The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ezekiel 13:1-6, “Then the word of the LORD came to me saying,

2 ‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy from their own inspiration, ‘Listen to the word of the LORD!

3 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing.

4 ‘O Israel, your prophets have been like foxes among ruins.

5 ‘You have not gone up into the breaches, nor did you build the wall around the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day of the LORD.

6 ‘They see falsehood and lying divination who are saying, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope for the fulfillment of their word!”

There’s an old, but short spiritual that contains the phrase,

“Everybody talk about Heaven ain’t a-going there.”

That old saying speaks the truth when applied properly against the background of Holy Scripture. Not everyone is going to Heaven. What constitutes obtaining a valid “ticket” for entrance and residence is confession of one’s sins and acceptance of and commitment to the LORD Jesus Christ.

The old concept, perpetrated by ungodly pretenders of biblical truth, is that living the best that one can is all that is required. Simply stated: that is not true! For were it true, then Jesus went unnecessarily to an agonizing death on the cross.

Our supreme responsibility is to believe and trust the LORD Jesus Christ, allowing Him to live His pure and sinless life through us. Those among whom we live will unmistakably see the difference.

All salvation is activated by the LORD Jesus Christ. The results are viewed as if from us; thus, our spiritual legacy lives on forever.

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

Dear Grands,

Jeremiah 6:10-14, “To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the LORD has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it.

11 But I am full of the wrath of the LORD; I am weary with holding it in. “Pour it out on the children in the street and on the gathering of young men together; For both husband and wife shall be taken, the aged and the very old.

12 “Their houses shall be turned over to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out My hand against the inhabitants of the land,” declares the LORD.

13 “For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely.

14 “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is no peace.'”

There are multiple cries today—cries for things we want; cries that will make us happy; cries for things we need; cries for help; cries of joy for the help we have received. The cry for peace to reign in our hearts is everywhere! Yet, there is no peace.

When there is no peace in our hearts, peace does not exist. Nothing satisfies! Have you never viewed a child with an array of new toys surrounding him? He honestly believes the possession of these items will bring him peace.

And, for a brief while, they do. “If I could just have—”; but it was not enough.

It was too large; it was too small. It was not new; it was torn; it is not what I thought it would be—”

Thus, are the “secular, municipal things” of human life. From where does true peace faithfully derive, except from the deep crucibles of truth from the LORD? If you would have others be peaceful to you, it is demanded of you that you first demonstrate peace toward them.

This is a Season of Peace. Peace derives from God. Let’s sing together:

“Let there be peace on Earth;

And let it begin in me.”

But, what if there is no positive result? Then that lies with the one who disallows it. Some people eat three meals of discontent every day. Just smother them with joy abounding! And then give thanks to Almighty 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,

Revelation 19:1-7, “After these things I heard, as it were, a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;

2 because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.’

And a second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, ‘Amen. Hallelujah!’

And a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.’

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

7 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”

A mysterious experience occurred in Israel recently, when a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, ascended the Temple Mount in full Old Testament dress and recited aloud Scripture from the Old Testament. Normally, there would have been strenuous opposition from Muslims to such a bold Jewish display on the Temple Mount, yet no opposition was voiced. Israelis view that as a miracle in itself.

My family and I were in Australia when the 6-Day War occurred, and Israel experienced a breakthrough to the Wall. Today, hundreds of Israelis gather there without opposition. I was, at the time, acquainted with an Australian who was Jewish. He greeted the victory with exuberant praise! I recall reading that someone in Israel asked a Rabbi how they could tear down the Muslim structure on the Temple Mount. His reply was: “Who knows? Maybe there will be an earthquake!” That was the year 1967—57 years ago!

I have at numerous times argued with Jewish people about their place in history and their need to accept salvation from the LORD Jesus Christ. Sometimes I even “feel” Jewish! Our incoming President has appointed Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas, as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Mike Huckabee is an ordained Southern Baptist Minister! What an open-ended spiritual calling he has! I know he would appreciate our prayers.

Let me urge you to be encouraged! Keep your eyes on the happenings in Israel. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psa. 122:6). With the LORD’s blessing, we may live to see Him come and even be caught up to meet Him in the air!

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 25:11-18, “For Your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

13 His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.

15 My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.

18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”

It’s difficult to read these verses without believing that the writer was seeking genuine forgiveness for some committed sin. We must be careful, however, not to condemn this writer because you and I often have a need to confess sin.

This is written neither to condemn you for your sin nor to admit my own; still, both conclusions would doubtlessly be accurate. The passage assures us that our honesty in admitting sin also assures us that the LORD will forgive it. Whatever the situation, He is present to deliver His own. He understands the way of our heart, and that way is troublesome and distressing.

“Bring me out of my distresses” is the call of the human heart. “Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” And when we meet His conditions, He forgives our sins. I will pray for you; you, please pray for me.

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 25:11-18, “For Your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. 13 His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. 15 My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”

It’s difficult to read these verses without believing that the writer was seeking genuine forgiveness for some committed sin. We must be careful, however, not to condemn this writer because you and I often have a need to confess sin.

This is written neither to condemn you for your sin nor to admit my own; still, both conclusions would doubtlessly be accurate. The passage assures us that our honesty in admitting sin also assures us that the LORD will forgive it.

Further, whatever the situation, He is present to deliver His own. He understands the way of our hearts, and that way is troublesome and distressing.

“Bring me out of my distresses” is the call of the human heart. “Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” And when we meet His conditions, He forgives our sins. I will pray for you; you, please pray for me.

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