The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 15:4-6, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction,

that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the

same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; 6 that with one accord you may

with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

New Year’s Resolutions are remarkable things; but, quite honestly, they

rarely work. Have you ever decided, “Now, this year, I’m going to read

the Bible through”? You meant well, but after you got into Leviticus or

Numbers, you just got discouraged and gave up. Let me help a bit.

Paul clearly tells us in the verses above that the Old Testament was

written “for our instruction.” He proves that in the verses that follow

what we’ve written above. (Read verses 9 through 12, where Paul quotes

from Psalm 18, Deuteronomy 32, Psalm 117, and Isaiah 11.) These verses

–and others—are for our perseverance (??????? hupomone, patient

endurance) and encouragement (?????????? paraklesis, comfort,

consolation).

And where do perseverance and encouragement originate? God

gives them! But why? Why does He put all of that in the Bible in

the first place? He does so that we might see how He deals with

us as human beings, and that we might glorify Him, “the God and

Father of our LORD Jesus Christ.” Sure, you can skip the tough

stuff and just read what flows easily. But, you’ll miss a HUGE part

of what He intends for you to know. Don’t you want to know the

WHOLE STORY? You bet you do! So, pick out a Guide and get

started (https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/)!

Love and prayers for a Blessed New Year,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”