Monthly Archives: September 2020

American author David W. Augsburger whose works revolve around Christianity once wrote, “An open ear is the only believable sign of an open heart.”

This principle is important in all of our relationships.  In our families.  Communities. And professions. Openness is also vital in spiritual relationships. On this Lord’s Day it is important that we enter into worship with an attitude of openness.

Several years ago Dr. Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertforshire in England did a serious study to determine the world’s funniest joke.  Over 40,000 jokes were submitted.  Rated.  And judged.

The experiment demonstrated that people in different parts of the world have varying tastes in humor.  Americans like jokes with a character who’s made to look stupid.  New Zealanders, Australians and Brits prefer jokes involving word play.  Germans had no preference in jokes.

But, here’s  the joke that won first place regardless of gender, geography or age.

Seventeen years ago we were living in Spring Hill, TN. And I was preaching for the Jackson Heights church in Columbia. As I was preparing to leave for the office Norma Jean hollered for me to come into the family room. “A plane has hit one of the twin towers,” she yelled in disbelief.

Like millions of Americans we were stunned as we watched another plane hit the 2nd tower. Then the Pentagon was hit. Soon there was a report of the crash in PA. Later we learned of the heroism that prevented another catastrophic strike.

That day I did not go to the office.