Wayfarer

The world could use some sorrow that leads to positive change. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 7. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

My experiences and observations along this life journey are that there are sheep and goats in every denomination and every local church. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 6. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I think it might be very possible that as my physical hearing dulls my spiritual hearing becomes more sharpened. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 5. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Outwardly, it would appear that the emerging generation are outwardly blessed with affluence, education, technology, safety, security, and health in ways and in levels that no generation before them has ever experienced. Nevertheless, they are inwardly wasting away. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 4. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In today’s chapter, Paul uses a simple but beautiful metaphor as he tells the believers in Corinth that they themselves are Paul’s “letter of recommendation.” A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 3. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

As I read today’s chapter, I thought about my mother’s letters. It’s amazing to me that people forget that the “book” that we know as  2 Corinthians  is not a book at all. It’s a letter . A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 2. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

As I experience God’s grace, comfort, peace, joy, and faithfulness through difficult seasons, I am equipped and called to help others do the same. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Corinthians 1. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I can’t help but to consider that Jesus told me that I have the same choice that He was given. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 28. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In my thoughts, words, actions, and relationships, I don’t want to mindlessly be just another example of how the world works. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 27. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I think of Jesus’ death and resurrection much like graduation in our culture. It is a rite of passage out of childhood and into spiritual adulthood. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 26. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In each of the three parables of today’s chapter, there is a final reckoning. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 25. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Just last week I celebrated my 59th birthday. That mean’s I’ve entered my 60th lap around the sun. And, that has me thinking about what’s out there on the horizon. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 24. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I don’t control large, complex human systems of government and religion, though I have tremendous influence on the small human systems of family, business, and local community. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 23. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

For me, the most powerful spiritual lesson in today’s chapter is not under the microscope but in the wide-angle lens. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 22. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In today’s chapter,  the crowd  plays a significant role. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 21. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

Today, I complete my 59th lap around the sun. In the quiet I hear God’s Spirit whisper to my spirit the same question He asked of the wife of Zebedee. The same question He asked the two blind men. “Happy birthday, Tom. What do you want me to do for you?" A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 20. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

History has dubbed the young man in today’s chapter as the “rich young ruler,” but I think “eagle scout” is a more apt moniker. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 19. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Sometimes the traditional, yet out-of-date, wording of famous passages like The Lord’s Prayer are like a comfy old sweatshirt that wraps you in the warmth and comfort of something familiar which has been with you and seen you through long stretches of life’s journey. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 18. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Mountains are yet another metaphorical theme that runs throughout the Great Story in ways I've never seen or understood until now. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 17. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my chapter-a-day journey over the years, I’ve learned that spiritual lessons are found in Jesus’ actions as well as His words. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 16. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

In the quiet this morning, I love the fact that Jesus poked the big dogs from Jerusalem regarding their rabid hypocrisy when it came to their traditions. Less than a week after Good Friday, I’m equally reminded that these same rabid, big dogs will quite literally  kill Him for it . A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 15. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

It was a simple enough question. There are so many things in life that we do because they are habitual or traditional. We rarely stop to ask “Why?" A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 14. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The difference between the 25% of seeds that became productive and fruitful plants in Jesus’ parable and the 75% of seeds who didn’t make it was the  quality of the soil . A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 13. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

My heart is heavy and sad this morning. I have recently found myself in the midst of many conflicts. I don’t like conflict. I confess that I don’t do it particularly well. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 12. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I find myself thinking about the spiritual  posture  that Jesus is asking of John. It is a kneeling, open, and surrendered posture. It is the same that He has demanded of His disciples and anyone else who would follow, including me. A chapter-a-day podcast from Matthew 11. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .