Some things...you just can't Google!

In this microwave society, age of the cyber babies and reality stars it seems everyone need proof of everything before they will believe anything. How many times have you been on facebook and seen a picture that was so unbelievable you had to research to see if it was a hoax, like the seven headed snake or the 1000lb woman. I for one, am quick to google something if I feel it's fake or if I just need to find some answers. If I have a project coming up or a new task to conqueror I don't think twice about going to Google for help, solutions and or suggestions, I'm sure I'm not the only one. Recently I had pain in my feet, and as has become the norm for me, I "googled" my symptoms looking for relief. It was at that moment that I thought...am I looking to Google something I should be asking God about? That got me thinking, how many people look for answers in other places, that only Christ can give? How many of us overlook God as our ultimate source? I'm reminded of the Pharisee Nicodemus in John chapter 4. When looking for the answer to his question he stole away at the night in search of Jesus, knowing he'd find what he was looking for. In verse 2 he says to Jesus, "Rabbi we know you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." This let's us know that Nicodemus had done his research on Jesus well enough to know that if he needed to learn something he was seeking the right teacher. Then there was Hezekiah in Isaiah chapter 38 who had a dilemma. After learning he was about to die Hezekiah went straight to "The Source." Verse 2 says, "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord." These two men got it right! I'm not saying Google is evil, because I find it to be very helpful. I said all that to say; there are just some things you can't google, like salvation, healing and the list goes on. It behooves those of us, myself included; who turn to google at the drop of a dime, to remember our one true source! The One who as ALL the answers, The One who worked and works miracles that cannot be explained, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. He gave up His life and shed His precious blood so that we can have access to eternal life. He came to the Earth wrapped in flesh to afford us pardon from sin and shame. His story is the greatest ever told, and in Him we should live, move and have our being. Don't believe me...Google it! Think about it!

The quicker picker-uper

I have a preschooler do you know what that means? That means I have to keep a watchful eye or she'll get into something she shouldn't. Recently I was cleaning out the kitchen cabinets she of course joined me and took it upon herself to start playing with the pots and pans on the floor. One pot had a little water in it and I warned her not to bother it, who was I kidding right? Any way of course the moment my back was turned she messed with the pot and some of the water spilled on the floor. I didn't see that part but what I saw inspired this article. When I turned around my four year old daughter had gotten a towel and was wiping up the spill and get this, praying! She said, "Lord clean up this water in the name of Jesus." I couldn't help but smile and inform her that Jesus had not spilled the water, she had so she needed to clean it up herself. She wiped it up and continued to pray but it got me to thinking. Don't we all do that? I mean, don't we all get into some things we shouldn't at times, end up making a mess then expect God to get us out or clean it up! If you say you've never done this I'll have to say, I don't believe you. How many times have you rushed to purchased something without proper research and later regretted it, then found yourself praying to God because your rushed decision got you in debt. Have you ever got into a relationship that you shouldn't have and then had to pray your way out? I'm sure if we spent enough time on the subject that we could come up with more. Regardless, if it weren't for the power of God we would never be able to overcome any of our life's "messes." That is the awesome thing about knowing and trusting in a God that not only can but has cleansed any and all messes imaginable. Hebrews 9:22 says, "Without shedding of blood there is no remission." I John 1:7 tells us that "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." When God decided what He would use as the cleansing agent for our sins, He chose the very best that He had, the blood of His own Son! It is by that precious blood, that we are cleansed from all of our sins. Revelation 1:5 says, "To Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood." You see, it is only by the blood of our Lord, that we get our sins washed away. So the next time you are feeling "dirty," and need a quick cleaning, look to the "quicker picker upper," the powerful cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing cleanses like it! Think about it!