Christian apps are helpful. But it’s not like you have to use a Christian app just because you’re a Christian. Secular apps can be just as helpful, too.
“I’m terrible with technology. I’ll never figure this out.”
Sound familiar?
That was my excuse. I was proud of my “old-school” ways and didn’t want to adapt to our changing, technological world. But after a while, I realized the problem isn’t technology. The problem is me.
So, I changed.
I decided to learn a few things, and quickly discovered the power of using technology rightly, and one of those things is apps.
Using apps is a powerful way to get more done, be more efficient, and stay more organized.
While there’s hundreds you can use, here’s eight that I think you’ll enjoy:
Christian Apps (and Secular Apps) Worth Checking Out
1) PrayerMate (Prayer)
As mentioned on its site, “PrayerMate brings all your prayer points together. Whether its your personal prayer points for friends and family, regular updates from some fantastic mission organizations or the latest PDF prayer letter that just arrived in your inbox, PrayerMate puts it all together in one place and helps you get on and pray.”
When it comes to Christian apps, this one is great. This award-winning app has been featured on Christianity Today and many other major sites for good reason: It’s an excellent, innovative way to dive deeper into prayer for anyone who’s not easily distracted by technology.
Click here to learn more about PrayerMate.
2) ESV Bible from Crossway (Bible Reading)
When you think of Christian apps, you probably quickly think of reading your Bible on an app. Myself, I don’t use an app for my personal devotions. I’d get too distracted and check Twitter, blog stats, or see how many people haven’t texted me. But when I travel, I don’t like to haul by ESV Study Bible around, so I use this app. I know the cool kids use the YouVersion app, but I prefer Crossway’s app because of its interface and simplicity.
Click here to learn more about the ESV Bible Crossway app.
3) Todiost (Task-Management)
In his excellent new book, Do More Better, Tim Challies defines productivity as “effectively stewarding my gifts, talents, time, and energy to the good of others, and the glory of God.”
The gospel (done) creates a power for your good works (do). God wants you to be productive — not to earn his love, but because you already have it.
So, you need a system. I guess you can go without one. But without a system, you won’t maximize your potential for productivity.
As Challies recommends in his book, Todoist is a free, easy-to-use, app that allows you track your projects, tasks, and organize what you need to do. Whether it’s church stuff or work stuff or life stuff, Todoist will help you get more done.
Click here to learn more about Todoist.
4) Pocket (Online Reading)
You notice an article on The Gospel Coalition that you’d like to read. But you don’t have time because you’re at work. What do you do?
That’s easy: Pocket it.
Here’s Pocket’s tagline: “When you find something you want to read or watch later, save it to Pocket and view on any device, any time.”
It’s that simple. It removes the fear of missing out on good content, because you can check it out later.
Click here to learn more about Pocket.
5) Downcast (Podcasts)
[callout]Note: I’ve switched to Castro for listening to podcasts and love it, although Downcast is not a bad choice either.[/callout]
I have no good reason why I’d recommend this app, other than I once heard that John Piper uses it. And who doesn’t want to be like John Piper?
But seriously, with the rising popularity of podcasts, it wouldn’t hurt to start listening to a few. And Downcast also lets you listen to sermons, so you can seize your commute by listening to your favorite preachers before work.
Click here to learn more about Downcast.
6) Audible (Audio Books)
Or you can seize your commute by listening to audio books, and this is the route I prefer.
I’ve been reluctant to buy audible for a while, since it’s not cheap, but after trying the 30 Day Free Trial, I realized the benefits are well worth the price. Now I wish I would’ve bought it right when it came out.
Click here to learn more about Audible.
7) Google Calendar (Scheduling)
What gets scheduled, gets done. Well, usually.
To be sure, there’s still a lot of benefits to printed calendars. But with an electronic one, you’ll get notifications, reminders, and you can always have it with you.
Click here to learn more about Google Calendar.
8) Evernote (Information Management Tool)
Evernote is a BEAST. It’s almost too much at times, honestly, and I doubt I’m utilizing all features well, but for what I’ve used, it’s pure gold. It allows you to store, collect, and access your information in a safe and secure place. Nothing but good will arise out of using Evernote well.
Click here to learn more about Evernote.
I’m no technology guru. But I’m sure these Christian apps (and secular ones) can help your life. I want to encourage you to live more effectively, more efficiently, more intentionally. Passivity, after all, is not the game plan. As Paul reminds us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
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