The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 1:14-18, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me, and found me– 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day– and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.”

At one point in my life, I worked as a salesman for cooking products: pots and pans. I showed and showed the products to family, friends, and to “cold contacts,” as we termed those who saw them for the first time. I met a salesman in Australia and asked him how many times salespeople had to show or display the wares to someone before he bought them. What he told me was not encouraging! I have read that actual research shows that the “magic number” lies in the range of five to twelve. Some researchers say seven.

We do not always appear “successful” when we witness to others about Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, when we are faithful, we are spiritually successful. The “treasure” of which Paul speaks relates to the doctrine that we learn from Scripture. The Holy Spirit, Who indwells every committed believer in Christ, has deposited the Word in us. That Word is the treasure. Not everyone who hears the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, comes to faith in Him. That’s what Paul meant when he said “all who are in Asia turned away from me.” He did not appear to be “successful” with the Asians, but when he ministered God’s Word faithfully, he was successful in the eye of the LORD.

As a Christian, you may sometimes appear to be in the minority, maybe even alone; but there are always a believer who will stand with you. Phygelus, Hermonogenes and Onesiphorus stood with Paul. They were true friends, whom the LORD placed alongside Paul to encourage him in the work of the ministry. Don’t ever fear of being alone. When you share the Word, publicly or privately, the truths of Isaiah 55:11 are always operational. Just be faithful. The LORD sometimes tests our spiritual stability against the world’s resistance. Just keep on being faithful! Jesus is Coming Again and He will richly reward you!

May the Holy Spirit guard and preserve you for Christ’s glory,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

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.”