Mobile Ministry Magazine

Ok, I am a tech junkie. Not so much in that I want every new thing (at least not anymore), but I do appreciate when new devices are announced and released. For example, the new Life Drive by palmOne (soon to be named Palm) is a really nice device. It has Bluetooth and Wifi for wireless accessiblity; a 4GB harddrive built in (think iPod Mini merged with a Palm Pilot); and an excellent suite of software. But for all of that, its not for me.

Another device that got my attention today was talked about at Engadget. It is the Samsung SCH-M7000 PocketPC. In short, its a PDA and Phone that uses the Windows Mobile (version 5) operating system. I am personally not a fan of the operating system, but this device looks nearly as fun as the Sidekick II with its sliding screen and keyboard. I could see a connected device like this, or a Treo 650, coming in handy if one travels the county or world often.

My devices of choice are my Sony Ericsson T616 phone, palmOne Tungsten T5 PDA, and Dell Inspiron 600m laptop. I have found that with these three devices, I have varying levels of computing interaction that basically fulfill all of my computing needs. I think that the best part is that in having all of these, I am now able to concentrate on using these for God's glory, rather than pining the net for something new. Not that there is nothing wrong with looking for something new, just no longer at the point where covetousness is a major hurdle to being blessed.

Also while at PocketPCThoughts, saw that there was an update to BibleWithYou by GMPSoft. Here is a summary of the updates:

The Restored Name King James Version Bible is now available for Palm and Pocket PC Bible With You. Based on the KJV this version restores the names of God to their original forms.

Bible With You boosts your Bible study by easy navigation, auto csroll, compare mode and much more.

Click here to visit GMPSoft's website for PalmOS and WindowsMobile downloads.
thanks to double-te for the info

Was reading over at PocketPC Thoughts (and excellent resource for Windows Mobile and PocketPC PDAs IMO) and found an interesting editorial on whether we are too connected or not. In my opinion, I do not think that we are connected enough to give the impression of not being connected. If you will, to be online you will look like a Star Trek lookalike while your PDA or laptop is out in that public place. Maybe in a few years when the location based side of the digital divide (meaning that there are fewer locations that are not connected than those that are), it will be less of an issue. But even in church this Sunday. I reaized just how out of place I looked having a PDA (and no I wasn't playing a game). I realized that sitting there, I could send a message to my friend sitting 5 seats over, send a text message or email, and still maintain my notes on the Word being broken. It was interesting enough that I could be that connected.

But I see being connected as a two edged sword. Since my ladi and I have started seeing each other. I have learned how not to be connected at times. It has done wonders for my relationship with her and others. But still having my PDA and phone nearby, I could always get back connected with the rest of the net-enabled world if need be. Not being connected is just as important as it is being connected. And even more so for those of us with multiple layers of responsiblities. Even at work with my obligitory 5 windows, RealPlayer, and two internal network connections, I still seek that time at lunch when I can just get away from all of that and collect my thoughts (and eyesight) to refresh for an afternoon run.

Just a thought, but I thought that I'd throw that out there to ask the same of you. Are you too connected? Or, not enough? Leave your responses in the comments below.

What if Paul had a blog? What would his website read like. Would he complain about there not being enough time to sit and write a posting because of the troubles of the early church? Or even, would he be censored from writing in some areas of the world either due to lack of electricty, wireless accessiblity, or confication?

I caught that question when reading this article at CNN today. It amazes me that Paul was able to infulence the world with just his pen. Just imagine if you will if Paul had a blog. I wonder how many comments would have come back at him on issues concerning marriage, eating, and general conduct. Judging from his letters though, he might be a bit longwinded (wink).

Hello all;
Apologies for all who have been waiting most of the weekend for news to be posted here. I have had some personal things going on this weekend and have not had as much time in front of the computer. I have actually found it quite refreshing that I was away from the computer pretty much all weekend. The rest my eyes have gained alone should add a few years back towards my vision.

As you might have noticed in the articles below, I have posted some items sent in from my good friend Adrian across the pond (UK). I am always in the mode for receiving more content as I do not expect to cover everything that is going online. But if you see an excellent article, or have a user opinion about something, feel free to write in. It may take me a few days (sorry Adrian for the delay), but it will be posted. And most times, there will not be any changes to your writing (I'll proofread if asked, otherwise it goes up as is).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Great Word to start the week wouldn't you say. I'd say so. Blessings to all and welcome to June.

Here is another book review, also by Adrian:

An ebook recommendation about prayer : 'Prayer is a part of the Christian life that many of us struggle with, in terms of how to go about it ; in how much we do and when we do it. The first book I came across that I read specifically on Christian prayer was an ebook - and another old classic at that. It was 'How to Pray' by Dr R.A. Torrey. It's described in it's introduction as 'a world renowned classic', but I hadn't heard of it at all. Torrey wrote from the perspective that many of our prayers are not answered because we don't know how to ask God in the right way. Torrey lived from 1856 until 1928 on this earth and was a well known evangelist, pastor, writer and educator. This book is based on what he'd learned up until I think, 1900 when it was first published. It's not long and is a gem of a little tome on the subject in hand, and inevitably interweaves issues of prayer with the rest of Christian life. The language can seem a bit old fashioned but it's still very readable. I highly recommend this book to you and it's available free at MemoWare.com - here's the link.

(Again if you look around you should be able to find this in a paper version and inexpensively too, I found it on amazon's site for a friend.)

For some, Resurrection Sunday comes twice a year, once at Easter, and again durning Memorial Day. Here is a little something sent in by Adrian that should help us remeber who laid down His life that we all might have freedom to live.

"On what is Easter Sunday for the Orthodox Christian Church, I heard a service this morning broadcast on the BBC, on Radio 4 which came from the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, - which is said to be the oldest monastery in that city. It was turned into a boys prison by the communists but after decades in that role it was reconsecrated in 1988. The service includes a number of accounts stories and some testimony about Christianity in the face of persecution under communism and highlights the regrowth of the open Orthodox Church since communism collapsed -of course Christianity never disappeared - it just went underground for many and remained astonishingly strong.

You can listen to a replay of this service via this link : http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/sunday_worship/index.shtml
- don't be thrown by the fact that you hear the end of the BBC news bulletin before the service replay starts playing - I think it's an automated broadcast recording & replay service - the service starts in a minute or two. You need the free 'Real Player' on your P.C. to hear it. It's very sobering in places but also very uplifting and well worth a listen.

Found this story at the BBC website today:

The Devil, they say, has all the best tunes. Until now he has also had the video games market sewn up. Christian developers want to provide alternatives to graphic violence. From the demonic violence of Doom to the sinister Resident Evil series, many of today's most successful titles draw inspiration from dark places.But a growing band of Christian game developers are taking a stand...Read More

Scripture Reference perhaps?
All I have to say is to keep these developers and others who fight the good fight with them in your prayers.

Oftentimes, I read news that gives me the thought that there is more than enough potential in the power of God that He really can use just about anything so that His Name would be magnified. Even with simple stories such as this or this; wouldn't it stand to think that people who grew up with (arguably) more stable values, would look towards websites in the same way they look towards news programs and newspapers. Meaning, the information will always be there; but if someone, somehow was able to show God's strength in character that the net will be a source of life, instead of another sesspool of death.

I don't know about many people, but when I got my first PDA (back in August of 2000); I decided to run with the paperless lifestyle mantra. And for the most part, it worked quite well. That is, until it came to books. For one reason or another, finding a good book was a lot harder than it should have been. And those prices...well, let's just say that it is better to just write the book yourself sometimes. And me being the avid writer that I am (at least in poetry), I decided that it would be a great idea if I could take my poetry books and then create ebooks out of them and then be able to give them away at my leisure.

I started by just looking at HTML and PDF, but they were either too large, or not versatile enough. Then there was that issue of doing HTML from Word docs. Yes, I know you can make any Word doc into a webpage, but I am a website designer and cannot stand that dirty code that really makes webpages larger than they need to be.

So for years now, I've searched for a good solution. And at one point thought that I found one with eReader's eBook Studio and DropBook software. The process was simple enough, the problem is that it was licensed software and therefore if I wanted any advanced features, I'd have to pay for it. So my search continued.

Some months ago, I stumbled across a thread at 1src where a user stated that he created a plugin for Word that would enable you to create an ebook out of nearly any Word doc. And the best part, was that it was free. Publish eBook instantly a program that captured my interest. Besides the simple installation and instructions, it was just flat out easy to create eBooks of any Word docs that I have (and I have a lot).

Peter Gorod is the author of Publish eBook and has an excellent site and forum so that you can keep up with the developments to Publish eBook. I recommed this program to any of you who are in the position where you may want to distribute documents via eReader (PalmOS, PocketPC, and Windows desktop computers). It can be especially excellent for creating and distributing programs at conferences and other functions where it is known that many people may have mobile devices and want to use them.

My lack of French correctness aside; there is a great site that I wanted to write a bit about. It is called TheChan website of Christian Bible Resources. It is both a forum, as well as s download site for many mobile Christian resources. The mobile side of theChan is covered by the many e-Sword (PocketPC, Windows Mobile) and Bible+ (PalmOS) resources that can be found there. The forums are an excellent place to get information on plenty of mobile resources, especially those that have been ported into Chinese (I do not know if it is traditional or not, but that can be answered there as well). Gary Chan runs the site (started in 2003, and redesigned in 2004) and it is very well put together, as well as quite a blessing to visit if you have the time. The link to theChan is on the right, or you can click here to visit de portal du bibles mobile (the portal of mobile bibles).

Was running thru some sites while I had a minute here at work and saw the program FreeNews advertised at Palm Addict. Probably the koolest part about it from a glance is that you can save RSS/XML sites to your phone for reading. Meaning simply, more MMM (of course that means I'll have to get some more content up too). Click here to read more about FreeNews and see if it is something that will work for you.

In taking some advice to heart; I started going thru the library at eReader for some new books to read and review. As I glanced at each of the titles, I became greived. So many books that say this and that; so many books that challenge a simple truth of the Gospel because feeling matters more; so many Christian books swindle the faith of believers for the acceptance of the world.

I observe this and my heart hurts. I know that God has given me a gift of writing. And between MMM, BargainPDA, 1src, and my own personal poetry; I feel that I should do something more. But, I don't want to add to the confusion. When I found the ebook Every Man's Battle, I was literally led by the Spirit to that book. Other books were there that might even have been better reads. But that book was so honest, so pure. It followed so closely to the Bible that I couldn't help but notice it. There are so many other books that do not have that, and its sad. God is being left out of the hearts of man even in books that claim to know Him.

In a break from what I normally post. I am posting the article, contained on Cross Movement Records's website in an attempt to spark discussion here; as well as identify with the similar pursuits that all Christians have when trying to evangelize in a particular area of their society. I do hope that this gives you good food for thought, as well as encourage you to be that much more of an ambassador in your places of work/ministry. Here is a snippet of the article, click the read more link to read the rest of it.

THE THESIS: Hear the Rhymes and Here’s the Reason by The Ambassador
Trust me—I don’t rap to hear myself, I don’t rap to be the best, and I don’t rap because I am seeking to get rich (or I would not be a Christian rapper). I rap because there is probably no greater means of access to such a wide variety of listeners who tune in for the primary purpose of hearing what the MC has to say. Since God has decided that He will save through the foolishness of what is verbally proclaimed, rap, for me as an evangelist, is the most well suited platform. Thus, The Thesis, my latest CD release…let me explain it... Read More

In my long search to find quality reviews, I found some more great reviews at Pocket Goddess. This is one for the program QuickVerse.

2005 brings a lot of changes for QuickVerse, and all for the better. The first thing I noticed (aside from the new 320x480 full screen support!) was the new tabbed interface. It’s a simple change, but it really ties all of the modules together and makes things easier to find and use. From left to right, the tabs are Book, TOC (Table of Contents), View, Find, Marker, and DRP (Daily Reading Plan)...Read More

Sometimes, I get a bit too technical and forget that not everyone has been on the web and using mobile technology as long as I. And therefore, I put things out there that techies understand, but sometimes other users would not.

So thanks to an email and some words from Our Lord; I am ready to help you take Mobile Ministry Magazine wherever you go.

On the Go #1:
If you have a PDA and use the programs Plucker or iSilo to view websites offline; you point to the RSS/XML link (http://mobileministrymagazine.blogspot.com/atom.xml) and that address will enable you to save MMM on your mobile device. Make sure that you set the link depth to '1' so that you will be able to view more than just the headlines.

The best part about that address is that you can also use a newsreader, or RSS program, or even browsers such as Safari and Firefox, in its RSS feed mode to view Mobile Ministry Magazine and notify you everytime that there is a new posting. Safari and Firefox both have icons either at the top or bottom of the screen that brings up a dialogue box (it says "Add RSS/XML feed") and follow the instructions in order to get the RSS/XML version of Mobile Ministry Magazine.

On the Go #2:
I know a good deal of people who like Plucker, but cannot stand to configure it. There is an excellent program called Sunrise that will automate most of that process for you. Just download and install Sunrise, then Add a new Documet/Feed, insert either the normal address (http://mobileministrymagazine.blogspot.com/) or the RSS/XML address (http://mobileministrymagazine.blogspot.com/atom.xml) and hit done and sync. That's all. Its probably the simplest way and I recommend it.

On the Go #3:
Another way that you can view Mobile Ministry Magazine on the go is to view it via a live website connection. For the most part, Mobile Ministry Magazine will look fine on any mobile browser. There is some issue with lower resoultion screens because of some of the pictures that may be attached to a posting, but other than that, it looks just fine and loads nice and fast. Just point your browser to http://mobileministrymagazine.blogspot.com/ and there you have MMM on the Go.

NOTE:
When you are viewing Mobile Minisry Magazine via RSS/XML, you will notice that the whole posting is not displayed. This is the nature of RSS and allows for many feeds to be present on a page with as little need for rendering as possible. Just click on the link and you will be taken to the full posting as well as any comments that may be posted.

Hope that helps, if need be, I can make this a sticky on the side to be a reminder. Any questions or issues, leave a comment below and it will be responded to accordingly.

Update:
Set the link depth to '2' otherwise you will get the page not found error as Alex pointed out.
I'll see what I can do about the size issue. This page is largely text, with any pictures found on it linked from the respective website. I'll have to play with that one to make it work.

I was sitting here just thinking about MMM and what I could say about our Lord that would just bless your socks off. I didnt find anything in my head, and so I started to search the web. The same old stories. Wars, murders, lying leaders, technology doing this, etc. etc. etc. Really, there is nothing new that has not already been said before. So I asked myself, what is it that God sees? How does He manage the online and offline worlds? And how important are we really in His eyes?

I tuned into Google Maps to show a friend how detailed the satellite maps are, and realized that He is Lord over those little blips on the screen. There is just enough detail on those maps to see the color of cars parked. And if you look really close on some areas, you can see dots where people are. Its amazing. And to think, God's eyes are so much better. He doesn't need a satellite to see into our hearts, yet He does sit so high on that throne of His.

Everytime that I get into a plane, I am reminded how small we really are compared to the rest of the world. And there are so many of these little dots that God calls to be His own. And those who are His own, He calls to gather more dots unto Him. For me, just looking at Google Maps gives me an appreciation at the eyes of God and how He is always watching, always loving, even down to the heart level.

Ok all, its been a few weeks with Mobile Ministry Magazine, and I am very pleased at the responses that people have been sending in via email and the comments. I would like to know from you what MMM could do to be a better resource. Anything that you can think of will be considered; but if you need a guide think about those things that people in ministry most need to see on a site.

Also, I am looking for other daily writers. You would not have to write everyday, but a few times a week would be just fine. Articles would be short, and follow the pattern of those already posted. Reviews of resources and websites are always great topics, as are short pieces on recent news items and their parallels to Scripture. At this point, I cannot say that I can pay for doing this; but I am looking at ways to have MMM support itself (thru donations mainly). Also, if you are a daily writer (gotta come up with a title for that person(s)), you will have the chance to write for future issues of Mobile Ministry Magazine.

And finally, just looking for a few good prayers. I have gotten so much out of MMM, and it has gone as far as helping me in my relationship with my fiance and be more consistent with daily devotions, and keeping in the Word. I just ask that if you have a minute or two, that you make mention of MMM in your prayers.

Thanks again for visiting Mobile Ministry Magazine, and I pray that something here this week will bless you, correct you, instruct you, or just blow your mind because of who God is.

“ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Per the normal weekend pracitce, Sunday is a day off, where there will be no postings at MMM. Go take that time with your family and churches. Try not to let Sunday remain as the most segreated day of the week. And at the same time, hold to the same standards of Godliness that the Apostles did. Blessings to all. Enjoy your weekend.

Was reading this article and it got me thinking about the Apostles and how they essentially were in the same position of starting the next big thing. Here they had the fame of Jesus before them, and had the responsiblity of carrying His name to the ends of the known earth. I wish that there was more written about each of the Apostles and what it is thay they did on personal level.

Can you imagine have the Spirit of God dwelling in you and then starting a revolution of telling people that God is no longer dead, but alive and wants to live thru you. Aside from the great prophets of the Old Testament, this was never heard of before. And how, here they were on the cusp of the biggest thing to hit the known world. Podcasters have the same thing going for them, however not all are carrying the right spirit. Imagine being in that time period with the Apostles and being a podcaster proclaiming the Word of God. Imagine the FCC and the established radio stations not liking your style of message; the freedom of your message; and in some cases outright denying the power of the message. And then imagine it catching like fire. So much so the Emperiors of the land want to cut out all of the communication links that would allow you to cast the Gospel. And imagine still, there is always a remanant with whom the Word never dies in podcasting.

Yes, the next revolution in communication is always here, but its no better than the revolution that brought salvation by Jesus Christ to the forefront of the minds and hearts of man.

Ok, so I probably threw you a bit with the title, but the problem that many people have when trying to figure out costs for an incounty missions trip is the cost of gas. There is a webstie (here) that uses a special application of Google Maps to show the cheapest gas locations in the 50 states. Check it out and maybe it will come in handy the next time that you or your piece of the Body decide to plow the fields.

Was shown this link today at the Holy Culture Radio fourms (thanks Philo w/God); click here to see the Flash comic and feel free to spread the news about this one.

I can't believe it! We caught wind that Jesus Christ would be revealed to the world on *** and people had all kinds of plans to take off from work. Tech companies started releasing Jesus themed merchandise. It even went so far that one fan modified his car to that of a camel carrying frakensense. I tell you, there hasnt been this kind of buzz ever. And to think, Jesus is coming! I don't know about you, but I will be taking the day off just to see what He has to say in this Coming.

That above story was not real of course, but when you read stories like this about something as small as a movie, one has to really wonder what we would do if we did know when Jesus would be coming back.

EDIT: Peep the scripture of the day on the right: it fits don't ya think
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17,18)"

There is a scripture that talks about the beautiful feet of those who bring the good news of the Gospel. Granted, its a bit hard to see their feet from the air, but with wireless Internet taking off in the skies, one can only imagine a time where pastors, missionaries, and others would begin to use that time in the sky to administer to their congeration.

One of the things that I like best about a website like Mobile Ministry Magazine's is that there is ample opportunity to fellowhship with a multitude of people from all over the world. From one coast to the other in the US, to even jumping the pond (in either direction), I love that the net presents the opportunity for connecting to others who are in the same station.

For example, today I was talking with Sammy from Palm Addict and it hit me on how important it is that like-minded people should encourage one another. He runs a large and very popular site, and sometimes being that point of reference can be more work than hobby. But, he has committed himself to Palm Addict and it has made him a better person, and Palm Addict a better website.

But not just that; I've been blessed by Adrian and Andrew in the fellowship of believers who just have a heart to use technology for the glory of God. Those two have been a great encouragement to keeping my mind towards the heavens; and my hands towards the electronic ground. In 2 Corinithians 8, there is just a small summary of what fellowship means and what it does for all people. I pray that as you read this, you make a committment to reaffirm those connections with those who minister with you, or who just frequent your workplace.

Ambassador of the Cross Movement says in a song that "the gospel's flex-fit; yes, it's one size fits all." I would think that in walking out on the gospel that it should draw us closer to wanting to fellowship with others; if for on other reason but to encourage and affirm others.

In keeping up with some of the reviews that have been posted about the Life Drive by palmOne, Palm Addict (a favorite site of mine personally) has posted initial impressions and a well spoken view on the new Life Drive.

I first got the Life Drive to play with, 3 weeks ago when PalmOne invited me down to London to spend some time with them and I was invited to express my thoughts on their new Life Drive and to tell them what I thought about it. To say that I was excited about this new product is an understatement because it really is a great creation. I have been lucky enough to play and test the Life Drive for some time and I have to say that before I start looking at my review I would consider this a true replacement for my Tungsten C and as avid readers of Palm Addict will know this is something this device has to be good, it has to be on par with my standards for it to even be considered as a possible replacement for my Tungsten C... read more

palmOne released the long rumored Life Drive Mobile Manager PDA today. In short, it is a PDA with a hard drive. A PDA + and iPod Mini if you will. Like an iPod you can store and play music, and like a PDA you can carry tons of references, documents, and even watch videos from the 4GB hard drive. Check out the review at BargainPDA for more specifics, or visit the palmOne website for purchase information.

Found this news at Palm Addict earlier today:

Laridian releases BookBuilder for Palm OS for use with their MyBible program. BookBuilder for Palm OS enables you to create books and references for use with MyBible 4. Using HTML tags, one can create the reference, and then use the BookBuilder software to format it for use with MyBible and PalmOS devices. Click here for more information on BookBuilder and MyBible.

In the 5th chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul is exhorting to take care of all people, young and old, married and unmarried. And today, it seems that for some, that can be harder than it should be. Given a story like this, it may seem that the generational gap may just be too hard to bear. But, we have a gap bridger, who (by design) has conformed us to His image to be that versatile. We can be like many in the world and walk around wondering how we are going to do this or that, or we can assume the ultimate in confidence. God has designed things so that when we follow Him, that everything else will be taken care of. It is literally in our new jeans to reach all people, no matter where their station in life is. It is up to us to walk out on it.

To those who are fans of Bible software for their PalmOS PDA, there is a new beta availaible of the popular (and free) Bible+ software. You can read about the new features of the beta and download it from this link. Make sure to read the manual as well as the notes in the aforementioned link.

GMP Soft, makers of software for PalmOS and PocketPC PDAs, have made availiable Palm Bible Heritage With You and Pocket PC Bible Heritage With You for the respective operating systems. If you are in the market for some bible software, including multiple language versions, commentaries, and lexicons, this bundle may work very well for you. Click the link here to visit their website and view their products.

Of all of the email that I receive throughout the week, I alway like the mail that I get that contains my weekly Bible quiz from Back to the Bible. Granted, the quiz files are no longer getting updated, but its great to have a rolling test of things biblical that I may have forgotten. If you have a few minutes free, take a quiz or two for yourself. Nothing like gaining some extra study material :)

This piece was submitted by Andrew S. If you have something that you feel that would bless MMM, use the link at the right to send it via email and you can be the next contribution.

In today's fast paced world I'm finding it more important than ever to stay connected. To the people I need to be in touch with and the networks that I administer. Being connected is important, but being organized is important also.

The need to be more organized is what first led me to Palm OS based PDA's back in 1999. Being connected is what keeps me using PDA's today.

My PDA of choice has always been the Palm OS variety, mostly for the simplicity and ease of use. PPC has an important role in the PDA market place as well I believe, but for the things I do and what I need in a PDA, the Palm OS based hand held remain my personal choice.

I've used a lot of PDA's over the years and recently began using the Tungsten E2, from PalmOne. It's one of the best in the market place in my opinion. One of the things that make it such an excellent device is the battery life, which far surpasses it's predecessors, and with Bluetooth and WiFi, that's becoming more important today. The availability of accessories and the ease of use in making them work is another thing that makes this device so solid.

The Palm folding keyboard is one of the accessories I use the most, for things like writing this review for example, and for sending e-mail. Initially I found it only slightly more awkward than the Palm Folding Keyboard that I used for so many years with my Palm Vx. The keys are smaller and a bit closer together, but the fact that it uses IR to communicate with the device means I can use on my older Palms as well as current ones. Although slightly more complicated in design, I appreciate the way it stows and the mechanisms that keep it shut. I've broken untold numbers of latches off of the old style of keyboard.

WiFi drivers became available last week for the PalmOne WiFi card, and set up of the WiFi card was much quicker and much simpler than I anticipated based on my experience setting up Bluetooth the week before. And to be fair, I should point out that the difficulties I had with Bluetooth were mostly related to getting the adapter to work on my PC and sharing the Internet connection, once that was done, the E2 connected to it very easily as well.

The availability of a Putty client for using SSH connections is something that's made the WiFi even more attractive and is something I hope to work with in the very near future.

Palm OS based devices have been such an integral part of my life for so long that it's hard to remember life before them. Those who are closest to me know that I dress to avoid shirts without pockets because I like to carry my Palm there, so in some ways, you could say being a Palm user has made me a better dresser, although my wife might disagree. But without a doubt, the most important thing that Palm OS based PDA's has provided is a way for me to in all ways and in all times have a Bible or four with me.

Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, and Paul admonished Timothy to be prepared in season and out of season in 2 Timothy 4:2. Often times when I'm discussing the Bible with someone if there is a passage that I need to look up but don't remember the address exactly, I'm able to find it quickly and easily using electronic Bibles available for the Palms. I've tried many different Bibles on PDA's I've owned over the years, but I keep coming back to Laridian as my Bible of choice. It isn't free. Actually, it isn't even cheap, but the interface, and the speed with which I can look up passages, the ability to have several translations of the Bible opened at once and the available software from Laridian that interacts with the Bibles are all features that make this a top of the line product. Scripture memory is something that has often not come easy for me, but with Memorize! by Laridian, I can import verses from any of the installed translations and be tested on them by writing the first letter of each word in the passage, which has been an invaluable resource to me as well. As head usher at our church, one of my responsibilities is to take attendance, a head count really but I've found that I'm being constantly distracted by one thing or another. Laidian's Count 'Em has been very useful to me there as well, and that piece of software is free.

To wrap up, I'd say that there is a place in the life of most every one I know for a Palm OS based PDA. From the soccer moms and college students, to the pastors and network administrators, I don't see them going away any time very soon. And as I think back on the past six or seven years and I consider where Palms have come from and where they are today, it excites me to think about where they're going to be six or seven years from now.

Grace and peace.

Ever use one of those web map services? I prefer Google's Google Maps as it is quite amazing the level of detail that you can get on a map. They even have a satellite option that lets you zoom in on areas that you just looked at the map for. There are still the directions and local services searches that you can do. But the speed at reendering the map is quite incredible to say the least. I recommend that you give Googe Maps a try and see how well it works for where you are.

Speaking of directions, ever read that scripture in Proverbs talking about heeding wisdom and understanding. Yea, this time I'll let it sit out there and let you tell me where it can be found ;)

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of not doing the paper thing when it comes to just about everything but drawing and a few maps. I can even replace telephone copletly with email if given the chance. But what about the Word. I have noticed that you can digitize and synthesize just about everything, but when it comes to the Word, it is always the same. Sure, you can view it in different mediums, hear it from different people, and even experience it via a different language. But it doesnt change. You have to admit, for all of the digitizing that is happening, it is really good to know that the most important thing doesnt change at all.

More and more these days, we are reading stories about identiy theft and people who either willingly or unknowingly give personal information to those who want no more than to make a quick buck.

While reading this story at CNN today, I was reminded abuot the story of Jacob and Esau and how both were blessed just because they were the seed of Isaac. Esau being the rough and tumble one worked in the fields and tended the animals. This was probably because he was the oldest and we read that Isaac suffered from some kind of blindness condition that probably got worse over time. Jacob, on the other hand, had the life of a house-boy. No less honorable, he was given charge to assist his mother with the day to day dealings in the house. He proably had training in the outside-of-the-house issues, but it wasn't his main responsiblty.

But the crux of the story of Jacob and Esau comes when it is time for the blessing to be given to the oldest. Jacob gets the swindle's a verbal contract for the birthright to be given to him from Esau. Esau being hungry was more than willing to pass that information along. Now, some time passed between that and the actual giving of the birthright. But, Rebeckah remebered the prophecy of the elder serving the younger and things we put in place to make that verbal contract come to be.

But back to the point of the story. People today are more than willing to share and email address or phone number for something free. Many times, not even realizing that there were other terms along with that engagement. Stories like the on on CNN illustrate just a natural want for information that is compromised with a virus. It is a lot to tell a person to not click on any links in your email unless they are clearly definied and from only a known source in a pattern by which they would usually send you a link in email. But when it comes to personal security, don't you think that your blessings are worth more than just a freebie bowl of soup?

Reported on Mobile Read yesterday, Adobe is shutting down their eBook store. Not that it isnt a bad thing, but when you are already the leader in PDF technologies, you can do a better job allowing others to handle the selling of PDF and other Adobe formatted works.

Many thanks to those who have emailed in suggestions and some issues on the site. I've fixed the link to Issue one to the right, so that should work now with no problem. I still have to get Issue 2 out and proofed before releasing it, but I hope to do that soon.

Also, as you may have noticed, I had added a verse of the day to the right side under the MMM links. Got that from Biblegateway.com and I may be adding a scripture search on the site soon as well. Just trying to find a place for it so that things aren't too busy design-wise.

Added some links to other bible software resources for PDA and other mobile platforms. Don't know why I forgot about them, but thanks for pointing that out. If any of you have links to other great PC or mobile Bible software, please send a mention of it and I will make sure to add it to that right side of links.

Last thing; I got a request about making a mobile version of this site (for PDAs). After playing with the design, I realized that it is quite mobile ready. The exception being the embedded links that appear from some of the posts. I will play with that coding some for future postings to see that I can make something more mobile friendly without making a complely new site. There is an XML/RSS feed for those who want to view updates that way. Apologies if you see that there was an update, but no new info, I do make template tweaks here and there so that is where that would come from.

That's about it from my end. Hope that all of you are having a blessed day. Walk with the Lord and be a blessing to others.

In another turn of technology talk today, the BBC had an article that talked about today's mobile phones getting so complex and not really doing anything easily. For example, there is a refernce made to the design of the iPod and how using it is very intuitive, very natural even. In trying to design phones that have photo and music abilities, designers have had a hard time balancing features with simplicity.

In the same way, Paul speaks in 1 Corinithians 14:9 about a person who speaks (with many features, if you will) but the understanding of what they are saying is not at all simple. Sometimes, it is hard to speak simply concerning the Word of God and the truths laid in it. And as Christians who may have a lot of knowledge of worldy things, the temptation to follow something biblical with many thrones of resources can make something really simple (for example, Jesus was both God 100% and man 100%) sound like the graduate level presentation for a major university.

I hope that as you promote the Word, via word and action, that you keep in mind that keeping things simple can make it easier for the listener/watcher to receive your witness. And the next thing they know, they could be wanting a closer walk with God, becasue you have made it look so natural.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:20)

This scripture verse has been coming up a lot lately. Not so much directly all the time either, but it has been showing up. In conversations, as well as some websites, I have noticed that the subject of being an ambassador has come up. In some respects, it is forcing me to do some footwork as to the job of an ambassador.

Check out the definition of ambassador here:
1. A diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another, usually for a specific length of time.
2. A diplomatic official heading his or her country's permanent mission to certain international organizations, such as the United Nations.
3. An authorized messenger or representative.
4. An unofficial representative: ambassadors of goodwill.

I sit today and wonder then about the placement of Mobile Ministry Magazine as an ambassador. It is not necessarly different from many tech websites, except that it follows the rules of a different King. And when you come and visit our embassy, it is our hope that you might take back a different picture of how technology draws us together (or apart).

Yes, this is also an equipping station for those already active in ministry. As ambassadors sometimes also need to check into the embassy to get the latest news from their homeland, or receive products that have been shipped to them. But this is all done for the simple reason for being a station purposed to glorify God. So that makes things a bit more controversal (in terms of public opinion); but to those who have been called to different fields and use technology to enhance their abilities to be an ambassador, MMM is a purposed rest stop.

Some of you are familiar with the scene. You are on a train or bus and then the talking starts. There is that one, or more, who decides to make the train or bus their personal shout column. And besides the loudness, there is that heavy amount of personal information that just makes resting while traveling a no-go.

Now imagine if on a plane that would happen. One of the few things that I do like about planes is that is is relatively quiet, except for a few conversations here and there. Its quite plesant actually, and I wish that in some degree that trains and buses (long trip) would have those considerations.

Having said all of that, there is an excellent article at Phone Scoop that talks about the current policies of cellphones and their use on flights in the US. If anything, it really does make you think of Ephesians 5:19-20 and how if we did that, talking on the phone wouldn't be as much an issue of rudeness as much an issue of too much edifying.

Thanks to Engadget for the link.

...and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17)

Heard this MP3 piece today and had to share it with others. I was blessed and convicted by this. Not so much convicted by what was said, but how I have neglected to see my God for whom He is. When Moses asked for a name, God replied and said, "I am [that] I am." Sometimes, I can get so involved in the day to day issues that I forget that He is He is. I pray that that MP3 audio piece blesses you as it has me.

Thanks to MuzeOne from Redeemed Thought for the link.

Many of us take for granted the data that is on our phone, computer, or PDA. We walk and talk as if it will always be there, unless we haven't any power. But even then, we can just charge and go. We even think little about securing our data; leaving that to those who know-it-all and hope for the best, even if we think about it at all. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen if some data disaster were to happen? How would you go about getting that information back online so that you can resume normal business? It's an important question, and one that anyone in the IT field (or parents with children in the homework age) come to figure out and assess quite quickly.

So when I was reading this article earlier, I thought about disaster recovery for the believer. Yes, we have friends that we can call, maybe even as far as calling a pastor or someone in authority that can really help you out work out that issue. But have you stopped to think about planning for disaster? Have you done those things in your relationship with Our Father that would make disasters a speed bump, rather than a wall and detour? In that eWeek article, there is a plan that talks about spreading data to other sources, streamlining backup tasks, and documenting everything. Applying that to our walk we see something similar in the Word: having fruitful relationships where our brothers and sisters keep us accountable; doing and equipping ourselves for the tasks that God would assign us; and observing to follow the examples of those who came before. Would then it be too far to say that we have just as much a responsiblity in Christ to be equipped to help our brothers and sisters from disaster? I would think so, but that is only because my daily magazine says so.

Just finished listening to the live keynote presentation for Windows Mobile 2005 and it was pretty kool. Granted, this was presented at a developer's conference, and so some of the more technical programming parts were over my head, but there were a good deal of nice features that are going to be implemented in the mobile space for Windows Mobile.

I mention that on MMM because some of you are in the market for a new PDA, and even though I largely use the PalmOS and palmOne devices, there are other devices out there that may better suit your productivity needs. One of my favorite scriptures is the one that says, "people perish for lack of knowledge." Not doing your homework can make for a really expensive paper weight.