The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me– to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Yesterday’s Letter spoke of freedom that the LORD bestows upon us when we trust Him as LORD and Savior of our lives. Yet, here Paul speaks to us of “a thorn in the flesh” –his flesh! Why is it there? Why is it allowed? It is allowed “to keep (Paul) from exalting (himself)” –to keep him from boasting of his accomplishments.

Exactly, what this “thorn” was has been the concern of countless biblical scholars. Paul’s letter to the Galatians contained this verse: “For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). Nevertheless, the identity of the “thorn” is of less value than its purpose. Even Paul was subject to some degree of vanity –and his prayer was that it might be eradicated completely from his life!

The freedom which we have in Christ does not excuse our human pride; it does not allow it!
So, if we have an ongoing twitch in our eye or a lisp in our speech, it is there to remind us that we are not without the need of Him. The ministry to which He has assigned us demands humility. Humility allows us to speak in love and graciousness. Arrogance produces harshness that, in turn, signals less concern for the message.

It’s really of no consequence what others think of us or what they do to us. What should concern us is their acceptance of Christ as LORD and Savior of their lives. Nothing must impede the power of the Message. So, if we’re in need of a “thorn,” we may rest assurred that Christ will see that we get it.

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,

John 8:30-36, “As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
31 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.
35 “And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.
36 “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Freedom is much in the thinking of people today. True freedom is a valued concept of life. Every decision in life has its birth through freedom. We think we decide when to be active and when to rest; yet rest itself is decided apart from the human will. The fatigue from work invades our bodies and determines our need to rest; thus, we are not truly free.

The circumstances of life occasion some to join the ranks of the military. Once within those ranks, however, the soldiers are no longer free. They eat, train and obey according to the will of others of higher rank. How then can one ever truly become free?

Jesus contended that “everyone who commits sin, it the slave of sin.” One may think he is free, when he is actually in bondage to sin. Sin binds us tightly to its own will and denies us freedom. It is the truth alone that makes us free. Jesus said, “’I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me’” (Jn. 14:6). It is Jesus Christ alone who frees us from the bondage of sin.

As Jesus died on the cross, a dying thief said to Him, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Jesus’ promise was, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). It doesn’t take long to gain true freedom. It only requires the true and faithful submission of your human will to Jesus. Have you submitted yourself to Jesus Christ? It’s an act of true faith. If you have yet to trust Him, why not do it right now? He wills to free you completely! Tell Him you trust Him, and grasp and taste His true freedom! There’s nothing like it anywhere else.

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 103:1-6, “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds, and judgments for all who are oppressed.”

Have you ever spoken to yourself? “Well, goodnight, Jeffries! What do you think you’re doing?” It’s a gentle rebuke for not having done something the correct way. Most of the occasions of blessing in Scripture are those where God is invoked to bless us. Here, however, the psalmist David, addresses himself when he says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul…” It is not a rebuke; it’s the equivalent to kneeling before the LORD in reverent honor. Linked with the blessing is his self-reminder not to forget the benefits the LORD had previousl bestowed upon him.

How often we thank the LORD rather glibly saying, “Thank you, LORD, for all Your blessings.”
David, however, particularizes the blessings with seven notations. Pardon speaks of the forgiveness of sins. David had committed his share of sins, as have we. Heals is the recognition of God as the Great Physician. Yes, we have doctors; yet believers always look to the LORD to guide the doctors as they assist us in the healing process.

It is the LORD alone, who redeems (“buys us back”) from the pit, the destruction that would have swallowed us and choked out our very lives. Who wants to own a destitute sinner? Only the LORD wants us, for He can cleanses us of our sin and make us useful to His holy cause.
Then He crowns (atar) or encircles us defensively and faithfully, so as to protect us from all harm. Further, He satisfies (saba) us with “good things,” as neither we nor others could do, and He restores our youthfulness (something we truly appreciate as we grow older!).

Finally, He performs (accomplishes, asah) righteousness and justice, replacing the wrongs that were done against us. Have you ever wondered whether you would be found “not guilty” for the wrongs done against you? Here is your answer! The LORD takes care of that Himself, eliminating any boasting, had we sought to take care of it ourselves. We are not alone in any difficulty when we belong to the LORD! Now, we can join with David in saying, “Bless the LORD… bless His holy name.” He deserves our recognition of His divine performance.

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,

1 Thessalonians 5:12-23, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit;
20 do not despise prophetic utterances.
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
22 abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Most of us are far less appreciative than we ought to be. Think of your family; think of your pastor; think of your friends. Think of those who try earnestly to give you good instruction. Love and appreciate what they are doing to help you in so many ways. Stay far away from evil –as far as you can! Evil drives away all kinds of good instruction and appreciation. It is the LORD’s will that we give thanks in everything. Whatever the circumstances, keep a good thought.

When we trusted Jesus as our Savior and LORD, He put His Holy Spirit within us to guide and protect us.
Don’t smother the Spirit when He seeks to guide you in the right direction and away from evil. The Spirit never leads in the wrong way. Work with the Spirit and hold on to all good things. It’s in this that the LORD is glorified.

Paul then concludes this letter by praying that the God of peace will make us holy. Further, He prays that our spirit, soul and body might be preserved in that holiness at the Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ. Did you know that we are all three-fold persons? Indeed we are: body, soul, and spirit. The more complete explanation of that is given in the attachment to this Letter. It’s part of that instruction that the Bible gives us. Study it carefully that you may become more and more like Him. God bless you!

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 Thessalonians 4:13-18, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Words demonstrate their own futility when we seek to express ourselves at the death of loving family members and friends. Only moments ago, I received word of the death of a dear and faithful English friend, Dr. William R. (Bill) Cooper. Bill was an indefatigable researcher, author, debater –a creationist of no mean ability. All of Cambridge Graduate School, faculty and administration, convey our sincerest condolences to Bill’s family and friends,

When death comes, it’s natural that we should seek to know where they have gone. Paul addresses this query in the words above. We are helpless to rid ourselves of sorrow, but we are certainly not to grieve, as people without hope. Death to one faithfully committed to Christ is much like sleep. When we sleep, we awaken naturally. So is it with believers: when they die, they awaken in the presence of Christ and remain with Him forever. This is our hope, our future certainty, as revealed in the Scripture.

In a time of our LORD’s own determination, He will come again from Heaven and gather all believers unto Himself. This is the Christian’s certainty. Thus, we who are His and remain alive, possess a hope that none others have. Those who precede us in physical death are now alive and in our LORD’s presence!
They are fellowshipping with the preachers and teachers and missionaries and evangelists and parents and children of the Faith that was “once delivered to the saints.” For those who love Christ Jesus are loved by Him. Thus, there is available comfort for all who know and love and wait expectantly for His Return.

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