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2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (NASB)
Last November, my sister gave me a birthday present which she described as "so you". I have to agree — she was right. Her gift, The book of useless information, was perfect for me, since I have a very curious nature about a variety of things. In this book, one of the most horrifying, yet fascinating stories that I read happened in 1945 on a farm in Fruita, Colorado, USA. One particular chicken had survived decapitation, living without a head for about eighteen months; this unusual bird was called Mike the Headless Chicken. Scientists concluded that the farmer missed Mike's jugular vein and a blood clot prevented him from bleeding to death.
Now that I have learned this bizarre story, I am no better off than I was before. The book of useless information merely provided me with an amusing hobby. In contrast, the Bible also includes bizarre, seemingly useless facts; however, they are never without a meaningful purpose. Take for instance, this strange story:
Deuteronomy 3:11 – Only Og King of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaites. His bed was made of iron and was more than thirteen feet long and six feet wide. It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites. (NIV)
Wow! That was some king-sized bed! Obviously, Og was a huge man, a descendant of a certain race of giants known as the Rephaites. However, since all Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, there must be a good reason why the dimensions of Og's bed are recorded in this account. In looking at the whole picture, Og was one of the most feared warrior kings prior to the Hebrew people's entrance into the promised land. Perhaps the size of his bed is meant to emphasize the greatness of Israel's victory over such a powerful enemy. It is also a wonderful application for believers today, encouraging us to trust the Lord as we face spiritual giants in our everyday lives.
Therefore, nothing in God's Word is ever useless, no matter how strange it may seem. The challenge for us is to search the Scriptures for understanding as we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Then, whatever we learn will become useful information to help us in every aspect of living.
Prayer: Lord, according to Your Word, we call upon Your Spirit to guide us in the knowledge and understanding of the holy Scriptures. Grant us the wisdom to make every part of Your Word useful for training in righteousness and truth. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 
Interesting. I’d probably like that book. Good words for today.
Good word today Lori!
Blessings.
Another great lesson, Lori.
God bless you all.
Great devotional Lori. The world’s Christians are facing great giants today. You have reminded us to keep our focus on Jesus. Thank you.
Good morning Lori, nice to wake up to your devotional.
Thanks for your inspired words. My best to you and Lou.
Dear Mrs. Poole,
Your reference to “The Ninety and Nine” hymn brings back wonderful memories of my childhood. When I was a little child, I was allowed to go to church with Grandma one evening. I remember standing there, singing “The Ninety and Nine”. I have such treasured memories of time spent with my grandparents when I was growing up. Their guidance has stayed with me for my lifetime. Of course, my parents were very good that way, too.
Thank you for all the devotionals you share with me/us. You are indeed a blessing.
Hi Lori,
What an interesting Devotional! You now have me thinking I should find and read a copy of the book your sister gave you. By the way, I had actually read somewhere about that chicken — albeit not something one reads every day, but a useful piece of information nonetheless. Who knows, it might be involved in a Jeopardy! question…or, could be dropped into conversation if one was talking with someone involved in chicken farming perhaps…as a “did you know that….” Just a thought!
And yes, whatever we learn in the Bible does, indeed, become useful information to us for no part of God’s Word is useless.
Please do continue to write.
Dear Lori,
I agree with much of this devotional, of course with your scriptural quotations.
I am much in accord with your theology.
I’m much in accord with your prayer.
I’m glad you say:
Now that I have learned this bizarre story (of the headless chicken), I am no better off than I was before.
But how, then, can you have this concluding sentence?
Then, whatever we learn will become useful information to help us in every aspect of living.
Keep writing.
Lori – Thank you for taking me to a scripture I had never read before.
This is why it is so important that we ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to the meaning of the Word each time we read the scriptures.
Enjoyed reading this. So true and something we need to remember.
Psalm 136.20 mentions Og as one of the mighty kings whom the LORD struck down, mighty indeed, but not too big for God to deal with. Thanks for the ‘interesting’ detail from Deuteronomy 3.11.
(Ireland)
Thanks Lori, good devotional. I didn’t remember reading about Og, had to go back to Deut. 3:11. and read again. We sure are facing many giants today. Good thing God is with us.
Lori
“Wow” Gig Time!!
God bless.