Thursday Thought 3/5/2026 - Things we go through that others do not see

I feel like there is a theme that my blogs have taken in the last few weeks.  They seem to go towards the more somber, or melancholy.  I do not feel depressed, but I think a clinical psychologist would say that I may have some repressed feelings towards a downward spiral.  Let’s just say that I am thinking about many things, and there are things on my mind that we all think about.

Unfortunately for many, when things are anxious or stressful their health suffers too.  It can be quite serious, and I do pray that those who struggle with this find peace and health through those occasions.

I got a text from someone that brought up 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV.  It states, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

The reminder here is simple.  When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was not in a place of comfort or peace.  Most scholars place it A.D. 66, or shortly after Paul's release from prison in Rome.  Paul probably wasn’t in the best of health, or in the best place mentally either.

And Paul’s “the good fight” is to remain faithful, to remain faithful even when it would be easier to walk away.  And Paul was very familiar with this type of action.  Remember, Paul was a Roman who used to persecute Christians, hunt them down and have them arrested.  Now he is preaching to them, instructing them, even rebuking them.  You must wonder if Paul suffered from the resentment that was pointed his way.  You must wonder how the constant pressure of opposition against a message that called him to deliver was pushed back not only by unbelievers, whom you would think would take opposed views.  But also, the Christians who knew Paul’s background and thought, “what does this guy know?”

This message reminded me that our fights might look similar.  Maybe your good fight is simply the decision to show up again tomorrow.  To face the day in and day out pressure of being who Christ calls you to be.  Maybe it is just praying, so that you can trust Him with things that are completely out of your control.

The reminder is this; The good fight is rarely loud.  It is usually the daily, steady, and often unseen perseverance of the faithful to the Lord. 

So, keep fighting.  Keep persevering.  Not for the recognition.  Not for the accolades.  But because faithfulness matters.  Because faithfulness defines us, and faithfulness creates in us a renewed heart.

Peace,

PTV

Thursday Thought 2/26/2026 - Too much or not enough?

I’ve been pondering why I write this blog.  I think it mostly is a challenge to myself to have some type of log or record of things going on; however, I really don’t include much from what happens weekly or even daily.

It feels like there is too much to say.  And then it feels like there really is not enough to even put down on paper.  Isn’t that a paradox.

I mean there are things happening in our lives every day, big, meaningful, eventful things that can shape how you feel for days, and then you look at it and think “why would anyone want to know that?”.  I don’t know, maybe I am just looking for an easy way out and think that might be to write a whole blog on why I have nothing to say.

Days can blend into days; doing work, staying busy with daily activities, just getting ready for an upcoming event can fill our time.  Interestingly enough, the Bible does say a few things about our daily lives:

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV): "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil".

Psalm 90:12 (NIV): "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom".

Colossians 4:5 (NIV): "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity".

I find it interesting that these verses, along a very similar topic, are in quite different parts or events of the Bible. 

In Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church of Ephesus, during a time most scholars believe he is imprisoned in Roman.  Here is a guy who is sitting in jail, probably not a cell with a bed or running water, saying “be careful how you live”.  Kind of convicting.

Psalm 90, widely attributed to be written by Moses, is considered the oldest Psalm in the Bible.  I find it rather comforting to know that even in those times of the Israelites searching for where God was going to guide them, that there was instruction given to how we consider our days.

And then in Colossians, in a period of time where Paul is disciplining Timothy, he considers that each moment we have, we need to invite others to know Christ.  That we need to be mindful of how we appear and how we act.  Again, it’s quite convicting.

So as I consider how I am spending my days, I ask God to reveal to me – based on these 3 scriptures, how are my days going, and am I fulfilling what He has asked of me?

Peace,

PTV

Thursday Thought 2/19/2026 – Hard Things

This past week has been a very hard week.  And lately it seems like that happens quite often.  I am not naïve enough to think that it is all happening to me, rather that I may be allowing it to happen, and / or I have a hand in it occurring. I also know that the evil one doesn’t like it when we are seeking God, and does everything he can do to distract, cause chaos, and confuse anyone who is trying to seek The Father.

In the church world we open ourselves up to people.  We try to be the best version of ourselves that we can be – and yet we are not perfect.  But if we are truly seeking God, there will be evidence of fruit to be seen.  And this will not satisfy everyone, but it will satisfy God if we are continually seeking Him, and asking for wisdom, and following His lead.

I can’t help but think that things will never be good enough. But then we live in a broken world, don’t we.

I had a friend share a prayer with me that really gave me hope and also made me feel God’s watch care over any going through hardship right now…

“I pray that in this season, you will be able to really hunker down in the truths of the gospel: that since God is your defense, you haven’t any reason to be defensive; since Christ is the source of your righteousness, you need not fear recourse in the moments where repentance is required; as one who is justified through Christ, you need not fear the venomous deceit of the unjust. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring a clarity and that pure hearted, Holy Spirit strength revitalizes as a holy and mighty force in the kingdom of God.”  (used with permission by writer)

Let God be your hope and your rest.  When it feels like rest is fleeting, let Him fill you.

Peace,

PTV

Thursday Thought 2/12/2026 - It's almost Valentines Day

drawn by Holden

Hey out there – the three of you who read this blog.  (Hi Mom, hi Aunties)

It’s Valentine’s Day coming up.  Of course, that means all sorts of commercials and advertisements pushing us towards the purchase of how much we love.  Sounds kind of funny when you put it that way doesn’t it?  We get to show how much we love someone because there is a day that is commercialized so much, that it has become synonymous with chocolate boxes, flowers, lavish gifts, even heavy sexual innuendos…

Sounds like this world.

A quick question to the google machine about what and why is Valentine’s Day gives us this… “We celebrate Valentine’s Day to show love and appreciation for the people we care about.

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who lived in ancient Rome. One popular story says he secretly performed marriages for couples when the Roman emperor had banned them. He was later punished for this, and over time he became associated with love and devotion.

In the Middle Ages, people in Europe began linking February 14 with romance. Later, poets and writers made the idea of “romantic love” on this day even more popular. By the 1700s and 1800s, people were exchanging love letters and small gifts.

Today, Valentine’s Day is about: Showing love to romantic partners, appreciating friends and family, Expressing kindness and affection.”

It doesn’t sound like a negative thing, does it?  I don’t think so.  However, it does sound like something that we should be doing all year long, every day, doesn’t it?

The Bible tells us in John 13:35 NIV 35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  And it also says in John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Seems to me that Jesus was saying “Love one another... ALL THE TIME”.  It’s puzzling then that we allow mainstream advertising and commercialized authorities to tell us to love our loved ones and show how much you do love them by purchasing this bauble or that trinket.

One of the greatest ways that I have always appreciated to be loved is a note or text or random reach out “just because” type of thing.  To be in someone’s heart, to have someone praying for me, or thinking about me just because, means there’s a place in their heart especially for you!  It’s quite an honor.

But bending to the commercialism of corporate giants to purchase this, or plan for that, or that the real only true way to show your love is by purchasing something that is expensive enough to show true devotion.

One of my most prized possessions right now, is a drawing I received from a young man at our church.  He drew it, colored it, and took the time to come to my office and tell me that he had made it for me.  He explained the picture to me and made sure that I understood its meaning.  I mean, who doesn’t love a colorful drawing of Sonic the Hedgehog???   And this is a bit shy and not super gregarious boy who took the time and effort to express himself to me this way. (Thanks Holden!)

It’s something I will treasure, right next to the Lamborghini Countach with the huge red bow on it that I better see in my driveway from my wife in two days!!!  😊

Let’s do better, and love like Jesus all year long this year.  Maybe we can change this world for the better, as He wants us too.

Blessings, and Happy V-day to those I love.  I really hope you know who you are!

PTV