The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 23:10-11, “And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.’”

It doesn’t take much to stir some people up! Just say you’re on the side of a certain group, or that your beliefs accurately coincide with the teachings of Scripture, and immediately you’ll discover who is in agreement and who is not.

Paul had an experience exactly like that. He had declared that he was a Pharisee, and the entire Jewish congregation immediately divided. It was so violent that the Roman commander was afraid “Paul would be torn to pieces.” Therefore, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks for his own safety. But that was not the end of things.

At night, when Paul was undoubtedly unsure about his own future, the LORD appeared and stood at his side and spoke to him. What’s truly notable here is the fact that the LORD — apparently physically — stood at Paul’s side and spoke to him. In my years in ministry, I’ve had some clear, unmistakable communications from the LORD, but I never had Him stand by me like this! What does that mean? It means that though I was earnestly seeking to do the LORD’s will as I understood it, I never came close to the spiritual stature of the Apostle Paul!

Life is filled with people. Whatever the circumstances, not all of them will be on your side. It doesn’t matter! What matters is whether you are on His side and close enough for Him to be beside you and encourage you. He will if you are standing tall for Him! Are you? Are you always standing tall for Him? Don’t be afraid of circumstances! Be encouraged! Stand solidly for Him! After all, what can lost mankind do to you when you have a relationship with the Creator-Savior of the world?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”

Dear Grands,

Acts 20:24, “”But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

A night or two ago, I called your attention to Paul’s caustic reply to Ananias, who had him struck in the face, while he was giving testimony regarding his life. Perhaps all of us at some time or other have said things inappropriate to the time. Paul did not formally apologize for his remark (because it was appropriate), but he acknowledged that he was unaware that Ananias was the High Priest. That has led some of us to believe that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was his poor eyesight.

Nevertheless, in our one verse for today, Paul demonstrates the vallidity of his humility, for he considers his life of no personal account. Most of us seem to live with “self” at the center of our lives. “I” becomes the subject, the object, and the activity of all we do. No so for Paul. Still, he has no death-wish. He’s neither afraid nor wishing to die. He simply has a ministry to complete. The LORD has given him that responsibility, and to him “It’s not over until it’s over.” And that’s in God’s Hands.

Paul’s ministry calling is to “solemnly testify” (affirm) the Gospel (Good News) of the grace (kindness) of

Almighty God. A brief look at Paul’s earlier life shows how determined he was to make a name for himself. He was a brilliant and aggressive young man, known as Saul, and determined to show his elders what he could accomplish. But when he met Jesus on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9), his name was changed to Paul, and immediately he transfocused his zeal from Judaism to Christianity! His focus thereafter was on Christ Jesus, and he saw himself to be of no significance. Christ was all that mattered!

Only today I witnessed a former NFL pro say that the answer to our nation’s (and world’s) problems was

turning to Jesus Christ. It was a news interview and he quoted Scripture! Clearly, he saw himself to be of no value. He was not there to champion the NFL (National Football League). He was there to share what he could of Jesus Christ as the Answer to our nation’s problems of hatred, racial diversity, crime, etc., etc. That’s my calling, too. And if you belong to Jesus Christ, it’s your calling as well. All that matters is that we finish well in fulfilling our calling. I pray for you daily. I surely hope you are praying for me.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”

Dear Grands,

Acts 20:34-38, “’You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men

who were with me.

35 “’In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and

remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to

receive.”’

36 “And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

37 “And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him,

38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And

they were accompanying him to the ship.”

If you’ve ever visited loving family members or friends who lived at a distance, you know the anguish

you feel when it comes time to part and go home. Those who are staying have anguish, too, as there is no less variation in their love. Departure is a difficulty to both parties.

Paul was hurrying to Jerusalem, taking time only for a brief stop at Ephesus. It was an emotional meeting as he recalled how he had labored to avoid being a burden to the believers there. He reminds the Ephesian Church of the words of Jesus, who said, “It is more blessed to given than to receive.” Then he knelt and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud,” knowing that they would “see his face no more.”

Fourteen months ago, I came face-to-face with the fact that I would see my loving wife no more. She

departed this Earth at the age of 85, after 64 years of encouraging me in life and ministry in numerous countries of this world. I miss hearing her pray, and there’s so much more.

Today, I came face-to-face with the loss of another dear and blessed friend, Dr. Ray Hull, primary physician to both of us for many years, as well as to other members of our family. He was an encourager, too — a Christian extraordinaire!

I have wept for each of them, knowing that in this life I will see them no more. Yet, it is more accurate that I should weep for myself, for they are free from the torments of this earthly life, and they look now with joy unspeakable upon the Face of our Blessed Redeemer, the LORD Jesus Christ.

Take nothing in this life for granted. Rest your hope upon the LORD Jesus Christ alone. Share Him and His death and resurrection with all who are not saved. Fulfill your calling on this Earth. One day, the sun

will refuse to shine; and it will be too late to attend to tomorrow’s responsibilities.

Heartily & Prayerfully in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Please pray for Catherine Hull, who also labors under the Coronavirus. She faces grimm days ahead.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”

Dear Grands,

Matthew 11;28-30, “’Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

29 “’Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find

rest for your souls.

30 “’For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.’”

Surrounded as our world currently is with the deadly Coronavirus, it is no wonder that people are scared. Part of our fear is the required absence from other people. We are a social people. It’s virtually impossible to think of living alone and apart from the comfort of family and friends. The very thought of existing without others is abhorrent to mankind. What would we do if we were sick or injured with no one to care for us?

As in every conceivable situation, Jesus Christ is Himself the answer! The problems that we face give us no ready answers. We wear ourselves out with worry, and are further wearied under the uncertainty of the outcome. Yet, He promises rest.

Animals were yoked in tandem to increase their power. They did together what neither could do by itself.

The yoke speaks of submission. Do you want to share My yoke? Jesus asks; or would you like to try it all on your own? Jesus is always our Teacher. “Learn from Me,” He says. How else do we solve these troublesome issues of life?

“This is not an overpowering situation,” He is saying. “I know you don’t know the answer, but I do.” Lean on Me. I can handle it.” How can we be sure? There’s only one way: we have to have faith. We have to trust Him. Is it possible that the Creator of the world is confronted by a delimma He cannot handle?

Absolutely not! It is possible, however, that He has allowed the crisis of a pandemic to overwhelm us to prove that we’re up against something we don’t fully understand and thus, we need His Divine help.

Sin is ultimately worse than COVID-19! Untimately, the virus only snuffs out life. Sin snuffs out ETERNAL LIFE! Yield you life to Christ. He faithfully promises in the verses above, “I will give you rest.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”

Dear Grands,

Acts 23:6-8, “But perceiving that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying

out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and

resurrection of the dead!”

7 And as he said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees; and the

assembly was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit; but the Pharisees

acknowledge them all.”

Were you ever in a “tight spot,” where part of a group was with you and part was not? Yes, I’ve been there, but never with the consequences as dire as with Paul. Yet, he was committed to Christ and his life was clean. The result was that the LORD gave him the perception that the group was divided in their beliefs, so he began screaming (?????, krazo): I am a Pharisee! And the crowd took sides immediately! Now, only half of the group that opposed him still did. The other half was on his side.

All of that is to say that the LORD was with him all the way. And so He is with every Christian believer, regardless of the nature of the dilemma. Recently, I received an email from a long time missionary friend. It said in part,

“I’m totally amazed how God knows our needs ahead of time and provides

accordingly. My 18-year-old refrigerator had to be replaced and the funds were

there to buy a replacement. It was installed and a week or so later, the washing

machine quit. Again, funds were available to buy another one. God knew ahead

of time the need while I hadn’t a clue! Normally, when there is something I need

to purchase, I ask God to provide beforehand.”

Do we have to ask which group stood on the LORD’s side? The Pharisees believed in the resurrection

of the dead, in angels, and in the spirit world. The point is: when we believe what the LORD teaches in His Word, and when we are committed to Him and living for Him every day, we can count on His wisdom and power to enable us to escape from the wiles of ungodly men.

Are you currently in a conflagrant situation? Talk to the LORD about it. “But, I’m not like Paul,” you say.

No, but the LORD is still the LORD. He knows your situation. He hears and answers the prayers of His children. As the Word promises us,

“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered

the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”