LAST LESSONS #186 — LAST LESSONS — MONEY

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

I’ve been known to say that I want to die exhausted and broke. And it’s true. I really do want to die exhausted and broke.

Frankly, I’m pretty tired these days and I’m not sure I will be able to walk much longer – even with a walker. But it’s the money part that I want to write about this week because I still have a little and I want to spend it wisely.

1. I do not want to waste it. I do not want to buy things that I do not need. I don’t need more clothes; I don’t need more entertainment. I get plenty of good food where I live.
2. I want to take care of my financial obligations. That means that I want to give a tithe (and more) to my two churches. I also am obligated to pay rent for where I live and pay other bills.
3. I’ve taken care of my funeral expenses.
4. I want to use what money I have left to help as many people as possible. Usually, that means that I will be involved with ministries like Rafiki. I give a little to several ministries, but the one that gives me the most pleasure is Rafiki. I especially like giving to the Rafiki Christian Academy because I can go visit this school and observe the growth of the children.

My children will divide what is left in my bank accounts when I die. That’s all taken care of in my will.

I’m telling you all this because I personally have peace as far as my finances are concerned. To get to this place took me years of planning and a lot of prayer. I want you to have peace too, but it will take you some planning and a lot of prayer.

Since you are reading this blog, you can be sure that I am praying for you and how you spend your money for God’s glory.

LAST LESSONS #185 — LAST LESSONS — PAY ATTENTION

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!” Psalm 119:18-19.

In the place where I live hardly any of the residents pay attention to the news. It may be because some of them cannot see to read or watch TV, but from what I gather they are just not interested in much more than what they eat or their latest doctor’s appointment.

But they are not the only ones who do not pay attention to the world news. The younger generation is simply not interested in world events. If you ask them about a current headline, they have no idea what you are talking about.

If there was ever a time when we should pay attention to world news, it is now. If we don’t know what is going on at the border, if we don’t know who wants to be elected to office, if we don’t know about those who want abortion legislation, if we don’t know what is happening in Israel, how can we make good decisions for our country or for ourselves?

Likewise, if we do not read the Bible and pay attention to what it says, we cannot make good decisions.

When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they said “Behold” or “pay attention.”

At Jesus’ baptism John the Baptist said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Pay attention!

I want to urge you, if you are a Christian, to pay attention to what is happening in the world. I’m not going to tell you how you should respond to what is happening, I just want to urge you to respond as God leads you.

I’m sure the Lord will lead you to pray for Israel and for the United States of America.

P.S. from Rosemary: I’m continuing to pray for revival!

LAST LESSONS #184 — LAST LESSONS — A SUGGESTION

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Here’s a suggestion for you. It is what I began to do with my family in 2024.

Every year for Christmas (and for their birthday) I give a commentary to all my children and grandchildren. In 2023 for Christmas, I gave 2 Corinthians by Trent Casto. We all agreed that starting in the New Year we would read one chapter a week and email each other specific points that meant something to us. It has been fun to discuss the Bible in this way. You might want to try this with your family.

To make sure I get good commentaries I buy from Crossway, P&R, and Ligonier.

I believe very strongly that it is important to read the Bible as a family, but I have found that it is very helpful to read commentaries too. Personally, I read the Bible every morning and I have also read a commentary every morning for many years. Try it.

Just a suggestion for you from Rosemary. 

LAST LESSONS #183 — LAST LESSONS — HISTORIES

“The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:13)

In thinking about the history of Rafiki, I realize that it is much more important to make sure we understand the history of the church. And I know exactly where to find this history. I have a long-time friend and teacher in Dr. Robert Godfrey, and I was amazed that yesterday he came to Rafiki for a tour. I was reminded of the outstanding teaching series he produced a few years ago A SURVEY OF CHURCH HISTORY. You can purchase these 6 DVDs from Ligonier Ministries. I know it is expensive ($216) but it’s worth it. It’s really a college level course done well. As I watched it all in the comfort of my own home, I learned way more than if I had to go to a class. You might even invite your family and friends to watch with you.

We are still planning to write Rafiki’s history. I am trying to list the dates and events of Rafiki’s life. Then we will invite those participating in Rafiki during those times to write that history.

P.S. from Rosemary: It will take a while to do this project so be patient.