The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 11:1-7, “Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words.

2 It came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.

3 They said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.” And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.

4 They said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower, whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; otherwise, we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

5 The LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built.

6 The LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.

7 “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”

Language can indeed be beautiful. It can also be quite beneficial. It often, however, becomes a trap that leads to grave difficulties. Whether these people in the text above were intending to engage in open rebellion against God, or whether they were simply ignoring Him altogether, may be open to question. In any event, what they did was wrong!

We often fall into traps by simply not thinking through a situation before engaging in it. We need to remember that old oft-suggested question: “What would Jesus do?” There is no indication in the Scripture above that any thought was given to what the LORD wanted, or what He might think of what they were doing. He was not in their thinking at all! That was their primary problem.

Just stop and consider how many things we all do without thinking: “What would Jesus do?” How will what we’re about to do or say reflect upon Him? We want Him as Savior, but omit Him as Lord! There is a significant difference. If He is our Savior, He must also be trusted as our Lord!

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,

Proverbs 3:13-28, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.

14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her gain better than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.

19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding, He established the heavens.

20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drip with dew.

21 My son, let them not vanish from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion,

22 so they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.

23 Then you will walk in your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;

26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

How precious is the LORD, who blesses mankind with such marvelous things! Mankind is self-handicapped by its failure to notice the marvelous blessings of the LORD! His beauty is manifested in every item of His creation! Life races by so quickly! Still, it is our fault for not taking the time to adore all He has put before us. The sights! The sounds! Everything speaks of His love and provision.

The enormous potential that He has created is slowly becoming known to the mortals whom He has placed on Earth for discovery. Like children who discover a mystery that their parents have ostensibly “hidden” from them, the LORD has multiple mysteries for which He anticipates our discovery. There’s an old song that says, “Look and Live, my brother live; Look to Jesus now and live. It’s recorded in His word, Hallelujah! It is only that we look and live!” Have you looked into His Word recently? Better hurry!

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,

James 1:19-27, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer, but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Have you ever read the Scriptures and then asked yourself, “Why does it speak so soundly to me?” Ouch! That is my question. I’ve always been slower to hear, but quicker to speak, each of which is clearly contrary to Scripture! Yes, there is hope! To my credit (if there’s any left), I have earnestly endeavored to put away every negative thing that once selfishly invaded my life. If you have invasions like that, there is an answer: prayerful commitment to the LORD daily! I wish you every blessing on your journey. The LORD is clearly able to affect His powerful control over your life, too!

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,

Proverbs 3:1-8, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.”

Notice how the negatives in these verses precede enforcement of the positives. Notice also how the requirements always precede the rewards. It’s a divine pattern that always precedes life. It was true in Old Testament days, and it remains true today.

Each “no” in life precedes a “yes.” Parents cry “No!” to their children before they say “yes.” Eventually, however, teachings become more positive and overtake the negatives as the child grows and learns.

All of this naturally becomes the pattern in our spiritual lives. The Ten Commandments, although eternally existent, recede somewhat into the background, as the positives of the New Testament format and shape our lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

We must rejoice in the divine play our LORD has for us! And rejoice we will, as we grow to understand His plan for us! What a plan! What a life! What a Savior!

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,

Psalm 50:14-23, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High;

15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

16 But to the wicked God says, “What right have you to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth?”

17 “For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you.

18 “When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you associate with adulterers.

19 “You let your mouth loose in evil and your tongue frames deceit.

20 “You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.

21 “These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.

22 “Now consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.

23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright, I shall show the salvation of God.”

Would I not be correct, were I to say that you and I each speak differently to various persons that we know? Of course we do! Parents speak “down” to their children, “up” to their elders, and “face-to-face” with those who are socially equal.

So does the LORD. In verses 14 and 15 above, He speaks to those He intends to rescue. The remainder of His discourse concerns those who are evil. Yet, they pretend to be His affiliates and speak of Him, yet they characterize the very evil the LORD denounces. They have forgotten God!

Most sincerely, I trust that you have not forgotten Him. I pray that your life reflects the very characteristics of a true believer! Pray for me, too. For I am subject to the same verbal traps as you! Surely, our chief desire is to radiate His love to others; and to do so, we must be firmly attached to Him, thinking and speaking only that which exalts our wonderful LORD!

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