411 - Looking for Some Information 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Since we found out we were pregnant, my husband and I did what many first-time parents do and read books about pregnancy, books about babies, books about parents, books about…you get the picture. We read contrasting opinions, latest trends, medical opinions and asked a lot of questions to anyone who has had a child. 

The amount of information given in these books is staggering.  One of my favorite books has an index in the back so I can look up specific words based on my needs and be directed to the answer.  How great!  I wish life was like this…

Maybe it is.  As Christians, we have been given the ultimate 411 reference book.  We have been given the gift of the Bible, the Word of God.  The Bible is a living and active work.  Not just a book for yesterday with some good moral lessons in it, but a book that is relevant today.  These are writings that are considered living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.  The Word of God will penetrate the soul and work in and through you when you accept and believe.  It is powerful and beneficial and will guide you to the truth.

So why is it so hard to read the Bible at times?  Sometimes I feel like I have read it already or that I can get some more relevant advice from a friend or a book that references the Bible.  I don’t know why I fall into those lies.  There is no greater information, no greater book, no greater life-changing word than the Bible and what a privilege I have that I own one and read it whenever I want.  (What is so helpful is that many of the Bibles these days have thorough concordances, just like my baby book, making it easy to look up topics that are pertinent for us that day.) 

While it is beneficial to talk with friends, seek out wisdom from pastors, read other books, we must always remember that there is one ultimate source of truth that God has given us: The Bible.  So don’t let it collect dust on your shelf.  Allow it into your life to work in and through you, who believes.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What sources do you look to for wisdom and guidance?

2. How can you make sure that your ultimate decision is not simply based on tradition, but on the Word of God?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 15:1-9; Acts 12:20-25; Hebrews 4:12

Kelly McFadden currently works at Mariners Church Southern California. She and her husband Michael are the soon-to-be parents of Campbell McFadden.


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