The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:1-8, “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus

Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect

and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all

generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who

doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from

the Lord,

8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Have you ever encountered one of life’s trials? I can hear you saying,

“Are you kidding? Every day seems to be the focus on a serious trial

for me!”

Well, if it’s any comfort, we’re all in the same boat. Trials, of course,

often differ with respect to circumstances. James is an optimist! He

encourages us to keep a good attitude whatever we’re facing and

with whatever ultimately occurs. I have no idea what kind of jokes

were told in those days, but my guess is that James was also a joker!

He credits his recipients with wisdom and prayer. He encourages them

not to doubt, but to trust in the LORD! That is not only good for him

to say, it’s exceedingly good for us all to hear! Don’t we always want to hear good things and be encouraged, especially concerning prayer? Keep the faith! Stay focused in prayer! Trust the LORD for help! Just don’t forget to say, “Thank You!”

Heartily yours in Christ Jesus,

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