Some Facts About Our Community
After my return from South Africa I took a look at the statistics for the At God’s Table and Today’s Word email lists. I found some important trends that I think you should know about.
1. The number of people who have LEFT the email list is 8 times greater than the number who have joined. It isn’t a lot of people, but the trend is not in the right direction. I would be very interested in your comments on this. One thing I learned in South Africa is that many people FORWARD the email to others. This is well-intentioned but it circumvents the need for others to actually join. What do you think? Why are people leaving? Am I pushing them away?
2. The “open rate” (the number of people who actually open the email Today’s Word on the day it arrives) is about 39% and has stayed at that rate for a long time. This means the 61% of the community is not reading Today’s Word on the day it arrives. I find this disheartening. Again, what do you think?
3. The total number of subscribers to Today’s Word has grown, but the pace is slowing down. There are now 1195 subscribers. But of this number, less than 300 are regular supporters. Again, I find this discouraging. I wonder if I am doing something wrong, perhaps not really meeting the needs of the community. Someone in Africa told me that I use too many big words. Do you think this is a problem? I need to know how to serve you better.
4. Finally, 83% of my readers are in the USA. The rest are spread around the world. But other than South Africa, nearly all the support comes from the USA. I wonder if it is just too difficult to actively support At God’s Table from overseas. Can I do anything about that? Support for At God’s Table is also declining and has been for the last several months. This concerns me but I don’t know if I should do anything about it or not. What do you think?
I am not suggesting that the community must grow to survive. This is God’s project so He will do what He wants with it. I just want to be of best service to as many as I can without losing the emphasis of DEPTH, not breadth. I really want to serve you, so please let me know what else I can do.
Thanks
Skip
Dear Skip
I can suggest some ideas about point n°2.
If people find “At God’s Table” on the blog before they receive the email, it’s probable they read online.
That’s the reason why the “open rate” it’s so low…. !!!.. (point n° 3)
It would be better if you send the email list before you publish online.
Blessings….
Thank you for your daily-basis e-ministry !!!!!!! 🙂
Hi Skip,
One of the things I tried to tell you in one of my responses was: don’t you miss the whole story, only talking one word a day? I think Scripture is about the STORIES of faith. That’s what I read. A word a day is OK, but it will not (always) help you through the struggles of that day. I need to relate, to be able to identify with some great Biblical figure, who messes up just like me, and is not cast away for his sin, but forgiven, and so on. I need assurance from God.
This is what you do on audio, but not in Today’s Word. My own experience is that sometimes it takes some days to catch up, because life is too busy. Than it is not easy to take time to read and think about it. Sometimes one picture helps more to get the message through to me than 1000 words. We live in a visual world. Words don’t count anymore and we are all influenced by that world. I think that’s a card satan plays very well. Takes you away from THE Word and points you toward empty TV programs/fims/games. Maybe adapt to that need a bit by every now and than giving us a picture? You send us the most beautifull photo’s. Why not illustrations?
How much I would like to support you, there is a financial crisis going on. Cost of living and taxes are rising rappidly over here (I only need to say ‘Greece’) and my country is one that has to pay a lot to keep Greece going – that is: we, the people have to pay. Education is expensive. I would like to support you more, but reality is: most of the month my bank account is collored red… And I don’t have any savings. God is gracious toward us, but having to rely on Him in our family means: having no big bank account.
Don’t try to ‘meet the needs of people’ too much, b.t.w. There are too much ‘pastors’ who do that already. Remember Elijah, who thought he was the only one left. Not so! God told him there were 7000 people left who did not bow there knees for Baal. Don’t be discouraged! If it was only for me, God is still using you! Those 7000 needed Elijah, we need you.
Maybe too many big words, you ask. Well … yes and no. I cannot be inspired every day. Some days your Thoughts are not for me. But there are others too. So I wait a few days and… Bingo! God touches my heart and soul with the next Thought. But maybe you should remember that not everyone is at the same level. You don’t give novices the same learning material as the ones whom you have trained for many years. Maybe differentiate? Can the people who for the first time read TW understand what you are talking about? Or is it too deep?
My last remark: don’t expect us to give you the answer. God will show you teh way. So don’t rely on our ideas, please.
Thanks for all you’re doing for us, brother. Your reward will come!
Skip, I am new here.
I appreciate the Daily Word as well as your audio and books. The Daily Word is very helpful to me in helping to focus my attention….today I really appreciated the insight into propitiation and how Our Heavenly Father is not capricious like the Greek gods, but sent His Son Yeshua to take my punishment. Hopefully I will carry this with me all day long.
Bless you as you take a look at this whole project–we trust that He who has begun a good work through you will continue it.
Hi Skip,
I have been reading Today’s Word for a few years now and the Lord has taught me some great lessons through the articles that you write. And even though, I do not read every single one that comes in, nor do I always read them on the exact day that they come in, nor our your articles the only daily articles that I receive, I keep a file of all of your writings and have them saved so I can go back to them from time to time. I also receive daily articles from Proverbs 31, Thoughts About God.com, Joni Earkson Tada, Guidelines.com daily commentary, A Holy Experience, Bible Gateway, Girl Friends in God, Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening, Hebrew Podcast Word of the Day, Bearen Verse and Comment, and receive weekly and or monthly letters from many other organizations where I order materials and or books from from time to time; First Fruits of Zion, Bridges for Peace in Spanish and English, Word of Messiah Ministries, Jews for Jesus and others that aren’t coming to my mind right now. Our household receives your articles to my mail box and I often forward them to my husband’s box for him to read also. We often discuss your articles together, and once or twice we have shared them with someone else. We do not support Today’s Word financially on a regular basis but have ordered materials from you on occasion and have listened in when you had those live show a few years ago. We have not had the privilege of meeting you or hearing you speak in person but would consider it a privilege to do so… you were once in PR but for some reason we learned about it afterwards. Skip, all I can say is that the work that you are doing is the Lord’s work and He will continue to use your efforts in magnificent ways so others can learn the important lesson you deal with in your writings. I know you often speak in conjunction with Bridges for Peace and travel through out the world to bring hope to others as much as you can through the sponsorship of other groups or from donations from readers from Today’s Word, so I believe you can confidentially trust that hearts are being transformed by your faithful efforts and that He will bring the increase for the glory of His Kingdom. Keep up the good work, Skip, and we look forward in hearing more from you as the Lord continues to direct your steps in this capacity.
In His Love, Linda K. Morales Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Hi, Skip!
Good questions for feedback.
1) I have no idea why anyone would leave the community. Perhaps some are overwhelmed with what seems to be a challenge to previous ‘Biblical’ teachings. Re-orientation can be frightening at times. As one of my friends often says, “You can’t UNHEAR what you’ve heard!” Seeds are planted.
I also forward, but usually about once a week, and to only a couple of folks. Occasionally, I get feedback on what was sent. I doubt that any of my forwards have led to subscribers though.
2) I may not open the post through the email link (like today), but I open it through the browser or maybe my phone – each day. Recently, I noticed that comments have seemed to decline, including my own. Can’t explain this, but maybe folks are like me and think they have no scholarly input, but are happy to learn from those who do.
3) I have no idea if the number of subscribers should be a problem. Kees had a good view of meeting ‘the needs’ of the community. You are responsible for what you are given to share, as we all are.
4) I understand the issue of trying to share funds across borders and currencies. A couple of times, I have not been successful in that attempt, and it can be discouraging, especially when it is on your heart to share.
Thank you for the time you invest in teaching God’s Word. This site is the first real, consistent FLAME of truth that helped me to see through the ‘darkness’ of tradition. After all these years, the Father has brought together a small core group of people in my community, who gather to study Torah each week. It is one of the most satisfying and challenging things in our lives.
We might not say it often enough. Thank you, Skip! Thank God for you.
Skip, I love and really appreciate your “Today’s Word”, I read every one and usually on the day.
Your words are challenging and I think that there are too few people who genuinely seek after TRUTH. I personally don’t think you should change anything but I am sure you are aware that you are not going to be able to please everyone!
I do like to contribute to those that I learn from and you are among 4 others that I share my tithe with. These are difficult times for so many all over the world … but then if we can afford computers, internet etc, we are not so bad off and need to check our priorities … I think we all have to seek the Father’s face in all this.
Also appreciate your openness in all this … thank you Skip
Yvonne
I do appreciate so much your word for today. I do share it with my facebook friends, which are not a lot and whether they would join or not, I do not know. Perhaps you could let me know how I could include something that would allow them to donate to God’s Table. That way if they actually read the articles and are so inclined to donate they could do so. I hate not to share with them as some have commented from time to time, and it initiates conversation. I also occasionally put them on Christians Northwest and would certainly include how they can join or donate. Again, it initiates conversation that is enlightening to other Christians. I do like getting the word for today. My husband is studying Greek and this allows me to have a little association with it also. It is enlightening. I keep all your articles. I would be happy to help in any way I can to further this ministry. God Bless.
Skip,
I cannot speak to the trends of your insightful ministry other than to say that, as a former salesperson, I understand the tendency to judge success by the numbers. However, from a personal standpoint I believe that the bridge-building dimension of Today’s Word is impactful, far-reaching, and enduring. I am one of the readers who looks for your messages on a daily basis, although when I travel–and on weekends–I may not read them on the day that they arrive.
I am biased towards stretching people–spiritually, intellectually, psychologically and emotionally–so, no, I don’t think that you need to “dummy” Today’s Word down to reach more people. Poo, on the idea that using big words is a turn off! As an African American, 50-year old female I celebrate a ministry that is not designed for the Generation Nexter–unless they want to reach UP towards Biblical success. But instead, strives to communicate to the ethnically rich masses both here at home and abroad. I celebrate you!
I would encourage you to remind us on a regular basis how we can monetarily (if that’s what’s needed) support the ministry. I purchased several books to be able to receive Today’s Word, and I am not sure that I know how to contribute beyond that.
In Christ,
Marlene
There are many days when your Word for the Day are put in storage for the Sabbath. I know I will have time then to read them. I do, on occasion, share your posts with others. I’m hopeful that they will see the value in your study and presentations, and they will subscribe on their own. What you are doing is VALUABLE.
I grow with your use of words, I keep a dictionary close. If you attend a church you will notice the great decline in members and vistors to all churches. Each generation gets worse than the one before them. I am Presbyterian and we are fighting among ourselves with the homosexuals and their placement in the pulpits of our churches. Others are facing the same watered down religion. Our church is a hospital for sinners, not a shrine for saints. However you do not take in the insane to a hospital and make them the director of the place. How crazy is that.
You are giving us the meat of the gospel not the milk and that is never easy. Jesus could not please everyone. Keep up the good work and I will pray for God to direct you. You listen.
Our church is a hospital for sinners, not a shrine for saints. However you do not take in the insane to a hospital and make them the director of the place. How crazy is that. Amen sister well said!
Skip, I am encouraged by your writings. I don’t always agree but you always challenge my thinking. Sometimes it is a “God Sent” message for me. I have been in the ministry for over 30 years and now no longer preaching. I still minister in the market place and where God opens doors of opportunity. Need prayer! I am involved in Living Sent Ministries that I would like to talk with you about sometime. Trying to build the kingdom by bringing ministries together in my small way.
It is difficult enough to keep communities, any kind of community, together when they are in proximity – even moreso across states and countries.
Don’t be discouraged, Skip. We (my wife and I) thoroughly enjoy, grow and are challenged by your sharing. No one has ever encouraged personal pursuit of our God the way you have.
Thank you.
Hi Skip, I have been a reader of Today’s Word since 2011 and have most of your books. I wonder how much the economy is impacting both the giving and the number of people leaving the list. I have made a few donations but would not show as a regular supporter because of some changes in our financial/health situation. I am also led to support only local activities on a sustaining or regular basis. I firmly believe that finances are a way God blesses but also a way God tests and grows our faith in him. I have never found it difficult to donate You website is easy to use but since I am in the US, I can’t speak to how it is for other countries. I often read several Today’s Word at one time because I find them easier to follow the thinking that way or because time/concentration has been limited for a few days. You do use a lot of big words and you often go deeply into history/philosophy/theology so that is not going to appeal to everyone. I enjoyed listening to the class on Matthew and the one on Ruth the most because of the class participation. It has deepened my knowledge and more importantly my openness to the bigness of God to “study” with you. I pray that you will continue the good work as God leads…that is all any of us can do.
It’s no accident Kees’ comments were first. He said it all very well.
I rarely forward the emails unless I know the subject matter is specific to an individual. I know of three who have subscribed as a result–or so they say.
Like Bonnie, I save the emails for when I have time.
Rarely do I have time to come to the web page. On the occasions when I do, I am sorely disappointed which means I do it less now than last year. If you want web traffic, include only the link, not the message. I will still save your messages with any comments I find helpful, but may not connect with the web page more than once/week if I’m able to save the dailies all at once.
I tend to go back thru’ the collection I have in my email folder and merge any multiple teachings on a single passage. Often I also search your web page for additional references to that specific passage. ‘Requires a good search program since the subjects generally don’t relate; I hope you don’t spend a lot of time on titles.
You do not use too many big words. Your call is not to imitate Max Lucado, Roy Lessin and myriad of other devotional writers.
Thank you for asking our opinion. Please focus on what Father tells you to do.
Skip,
What you are doing is a blessing to me and my family. I am one of those that do not read it always on the day it arrives. This certainly does negate the importance or the need. I have them all and when I do read them, I do 1 to 10 at a time. The timing always seems perfect when I do read them. I add them to my electronic Bible so that I can reference them again when I am reading the Word. They are flagged as notes when I read. I just ran across two today when I was reading Romans 11 (Paul’s Shema 1 and 2). It solidifies that single word into the overall context for me.
My life is forever changed because of the obedience of your efforts and this community. I am certainly not a scholar or have any formal training, yet YHVH writes his instruction on my heart and it changes me daily. A few short years ago, I had no idea what it meant to look at the Word from a Hebraic context or what YHVH was other than four characters. Today, I find myself seeking and learning at an amazing pace. It is not my doing, but it is Him who is sharing with me what I asked for….to know Him better. Now I find myself outside my traditions and old habits (church) wondering “How do I go forth with this and share with others?” I know what I am learning is His Truth and I can feel it in my bones. How do I share it gently with those around me as not to turn them away and cause them to stumble in their faith? I know YHVH is using me this way because I don’t have formal training or degree. I stumble when I try to share this with others. I do know He uses my weakness in sharing for his Glory. I have a great Instructor YHVH and all those who help…his obedient body (At God’s Table).
Yes, what you are doing is important and needed by me. The position of your heart is visible to me and it is sincere. I know this because I was blessed to meet you in Dayton last year. Others may not know you or have met you. Yes, the words are big, and yes the concepts can be deep, but the Ruach Hakodesh helps me understand what I need. I am sure It helps others too. I would suggest that you ignore the statistics and continue to earnestly seek what He wants you to do. The rest will be added to you. You don’t get to see us smile, laugh, groan or cry when we read or hear your message. This is a challenge of an online community. My silence can be deafening. I am grateful for your efforts!
Shalom
Skip, due to the instability in internet and email supply we had on the farm in SouthAfrica at the time Luzette and Erica bullied me into reading your TW, I never subscribed to the email list.
Now TW is the conclusion to my devotional time every morning.
Due to various practical reasons, I will not subscribe to your email list, but will continue to read it daily on the website.
Many of my family and friends never took to reading you due to the fact that you don’t write in Afrikaans (or Zulu for that matter). I tried to explain to them, “it actually is all about Hebrew”, but it might actually have scared them even more. Sorry.
I relate with what Kees is saying – most of the time.
However, I recently took to reading some of your old archived TW’s from 2 years ago – you have grown so much. And maybe you should just read your own TW’s to know that this is what happens when you take the manure heaped on you to grow in stead of squirming to get to sandy soil.
Having said that, it is good that you do do introspective. I agree with Kees that HaShem will teach YOU what HE expects you to do next. I don’t think you are doing TW’s wrong – I just think you are busy growing into the person HaShem purposed you to be – you are being human.
And having said THAT, I would be really disappointed if you become a mainstream, very popular guy – I have decided years ago that the popular guys must be taken with a pinch of salt and preferably steered around.
Don’t be discouraged Skip! You are doing what you were called to do. I shudder to think what would happen if TW ceased to exist. Every day, your writing is a “today” word. I am amazed how it flows with the Torah portions for the week, right on time. I lead a Torah study group and incorporate TW with the Torah teachings…it is amazing..the gift that God has placed on your life is amazing..and unique and is for such a time as this. Don’t give up!This situation reminded me of John 6:66 (everyone can memorize this one)” From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” KJV Jesus never chased anyone did he? Just keep going ahead..don’t stop!
Do not change a thing.I try to get my bible study to read todays word,complacancy is a problem.Do not water down youre message I am constantly pushed to do so.This is a hard teaching for many.Perhaps the response is better from the USA because most of the despora is from there.
Skip…You know I’m one of your biggest fans. G-d put you in my life when He knew I needed to hear some of the tough things you were saying. He used you to get through to me. And, thank G-d, I was open to the conviction He sent, through you. Your messages are not always easy to read. They are often tough and very convicting (sometimes even depressing,) but I needed them and welcomed them. Still do. Unfortunately, some people don’t want to read or hear the tough messages…they only want to hear things that make them feel good…(the pabulum lovers.) Or, perhaps, they are in TOTAL agreement you and decide to spend their time on other sites or doing other things. Another possibility is that some just totally disagree with what you’re saying. Oh well…their loss.
Personally, I love the challenges of the vocabulary you use. It encourages us to grow intellectually, spiritually, develop a stronger apologetic and become more aware of the many inaccuracies of the translators. But, I understand this is not for everyone. Some find it just too much work. That’s O.K.
Occasionally, your messages scare me. I’ve wondered if you’re introducing some new “out there” concept that doesn’t hold up scripturally. But, if I hang in there, I always find that you never stray from the truth…you just challenge us to open our minds and dig deeper for some of G-d’s truths that might be hidden from us or that we’ve never been exposed to before. We all need to keep in mind the fact that, along with theology, you have a philosophy background. You are accustomed to digging VERY DEEP for truth.
I wonder if, perhaps, some readers take messages out of context when reading something that initially sounds really off base and decide to leave instead of waiting for closure on topic, which might take days or weeks. Perhaps they never stick around long enough to discover your passion for unveiling G-d’s truth and living it out personally and with community. Again…their loss.
Your love for truth and teaching it, your openness about your own failings or shortcomings, your determination to be “a man after G-d’s heart, are some of the things that keep me coming back to Today’s Word, day after day after day for over 5 years now. I pray that the discouragement you are feeling will soon lift and that you continue with this amazing ministry of “Today’s Word.”
May G-d bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Two points Skip: First, don’t take it personally, as if you yourself did something in error and that has caused a lag in donations or in TW growing. HaShem did,does and will do all things and He will do what He purposes for your ministry. For myself, I was out of work for 15 months, and just finished a 5-month seasonal position. I am now looking for work again. I have struggled to get myself basic needs supplied, and was unable to tithe or contribute anywhere to anyone. I am now trying to do so, to multiple charities. Unless the Lord provides me a job soon, when the money runs out, the donations do. But my heart is in supporting those who do His work and in supporting Israel.
I would not worry about the fact that not all emails are opened on the day sent; there are a myriad of reasons why that might be – in my case, living in a community (a National Park) and sharing Internet with hundreds of other employees seeing my mail on the day it came was not always possible. Not to mention weather did not always allow.
Take heart, please keep up what you do as many of us gleam truth and support from your teachings which God has allowed you the blessing of being the vessel to bring it to us.
Skip,
I want to thank everybody – individual or readers – who again made it possible for you to visit South Africa. I know that person(s) have no idea how appreciative we are or of the massive amount of work you have done. Skip did 9 x three to four hour teachings in 11 days, traveling either by car or plane nearly every day and spend 2 days filming a documentary. And this happened directly after a 24 hour international flight. To everyone contributing, thank you. And of course we give all our praises to our Father!
I agree with Marlene – may be you can have a permanent icon( what ever you call it) with specific needs – being it communal or yours – prayers or a fridge. Since some people are contributing their work/worship/serving and not money – they also know where to help. And in a few years time we will see the evidence of faithfulness.
Skip, we appreciate you and do not be fustrated if you are.
Although I do not always read every email that comes to my inbox, I know that if I need to read them later, they will be available on your website. God draws the readers and will move on our hearts to give. Keep writing as you are inspired and as God leads you.
I think you are doing your best in serving the community. Maybe these emails can be available as an app (I actually do not have a fancy cellphone, so I would not know). Podcast is good.
Skip,
You are a teacher that is teaching and elevating the understanding of God’s Word to the many that read you. I personally love your use of big words and concepts. I enjoy the intellectual nature of your writing and it draws me to read more. Your writing fills a need in my heart where there was a gap. Remember that life is so fluid for all of us every day. There’s probably a million different reasons the statistics change that don’t relate to you at all. Perhaps some move or change jobs — big life changes. Perhaps some lose access to the internet. And, yes, maybe some leave to enjoy someone else they prefer — but that’s OK. More arrive at your website, at God’s Table, hungry and you feed them. I’m not always able to read the newsletters each day because I don’t have a computer at home. I read your newsletters at work; so if I’m away from work a few days, I get behind. It’s always important to me to catch up. Also, there are days that are so busy with work that I need to wait until the next day to read a newsletter. The statistics don’t take into account the variety of human activities that influence your reader’s habits. Don’t take the statistics personally. Remember that life is fluid — for all of us. And I want to let you know that after reading your email newsletter I come to the website to read all the comments. There is a sense of community that comes through. As others have expressed so beautifully, thank you Skip for your dedication in serving G-d and for the time you spend studying and writing to minister to others. G-d blesses us all, including you and me, and me through your writing – big words and all.
Greetings Skip,
I have read this thread of feedback and agree with most comments ~ your study has greatly enriched my walk and I share the messages with friends and have gifted your books to others. I agree that you are doing the work you were called to do and you should not feel doubt by looking at the statistics. Your in-depth, big words, word study have done more to un-teach me of biases in translation then any other source of study. You are a generous teacher and have been patient and respectful to all those who comment on your work. I will do more to support your ministry and look forward to meeting you one day, I am giving serious consideration to joining your June trip to Israel in 2013.
Shalom
1) Don’t stop and don’t change. We need this constant daily bombardment, one word at a time, to counteract and replace the tradition and church doctrine we have absorbed for many years. One word is sometimes the limit of what we can absorb in one day.
2) Due to the huge number of emails I receive in a day, I sometimes wait and read 3, 4 or 5 at a time, so I would not register in the numbers who read it the same day.
3) Yes, the economic downturn and loss of jobs and businesses are having major effects on contributions and support, no matter where our hearts are.
4) Those who have left Hellenized Christianity need your daily words the most, especially while they are in the limbo land of, “What now?”
5) One suggetion: On your website, you might offer a download of the 30 Days to a Hebrew Worldview as an introduction for those less familiar with some of your “big words.” This would allow them to read the 30 days at their leisure, when they can better concentrate. Maybe you could also offer some simpler articles online to help new readers gradually adjust to the unfamiliar language, many of whom are evangelicals who use the language of most seminaries.
As far as ‘scaring people off’ — I thought the way you interacted with Christiaan (in the ‘Leaving South Africa Again’ thread), was an excellent example of uncompromising patience. Please remember that you represent something to people — and often what you represent is a negative characiture of failed Jewish theology. There is centuries of cultural-Christian baggage that you have to overcome.
I’m a regular reader, but I go straight to the website. I rarely open the e-mail version because I want to read comments too.
I’d also echo some earlier comments about the difficulties of having an internet-based community. Ultimately, there is no substitute for face-to-face — but I can tell you that this is the closest second-place I have yet experienced. Consistency is not my strong suit, but I have never followed any online devotional, or blog, or anything of this sort as consistently as I have TW.
What brought me here, is what will keep me here — a strong mix of scholarship and scriptural reverence. I also like that you do not always write in a passive or equivical tone — it is a rare thing, and I appreciate a strong voice. I often have to go back to early twentieth century writers to find that strong, articulate, and thoughtful writing style.
1) I love your humility. It gives space for honesty and growth. I consider you a true brother in my community / Church, even through it is through cyberspace. You have reached my heart, as I sense through what you write, a true brother in the Body of Christ.
2) Yes, I do think you use words that are too big. They are not to big for me, cause I love seeing intelligence expressed within the Body of Believers. Maybe, “dumb down” a bit (I hate that expression).
3) I do not read your words daily, because I do not have time to read through your explanations, that obviously needed space to express. I save your daily emails and come back to read then when I have more time.
4) I consider you a treasure to the Body of Christ and thank God that I was informed of you through a Bill Johnson sermon. Every morning I read through the few daily words that I subscribe to and delete them. Most often I pass by yours and come back to them when I have more time to read and ponder upon what you share. I always save all of your words.
5) I value education and several of our family members have pursued their doctorates and do research. I was relieved when I saw that you had a doctorate and then to read about a few sessions in where it appeared that you were doing some sort of research within the Church, was encouraging. That made my head turn. You are a rare bird in the Body of Christ. I understand the fence you ride on. Maybe come down to where most of the Body of Believers is at and help us rise up, as a culture, in where asking questions and finding answers is the norm. Hope this helps.
6) Can I be so bold to ask if you are Jewish?
there has never been a time that i have not been distinctly blessed by your work and i hope you will continue to write at the same depth and complexity which is so inspirational. because of you my understanding has grown, enrichening my life and many others with whom i share your insights.
for some unknown reason i no longer receive your transmittals on my home computer and therefore only read them while i’m at work if time allows.
if you only touch one life your work has eternal value.
Thanks for your reply. I checked on our database and we are sending Today’s Word to your email address every day. Please check your spam filter and see if it is going there. The issue has to be on your end somewhere.
Over a lifetime we eat many meals. Perhaps in the same week we ate one, we can remember what it was. As time goes on we cannot describe to anyone what we ate last month, or maybe last week.
Because we ate we have been nourished, satisfied, and are ready for today’s meal.
Speaking for myself and the meals you have fed me, I have walked with the Lord for many of my 85 years and since I have eaten “At God’s Table” I am finally being fed food with the proper nutrition, just what my spirit and body needs……………..keep the food coming Skip or we might be fed junk food.
Skip, I would encourage you to continue doing as the Lord directs you with the TW daily blog. One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that many people are looking for “a word” that makes them feel good and is easy to swallow. Your a straight shooter and many people like to have options when it comes to living life and don’t prefer the straightforward obedience messages. I’m not sure what the demographics are that you reach but I have found that the younger generations are more inclined to read/listen to something other than the main stream “religious” messages. They are looking for someone to lead them in truth no matter what the popular messages or ideas have been.
1. Are you “pushing them away”? I’m sure that some do leave and quit supporting due to one reason or another. I would say again, share what the Lord has given you. Don’t conform to this world.
2. “Open Rate”. 39% isn’t too shabby. I like others go straight to the TW website and read from there.
3. Regular Subscribers/Supporters – 25% support is way above average for regular supporters for most churches/ministry’s. Again, your doing great!
4. Times are hard for many areas of world including USA. People tend to pull back support in these times.
You have been extremely generous with your talents, gifts and abilities and “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”