What would you do if you had more time?

May I suggest studying God’s Word? Did you know a study of 40,000 people by the Center of Bible Engagement found that after reading the Bible four or more times each week “Loneliness dropped 30%, Anger issues dropped 32%, Bitterness in relationships dropped 40%, Alcohol consumption dropped 57%, Feeling spiritually stagnant dropped 60%, Viewing pornography dropped 60%, Sharing your faith increased 20%, Commitment to discipling other believers jumped 200%.” Nothing… nothing the world offers can compare. They also found that, “if you read your Bible two to three times a week, there was little noticeable change in your life.” In other words, reading God’s Word daily will make a positive difference in your life. BAM!

So, why don’t we read our Bible more? Do some people have more time than others?

When I asked Google, “On average why do people not read more in America”, I got this response, “Americans read less on average due to the constant distraction and instant gratification from social media, short videos, and devices, which shrink attention spans; a shift in education towards test prep over deep reading; economic pressures; and a lack of habit, leading to preference for quick digital content over sustained focus on books, says studies and experts cited by NPR, The New Yorker, and Pew Research.” Also, I found on Google, “On average, Americans spend around 2 to 2.5 hours daily on social media”. Ouch! It’s the fantom time robber.

Patrick Miller of The Crossing writes, “The average American spends 1,642 hours a year watching TV and 608 hours a year on social media.” “The reason we can’t find time for the Bible is the same reason we can’t find time to read 200 books. We don’t love it. We’d rather spend the 15 or 20 minutes it takes to read our Bible, doing what we love: email, Netflix, sports, video games, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or shopping.” Choices.

So, as you close out 2025 think about doing something good for yourself in 2026. In the December 31, 2020, edition of “Today’s Good News”, I introduced the 1% challenge. “Tomorrow, the first day of 2021, make a 1% change in your life. Everyone gets 1,440 minutes in day. Start the day by “intentionally” giving Him just 14.4 minutes (1%) at the beginning of your day. Do this until April 1 and I believe it will give you a new outlook on life as it has for me.” The challenge was good in 2020 during Covid and its good today.

“This is what the Lord says-He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”” Isaiah 43:16,18-19

Take the 90-day challenge of the first 1%…what have you got to lose? Let me know if you accept the challenge.

And have a Happy New Year.