John 9: 1-17, 28-41 A traveler was found by a U.S. Customs official to be carrying a half-gallon bottle from Mexico. The official asked the man what it contained. The traveler replied, “It’s just holy water. I took it from the shrine I visited. They say it causes miracles.” The inspector was suspicious and opened…
Thirsty?
John 4: 1-26 I had my recent stay in the hospital after emergency hernia surgery. By virtue of my condition and ongoing examinations by a few nurses and doctors, I was reminded of a story of a man suffering from an irritating headache. He went to a local doctor for some help. The receptionist at…
From One Mountain to the Next
Matthew 17: 1-9 A teenage girl nervously took the wheel for her first driving lesson. As she was pulling out of the parking lot, the instructor said, Turn left here, and don’t forget to let the people behind you know what you’re doing.” The young girl immediately turned to the students sitting in the backseat…
But I Say to You
Matthew 5: 21-26 A fellow bumped into his old friend whom he hasn’t seen in many years. He asked, “How’s your wife?” He replied, “She’s in heaven.” Without thinking, he responded, “Oh, I’m sorry.” Then, realizing that was not the best phrase to use, he said, “I mean, I’m glad . . . Well, what…
Preserve and Illuminate
Matthew 5: 13-20 In a small church during the summer, a pastor was preaching with gusto. Due to the warmth of the evening, the windows were open, and bugs of all sizes were attracted to the sanctuary lights. As the pastor was making an energetic point, a large moth flew into his open mouth. The…
To the Disciples Particularly
Matthew 5: 1-12 A little boy was listening to a long and tedious sermon from the preacher. Suddenly a red light attached to some wires leading to the sound system caught his eye. Tugging his father’s sleeve, he asked, “Daddy, when that red light up there turns green can we go?” Oh, it’s going to…
Same Mind, Same Purpose
1 Corinthians 1: 10-19 A couple was celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. A friend remarked to the husband, “It’s amazing how well you and your wife get along. Don’t you ever have disagreements?” The honored husband replied, “Oh, sure, quite often.” “And yet,” friend said, “you must get over them quickly.” “Ah, that’s the secret,”…
That He Might Be Revealed
John 1: 29-42 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 In Minnesota three pastors got together for coffee one day and found all their churches had bat-infestation problems. “I got so mad,” said Pastor Johnson, “I took a shotgun and fired at them. It made holes in the ceiling, but it did nothing to the bats.” Pastor Brown…
Our Epiphany
Matthew 3: 1-17 Christmas break was over and the teacher was asking the class about their vacations. She turned to one boy and asked him what he did over the break. “We visited my grandmother in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,” he replied. “That sounds like an excellent spelling word,” the teacher said. “Can you tell the class…
This Is Good News!
Matthew 2: 1-23 This is Epiphany Sunday in the Christian worship calendar. The liturgical season of Epiphany are days to draw worshippers to texts and images of light and splendor. We’re hearing and reading a text today that is not a birth narrative. The child and parents are no longer in the manger. Matthew wrote…
Psalm 102 in The Message 