An App for Life

Last winter, a powerful blizzard ripped through North Dakota causing white-out conditions which stranded hundreds of motorists across the state.  “Snow whipped up by wind marred the lines between pavement and grassy drop-offs, leaving some scared motorists unsure what to do,” reports Dave Kolpack.

Two software developers have developed an application (an “app”) for iPhone and Android smartphone users that can help people in these dangerous situations.  Bob Bertsch, an employee with the North Dakota State University Extension Service, and Jake Joraanstad, an NDSU computer engineering major, designed the free app called “Winter Survival Kit” to be both “a primer to help motorists prepare for winter driving and a beacon when things go badly,” according to Kolpack.  The app can pinpoint a motorist's location, call 911, notify friends and family, and monitor how long the gasoline in the vehicle will hold out.  Stranded motorists can also tap a big red button that reads “I’m Stranded!” on the app’s simple home screen to send out an emergency alert.

"It's our sincere hope that no one ever has to use it," said Bertsch.  "But if one person does have to use it and it keeps them in their car or keeps them from succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning, then it is definitely worth the time and effort that was spent on the app."

Consider another “APP”lication…

Life can be as confusing – and even dangerous – as white-out conditions in a blizzard.  Jeremiah said, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

But God has provided an “APP” to give us help, guidance, and instructions for the abundant life now (John 10:10) and eternal life to come (Mark 10:29-30).  The APP is the Bible, God’s Word. The Psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

This APP informs us of our lost condition in sin and how, in sin, we are doomed to destruction (Romans 3:23; 6:23; Matthew 7:13-14).  However, this APP also proclaims the Good News (the Gospel) that God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).  Through Jesus, we can have LIFE – abundant and eternal (John 10:10; 14:6)!

In order to enjoy these blessings and be saved, we must APPLY the “APP” to our lives.  God has promised to save those who will place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  Those who continue to follow the APP’s instructions will continue to have their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7).

Won’t YOU APPLY God’s APP (His Word) to your life so that you may know the Way to life eternal?

David A. Sargent, Minister