The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1 In the beginning was  the Word, and  the Word was with God, and  the Word was God.

 One of the biggest challenges I have experienced over the years is finding the right bible study software package to meet my needs. The complicating factors in this are my computing needs have changed and my information needs have evolved. I liken it to starting out with a tricycle as a youth and now driving a car (albeit what I drive now is called by some a "Grandma's Car.)

Switching from PC to Mac was my latest effort to complicate things. The old software tools are not compatible with the Mac, so the search began anew. It was further complicated by a relatively recent change from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to the English Standard Version translation of the bible. My old NIV study bible on PC is now available to be donated to someone in need of a good NIV study bible on disk. Let me know if you are that person, as it is first-come-first-served.  The research for what package to chose involved lots of time on the web. And one factor different from your typical software shopping adventure, there was a good deal of prayer. What package is out there that the Lord would like me to start with? Again, it is an evolutionary step that I am taking, not leap to the end of a journey. The tools needed allow for reading and study of the Word. But also the ability to grow deeper in my understanding using the tools available is another necessity for whatever I chosen. And my learning style embraces the use of video, pictures, commentaries and the like. Not a simple choice. The price range is quite dramatic. Several low end packages that did not meet my needs were in the <$20 range. One very intriguing package was $50. And then the really high end stuff which starts at a couple of hundred dollars and goes up to >$1,000. The high end package are filled with features that at some point I may understand the need for and ultimately embrace the purchase of. But for right now, I have found something that works for me. I decided on Glo Premium (http://www.globible.com/premium/) I am not affiliated with the company, have no financial gain from advertising for the company. I just like what it offers. It is available for multi-platforms.

You may ask why all the fuss about a bible software package. It goes back to the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word is Jesus. In John 1 that is the big message. Jesus was with God the Father at the beginning of time. He is God. He is a part of the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The importance of that message can be lost to many if their reading is shallow or their sources incomplete. That is the benefit of the study bibles. It can help to reveal what is really going on in scripture. It opens up the links, the back story, and reveals in vivid detail what the real meaning of each verse holds. The extensive research needed is beyond my humble capabilities. And that is why I rely on really good tools. These tools help me to understand and be better equipped to share with others.

When each of us sets out to dive deeper into God's Word, we also encounter the same fundamental choices. How will God speak to me so that I can understand what He has to say. Hard copy or electronic does not matter. What matters is beginning and staying committed.

PRAYER: Thank You for Your Word. Amen