The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 119:30-36, “I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!
32 I shall run the way of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain.”

If ever there were a time when we need to heed the Word of God, it is today! The psalmist says, “I have chosen the faithful way…” He then thoughtfully links what he is about to say with truths that are contained in the Word of God!

Are we like that today? Are honesty, truthfulness and absolute integrity our way today? Are our leaders believably honest men and women?
If our observations are honest, we must admit that much of what we hear and observe falls far short of even the flimsiest definition of “truth.”
I observe attorneys and members of the clergy, both of whom should
know what it means to tell the truth, openly lie, and so blatantly, that they embrace as “true” the numerous untruths which they themselves then perpetrate upon others.

Whatever happened to truly honest men and women? I’ve had friends
upon whom I could always count to tell the truth, although fewer now than earlier in life. Still, I praise the LORD for the truthful friends I have. At the same time, I myself have the responsibility to be truthful to all with whom I engage in spiritual and generaal discussions.

We need to regularly examine ourselves, like when we brush our teeth. Do we always tell the truth? Do we clearly understand that lying or “skirting” the truth is sin? Do we not know that Christ died on the cross for what we erroneously call “little sins”?

We need to chose the faithful way, the honest way –the only way that pleases Jesus! Funny thing, when we please Him, we find ourselves
pleasing others and ourselves as well.

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,

Romans 13:1-4, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

Listen and read that first verse one more time: “Every person is to be
in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”

There is no exception! Governors, Kings, Congressmen, Senators, Presidents -there is no authority that exceeds the authority of Allmighty God! Yet, listen to
all who perceive that they (and they alone) are in charge!

The LORD –and He alone— is in charge! Everything good has come from His hand; thus, everything falls under His purview! Let those who challenge the
LORD beware! Read again verses 3 and 4 above. He holds a sword that has
always succeeded in opposing evil; and He praises those who do good toward
one’s fellowman.

We all will do well to evaluate our thoughts and overt statements every day.
As my dear old saintly grandmother used to say, “You’ll give an account for
every idle word.” You know, it just occurred to me that our entire world system
would be better if we followed “Mimi’s” thought; for in a surer sense, we are
each, in our own right, “a minister of God.” That is, when we’ve trusted Him
and committed our lives to Him. I have, and I pray that you have, too!

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,

Romans 13:1-4, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which
exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil,
be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister
of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

There was a lot being said in the days just passed concerning the origin
of our United States. Liberal political thinkers (an oxymoron, if ever there
was one!) both in and outside of Congress, seem to believe that this
United States of America was founded on political and/or financial
foundations. They completely ignore the spiritual.

It is true that not all of our founding fathers were truly, born-again
Christians. But, it is true that the majority were –not because I or anyone
else wants them to have been, but because, by their own words, they
were!

Further, the sessions of those early meetings were opened and closed
with prayer. Thanksgiving originated from those settlers –a holiday we continue to observe today. Further, one of the earliest common-use buildings to have been erected was a protestant meeting house!

Now, some residents, both inside and outside of Congress want to erase and eradicate Thanksgiving altogether. Name another country
other than Israel that looks to the Lord for its origin! Further, those who would erase Thanksgiving, will soon seek to erase God and Christ Jesus from history altogether!

The Apostle Paul encourages all believers to “Do what is good and
you will have praise…” from the very Authority that some would deny
you possess. How can that be? Trust Him and see; for truth is a sure and constant minister from God.

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,

Romans 12:9-21, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

One of the most difficult achievements in life is getting along with other
people. Pastors, close friends, counselors, psychologists, even psychiatrists
are often earnestly sought for their answers to getting along with other people.

After seeking answers from trusted friends and “professionals,” many
simply give up trying. “There’s no way on earth to get along with her
(or him)! There is no hope! She (he) is simply incorrigible!” But, is that
true? Or is there not a better way to maintain (or remake) a friendship?

Paul commences his response to this dilemma with an emphasis on love.
Don’t respond insincerely. Don’t be hypocritical! Be loving.

I once witnessed an intense accusation against a formidible opponent.
When he replied, he began by thanking his accuser for the opportunity to
respond to such a difficult question. His accuser was clearly not expecting
such a warm reply, and was thrown off balance. The argument was over.

Yes, it’s true! Some people just resist all compatibility. They’re just “spoiling
for a fight,” no matter how congenially they are befriended. Yet, there is never
a time for a true believer to engage in a hostile exchange with anyone. We
must learn to smile, quote words of love from Jesus, as we express and
expound love toward an adversary.

Unfortunately, it is true that there are some people with whom we will never
be able to get along. What then are we to do? “Leave room for the wrath of
God.” They will either come to understand and embrace His Grace, or He
will engulf them with His wrath. Just be sure you get out of His way!

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,

Proverbs 24:19-26, “Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change,
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?
23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24 He who says to the wicked, ‘You are righteous,’ peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;
25 But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.”

Life itself is filled with difficulties. We all need and desire food for human sustenance. We all want and need freedom from excessive weather, whether heat or cold. Yet, beyond clothing and the basics, we need safety and protection from evil people who would do us harm.

At the same time, we are not to be biased regarding the needs of others. Even those,
who despise us because of the moral and spiritual positions we take –even they have needs; and if we have the capacity to meet their needs, we should do so. After all, the
LORD has provided sufficiently for us; why should we not share with others what has been provided for us?

This and much more should remind us of Jesus’ words,

“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not
been granted.
“For whoever has, to him more shall be given,
and he will have an abundance; but whoever
does not have, even what he has shall be taken
away from him” (Mat. 13:11-12).

Therefore, let us, who have been blessed with much, give to them who
have greater needs. And let us do it with love and great thanksgiving!

Further, the Bible says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with
those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be
haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own
estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right
in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:15-17).

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