More To Be Podcast

Does it feel like God is merciful and compassionate as you look around our world? Or do you find yourself questioning who God is? And what He allows?It is understandable, in light of the chaos we find ourselves in. It is not just COVID-19 that has sent our world into a tailspin, but the aftermath of George Floyd's death and the peaceful protests against racism, which have turned into riots and violence throughout the United States.If you've listened to the More to Be Podcast episode with Barb Roose on Grace and Truth, you know that what is missing from our world is deeply rooted in our self-focus and neglect to pursue loving one another as made in the image of God. That kind of love oozes mercy and compassion. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ahmaud Arbery.Breanna Taylor.George Floyd.Maybe you're well-acquainted with these names. Maybe you are not, because you're like me and tend to shelter yourself from the painful realities in this world, overwhelmed by what you can't do to solve the greatest atrocities. But something in me has flipped in the last few weeks.Silence is no longer an acceptable response.Maybe it's because I'm learning how to step out of my fear and willing to be more vulnerable, admitting what I do not know and what I can not solve.These three names represent three human beings made in the image of God, murdered in the United States in the last three months, because of the color of their skin. Yes, racism still exists.In this special release More to Be Podcast, I invited my friend Barb Roose to join me to begin the conversation. It's time we learn, as believers, how to respond as to these horrific events and moreover, how to bring an end to racism. The conversation was inspired by one of Barb's recent blog posts "From a Black Frien

Do you wonder about the purpose of the journey you are on?Are you struggling to understand why you feel the way that you do?Do you feel like you are stuck in a wilderness, with no clear way out?On the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, we hear from writer and speaker Barb Roose and chat about walking with Jesus, surrendering in the struggle, and finding healing as well as direction through connection with Jesus and with others. As we reflect on the state of our world during a global pandemic, we consider the challenge to be still and confident in Jesus and in His purpose for us. Barb gives listeners further insight into her life story and what the Lord has taught her about surrendering her identity to Him, particularly through her latest Bible Study, Surrendered: Letting Go and Living for Jesus.Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about equipping women to win at life with Christ-empowered strength and dignity. Since 2005, Barb has been speaking to audiences in the US and abroa

Have you ever thought of God as the Holy One of Israel? Can you think of any time this name of God was used in prayer with other believers or even in a modern-day worship song?Wouldn't you agree that the Holy One of Israel is a name that has special meaning to God's people of long ago but may feel foreign to us?We're out of touch with this side of God's character and nature, as we don't identify as the people of Israel. We're not wandering through physical deserts, following a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, even though there isn't a soul among us who hasn't experienced their one spiritual, emotional, or physical wilderness season.When we journey through hardships, it is not likely that we'll call upon the Holy One of Israel. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you see God as your Father and Defender?Or do you resist thinking of God in this way as the example that has been set for you in regards to Fatherhood -- even manhood -- has not been positive?Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever noticed that eye-rolling isn't something reserved just for a teen?Oh yes, all you have to do is mention parenting teens and you'll see plenty of eye-rolling from moms and dads alike. It's certainly not an easy task, but does it warrant such a negative response?Is there a way to enjoy parenting through the teen years?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by boy mom, Monica Swanson, for a candid discussion about raising not only teens and sons but also daughters. Our conversation weaves in and out of parenting insights and biblical principles as we consider the importance of raising our children for their teen years without fear fueling the process. True to the promises found in her book, Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You, Monica brings us wisdom, practical advice, resources, and encouragement.Monica Swanson and her husband, Dave (a hospital physician), are raising four sons on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. They have graduated one son, and homeschool the other three, an

How well do you know the story of God?Is your understanding of Scripture a high-level view, where you get the gist of who God is and what He has done?Or do you understand the context where His character is revealed personally, His commands are relevant to your life today, and His promises carry hope for what is to come?It is too easy to pick and choose what we want to know and believe about God. But in doing so, we forsake knowing the richness of the God who made us in His image and ordained our lives with a glorious purpose. We miss out on the fuel that ignites our faith in times of suffering and trial. Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do we not trust that God is who He says He is because we've never experienced His fullness in the flesh?Yes, we know God's promises. Yes, we can think about who He is and what He does, but how much do we fall into doubt because the fullness of God can't be contained in the flesh? So we turn to the things of this world for our security. We turn from God into worshipping our accomplishments and make idols of people who can actually see and touch.But where does that land us? We only become more and more distance from God, stepping deeper and deeper into rebellion, just like the Israelites.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you spent far too long trying to do it all, only to end up exhausted and overwhelmed?Does the idea of rest and refueling sound wonderful but impossible at the same time?Might it be safe to say that if you continue at this speed, you'll be destined for burnout . . . emotionally, spiritually, physically, relationally, and professionally?If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you'll want to hit pause on whatever you're doing and listen to this episode on the More to Be Podcast. Actually, even if you're not sure you're exactly headed for burnout, you'll want to bend an ear to hear what Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has to say to us about the importance of sacred rest and the road it took her to find it. She is no stranger to over-achieving, burned-out living. Yet she found another way as God revealed to her that we are to work from a place of rest, and not rest only after we've finished our work. Yes, this episode is not only inspirational, it is practical for all of us seeking to embrace the gift of re

What comes to mind when you consider that God is your strength and your shield?Do you see a mighty warrior and defender before you, standing in front of you and protecting you from the onslaught of harm? Or does it feel like God is out there, somewhere, maybe strong and fierce against the attacks, but He has somehow overlooked that you need protecting?It's natural for us to perceive God through our circumstances, questioning His character and doubting His promises. But isn't that why we're studying the names and attributes of God so that our experiences do not define our faith but rather Truth becomes our plumbline.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does it feel like God is with you right now? Or do you feel like you're all on your own?It's fair to wonder anytime we walk through a crisis, whether that is the Coronavirus Pandemic or any other change in life circumstances. We live in a culture that says "do this and you'll get what you want, strive harder and you'll reap the reward." So when life doesn't turn out as we expect, it is natural to feel like we did something wrong . . . that God has somehow abandoned us. But that's not the way God works.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you feel like trusting God, especially when you feel totally out of control, is even harder than when life is normal and expected?What about in the face of fear, especially after a trauma or unexpected trial?If you find yourself tempted to take matters in your own hand and push God aside, especially when it comes to trusting God with your kids, then this episode is for you.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by Shelly Wildman, a mom to three adult daughters and a writer and speaker from her home in Wheaton, Illinois. She is the author of a profoundly helpful parenting book, First Ask Why: Raising Kids to Love God through Intentional Discipleship, and is a woman of great faith when it comes to trusting God with her children, in spite of the trauma she experienced during her own childhood.Shelly inspires us to leave our loves in God's hands and trust Him to accomplish His great purposes in the face of our own fears. At a time when the Coronavirus pandemic has swept our world, this episode s

Do you see God as your Faithful Rock? Does He feel firm underneath your feet?Or do you feel like your slipping into the mud . . . maybe not too far from solid ground but enough to scare you?Maybe you're knee-deep in the middle of the worst kind of boot-stuck, foot slipping, face-planting kind of mud? That was me, literally, when I needed my friend to give me a hand and help me out. Maybe that's where you find yourself today too.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What comes to mind when you hear the declaration that "God is God?"Does it feel like the final word? It certainly does so for me. So maybe there is nothing further to discuss?But what if there is? What led to the declaration that God is God in this passage from Deuteronomy 7?The Lord is God. He is faithful. He keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations . . .with those who love Him and keep His commands. Yes, this is truth. But what is the context?Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Would you consider yourself a faith wanderer?Do you wonder what the difference is between being a wanderer and lost?Maybe it's not a worry for yourself, but there are loved ones that come to mind as you are concerned for their salvation and relationship with God.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, we get real about what it feels like to question your faith and wonder if you're lost. Robin Dance, author of For All Who Wander: Why Knowing God Is Better than Knowing It All, brings authenticity and wisdom so deep you'll not be able to listen without losing track of what you thought you'd be getting done.This episode just might be one of the rawest conversations you'll hear . . . as emotions rose to the surface that caught me by surprise and led me to fresh hope for wandering, in faith, on this journey to eternity.Robin is a sister-in-Christ and a wanderer as well as writer, speaker, and contributor to the (in)courage community and The Art of Simple. She and her husband, Tad, are enjoying newfound freedom a

Do you see God as a warrior for you? In the middle of your trials and suffering, is God the one securing the victory? Or do you see Him as your enemy?It's understandable if it feels like He against you instead of for you. Isn't that what our culture and maybe even our upbringing has impressed upon us? Yet that is the very reason why studying God's Word is so powerful. We get to find out who God says He is instead of relying on what we think or feel.So grab your Bible and open up to Exodus 15, where we encounter God as our Warrior.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Has the Coronavirus pandemic impacted your life?Maybe it feels like business as usual, depending upon where you live and when you're reading this. No matter what your situation looks like right now, we all face seasons of unexpected change and struggle.So what does it look like to survive, thrive, and lean on the Eternal Rock?In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by my regular co-host Kalie to reflect on the impact of this pandemic while also studying our key passage for the week from the Encounter God Bible series.We consider how the Coronavirus has become an opportunity to trust God with everything that is uncertain.We explore ways to steady our minds on God and His promises as we unpack who He is as the Eternal Rock through studying God's name found in Isaiah 26. We reflect on His character revealed in Isaiah 43 and consider how we can care for ourselves, our relationships, and responsibilities through understanding how our brain responds to fear.Our practical steps include ways to regulate

What do you picture when you think of a banner?Do you envision the ones you find in a high school gym, recognizing a championship?Do you see a banner hanging on a wall, announcing the reason for a celebration?Maybe you see two high-schoolers carrying a banner in front of the cheerleader, flag corp, and marching band in the Memorial Day Parade?When we think of the Lord as our Banner, I actually think all those various kinds of banners in light of this name that Moses gave to the Lord . . . continue reading this Wednesday in the Word devotional at More to Be.Join us in studying God’s Word with the ​Encounter God: 52-week Scripture Memory & Prayer Scripture​ resource, which you'll get for free when you enroll in the Encounter God Bible Study Course. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How does the fear of failure impact your life?Moreover, what is the impact of fear of failure on your career and calling? On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, we dig into the topic of fear of failure, especially in the context of career and calling, with Leah Archibald, of the Theology of work and host of the ___ Podcast. But before we jump into our discussion about fears and failure, Leah and I connect over our Jewish heritage and college faith-conversions. Leah share how her faith was on the outside of her Monday through Friday marketplace life.Scripture FocusDeuteronomy 1:19-45Continue to GrowLeah Archibald, Theology of WorkMaking it Work PodcastEmotionally Healthy Spirituality Emotionally Healthy LeadershipLife Coach Training CourseEncounter God: 52 Scripture Cards Equine-Assisted CoachingBiblical Mentor Training CourseListen & Share EverywhereIf you’ve been blessed by this podcast, then we hope you’ll show your support by sharing it with your friends and family! We would also be

Do you think God still tests us like the way He tested Abraham in the sacrifice of His son Isaac?Does God actively pursue us to see if our hearts and lives are aligned with His commands, promises, and plans for our lives?Join me in studying Genesis 22 and let's ask God for a fresh encounter with His peace. Continue Reading here.***The Encounter God resource -- which includes 52 Scripture Cards -- will help you encounter God afresh through the study of His Word, so that He may truly transform your thinking and living to align with His best.Grab it at More to Be here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.