Wayfarer

In recent months, I've had multiple followers of Jesus who I know to be learned and wise ask me whether I believe the return of Christ will happen in our lifetime. I'll give you my answer, but first let me explain why I find it fascinating. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Peter 3. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The playbook is pretty basic: "Indulge your appetites and you will experience freedom." Yet, I've never found anything really free or good traveling down any alley of indulgence. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Peter 2. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the opening of Peter's second letter to first-century followers of Jesus, he begins by identifying those who are legitimate followers of Jesus. You won't find mention of a "membership certificate" or congregational approval anywhere in the description. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Peter 1. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

And so I leave the words of ancient Nahum for now until the journey brings me back this way. Kingdoms and empires come and go on this earth as they have since the first civilization in Sumer. And so, they ever will. A chapter-a-day podcast from Nahum 3. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The sub-culture of smack-talk in sports came to mind this morning as I read today's chapter because Nahum's entire prophetic poem is an ancient version of talking smack against his people's greatest enemy, Assyria. A chapter-a-day podcast from Nahum 2. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The Great Story is layered with recurring themes. Justice is definitely one of them. A chapter-a-day podcast from Nahum 1. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The night I made the life-changing decision to become a follower of Jesus, Dr. Bob Laurent was preaching. A bit further down the road, Dr. Bob was my professor. Bob is my friend, and one of my most cherished mentors. At the age of 75, Dr. Bob has more passion than ever for being a follower of Jesus, a student of the Great Story, and a faithful herald of Jesus' love and truth. This Wayfarer Weekend...

Along my spiritual journey, I've learned that God sometimes gives a sign or a word and the fullness of its meaning is only understood further down life's road. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ruth 4. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

difficulties, and suffering in life. Character is not a spiritual gift, nor is it cheaply acquired. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ruth 3. The text version of all chapter-a-day podcasts can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

But there's more going on under the surface of the "boy meets girl" romance in the story of Ruth. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ruth 2. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Bitter. What a great word for those times when I suddenly find myself playing a bad hand in life. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ruth 1. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my life journey, I've observed that we humans have a thing with equity and fairness. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 21. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I'm not sure why my parents named me Thomas. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 20. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

May I always be willing to "take the bullet" so to speak, and lay down my own life, time, energy, and resources, for my friends and their loved ones. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 19. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

How apt that the Divinely appointed human "leader" of Jesus' followers becomes the designated representative of human weakness. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 18. The text version of all chapter-a-day posts can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Jesus said His followers were "not of this world" but He says so immediately after praying that they remain in it. In the world, not of it. To quote Hamlet, "ay, there's the rub." A chapter-a-day podcast from John 17. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

What fascinated me as I read Jesus' words to His followers this morning was both the warning and the promise with which today's chapter is bookended. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 16. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The teacher's earthly mission is almost over. His followers' mission is just beginning, and they have no clue just how much things are about to change. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 15. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I can't help but think about what chaotic times we live in. I can't help but think about the tremendous lack of peace I observe in others. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 14. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

"Love" has been central to all of Jesus' teaching. So what's "new" about this command? A chapter-a-day podcast from John 13. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I'm feeling both inspired and challenged. I'm inspired by Jesus' example and His mission. At the same time, I am challenged to reclaim Jesus' example of crossing any and every social boundary, excluding no one in channeling God's love. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 12. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the previous chapter's podcast, I said: "Actions reveal identity." They do, but the identity doesn't lie in the actions themselves, but in the motivations that spawned them. A chapter-a-day post from John 11. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . 

Actions reveal identity. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 10. The text version can always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . Please feel free to "Like" and share.

How fascinating, to think that the Light of the World causes some to see while causing others to be blind. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 9. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . 

Today's chapter is a showdown that has been building between Jesus and the religious institutional establishment, and it's an important one in the story. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 8. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . Please feel free to "Like" and share.