forgot your bible?!?

Ever had that moment? You are all excited about going to church or elsewhere to worship with your fellow Christ followers. As you get ready, all you can think about is the amazing time you will have in praise, worship, prayer and new incites into God’s Word. You get in your car and head to your destination. The whole way, you are on the phone with your closest friends talking about your anticipation for the day’s service. You drive up, bolt out of your car and head for the door.

Suddenly, you get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. You realize you forgot something. It takes you a moment to consider all the items that you might have left. Earrings, Check. Keys, I drove here, Check. Phone, of course not, Check. What about my fly? A brief glance. Check. Ok, ok. Maybe I was just imagining it. You move on into the building. You greet your friends. You make your way to your seat. Services start. The music is amazing. The prayer time is intense. Then… it begins. It is time for the speaker/pastor to deliver the message from God’s Word. DING DING DING! The bells go off. I forgot it! I knew it! Where is my Bible?!? *Imagines the image of it sitting on the table back home.* Grrr…. How could I have forgotten it?

Well, never fear. Enter the beautiful world of mobile technology. Thanks to various ministries and gracious individuals, there are mobile Bibles available for you to access on your cellular phones. Depending upon the type of phone you have, the Bibles will differ in their appearance and functionality. (Again, a shameless plug for and cunning reason to convince your parents to get you an iPhone) .

(Don’t have a cellular phone or a “smart phone”? Keep reading….)

One Bible available via cell phone is brought to you by YouVersion (http://www.youversion.com). When using your cellular phone, you can download the YouVersion app specific to your type of phone (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android, Palm) or you can access their mobile web version at http://m.youversion.com (open this link in your phone).

Here is a blurb about YouVersion:

YouVersion.com has given you the ability to engage with Scripture like never before, and with YouVersion mobile you have access to the Bible, corresponding contributions, reading plans, and online community no matter where you are.

With YouVersion mobile the Bible is with you…during your morning commute in the tube, while waiting in line at the grocery store, or in church on Sunday. YouVersion gives you the power to engage in 41 different translations, in 22 languages, on one device that rests in the palm of your hand. Download the free App and enjoy regular time with the Bible, right when and where you need it.

Other Bible options are available. These include:

• OliveTree BibleReader: http://olivetree.com/ (iPhone/iPod Touch, Blackberry, Palm, Android, etc)
• Logos: http://www.logos.com/iphone (iPhone/iPod Touch only – wink wink, nudge nudge)
• Mantis Bible Study: http://mantisbible.com/ (iPhone/iPod Touch only – not bias, I promise)
• Got others? Let it be known in the comments area!

Okay, for those without cell phones, no worries. We’ve got you covered! Most of the Bible software mentioned in this post are also available via an iPod Touch or similar device. Others are even available via the web on your laptop computer (such as BibleGateway (http://www.biblegateway.com) or for download on your computer (like e-Sword – http://e-sword.net/ – for your PC, or MacSword – http://www.macsword.com/ – for… guess… your Mac).

Well, what do you all think? Is that sick feeling slowly, but surely, leaving your tummy? Are you feeling a little more in the game and prepared? We hope so. Now, when you forget your physical Bible, you can look all cool and ubergeek when you pull out your smart device and load up your Bible software! How’s that for thinking on your feet? Make all the geekless friends jealous. Wait, jealousy is a sin. We’ll let Pastor Mike and Pastor Brian deal with that one.

Drop your comments. Perhaps you have other links we should know about. Maybe you have other great insights that will enlighten the rest of us. Do share! Please.

Kevin L. (Happy Easter!)