Volume 47   Number 7                                                                                    March 2005

Birthday presents at an early age can sometimes be obsolete to the child within months. Whether they are given a toy, clothes, or a game, it is over-used and over-worn quickly. That present is then shelved, collects dust, and most likely either handed-down to a friend or relative or pitched into the garbage. These gifts have depreciated in value to the owner and are no longer appreciated enough to be kept.

God has given us a present that will not only never depreciate, but continue to appreciate until the end of time. His Words, inspired and the source of our salvation, are the best present that can ever be given to anyone.

In 1992, I celebrated my 8th birthday with my family. I was blessed with many different presents that evening, but the only one that I can remember from that night was the Holy Bible that my parents gave me. I am sure that at the time it was not my favorite gift, but over time it appreciated to the appreciation that I have of it today.

2 Timothy 3:16 begins by saying that “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God…” The words of God are given to us as a gift that will never lose its value. The value of the Scriptures not only never depreciates, but it continues to grow in value the more we look into it. Just as we grow and appreciate spiritually, so do God’s words. In Hebrews 4:12, the Bible is described as “living and powerful.” How many presents have you been given that are living and powerful, that never loses value or die and that give you Eternal Life? I was given the Holy Scriptures at a young age and it is deeply appreciated. The physical Bible that I was given is long past its prime as far as binding and content go, but inside the broken covers the message burns brighter everyday.

Gift ideas for children are sometimes limited to just toys and games. Let us not forget that the Bible is an excellent gift. Have you heard the phrase, “The gift that keeps on giving”? This is truer with the word of God than any other gift. The Bible as a present is an eternal gift, not temporal or physical, but invisible in value. In 2 Corinthians 4:18, we are told to look for things that are unseen because they are eternal. The Bible grows and continues to appreciate because its message is eternal. 1 Peter 1:5, we read that “The word of God endures forever.”

The endurance of mankind is weak. The body fails, cancer forms, and disease sneaks in. Our breath grows short as the years go by, wrinkles start to creep in, and every morning a new ache in our body is realized. We, as flesh, are depreciating, and it is not appreciated.

The endurance of the Word of God is strong and eternal. The Holy Bible remains on Best Selling book lists year after year. Faith grows, love abounds, and hope is strengthened by the sword of the Lord. The awesome Word of God, which is everlasting, appreciates and is appreciated.