Wayfarer

As I look back on my journey as a follower of Jesus, I recognize that it has been a process of learning who I truly am in relationship to who Jesus truly is. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 4. 

Like U2 trying to steal "Helter Skelter" back from what Charles Manson made of it, I want to get back to the meaning of a simple word picture Jesus gave to a spiritually blind religious man. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 3. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . Please "Like" and share!

In the quiet this morning I find myself desiring to embody two character qualities that John identifies in Jesus. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 2. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . Please "Like" and share.

Yesterday, I posted an old photo of my parents on social media. Friends were quick to comment how much I look like my father. A chapter-a-day podcast from John 1. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . Please "Like" and share!

Road trips are good for the soul (in more ways than one). A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 13, originally published June 2, 2020, on the Wayfarer blog at tomvanderwell.com .

I'm reminded this morning that Harriett Tubman led approximately 70 slaves to freedom on some 13 missions. Seventy out of some 6 million slaves. She courageously and intentionally did what she could. There's no reason I can't expect the same from myself. A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 12, originally published as a blog post on June 1, 2020, on the Wayfarer blog at tomvanderwell.com .

Some mornings my soul is overwhelmed with questions. Like Jacob, I find myself wrestling with God. The Moses story will always be relevant in a fallen world where broken earthly systems favor some people and not others. A chapter-a-day podcast originally published on May 29, 2020, on the Wayfarer blog at tomvanderwell.com .

An adult can't reason with a two-year-old by getting him or her to sit and listen to you read a psychology textbook that explains his or her need to modify behavior. In the same way, understanding ancient stories require me, a 21st-century reader, to think outside the box of my 21st-century thoughts and sensitivities. They require me to think about how God is meeting with and interacting with huma...

Judgment and being judicious are two very different things. Jesus condemned the former and encouraged the latter. A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 9, originally published on May 27, 2020, at tomvanderwell.com .

Following Jesus is about following His example and humbly putting God and others ahead of myself. A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 8, originally published as a blog post on May 26, 2020 at tomvanderwell.com .

If I want to be "like God" by sitting on the throne of my own life looking out for numero uno, doing as I please, and determining my own way with every step, then my path is going to lead to spiritually dark places (even if I wear the facade of being a good and faithful member of my local church). A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 7, originally published on May 20, 2020, at tomvanderwell.com .

Along the way, I've learned that if someone is spiritually deaf and blind, it simply means I need to keep speaking in love, listening patiently, acting kindly, responding gently, serving faithfully, and controlling my reactions. A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 6, originally published as a blog post on May 19, 2020 . 

Wendy and I have, of late, participated in multiple conversations with others who are grieving. The grief being experienced is not the result of the death of a loved one, but rather the unexpected demise of seemingly safe assumptions. Chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 5, originally published as a blog post at tomvanderwell.com on May 18, 2020 .

I can always find an excuse to not serve. There's always something that I can conjure up as an excuse that I am "lacking" (education, knowledge, experience, calling, opportunity, training, etc.). The truth is that all God requires is simple trust and obedience. A chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 4 originally published as a blog post on May 15, 2020 at tomvanderwell.com.

Along the way, I observed something that was common to all of them. Within each of those tribes were individuals who were members of the church, and those who were followers of Christ. There was a difference. A chapter-a-day podcast from Hebrews 3, originally published as a blog post on May 14, 2020 at tomvanderwell.com .

Along the journey, I have often found that the profound things of God are often quite simple, and hidden in plain sight for "those who have eyes to see." This podcast is from a blog post originally published on May 13, 2020 . The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Today's chapter-a-day podcast from Exodus 1 was originally posted at tomvanderwell.com on May 12, 2020 . 

In the quiet this morning, I am reminded that the current chaotic times are a cakewalk compared to what it would have been like to be a poor day laborer in Jerusalem back in James' day. History is always good for providing me with much-needed context. A chapter-a-day podcast from James 5. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Almost anyone who has committed awful acts can attest to the fact that a guilty conscience can really do a number on you. I know this because I write from personal experience. A chapter-a-day podcast from James 4. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I have discovered along my spiritual journey that spiritual growth is a lot like peeling an onion. Every time I work to peel off a layer of pride and selfishness in my life, there's always a deeper layer waiting underneath. A chapter-a-day podcast from James 3. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I'm reminded of the simple power that mercy, kindness, goodness, and gentleness can generate. A chapter-a-day podcast from James 2. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

On both my life journey and my spiritual journey, my progress is measured, not by distance, but by maturity, wisdom, and the yield of love produced in me. A chapter-a-day podcast from James 1. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

was not about the futility of this earthly life, but really about what's valuable in this earthly life. Here at the end of his dissertation, I still feel it. In fact, I feel it more acutely. A chapter-a-day post from Ecclesiastes 12. The text version can be found at tomvanderwell.com .

Today's post finds me considering the intersection of Hebrew wisdom and ancient Akkadian brewing practices. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 11. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The context of history doesn't change my present circumstances or current events, but it does change the way I frame my thoughts and understanding of my circumstances and current events. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 10. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .