Jesus told the blind man, “Go, and wash in the pool of Siloam (which is translated sent)” (John 9:7). Access to the pool of Siloam involved the descent of three sets of stone-hewn steps, five steps each—no casual stroll for anyone, much less a blind man. But he did it, and he leaned over the edge of the pool and began to wash his eyes. And, from one moment to the next, he could see. The question is often asked, “What does a person need to know to become a follower of Christ?” This story provides an answer. The man knew nothing … Listen Now

“After saying this, Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes” (John 9:6). Now there’s something you don’t expect to read in the Bible: Jesus spitting. A prayer would’ve seemed appropriate, perhaps a “hallelujah!” But who expected a heavenly spit into the dirt? The God who sent manna and fire dispatched a blob of saliva. And as calmly as a painter spackles a hole in the wall, Jesus streaked miracle mud on the man’s eyes. Sometimes God uses the less-than-pleasant. He initiates the miracle through “mud moments”: layoffs, letdowns, and bouts … Listen Now

“As Jesus went along, he saw a man blind from birth” (John 9:1). No one else saw him. The disciples saw only a theological case study. “‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’” (John 9:2). They didn’t see a human being. They saw a topic of discussion. Jesus, by contrast, saw a man who was blind from birth, a man who’d never seen a sunrise, who couldn’t distinguish purple from pink. He dwelled in a dark world. Others had reason to hope; he had reason to despair. But then Jesus saw him. And he sees … Listen Now

From heaven’s viewpoint our earth is populated by sightless people. They do not see the meaning of life or the love of God. How else do we explain the confusion and chaos? How else do we explain the constant threat of world war, plagues of hunger, racism, and the holocaust of the unborn? Billions of people simply cannot see. The Scripture says, “The devil who rules this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. They cannot see the light of the Good News—the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is exactly like God” (2 Corinthians … Listen Now

Christians love to sing the hymn,  Amazing grace!  How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!  I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.  Blind, blind to the promise of eternal life, blind to the provider of life.  We relate to the words of the was-blind beggar, “One thing I do know.  I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25). His story is our story.  Perhaps that’s why John was in no hurry to tell it. He needed only twelve verses to describe how water became wine.  But he dedicated a … Listen Now

On April 21, 2008, Katherine Wolf suffered a massive stroke. She lost her ability to walk, talk clearly, and care for herself.  She went from being a California model to a wheelchair-bound patient.  God stepped in.  In her wonderful book, Hope Heals, she writes, “I felt a deep awakening of the Word of God, which I had known since I was a little girl…It was my epiphany of hope!  I would never lose heart in this situation because my soul was not what was wasting away.” Don’t try to weather this storm alone my friend.  He is still the great I … Listen Now

We’d rather be spared the storm.  Or if the storm comes, let it be mild and our deliverance quick. Let the job dismissal come with a severance package and an offer of a better position.  Let the marital strife turn quickly to romance.  Sometimes it does.  But when it doesn’t, when we are thorax-deep in turbulence, Jesus wants us to know his name and hear him say, “I AM coming.” Such was the experience of the disciples.  The moment they invited Christ into their boat was the moment they reached their destination.  “So they gladly took him aboard, and at … Listen Now

Jesus says to us what he said to the disciples on the stormy sea.  “It is I!  Don’t be afraid” (John 6:20). The literal translation of what Jesus said is “I AM; don’t be afraid.”  I AM.  That’s God’s name.  When we wonder if God is coming, he answers with his name, “I AM!”  When we wonder if he is able, he declares, “I AM.”  When we see nothing but darkness, feel nothing but doubt, and wonder if God is near or aware, the welcome answer from Jesus is this: “I AM!” Pause for a moment and let him tell … Listen Now

“…[Jesus’] disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.  A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough” (John 6:16–18). The disciples were too far from the shore, too long in the struggle, and too small against the waves.  And Jesus was nowhere to be seen.  Have you ever encountered a dangerous, ominous, seemingly godforsaken storm?  Storms overtake us.  And it sometimes seems they will never end. But then the unimaginable happens.  John gives no details, … Listen Now

During World War I, Biddy Chambers, her husband, and small daughter moved to Egypt, where he served as a chaplain.  He taught, she transcribed.  It was a perfect partnership. Then her husband’s complications from appendicitis rendered Biddy a widow.  All dreams of a teaching ministry would have to be abandoned, right?  No.  She turned her husband’s notes into pamphlets.  Eventually they were compiled into a book, My Utmost for His Highest.  This work of Oswald Chambers has sold more than thirteen million copies and has been translated into more than thirty-five languages. The next time you feel overwhelmed remind yourself of … Listen Now