The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Chronicles 17:1-2, “And it came about, when David dwelt in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Behold, I am dwelling in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under curtains.’
2 Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’”

David looked at what he had and felt unworthy because he was living in a house that was finer than that of the LORD. He shared his thoughts with the prophet Nathan, who replied that he should do what he felt he must, and know with certainty that the LORD was with him.

2 Samuel 12:5-7a, “Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die.
6 “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.”
7 Nathan then said to David, “You are the man!”

There are times when we assess our possessions and compare them with those of others. At such times, we either sympathize with those who have less than we have or we question whether we have too much in comparison. There are also times when we view others as standing in the way of our possessing what we want. When we endeavor to have our way without respecting others, we transgress the LORD’s will and invite His wrath to fall upon us.

A prophet’s responsibility varies according to his assessment of the LORD’s desire. We sometimes seek a Christian friend’s thoughts. The friend is not a prophet, although his experience may be beneficial. If, however, he believes and responds contrary to our desire, we must be prepared to alter our thinking or suffer the displeasure of God.

Nathan condoned David’s thinking about building the LORD’s house; but he condemned David for plotting the death of a man in order that he might have the man’s wife. Let us be careful of how we think. Let us be careful to live according to the LORD’s directives. Let us remember that we are accountable to Him for all that we do.

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,

1 Chronicles 16:34-36, “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is
everlasting.
35 Then say, ‘Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give
thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.’
36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people
said, ‘Amen,’ and praised the LORD.”

There’s an old social grace that requires us to express thanksgiving to others prior to receiving any tangable gift. It is more than doubtful that the writer of our verses above was thinking of “social graces” when he penned that initial verse. Still, the giving thanks and acknowledment of God’s love should preceed any cry for help. Having said “thank You” to the LORD, we are free to approach Him for additional deliverence.

Subsequently, our praise to the LORD encourages others to praise Him as well. How do you think other nations would respond if our nation trusted the LORD God of Heaven and expressed it openly and genuinely for other nations to see and hear? We take leadership in many lesser things, why should we not take leadership in promoting the sovereignty of Almighty God?

Some miraculous things occurred in Israel in the “Six day war” –things that stunned and frightened the nations that fought against her. Israel is not a Christian nation; she is, however, the nation longest and most fervent to the LORD’s heart. Our beloved United States is blessed because of those who have accepted Christ Jesus and have put Him first and foremost in their hearts…”Then all the people said ‘Amen, and praised the LORD.”

Dear reader, our national strength does not lie in our military power, nor in our Congress, nor in the White House. Our national strength lies in our love and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. And a nation’s love starts with one person’s love and commitment to Him. Will you be that one? Yieldedness to Him is indeed our Thanksgiving!

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,

1 Chronicles 16:23-28, “Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
24 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and joy are in His place.
28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.”

Some of you have undoubtedly visited Plymouth Rock and gone onboard the replica of the Mayflower. Just viewing the cramped space that band of believers endured in crossing the Atlantic is enough to believe they had engaged in a serious undertaking.

Despite all they endured, they never neglected their worship of God. Daily Bible readings and prayers kept their faith strong. And while our verses above were not, so far as we know, utilized in worship, they proclaimed the “good tidings of His salvation” daily to all who would hear. Ultimately, His glory spread among the Indian tribes. The story of Squanto is among the most amazing!

Indian tribes were evangelized through the godly faith they saw enacted in the lives of the settlers. It’s much the same today. Those who hear the Gospel can see it affirmed in the lives of those who declare it. We who know and profess Him as our Savior and LORD have the great responsibility to declare to others what we profess to believe.

Use today – THANKSGIVING DAY! – to share Him with family and friends! Praise His Name!

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,

1 Chronicles 16:7-12, “David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD.
8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
11 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.
12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His
mouth…”

One of the tragedies of our time is that we have forgotten how to say “Thank you”!

The dictionary cites the origin of the word “thank” as “First recorded before 900; Middle English (noun) “favorable thought, goodwill, gratitude,” (in singular and plural) expression of thanks; Old English thanc (in singular) expression of thanks, originally, “thought, thoughtfulness”; akin to think .”
But, who uses dictionaries anymore? or the Bible? To our shame, we have forgotten our spiritual heritage. We pride ourselves on multiple accomplishments, yet we have neglected the One who has given us life itself.
The LORD is the Author of Thanksgiving! He is the Author of everything for which the giving of thanks is worthy: life, family, health, friends –especially the gift of salvation in His Son Jesus Christ.
How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved,
Yet You gave to prove Your love to me;
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude;
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee (Crouch).
The primary method of saying “Thanks” to the LORD is by surrendering your life fully and completely to Him. It’s what the Scriptures say that we should do; and it’s the Scriptures that show us how to do it.
Just offer to Him a simple prayer: ask His forgiveness for neglecting Him in your life. Tell Him you love Him and want Him to be first and foremost in all that you do. He will take it from there. God bless you!
Thank you, LORD.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. When you have prayed and said “Thank You” to the LORD, drop me a line, so I can rejoice with you!
Your name will not be mentioned in any forthcoming GRANDS LETTER!

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,

John 4:1-6, “Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),
3 He left Judea and went away again into Galilee.
4 And He had to pass through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph;
6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”

One of the most moving experiences in Israel is the visit to Jacob’s well. For one thing, it is undeniably authentic. Think about it. Jacob and Joseph were at one time physically there! Undoubtedly, they drank cool water from that very well. And that Samaritan woman was there. But most excitingly, Jesus Himself had been there! I dropped a rock into the well and thought it would never hit the water. The well is over 130 feet deep.

The Jews usually by-passed the route through Sychar because the “Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans.” But Jesus intentionally took the route through Samaria because He knew that woman would be there. It was about noon (the sixth hour) and she was there to draw water. The moral women of the city drew their water in the cool of the day. Those who were of immoral reputation drew water in the heat of the day. Nevertheless, Jesus cast conventional thought aside and declared Himself to her as the Savior of those who believe. She did believe and her witness brought still others to faith in Jesus!

I once heard a preacher say that Jacob dug that well to be “rocked it up for posterity.” Then Jesus used it as a pulpit to preach the Gospel to that spiritually lonely Samaritan woman. How many times the LORD creates opportunities for us! Often we’re forced to cross barriers of convention to share the love of Jesus!

Not everyone has been privileged to visit Jacob’s well. But each of us who knows Him as LORD can share His love with others. Do you know Him? Are you sharing Him and His love with others? You are in my prayers. I trust that I am in yours as well.

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