The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

I Kings 14:1-14, “At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam became sick.

2 And Jeroboam said to his wife, “Arise now, and disguise yourself so that they may not know that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh; behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who spoke concerning me that I would be king over this people.

3 “And take ten loaves with you, some cakes and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the boy.”

7 “Go, say to Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel, “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over My people Israel,

8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you– yet you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only that which was right in My sight;

10 …therefore behold, I am bringing calamity on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male person, both bond and free in Israel, and I will make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam, as one sweeps away dung until it is all gone.

14 “Moreover, the LORD will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam this day and from now on.”

If you’ve ever believed that you were indispensable in caring for a situation, think again! Jeroboam had become so “full of himself” that his plan to get the prophet Ahijah involved in the healing of his son backfired! What’s more, the LORD brought such calamity on his house when He said, “Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat. And he who dies in the field the birds of the heavens will eat; for the LORD has spoken it.”

We should, however, be grateful for Jeroboam’s example of what not to be and not to do, lest the LORD does for us what He did for him.

Heartily in Christ,

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

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 2:1-7, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.

6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.“

It’s helpful in understanding Paul’s instructions to remember that Timothy is more than a young friend to the apostle. He is indeed Paul’s protégé, for he calls him “my son.” Once that spiritual relationship is understood, the remainder of Paul’s instruction becomes evident.

“Don’t forget what I have told you,” Paul says, “because you are now responsible for sharing it with others.”

Inasmuch as Paul’s instruction is basic to the Christian faith, we are certain to encounter hardships when sharing spiritual teachings contrary to those of the world. We must, therefore, abstain from the worldly things of everyday life in order that others may see the validity of our Christian teachings. Soldiers and athletes encounter hardships, yet they follow the rules of their games; so we must never do less in our service for Jesus Christ.

Paul’s illustrations with respect to military and athletic life are clear and accurate; no one is going to gain eternity based on secular beliefs or involvements. What we demonstrate in life, however, will quite definitely affect their attitude and acceptance of our spiritual teachings. Yes, the Christian gospel will alter normal human life, but only as it is viewed as life-changing in us. It is our responsibility to demonstrate Christ in word and in life!

Heartily in Christ,

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

Dear Grands,

Zephaniah 1:1-6, “The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah,

2 ‘I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth,’ declares the LORD.

3 ‘I will remove man and beast; I will remove the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea, and the ruins along with the wicked; and I will cut off man from the face of the earth,’ declares the LORD.

4 ‘So, I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.

5 ‘And those who bow down on the housetops to the host of heaven, and those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom,

6 And those who have turned back from following the LORD, and those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him.’”

Regardless of the political state of Israel, Satanic practices have always challengingly invaded the pure teachings of the LORD. Amon of Judah was the fifteenth king of Judah. He succeeded his father Manasseh and is remembered for his idolatrous practices during his short two-year reign. These evil practices, however, led to revolt and eventually to Amon’s assassination.

Ultimately, Zephaniah became a spiritual figure in those days, and the LORD used him to sound a strong warning to His people. Thus, it was Zephaniah’s voice that warned of the LORD’s intended judgment upon His people in the days of Judah.

The LORD’s wrath was as complete as it was justified. Nevertheless, His loving heart provided a reprieve when He said, “…I will leave among you a humble and lowly people and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD” (Zeph. 3:12). Like a loving parent, the LORD never delights in punishing His children, regardless of how deserving they are. We must be careful, however, not to ever presume upon His love and grace.

Heartily in Christ,

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

Dear Grands,

Colossians 3:12-17, “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

What supreme encouragement to know that one has been “chosen of God”! Just think of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and a select few of the numerous saints in Scripture. Indeed, is there anything more encouraging than that?

Now, it remains only for us to demonstrate a “heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” We show compassion when we have sympathy for the sufferings of others. Kindness speaks of our “usefulness to others”; humility is a “modest view of one’s own value or importance.” Gentleness speaks of our being “mild-mannered,” and patience is the capacity to tolerate delay.

Overall, however, is our ability to demonstrate Christlikeness. Whatever the difficulties surrounding others, we are thrust into the situation to show the love and value of Christ to others. And for this, we ever and always give thanks to Almighty God!

Heartily in Christ,

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

Dear Grands,

Daniel 13:15-18, “Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.

17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Anyone who reads history knows that bravery in battle is not known to older men alone. Nor has courage existed only in recent times. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were undoubtedly in their mid-to-late teens when King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that everyone fall down and worship before the image he had created. They did not challenge Nebuchadnezzar in any manner. They simply refused to worship as he had demanded.

When arrogant men in any age are challenged, they don’t take it lightly. Nebuchadnezzar was one of those men. Yet, neither his position nor his attitude dissuaded the three young Hebrews. “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” they bravely stated. Furthermore, whatever happens, they continued, “we are not going to worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Courage comes from faith; and those young Hebrew lads were gifted with true, unadulterated faith. The LORD still honors faith like that today. What is lacking are people, young and old, who will make such a courageous stand. Determine right now to be one of the “braves!” Don’t look around at others! You may be the only one! Standing alone is one of the bravest – besides, when you stand for the LORD, you’re not alone! He’s with you!

Heartily in Christ,

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