The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:17-18, “Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.”

I once received a check, but had no idea from whom it had come. You see, the sender forgot to sign it! I finally realized who the sender was and wrote him a poem, including the check that lacked his signature. It was a risk because he could have been offended, but being a Christian, he took my humor in good sorts, and returned the check with his signature.

Almost every Christmas or birthday, someone in the family receives a card from someone who failed to sign it. Sometimes we figure it out, and sometimes we never know. Yet, there is no question concerning the origin of good and perfect things. They all come from the LORD! Good (agathos) also means “kindness” or “generous.” Perfect (teleios) means “complete.” It has reached its ultimate; it is thoroughly mature. Nothing better can be viewed or known.

All of this relates to the LORD God Almighty! He is always seen as “Above”; thus, blessings “coming down” are to be always viewed as from Him alone. His identity as “the Father of lights” notes Him as Creator. At the same time, He is in contrast with the heavenly “lights,” such as the sun, moon and start. The sun varies in its intensity of heat. The LORD does not vary. The sun causes “shifting (of) shadow(s).” The LORD is always the same.

Everything good and perfect that occurs in life is “the exercise of His will.” Our salvation, too, was the exercise of His will. His Truth, whether proclaimed from the pulpit or shared by a friend, brought about our salvation. Yet, we are but the “first fruits” in our generation. His purpose in reaching us with His Good News is that we might, in turn, reach others with it, also.

Are you reaching others? Is that your basic intention each day? Are you praying for someone who needs salvation? Gifts that are given on special occasions should not be left unused. The givers want to see that you appreciated their gifts. So, it with the LORD. When we appreciate His gift of salvation, we want to share it. And that is exactly what He wants, as well.T

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(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.”