Can you spare 15 minutes?
Do you read the newspaper for at least 15 minutes a day?
Do you watch at least 15 minutes of television daily?
Do you spend at least 15 minutes a day on Facebook?
Do you surf the internet for at least 15 minutes a day?
Do you check your email for at least 15 minutes a day?
If you answered “yes” to any one or more of those questions, let me tell you a story and offer you a challenge?
A friend of mine recently diagnosed with serious cancer is fighting for his life. For the past several years he chose to read the bible through each year. In addition, yearly, he challenged several friends to join him in reading but with little success. Again, this year, as he battles cancer with such courage, he challenged his friends to join him in reading through the bible in 2016. His goal was to motivate at least 50 people to read with him. His sister created a website to assist others to join him. Amazingly to date he has over 400 people who have committed to read at http://www.jodysbiblejourney365.com This is another picture of God’s “exceedingly abundant” answer to a heartfelt prayer. (Ephesians 3:20-21: He is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. )
That’s the story, because this one man chose to face his present challenges keeping a central focus on God and His word, over 400 people (and counting) will focus daily on God’s great story from the scripture. The ripple impact will be amazing. And my challenge to you is to join the journey. Bible.org has a number of reading plans easy to follow. Or you can commit to join Jody as he provides access to a daily reading plan. Our whole family joined and we are enjoying great conversations since we are all reading the same thing dailyl. It’s not too late to begin and it only takes 15 minutes a day.
Whatever commitment you make, be challenged for 2016 to face your present circumstances with a similar laser focus on Jesus. Your life can make a big difference that brings Him glory “to all generations, forever and ever.”
Gwynne Johnson
Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.
