The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 5:3-5, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance,

proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint,

because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy

Spirit who was given to us.”

In Romans 5:1-2, Paul has spoken of the peace and grace that bring glory to God.

Then, he turns to the devastating things that can often upset that peace. But, instead

of rebuking the tribulation we encounter, he shows how it benefits us if we will accept

it as beneficial rather than becoming distressed and despondent. Hope is not an “if”

situation. It is future certainty! And the Holy Spirit within us pours out God’s love

so that we continue to praise Him even when situations look dim and disappointing.

How exciting it is to know that the LORD is in control of EVERYTHING; and how

joyful it is to see how He brings everything to pass for His glory!

Love you guys –abundantly,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Habakkuk 1:3-4, “Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness?

Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore

the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore

justice comes out perverted.”

Every day’s news is filled with wickedness of all kinds! Why is this occurring? What is

going on?? The prophet has the answer. The Law of God is being ignored and justice

is not possible without obedience to His Law. The answer to killings, abuse of all kinds,

unrest among nations and within nations all comes back to us. We are ignoring God!

Fire warms us during cold, frigid conditions. But, if we fail to gather wood for the fire,

we suffer the cold. There are principles to everything. God has established it so. We

are living in a world that has elected to ignore the LORD; now, we suffer the consequences.

Stay in the Word! Pray earnestly! Trust the LORD thoroughly!

We love you earnestly,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

John 21:21-23, “So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what about this man?’

22 Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’

23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet

Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, ‘If I want him to remain until I come,

what is that to you?’”

We’re not the only ones who often misunderstand Scripture. The disciples were there

and heard Jesus speak the words, yet they clearly did not understand. John clarifies

Jesus’ statement –a statement the other disciples ought to have understood. The Greek

language is almost impossible to misunderstand, unless one is careless. “If I want him

to remain…” is a third-class conditional sentence that clearly translates “If I want, maybe

I do, maybe I don’t…” ~ So many times we read and understand what we want the Scriptures

to say instead of what they actually do say. Sometimes we read too fast and miss the Word’s

true meaning. Such always leads to trouble. Saver the Word like you would a delicious food.

God bless you every one,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

John 19:9-11, “…and he [Pilate] entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus,

‘Where are You from?’ But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to Him, ‘You do

not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority

to crucify You?’ 11 Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been

given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.’”

Do judges make mistakes? Pilate thought he was the sole authority. He said so twice.

But Jesus corrected him, saying that the Father in Heaven was the One in authority, and

Pilates’ authority was derived from the Father Himself. Don’t we often make that mistake?

“I’m in charge here!” we think; but we’re not. Our LORD is lord of every situation, from

our personal health to world affairs. ~ Note, too, that Jesus spoke of “greater sin.” Are

there some sins that are greater than others? Jesus said so. Best just to stay away

from any and all sin –from those of the mind as well as those of the body.

Love you all,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

John 18:37-38, “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ 38 Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’ And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, ‘I find no guilt in Him.’”

Jesus bears witness to Himself as King, and that He has been born into the world to bear witness

of the Truth. Pilate responds with an eternal questin of mankind, “What is truth?” Today’s world leaders

replicate Pilate’s dilemma in that they are searching mindlessly for truth. Yet, the proclamation of

Jesus Himself was “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Why will mankind not trust

the Word of the LORD? Because in their love for sinfulness, they have denounced the LORD and

His Truth, elevating themselves as kings. “None is so blind as them who will not see.”

Learn and embrace the Truth! It will set you free!

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas