One of my most cherished possessions is an old Bible that sits on a shelf in my family room. Within the front cover and written in beautiful script, is my grandmother’s name. Penciled next to her name is the date, August 28, 1927.

Many things have changed since my grandmother wrote her name in that book. Wars have been fought. Land has been claimed. Good and bad men have risen to power and made their mark on our history.

There’s not enough room on the Internet to note all the progress our world has seen. Life as my grandmother knew it has changed dramatically. In one sense, our lives are easier now than they were in the late 20’s. In another, our days are full of stress and hassle brought on by technological advances.

Yet, the most important thing, the words inside that Bible, haven’t changed. God still spoke the world into existence. Jesus still came to earth. He lived, he died, and he rose again. There is still only one name under Heaven that will save. Children of God still have a future in Heaven. Love still prevails. Grace, faith, and hope are still present and thriving.

That old Bible has traveled many miles. After my grandmother’s death, it found its way into my father’s library and many a sermon was preached from it. When Dad died, it went to my aunt and eventually ended up on my bookshelf.

If the Lord wills, I will pass that old tattered Bible down to one of my children some day.

I look forward to seeing what God has in store for our future, but isn’t it comforting to know, that no matter how different life on this planet might change, the most important things never will?

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

by Paula Harrington