Just a few short years ago I never would have imagined that I would be carrying around a hand sized computer that would be a part of almost every aspect of  my life. At times I feel like I am on Star Trek! Our obsession with our phones can have its down sides – I cringe when I see people at restaurants glued to their screens instead of talking to each other – but  we have to learn to use our technology instead of letting it use us. So when I am not looking at funny cat videos, here are a few ways I use my phone as a tool to bring me closer to God:

1. Scripture reminders

The old way: I wrote scriptures on index cards and put them where I could see them for encouragement throughout my day. 

The iPhone way: Now my phone acts as a virtual index card. Using either the free Bible Lock app or just pulling an image off the Internet, I put a Bible verse or phrase on my “wallpaper” and every time I turn my phone on, it is there. I feel like God is giving me a little nudge and the verse seeps into my subconscious. Right now this is what I see:

Seeing this each time I turn on my phone reminds me that God doesn’t want me to just trudge through this life, but to soar!

2. Quick Bible translations: 

The old way: When I was really studying the Bible and needing to dig deep, I would  have different Bible translations and concordances spread out around me on the table. 

The iPhone way: Now when I am reading the Bible and find myself questioning the meaning of a verse, I can quickly go to the YouVersion Bible app on my phone and read a different translation. I still love my books and especially my Bible that I have labored over for 30 years, but having all those versions at my fingertips is so convenient! At times I can read the same verse over and over and it doesn’t click, but if I read it in a different translation, I will see something in it I missed. Comes in handy during the preacher’s sermons also.

3. Podcasts

The old way: I turned on the Christian radio station and listened to whoever was on at the time, or ordered cassettes from a particular speaker that I liked. 

The iPhone way: I download podcasts of ministers and teachers, plug my phone into my car stereo and listen when it is convenient for me. My favorite is Joyce Meyer, who is well known for her TV program and books. I don’t like watching her, but I love listening to her podcasts. Her teaching is always Biblical, honest and hilarious. She really gets on us women for being whiney, and moody, not trusting God and not being willing to go deeper in our walk with Him. This is a typical quote from her:

Her podcasts are around 15 minutes long, just the length of time for my afternoon drive home, and they help me “decompress” after my day. 

  

These are just a few ways I use my phone to stay in touch with God – what apps, podcasts or other features do you use?