As parents, it’s easy to focus on devotionals, programs, and church events as the ultimate markers of success in discipling our kids. But are these the end game, or are they simply tools to help us reach the real goal?

In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless challenges listeners to step back and redefine their approach to raising children in the faith. He discusses:

• The difference between tools and true spiritual growth.
• Why family devotionals and church programs need to support—not replace—fully integrated faith.
• How to disciple your kids in a way that leads them to truly follow Jesus and live on mission.

This episode provides encouragement, clarity, and practical advice for parents who want to lead their children toward a vibrant, lasting relationship with Christ.

Is social media silently influencing your marriage? Jake McCandless sits down with Kayla Norris to explore how the digital age shapes our relationships, for better or worse. They tackle the tough questions about how social media affects communication, trust, and connection in marriage.

Key Topics:

• How algorithms keep us hooked and what that means for your relationship.
• Steps to set healthy boundaries with devices and apps.
• Why open communication about tech habits is crucial for trust.

Kayla brings practical wisdom and encouragement for couples navigating marriage in a tech-saturated world.

📌 Bonus: Check out David Norris’ Bible study journal for neurodiverse individuals on Amazon! https://bit.ly/4g2FucL

In today’s episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless teams up with Jon Dodson, tech expert and Director at LifeWord, to tackle the toughest parenting questions in the digital age. How do we decide when our kids are ready for a device? What loopholes do kids exploit to sidestep our rules?

Jon offers actionable advice to help parents:

• Gauge their child’s maturity and readiness for a device.
• Understand the risks and tools needed to monitor device use.
• Build a trusting relationship where kids come to parents first.

With tools like Qustodio and Bark, and Jon’s practical tips, you’ll gain confidence in navigating this challenging terrain.

📧 Get Jon’s free resources at j.dodson@lifeword.org to support your parenting journey.

How do we protect and empower our kids in today’s digital world? Jake McCandless and Jon Dobson dive into the tough questions about kids and smartphones in this must-listen episode. They discuss why maturity, not just age, should determine when your child is ready for a device, and share seven critical questions parents need to ask. From setting boundaries to creating trust, this episode equips parents with practical tools for navigating the challenges of raising kids in a tech-saturated world.

What You’ll Learn:

• The seven questions to assess your child’s readiness for a smartphone.
• How smartphones affect mental health and emotional well-being.
• Tips for setting boundaries, building trust, and fostering responsibility.
• Why intentional parenting is key to navigating the digital age.

About This Episode: In this transformative episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless engages with Kayla Norris in a revealing conversation about the profound influence of marital relationships on effective parenting, especially within the context of neurodiversity. They explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating a marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum and how these dynamics affect parenting.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Insights into the unique challenges and needs of neurodiverse marriages.
• Marital Communication: Strategies for enhancing communication between neurotypical and neurodiverse spouses.
• Parenting from a Strong Foundation: How a robust marital relationship can provide a stable base for parenting.
• Personal Stories: Kayla shares her personal journey of discovery, challenges, and the strategies that helped her and her husband strengthen their marriage and parenting approach.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:29] Introduction to the topic and background on the importance of strong marital foundations for parenting.
• [00:04:06] Kayla Norris discusses the intersection of neurodiversity and marital communication.
• [00:06:01] Challenges in neurodiverse marriages and effective strategies to address them.
• [00:20:20] Audience Q&A session: Jake and Kayla answer real questions from parents dealing with similar issues.
• [00:25:09] Conclusion and takeaways on how strengthening your marriage can improve your parenting.

For Our Listeners: If you find this episode helpful, please leave us a review and share it with other parents. Your feedback helps us to bring more insightful content to you every week.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website for more resources on parenting and faith.
• Follow us on social media to join our community and engage in the conversation.

Subscribe and Share: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast and share this episode with friends and family who might find it helpful.

In this insightful episode, Stand Firm Parents host Jake McCandless explores Israel’s significance in the Bible and its impact on our children's faith. Jake, passionate about helping families build a resilient faith foundation, addresses why understanding Israel matters deeply in today's world, especially amidst rising anti-Semitism and the complex portrayal of Israel in current events.

Key Takeaways:

- Why Discuss Israel with Our Kids?
Jake explains the historical and theological relevance of Israel throughout the Bible, encouraging parents to equip their children with a clear understanding of its role in God’s plan. This understanding helps children navigate a world where they may encounter misinformation and conflicting viewpoints about Israel.

- Responding to Modern Anti-Semitism:
Jake examines the current rise in anti-Semitism and how it's impacting families. He challenges listeners to consider the “absurdity” of worldwide anti-Israel sentiment and invites parents to help their children see beyond political rhetoric, focusing instead on God’s purposes.

- Two Major Theological Questions for Parents:
1. Is God Done with Israel? Jake explores how scripture points to an ongoing role for Israel, especially in end-times prophecy.
2. How Does the Church Relate to Israel? Drawing from Romans 11, he discusses how Gentiles are “grafted into” Israel’s promises, affirming that God’s covenant with Israel is still relevant today.

- Encouragement to Dive into Scripture:
Rather than relying solely on others' interpretations, Jake encourages parents to read the Bible firsthand. By doing so, they can better understand the importance of Israel and confidently address their children’s questions.

Why This Episode Matters:
Today’s world presents unique challenges for young believers, who may be exposed to anti-Israel sentiments on social media, in school, and beyond. Jake shares why standing with Israel aligns with God’s plan and how parents can guide their children through complex questions to build a faith that lasts.

Listen to Our "Truth on Israel" Bonus Series:
If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, check out Jake’s bonus series “Truth on Israel” episodes, linked in the show notes.

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Follow and Connect:
Stay engaged with *Stand Firm Parents* by following on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Facebook, or the Stand Firm Ministries website. Send in your questions and comments to join the conversation as Jake and the team continue exploring how parents can support their children’s faith journey.

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Stand Firm Parents is brought to you by Stand Firm Ministries, in partnership with Lifeword Studios. Created by Jake McCandless and Brandon Harrington of Dime Collective.

In this special episode, host Jake McCandless invites his daughters, Addison and Andrea, to recount their family’s transformative journey to Israel. Together, they share memories, spiritual moments, and the profound impact this trip had on their faith. From visiting sites like the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea to experiencing the emotional weight of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, this episode provides a heartfelt exploration of faith in action. Whether you’re considering a pilgrimage to Israel or simply seeking ways to strengthen your family’s faith, this episode will inspire you.

- Discovering Biblical Sites: The family visited key sites such as Capernaum, the City of David, and Hezekiah's Tunnel. Hear how these ancient places made Bible stories come alive.

- Faith Deepened Through Experience: Addison and Andrea reflect on how walking where Jesus walked strengthened their faith, offering real-life proof of Biblical truths.

- A Powerful Visit to Yad Vashem: The family shares their emotional experience at Israel’s Holocaust Museum and the significance of the children’s memorial.

- Special Moments of Faith: Addison shares a transformative moment at the Jordan River, where she chose to be baptized, marking a new chapter in her faith journey.

- Why Israel? Jake and his daughters discuss why visiting Israel can be an invaluable experience for children and families who want to strengthen their faith and connection to Biblical history.

- Jake’s 'Cool Score': Addison and Andrea rate their dad’s “cool factor” in a light-hearted moment.

- Learning Through Experience: The children recall small but memorable details from their trip, like riding camels and discovering Israel’s cat population.

- A Vineyard’s Prophecy Fulfilled: A visit to a vineyard in Judea-Samaria, where a prophetic verse from Jeremiah comes to life, becomes an unforgettable moment for the family.

- Intro & Icebreaker Questions – Get to know Jake’s daughters as they answer fun icebreaker questions, including their opinions on spaghetti versus macaroni and cheese.

- Revisiting Israel’s Biblical Sites – The McCandless family recalls visiting Mount Carmel, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River, bringing the Bible to life.

- A Deeply Moving Visit to Yad Vashem – A powerful reflection on the Holocaust and the trees planted to honor the Righteous Among the Nations.

- Baptism at the Jordan River – Addison’s decision to be baptized in the Jordan River serves as the episode’s spiritual climax, highlighting the personal growth and spiritual depth gained from the journey.

- Why Every Family Should Go – The girls give their own advice for families considering a pilgrimage to Israel.

- Subscribe to Stand Firm Parents on Apple Podcasts and your favorite platforms for more episodes on strengthening your family's faith.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community support.
- Share this episode with friends and family who would benefit from these inspiring stories.

Stand Firm Parents is a production of Stand Firm Ministries in partnership with Lifeword Studios, created by Jake McCandless and Brandon Harrington of Dime Collective. Thank you for listening – remember to subscribe, share, and stand firm in your faith.

In this powerful episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless sits down with Todd Nettleton, the voice behind Voice of the Martyrs and host of the VOM Radio show. They explore the realities of Christian persecution worldwide, what it means for parents raising the next generation in faith, and how we can stand firm in our beliefs. Todd shares inspiring stories from persecuted Christians around the globe and offers practical ways to prepare our families for the challenges that might lie ahead.

1. Understanding Persecution: Todd explains how persecution is a biblical reality and not a distant historical issue. Christians in over 70 countries face persecution daily, and it's something that could eventually impact believers in the West.
2. Faith that Lasts: The episode focuses on how parents can help instill a resilient, lasting faith in their children by preparing them for potential persecution and teaching them to value their faith above all else.
3. Biblical Preparation: Drawing from scriptures like Matthew 24:10 and the experiences of persecuted Christians, Todd emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves and our children spiritually for future challenges.
4. Stories of Persecuted Christians: Todd shares real-life stories of believers standing firm in the face of intense persecution, offering encouragement and insights on how these examples can strengthen our own walk with Christ.
5. Resources for Parents: Discover how you can access VOM's free resources, including the monthly magazine and the VOM Radio show, to stay informed and inspired by the global church’s endurance.
6. The Power of Prayer: With the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church approaching, Todd encourages listeners to pray for those suffering for their faith, highlighting the importance of remembering them as part of our spiritual family.

Todd Nettleton is the Vice President of Voice of the Martyrs and host of VOM Radio. His latest book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, offers a unique devotional experience based on real stories of persecuted believers.

- Visit Persecution.com to subscribe to VOM’s free magazine.
- Download the VOM Prayer App for daily prayer requests for persecuted Christians.
- Check out Todd’s book, When Faith Is Forbidden, for an intimate look at life on the frontlines of persecution.
- VOM Radio Podcast: Available on major platforms for more stories and insights from the persecuted church.

- Subscribe to the Stand Firm Parents podcast to never miss an episode.
- Share this episode with others to spread awareness about Christian persecution.
- Join us in prayer for the persecuted church this Sunday as part of the International Day of Prayer.

- Follow Todd Nettleton on Twitter: @VOMTodd
- Stay connected with Stand Firm Ministries for updates on future episodes and resources.