal God is a dwelling place,” all security

lies within Him. His arms are that security, and it is everlasting!

Although stated thousands of years ago, this simple word should

serve to encourage us, regardless of what difficulties we might

encounter. Just live in the LORD and trust Him daily! He is there

for us however devastating life might appear.

We love you in Christ’s Love,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your

hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I have a good friend I’ve never met. He lives in a far-away state and worries a lot.

He sends me “doom and gloom” email about things he believes are going to happen

to the world. ~ The Apostle Paul had friends like this, too. He told them –and us—

“STOP WORRYING!” Just pray and thank the LORD for what He has done and is

continuing to do on our behalf. When we follow that instruction, God’s peace

overflows into our lives! It is a peace beyond what we can imagine or explain.

And it signals the LORD’s guardianship over our innermost selves. Trust & Obey!

Love you all super immensely,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas