Digital Resources
Since I first learned to use a computer 40 years ago, I enjoy using technology to learn. Here are some of my favorite apps and websites. I will begin with just a few categories and resources and add more as I find them. If you have a favorite digital resource you would like to share or a comment about one of the resources scroll to the end of the page and I will add your thoughts to this page. It will take a little while to add all my favorites so visit regularly.
Apps
I use an iPad so I don't know if all of these are available as android apps. Please let me know if you use an android device in the comment form at the bottom of the page.
I use an iPad so I don't know if all of these are available as android apps. Please let me know if you use an android device in the comment form at the bottom of the page.
- Bible Study by Olive Tree. This is my bible app. I have used it for years - I first started using it on my Palm Pilot if you remember those. While the basic app is free, I have been adding resources for many years that I have purchased. I have several Bible translations (three of these have Strong's numbers so when I click on a word the Greek or Hebrew word appears in a pop up box), several commentaries, bible dictionaries, timelines, maps. These are all linked so when I am reading a verse I can see links to places in all the resources that I have information about that verse. I can also add highlights of many colors and notes. There are also some just general books about religious topics that you can purchase and read on the app. It is downloaded on your device so you don't have to have an Internet connection to use it. This one also comes in many platforms and since I have purchased the app on my ipad I can download the app on my Mac for free and have access to all my books and notes.
- Bible Project - This is a new app created by the Bible Project that organizes their resources in ways to help you learn to read the Bible by reading the Bible. You can find all of the resources from their website through this app.
- Scripture Typer. This app is designed to help you memorize scripture. You can add verses that you want to memorize and type and hear the verse. It lets you practice by gradually taking away parts of the verse. It does have versions for different types of devices.
- Gospel In Life. This is the app for Tim Keller and Redeemer church. It has access to some of his sermons. It also had a bible app that has daily bible readings that will take you through the bible in a year. You can either read them or listen to them.
- Read Scripture -I have tried several times to read the bible through in a year. I stated countless times and maybe only succeeded once or twice. The reading plans I tried really took readings out of context and I just got overwhelmed. This app is based on a reading plan developed by the Bible Project that is a "brand-new thematic reading plan constantly highlights the bigger picture so you can always see the big picture in your reading. Hint: It all points to Jesus." It allows you to track your progress. The whole reading plus amazing videos from the Bible Project are all in one place in this app. It is organized by sections and then by weeks so you start anytime and it tracks your progress so you know where you are if you have to miss a day. The readings are designed to take about 15 minutes a day.
Internet Websites (Other than blogs)
- Revised Common Lectionary Readings - Vanderbilt Divinity Library. This resource has the readings for the current year and week. You can link to the actual passages. There are also links to art, slideshows, and daily readings and many other resources that I haven't completely checked out yet. I use it mostly to keep up with the readings.
- The Bible Project - a resource created by a group of Biblical scholars and creative animators who seek to make the Bible understandable. This has been an amazing resource for me. It takes more of a biblical theology perspective that sees the bible as a story of God's love that leads to Jesus. There are animated videos, podcast, and blog articles that make hard concepts easy to understand. It also has college/seminary, non-credit level courses that you can take.
- Debie Thomas - an amazing writer that my Sunday school class has come to love through her essays on Journey with Jesus. This is her new website with links to her new book and other writings.
- Gospel in Life - This is the webpage for Tim Keller and Redeemer church. It has the same resources as the app described in the app section.
- NIV Study Bible Online - this is part of the International Bible Society site. In addition to the full text of the NIV Bible there are several other resources here including the ability to compare different versions side by side.
- The Text This Week. This resource was shared with me by my pastor, Ellen Di Giosia. It is an amazing resource organized around the liturgical year. I have just begun to use it but there are all kinds of resources here from articles to art and movies.
- The Ten Minute Bible Hour - I first found this resource on YouTube -see link in YouTube section - but I like to use this website now because the videos are arranged in categories. There is also a link to some other resources including a podcast which I haven't listened to yet. I really like this site and I am learning so much. Matt Whitman has a gift for explaining things in a way that is easy to understand yet isn't dumbed down.
- SoundCloud Playlist. I love to listen to good choral music. I found this website which is also an app that is similar to facebook in that people create a profile and add music that is on SoundCloud or that they upload. Beckenhorst Press which is a company that publishes Christian choral music, adds their music to SoundCloud. I found it when I was trying to find one of the choir pieces we were singing and I love it. Warning! There are lots of things on SoundCloud and some are wordly.
- Pastor Nate Shurden at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN. This is my daughter's pastor and we enjoy visiting this church when we go to Franklin. This is the page for the sermons. The sermon for January 7, In the Beginning, (posted on January 10) was an excellent sermon on Genesis 1.
- Feasting On the Word- This is the page to the publisher of the Feasting on the Word commentaries based on the Revised Common Lectionary. I have just started exploring this site and look forward to finding more resources for Bible study here.
- Nancy Gutherie - She is a very good teacher that attends my daughter's church. I heard her speak at the women's retreat at my daughter's church. I also did one of her Biblical Theology Workshops Online during COVID.
- The Thoughtful Christian. This is a new website that I found that has all the Feasting on the Word Commentary materials along with many other resources. The resources are for sale, but a good place to find resources to study God's word.
Podcasts
I have really come to enjoy listening to podcasts on my daily walks. These are my favorites.
I have really come to enjoy listening to podcasts on my daily walks. These are my favorites.
- Bible Project - This one is part of the Bible Project website described above. It allows for the creators of the videos to go deeper in conversation with each other than the videos.
- In the Studio with Michael Card - I have loved Michael Card's music and books for a long time. This podcast combines theses two
- The Cottage - This is a private podcast by Diane Butler Bass. The link is to her website where you can sign up to join this podcast.
- Learning How To See - This a podcast with Brian McLaren at the Center for Contemplation and Action
- Gospel in Life - Timothy Keller Sermons
Blogs
I enjoy reading blogs. I use a feed reader to collect and organize my blogs - (Use the Using a Blog page for how to do this.) Here are some of the ones I follow.
I enjoy reading blogs. I use a feed reader to collect and organize my blogs - (Use the Using a Blog page for how to do this.) Here are some of the ones I follow.
- A Holy Experience. This is the blog of Anne Voskamp who wrote the book, 1,000 Gifts.
- Journey With Jesus. I found this one from the The Text This Week resource. It was the featured site of the week. It calls itself a webzine but since it has weekly postings on the reformed common lectionary for the week I put in this category of blogs. I am looking forward to following this one as I use the lectionary for my bible readings. I have come to love this site the more I use it. I look forward to reading it each week. Debie Thomas, the author of most of the posts is an amazing, insightful writer. She makes me think and encourages me at the same time.
- Kimberlee Conway Ireton. I just found this one when I got her book, A Circle of Seasons (see description on the Favorite Books page). This one is still good but it hasn't been updated in about a year so can use it for previous posts.
YouTube Videos
These are either great sermons, choirs singing some of my favorite songs. or some interviews.
These are either great sermons, choirs singing some of my favorite songs. or some interviews.
- I Will Rise - Sung by Alex Boyle and choir, arrangement by Craig Courtney. I found this video when I was very discouraged. It was a great reminder.
- Come to Jesus - This is Chris Rice's tribute to Billy Graham. Another one that brings tears of joy.
- Tell Your Heart to Beat Again -sung by Danny Gokey. I found this one when I was facing a difficult time with hurt and this one spoke to me of new beginnings.
- Be Still My Soul - by the Mercer University Singers - a beautiful song from the year of COVID
- Interview with Ken Duncan - Ken is an amazing Australian photographer who shares his Christian faith through his photography in a way that encourages people to just open their heart to God.
- Walking in the Light - By Ken Duncan - Found another amazing speech, his testimony. It is really good. With quotes like this about one of his image: "This is not photoshop, this is God. God is better than photoshop. You just have to wait for him to show you the image.
- The Ten Minute Bible Hour YouTube Channel -This is the site of Matt Whitman, a pastor in Lander, Wyoming. He was a history professor before becoming a pastor. He has interesting information about the Bible. It is designed to help people understand what the Bible is, how e got the Bible. He does a good job of explaining different viewpoints encouraging the viewer to explore and decide which viewpoint they will take.