The Grands Letter (James/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on December 13, 2024 5:30 am (CST)Dear Grands,
James 1:13-18, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, so that we would be among the first fruits of His creatures.”
Temptation is a frightful experience. Yet, the “fright” is carefully masked by the Tempter. It is subtle. It is exciting! What’s more, the tempter “smiles” when he comes and “assures” you that all will be well. Trust me, it will not be well—not if you are a true and faithful believer in the LORD Jesus.
It’s as if there were room in your life for but one—and there is “but for one.” If you have trusted Jesus as LORD and Savior of your life, His presence within you fills you to the uttermost! For He overflows the fullness of your heart and life. There is no room for another.
Deception says there is; but deception lies! How efficient would any sports team be if a “second” coach were simultaneously allowed to be the coach of the team? How efficient is a local Police Department if two or three policemen insist on being “Chief”? Whoever is earliest to the office runs the department. Does that sound even slightly like “common sense”? Of course not!
Once we have committed our hearts and lives to the LORD Jesus Christ, He—and He alone!—determines how life is to be conducted. “You cannot do wrong and get by!” If you appear to be “getting by,” and there are no consequences, you simply do not belong to Him. Thus, a constant and careful evaluation is imperative. Do that evaluation right away! Right now!
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
