Thursday Thought 7/18/2024 - Today's America

What happened this past Saturday, July 13, 2024, has yet to be defined.  It was an attempted assassination, a mass of confusion, disappointment, sadness, conspiracy, and untruthfulness.  5 days later there is still no concrete evidence, no “real” truth, and no one standing up saying, “this was on me.”

As a country, there are appearances of coming together, of sides trying to reach across the divider to grasp hands, however, mostly it is hollow. 

As a Pastor, I really try not to worry where your political views lay.  I don’t become anxious if you’re a radical conservative, or a reserved liberal, because really, as I heard a pastor friend say today, “politics is an answer.  But Jesus is THE answer.”   

And people take this stuff super seriously!  In college, I studied political science for most of the first 3 years of my college.  To be fair that was really only a portion of my collegiate experience.  I had more years studying communications than Poli Sci, but those first 3 years I thought I knew it all.  After all, I was young, studying, and had ideals built on a Christian upbringing.  How could I be taken as an offense?  (that’s a joke)

The world thinks that TRUTH IS RELATIVE; it’s an evolving concept determined by society. But they’re wrong.

The Living God is the Author of Truth. Jesus is the Truth!  That’s why truth can’t change, because truth is consistent with God’s Holy Nature.  And we just had a sermon two weeks ago where we talked about Jesus being the Truth, and the Word.  And if Jesus is both the Truth and the Word, then the word is truth, and truth comes from the word!

In this day and age, if you want to be labeled a radical, which seems like younger generational people do want, just try and be a Christian!  Believe in the word of God, show love to everyone with Truth, Grace, and Mercy.  Follow God’s order and standards, look to God for His guidance and have faith in someone that has existed forever.  Read the Bible! (2Timothy 3:16) If you want a manifesto, there it is – right there, the Bible.

 If you want to be labeled a radical, be like Jesus!  Turn your cheek when you’re called out instead of firing back with your own flaming words.  Pray for those who persecute you.  Love those who are unlovely.  Do to others what you want them to do to you.  (Even if you don’t agree with them)

Romans 8:29: "God has predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son: that is, to become like Jesus"

1 John 2:6: "We must live as Jesus did"

Being like Jesus, especially in today’s society, is being the ultimate rebel.

So, when it comes to party lines, when it comes to donkey or elephant, when it comes to red or blue – I want to make sure that I hold to what God said:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9 NIV)

I want to stand up for Jesus.  Whomever wins in politics, I want to serve God, I want to follow Him, and I want to let people know that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light.  And that no one, not republican or democrat, or any others – will come to the Father except through Him.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” Romans 1:16.

Peace, PTV

Thursday Thought 7/11/2024 - Music for Thought

I happen to be one of the most eclectic music lovers of all time!  And I say that because I have many friends who are very good musicians and they have told me that they are very impressed with my musical acumen.  My friend Pedro, not only an impressive musician in his own right, but also a musical composer and editor – has given the nod to me when it comes to naming an artist and song title from any era since music began.  In fact, I have been encouraged to go on one of those game shows where you have a certain amount of time to name the artist or title of a song in a few measures.

As a kid growing up in the 60’s through the 80’s, I was exposed to classical music, folk and the British Invasion of music.  Beach tunes and soul music were the mainstay in those early days.  Then in the 70’s there was the rise of funk, R&B, Jazz, light disco to main disco, and what we now call soft rock.  It was at this time that I developed a liking for prog rock, or progressive rock, with songs that lasted over 10 – 20 minutes.  Then the 80’s came, and we had new wave, pop, rock, punk rock (which did start in the 70’s but gained more popularity in the 80’s) and stadium rock.  Groups like Rush, Queen, Journey, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Styx, Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, U2, Kansas, Marillion, ELO, etc were filling my ears with sweet sounds! (And I should make another note here on mi Hermano, Pedro – He actually introduced me to some of the most influential music and musicians in my life – Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, Flying Colors.)

Yes, for those of you out there thinking that I was headed to h*&$ in a handbasket, I did listen to some Christian music too, and of course sang in church and played on worship teams during this time.  There was Petra, Rez Band, Sweet Comfort, Larry Norman, Micheal W. Smith, Imperials, Degarmo and Key, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Steve Taylor, the 77’s (All Fall Down is an amazing album – check it out!)

The point of all of this besides letting you all see into some of your Pastor’s make up, and of course of how cool he is… We all enjoy things that make us happy, hobbies and things that can transport us to a place where we can rest.  In fact, many of those artists songs can transport me to a time and place where I have so many good memories, also sad ones, but it’s the emotion that is so wonderful!  I have gone to many concerts as well, U2, Styx, Aha, Adam Ant, Romantics, Night Ranger (with Pedro!) Barenaked Ladies (6+ times) REO Speed wagon, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Blues Traveler… just to name a few.

So that’s pretty much it.  I just wanted to share my love for music, and what it means to me, and what it can mean to you too.  I love music, love all styles from classical to rock, and I really appreciate the time and artistry it takes for someone to make music that can move me.  (That’s telekinesis Kyle)

Yeah, I am a Pastor and I love Jesus, more than anything.  I hope I make Him proud; I try hard to follow Him each and every day, and to show others that His love is what makes the difference in our world, and in our lives. And I love music!

And… I love music!

Peace!

PTV

(PS… side note – this blog was written early in the week, and I got a text from Pedro yesterday asking if I had heard of an artist named Neal Morse.  I hadn’t.  But I sure have now, and he’s great!  If you are looking for something new – check him out!  Thanks Hermano!!)