Bible gift for all generations

Bibles of older relatives have been passed down to me.

My grandfather’s Bible is almost threadbare, but I cherish those tattered pages. “The Good Book,” as he called it, was the guiding force of his life. Early dawn found him in his favorite chair with the Bible opened across his lap. “This Book of Wisdom has answers to life’s problems,” he used to say. He proved it by living a long blessed life of biblical principles.

Granny wrote notes all over her Bible. She loved to talk about “God’s Word.”

She gave chapter and verse to make a point to all who would listen. “Well, the Bible says …” She would tell about the Old Testament containing many prophecies pertaining to the coming of Jesus hundreds of years before he came:

• Jesus would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), and he was (Matthew 1:18).

• He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and he was (Matthew 2:1-2).

• He would heal the sick (Isaiah 53:4), and he did (Matthew 8).

• He would be crucified (Psalm 22:14-15), and he was (Matthew 27:35).

• He would be raised from the dead (Psalm 16-10), and he was (Matthew 28:5-6).

Aunt Floy found peace and comfort in her Bible when her husband suddenly passed away. Amidst the tears she found scriptures to sustain her.

Aunt Opal’s Bible is filled with notes written in her unique handwriting. One of her favorite underlined passage was Psalm 48:14, “For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.”

God’s Word has been a blueprint for life for all generations. This is the Book that has inspired thousands of men and women down through the ages. In every walk of life, countless numbers have turned to the Bible for strength. This “Book” has inspired many to travel to a country where they could live and worship God in freedom.

This is the “Book” our forefathers drew upon for the great principles included in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.

This “Book” proclaims the dignity of the individual and teaches that we are created in the image of God.

This “Book” has promises of well-being and standards to live by to find peace and happiness:

• For the apostle Paul’s secret to happiness, read Colossians 3:12-17.

• When you want peace and rest, read Matthew 11:25-30.

• In discouragement, read Psalm 145:18.

• For assurance, read Romans 8.

• To be fruitful, read John 15.

Read the Bible. Today could be a new beginning for you if you believe the message of this Book. It contains the greatest story ever told: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

This wonderful message has changed all of history, bringing life and blessings wherever it is believed and obeyed. Once again it can bring hope to our nation and to us today.

It’s the Bible … a precious gift for all generations.