The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 49:10-12, “For he sees that even wise men die; The stupid and the senseless alike perish, And leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inner thought is, that their houses are forever, And their dwelling places to all generations; They have called their lands after their own names.

12 But man in his pomp will not endure; He is like the beasts that perish.”

Anyone who has spent any time researching YouTube has come across countless old abandoned houses. There are people, who seem to spend a lot of time filming the interior of these houses, along with the hoarded “treasures” that have been abandoned. Some of these places were once quite spectacular, with wide, impressive grand staircases like one sees in the film “Gone With The Wind.” It’s difficult to believe that such mansions were built only to house those who originally built them. Surely, they intended them to be passed on to their children or even to their grandchildren.

David wanted with all his heart to build the Temple that would house and glorify his LORD. But David was a man of war, quite the opposite of the love and peace that was identified with the LORD’s earthly dwelling. His son, Solomon, was selected by the LORD to be the builder. Solomon was both wise and wealthy. But, as David said, “…even wise men die.” And the “stupid and the senseless” die just like the wise. Both have one pointed thing in common: the “leave their wealth to others.” Their houses, their lands, their cash wealth –all are left behind. There’s even a television program that’s entitled, “You Can’t Take It With You.”

Think about that. You can’t take it with you. Scores of organizations –many of them Christian—encourage those with enormous wealth to will it to them for the continuation of spiritual work even after they have died. Children learn the basics from their parents. If the parents have an eye to wealth, the children will, too. But if the parents are generous in helping others, their children will be steered in that direction, as well. Yet, all of that notwithstanding, it is possible for those who inherit houses or wealth to use what they inherit to further the witness of the LORD Jesus Christ, even beyond what their parents had done. The KEY is spiritual focus. What is your goal: leaving life with your name on huge buildings or quietly supporting the causes of Christ as set forth in Holy Scripture? Remember, “Man in his pomp will not endure…”

We love you in the joys of Jesus Christ,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

P. S. Rose Marie had yet another blood transfusion today, and is feeling and looking much better.

We are not “over the hump” yet, but as her Christian nurse said today, “Look at how the LORD

has preserved your life thus far.” We are greatly encouraged, and are praying for others, whose

lives are in His nail-pierced hands, too.

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.”