Some Weekend Thoughts

We are fast approaching the middle of the year.  I thought it would be good for the community to share where I think we are going.  For 6 years, Today’s Word was pretty much an information source for deeper understanding of the Bible.  It started as my journey from personal tragedy toward spiritual recovery.  Just so you know, I have not arrived.  I am just as broken as everyone else, still struggling daily with big issues of obedience.  God is patient and forgiving, something that I personally needed to experience, but He knows, and I know, that I have a long way to go.

About 2 years ago, I began to realize that information was not enough.  Knowing more about the Bible is not the same as being obedient to its claims.  I also realized that bigger was not better.  God wants effectiveness, not efficiency.  By this time, Today’s Word was reaching about 6000 people, but there was very little emphasis on the transformation that should come from deeper understanding.  I realized that in the Hebrew worldview, a person does not learn until they do.  I knew that Today’s Word was not fulfilling God’s purpose by simply being another information resource.

This year Today’s Word and At God’s Table took a radical stance.  We asked for commitment.  A lot of people told us we were crazy.  They said we should always offer everything for free – and God would bless.  But how can God be expected to bless if everyone just says, “Do it for free,” but no one steps forward?  That is not the lesson of fruit.  I wanted to write for people who were committed to change and I didn’t care if it turned out to be just 5 or 10.  God did bless, and now we are over 500.  YOU are that blessing!  500 people who have committed to do something about what they learn.  I am proud of what we have already seen happening as the community cares for each other.

Since February, At God’s Table has been able to send money to Kathleen, Alissa, Anthony, The New York Fellowship, Hope Haven and more.  We have sent equipment to Honduras and sponsored people to attend Christian retreats.  We have covered our own costs and assisted with other ministries.  And we have funds to keep doing this.  All of this has happened because YOU made a commitment.  At God’s Table has paid for my travels to teach in several countries and yesterday we sent money to Bessy for her project with abused women.  We are doing righteousness.  It feels great!

The direction of Today’s Word has changed over the years.  At first, it was really about recovery.  The early years looked at Scripture verses that offered comfort, consolation and encouragement.  I needed those verses.  We will revisit them over the next year but now with a deeper appreciation.  Now Today’s Word focuses on seeing the depth of God’s self-revelation, not so that you can have some great facts, but so that you and I can see just how wonderful God is and how much He desires our dedication to Him.  The Bible is a living treasure.  Today’s Word is an effort to help us see the treasure so that we can apply the living part.  Today’s Word is not designed to be an evangelistic tool.  I know that many pastors read it and use it and I am happy to assist in this, but Today’s Word is really for us, followers of the Way, who hunger and thirst for God’s breath to fill our lungs.  

Sometimes it might seem too scholarly.  I apologize.  Old habits die hard and I am, at heart, a scholar.  I am thrilled by the insights, complexity and impact of the Word.  It’s just the way that I write.  But I always try to leave you with something deeper to think about, something more to put into action.  That’s where the community is headed.  In a world filled with Christian offerings, it’s easy to slip into complacency or to slip through the cracks.  Hopefully, At God’s Table will be able to prevent just a bit of that.

I have come to love each of you.  You give me hope – hope that Christians do care, that we are not locked away in our denominational particulars, that we still love the Word, that we are willing to be confronted and grow.  There were many years when I wasn’t sure I would continue with this – years when very few people ever wrote about any impact.  Now I see a vibrant, living community that stretches around the world.  I am so glad to be part of it.  Thank you.

During the next few months, I am trying to finish the book on the ‘ezer.  I can’t think of a more important topic today since it affects our understanding of marriage, relationships and roles in the Body.  I will also try to get Volume II of Spiritual Restoration ready for print.  That means that you will see some of this in Today’s Word editions.  I hope it will wet your appetite for more.  Thank you for making this possible.  You are my spiritual family now.  I rejoice with you.

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