journey onWord with us

It was an amazing story. As it unfolded, I could not get over the incredible toughness and never-say-die attitude of Louis Zamperini portrayed in the new movie, Unbroken. My ninety-one year old mother-in-law was determined to see this movie, so on Christmas night our family viewed the film (Would you tell a ninety-one year old, former Rosie the Riveter, “No?”). Louis’ story is one of courage and endurance which is simply beyond what most of us would ever endure. The best part of the story, however, wasn’t really portrayed in the movie.  In 1949, broken by the effects of the war, a failing marriage and alcohol, Louis found Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade. His life was dramatically changed, and the forgiven war hero became a man of forgiveness, even to those who sought to destroy him. In 2015, we at Journey onWord want to tell stories. We are trusting that the stories we tell will clearly and properly portray the thread of redemption that begins with original sin and runs through the story of God’s chosen people to Christ’s birth and death, all the way to us in the here and now.

Over the next three days, Christ-followers across the world will decide how they’ll consume Scripture during the next calendar year.  Reading God’s Word should be non-negotiable for any true Christ-follower. Note the words of the Word from Hebrews 12:4…

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

There is no book or devotional material that can ever compare to God’s Word. 

If you are looking for a reading plan in 2015, we would love for you to join us in consuming “the old, old Story” through familiar and unfamiliar characters. We are convinced that their story IS our story. Our reading plan will start at the very beginning — with Adam and Eve. As you read and study the lives of many of the men and women of Scripture daily, you will see vivid pictures of both faith and failure. It is amazing how God could take these men and women, in spite of (and because of) their weaknesses, and use them for His glory.  Our reading and writing will traverse the Old and New Testament with the intent of portraying much of the Story of the Bible … redemption and grace. Consider taking, or continuing the journey with us!

Our plan will be to read short passages of Scripture daily (often a chapter or less a day).  The intent of which is to travel slowly and thoughtfully enough to truly capture the intent of the words being read. With less reading, it is easier to dig deeper. Our articles (twice weekly) will follow the context of the daily reading and will focus on a single character per week.  We’ll sometimes use both articles to tell their story, and other times we’ll mix in ours or others that connect with the specific character. This year we’re also adding a Proverb each day to the reading plan. The wisdom and insight of Proverbs is invaluable in our fast paced world.  I have personally been impacted deeply through a consistent dose of Proverbs. Your reading won’t be long, so it should give you ample time to reflect on and apply the scripture you’re reading.

I don’t think any movie could ever portray the total depth of Louis Zamperini’s life. Unbroken was riveting and powerful, however, the unseen part of Louis’ story is even better. In deciding on our focus for this new year, the Journey onWord staff readily acknowledges we are incapable of giving full depth to the Word of God. Our goal is to challenge you to read it and watch and see what God will do in your life because of it. We also believe, in telling the stories of the characters God chose to be a part of His love letter to the world, you’ll clearly see your own story in theirs and His.  This is the greatest Story ever told – and every bit of it is true!

Our new reading plan starts Thursday, January 1^st, please join us!