The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:5-8, “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.”

Allow me to ask sincerely: Are you a wise person? Do you instinctly know what to do when you encounter a difficult situation? Or, do you believe that at times you simply don’t know what to do? If you sense that you need something you don’t have, what do you do?

James is not directly accusing anyone of lacking wisdom; yet, he is assuming that at times we all do. If that’s true of you, what do you do? The answer is simple: You ask God for it.”

What if a friend of yours attempted to purchase something, but lacked sufficient money to get it? Would he turn to you and ask for your help? What would you think? Wouldn’t you assess whether he truly needed what he wanted? Wouldn’t you think back to some previous purchase he made –something he laid aside after only a few days? Wouldn’t that have a bearing on whether you would lend him the money for his purchase?

God responds somewhat like that. He knows whether we have wisdom. He knows whether we are acting in His interest or merely in our own. If we have His interests in mind, we can rest assuredly that He will grant us the wisdom required. Think about whose interest is uppermost. Ask the LORD for wisdom. Then, believe and behave as one who possesses it. It’s a matter of true and hearty faith.

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,

James 1:1-5, “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.”

As with all ancient written communication, the name of the writer appears early, so as not to confuse the reader. In this short passage, James identifies himself as a “bond-servant” of God and of the LORD Jesus Christ. Simply stated, we’ve got to be something before we can do anything for the LORD’s cause.

The recipients of this letter were separated from one another, which always encourages depression. Yet, James pours on the encouragement! The difficulties you encounter, he says, are merely trials to test your faith. The more you are tested, the greater strength you produce. Everything you encounter makes you stronger in the faith.

But what about wisdom? God is the Ultimate Source of true wisdom. Ask Him for it, when you pray. Remember, too, to pray in faith. If you pray for something, but doubting that He’s going to give it, He won’t! There’s no trust in that kind of prayer. You have to believe as you ask. Who would hire you for a job, if you acted as if you weren’t going to get it? “You don’t want to hire me, do you?” Bosses need men and women who are convinced they can do the work. So it is with the LORD Jesus.

Ask Him for wisdom! Believe that He will give it to you! Behave as if you have it!
He will be with you all the way.

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,

Titus 3:8-11, “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.”

Paul’s insistence that his statement is “trustworthy,” reminds us of a person on trial, arguing for the validity of his own testimony. He insists that Titus, to whom he is writing, should be equally confident of what is truthful. The proof of Paul’s truthfulness lies in his relationship with Almighty God. That’s why we believe our pastors. Now, it is for others, who “have believed” in God, to go forward and engage in things that are right.

The profit in following Paul’s direction is inevitable; for when we trust fully in the LORD, and believe His Word, we can rest comfortably on His promise that He will bring it all to pass, just as He said.

At the same time, we are to avoid “controversies (debates, speculations) and genealogies (emphasees on ancestral lineage) and strife (quarrels, conflicts) and disputes (outright fights) concerning the Law that God has ordained for us.

Finally, outrightly reject those who cause division, especially after they have been warned. Nothing good comes from simply feuding. Those who just want to argue are perverted (???????? ekstrepho, literally, “turned inside out”). Such is patently sinful, and those who engage in it are sinning against God.

Things done correctly are always good and profitable. We all need to remember this both inside and outside of the church. Pray for your pastors. Listen carefully to the Scriptural instruction. Trust the LORD for them as you trust Him for yourself. He never fails!

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,

Titus 3:1-5, “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit…”

Did you attend to that little matter I mentioned? Oh, boy! I forgot! Ever found yourself in that kind of predicament? Oh, yeah! I’m more than sure you have. Well Paul is reminding Titus of some things –things he wants us to remember, too. First, pay attention to the law and to those who are above us. Don’t criticize your leaders. Yes, they make mistakes, too; but we ought to pray for them instead of just criticizing them. Be peaceable. Do good things, not evil things like we’ve all done in the past.

Yes, we were just as bad as those we criticize today. But, when Jesus entered our lives, we changed. He saved us spiritually, habitually, motivationally –we became “new creatures.” Our verses above call that “regeneration” –spiritual new birth. The LORD gave us new life, all-the-while forgiving us of our past errors, mistakes, sins! He cleansed us from what was evil, washed us clean and put the Holy Spirit within us.

That cleared us of all previous sins. They will never be held against us. He also put His Holy Spirit within us to guide and lead us in ways that are acceptable to Him. Have you had that experience? Just admit to Him the things you’ve done that were wrong –your sins! Ask Him to forgive you. Then follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. It’s so easy that some overlook it; they let it slip by without trusting Him. Give Him your heart and life! It’s the beginning of a glorious life! Trust what I’m saying; then trust Christ Jesus! He loves you! And He never fails!

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,

Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all
men,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly,
righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God
and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify
for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

One of the exciting aspects of travel is eating the foods of various countries. The food in India is simply unexcelled. Eating deer in Sweden was delightful, barely surpassing the dark whale in Norway! Wonderful experiences everywhere! But were you ever served food that you simply refused to eat? Whose loss do you reckon it was?

It’s much like that with salvation. The LORD God graciously sent His Son, Jesus, to bring us salvation; yet there are some who refuse to receive Him. His instruction is that all mankind might receive salvation through His Son. God wills that we divest ourselves of sinful habits and desires, and live righteous and holy lives –lives that are a credit to Him and to His Son!

Jesus Christ gave His life, dying on the Cross and shedding His blood –all for our sins. We are to distance ourselves from beliefs and habits — all things that would demonstrate an alliance with Satan.

We are to accept Jesus as our LORD, and live righteous and godly lives, looking earnestly and excitedly for His Coming again. Do you know Him? He has made Himself available to you, but you must experience Him by faith. “”Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Be ready for His Return! If you are not ready when He comes, you will be left behind.

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