The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:1-4, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints…”

Who are you, and why are you what you are? Have you ever thought about that? Paul knew who he was, and he knew why.

Paul was an “apostle.” An apostle is a messenger. Paul was a messenger of Jesus Christ. He carried the message of Jesus

wherever he went. Why? because sharing the message is according to the will of God. The LORD wills that none should perish,

but that “all should come to repentance” (II Pet. 3:9).

The LORD Himself gives grace to all His people, including His messengers. It is to our advantage that He gives us grace. He

also give us peace. In turn, we are to give thanks to God, who is the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ. Jesus is the One who

gives CHRISTmas its meaning. Far too much emphasis is laid upon material gifts. Far too little emphasis is given to Christ.

Paul highlighted the giving of thanks to God –something we do too little of, as well. Paul also prayed almost incessantly for

the Colossians. We could understand his prayer for the lost, but why would he emphasize prayers for the Colossians? Could

it be that he recognized that prayer for the Colossian Christians’ faith and love would increase to the glory of God? And the

basic requirement for the lost to be saved is for believers to share their faith.

Think all of this through. Maybe you need to re-read the verses above. Assess your position with the LORD and with His

will for your life. How long has it been since you prayed for others? your parents? your children? your Church? your pastor?

missionaries? Christian radio and television? the President? the Presidential Cabinet? Congress? your friends? those who are

committed to protect you: your police? your first-responders? Push your prayers to a higher level. No more “for all those for

whom it is my duty to pray.” That’s puerile, childish. Grow in your prayer life, and you will grow in your witnessing, and in your

love for your fellow-believers.

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.”