The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:10-14, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me;

indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every

circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and

suffering need.

13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.”

In previous letters, we have noted that the Scriptures teach that the LORD is all-powerful, stronger in all

matters than we could evem imagine. Paul teaches this throughout his letters to various churches. So, the

question arises, why then does it matter whether the churches –or we — pray about troublesome

circumstances in our lives or the lives of others? Additionally, why is it necessary to give money or food or

anything to those in need? The LORD can provide.

Paul covers that when he says that he knows “how to get along with humble means.” Undoubtedly, he means

that the LORD is both capable and willing to meet his needs whatever they be and whenever he needs them.

Yet, his last verse arrests my full attention: “Nevertheless, you have done well to share…in my afflictions.”

Does that sound to you as if he views our attention to others’ needs as beneficial to us as well as to them?

The LORD is certainly capable of meeting the needs of churches, pastors, missionaries, evangelists –every

aspect of His work in sharing the Gospel. I mean, He is capable on His own! He doesn’t need us to do it!

Am I seeking to dissuade you from supporting the LORD’s work? Not at all! If we give everything we have,

He is able to re-supply us. Then, why don’t we trust Him to do it? Of course, the rewards He will one day

distribute to His faithful believers, will leave us bereft if we choose to hoard what He has given us. He wants

to develop our faith in Him. If we can trust Him to have saved us, why do we not trust Him to supply our

physical needs here on Earth? Don’t be stingy with God! “Give and it shall be given unto you…” (Lk 6:38).

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.”