Pastor Joe | Pastor Joe Valenti

Pastor Joe, Who Should I Vote For?

“Pastor Joe, who should I vote for?”

The question was posed to me in the church hallway a few weeks ago by a woman who genuinely wanted my opinion. Her concern centered on the fact that each party and politician has flaws. At the risk of sounding cheesy, Jesus isn’t running for office this year.

So what do we do? How should Christians vote?

Fewer people talk to me about politics at church these days. This might be because my regular refrain is that our hope is not in who runs our country. That’s not to say it’s unimportant, but it’s certainly not as crucial as some make it out to be. It breaks my heart when politics become so important that it ruins the bond of love between fellow believers. Satan wins when that happens.

I often remind people that Jesus was born into the Roman Empire, a time when the ruler over his backwater town was so hellbent on killing him that he ordered the murder of every baby boy two years old and under. A horrific tragedy for sure, but Jesus didn’t refocus his efforts on reforming the Empire or calling for Herod’s ouster. Instead, he went about ushering in a completely different kind of kingdom. And if you’re a Christian, I’d encourage you to do the same. Pay attention to how much time you spend focused on American politics versus building God’s kingdom.

I don’t believe that politics belongs in the pulpit. Some disagree with me, and that’s okay. Biblical morality belongs in the pulpit to be sure, but not politics. When the issues present themselves in the regular rhythm of preaching through books of the Bible, I gladly and passionately address them. There are moral issues of our day to which the Bible speaks, and it’s the job of every pastor to address them. But I am wary of churches and pastors that seem focused on bringing the Kingdom of God through the United States government.

But I’m hardly apolitical. I enjoy politics. I’ve watched all the debates, I pay close attention to the news, and I like watching the Senate Judicial Committee videos on YouTube. I have strong political opinions, but I have even stronger Christian convictions. And I constantly remind our church that our hope is not in getting the right candidate into office—as if that would solve all of our country’s problems.

But what about abortion? Isn’t that the end-all-be-all topic for Christians? Abortion is an important issue because it involves human life and dignity. Yet, historically, politicians haven’t moved the ball much. Even with the reversal of Roe in 2022, the following year saw record-breaking numbers of abortions in the U.S.. Sadly, there’s no pro-life platform this year: the Harris/Walz ticket views abortion as a right, while the Trump/Vance ticket frames it as a states’ issue so that they can play both sides for political gain.

I could go on about each issue, and there are godly, Christ-centered, born-again believers who will come down on different sides. And yet, most will be utterly flabbergasted that another Christian could even consider voting differently than them. So, what do we do?

Here are two filters by which I consider my vote and two challenges for how to live in politically polarizing times. They’re not the only considerations, but they’re a biblical guide for me and I hope they’ll be helpful for you.

A few notes before we start

I use the language of voting for a “platform” as opposed to a person. No candidate can fully deliver on their promises, but their platform gives me a sense of what they stand for.
I encourage you to go to the candidates’ websites and learn what they believe directly from them. I haven’t found a site that lays out the issues in a truly non-partisan way.
This post is not a complete treatment of every issue. My aim is to provide some guidance for Christian voting. For deeper study, I recommend Wayne Grudem’s Politics According to the Bible, a comprehensive conservative, evangelical tool—even if I don’t agree with all his conclusions.

Filter #1: Aim to honor the authority that God has put in place.

The Bible commands me to honor the authority put in place over me (because God puts them in authority), so I want to vote for the platform that enables me to do that with the clearest conscience.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)

Yes, if a government leader asks you to sin, you must disobey (Acts 4:19-20). But that doesn’t give us an excuse to dishonor leadership or break the law. In his sovereignty, God has used flawed leaders for his purposes for a long time. No one is in power anywhere in the world at any time who has not been put there by God. That’s why Paul calls us to be subject to governing authorities—it’s grounded in God’s authority. When we dishonor governing authorities in areas where we’re not being forced to sin, we dishonor God’s name.

So, I vote for the platform that allows me to follow this command as best I can. My goal is to have as few disagreements that force me to dishonor or disobey authority as possible. This means I need to know my Bible better than I know politics. Start from the Bible and work out from there. Don’t bring your political opinions to the Bible and try to find verses to back them up. Know the heart of God, learn about what pleases him, and compare those things to the platforms proposed.

Filter #2: Seek a platform that allows the church to thrive

If the church is God’s plan to accomplish the Great Commission—and it is—I want to vote for a platform that allows the local church and its members to thrive in our mission.

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” (Matthew 28:18-20)

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Jesus gives us our marching orders in Matthew 28. This is the goal—plain and simple. As my dad used to say, “everything else is gravy.”

As I write this, I’m painfully aware that the church can thrive even under persecution—historically, it often has. But we shouldn’t ignore the blessings of freedom. Paul’s prayer above is for a peaceful society, allowing the church to flourish, proclaim the gospel, and live in a way that honors God. A platform that allows freedom for religious practice, protects the right to gather, and enables believers to live out their faith publicly can help advance the work of the church. A platform that supports biblical morality is even better.

When considering how to vote, I look at policies that impact religious liberty, free speech, and the church’s ability to operate without interference. Platforms that restrict the church’s ability to preach the gospel or force believers to compromise on core biblical convictions are concerning. Similarly, I avoid platforms that hinder my family or our church from living out our faith in all areas of life.

Challenge #1: Don’t let politics break the bonds of peace and love among believers

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

This is my primary concern when it comes to politics in the church, and I believe it’s Jesus’ primary concern as well. In his final prayers, Jesus prays for his disciples to love one another, be unified, and be protected from the evil one. When we let politics break unity and violate the law of love, we give Satan space to divide and devour.

One of my issues with social media is that it makes us more flippant with our words. We say things online we’d never say face-to-face because it’s easier. We argue from behind a keyboard, trying to sound smarter, but we’re rarely winsome. We rarely build the bonds of Christian love and unity. Instead, we end up looking foolish as the world watches us come unhinged over a Facebook comment.

Talk about our country and the issues that need discussing. Show genuine concern for immoral platforms and behavior among our leaders. But do it face-to-face when possible. And when not possible, ask someone to review your comments or posts before you hit send. Ask yourself, “Would Jesus write this?”

Challenge #2: Living out your biblical convictions matters more than your vote

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'” (Matthew 25:31-46)

If you skipped over that text, go back and read it. It’s too important to miss. Jesus is clear that his true followers act and live to care for the least. And he gives a few examples:

Those without the basic necessities of food, drink, and clothing
Those who are strangers in need of community and shelter
Those who are sick and in need of comfort
Those who are in prison

Here are some questions to consider:

Abortion is a massive issue for Christians—as it should be. Do you do anything to support, love, or care for those facing unplanned pregnancies? Do you give to or volunteer at the Cleveland Pregnancy Center or other organizations that offer hope and support?
Adoption is close to my heart because both of my kiddos are adopted. Do you care for orphans? Have you considered fostering or supporting those who do? Organizations focused on foster care and adoption need volunteers, resources, and support. How are you showing God’s love to vulnerable children who need a home and loving family?
You probably have opinions on immigration? Political opinions aside, when a young family from another country moves in next door, how do you respond? An evangelism opportunity just moved into the neighborhood—what should your primary concern be?
The laws in our justice system change all the time. Maybe you have opinions about how to prosecute or rehabilitate. But when was the last time you visited someone in prison to share the love and message of Jesus?
Do you have strong opinions about homelessness? Do you actively seek to care for those without shelter? Have you ever volunteered at a local shelter or helped in meal services for the homeless? Jesus calls us to love and serve, not just have opinions.

There are 1,460 days between presidential elections. If you live to be 80 and vote in every election, you’ll vote for president 16 times—16 days when you cast your ballot. In those 80 years, you’ll have about 29,000 other days to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Your vote matters—prayerfully and biblically cast it. But you’ve got 1,460 days between elections to live out the convictions that drive your vote. You’ve heard the saying, “put your money where your mouth is.” How about “put your life where your vote is”? Use those 1,460 days to share the love and message of Jesus because there’s only one kingdom that is eternal, and you have an important role in bringing it about.

If you’re a Clevelander, you want to step into serving in one of these areas, and you’re not sure where to start, our church (Cuyahoga Valley Church) has intentionally partnered with 10 organizations in our city that serve various people in need with practical help and the good news of the Gospel. You can learn more about these organizations and get involved by visiting the CVC Local Mission Page.

Every Story Counts Resources

Education, Leadership, Reading, Special Needs

This past weekend our church hosted our second Equip Leaders Conference. The theme this year was “Every Story Counts”. The theme was birthed out of conversations with our Equip Team (discipleship) as we have worked to develop a clearer discipleship pathway. At one point, someone in the conversation said, “I don’t think we need a pathway, I think we need a toolbox.” This was a very interested statement to me and so I prodded for me. For the next half hour we talked about the facts that each person has various religious backgrounds, abilities, skills, opinions, trauma, and family. Discipleship looks different for every single person, so we need a toolbox of gospel-centered tool from which to pull as opposed to a pathway to treats everyone the same.

One of the best at this in our church is Mr. K – one of our elementary teachers. We shared the video below at the conference and I think you’ll appreciate his heart and passion for approaching each student with fresh eyes.

One of our core values at Cuyahoga Valley Church is equipped leadership, so each year at our conference we give away a ton of books to help our leaders grow in their personal walks with Jesus and in their leadership ability. Several of them have asked for me to publish the list of books, so I’ve done so below along with short examinations. I hope that you find something good that will spur you on to deeper faithfulness and service to the Lord and his Church.

A Short Guide To Groups: The Art of Leading Community // Musgrove & Elafros
A Short Guide to Groups is a practical and insightful resource for anyone involved in leading or facilitating small groups. Authored by Robby Musgrove and Kari Elafros, this guide provides clear strategies and tips for cultivating authentic community, fostering meaningful discussions, and navigating the dynamics of group life. Whether you’re new to group leadership or a seasoned facilitator, this book offers valuable tools to help you lead with confidence and create a space where members can grow together spiritually and relationally. Its concise format makes it an easy and essential read for group leaders seeking to enhance their effectiveness.

Authentic Ministry: Serving from the Heart // Reeves
Authentic Ministry by Michael Reeves is a compelling exploration of what it means to serve others with sincerity and depth in Christian ministry. Reeves challenges readers to move beyond surface-level service and embrace a heart-centered approach that reflects the love and humility of Christ. Through biblical insights and practical wisdom, the book encourages ministers, leaders, and volunteers to serve with authenticity, integrity, and joy. Whether you’re involved in church leadership, missions, or everyday acts of service, Authentic Ministry provides guidance for cultivating a ministry that genuinely reflects the heart of God

Disability and the Church // Hardwick
Disability and the Church by Lamar Hardwick is a powerful and necessary guide for churches seeking to embrace true diversity and inclusion, particularly regarding people with disabilities. Drawing from his own experiences as a pastor diagnosed with autism, Hardwick offers insightful reflections and practical strategies for creating welcoming and accessible church environments. The book challenges the church to move beyond mere accommodation and towards full participation, highlighting the vital contributions people with disabilities can make to the body of Christ. This resource is essential for church leaders, volunteers, and congregations committed to building a more inclusive community.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God // Keller
In Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, Timothy Keller provides a profound exploration of the transformative power of prayer. Blending biblical teaching, theological reflection, and practical guidance, Keller helps readers understand the importance of prayer in developing a deep, personal relationship with God. The book addresses common challenges in prayer life and offers strategies for overcoming them, making it both accessible for beginners and enriching for seasoned believers. Keller’s insights encourage readers to experience the awe, intimacy, and power that come from a vibrant prayer life, ultimately drawing them closer to the heart of God.

Show them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids // Klumbenhower & Harrell
Show Them Jesus is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone involved in children’s ministry. Jack Klumpenhower and Deborah Harrell emphasize the importance of centering gospel truth in every lesson, helping kids not just learn about Jesus, but truly encounter Him. The book provides practical strategies, examples, and curriculum ideas for teaching the gospel in a way that is both engaging and deeply rooted in Scripture. Whether you’re a Sunday school teacher, parent, or children’s ministry leader, Show Them Jesus equips you to present the life-changing message of Jesus in a way that resonates with young hearts, laying a solid foundation for lifelong faith.

A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World // Miller
A Praying Church by Paul E. Miller is a compelling call for churches to re-center their communal life around prayer. Miller argues that in a world filled with discouragement and despair, the church must become a beacon of hope through persistent, united prayer. Drawing on biblical principles, real-life stories, and practical advice, the book provides a roadmap for transforming your church into a praying community. It addresses common obstacles to prayer and offers solutions for cultivating a culture where prayer is the foundation of all ministry. Ideal for pastors, church leaders, and prayer groups, A Praying Church inspires a renewed commitment to seek God’s presence and power together.

50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning from the Spiritual Giants of the Faith // Wiersbe & Lewis
50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe and G. Robert Lewis is an inspiring collection of biographies that highlights the lives and legacies of significant figures in Christian history. From pastors and theologians to missionaries and hymn writers, this book introduces readers to 50 spiritual giants whose faith and dedication to God have left a lasting impact on the church. Each profile offers valuable lessons on faith, perseverance, and devotion, encouraging readers to learn from the past and apply these timeless truths to their own spiritual journeys. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christian heritage and grow in their faith.

Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability // Hubach
Same Lake, Different Boat by Stephanie O. Hubach is a compassionate and insightful guide for churches and individuals seeking to understand and support people affected by disability. Drawing on her personal experiences as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, Hubach offers a theological framework for disability that emphasizes the shared humanity and inherent dignity of all people. The book provides practical advice for fostering genuine inclusion within the church, encouraging readers to move from mere awareness to active engagement in the lives of those with disabilities. This resource is essential for anyone who desires to reflect Christ’s love by coming alongside and embracing those touched by disability.

The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation // Wilder & Hendricks
The Other Half of Church explores the critical role that both community and brain science play in spiritual growth and transformation. Authors Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks blend biblical wisdom with cutting-edge neuroscience to explain why many Christians experience spiritual stagnation. They argue that true transformation occurs when the left and right hemispheres of the brain work together in the context of authentic Christian community. The book provides practical insights and tools for cultivating relational discipleship, where joy, love, and attachment lead to deeper faith. The Other Half of Church is a must-read for anyone seeking to move beyond information-based discipleship to a more holistic, life-changing experience of Christian community.

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath // Buchanan
The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan is a profound exploration of the Sabbath and its vital role in restoring our souls. In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, Buchanan invites readers to rediscover the gift of rest that God has woven into the fabric of creation. Through biblical insights and personal reflections, he shows how practicing Sabbath rest can rejuvenate our spiritual lives, deepen our relationship with God, and bring balance to our hectic schedules. This book is both a theological reflection and a practical guide for those seeking to slow down, find rest, and experience the fullness of life that God intends.

Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships // Welch
Caring for One Another by Edward T. Welch is a concise and practical guide for building deeper, more meaningful relationships within the church community. Welch offers eight simple, yet profound ways to care for others, rooted in Scripture and the wisdom of biblical counseling. This book encourages believers to engage in the messiness of life together, providing encouragement, support, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or church member, Caring for One Another equips you to create a community where genuine love and mutual care flourish.

Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Sheltering Mercy & Endless Grace) // Smith & Wilt
Sheltering Mercy and Endless Grace are beautifully crafted collections of prayers inspired by the Psalms, authored by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt. These companion volumes invite readers into a deeper, more reflective engagement with the Psalms, offering poetic prayers that echo the themes of praise, lament, gratitude, and trust found in Scripture. Each prayer is designed to draw the reader closer to God, providing words that express the heart’s deepest longings and struggles. Whether used in personal devotions or communal worship, these books serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to enrich their prayer life with the language and emotion of the Psalms.

Building Bridges: Biblical counseling Activities for Children and Teens // Lowe
Building Bridges by Julie Lowe is an invaluable resource for counselors, parents, and ministry leaders working with children and teens. The book offers a variety of creative, biblically grounded activities designed to help young people explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and engaging way. Lowe’s approach integrates scriptural truths with practical counseling techniques, making it easier to address complex issues like anxiety, anger, and identity. Each activity is thoughtfully crafted to foster meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships. Whether used in one-on-one counseling sessions, small groups, or at home, Building Bridges equips adults to guide children and teens toward spiritual and emotional healing.

8 Women of Faith // Haykin & Prior
8 Women of Faith by Michael A.G. Haykin and Karen Swallow Prior highlights the lives of eight remarkable women who made significant contributions to the Christian faith. Each chapter delves into the stories of women such as Anne Dutton, Jane Grey, and Sarah Edwards, exploring their spiritual journeys, struggles, and enduring legacies. Through these biographies, the book showcases how these women’s faith, courage, and devotion to God shaped their lives and impacted the world around them. This collection serves as an inspiration for readers today, offering valuable lessons on faithfulness, resilience, and the power of a life dedicated to Christ.

Finding Joy in Unexpected News: Reflections on Special Needs Friendships

Special Needs

Today, something unexpected happened that took me by surprise.

I was meeting with a friend who shared that her daughter and son-in-law were expecting another child. She mentioned that they recently learned the child has Down syndrome. One might assume my response would be one of sorrow or sympathy. But instead, I smiled.. Almost immediately, I wondered if that was an inappropriate response or if I had caused offense.

Why did I respond that way? After all, this couple’s child will face a lifelong condition with various health and life concerns. So, why did my heart react with joy?

As a youth pastor for most of my life, I’ve had the privilege of developing friendships and mentorships with young people—many now in their 20s and 30s—who have various cognitive, physical, or chromosomal differences—and feel a special connection with many of them. I’ll admit, engaging and building relationships with those who have special needs can be intimidating because sometimes you say or do the wrong things, or you’re not sure how to respond. I still struggle with this sometimes. My dear wife once accidentally used the phrase, “That’s like the blind leading the blind,” while speaking to our blind friend!

She was mortified, but he was gracious.

However, if you can push through the discomfort and learn the skills necessary for successful relationship building, you will be blessed beyond measure.

Chris attends our church and has been working on our custodial team for several years. He loves to scare people. If he’s in the building and hears you coming, you can count on him ditching the mop, sneaking around a corner, and trying to catch you off guard. He regularly sings at the top of his lungs while cleaning windows or mopping stairs. I love his unabashed worship! I’ve made it a habit to use his singing as an opportunity to sneak up on him and return the favor.

Chris always sits in the front row during services, and I love sitting there with him as I’m preparing to preach. He worships with such fullness and loves the Lord so deeply. He’s often the one giving the most audible affirmations during the sermon. When we sing together in the front row with our hands raised, my heart soars. Worshiping with Chris is a joy.

Tim is another friend who constantly encourages me as a preacher and pastor. He often comes up to me on Sundays and whispers, “When are you preaching again?” When I tell him, he gives me a big thumbs up.

Then there’s Aaron. I had the privilege of walking alongside Aaron during 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in my LifeGroup. During those middle school years, he struggled to come to grips with his autism. Now in high school, Aaron makes it a point to greet me and check in every single Sunday. One of my favorite things about him is that sometimes I can’t tell if he’s being serious or joking—so I end up freezing. With a little smirk on his face, he’ll say flatly, “I’m just joking.”

(I’ve changed the names in these stories to protect their privacy.)

As I grow older and spend more time with people who aren’t exactly like me, the Holy Spirit continues to deepen my understanding of the vision God lays out for His church through Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will also help you gain a clearer vision of what the Church and church are supposed to look like.

If you’d like to explore this topic further, here are some great resources to start your journey.

Popular Options

A Little More Robust

5 Fresh Ideas For Your Personal Bible Study

Uncategorized

If you’ve ever gone to church, you’ve probably heard about the importance of spending regular time with Jesus in Bible study and prayer. Maybe you’re a “Bible in a Year” person, but I’m not. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different approaches to my quiet time, and what I’ve learned is that I need variety. I can’t do the same thing every day, week after week, year after year. If that works for you, more power to you—keep doing your thing. But if you’re like me and enjoy switching it up, or if your routine has gotten a little stale, here are a few ideas that might help reignite your personal study time.

1. He/She Reads Truth

She Reads Truth is a vibrant online community dedicated to helping women engage with Scripture daily. With beautifully designed Bible reading plans, devotionals, and other resources, this platform encourages women to grow in their faith and connect with God’s Word in a meaningful way. Whether through online studies, print resources, or their app, She Reads Truth aims to make Bible reading a daily habit that transforms lives.

He Reads Truth is the companion to She Reads Truth, created specifically for men. This platform provides thoughtfully curated Bible reading plans, devotionals, and resources designed to foster a deeper understanding of Scripture. He Reads Truth encourages men to read God’s Word daily and grow in their faith through intentional study and reflection. With both digital and print options available, He Reads Truth equips men to engage with Scripture in a way that is both accessible and transformative.

2. Bible Project Reading Plans

I’ve become a big fan of The Bible Project. In addition to their overviews on various books and guides on biblical themes, they also offer a wide range of reading plans through the Bible App. These plans are designed to help people engage with the Bible in a structured and insightful way. Known for their visually compelling videos and clear explanations, The Bible Project’s reading plans guide users through the narrative of Scripture, highlighting key themes and connections across the Bible. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned student of the Bible, these plans provide an accessible and enriching way to explore God’s Word.

Our family is proud to support the work of The Bible Project. If you’re looking for an opportunity to invest in Kingdom work, you can do so here.

3. Pray the Day

Over the years, I’ve changed the way I approach prayer several times, but one of the most successful and memorable tools has been a simple “Pray the Day” method I learned from a podcast:

Monday: Missionaries
Tuesday: Tasks (all the stuff I have to do in ministry and life)
Wednesday: Workers (all the staff, volunteers, and ministries I’m connected with)
Thursday: Ministries (the effectiveness of the various ministries themselves)
Friday: Family and Friends
Saturday: Sinners (for the salvation of people who do not yet trust Jesus to be the leader and forgiver of their life)
Sunday: Saints (intercession for the various needs in the body of Christ)

4. Bible Memory Tools

Memorizing Scripture is one of the most important spiritual disciplines you can develop. I use a few apps (depending on which device I’m using) that help me memorize and review verses with memory games and reminders.

The Bible Memory App is a powerful tool designed to help you memorize Scripture and retain it long-term. With customizable memorization plans, interactive review methods, and progress tracking, this app makes Scripture memorization both engaging and effective. Whether you’re looking to hide God’s Word in your heart, prepare for teaching, or simply strengthen your spiritual discipline, the Bible Memory App provides a convenient way to commit verses to memory.

My favorite memory tool is the Verses app. Designed to make Scripture memorization fun and effective, this app uses a game-like interface with a variety of engaging exercises to help you memorize Bible verses quickly and retain them over time. Sadly, they stopped development for Android, so I switched to the Bible Memory App. But if you’re an Apple user, Verses is, in my opinion, the best tool for deepening your engagement with and memorization of God’s Word.

5. For Everyone Series

The For Everyone Series is probably the most consistent tool I’ve used for personal Bible study over the years. I often describe them as “devotional commentaries.” The New Testament series is written by world-renowned scholar N.T. Wright. While I don’t agree with all of Wright’s conclusions, he is brilliant, loves the Bible, and does a fabulous job making it come alive. Broken down into short chunks, these books can serve as a reading guide, devotional, and study help. There are 18 volumes, and I’ve used most of them with great success.

John Goldingay’s Old Testament for Everyone series is a newer addition and covers every book of the Old Testament. Written with clarity and depth, this series makes the complex narratives, laws, and prophecies of the Old Testament accessible to all readers. Goldingay combines scholarly insight with practical application (and he’s quite witty), helping readers understand the ancient context while drawing out relevant lessons for today. Again, I don’t agree with all of his conclusions, but these volumes are nonetheless very helpful. I don’t know of any other series quite like the For Everyone series.

The links above are to the complete sets, but they can be purchased individually from your favorite online bookstore. Additionally, they are often on sale via Kindle, so keep your eyes peeled.

Parenting in a World of Games, Practices, and Expectations.

Family, Parenting, Uncategorized

Sunday night we hosted our second of 4 nights of prayer and worship aimed at setting our affections and hopes upon God in 2024. My wife and I were blessed to meet a gentleman named Kevin and his 4th grade daughter. I was so blessed by the the fact that Kevin brought such a young daughter to our time of prayer AND with how gentle and purposeful he was as he explained what we were going to pray about and why. It brought great joy to my heart to see this young dad being purposeful with his little girl. She didn’t pray out loud, she was often distracted, and I could tell that she was ready to go. But dad was doing important work. He was prioritizing his obedience to God and her long-term discipleship over her short-term happiness.

Parenting is scary business. I have a friend who is getting ready to be a dad of a son for the first time, and he’s overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a godly son. Most of us wish that we had control over the eternity of our children, but we’re not their savior – only Christ can save. But we are given clear instruction to raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. We should all approach that responsibility with great humility. It should increase our reliance on our sovereign God, the finished work of Christ, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

One of our greatest passions at CVC (my church) is to equip and encourage our parents to disciple their children. We do this while recognizing that every family has its unique challenges, that every child demands a specific approach in our guidance, and that we are not our children’s saviors.

So, you might feel my pain when a concerned member of our church called this week wondering if I think parents are to blame when their kids don’t follow Jesus.

One of our teaching pastors referenced a conversation from our service planning meeting this week, and several on our team felt that the comment might warrant some follow-up.

During the meeting, one of our pastors mentioned that one of the greatest tragedies in the modern church is the fact that we continue to give ground to activities on Sunday’s. In fact, many churches are beginning to start full scope Thursday night services because its already a given that families have forfeited priority to practices and games and rehearsals on Sunday. This is a very slippery slope.

As a part of this conversation, I quoted a sermon from Matt Chandler – a pastor in the Dallas/Forth Worth area from 2008. I went back and dug it up to get it exactly correct. This is what he says:

“If you have made your children God. If you have elevated them to a place they don’t belong. If you have forsaken the command of God on your life to raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord and instead let their happiness be what dictates your families existence, you’re off the rails, man! And things get goofy. I did college ministry for ten years. Let me tell you a very, very consistent conversation. I would get a call from a churchman absolutely devastated that his 21-22 year old son wanted nothing to do with church and nothing to do with God despite the fact that he grew up in church. So, I would start to ask just a few questions and by the time I was finishing up college ministry I could ask two questions and know what was going on. Nine times out of ten, God wasn’t God – soccer, baseball, football, volleyball, that’s what god was. So, basically what happened is that for fifteen years a father taught his son, “that’s secondary, that’s secondary, your athletic gift is primary – it’s ultimate – and then when the gift ran out as the competition got bigger, his kid had no background, no understanding, no passion, no zeal, no knowledge, no instruction, no discipline, and now daddy’s panicking despite the fact that for fifteen years you just trained him that he didn’t need God.

And if it’s not that it’s school. I’m telling you, in the suburbs, raising a kid is a competitive sport. It just is. You let your kindergartener make an 82 – I mean, people freak out about that stuff around here. If I made an 82 growing up, my parents took us to Red Lobster. What happens then is – listen to me parents – because you don’t have God as ultimate, because He is not the pursuit, because you do not love your family less (than God), now you live vicariously through your children, put an unbelievable amount of pressure on them to perform so that you look good, and in the end this is silliness upon silliness upon silliness.

This is what happens. Now, please listen to me. Sports are a really cool thing. I think they are a gift from the Lord. Sports are awesome. If your kid can kick the mess out of a ball, let him kick the ball! If he’s got a fastball, let him throw it. If he can see a fastball and smack that thing, let him do it. But make sure that what you’re not creating is an idol for them to worship.”

That was the context and the quote and I’m not sure it was communicated clearly – causing some to wonder if I think parents are to blame when their kids don’t follow Jesus. So, I want to explore this topic more deeply.

I would encourage you to go and listen to the entire sermon. I’ve listened to it over and over and over as a parent – which is why I can reference a sermon from 2008 – because it has impacted the way that I parent so significantly.

Sometimes we do our absolute best before God and our children still walk away from Jesus. This is heart-breaking. As a youth pastor I have seen far too many move into college and young adulthood and neglect everything that they have been taught in church and in their homes. We continue to pray for them – trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to impress those truths upon their hearts and grant repentance. To these parents, I grieve and pray with you.

But some parents do need to consider the challenge from the sermon I just quoted. What do your words and actions communicate as being most important in the life of your family? This is a sobering question to ask ourselves. Where is your time most spent? What causes the most fear and anxiety?

After 15 years as a youth pastor – talking about this stuff in theory – I ran headlong into it last year with my first high school marching band member. The rubber meets the road! In my son’s freshman year of high school, he joined the marching band. At the very beginning of the season, I scheduled a meeting with the director. And, I’m paraphrasing here, but I very kindly but clearly said,

“My wife and I are thrilled that Logan is in the band. He loves music and he’s pretty good at it. He’ll be well prepared, he will work hard, and he’ll stick by his commitments. We will help, we’ll support, and we’ll volunteer in the various ways we can. But, our values place God and family above marching band. So, as I’ve looked at the schedule, there will be several rehearsals and events that he simply cannot attend because they conflict with church, our small groups, or special events. There are only a few, but I need to know now if this is a deal-breaker.”

The band director was understanding and I’d encourage you to be willing to have these types of conversations on behalf of your family.

Now, before we get too far down the road and you think too highly of me as a father, one of the first prayers of confession that I prayed on Sunday night was that the Lord would forgive me for my selfishness and the ways I consistently fail my wife and children as a husband and as a dad. My friend Rick has taught me a prayer, “Lord, repair the damage that I’ve done in my children today.” I’m not crushing it folks. But Linda and I do take, very seriously, the command to raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. And that’s a God-honoring approach that I want to sow into the culture of our church of young families.

The instruction in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is one of our best roadmaps for Christian parenting:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

This is a call for parents to teach their children – by word and deed, in every single situation in which you find yourself – that love and worship of God is ultimate. Everything else is a distant second. Are some of these things (band, dance, swimming, school, etc.) good gifts from our good God – yes! But let us remember one of the key causes of sin which Paul details in Romans chapter 1 – exchanging the glory of God for other things that are not God.

Only God is God. And His commands are good for us – He knows what is best. And so, even when it is hard, we trust that His way is the best way and live in obedience.

Father, I bring before you the parents and grandparents – aunts, uncles, foster parents, and guardians – all of us who bear some responsibility for the hearts of children. Develop in us the courage to do what is right even when it is difficult. Help us to weather the storms of ever-increasing demands on the lives of our children. Give us eyes to see as you see. Give us the wisdom that we need to navigate one of the most sacred responsibilities in the world. Help us to love one-another well, to bear one another’s burdens, and to hold up one another’s arms when we are weary. Drive us to our knees in prayer and reliance on you. And, above all, we ask that you would save our children by giving them the gifts of repentance and new life by your Holy Spirit.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4

« Older Entries