The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come…
13 …evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing
from whom you have learned them;
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the
wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness;
17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Have you ever noticed how some people can say more with less words while others can say less with more words? It’s an interesting phenomenon. Paul is of the former group, and in verses two through 12, he lists some 20 evil, dispickable attitudes and expressions that characterized his world, and now characterize ours!

I find it interesting how I continue today to lean upon teachings I received in the past. Parents and pastors alike taught me the truths of Scripture that formed my belief-system. Confidence in teachers is an invaluable trait. Teaching, however, is more than wordy instruction; it is life that is patterned after Christ and lived before us day-by-day. Scripture provides the instruction; a godly teacher, led by the Holy Sprit, demonstrates the instruction in life. That’s what made Paul
the valuable, godly teacher he was.

We all value things of importance. There is nothing more important than the secure knowledge of Holy Scripture. It serves us in the most difficult of times, keeping us on course –the course our Heavenly Father designed and set forth in His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. There is no better way! It’s not always an easy course, but as life draws hurredly toward an end, it becomes our chief comfort. Do you have that comfort? It’s available for everyone who will believe.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

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

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 2:1-9, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.
6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel,
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.”
There’s a children’s song I remember from my childhood days. It says —
I may never march in the infantry,
Ride in the cavalry,
Shoot the artillery;
I may never fly ‘ore the enemy,
But I’m in the Lord’s army!
There are a lot of things a soldier must be; and strong is the first one! But in the LORD’s army, it’s not physical strength that’s needed so much as grace (kindness). All soldiers anticipate suffering. That’s true of Christian soldiers, too. But as we live and witness for Him, our sustenance lies in the grace He gives us. “Suffer hardship with me,” Paul says. Don’t get entangled with things of everyday life.

Paul then moves from a military analogy to that of an athlete. Athletes must train with a focus toward winning! They have to keep their minds on the ultimate prize! Think, too, of the farmer. He labors for the reward his crops bring. Each of these analogies speak of the Christian in his ministry for the LORD. Stay focused, believer! The LORD gives us understanding as we read and study His Word.

Keep your focus on Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, and arose from the dead to enable our justifiication before God the Father. Don’t worry about the suffering you encounter for being a Christian. Jesus suffered far more than we ever could. Just remember: “the Word of God is not imprisoned.” When you share it, it goes exactly where the LORD wants it to go. It pierces the human heart; it’s never wasted. Sometimes we have to knock repeatedly before someone comes to the door. So it is with witnessing. Just keep on keeping on! And thank the LORD for His enabling strength! His reward lies in eternity.

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

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me– to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Yesterday’s Letter spoke of freedom that the LORD bestows upon us when we trust Him as LORD and Savior of our lives. Yet, here Paul speaks to us of “a thorn in the flesh” –his flesh! Why is it there? Why is it allowed? It is allowed “to keep (Paul) from exalting (himself)” –to keep him from boasting of his accomplishments.

Exactly, what this “thorn” was has been the concern of countless biblical scholars. Paul’s letter to the Galatians contained this verse: “For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). Nevertheless, the identity of the “thorn” is of less value than its purpose. Even Paul was subject to some degree of vanity –and his prayer was that it might be eradicated completely from his life!

The freedom which we have in Christ does not excuse our human pride; it does not allow it!
So, if we have an ongoing twitch in our eye or a lisp in our speech, it is there to remind us that we are not without the need of Him. The ministry to which He has assigned us demands humility. Humility allows us to speak in love and graciousness. Arrogance produces harshness that, in turn, signals less concern for the message.

It’s really of no consequence what others think of us or what they do to us. What should concern us is their acceptance of Christ as LORD and Savior of their lives. Nothing must impede the power of the Message. So, if we’re in need of a “thorn,” we may rest assurred that Christ will see that we get it.

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

Dear Grands,

John 8:30-36, “As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.
35 “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.
36 “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Freedom is much in the thinking of people today. True freedom is a valued concept of life. Every decision in life has its birth through freedom. We think we decide when to be active and when to rest; yet rest itself is decided apart from the human will. The fatigue from work invades our bodies and determines our need to rest; thus, we are not truly free.

The circumstances of life occasion some to join the ranks of the military. Once within those ranks, however, the soldiers are no longer free. They eat, train and obey according to the will of others of higher rank. How then can one ever truly become free?

Jesus contended that “everyone who commits sin, it the slave of sin.” One may think he is free, when he is actually in bondage to sin. Sin binds us tightly to its own will and denies us freedom. It is the truth alone that makes us free. Jesus said, “’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’” (Jn. 14:6). It is Jesus Christ alone who frees us from the bondage of sin.

As Jesus died on the cross, a dying thief said to Him, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Jesus’ promise was, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). It doesn’t take long to gain true freedom. It only requires the true and faithful submission of your human will to Jesus. Have you submitted yourself to Jesus Christ? It’s an act of true faith. If you have yet to trust Him, why not do it right now? He wills to free you completely! Tell Him you trust Him, and grasp and taste His true freedom! There’s nothing like it anywhere else.

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

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.”

Have you ever spoken to yourself? “Well, goodnight, Jeffries! What do you think you’re doing?” It’s a gentle rebuke for not having done something the correct way. Most of the occasions of blessing in Scripture are those where God is invoked to bless us. Here, however, the psalmist David, addresses himself when he says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul…” It is not a rebuke; it’s the equivalent to kneeling before the LORD in reverent honor. Linked with the blessing is his self-reminder not to forget the benefits the LORD had previousl bestowed upon him.

How often we thank the LORD rather glibly saying, “Thank you, LORD, for all Your blessings.”
David, however, particularizes the blessings with seven notations. Pardon speaks of the forgiveness of sins. David had committed his share of sins, as have we. Heals is the recognition of God as the Great Physician. Yes, we have doctors; yet believers always look to the LORD to guide the doctors as they assist us in the healing process.

It is the LORD alone, who redeems (“buys us back”) from the pit, the destruction that would have swallowed us and choked out our very lives. Who wants to own a destitute sinner? Only the LORD wants us, for He can cleanses us of our sin and make us useful to His holy cause.
Then He crowns (atar) or encircles us defensively and faithfully, so as to protect us from all harm. Further, He satisfies (saba) us with “good things,” as neither we nor others could do, and He restores our youthfulness (something we truly appreciate as we grow older!).

Finally, He performs (accomplishes, asah) righteousness and justice, replacing the wrongs that were done against us. Have you ever wondered whether you would be found “not guilty” for the wrongs done against you? Here is your answer! The LORD takes care of that Himself, eliminating any boasting, had we sought to take care of it ourselves. We are not alone in any difficulty when we belong to the LORD! Now, we can join with David in saying, “Bless the LORD… bless His holy name.” He deserves our recognition of His divine performance.

Heartily in Christ,

(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