Even if you
got everything on your Christmas list, you may still feel the ache for something…more.
Maybe you wish you could have some peace and quiet in this noisy world or escape
the noise in your head. Or some wisdom—for that job change, relationship, or parenting
dilemma. The cozy blanket Grandma made is wonderful, but it doesn’t comfort
emotions that jab like barbed wire.
Let’s face
it, when everyone goes home and we pack away the toys and electronic gadgets,
clothes and gift cards; when we take down the Christmas tree and decorations,
it can be a bit of a letdown. When the presents and tinsel melt away, the house
feels bare and January looms bleak and cold.
But it
doesn’t have to be that way. There’s an
app to fill the emptiness. It’s something you can get yourself—guilt free—for New
Year’s. It doesn’t wear out, it’s appropriate for all ages, and there’s no assembly
required. It never goes out of style and doesn’t need batteries. It’s an app
you can use every day—even if you don’t have a smart phone or I-pad.
The Bible,
the printed Word of God, will meet your deepest needs and start the New Year right.
It answers every dilemma. It teaches through story, humor, and pithy sayings,
and builds faith in our God who still heals, rescues, and gives us victory over temptation and heartache. More than information or entertainment, this app is meant to be applied to our hearts and minds so God’s
transforming power can change us from the inside out.
We may do
most of our reading in private, but the Bible is a social app. It prompts us to encourage others, improve our
relationships, examine our motives with new perspective, and sprinkles
into conversation like savory spices.
Last Thursday Becky
and I talked about King Jehoshaphat and his unwise alliance with King Ahab. We
agreed it’s easy to make stupid decisions, thinking we’re helping someone, when
in reality they’re using us. Like King J, we put ourselves in needless danger and it can tragically affect others.
On Friday, Trish
asked me what I made of a puzzling verse from Jeremiah. So we looked it up in
several translations to try and decipher the meaning. I ended up doing some digging
and we had fun learning. And yesterday our small group discussion on Revelation
fifteen challenged and energized me to keep fighting the good fight.
The Word of
God puts oxygen in our veins! I encourage you to use it every day this year. I
still like my printed Bibles best, but electronic ones have amazing features that
open new worlds of understanding. They not only offer multiples translations, but
provide study helps, videos, side articles, related devotionals, and
commentary.
So, whether
you’re reading in a coffee shop, looking up a verse to share with a friend,
want to listen while you’re on the road, or decide to download something for
your kids, here are some great apps to consider. Whatever form you choose—printed
or electronic—God’s Word will draw you closer to the One who knows and loves
you best in the coming year.
Bible apps:
NIV Bible: https://www.thenivbible.com/nivapp/
Bible
is—read, listen, see: http://www.bible.is/
Glo
Bible—links each verse to media: https://download.cnet.com/Glo-Bible/3000-18495_4-77455554.html
Olive Tree
Bible—resources for study and reading plans: https://www.olivetree.com/bible-study-apps/?source=topnav
Logos—reading
plans, study, multiple translations, devotions: https://www.logos.com/apps
For Kids:
Superbook—scripture,
games, Q&A, introduces people of the Bible, videos and more: http://us-en.superbook.cbn.com/app
You Version
for kids: https://www.bible.com/kids
#bestappever
#Biblereading #didn’tgetforChristmas #NewYear #applytheBible
#perfectgiftforeveryone
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