Brandon Martel

When we first hold our children in our arms, a thousand dreams rush through our minds—dreams of who they’ll become, what they’ll do, and how they’ll live.
It’s easy to think that successful parenting is about raising smart, kind, independent adults. And while independence is important, it’s not the ultimate goal. As Christian parents, the highest calling we have is to raise God-dependent adults—men and women who know how to lean on their Savior through every season of life.

Independence Isn’t the End Goal
Our world celebrates independence. We’re taught to stand on our own two feet, to make our own way, to be “self-made.” But Scripture tells a different story.
God didn’t create us to live independently from Him. He created us to walk in daily, dependent relationship with Him.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
As parents, our greatest hope should be that our children don’t just learn to manage life on their own, but that they learn to trust and depend on God more deeply as they grow.

What Does Raising God-Dependent Adults Look Like?

• Teaching Them to Pray: 
From a young age, invite your kids into conversations with God. Let them see you pray about big decisions and little worries. Show them that prayer isn’t just a routine—it’s a real connection with a real God.
• Pointing Them to God’s Word: 
Life is full of questions and challenges. Instead of always providing the answers yourself, teach your children how to search God’s Word for wisdom. Help them see the Bible as the foundation for their lives, not just a Sunday habit.
• Modeling Humble Dependence: 
One of the most powerful things you can do is let your children see your own dependence on God. Let them see you repent, ask for help, lean on Him in weakness, and celebrate His faithfulness.
• Encouraging Trust Over Control
: As your children grow, you’ll face the temptation to tightly control their choices and shield them from every mistake. But part of raising God-dependent adults means learning to release them—to trust that the same God who holds you also holds them.
• Celebrating God’s Work in Their Lives
: Rather than measuring success by worldly achievements, celebrate moments of spiritual growth: when they choose kindness over popularity, faithfulness over convenience, or integrity over approval.

The Long View of Parenting
Raising God-dependent adults doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long, often slow, and sometimes painful process. There will be seasons of doubt, rebellion, and wandering. But God is patient, and He calls us to be patient too.
Remember: our role isn’t to be the hero of our children’s story. It’s to point them to the Hero—Jesus.
We won’t always get it right. We’ll make mistakes. But the good news is that even in our weakness, God is at work. He is the one who softens hearts, draws people to Himself, and completes the good work He begins (Philippians 1:6).

Final Encouragement
Parenting isn’t about raising children who are dependent on us forever. It’s about leading them to the One who will never leave them or forsake them.
It’s about preparing them to face a world of uncertainty with a Savior who is unshakable.
So take heart, parents. Your daily efforts to sow faith, truth, and love into your children’s lives matter more than you know.
Keep pointing them to Jesus—He is their firm foundation, and He is faithful to carry them all their days.

The Bible serves as God’s word for us to better connect with Him. Sometimes though, we don’t know where to start, or how to exactly study. This post will give tangible tips and strategies to better study what we’re reading.

Our first step is deciding what exactly we should be reading. If you’re brand new to reading the Bible, there are certainly no right answers, but there are certainly wrong answers (looking at you Revelations and Song of Solomon). The Bible is telling one BIG story, but it’s also comprised of smaller stories in 66 total Bible books by over 40 human authors. Think of the Bible like a river–all flowing in one direction. You don’t want to drop in completely midstream where the water is flowing fast and you have no idea what’s going on, but there are also a lot of easy places where the water slows and it’s a great time to hop in! Some great options include the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John), Romans, Psalms and Genesis! Another idea is using a Bible reading plan found at bible.com.

So now that we have where we’re gonna be reading, we gotta figure out how to study it. That is where we introduce a nice acronym called SOIAP. This acronym walks us through how to study a passage in that way.

Number 1 is S, which stands for Scripture. This is where you read the package. Now, I would actually recommend saying it aloud, it helps to truly process each word, but you could even use an audio bible to have it read to you too, it all depends on how you learn. Another cool thing that I’ve found is that writing an important verse or two helps me focus on each word individually and on the passage as a whole. It also helps me soak it in and meditate on it. And for those who have short attention spans […squirrel!] this really helps hone our focus on the task of studying Scripture instead of looking at the cobwebs in our bedrooms.

Next we have O, which represents observation. This is where you examine the text and write down what you notice. This means asking yourself questions like – what do you see in the verses that you’re reading? Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? Who is it written by? What seems interesting or unusual? These observations may start with the obvious (i.e., Jesus spent time with his disciples), but will gradually become deeper. This is also where you may write down questions that you have about the passage that you’re reading.

Number 3 is I for interpretation.Interpretation is super important, because Interpretation helps us get “unstuck” when we read a hard part of Scripture. Interpretation is asking: what does this Bible passage mean, particularly to the first audience? Although we can understand some of that by simply reading the passage, the correct interpretation won’t always come naturally. There are historical, cultural, and language barriers to us understanding what Bible passages meant to the first audience. We are not experts in Jewish or Roman or Greek history or culture. We are also not experts in the Bible’s original languages: Hebrew and Greek. Because of our lack of knowledge that we have as readers, we need to spend time on interpretation to figure out what the words we read in the Bible actually mean. How do we interpret? First we can look at the immediate Bible passage context. The verses or chapters before or after may give us more understanding. The Bible book as a whole will, too. But there are times where we will simply not know enough to understand and interpret properly. Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and commentaries are key to interpreting correctly. This does not mean “an article that you saw on Facebook,” but a studied, learned scholar of the languages and history. We also need to interpret the Bible passages based on the type of literature that particular passage is from. The Bible is made up of poetry, letter, narratives, and more. Just like you don’t interpret Shakespeare’s poetry the same way you interpret a text from your friend, you aren’t going to interpret Psalms the same way you interpret Galatians. This Bible Project video gives some excellent information about types of literature in the Bible.

The A stands for Application- this is when God’s Word becomes personal. We try here to apply God’s Word to our life in a practical way. What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my own personal life? What changes do I need to make? Is there an action that I need to take? If it’s an action, try to make it SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. This allows us to actually pull what’s going to help us change our lives for the better, or just be encouraged through our situation.

Finally, we have P for prayer. This is where we have the opportunity to pray about what we’ve learned from the passage and what God has put on our hearts. This could be praying for help to do what we’ve committed to apply to our lives, or thanking God for bringing something to our attention.

As you study the Bible further, you will learn your best way to study. Our prayer is that you would seek Christ and learn more about Him, studying the Word of God.

Life can often feel like a battle. Some days, it’s a battle just to stay encouraged. Other days, it’s a battle to stand strong in what we believe.
Thankfully, God hasn’t left us to fight on our own. He has given us what the Bible calls the armor of God—spiritual protection that equips us to face whatever comes our way.
Let’s take a closer look at what this armor is and why it matters for every believer.
What Is the Armor of God?
In Ephesians 6:10–18, the Apostle Paul describes the armor of God. He reminds us that our struggle isn’t just against the things we can see—people, problems, situations—but against spiritual forces. Because of that, we need to be dressed and ready, not with physical armor, but with spiritual protection.
Here’s what Paul lists:
The Belt of Truth
Truth holds everything together. God’s truth gives us stability and strength, keeping us grounded in a world full of lies and confusion.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Just like a breastplate protects vital organs, living rightly with God protects our hearts. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about living in the forgiveness and new life Jesus offers.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Shoes help you move forward. When we are ready with the message of Jesus—the good news of peace with God—we can stand firm and bring hope wherever we go.
The Shield of Faith
Faith protects us from the doubts and attacks that try to bring us down. When we trust God’s promises, we can block the lies and fear that come our way.
The Helmet of Salvation
A helmet guards the head—and salvation guards our minds. Knowing that we belong to Jesus gives us confidence and assurance, even when life feels shaky.
The Sword of the Spirit
The Word of God is our weapon. Scripture helps us recognize truth, defeat temptation, and stand strong in faith.
Paul finishes by urging us to pray at all times, because prayer keeps us connected to our source of strength: God Himself.
Why Does It Matter?
The reality is, whether we realize it or not, we are in a spiritual battle every day. The enemy wants to discourage, distract, and defeat us.
But God has already won the ultimate victory through Jesus—and He gives us everything we need to live as people of victory, not defeat.
Putting on the armor of God is about living intentionally. It’s about choosing truth over lies, faith over fear, peace over panic. It’s about remembering that we are not alone and that God has equipped us to stand strong.

How Do You Put On the Armor?
Putting on the armor isn’t about checking a box—it’s about drawing closer to Jesus every day.
Here are a few simple ways to live it out:
Spend time in God’s Word. Fill your heart and mind with His truth.
Pray daily. Talk to God about your struggles and victories.
Surround yourself with encouragement. Stay connected to a church family who will walk with you.
Remember who you are. You are loved, chosen, and protected in Christ.
Final Thought
God never promised life would be easy. But He has promised that He will never leave us unarmed or alone.
So today, and every day, put on the full armor of God. Stand firm. Stay strong. And remember—you’re fighting from a place of victory.

At some point, most of us wrestle with a big question:
“What is God calling me to do with my life?”
We hear a lot about “finding your calling” in church circles, but sometimes it can feel confusing or overwhelming. Are we supposed to have it all figured out? What does it actually mean to have a calling? Let’s take a moment to look at what this really means from a faith perspective.

Your Calling Is About Who You Are in Christ
First, your calling isn’t just about what job you have or what title you carry. At its core, your calling is about who you are because of Jesus.
Every believer shares a primary calling: to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37–39). No matter where you live, what career you pursue, or what season of life you’re in, that never changes.
Beyond that, God gives each of us unique passions, gifts, and opportunities to live out His love in specific ways. Some people are called to teach, some to encourage, some to serve behind the scenes, and some to lead. Whatever it looks like, your calling is a way of participating in God’s work in the world.

It’s About Faithfulness, Not Fame
In a world that celebrates big achievements and public success, it’s easy to think our calling has to be something impressive or flashy. But God’s definition of success is very different.
Faithfulness is what He’s looking for—faithfulness in how you serve, how you love, and how you steward what He’s given you (Luke 16:10).
Your calling might look like raising a family, mentoring a student, praying faithfully for others, running a business with integrity, or serving quietly in your local church. Every act of obedience matters deeply to God.

Your Calling Grows Over Time
Many people expect their calling to be revealed in one big moment—a “burning bush” experience like Moses had (Exodus 3). But often, our calling unfolds gradually. It grows as we walk with God, step by step, season by season.
Sometimes your calling might shift or expand as you move through different stages of life. That’s normal! The important thing is to stay close to God, trust His leading, and be open to where He’s guiding you next.

How Do You Start Discovering It?
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are a few questions to pray over:
-What gifts and passions has God placed in me?
-Where do I see needs that stir my heart?
-When have I felt most used by God to bless others?
-What do other believers affirm in me?

Sometimes God uses other people in the church family to help us recognize our gifts and nudge us toward opportunities to serve. So don’t be afraid to ask for wisdom and listen carefully when someone encourages you to step into something new.

The Bottom Line
Finding your calling isn’t about chasing a perfect plan—it’s about walking faithfully with Jesus and using what He’s given you to glorify Him.
It’s about asking daily, “Lord, how can I serve You today?”
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out at once. God is patient, and He promises to guide your steps as you seek Him (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Raising resilient children is one of the greatest gifts we can give as parents. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, adapt to challenges, and thrive despite adversity. From a Christian perspective, this involves not only psychological strength but also a strong foundation in faith.

The Biblical Foundation of Resilience
The Bible speaks often about perseverance and overcoming hardship. James 1:2-4 encourages believers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Teaching our children to trust in God during difficult times is key to helping them develop resilience.

The Role of Secure Attachment
Developmental psychology emphasizes the importance of secure attachment in early childhood. According to attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969), children who develop a strong emotional bond with a primary caregiver are more likely to have higher self-confidence and emotional stability. As Christian parents, we can provide this by being a consistent, loving presence in our children’s lives, modeling God’s unconditional love.

Teaching Emotional Regulation
Psychologist Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development highlight the need for children to develop autonomy and confidence (Erikson, 1950). When children face challenges, they need guidance in managing their emotions. A biblical approach to emotional regulation includes:
– Teaching children to pray and seek God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
– Encouraging gratitude and positive thinking (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
– Helping them name and process their emotions in a healthy way

Encouraging a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Carol Dweck (2006) introduced the concept of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This aligns with the biblical principle that we are constantly being shaped by God (Romans 12:2). Encouraging children to see failures as opportunities for growth helps them build resilience.

Cultivating a Strong Community
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Resilient children are supported by strong relationships with family, church, and mentors. Being involved in a faith-based community gives children a sense of belonging and security.

Practicing Problem-Solving and Responsibility
According to psychologist Albert Bandura’s social learning theory (1977), children learn by observing and imitating role models. By involving children in problem-solving and encouraging independence, we teach them to handle challenges confidently. From a biblical perspective, teaching responsibility aligns with Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Conclusion
Resilience is both a psychological skill and a spiritual strength. By fostering secure attachments, teaching emotional regulation, encouraging a growth mindset, cultivating community, and instilling responsibility, we equip our children to navigate life’s challenges. Most importantly, we teach them to rely on God, knowing that He is their ultimate source of strength and hope (Isaiah 41:10). Raising resilient kids is not about shielding them from hardship, but about giving them the faith and tools to face it with confidence.

Easter is not just a historical event-it is a call to action. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them a mission: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The resurrection was never meant to be kept to ourselves, it is news that must be shared.
Jesus’ Final Words – A Call to Go
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples,
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This command, known as the Great Commission, is still our mission today. We are called to share the gospel with those around us, living as witnesses of the resurrection.
The Power to Fulfill the Mission
Jesus did not leave us alone in this task. He promised to be with us always and sent the Holy Spirit to empower us (Acts 1:8). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), equipping us to share His love with the world.
What This Means for Us
Easter should change how we live. Are we living as people transformed by the resurrection?
We are called to share the gospel. Who in our lives needs to hear about Jesus?
We don’t do this alone. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit as we fulfill this mission?
As we move forward from Easter, let’s not let the message fade. The resurrection is not just something we celebrate once a year—it is the foundation of our faith and the mission of our lives.

Easter is not just about the cross—it’s about the empty tomb. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, His death would have been in vain. But because He rose again, we have hope, victory, and the promise of eternal life.

The Empty Tomb – Proof of God’s Power
On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus’ followers found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:1-6). The angel declared, “He is not here; He has risen!” This moment changed everything. The resurrection was proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But because Jesus did rise, we are no longer bound by sin and death.

The Hope We Have in Christ
Jesus’ resurrection assures us of three powerful truths:
-Victory over sin and death – Death could not hold Him, and because of that, we have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
-New life in Christ – Just as Jesus rose, we too can walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
-A living Savior – Jesus is alive and active in our lives today, interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).

What This Means for Us
Because Jesus rose again:
-We have hope in every circumstance. No matter what we face, the resurrection reminds us that God brings life out of death.
-We are called to live differently. How does knowing Jesus is alive change the way we live?
-We can share this hope. Who in our lives needs to hear about the resurrection?

This week, let’s celebrate the victory we have in Christ. Next week, we’ll look at the mission Jesus gave us—to go and share the good news with the world.

At the heart of Easter is the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus bore the full weight of our sin, experiencing unimaginable suffering out of His deep love for us. Understanding the significance of the cross helps us grasp the extent of God’s love and the cost of our salvation.

The Pain and Shame of the Cross
Crucifixion was one of the most excruciating and humiliating forms of execution. Jesus endured severe physical suffering—He was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a wooden cross (Matthew 27:27-31). But beyond the physical pain, Jesus also bore the weight of sin. As He hung on the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, He experienced complete separation from the Father.

The Greatest Act of Love
Despite the agony, Jesus willingly endured the cross for us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His sacrifice was not just for the righteous but for all who would believe in Him.

What This Means for Us
The cross calls us to:
-Recognize the cost of our salvation. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
-Live in response to His love. How does the cross change the way we live?
-Share this love with others. Who needs to hear about Christ’s sacrifice?

As we reflect on the cross this week, let’s live in gratitude for what Jesus has done. Next week, we’ll celebrate the hope of the resurrection and what it means for us today.

As Jesus approached the cross, His final moments with His disciples were filled with profound lessons. From the Last Supper to His time in Gethsemane, we see a Savior who models humility, love, and complete surrender to God’s will.

The Last Supper – A Call to Servanthood
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples. But this was no ordinary meal—it was a moment of deep significance. Jesus took bread and wine, giving them new meaning as symbols of His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20). He was preparing His followers for what was to come.

Yet, before the meal even began, Jesus did something remarkable: He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5). In that culture, washing feet was a task for servants, yet Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to serve others.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
This act was a powerful lesson: true leadership is found in humility and service. Jesus calls us to follow His example, putting others before ourselves.

The Garden of Gethsemane – A Prayer of Surrender
After the meal, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing the suffering He would endure, He was overwhelmed with sorrow. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In this moment, Jesus showed His humanity—He felt fear and anguish. But He also demonstrated complete trust in the Father. His prayer reminds us that surrendering to God’s will is not always easy, but it is always best.

What This Means for Us
As we reflect on these final moments of Jesus’ life, we are challenged to:
Embrace humility. How can we serve others as Jesus did?
Trust God in difficult times. When we face hardship, do we submit to His will like Jesus did?
Remember Jesus’ sacrifice. The Last Supper points us to the cross. How does this deepen our gratitude?

This week, let’s take time to serve others and surrender our struggles to God. Next week, we’ll look at the cross and the immense love and sacrifice Jesus displayed for us.

Easter is the most significant event in the Christian faith, but to fully appreciate its impact, we need to understand why it was necessary in the first place. Why did Jesus have to come? Why did He have to suffer and die? The answer lies in humanity’s deepest problem, sin.

The Reality of Sin and Separation from God
From the very beginning, humanity was created for a relationship with God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in perfect harmony. But when sin entered the world through disobedience, that relationship was broken (Genesis 3). Sin created a divide between humanity and a holy God, one that we could not bridge on our own.

Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No matter how hard we try, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Sin’s consequences are serious—Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” But that’s not where the story ends.

God’s Plan for Redemption
Even in humanity’s rebellion, God had a plan. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of this plan unfolding. The sacrificial system in Israel pointed to the need for atonement, but these sacrifices were only temporary. Prophecies throughout Scripture pointed to a coming Messiah—one who would bear the sins of the world.

Isaiah 53:5-6 prophesies about Jesus’ sacrifice:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

This passage, written hundreds of years before Christ, foretold the suffering He would endure for our sake. Jesus came to do what we could never do on our own—restore our relationship with God.

Why Easter Matters
Easter is not just a story of suffering; it is a story of victory. Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our sins, but His resurrection proved that the payment was accepted. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” The cross was the turning point in history, and the empty tomb was the proof of God’s triumph.

What This Means for Us
As we approach Easter, take time to reflect on why we need a Saviour. Recognizing our own sinfulness is not meant to bring us shame—it is meant to point us to the grace of God. When we understand the depth of our need, we can better appreciate the depth of His love.

This week, consider these questions:
Do I recognize my need for a Saviour, or am I relying on my own efforts?
How does knowing that Jesus died for me change the way I live?
Who in my life needs to hear about the hope found in Jesus?

As we continue this journey toward Easter, let’s prepare our hearts with gratitude and awe. Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’ final days before the cross and what they teach us about surrender and trust in God.