The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Can you recall an instance in your life where you disobeyed your parents? You knew you had

done wrong and feared facing them. If you understand what that was like, you understand why

you sometimes don’t want to read the Bible.

Paul describes the Word of God as “living” (???, the essence of life), “powerful” (???????, able to cause

something to happen). The Word “pierces” (??????????, penetrates, goes through) the deepest areas of

our minds, resurrecting old forgotten sins –sins that we wanted to forget, but need to confess that we

might be forgiven. Still wondering why you often don’t want to read the Bible?

I once had a secretary, who just could not understand how the Bible could “judge the thoughts and

intentions of (her) heart.” She was young in the faith at that time and the limit of her understanding

could be overlooked. She knows now and has for many years!

Pastors and Bible teachers often touch those “sore spots” in our lives –those places we don’t want

to remember. Has someone told them about you? No, their study of the Word alone and the

leadership of the Holy Spirit to preach and teach that Word is what is occurring. I’ve often been

accused of preaching something I’ve learned about someone’s life. The truth was, however, that I

was simply presenting a message I had learned from my study of the Bible. That’s why we need

pastors who do careful study and why we need to take seriously what they say.

The way to be eager to hear your pastor is to confess to God your known sins before the pastor

Preaches. You’ll find the Bible easier to read, too. It is the LORD’s spiritual food prepared daily

for our consumption. Now, let’s all eat!

You are loving kept in our daily prayers,

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.”