So, we are studying Galatians in our small group this week. We already have a web page and an awesome podcast for the church (go here http://northgatemanteca.com/ and click “messages” or search for Northgate Manteca in iTunes). Starting this week, we also have a small group discussion blog! (since Philip was rocking last week on his own blog and inspired us all). It is here: http://ngatemanteca.blogspot.com/ . The posts are for each week, and the comments for the discussion of that week; at least that’s how it is now.
With all that said, I’ll be re-posting my comments I make there onto this blog. I can’t be motivated to blog here as often as I want, but another blog inspired me, and now I’ll be plagiarizing myself to my own blog. Just letting you know that it’s coming, and where it’s coming from.
For the record, the blog helped because it was online, and so was I. If I had to get up to reach for a Bible, I might not have gone any further, but thankfully the Bible is online, too. The one I go to a lot (especially since it has NIV and I can see it on my iPhone through their app) is http://www.youversion.com/ . I’d also like to point out, though, that there are two great pieces of software I’d recommend:
- Bible Explorer – http://www.bible-explorer.com/: Bible Explorer is made by the same people who make the extensive WordSearch software. It comes with a ton of resources, completely free.
- e-Sword – http://www.e-sword.net/: e-Sword is another free software program I’ve tried a little. It doesn’t have as many resources, but try it if you don’t like the other program.
I prefer a program like that for when I don’t have an internet access with my laptop. If you have internet constantly available, You Version (above) works great and has some collaboration tools, though you have to use discernment about what you read from someone else that may not be completely true. You can also use http://bible.wordsearchbible.com/crossmain.asp . It is more than just an online Bible – it has several references like WordSearch, though not near as extensive – made by the same people.
I hope this helps anyone who is tech oriented (or computer rooted) to find a way to build new habits and put reading the Bible more into your daily routine.
