Wayfarer

Every human system (e.g. families, committees, churches, councils, school administrations, community groups, businesses, and etc.) is a "game of thrones." A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Kings 1. The text version may be found and played at tomvanderwell.com .

How apt, I thought, that in this morning's chapter we find Zephaniah's predictions of doom and gloom giving way to hope and salvation. And, amidst the hopeful promises God gives through the ancient prophet is the simple phrase "I will bring you home." A chapter-a-day podcast from Zephaniah 3. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Like most Americans, I'm finding myself perpetually caught off guard by our current political landscape. A chapter-a-day podcast from Zephaniah 2. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

There is something innately human about the way humans flock to bad news. A chapter-a-day podcast from Zephaniah 1. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I want to pay the price for my sin. I need to pay the price for my sin. I can't believe that my guilty conscience can be absolved in any other way than for me to personally pay the price and feel the pain. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 24. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Sometimes the real story is in the details. Even as human beings sharing life together, what makes our community and conversation transformational is found in the depth and detail of our sharing. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 23. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I appreciate David's word picture, but rocks, caves, fortresses, and strongholds have not been a strong part of my personal journey living most of my life in Iowa. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 22. The text version may be found and played at tomvanderwell.com .

I'm discovering that wisdom lies in channeling my available resources in the most constructive, efficient and effective ways. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 21. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The further I get in life's journey the more intolerant I have become of troublemakers and crazy makers. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 20. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

This life journey can become a long slog at times. The first rule any child learns about hiking in the wilderness is "buddy up." A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 19. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

As I've progressed in my own life journey I've discovered that there is a fine line between acknowledging and understanding the ways our parents and family system affected us and using that knowledge as an excuse for our own poor choices. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 18. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Even in my own family, there are true tales of tragedy and intrigue. Times change, but people are people, and our common human flaws source similar tales in our own lives and families. We each play our part in the story. We are each a cog in our family's system. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 17. The text version of today's podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I'm taking a little inventory this morning of those who've been critical of me, and those who've caused me injury. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 16. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Being forgiven does not erase the fact that we must face the natural consequences of our actions. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 15. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I believe that we don't give enough thought to how we communicate. Not only on a corporate level but also on an interpersonal one. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 14. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Our greatest strengths have their corollary weaknesses. We cannot escape this reality, but we can escape being enslaved to it. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 13. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I learned at an early age that your sins find you out. Having said that, let me readily admit that it didn't stop me from sinning. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 12. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

My grandfather was fond of saying that "the day I retire will be the day I die." A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 11. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Miscommunication of both words and intent can carry a high price in collateral damage relationally, spiritually, and sometimes even physically. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 10. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Today, I am thinking about the grace David showed Mephibosheth, the grace Jesus has shown me, and how I can pay it forward in a tangible way with those in my spheres of influence. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 9. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Today I am reminded to place credit where credit is due in my own life and victories. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 8. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

As I look back on my life's journey I find that there are many things I intended to do that were clearly not part of God's plan for me. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 7. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I've always read this chapter and focused on David's "undignified" worship, but today I found myself focused on Michal's rebuke of her husband. There's a larger back story there that I have to consider. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 6. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along this life journey, I've observed that we are becoming increasingly impatient people. I have enjoyed the blessings of rapidly advancing and evolving technology that delivers results and instant gratification, but scarcely have I slowed down long enough to consider the impact that it's having on me. A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 5. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderw...

Am I willing to play by a different set of rules when God's desires run contrary to prevailing cultural mores? A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 4. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .