I work outside on night shifts, usually. Last night it snowed heavily, enough to cover all footprints. When I did my midnight patrol the urban lights on the fresh snow lit up my little corner of the world so brightly that I didn’t have to turn my flashlight on at all.

It made me think of two things that motivate me to mission. Read more…

I just found another kindred spirit in cyber world, brutalized by religion and, like Paul, left outside the “city walls” as dead. That does not make the story, for what humans intended for evil God turns for good. “We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence. We’re not ashamed to have this confidence” (Romans 5:3-5 God’s Word). Read more…

“Then he [Jesus] said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4 God’s Word).

But Paul said, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways” (1 Corinthians 13:11 God’s Word). Read more…

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15 God’s Word).

Depending on what you are this will mean different things. Are you a legalist? anarchist? rebel? groupie? bohemian? servant? controller? Read more…

Since you were brought back to life with Christ,
1. focus on the things that are above;
2. keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things;
3. put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion,  passion, lust, and greed (which is the same thing as worshiping wealth)
4. get rid of your anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins;
5. don’t lie to each other;
6. be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient;
7. put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you;
8. above all, be loving;
9. let Christ’s peace control you;
10. be thankful;
11. let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you;
12. use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct  yourselves about {God’s} kindness. Sing to God in your hearts;
13. everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(read all of Colossians 3:1-17 God’s Word to get the whole story)