Wayfarer

So, on one hand, today's chapter is just one in a number of great stories about military deception. But, it was God who told Gideon to get rid of 19,700 of his troops and attack with just 300. It's very easy for me to focus on the event and lose sight of the context. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 7. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I couldn't help but think of myself and my own fearful doubts about the things to which God has called me. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 6. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

 Along my own life journey, my own thoughts and perceptions have been transformed, as God has surrounded me with strong, gifted women. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 5. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Today's chapter is one of the most unique in all of the Great Story. In what is a predominantly patriarchal culture, God uses two women to respectively lead and deliver the Hebrew tribes from their enemy. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 4. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

I am the "I" in "idolatry." It's not if I will have my personal idols, but in what or whom will I invest my heart, soul, mindshare, and resources. I'm going to spend them somewhere. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 3. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

"I'm drunk," he said to me as I stood and put my arm around him. I didn't really need him to tell me this. He reeked of it. It was a rather unconventional state to be in at a mid-morning worship service. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 2. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The Hebrew tribes conquered the Promised Land, divided the land, and settled into their allotted territories. Joshua is dead. But, the assignment still isn't finished. A chapter-a-day podcast from Judges 1. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

The thing that struck me as I read this call to commitment was that Joshua didn't ask the people which god they would believe. He asked them whom they would serve. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 24. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Humanity is still in the toddler stage of development and relationship with God. Having parented a couple of three-year-olds, I can tell you confidently that eventually there will be willfulness, disobedience, attitude, stubbornness, and tantrums. There are always tantrums. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 23. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

It always fascinates me where fear comes from and where it leads people. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 22. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . 

So many of Jesus' teachings are predicated on the fact that I will face difficulties, hostility, pain, loss, and trials on this life journey. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 21. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Some of our most epic stories have ridiculously high body counts. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 20. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Joshua and Caleb received an earthly reward for their faith, and that got me thinking about eternity. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 19. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

It was the largest project, to date, that our company had ever landed. And, it was on me to write, produce, and present it. I froze. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 18. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my life journey, I have heard so many stories of families torn apart by disputes over the family farm and land. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 17. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I find myself pondering the reality that small things can have large, far-reaching consequences. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 16. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my life journey, I've learned that there are some things that I simply don't control, and getting my undies in a bunch about it will profit me nothing. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 15. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Faith is pressing on through a dense fog not knowing what lies ahead. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 14. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

My treasure, my spiritual inheritance, doesn't have an earthly abstract or legal description. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 13. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell .

In the quiet this morning, I am exceedingly grateful, for I am doubly blessed. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 12. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I find myself thinking about the "giants" I have faced and continue to face in my own spiritual journey. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 11. The text version of today's podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

There is a natural growth and development of communication that takes place over time. In each relationship, I have a responsibility for the communication on my end. If I fail in that responsibility, the relationship suffers and may even die. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 10. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Jesus found spiritual application in shrewdness and worldly wisdom. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 9. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my life journey, and my spiritual journey, I've learned that there is wisdom and goodness in having sober self-awareness. This includes knowing my strengths, my abilities, my weaknesses, and my ego. A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 8. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

There is a legendary family story that happened when our daughter, Madison, was only about four or five years old... A chapter-a-day podcast from Joshua 7. The text version of every chapter-a-day podcast may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .