What does it mean to live a good Christian life? Is it being friendly or always seeing the positive side instead of the realities of life’s struggles? What if being a good Christian is different from being like Christ?

Join Barb and author Elisa Morgan for a conversation that invites us to peel past the niceness of Christianity and learn to live by the fruit of the Spirit so God can transform us into something truly sweet. Elisa Morgan is the founder of MOPS International and co-host of Our Daily Bread, God Hears Her Podcast.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Elisa on Instagram

Connect with Elisa on Facebook

Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters

Visit Elisa's Website

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

Join Barb and author of Redeemer, a new Bible study on the book of Ruth by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. At 37 years old, Dorina was widowed with 3 small children. She connected with Ruth’s story and over the years has drawn strength and hope. During this conversation, they discuss the many layers of Ruth’s story, including the “just-so-happened” moments, should every woman be looking for her Boaz, and most of all, how Ruth’s story shows us God’s heart for the vulnerable.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Dorina on Instagram

Connect with Dorina on Facebook

Redeemer: God's Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth

Visit Dorina's Website

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

Who’s been on your heart lately? Who are you concerned about, stressed over, or quietly carrying in prayer?

If you’re like me, a few faces immediately come to mind. And if you’re like me, your heart aches a little. You long for them to let God meet them in the middle of whatever they’re facing. Maybe your heart is heavy because someone you care deeply about once walked closely with Jesus, but now seems to be going their own way.

Be encouraged, friend: no one is ever too far gone for God to rescue—if they’re willing. God works in His perfect timing and according to His sovereign plan, but He also invites us to participate through prayer.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
— James 5:16 (NLT)

Far too many people believe prayer is passive or pointless. Not true! Prayer is action—packed because this is how we flip our worries to faith! Prayer is where we remind our problems just how powerful our God is!

Prayer is powerful because it keeps us in the flow of God’s peace and out of His way—while He’s working in someone else’s life. Worry may come easy, but you’ve got another option!

Tired of feeling frustrated? Pray.
Struggling to stop controlling everything? Pray.
Weighed down by discouragement? Pray.
Need a fresh dose of love or grace? Pray. Pray. Pray!

If you're carrying someone in your heart today, I invite you to join me in turning your worries into prayers.

A few weeks ago, I was praying for a loved one who lives out of town. As I prayed, I imagined myself walking around them—covering specific areas of their life in prayer. Afterward, I jotted down what I saw in that moment: a kind of “virtual prayer walk” around their life. You can do this too.

Let’s do this!
I’d love to know if this was helpful for you—just hit reply and tell me!

Instructions:
I’ll share a brief prayer for each prompt below. As you repeat each prayer, picture yourself walking in a circle around your loved one—surrounded not by fear, but by God’s deep love for them.

Here we go! (P.S. If this feels like a lot today, just pick two or three to start with.)

Pray for Them to Know God / Salvation
God, I pray for _____________ to realize their need for You. Dismantle the lies that keep them captive. Tear down the strongholds blocking them from experiencing Your glorious freedom. Remove whatever stands in the way of them knowing You and embracing the power of salvation. Amen.

Pray for Them to Trust God’s Love
God, You love us with an everlasting, unconditional love (Jeremiah 31:3). I pray that _____________ comes to fully realize how deeply You love them. Silence the voices of shame and override the lies that say You’re angry or disappointed in them. Today, would You send them a tangible reminder of Your love in only the way You can? Amen.

Pray for a Heart of Obedience
God, in a world full of distractions, I pray that ________________ begins to feel a strong pull toward obedience. Make sin lose its appeal—so much so that they can no longer bear to entertain it. Let following their own way feel empty, and instead, grow in them a craving to live according to Your will and way. Amen.

Pray That They See God Working in Their Life
You are always at work, God! I pray that _________________ becomes spiritually aware of Your presence. Help them recognize that nothing in their life is random or “just coincidence.” Show them clearly that You are near and actively working on their behalf. Amen.

Pray for Wholeness or Healing
Abba Father, we ask for Your healing touch in ____________’s life. Nothing is too hard for You—whether they need healing emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. God, we pray for healing from abuse, abandonment, addiction, betrayal, or _____________. May Your healing come in such a powerful way that it’s clear it could only come from You. Amen.

(Personalize) Pray for __________________
Take a moment to pray a specific prayer from your heart for that person God has placed on your mind. You know what they’re facing—talk to God about it now.

I’m exhaling right now. I don’t know about you, but it feels so good to pause and pray for the people we love. Friend, know this: God hears your prayers—and best of all, He sees and loves your person more than you ever could.

I encourage you to keep praying throughout the day as their name comes to mind.

I’d love to hear from you!
Which prayer spoke to you most today? Is there a Bible verse you've been praying over someone you love? Or maybe you’ve seen God at work in their life recently? Post a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

TODAY is the 5th anniversary of the release of my Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus Bible study! This Bible study was released on April 7, 2020, only three weeks into the pandemic.

I still marvel at God's timing in the release of this Bible study on letting go of control at a time when our world was spinning out of control. Since the release of Surrendered, I hear from women almost weekly about how God  used this Bible study about Jesus' faith in the wilderness and the Israelites' failures in the wilderness to bless them in powerful ways.

The key idea of the Surrendered Bible study is Surrender is our only path to Jesus’ peace.

In today's Happy Monday, I invite you to join me in remembering why surrender is such a powerful weapon and six Surrender Principles to help you experience peace today! If you're wrestling with a problem and it's stressing you out, today's devotion is for you.

Even though I've learned to embrace the blessings of surrender, I still hear the little voice in my mind that tempts me to try to fix situations or people based on what I think is best instead of trusting God. We can't control our way into better relationships with friends or family. Likewise, receiving God's peace and help is challenging when you're trying to do everything for everybody.

Jesus is our example of how to surrender when life is hard.

In Matthew 26, Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane, praying and waiting to be arrested and taken away to be crucified. In verse 39, Jesus cries out to God under a great deal of stress and strain:

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” -Matthew 26:39 NLT

Notice the little details in this verse. Jesus bowed his face to the ground. This denotes a deep concentration and focus on prayer. As Jesus cries out, his prayer is: God, save me so I don't have to face this!

My Surrendered Bible study is a 6-week study about letting go and finding God's peace in wilderness seasons. There's a participant guide, but also, teaching videos are available for purchase if you'd like to experience the study in a group. The first lesson is a promotional video that you can watch here for free - especially if you’ve be wrestling with letting go. Click here to watch.

Did you know that Jesus prayed that prayer three times? Check it out in Matthew 26:39-42. If Jesus had to fight to surrender by praying multiple times, you may also need to. So, you can stop beating yourself up if letting go has been a struggle. Keep taking steps, and you'll get there!

Note: Since we know God can do all things, go ahead and ask God to fix, heal, change, restore, or save. He can! But don't stop your prayers there.

What does Jesus do next? After he asks God to shift his circumstances, Jesus surrenders to God's ultimate plan. I want your will to be done, not mine."

Whew, that's hard to pray. We want to pray, "God do whatever you want or need to do," but at the same time, most of us want God to do what we're praying Him to do, right?

Jesus surrendered because he trusted God.

Jesus knew that God was good.

Jesus knew that God had a plan.

Jesus knew God was faithful.

Jesus trusted God loved him.

And we can surrender when we believe these things about God, too.

Last week. I visited the TuesdayLIVE ladies Bible study group at Harvest UMC in Florida for week four of the Surrendered Bible Study. They have about 100 ladies who attend at the church and a group of women who join the group via Zoom. So much fun!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO RELEASE TO GOD TODAY?

In the Surrendered study, the opening prayer each day gives ladies a chance to take a step of surrender. I want to provide you with that chance, too. Here's the prayer for you today: God, I choose to surrender ________________ to you today.

Once we choose to surrender, then we must live out the surrendered life. Years ago, God gave me a set of six Surrender principles, or short sticky statements that help me stick to surrender. It's easy for me to drift. If you can relate, then I hope these principles resonate with you. Skim through them and then choose one to focus for today.

EXHALE…GOD’S  GOT IT!

I don't know what you're facing today, but I pray that Jesus' example of surrender encourages your heart. Like Jesus, you can trust that God is good. You can trust that God is faithful and that He loves you, even though you may not know the outcome of your prayers.

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Drop a comment and let me know what do you need to let go of today? Which Surrendered Principle resonates with you right now?

Everyone has doubts about God but it’s hard for us to talk about them. But when we don’t talk about them, it actually weakens our faith in Him. In this episode, we explore how honest questions can strengthen, not weaken, our connection with God. Inspired by Niki Hardy’s new book, God, Can We Chat?, Barb and Niki discuss embracing doubts as the start of a deeper, more authentic faith. Come as you are and discover the unrelenting love of a God who welcomes your questions.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Niki on Instagram

Connect with Niki on Facebook

God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God, One Doubt at a Time

Visit Niki's Website

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

Hi friend,

I'm not sure what prompted you to click on this resource, but I choose to believe God guided you here for a purpose. You may be checking out all the resources on this page, and that's great! Bookmark this resource page if you'd like to revisit it.

If you're here because your heart is heavy, I'm so glad you're here. Your heart has carried a mistake or failure from your past for years. Others know, or maybe you've kept it a secret. We often keep secrets because we don't feel safe telling the truth or are afraid of the consequences. You may believe that the memory of your mistake will fade away if you don't say anything.

The problem is your sin doesn't go away if you don't deal with it. Our bodies hold the heavy weight of guilt and shame. Each time you inhale or exhale a breath, it feels like 1000 lbs of crushing weight sitting on your chest.

Have you wondered if God can forgive you? Maybe others haven't forgiven you, so you assume God won't either. You're wrong. It doesn't matter how badly you've messed up; you must know this truth: God forgives.

How do you begin letting go of the weight of sin and shame? Let's turn to God's Word to establish what you need to know - or remember.

STEP #1: Make sure you understand how God sees you.

God Loves You Unconditionally

I (God) have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I (God) have drawn you to myself. -Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

No power in the sky above or the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:39 NLT

Believe that God Will Forgive You

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. -1 John 1:9 NLT

STEP #2: Take a Step Toward for Forgiveness

Confess Your Sin to God

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. -Proverbs 28:13 NLT

Confession Prayer

God, I messed up. I didn't mean to _____________________, but I did. Right now, I'm feeling __________________________ . I sinned against You, and I violated my values/conscience. I'm sorry for what I've done. Thank You for the promise of forgiveness. Help me to experience the gift of Your forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Find a Trusted Christian and Tell Your Story

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. -James 5:16 NLT

AFTER YOU PRAY...

Stop Beating Yourself Up!

What happened has happened. Yes, you wish that it didn't. You wished that you had never responded to that text, entered that hotel room, been victimized by an abuser, or walked away when you shouldn't have. Yes, you regret it. But beating yourself up doesn't change the past.

When you wound yourself with negative self-talk, it weakens you. When you're weak, the devil uses your negative self-talk foothold to plant more lies and temptation to sin again.

Here are some negative self-talk phases you should no longer be saying to yourself:

I'm so stupid.

I'm worthless.

My mom (or dad, ex-spouse) was right about me.

God can never use me.

Will you stop using those phrases as weapons against yourself? God isn't saying these things to you, so you don't need to tell them yourself.

Finally, Cling to God's Promises in Scripture

Ephesians 6 reminds us that God's Word is a sword to fight Satan's attacks. After you confess your sin, be on guard for Satan to begin attacking your thoughts and heart. You can write out verses like Romans 8:37, James 4:7, and 2 Thessalonians 3:3 and read them when you feel shame, guilt, or temptation to question God's forgiveness.

Let's Pray...

God, I'm here praying on behalf of my friend. While I don't know the circumstances, You do. Open their heart to the truth of your love and forgiveness. I pray for your willingness to be honest, confess your sin, and receive Your forgiveness. Please help my friend find one or more trusted Christians to connect with for support and prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

This is a classic framework for prayer that is like the Lord’s Prayer. You can use this framework during other times of prayer, like when you pray with friends or when you want to spend additional intentional time with God during your lunch break.

You can use this acronym to guide your conversation with God. There is an example of what you can say:

P—Praise: Acknowledge Abba Father along with God’s other names as you give thanks to Him.

Abba Father/God, I recognize You as bigger and greater than anyone or anything else in the world. There is no one like You.

R—Repent: Confess your sins and struggles and tell God that you want to live in His holiness rather than continue to do life your way.

God, You are perfect and I am not. Right now, I recognize that my wrong thoughts, faults, and sins mean that I’ve fallen short of Your perfect standard. Today, I confess ___________ before You. I ask for forgiveness and I will turn away from my sin and follow Your way.

A—Ask: Tell God what you need and share your requests for other desires.

God. there is nothing impossible for You. Today, I pray for ___________________. I am asking for You to provide/take care of ______________________. I do not need to be anxious because You know everything that I need.

Y—Yield: This is where you declare that you trust God’s will, His timing, and His sovereignty over everything that you’ve prayed, similar to Jesus’s prayer, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Finally, I have shared my dreams, fears, needs, or desires with You. God, I don’t know the future, but You do. I trust You with my life, the people that I love and care about as well as my future. I release my attempts to manipulate or control because You are the One in control.  Amen.

The holiday season can cause drama, but you dont need to be a part of it. Here's an adaptation of the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem with a helpful holiday reminder.

‘Twas a few days before Christmas

and all through the house,

Mom was rushing and running,

she was trying not to grouse.

The stockings were missing, yet nobody cared,

Mom was excited that loved ones soon would be there.

The children had no interest in making their beds,

visions of candy and online games filling their heads.

While Mom clutched her Stanley cup and made herself a snack,

she checked her to-do list and planned her attack.

When her phone started buzzing, notifying her of chatter,

She rushed right over to see what was the matter.

Her sister text about an unfortunate mash,

between their mom, their aunt and an ugly verbal clash.

"Should we get involved?" Mom's sister begged to know.

Mom coached herself to pause real slow.

"Dear sister," Mom text back, "We love them so dear,"

"But this matter is between them, so we shouldn't interfere."

Her sister's reply was angry and quick.

Mom's advice was one her sister wouldn't pick.

Mom took a deep breath and saw a nearby frame.

A picture of her Bible study group - She knew each woman by name.

There was Ruth and Ora, plus Sandra and Jan,

Then Jessica and Ebonie, Dodi and Dianne,

These women covered Mom with prayer and check-in calls,

Through life's ups and downs, the triumphs and the falls.

They met every week to study and pray,

They learned how to let go, find peace, and trust God all the way.

Mom steeled her resolve to avoid taking a side.

Her sister wasn't happy, but took Mom's decision in stride.

They ended their convo and Mom set down her phone,

Grateful in the moment she wasn't alone.

"God, thank you for wisdom, grace, and peace,

I give over this problem, into Your hands I release,

my anxieties, my worries, and all of my fears,

I give thanks that You are God and so near."

Then, Mom picked up her cup, her tasks to restart,

and grateful for God's renewed peace in her heart.

-by Barb Roose, December 2024

Author's Note: This poem was originally shared in my weekly Happy Monday email devotional. The names in Mom's group are readers from that AMAZING devotional community.

It's my joy to write this weekly devotional and start off their week with Jesus and a smile. If you'd like to recieve my Happy Monday devotional, click here and I'd love to send it to you. 

Have you ever had a day when your attitude was so grumpy, negative or mean that you almost forgot that you were a Christian? Maybe you didn’t have a bad attitude, rather, but you said or did something that you regret. It’s the kind of day when you’d like to climb in the bed and pull the covers over your head.

Years ago, I heard a quote and it’s become one of my favorites: You can start your day over at anytime.

I love this saying because it’s true. At any point during a bad day, I can always reset my attitude, my perspective or my approach to how I’m handing myself.

This quote reminds me of one of the most comforting verses in scripture:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.

-Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

The reason why you can start over at anytime is that God’s flow of faithfulness and mercy are always available to you at any moment and any time. You are never stuck in a bad attitude and you don’t have feel hopeless in a difficult situation.

In light of this, let me introduce the “Bad Day Turn Around” prayer to you. There are some fill-in-the-blanks so that you can personalize it for your situation. If you engage with this exercise and it helps, hit reply and share that with me.

Even if you don’t need today’s turn-around prayer, keep this handy for a day when you do need it. You can take a screenshot of the prayer and keep it in your phone. If you know someone who needs a turn-around prayer, you can forward this email to her!