DO YOU GOOGLE?

I have to admit that I was not dragged into the computer age kicking and screaming in protest! I embraced it readily and back in the early 80's got my first desktop computer. I have often wished that I had the technology I have available now when I was younger.



One of the greatest benefits is the introduction of the Internet and search engines. The search engines allow you to look up and generally find enormous amounts of information quickly and easily. One of the best known search engines is Google. I use it often, normally several times a day looking for titbits of information. I depend on it for much of the information I need and have completely stopped using things like telephone books.



There is a problem though with becoming too dependent upon computers and technology. The problem is that sometimes it breaks down or you can only find someone else's understanding or interpretation of some bit of information.



Where am I going with this? There was a sign outside a Presbyterian church in Holland that read; "There are some questions that can't be answered by Google".



What do you think? Do you think that is a true statement? I believe it is! There are some questions that can only be answered by personal diligence in bible study and prayer. I know that your minister or bible class teacher has many answers, but the information is theirs until you make it your own. You can't do that by just asking questions, it takes personal involvement with the material, "On the job training" if you will".



My father manufactured oil storage tanks and literally knew how to do almost anything connected with the oil business. He trained me in his knowledge, I watched for a long time before I was allowed to begin trying my hand at things. Then I only grew proficient at them by trial and error on my own. He could stand there and tell me what to do, but until I did it myself it wasn't my knowledge.



You see the bottom line is, "You can't Google God." Google can't automatically give you an understanding of, or a relationship with God; it comes only through personal diligence and dedication. In other words, turn off the computer and grab your bible, read and pray and build that relationship with God yourself.



If you are like me I enjoy reading devotional writings, in fact I get writings from several people every day. I know though that it is not enough just to read what other men and women think; I need to do some studying, thinking and application of the principles I find it the bible myself. If you aren't doing that, then you most likely aren't growing in the Spirit. Rutherford Rogers wrote, "We're drowning in information and starving for knowledge". I believe that's true and I know that only you can change that in your life.



I want you to know that I am praying for a breakthrough in your life! As the apostle Paul said in Colossians 1:9-11, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully." (NIV)