Paul reminds me that I shouldn’t be surprised when the world misunderstands, belittles, and/or maligns my faith in Jesus. Quite the opposite, I should expect it. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Corinthians 1. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

One of the things I’ve learned about myself across the years is that I have a penchant for occasionally spiraling into a pessimistic funk. People are always surprised to learn this, but you can ask Wendy. It’s a thing.

A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 16. The text version can be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

As human beings, the crowd continues to have a tremendous impact on lives, culture, and personal decisions. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 15. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

I confess, my life journey is dotted with mistakes, poor choices, and moral failures. I’ve made some doozies. Buy me a pint sometime, and I’ll tell you some stories. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 14. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

So, which is it? Are things worse than ever, or better than ever? A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 13. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

One of the things I’ve observed along my life journey is that human empires will always attempt to crush or eliminate any anonymous cog who threatens their system or the power and wealth of its leaders. I refer you to any daily news outlet for evidence. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 12. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

Today’s chapter contains one of the strange, head-scratching episodes in the entire Jesus Story. Why on earth would Jesus curse and kill a fig tree? It seems so random and out of character for Jesus.

A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 11. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

I got a call the other day from a team member. I don’t know what the issue was, it went unstated, but my employee sheepishly asked me if I would help complete a project for them. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 10. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

But the “mountains” in the Great Story are not meant to be accurate examples of scientific, geological definition. Building on yesterday’s post/podcast, the “mountains” are metaphors. A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 9. The text version may be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

How often did Jesus use creation and every day pieces of life as a teaching device? Mustard seeds, weather, pearls, sheep, sons, gates, shepherds, wine, debt, and bread.

A chapter-a-day podcast from Mark 8. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.