The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3, “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father…”

First Thessalonians was the first letter the Apostle Paul ever wrote. He greets the Thessalonians in the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ, adding “Grace to you and peace.” Grace is the beneficence God brings to us through His death and resurrection; it is always to our advantage. Peace is the serenity God brings to our hearts and lives. Grace always preceeds peace. Now, we can understand why the world-at-large is devoid of peace. It has not received His grace.

Notice that the Thessalonian Church was hard at work sharing the love and grace of God with others.

It doesn’t take much to encourage others. Rose Marie and I were at the clinic getting her procrit shot yesterday. A young girl across from us was receiving medication through an IV drip. Two friends were with her, and they were having a great time talking and laughing joyously, Undoubtedly, it was their intended effort to encourage the girl who was being treated. As we started to leave, I walked up to them, excused my intrution, and said, “You all are having so much fun! It reminds me of the Bible verse that says, “A merry heart does good like a medicine.” We talked for a few moments and I assured them I would be praying for them. The girl who was a patient was on the verge of tears when she said, “You have made my day.” She didn’t know it, but the LORD had made mine! He always does when we obey His voice.

It doesn’t take much to encourage others, especially if they have not received God’s grace. I didn’t preach to them. I didn’t tell them anything about myself. I simply used sentences that contained the words “Bible” and “prayer.” It was a sowing of the seed.

Now, it’s your turn. Just notice someone in need today and share what the Spirit gives you to share. You will both be blessed.

We’re praying for you; do, please, pray for us, too,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”