Hello ,
A number of years ago, a pastor looked me right in the eyes and asked me the
question that you see above it was bold, and I wasn't ready for it. It hit me like a ton of bricks! Honestly, I had always limited myself in believing that I could actually make a big difference for God's kingdom.
"Why would God even want to use someone like me?"
That's a question I still sometimes wrestle with, but over the years I have become more and more comfortable with the idea that even my feeble attempts at reaching people with God's love can,
(and do) make a difference.
When I began The Open Word Daily e-Devotionals 9 years ago, I had no idea just how difficult, challenging, and wonderful it would be to publish a devotional every morning. I am humbled and amazed at the way God has led in this small ministry. He has never forsaken me,
even when I didn't know how I was going to continue to afford all the expenses that a ministry like this incurs. Never once has God not provided for our every need as we attempt to do His will in sending it out.
Here are just a small sample of the comments that I receive from subscribers to The Open Word Daily e-Devotionals:
"Pastor Mike, you have no idea how much I needed to read what you sent this morning. Thank-you for the blessing of these devotionals."
"How could you have possibly known that your
devotional this morning was exactly what I was praying about? You couldn't. This was a God-thing. Thank-you!"
"This one hit the nail right on the head for me. What a blessing!"
Over the years I've received hundreds of e-mails from people all over the world in our subscriber family. I've heard from nurses who were using our e-Devotionals to hold worship together at their nurse's station, I've spoken with people in other countries who receive it every morning, and I've been astonished at the way God has bolstered the faith of others
who were struggling with something personal through a divinely-timed message.
It's time to expand the vision!
God has laid it on my heart (once again), to dream bigger, and to move higher in reaching out to people who need to hear the good
news of the gospel through The Open Word. Honestly, I don't know how I'm going to do this, but I'm going to try.
Here's what I'm going to attempt:
- A new web-site. The web-site that I am currently using to sign up subscribers is tired, old, and out of date. It has served us well, but with much of the new technology that is always changing, it needs to be upgraded. I have a burden on my heart for a new web-site where people can subscribe for FREE, but that that also includes audio messages, an article
archive, and an area for FREE materials that will bless those who receive them.
- FREE e-Books published on topics like depression, Bible promises, grief recovery, and salvation. I would like to offer these resources free of charge to anyone who wants them. There are so many hurting people in our world, and God has
answers for them that are timely and offer peace. I want to do what I can to make this a reality.
- FREE radio show distribution to any station willing to play Open Word audio devotionals. I had a 3-minute, morning radio devotional for 7 years (on 3 different radio stations) in the
mid-2000's. I would like to offer these audio archives to any radio station who would like to play them to their listeners on a regular basis.
Will you pray for me?
I truly covet your prayers regarding these goals that God has laid on my heart. I have no idea how I'm going to accomplish them, but I do trust that God will show me the way. I am not a super-techie guy and it honestly makes me a little nervous to venture out into these territories when I know there is someone who has the skill-set to do it better, faster, and more streamlined than I could. Please lift
up this tiny ministry in your prayers. My only goal is to see more people blessed by this ministry every day until Jesus comes.
If God lays it on your heart, I could use your help.
I don't actively seek financial support with The Open Word. I have always wanted to make sure that this ministry is FREE for anyone who is blessed by it. I still feel that way. Freely I have received, and I want to freely give.
However, I have had some Open Word Subscribers who have asked me if they can partner with me in getting the word out about this ministry. Over the years, I have had a number of donations from people who have been blessed by this ministry. God blessed me through their willingness.
If anyone reading this e-mail wishes to participate in
helping me achieve the above goals, I am grateful. I know that God will provide, for whatever He has called me to do with The Open Word. If it's your desire to financially participate, please pray about it. If you feel led to do it, the donation button will take you to the page that can help you do that.
