I am just a traveler too
For 9 years I have been writing Today’s Word. Many of you have been readers for a long time, so what I am about to tell you will not be news. Today’s Word is nothing more than a personal journey into Scripture. It’s my daily adventure in discovering what God stored up in His Word. That means I am learning as I go. And that means I make mistakes, don’t understand as clearly as I should, fumble with the text and have to come back over and over to get clarity. Some themes keep repeating. Some discoveries are life-changing. Please understand that I can be wrong, and your additions, corrections and clarification are an important and essential part of what is happening with Today’s Word. The bottom line is this: I am just like you, doing my best to go forward, and I need you to help me along the way. That way all of us can be blessed (the iron sharpens iron stuff).
Today’s Word has become a spiritual discipline for me. I don’t feel right if I’m not writing something early each morning. Since I struggle so much with prayer, this may be my substitute way of speaking with the Lord. I write and listen. Sometimes He answers through the words that appear on the page. Most of the time, I am convicted by my own written expressions, so I know He is behind this.
You, all of you in sixty-three countries, are very important to me. I wish I had the funds and the time to simply take a long around-the-world trip and sit with each of you to talk about YHWH and His invisible hand among men. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful experience? I am blessed to have friends all over the globe. I only wish we could see each other face-to-face. I am sure my life would be enriched, and my writing would improve immensely, if I could make such a trip. In the meanwhile, I am committed to continuing this journey with you as long as I have breath. I am quite sure I will not run out of material any time soon.
Thank you for being such faithful readers and supporters. You have blessed me. You have made my life mean something. I am eternally grateful.
Skip
Hi Skip, it’s been a long time that l have a response but today really touched me the words you wrote, your integrity the human part that everyone has making plans, thinking, or even making mistakes, you had blessed me in a terrific way opening my spiritual mind leading me to another higher spiritual level as you said as long as l breath, l will be eternally grateful to you and to elohim that had crossed our lives. Thanks a lot for sharing your journey with us.
To my brother in Christ and to one of many mentors along this personal journey, God continues to bless me and finish me through various avenues according to His divine order including your obedient ministry that He has challenged you with. Since being retired, I have had a passion to explore my Hebraic roots, and “Today’s Word” has and is satisfying that passion. I would like to participate more in the daily forum but feel somewhat intimidated by it, so I will continue, Lord willing, to keep quiet and learn – blessings in the name of Yeshua.
As I read your words, tears are running down my cheeks. We have been a blessing to you? Man, bless the day God made me find your site! This has not simply blessed me, it changed my life forever. It has saved my mariage, our familylife when I was on such a destructive path downhill…
May God continue to bless us all, and everyone who will find this site in futere, as long as He gives you breath, by correcting our thinking and living by your Scriptural thoughts!
God bless you too!
Skip,
I’m thankful for your willingness to take US on YOUR personal journey through Scripture.
I’m thankful that you write and speak with such humility, and so non-defensively admit that you’re still learning too.
I’m thankful that you’re willing to say things that are hard to hear. You can be “tough” as well as “tender” on your readers.
I’m thankful that you have “done your homework” so to speak…that you’ve spent so much time and so many years studying and learning so that you can SO ABLY share G-d’s truths.
I’m thankful that G-d has so placed this teaching thing on your heart that you “don’t feel right if you’re not writing something each morning.”
I’m thankful that G-d has given you a gift and that you’re willing to share it.
I’m thankful G-d put us on that plane together. He clearly knew I needed to become one of your students and to (Shema) hear what you had to say.
I’m thankful for the re-direction my life has taken since G-d put you in my path.
I’m thankful that “as long as you have breath, you’re committed to this journey.” COUNT ME IN!!!!
Shabbat Shalom
Thank you to Skip and all who share their thoughts and experiences through this. I am a quiet reader in this but truly blessed beause of your willingness to share.
We are all forgiven sinners walking on this world by His Grace. Life is not about what we have or what we do but how we live. His Word is indeed an amazing light for all who is willing to trust and obey, we all see this Light from different angles with different appreciation. His Light is what will continue to power us, shine through each one of us, and continue forward and bless many others because we have offered ourselves as living sacrifices, letting His Spirit fills and do mighty things through us.
May you all have a blessed Christmas season and another abundant year to come in this amazing journey of life in His Grace.
In Christ,
Eugene
First even though off by several months Merry Christmas. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for Today’s Word. You have been a blessing and have confirmed many of the thoughts that the Lord has placed in my spirit through the years. Many of whom I have shared your site feel the same way and have found clarity in their spiritual journey. Once again thank you for sharing and allowing us to come along your journey.
Manuel Collazo
Commissioned Minister of Stewardship Education and Development
Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Florida
Muchas gracias por interesarse por nosotros. Nosotros también hemos viajado con usted todo este tiempo que se ha tomado para escribir La Palabra de Hoy. Usted a bendicido mi ministerio, mi vida personal y familiar.
Deseo con todo mi corazón que el próximo año podamos seguir viviendo esa experiencia que el Señor le ha dado de enseñarnos e instruírnos en Su Palabra.
Cuando venga a El Salvador nuevamente le buscaré para darle un buen apretón de manos y mi bendición personal (y una ofrenda).
Gracias por todo y Feliz año a todos los lectores de ésta hermosa página.
God bless you, Skip.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Skip. Your spiritual journey is quite similar to all all who travel this road. Below is a spiritual message written by me and my wife for a booklet published by the WBTS Church in Port Orange, Florida this year:
A Season of Reflection
a book of Advent readings
Westminster By-The-Sea Presbyterian Church
December 2010
—————————————
First Week of Advent – Saturday
Read 1 John 3:1-2
Led By The Spirit
The apostle Paul in Romans 8:14 said, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Let us show you what happens when you apply this verse to your life.
As a young man Bill moved from the farm to the nearby city of Kenton, Ohio, where he worked, was baptized, married, and started a family. It was also his spiritual home.
His minister invited the church leaders to accompany him on a quest to learn how to apply the gifts of the Holy Spirit to their personal lives. The leader was a spirit filled Christian.
Needless to say, they were transformed by this experience. Through the scriptures they were gently led into a personal relationship where ‘Led by the spirit’ became a daily walk.
Within a few months Bill’s work required that he relocate to Columbus, Ohio. He was troubled about moving and decided to drive the hour and a half each way to the new job.
While returning home one day God spoke through the Spirit, “My son, you seem worried about moving.” Bill answered, “Yes, but I don’t know why.” A moment later he heard, “Do you think I will stay in Kenton if you move to Columbus?”
Bill burst out laughing as the tension and stress melted away. By simply asking one question, God defined the problem and provided the solution. Bill’s worries were lifted immediately, and those interactions soon became a normal way of life.
Being ‘led by the Spirit’ brought the wise men to the home of Jesus, and took Jesus to the cross. Is it worth it? You bet!
Contributed by Bill and Ann Cummins
Thanks Skip for all your articles. I’ve been greatly blessed by your contributions although I enrolled just only a few months ago. Some of your observations do open up new ways in interpreting the Bible from a jewish perspective and I’m grateful for these insights. You’ve said it right; we are all travelers in this journey of a Christian life and I’m thankful to have you as a traveling companion. I look forward to glean further insights and gems from your sharing in the coming new year. Keep up the good works and Happy Holidays. Shalom.
Skip, some people “complain” to me that you “write too harshly” and “sound angry and mean” from time to time. Now I can explain to them, “That’s because he’s writing to himself and is convicted by his own discoveries.” 😉
And frankly, I wouldn’t have you change your writing style one iota…TW is the only devotional I’ve ever read that wasn’t cupcake, pop-psychology Christianity in a baby’s bottle. Keep writing as The Guide leads.
Thank you for continuing to “row the boat.” I love you man. 🙂
“Thank you for continuing to “row the boat.” I love you man. 🙂 ”
Hola Patricio,
Mucho Ditto senior!
Last night I was watching “I’m Your Man” with Leonard Cohen.
With great lyrics like the following from the song Suzanne:
And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
That song was from a painful period in my life.
And I could not listen to that song for many years.
Skip has helped me reintegrate those moments.
And enabled me to incorporate them into the “big picture.”
On the light side.
“I am” what “I am” and that is all that “I am.”
Makes me think of Popeye the Sailor man.
And his Guardian Angel.
Olive Oil.
Michael,
I make this response, not because of the need for a cartoon character’s name to be spelled correctly, but because in the SPEAKING, I only hear it, but in the SEEING, I am struck by the humor: Olive Oyl. As a child, this little bit of levity was lost on me, but now, when I see it, or happen across a cartoon where she is addressed as “Miss Oyl,” I think it is hilarious!
And, I add to your MUCHO DITTO! Skip has ‘opened the eyes of the blind’ for many of us. If not for his own journey, we might still be wandering in circles in the wilderness of today’s culture.
Thank you, Skip!
“Olive Oyl”
“Oy vey (Yiddish: אױ װײ), or just oy, is an exclamation of dismay or exasperation meaning “oh woe.””
Hi Gayle,
Oy vey, thanks for pointing that out!!!
Now you’ve got me wondering if the guys at Google.
Were thinking of Olive Oyl as Guardian Angel.
When they named their company.
In any case, I’d like to share some more of the Cohen lyrics:
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said “All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them”
For me, “sea” is the Mem as Door
Ah.. brother Skip.. “blessed is the man!” lol! We love you and we love what you do. Thank you for your labors for our LORD. Thank you for what you do, and I as I have said, “lo” these many years ago.. what you do is absolutely “critical.” We, (the sheep), need to know His words. His word(s) give life! lol! Yes! – amen!
Confession time- it was thru Skip Moen I found out what “amen” means! Here I am sitting in church- listening to the pastor speak and talking this “church-eze” (if that’s what you wish to call it), saying “amen” and not even knowing what “amen” was all about! (At the time, it “sounded” like the right thing to say tho’- lol!) One moment.. “oy!” – Ah.. I feel much better now.. lol!
Now look here (brother Christian) -BTW- do you know where “Christian” came from? How well do you “know” the word(s) of G-d. You know, words like “righteousness” or “holiness” or “justification” or “propitiation?”
Another “confession”. (what does “confession” mean?- lol!) Brother Skip,.. I collect the “word of the day”. I “treasure” His word(s). Over the years, I have a “stack” of them and I constantly refer back and forth to them.. Why? Because I need to know what G-d is saying (not trying to say)- saying through His words. The “words” I speak unto you,- they are spirit (breath) and they are life!- (remember?)
We (all) are so blessed today.. (anything to do with December 25th?- lol!) Oh yes, but as you have implied.. “but wait!- there’s more!” lol!
As we enter into a new year- yes, let us together enter into His book and His words that we may know Him who to know is life everlasting. And do we remember His words?- “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you”..
“Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You (alone) have the words of eternal life.” (John 6.68)
Maybe we both could do a little traveling. Maybe a half dozen or so of us could set up meetings in cities around the country/world. We could come there and you could go there. We could start off with just one and see how it worked.
And another thought.
The writers of the Sunday school lessons that we get seem to think that we met the Lord only last week. They have no depth. When we get a lesson on a particular scripture, is there a way that I could look up on disk and find your comment that particular passage?
Lowell
I am all for traveling to meet and teach. Let’s try it wherever we have enough readers or churches interested in the truth and able to make it happen. As for the Sunday school question, just go to the home page (skipmoen.com) and do a search on the verse.
One of the highlights of my year was having the opportunity to spend time with you, Rosanne and a few others on the Monarch of the Seas this past November. You both are real, inspiring and help other people to “fly” just by creating venues whereby heart to heart dialogue can occur be it on this TW blog site or face-face like we all did on the cruise. It’s where you can think “outside the box” and realize, “Hey, I’m still within God’s domain.”
I respect and admire the posture of vulnerability you put yourself in when you share, be it in your updates or daily TWs. I know the piece you wrote for Yom Kippur this past year really “moved” some intellectuals who did not know how to be in touch with themselves. But after they read your piece, (which was able to articulate what they felt but could not express or did not have the courage to express), one person sent it out to 50 of his other friends. So God is using you as a conduit whereby those who are more “head” dominant can be released so the heart is penetrated.
And in closing, I find that writing is a very cathartic way for me to express myself towards God as well. Things just flow when I write letters to Him. It’s great to know I’m not alone in this arena. I guess we’re just like David whereby his spirit not only soared when he wrote letters to God but also when he put them to song. I’m realizing that there is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to our way of communicating with God. He just wants to hear from us.
Thanks for all you do in helping us think deeply about the most important thing in this life — God’s Word.
Hi Skip,
I have learned so much from you! I look forward to your writings daily. May God continue to give you wisdom & knowledge and may you continue to be obedient to His leading. What a journey we are on! And what a God we serve! Thank you!
PS…would love to have you come to the Lehigh Valley in PA!
GRACIAS, es lo puedo decirte hermano,haz enriquecido en gran manera mi vida,y se que esto lleva un gozoso esfuerzo día a día, y un día te darás o nos daremos el gusto todos los que en el mundo leemos con tanto gusto la que escribes,de estar juntos ya no para hablar de Yeshua,si no para verlo
cara a cara a Él,y veras hay el resultado de toda tu labor.Bendiciones,Sahlom
Skip, it is written “Prov 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
As we come together, a family in prayer, seeking the directions of life from God, our Father, we can and do help each other on the road of life. You can’t travel to each persons home, but we can travel the road together in this way of sharing.
But, it can also be a dangerous journey, for it is not our enemies that usually hurt us, for we are on guard. In it’s context, this verse stands out.
Psa 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
In all my hurts, “church folk” and my own family members have hurt me the most, as I am sure I have hurt them as well.
However, I will continue to walk with them though, forgiving them and weighing the words of those who have come before me on the journey, and comparing them to the Holy Scriptures.
I am grateful for you Skip, and for all the members who post their thoughts and life experiences and give their counsel, for wisdom, is the way of life.
May we continue in the coming year, to love and strengthen one another.
Berachot Shalom, Blessings of Peace
Ron
Your time in the Word, Skip, blesses multitudes:)
Dear Skip-
Two days late but here’s my two cents anyway.
You, me, and all of us tuned into this blog are blessed to be among the few who have found the small gate and narrow road that leads to life. (Matt 7:14)
In this rare air, I rejoice in how G-d brings us together globally. His purposes for each of us are somehow fueled, aided and abetted by you, Skip, and the wisdom and curiosity He graciously continues to give you.I’m grateful for your heart and the heart of all who contribute. The Body of Christ is alive and well!!!
Blessings to all in this coming year!
Rich