If you own a iPhone, you will have noticed that Apple recently introduced a new feature called screen time. Each week it sends you a report of the amount of time you spend looking at your phone, as well as a breakdown of which apps you have been using most often. I think for most of us it has been a bit of an eye-opener. We spend a shocking amount of time each day looking at these little rectangles that we call smart phones.
Real World vs Digital World
It seems that, as a society, we are becoming more and more connected to our phones and less and less connected with each other. We get lost in the digital world and are often oblivious to the real world going on all around us. We are so busy looking at our little rectangles that we miss the glory of God being revealed all around us through His creation.
In light of this, I think that most of us probably need to start cutting back on our screen time. That doesn’t mean that there is anything inherently wrong with our phones, or that there aren’t really important and useful things we can be using them for, but just be careful to not fall into the trap of filling every one of your spare moments with the digital world. Instead, take a moment to look around and marvel at God’s real world. Be intentional about filling your free time with prayer and human interaction.
How do you Spend your Screen time?
Secondly, start thinking about how you spend your screen time. Is the time you spend on your phone enriching your life? Is it drawing you closer to Christ? Is the content you are engaging with growing you up into a mature, confident follower of Jesus?
If the answer is ‘no’, then here are a few apps that may help redeem and enrich the time you do spend on your phone.
1. Dwell
Dwell is currently my favourite app on my phone. It is a beautiful designed Bible audio app. You can listen to the bible on other apps, but Dwell has done it, for the first time, really well. You can listen to playlists (i.e. Jesus Parables, Benedictions and Doxologies, God’s peace, etc.). You can do Bible-in-a-year plans, or just listen to any specific scripture that you want (even on repeat!). There are multiple voices to choose from, as well as a variety of subtle background music albums that enrich the listening experience.
I listen to it in the car. At the gym. While doing the dishes. There is something truly beautiful about having scripture spoken over you. I would highly recommend this App.
Download the Dwell App – iPhone
Coming to Android Spring 2019.
2. New City Catechism
The New City Catechism is a modern-day resource aimed at helping children and adults alike learn the core doctrines of the Christian faith via 52 questions and answers.
Historically catechisms were written with at least three purposes. The first was to set forth a comprehensive exposition of the gospel—-not only in order to explain clearly what the gospel is, but also to lay out the building blocks on which the gospel is based, such as the biblical doctrine of God, of human nature, of sin, and so forth. The second purpose was to do this exposition in such a way that the heresies, errors, and false beliefs of the time and culture were addressed and counteracted. The third and more pastoral purpose was to form a distinct people, a counter-culture that reflected the likeness of Christ not only in individual character but also in the church’s communal life.
The New City Catechism App does this beautifully. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, The New City Catechism mobile app makes it easy to take all 52 questions and answers with you wherever you go. The free app also includes suggested Scripture readings, short prayers, and devotional commentary, as well as kid-friendly songs designed to help children memorize each question and answer.
Download New City Catechism App – Android | iPhone
3. He Reads Truth/She Reads Truth
The He Reads Truth and She Reads Truth apps are Bible-reading tools designed specifically for men and women — to meet them where they are and encourage them to read God’s Word daily. It is gorgeously designed and it connects you with a community of people who are also seeking to be immersed in God’s word.
Download He Reads Truth – Android | iPhone
Download She Reads Truth – Android | iPhone
4. The Gospel Coalition App
The Gospel Coalition is a group of pastors and churches in the Reformed tradition that put the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of all activities. R.D. is on the Gospel Coalition Canada council.
The App puts a multitude of amazing articles and resources at your fingertips, that will encourage and challenge you to grow deeper in Christ. I have literally read hundreds of these articles over the years, and they have been a invaluable resource in my walk with the Lord.
Download the Gospel Coalition App – Android | iPhone
5. Bible App For Kids
This is a great app for your kids. It will help them become more familiar with the biblical story through interactive adventures and animations. My kids love playing on this app and through it they have begun to explore the big stories of the Bible.
