Wayfarer

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 .

In a few hours I will be muttering to myself, "Where did the day go?" A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 9. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

Along my life journey, I've observed that creation, life, and relationships are complex things. There are simple truths, but there are few simple answers. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 8. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

In the quiet this morning, I hear God's Spirit reminding me through the words of the Sage that all my tomorrows are simply "what ifs." There are really only two certainties. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 7. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast please feel free to Like and share.

Isn't it ironic that when I hear the name "Ebenezer Scrooge" my first thought is about what he was, not what he became? A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 6. The text version of this podcast can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . 

I confess that I was not great with money for much of my life. It was a lesson that ended up being a long, hard stretch for me on both the spiritual and physical levels. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 5. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com .

This Wayfarer Weekend podcast is a conversation with Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. Andy talks about the insurmountable and seemingly hopeless task of fighting poverty, homelessness, and addiction on Skid Row. He shares stories of the walking miracles he witnesses and works with daily.

A few weeks ago I happened upon one of those heart-warming stories that almost sounds too good to be true. I dug into the story. This is what I learned. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 4. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please Like and share.

Along my life journey, I've observed something ironic. We entertain ourselves ceaselessly with stories in which death is the main ingredient, yet most of us want to pull a Houdini when it comes to this inescapable fact. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 3. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast please Like and share.

After all the seeking, pursuing, toiling, mulling, regrets, frustration, and investigation, the chapter ends with a simple, humble observation from the Sage. A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 2. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please Like and share.

When I was young I kept getting stuck thinking that the author of Ecclesiastes was waxing existential pessimism. The further I've gotten on this road of Life, however, the more I've come to understand that the sage is inviting me to consider what is valuable . A chapter-a-day podcast from Ecclesiastes 1. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might e...

Today's chapter is the end of Mark's biography of Jesus, and it has its own back story. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 16. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com . If you know anyone who might enjoy this podcast, please Like and share!