The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 119:1-8, “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD.

2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.

3 They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways.

4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.

5 Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!

6 Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments.

7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.

8 I shall keep Your statutes; do not forsake me utterly!”

“This is going to be one of the very best days you are ever going to have!” How many of us have received such a greeting when we ventured into something that we’d never before encountered? It was simultaneously exciting and somewhat fearful, all wrapped together.

This Psalm involves something of that mystery! The idea that those who have observed the testimonies of the LORD are blessed is balanced with “Oh that my ways may be established…” It’s that latter phrase that seems to indicate that “my ways” are not yet all that they ought to be. At the same time, there is no clear indication that we cannot achieve all that the LORD desires for our lives. We simply must comport with His desire.

There is nothing but joy that He desires for us. It all clearly depends upon our willingness to do things His way. Note the excitement of the one who elects to keep His commandments. There is no shame; only thanksgiving with joy. Yes, there is a “learning curve” to His ways. No spiritual child becomes a spiritual adult overnight. His Word leads us into righteous paths that experience the warmth of spiritual sunlight. It’s not an overnight venture; but it’s exciting all the same, and joyously rewarding all the way!

“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 make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom