Mobile Ministry Magazine

Great article over at Christian Computing Magazine (CCM) talking about Digital Bible Studying and how its evolved with now a near-digital/mobile-native approach that's able to be taken towards Bible studying. Here's a snippet:

...It is truly a great time to be a student of God's word. If you use a computer, smart phone, or book reader, then you have more tools available for studying the Word of God then at any time in history. And I think the best thing this does for us is not cut the time it takes to do our studying, but rather it helps us go much deeper. If your primary goal for doing Bible study on any of these platforms is to cut minutes or hours off your time in the Word, then you are missing the greatest benefit. Instead your goal should be to go deeper in the same amount of time...

Read of the rest of Digital Bible Study Is Breaking the Banks of the Personal Computer at Christian Computing Magazine (CCM).

In terms of a comment from MMM's perspective, I'll repeat a question that was stated in a post a few weeks ago:

So what does it mean to have believers who have instant access to multiple resource and communities, who seek answers to the questions of faith and life, evaluating sources in real-time through online and offline relationships, instead of waiting for a sermon or preacher to smooth the message.

If you will, we've got the ease in getting to the resource now. So what does the Body do in terms of teaching those analytical and spatial-search skills that will enable believers and non-believers alike to engage the Bible, and the people of the Bible, in God-edifying ways? Yes, these are indeed exciting times, but the implications of being able to do digital Bible studies means that we've also got to tweak our methods of teaching and living with one another. Are we up for the challenge, because, its for these implications that these times are exciting too.

Labels: Bible, CCM, communication, community, software, study

I'm probably a lot less of an authority on the subject of choosing Bible software these days moreso than in times past because of the increasing (good) quality of offerings, and the very different paradigms of use that I've had. Where I'm very mobile, others might not be as much when it comes to choosing Bible software for.

I can only imagine what kind of difficulty that biblical schools can have here. On one side, you want to minimize support issues by using one or very few variations in software. But, much like choosing which Bible versions to read, you really want to teach people how to evaluate all so they can come to an educated opinion. There aren't courses for choosing the right bible software though, so what are schools to do?

After reading Karyn's views on the subject (at Boulders 2 Bits), I'm more convinced that there needs to be better data models with Bible software so that content and features can be easily shared between Bible softawre platforms. And I mean more than just the same Bible formats for the Bibles themselves, but similar usage flows for things like creating search filters, parsing languages, etc. If the companies can come together in this, then the idea of choosing the right Bible software moves more towards the effectiveness of the brand to give the best experience, not necessarly proprietory features. Because we don't think about how to click links and save bookmarks when we use different web browsers, why should things be so different with Bible software that we have to choose (and get stuck after so long in one system or another).

When you choose your Bible software platform, think not just about what you can do now with it, but what things look like if you were to decide later that the platform no longer suits your needs.

~via Bible Software Review

Labels: Bible, software, stewardship, study

LJ from Trailblazin Ministries has put together a nice overview of the new Logos 4 software and Microsoft OneNote 2010 software. Pretty neat stuff.

Labels: Bible, Logos, notes, software, study, Trailblazin Ministries

One of the newer projects that I'm doing with some guys I mentor is to do a Bible study within the book of Isaiah. We are basically going through a lesson of learning how to use reference materials. A key point in the lesson for me has been how to enable the mobile tool to be useful in this context, and then use as many mobile-enabled pieces to pull things together. I've only been partially successful... so far.

One of the bigger issues actually has to do with the notes. Though I've settled on a doing a wiki, the browsers on my mobiles don't play so well with the site. I also have the problem of how to link resources - as both of the browsers on my device don't give the ability to copy a page's URL.

Nevertheless, there's still this neat thing happening in terms of reading and making time to research. Being on the mobile, I'm more apt to find tangents that lead into additional notes, and in terms of just a plain reading of Scripture, the size of my mobile's screen gives me chunks to chew on without that gestalt aspect of ignoring other text around the page.

All in all, I think this will work, but it definitely highlights some of the issues present when using a mobile tool as a main element in organizing, leading, and managing a Bible study. Have any of you had similar experiences with mobiles's and leading/facilitating Bible studies? What has and hasn't worked for you?

Labels: Bible, mobiles, study, tech

This is another great post series that has been going on and has recently concluded. Over at Challies the topic of discussion is simply titled "Don't Take Your iPod to Church." The series is in multiple parts (Part 1, Part 1.5, and Part 2), but all are some great reading.

And you can bet that I've made a post there. Here's my comment towards what was written in Part Two. Hope to see you commenting there (and here) :D

Labels: communication, education, iPhone, iPod, study, tech

I had this thought... how do you (pastors, teachers, layleaders of small groups, etc) share your outlines and notes for your sermons and studies?

I've been playing with the idea of making my notes in HTML, and then using a combination of my website, Google Docs, and email to share these items. In this way, I'm doing some digital enablement, and for many folks, I'm leaving the cost (and admin) of printing and additional annotations to the listener.

Just wondering as I'm having some reasonable success doing this, and in some cases, its been an effective tool towards opening the door for other conversations that have led to better studies and discipliship situations.

Labels: annotating, notes, software, study

First there's good news of unlocked/unbranded Palm Centro devices going for $200, now there's some solid Bible software to go with it. Laridian has announced the availability of the MacArthur Study Bible Notes for their MyBible Bible Reader application. For those looking for a solid study bible solution for their PalmOS/GarnetOS mobile device, this seems like a great by. For more information, check out the Laridian website.

Labels: Bible, Centro, Laridian, MyBible, Palm Treo, software, study, Treo

Having received the Nokia N95 (North American edition) as the prize for my second place finish in Nokia's Mobile Web Server Challenge, I am now about the business of using it and its associated applicaitons and services to turn what we know about church and Bible studies on its head.

First thought, and something that I will certainely try and pull off (in some form), is using my mobile device as a learning center for a Bible study. For this we have a few items:

• My N95
• Nokia's Mobile Web Server
• JoikuSpot
• Friends with various wireless devices
• eBible or YouVersion

As you can see, we have a common contact point in the N95. The N95 will serve as the WiFi router for the other mobile devices with JokiuSpot (did you think we'd be meeting in a coffeehouse). And then we will balance having Bibles and resources with eBible and/or YouVersion, while the lesson and its comments will be placed on the Mobile Web Server.

Location: the middle of a park. There are a few reasons for this location. One, we are outside of a building and able to enjoy the beauty of God's creation while engaging His Word. Also, we put people in a place where they are less tight from sitting in a traditional church environment. Lastly, this is open enough that it would invite others to sit with us, but not feel like they cannot just pull out a pen and paper, or a laptop of their own, and jump right into the discussion.

Of course, making sure that this is something that can be found on a map would make it easier, so we use the MapSpot add-on with JokiuSpot to put the hotspot on a literal map so that people could see and engage with us, and have a means to get directions to our location.

This assumes a few things, such as connectivity issues as not being a problem, and that those involved would have the technology to engage this environment. Of both of these, I see them as being much less of an issue for the current and next generation of mobile users than what has been had previously. Devices and networks are ready for this if you will.

After all of that its just about digging into His Word. Using what we have been given in terms of His Word and Spirit to hear what God would have us learn at that moment. And then with the technology we can engage virtual audiences with audio, text, and video. We have a means for people to follow up on things as they are saved on the mobile web server and easily accessible. And then we have engagement. Its all about people and giving them avenues to engage the Word and their communities.

Thoughts (because I've not done it just yet, but I will)?

Labels: community, eBible, internet tablet, iPod Touch, Laptop, Mobile Web Server, mobility, N95, smartphone, study, YouVersion

Basing this question of an article of a similar title (Is Web Work Really Going to My Mobile Device?); what about fellowship and study makes them really conductive to using mobile devices, and what about those two makes mobile devices a non-issue?

Speaking on one side as a person who has forced a good bit of mobility into his studies, there is certainly an advantage of being able to study anytime and anywhere. Also, its made me less reliant on notes as more things have had to sit in my head for retrevial since software isn't as great as I would like it to be.

But for those whom I know don't like the idea of mobile devices being a part of a study, they cite cost of the deivce, device fraility, service availability, software, and a slew of other reasons (excuses). I understand them all, and encounter a good deal of them. I guess I am just the kind of person who would walk thru those issues rather than let them be a determent.

So what about you and your friends and family? For every one of you who can go mobile, there are those near to you who do not. What are some of those perspectives and what does that say about the ability to use mobile tech as agents within fellowship and study?

Labels: Bible, community, computer, Hardware, Laptop, mobile, mobility, smartphone, software, study

These days, one doesn't have to find an old and crusty library in order to get the best in tools and resources to study the Bible. One can even argue that doing a full term at a seminary might not even be needed to gain some measure of usable understanding. That's the thing about technology these days, its really freed up the acquisiton of knowledge (not wisdom and understanding though - they need relationship, experience, and accountability to be usable with knowledge).

When it comes to Bible study resources, there are several ways to go about looking for something solid. Biblical Studies and Technological Tools has started a series of posts on the subject and the latest one gives some basic principles on how to go about searching for the right resources and tools. Here is a snippet:

...I am making the following assumptions about those who would be most interested in such tools:

- You are likely a lay person who does not know Greek or Hebrew (though you wouldn't mind at least understanding a bit of what is going on in the original Greek or Hebrew).

- You don't really have the time or the means to accumulate a large, scholarly library of resources. What you really want is accessible, reliable, and understandable information regarding basic questions that arise as you read the Bible.

- You may be willing to spend some money to get good resources, but FREE is good!
You are interested in physical (i.e., real books) AND / OR digital (i.e., software or online) resources...

Read the rest of this post at Biblical Studies and Technological Tools

Labels: Bible, reading, software, study, tools

With the iPhone 3G now out and eyes even more wide open than ever towards mobile solutions, its a good time to take another look at the subject of technology strategy and how to execute a solid strategy in the mist of the shinky, new, needed, and useful technology out there.

How to Model Your Tech Use

In the last time we talked about technology strategy, we had this as a first point:

Are you modeling your technology use/adoption after Jesus, or is Jesus modeling your technology use/adoption?

The assumption here is that in deciding that something is worth attaining that it must have some purpose beyond simply just having it. For many who are savvy with information technology, this is a blurry line, yet one that we need to constantly look at and make sure that we are judging with the right mindset towards what is good and perfect towards mobile tech and our example to the Body.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5and said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations." But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." And Samuel prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them." (1 Samuel 8:4-9)

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." (Exodus 20:17)

I will admit that I am probably the worst at this, and I try and justify more often than not. But those things that I see other people with in terms of technology I often want. And many times, I want them for the reasons of doing what others do, or even trying to do better than others do with them.

Before I can even assume that I will attain any new technology, I have to ask the most import HOW question: how is me getting this new thing not lusting after what someone else has that may not be God's intention for me to have right now? (James 4:3)

Ok, after I have gotten past the point that it is not my own wants that I am trying to fulfill by going to a new device, I have to take the mental jump of discerning what this tool will help me to grow/harvest (Proverbs 31:16). No one buys a hammer just to hang it as decoration, you purchase it to use it. In the same way, mobile tech has to take the place of having a purpose, and this purpose should come as a part of you walking out on renewed mindset that you have towards proving God's effective justice and salvation to the world around you (Romans 12:2).

At this point, we now get to all the fun stuff like making sure that there are no hidden costs - the opposite of Matthew 13:44 if you will. For example, many have detailed already that the new iPhone 3G will acutally cost users MORE than the previous version. Be sure to crunch those numbers, there is no reason to not be wise with your resources even though this is something that will grow the King's view in the minds/hearts of others.

After that its even simpler - its not about you. The tech, the service, and even everything from the homework you do to reading the manual after the purchase are not about you. Part of that making disciples action (Matthew 28:18-20) has to occur in this process.

Its not just about attaining a new skill and or getting a new device. Its about expaning the Gospel by small actions as well as the large ones. Understanding how a device works because you read the manual might be something to put you before kings to help them in the area that God has them. Yes, small picture tech, but the bigger picture has to be God's glory throughout.

As time permits, we'll hit on some other areas of technology strategy and where the picture of this as a Christian is very different than that of one who is not.

Labels: community, gifts, minister, mission, people, stewardship, study, tech

As I sat in a coffeeshop today, I noticed a guy that I had seen a few times before with his Bible out. But that was not the part that got me thinking. In addition to having his Bible out, he was typing notes in MS Word, and using another program to look up commentary information.

Looking at him interact with that setup for a bit it hit me that while there is this studying that we have to do; many facets of mobile technology allow us to do this in different ways. This person used a combination of a print Bible, word processor, and online information. What are some of the combination that you use when studying the Bible? And do you have a journal/Word document where you keep track of what you do?

Labels: Bible, Laptop, software, study, tech

This is what happens when I sit down and begin to think a bit more about how a Bible Study Notes application can/should work. Feel free to offer your opinions, and if you are a developer, think of this as a project analysis of what I've been thinking about.

Bible Notes App/Web App

Short Description Note taking application for mobile devices, internet tablets, etc. that uses a plug-in based architecture to connect to local and online resources.

Why and Who: The reason for this program is so that casual Bible readers, students, and sermon attendees can take notes in a format that follows alongside their natural ability to take notes in a notebook whether they use a digital or print bible.

Goals

• Create notes that extend beyond the context of one particular reading to the various points of information that exist online and/or on the user's device
• Create a point of intersecting the APIs of several Bible programs, formats, and sources so that the user has choice in how to use the resources available
• To encourage the development of plugins for commercial and non-commercial resources so as to not to slight the publishing industry's licensing rights for resource materials
• To address the semantics behind studying, by putting to work the semantics of the web

What Does This Program Look Like:

• Start with the Notes Application on Nokia Internet Tablets
  • Addition of a button that adds functionality
  • Finger typing friendly
  • PDF, HTML, and XML export
  • Upload to Google Docs (download then reupload possible?)
• Title/Initial Actions Screen
  • Create, (3-5) Recent Notes, Delete, Manage Plugins, About
• Notes
  • single screen
  • bottom bar with Bold, Italic, Underline, Color Selector, Bullets, Link (Plugin), Save, Save/Upload

Limitations

• Simple formatting options
• Initially no ability to draw on screen or insert images
• If a web application, needs a server; would be better as a web application that can be launched from a bookmark in an offline mode then save when connected

Workflow

• Two screens: title/actions and notes
• Dialog boxes to confirm actions such as 'link to resource' and 'saved to local/web'

Document Structure

• XHTML
• In page CSS (initially no custom styles for users)
• BibleRef Tagger
• Semantic Bible

Program Structure

• Language: unknown, depends on native or web app
• MySQL on local machine for indexing tags and references
• UI based on writing first, tagging second
• Will NOT tie into any Bible reader program directly, plugins only

Plugins

• Must use API defined by source resource to access content
• search plugins will only pass information via a search string and open in local client's browser
• Plugins that point to local apps should be done with the GPL for user/developer customization
• Plugins that point to licensed material need to be checked for possible licensing issues
• Can plugin point to native app
• Plugin to add ability to highlight, draw on page instead of build into app (possibility)

Plugin Limitations

• Cannot create content
• Cannot pull in content from websites applications to paste into document (later functionality possibility)

This is somewhat detailed, but gives a clear idea of what I was speaking about in Sunday's post. What are your thoughts? Place them here, and let's get a push to make an application that will have some far reaching effects.

Labels: annotating, Bible, mobility, notes, software, study, tech, web application

I am sitting here thinking about my upcoming schedule of things to do and realize that it would be very nice to have a better Bible application (or web application that works offline) that would just facilitate leading and attending Bible studies or listening to sermons.

If you will, I don't need something that would be a Bible reader that then does notes. I am thinking more along the lines of a notepad application that automatically links to a Bible (on the device or not), in addition to other resources.

Something where I could create a document, and it would just be an HTML document. I could add tags to it (so that its easily searchable); and it would upload to places like Google Docs so that it can be shared with others. But then again, it wouldn't have to do that so much.

The idea of automatically linking to resources though is the fun part. For example, if I write a note, I want to be able to highlight either the verse notation written, or a keyword, and then be able to select what resource that it should be pointing to. That resource would basically be the search page for that Bible/commentary/lexicon/Wikipedia/etc. website and instantly give some depth to my notes. Imagine even linking to a city and having Google Maps, or whomever is doing a Google Maps-like ancient Bible maps mash up, link to it automatically.

I think something like this would be ideal as a web application because it is something that I would want for a mobile device (most likely my N800 Internet Tablet, but also my mobile phone). The ideal thing would be for this to work offline without having to be connected first (an issue with many web applications). But I could see something like this coming in just as much, if not more in handy than having a Bible reader, and then asking for the other features to be plugged into it.

Side note: If someone is willing to build this kind of an application, either a web app or something for a dedicated mobile device; I would be glad to help test (sorry, not a app developer) and when it is done promote the application here at MMM.

Related Articles:

• Semantic Bible
• Crosswire Bible Society's SWORD Project

Labels: Bible, mobiles, sermon, software, study, tech, web application

I write this a good bit before writing Part Three of the MMM Mobile Experiment Report but this is a great article posted at the Biblical Studies and Technological Tools blog about thinking about what technology and faith will look like given what we have seen happen in other media and lifestyles in the Western church.

Without going too far into things on my end, here is a snippet of this great thought-piece:

I am also wondering, then, if we might actually become more dependent on private resources/devices rather than network resources. I.e., it will be lots easier to secure a personal device not connected to any network, and I will be more confident in working with guaranteed secure resources not based on the network. This does mean that I believe that someone will still be developing and providing technological resources for biblical studies, but I also suspect that the choices will be greatly reduced. We are already seeing the convergence of best features of the various Bible programs, and as this trend continues, the only differentiating factor will be cost. I just hope we aren't all buying Wal-Mart or Google Bible software after they buy up every other current company in this field

Read the rest of the post The Future of Bible Studies and Technological Tools.

Related Articles:

• New King James with Microsoft OneNote (Palmsolo)

Labels: Bible, church, community, education, gospel, mission, mobile, mobility, networking, phone, purchasing, software, stewardship, study, tech, urban, worship

Image via Wikipedia

In reading Matt Miller's latest post about a sub-$1000 ultraportables, I was wondering, how many of you use a laptop/ultraportable (not smartphone and keyboard) in Bible studies, meetings, etc.?

Considering devices like the HP Mini Note and Asus Eee PC that are well under $1000 (under $500 in some configurations), it would seem that its very possible to have a capable note-taking solution?

Of those of you that use ultraportables (that is, laptops with less than a 12in screen), do any of you orchestrate special programs or usability features for those in your communities that also use them? If so, what do you share/do?

Labels: Asus Eee, community, Hardware, Laptop, mobiles, software, study, tech

I unintentionally tend to sit on some news stories. Hoping to speak about some things when there is an open slot or the chatter on the interwebs isn't so loud about it that it would get lost in the shuffle; some things just get pushed to the back a bit. Here's some of those items that aren't too flaccid in terms of timing, but definitely useful for various applications.

• Logos post address Spanish-oriented resources.
• The latest GMPSoft newsletter has several deals on various electronic resources for your PDA or smartphone including a Bible Bundle which includes the Greek UBS4 module.
• Something to make you think on how to approach little ones with the subject of hearing God and prayer even when its something that the Bible may/may not talk about ;)
• Palm Addict has a random giveaway of a 15 inch Mac PowerBook going on right now. The rules are to send in a post relevant to how you are using mobile tech. If not something that you need, definitely enter for someone in your circle who could use a computer but may not have the means to attain one.
• Swerve, a ministry of Lifechurch.tv, has two post titled 10 Things.... The first deals with Introspection and the second Ministry. Hands down, a very solid read and meditation piece for the weekend.
• And finally, the Carnival of the Mobilists at Mobilestance has plenty of readings from the past week in mobile tech.
• Forgot this one: YouVersion has done some updates that have improved performance and added a few new versions to the fray. Unless you are on an Internet Tablet like me, it really should work very well in connected settings as both a journaling and group Bible study tool.

Don't forget that we published MMM Issue 5 earlier this week. Several articles and insights there as well for your own mental scratchpad.

Labels: accessiblity, Apple, Bible, Carnival of the Mobilists, community, devotion, family, issue 5, mobile accessories, mobility, Spanish, stewardship, study, tech, worship

Image from Wikipedia

For many of you, its not an issue of "if" to extend your offices, by using web and mobile technology, its a matter of "how."

To answer the "how" we are going to look at a few areas: engaging people to use the tools and selecting what works best with your budget.

Engaging the Team

A major hurdle to using anything new is getting people sold on the idea that it would work best for them. Unfortunately, we are creatures of habit. Doing something different, especially when it comes to utilizing mobile devices, services, or applications can be a bear.

One thing you want to have in place before you roll out a solution is some type of easy to access help system. This should be in two layers (simple): knowledge base and people (in that order). The first questions people ask are the "how do I do this" ones, so making sure that this is populated, and constantly maintained, is of great importance. This resources should be emphasized during any training, and a part of a weekly routine of checking on the progress of implementing a solution.

What this looks like to the minister's on-the-go-office could be a wiki that is saved on the mobile device with common topics. It could be a contact entry that is constantly synced with a note detailing how to do immediate problem solving.

The people resource should be the second and final one. This is where one asks for assistance in doing a feature, or needs a refresher in what was taught originally. Everyone needs a point of contact, and assuring them that there is a person that can be contacted makes it easier for people to accept that there's a change in the workflow in the mist.

Actually getting the team to use those new tools might be less difficult if it could be implemented into the normal routine. For example, in one SharePoint installation I was a part of, instead of making the entire enterprise use it all at once, we made the departments use it only for announcements. We left it open for individuals to play with, but made them know that the only way to know about what was going on was to visit the SharePoint website. Over time, we rolled out more and more SharePoint-only features, backed up with training key users on more features so they would talk about it, getting others involved into using it on a more consistent basis. Basically speaking, giving it to them in small bits is better than force-feeding.

Budget Concerns

One of the questions that is always asked when talking about extending one's office using mobile tech is the cost. Cost doesn't just include the money, its also inclusive of the time, the administration, and any thing else that is not actively using the tech. Balancing cost versus use is hard, but here are some things to think about when evaluating cost:

• Are those providing support or those building the system a volunteer who may leave at any given time?
• Does using a mobile device require additional learning outside of just using office tools, such as user interface and system maintenance issues?
• What is the backup plan? Will implementing a backup plan cost as much as implementing the primary plan? Can using the backup be easier for users than using the primary?
• What are the cost savings/expenses of an entire ministry team being online? Are subsidies or grants available to offset the costs of running/not running a physical office?
• In extending the office, what are the costs to family, friends, and ministry endeavors? Can appropriate boundaries be kept?

Addressing Smaller Offices

Some of you reading this might see these as all well and good, but you are part of a 5-man or smaller team. Things just aren't that deep (in scope or budget). So what can you do?

Take advantage of web suites like Google Apps or Zoho Office. While providing a centralized interface for work, it will also keep things manageable in one area. Using smartphones, Internet Tablets, and UMPC devices are a good means to take light work on the go. Remember though that more devices are more things to manage. Choose the device carefully, basing the costs and engagement on what you already do and what you need to do better.

Labels: browser, community, device, email, family, Google, mission, mobile accessories, mobility, networking, SharePoint, stewardship, study, tech

Since moving to using the N800 and N75 as my computing devices, I've had a bit of a quandary when its come to using the devices for Bible study and church. One main issue has been search. Its not so much of an issue on the N75 with the S60 Bible reader - this Bible reader is a lot like the Bible+ reader that has IMO the best user interface for searching for verses when you know the verse you are looking for in either term or address.

The problem comes when I am using the N800. There, I am usually writing notes and want to go back and forth with Rapier and Bible Gateway (yes, I use both at the same time). While I can get to many verses or notes, its cumbersome, and I have gone to the point of putting the devices down and just listening out of frustration.

I read a post about how one can look up Bible references from the web with Logos and it really hit that what I needed (in some cases) was just a better way to get the verses down do that the N800 can give me what I am looking for.

The way that Logos works, according to the post, its pretty much as simple as pointing Logos to the web page where you want to pull the verse from, and then the library shows the verses in another screen. This method really works best when you have a web page that has all the verses listed, and then the browser is open to that page, and the person is in Logos - kinda like one of those options we talked about before.

Here is a bit more detail about the process:

Libronix will quickly find all the Bible references mentioned and add them to your verse list in the order in which they appear on the web page. You can then decide how you'd like to view them. The default is to show only the references without the text. Double clicking those references will open them in your preferred Bible allowing you to read them in their contexts, compare them with other versions, or dig into your study Bibles and commentaries. If you'd like to see the text of the verses along with the references, you can select "References and Text in One Column" or "References and Text in Two Columns."

In looking at this just in the context of Bible software. It would seem that the best way to take advantage of this is have some sort of outline in some kind of container (RSS) that a program could use and then using the ability of that program to take notes, one would have all the verses they need and could just concentrate on listening to the lesson and engaging in the discussion.

Labels: Bible, Bible+, internet tablet, Logos, N800, Rapier, S60 Bible Reader, software, study

The Laridian Blog has broken into a rather neat discussion about the using the Bible Maps feature of their Pocket Bible 3 software for Windows and Windows Mobile/Pocket PC as part of an effective reading of the Word. Here's a sniippet of the discussion:

Each map is filled with names of places for which you can read more information. Just tap the name of any location on the map and an article will appear. If you do not currently have the Bible Maps – Articles book open and your preferred dictionary is something other than Bible Maps – Articles then the system will first look in your preferred dictionary for the information and open the appropriate article. If you want it to only look in the Bible Maps – Articles book then you need to either:

- Change your preferred dictionary to Bible Maps – Articles OR:

- Close your preferred dictionary and open the Bible Maps – Articles so that both the maps and the articles are on the same screen. By doing one or the other then it will default to opening the article within Bible Maps – Articles.

Read the rest of this insightful entry, and join the discussion at the Laridian Blog. For more information visit the Bible Maps page at the Laridian website.

Personally, I'd love to be using features such as commentaries, references, and maps more, but I have found that the interface on my IT hasn't yet been optimized for these resources.

Labels: Bible, Laridian, study, tech