Why do good?

The phrase “Goody Two Shoes” goes back a long time.  In fact the book that made the phrase popular was written in 1765 and the phrase appears in other writings a century before that.  It was meant to describe someone who was “an excessively virtuous person”. While the actual phrase may only be 4-5 centuries old,

Who wrote the book of…

In 1958, a one hit wonder band called the Monotones wrote a song called, “Who wrote the book of love”.  This otherwise unknown band suddenly had the #5 top hit in the US.  Since their other songs were similar in tone and style, we must assume it had something to do with the lyrics, the

Striving after wind

Wind is an amazing thing.  We can’t see it but we can sure see it’s effects.  We can’t catch it or hold it but we can harness it’s power.  It is always present, always there, always around us.  Sometimes it is very subtle and sometimes it is unmistakable.  It helps to spread the rain and

Warning against idleness

There is no doubt that our country has seen those times were people were in desperate need.  During the depression, there were highly qualified people who were hard workers with good ethics… but simply had no job.  This was not for a lack of trying, but because of the condition of the country at the

The Old and New way to measure up

The Old Testament gives us many examples of what it would take to earn eternity.  In fact, part of the focus of the OT is about how God’s people were trying to be right with God on their own efforts.  They tried and failed over and over again.  Well, some tried at least. One of

The gift that SHOULD keep giving

Christmas is the season that we celebrate the birth of one by giving gifts to others.  It’s kind of a unique way to celebrate a birthday actually.  Typically when there is a birthday celebration, we give gifts to the one we are celebrating. So what should that look like for Christmas?  How would we give

We all want a checklist

There is something satisfying about having a checklist.  That moment when you look at an item and can happily check it off as complete.  They provide a sense of accomplishment as if to say, well done… you did it.  They can also provide a sense of security.  Every time a pilot is about to take

Back from the dead

Jesus’ early ministry was filled with miracles, many of them were healing miracles.  In chapter five, Mark gives us three specific healing miracles that are all different. The first twenty verses are about casting out a demon… actually a “legion” of demons from one single man.  The fact that these demons recognized Jesus for who

Starbucks and the Gospel of Mark

I’m guessing you’ve never heard those two in the same sentence.  But with all the ridiculous yelling out there about the UnChristmas Starbucks cups, I felt it would be great to draw the comparison.  You see, the Gospel of Mark is the UnChristmas Gospel.  That’s right.  It’s the only gospel without the story of the

Legalism Kills

A young pastor arrives at his new assignment in a small town.  So small is the town there is only one church, one doctor, one fireman, one cop, etc. Early in the week he begins to meet with a few of the elders of the church and discovers there seems to be a strong focus