The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Exodus 22:9-15, “For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox,
for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about
which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come
before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double
to his neighbor.
10 “If a man gives his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep for him, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away while
no one is looking,
11 an oath before the LORD shall be made by the two of them that
he has not laid hands on his neighbor’s property; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.
12 “But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
13 “If it is all torn to pieces, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces.
14 “If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution.
15 “If its owner is with it, he shall not make restitution; if it is hired, it came for its hire.”

With all the criminal activity that’s taking place in our world today, these few verses should be read and re-read daily. Yet, reading itself is not sufficient; the principles set forth here must be read and followed!

Unfortunately, the day in which we live is overflowing with scams and liars. It’s not that the days prior to our’s were better. They were not! People have always sought to gain for themselves what they assess as “better,” regardless of what is right.

Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is indicative of sin throughout the times. Even what we would call “good
kings” had their nefarious moments. With some, their honest moments were few.

The honorable status of law has been besmirched by many lawyers and judges, so that one seeking legal advice has to be careful.

Many men, who purport to be “called” into ministry, are often those who question the verasity of the Scriptures themselves. They have likely not been called at all!

Many men and women in the field of medical science are more concerned for the “return” they receive from those who buy their
products than they are for the patients’ health and wellness.

And the list goes on and on. Honesty and truthfulness might seem
only to be attitudes of the past – except that they aren’t. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “Have sinned” deals with the past; “fall short” references the present.

Solomon, too, stated it clearly and concisely:

“What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched
by evil” (Prov. 19:22-23).

The Apostle Paul said of this:

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good
works, to be generous and ready to share,
storing up for themselves the treasure of a
good foundation for the future, so that they
may take hold of that which is life indeed”
(1 Tim. 6:18-19).

The Apostle John writes in the Revelation:

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I
am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
(Rev. 22:20-21).

Are we what the LORD wants us to be? Do we read and live in
His Word? What alterations do we need to make in our lives
that would make us more acceptable to Him? Remember that
He is always present to help us. Trust Him! He never fails.

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