What is really important to you? No, not just important but REALLY important? The kind of thing that you would drive through fire for? That's the kind of passion I'm talking about in today's FIVE Minutes.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have dominated the news in recent weeks. I have to admit I saw very little of their court case, but I do know that if you only listened to Johnny or Amber, all you would have is a he-said-she-said. You might have your opinions, but a court decision really is impossible until the witnesses spoke. Then you could see the jury begin to lean in Jack Sparrow's direction.

Witnesses are important. Those who witnessed the resurrection are important. And when it comes to your faith, your witness is also important!

There's nobody like good old Dad!

I've read that the active presence of a loving father is one of the most important ingredients in the life of any son or daughter - maybe even the most important.

Today, I celebrate my father, and in fact all the men in my life.

John Wooden is arguably the best coach in the history of NCAA basketball. There are others who are close, but Wooden's career includes winning 10 championships in 12 years, including a 7-year run. That's incredible!

The best of the best high school basketball stars would end up at UCLA, ready to play for the Bruins. Many would be pretty proud of themselves for being there, and that's understandable. Undoubtedly, they were pretty hot stuff at their high schools.

Every once in a while, you'll hear stories of people being held for ransom. It happened in Afghanistan last summer, and it's happening in Ukraine today. I thought it would be a simple thing to look up "ransom" on Google and give some examples - but the first page was all about ransomware - an idea that barely existed a few years ago. It's really quite simple - a computer is hacked, and a virus is implanted, which locks the user from accessing their own files. And they get a message which says if you don't pay me this amount (often in Bitcoin), I'll release all your pictures and web history to the world and you'll never have access to your computer files again. Pay me, and I'll give it back. Trust me!

Today, I'm continuing the "Got Ideas?" series with a look at vision.

The other day, I began with a look at Core Values as the primary foundation for life. Everything else may change, but if they truly are core values, they are what life is built on. It's what Jesus is talking about when he gives us the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. You can choose to build wisely on rock, or foolishly on sand, but in the end your choice of foundation will largely determine how long-lasting your impact on this world will be.

If you close your eyes, and imagine a possible future, that's vision.

I believe that vision is the primary and essential building block for what could be, with core values as the foundation. Here's what I mean by that.

Throughout the year, we hear about one star athlete or another who has reached an impasse in negotiating a new contract with their team. Different sports, different seasons, but the principle is the same - when both sides agree to go to arbitration, they put all their facts on the table, along with salary and contract details, and the arbitrator must decide to accept one or the other. He can't split the difference, make another recommendation, or negotiate something different. The two parties have already agreed to accept the ruling of the arbitrator. There will be one winner, and one loser.

Jesus is not an arbitrator. He is a mediator. What he does is bring the two sides together. But let's think about that for a while.

I'm thinking that the word of the year for 2022 ought to be "Unpredictable."

As we have come out of Covid, there are still a lot more questions that will have to be answered.

If you're a young mom needing formula for her infant, and you go to Walmart to pick up a can, will you find it? Unpredictable.

If you've placed an order for a new car or truck, when will it be delivered? Unpredictable. Stove, fridge or dishwasher? Unpredictable.

Are you satisfied with where you are, and where you are going?

If you're not, this series of "Got Ideas" posts may just be the key to your hoped-for tomorrow.

If you are, great! But even you could benefit greatly by having greater confidence.

If you close your eyes, and imagine a possible future, that's vision. But if you want it to come to be, it's going to be built on your core values. The are the primary and essential building block for what could be. Here's what I mean by that.

Welcome to FIVE Minutes with Phil Routly, and my look at Paul's first letter to Timothy 2:3 which reads, "This is good, and pleases God our Saviour."

What is the "this" that is good? Well, it has to be the peaceful and quiet lives that are lived in godliness in holiness. Just as in creation, God looks on what He brings to be, and says, "It is good." So, let's do what is good - what pleases God our Saviour.

Why does God see this as good? What is it that pleases Him?

He tells us - He wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.