The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 103:1-6, “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds, and judgments for all who are oppressed.”

It is granted, that we do not live in the most delightful days of our existence. It becomes easier by the day to fall into line with the critics, who preach doom and gloom. But I awoke this morning with this opening verse
on my mind: “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

It so easy to “think downwardly.” Why is that? Could it be because we are fallen creatures? Do not those without hope languish in the swamps of doom and gloom? Swamps are never that deep, but how do we extracate ourselves from them? David teaches that we should think of the multiple blessings and benefits of the LORD. Focus on the good He has done for us. We who know the LORD have a sensitive conscience. But the LORD pardons those inquities that seek to pull us down.

There are a host of BIG MEN in our world. Occasionally, I encounter them in what could be a collision. I then say, quite apologetically, “Don’t worry, I never mess with guys who are bigger than I am!” It always brings a laugh. Big Men know they are big and they want you to know it, too. If we can have that attitude toward other beings like ourselves, why cannot we have such an attitudinal encounter with God?

We have been rescued from various diseases over the course of our lives. We have no fear of death because we know the LORD God resurrected His Son Jesus from death! Focus on His love and His compassion – those factors that bring blessings and produce satisfaction in life. There’s an old saying that “you’re as young as we feel.” David possessed that feeling. His youth was “renewed like th eagle.” Nothing keeps an eagle down! It soars higher and higher and then floats freely and majestically through the air without a care.

Let’s put the “doom and gloom” behind us. Let’s focus fully on the LORD! Greater days lie ahead! Bless the LORD! Praise His Holy Name! He will continue to “perform righteous deeds,” and He will properly arrange things for all who find ourselves currently oppressed.” May God bless us abundantly –and our nation!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom