The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 28:15, “And the brethren, when they heard about us,

came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns

to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”

This verse is by no means the most powerful one in this chapter.

Still, I was fixated on it as I read it. “Paul…took courage.” Paul

was always encouraging others. Did he need encouragement?

Apparently so. In fact, we all need encouragement, despite the

fact that we may be focused on encouraging others. By the grace

of our LORD Jesus, I’ve never been really despondent to the point

of just giving up. But, I have had some “low moments” that were

only erased by encouragement from the Bible and from Christian

friends. We don’t want to dwell on the discouraging things in

life, but we sometimes just need a spiritual nudge to remind

us that the LORD is in His Heavens and all is well. Let this short

reminder be that nudge to you today.

We LOVE you more than you will ever know,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 27:22-25, “’Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage,

for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

23 “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and

whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul;

you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you

all those who are sailing with you.” 25 ‘Therefore, keep up your courage,

men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.’”

There were no night-vision goggles in Paul’s day. It may have been

a blessing that there weren’t. Sometimes fear comes as much from

what we can see as from what we can’t. Further, it is difficult to

encourage others when we are fearful ourselves. Yet, Paul was the

encourager onboard that ship. Ever since his experience with the

Glory of the LORD on the Damascus Road, he was confident that

the LORD was His strength and guide. So, he was able to say, “I

believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.”

Paul’s kind of faith doesn’t come from a now-and-then kind of

fellowship with God. Christ was Paul’s life! He said, “To me to

live is Christ…” (Phil. 1:21). Be encouraged today! And be an

encourager of others. Your LORD just doesn’t make mistakes.

Oh, how we love you guys!

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 26:2, “’In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews,

I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my

defense before you today…’”

I’ve been accused of a lot of things of which I was not guilty. It’s not a

pleasant experience, to be sure. It’s easy to get mad and slammed your

accusers. But Paul, when accused of wrong doing, maintained a cheerful

composure and a clear head. The word translated “fortunate” (????????)

means blessed or happy. Emotions get in the way of clear-headedness.

Stay calm and the LORD will be your voice. He will win the day!

Love you all immensely,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 23:16-17, “But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush,

and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called

one of the centurions to him and said, ‘Lead this young man to the

commander, for he has something to report to him.’”

Never underestimate yourself. You may not possess the qualities

of someone older, but everything you have and know is from the

LORD and for His purpose and glory. ~ Kids are everywhere in

Israel! The streets are filled with them. One kid came up to me

and asked, “Do you know where the USA is?” I replied that I did.

Then he said, “It’s in the middle of Jerusalem.” Think about that

for a minute. ~ How Paul’s nephew negotiated the barracks where

Paul was being held is anyone’s guess. But he had heard the Jews

who were plotting against Paul and he reported it. Everything

turned in Paul’s favor because of what the boy did. How much

has the LORD used you in things you’ve not noticed?

May the LORD bless and use you today,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 20:22-24 “’And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem,

not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly

testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.

24 “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may

finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify

solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.’”

Everywhere Paul went, he met trouble. Yet, nothing deterred him. He listened

intently to the Holy Spirit and followed His leading. Paul knew that multiple

afflictions were awaiting him in Jerusalem, but he forged onward. He was not

concerned for his life; his only concern was the ministry the LORD had given

him. He just wanted everyone to know about Jesus! ~ Are we like Paul? Well,

we may have troubles, but it’s doubtful they are because we are outspoken

concerning Jesus. Have you led anyone to faith in Jesus? That’s why we’re

here, you know. No, we don’t all have the same opportunities; but are we

prayerful and concerned for the lost? Think about it.

Love and peace be yours today,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas