Bible Question: I hope this is not off-subject, but I found this USB Digital Bible online (at http://www.davidsteele.com |
Bible Answer: I am familiar with using USB Ports. After reading, all the information regarding the USB Port Bible, it seems that it is just like any other USB Port. If that were true, then depending on the source of display used it would be just using any retrieving devise. It would have a menu, choices, and drop down selections. In this case, it would all be on one USB Port and available to use with any means that allows USB Port connection. After reading all the information about this particular product it is challenging to understand if, the company is selling a USB Port or a certain translation of the Bible. The commentary that follows the explanation of the USB Port is very strong and one sided regarding the translation selected. Personally, this particular product is not an option I would consider; primarily, because of the limitations and restraints of the product. If I was looking for a way to have scripture readily available for use; either personally or scholastically I would just connect to the internet and use http://www.biblegateway.com/ I have found this resource to be very easy to use, it has a lot of translations in several different languages. It also incorporates word and topical searches, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and many other available resources. In addition, to all of these features, it also offers ways to grow, daily devotionals, a guide to read the Bible through in a year, word studies and a lot more than any USB Port single translation. You did not ask this question, but please allow me to share something: the computer age is a wonderful tool if used correctly, and I am sure that is what you are doing, but there is nothing more refreshing than having my Bible ready to be opened and read. I do not need a USB Port, a battery, an adapter, an earphone, or electrical plug. All I need to do is have enough light to read. Even times when I cannot read my Bible, I can hold it next to my heart and allow God’s words to comfort me. I remember a friend shared that her young daughter, after accepting Christ, wanted to learn everything she could about the Bible. Each night she would go to bed with her Bible lying on top of her chest. When her mother questioned, “Why” her response was, I don’t know all the big fancy words, but God does, so I figured that if I hold it next to my heart, then He could let the words that He wants me to know to go through the pages of the Bible, through my skin and right to my heart. I will know what He wants me to know until I am older enough to read and understand all the words for myself. She held her Bible, closed her eyes, her mother kissed her softly on her forehead and the child went to sleep holding the Word of God. Save and secure. There are large Bibles that may need a wheel-barrel to transport. There are Bibles that are so small that you need a magnifying glass to read a word. Somewhere between the wheel-barrel and the magnifying glass is a happy medium. There is nothing like the written Word of God. I’ve had my current Bible since 1992 and it is like my right hand. It fits comfortably and assuredly into my hand and opens to the place that I need just for that moment and it ministers to my heart. It knows me; my favorite verses are underlined, promises of God with my name next to ones that He has fulfilled and ones that I’m holding onto for the future highlighted. It contains my tears on pages where I have wept before the Lord. It has dates in the margins when God revealed a truth to me in a new way. It has my handwriting from one end of the page to the other, noting explanation of a word, verse, or several paragraphs. I know my Bible backward and forward and it knows me. It knows just where to open: to encourage my heart, challenge my walk, call me to grow, and/or learn new truths about my Heavenly Father, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who all dwell in me. My Bible is the Living Word and His Word is living in me. If I were using an electronic means to connect to a Bible translation, I would rather use http://www.biblegateway.com/, has many resources, available and use my Bible. If you are looking for an electronic means for using the Bible, this would be a source, and considering it only comes in the one translation and few if any additional features – it would not be my choice. Check with your local Christian bookstore’s “Bible person” ask his opinion as his knowledge will be more diverse and better able to assist you regarding this particular devise. He may also know other resources available that may better meet your needs and desires along with being able to ask question and return it should it be damaged or needs repair. I hope that I have offered some food for thought and please let me know your decision and if this USB Port Bible fulfills your needs and is a valuable resource. In His service, I am, Psalm139:13 |