Faith and Tech
Finding the Lost One and Caring for the Found one
Welcome back, friends. I pray that you are well today. In this edition, we’re diving into one of Jesus’ shortest, yet most piercing of all Jesus’ parables. These devotion thoughts are intended to serve as encouragement to look into the scriptures more deeply and completely.
Then we’ll pivot to the tech tools that help us dig deeper into Scripture with precision and purpose. So, let’s get started.
FAITH: When One Is Missing
Luke 15:8–10
This story isn’t about money—it’s about meaning. Jesus paints a picture of a woman who notices what’s missing, values what’s lost, and refuses to rest until restoration comes.
I. The Ache of Absence
She had ten coins—but one was gone. And that one mattered.
• This wasn’t a careless loss—it was a costly one.
• Her heart didn’t settle for “almost whole.” She longed for complete restoration.
Reflection: Have you ever felt the ache of someone missing from your ministry, your family, or your fellowship? God feels that too. He doesn’t dismiss the one—He pursues them.
II. The Effort of the Search
She lights a lamp. She sweeps the house. She searches with intensity.
• This is not passive waiting—it’s passionate pursuit.
• Her whole posture is one of love in motion.
Challenge: Who in your life needs to be pursued—not with pressure, but with presence? The search is sacred.
III. The Joy of Restoration
When she finds the coin, she doesn’t just smile quietly—she calls her friends.
• Her joy is communal.
• Her celebration mirrors heaven’s.
Maybe you feel like the coin—covered in dust, tucked in a corner, unnoticed. Hear this: God is searching for you. And when He finds you, He doesn’t condemn—He celebrates. He wants every lost coin (person), to come home – through Jesus, in Jesus, and by Jesus.
Never forget: His love reached past the shackles of you mind, actions, and mistakes. He is reaching, seeking, and looking for you.
TECH: Tools for the Text
Whether you’re preparing sermons, leading Bible studies, or just hungry for deeper personal study, there is a way to increase you access to the Biblical truth, develop personal study habits, and ‘if used correctly’, enhance your spiritual journey in the Lord. Tech NEVER REPLACES PRAYER AND SEEKING THE LORD.
Tech is simply a tool that can help. Some 50 years ago, I helped a friend at his tire store. For a smooth and safe ride, tires must be balanced, or bad things will happen. At that time, we placed a tire on a machine and balanced that tire by the ‘bubble’ method of that machine. It was effective, but it took a while. Today, the tire is placed on a ‘balancer’ machine which spins the tire and then give a message where to place the weights to balance the tires. It’s not that the old method doesn’t work, it’s that this new method offers helps that were not available back then. And it’s nice.
Bible software have come a long way since I saw the first DOS Bible software, which was simply a word search in the KJV. This was back in the late 1980s.
The three Bible software, that I offer today, are among a myriad of Bible packages available today. Others will be presented at a later time, but for today, I offer these three. At the same time, be aware that the tech landscape for BibleSoftware has changed dramatically in the past 10-15 years. Personally I began using the Biblesoft Package, which I found to be simple, easy, and complete. Today, after investing hundreds of dollars in that package, Biblesoft is out of business.
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Logos Bible Software — Best for Deep Theological Study
• Strengths: Unmatched library integration, original language tools, sermon builder, and theological resources.
• Ideal For: Expositional preachers, seminary-level research, and building sermon archives.
• Why It’s Top-Tier: Logos offers dynamic word studies, exegetical guides, and even AI-assisted sermon prep. It’s like having a digital seminary at your fingertips. Today, Logos has gone the way of ‘subscriptions’. While this is annoying, there are also perks with whichever level of subscription you choose. Personally, I chose the MAX and have been completely satisfied with the software. The tools are endless. Additionally, Morris Proctor was the ‘Master Trainer’ for years, certainly his service was ‘fee-based’ and well worth the money. Morris left us about the time that Logos put real energy into training. This training is free and is really good.
Here's a started link: Logos Bible Software
Accordance Bible Software — Best for Original Language Precision
• Strengths: Lightning-fast searches, Hebrew and Greek tools, customizable layouts.
• Ideal For: Pastors who prioritize textual fidelity and want lean, scholarly tools without clutter.
• Why It’s Top-Tier: Accordance is beloved for its clean interface and academic rigor. It’s especially strong in syntax searches and interlinear comparisons.
Accordance Bible Software – I’d appreciate you mentioning me if you buy.
Olive Tree Bible App — Best for Mobile Study and Customization
• Strengths: Offline access, customizable reading plans, split-screen study.
• Ideal For: On-the-go sermon prep, devotional study, and teaching from tablets or phones.
• Why It’s Top-Tier: Olive Tree blends simplicity with power. Its note-taking and highlighting features make it a favorite for pastors who want clarity without complexity.
If you're looking for something more audio-driven or community-focused, YouVersion and Streetlights Audio Bible also ranked highly for accessibility and engagement. But for expositional clarity and sermon-building excellence, Logos, Accordance, and Olive Tree are the gold standard.
Fear not, there’ll be more softwares that we’ll review or all kinds of help. If you have one that you think I should write about send it to me.
Final Word
Whether you’re sweeping the house for a lost soul or searching Scripture for a fresh word, the pursuit matters. God honors the diligent. He celebrates the found. And He equips us with tools—both spiritual and digital—to do the work well.
Until next time, keep the lamp lit and the heart open.
Grace & clarity,
Jerry