The Church Within You!

This has not been an easy road I've had to travel. Many twists and turns, many hills I've had to climb. However, I'm thankful that God never left me, nor did He ever forsake me. He has been my fourth Man in the fire, time after time. That's why I'm grateful to know, I've come too far to turn around. How about you?Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

As we turn away from our sin and return to God, we discover refreshment and renewal. We are granted grace to move forward in forgiveness and are clothed with power to live righteously and resist future temptations. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes Be Still & Know

Patience is a challenging skill to develop in relationships, especially when you feel lonely, empty, and incomplete. Don't rush; wait for the right moment. God knows exactly what you need, so seek His guidance first. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesUCB Word For Today

Are you letting past or present circumstances hold you back and prevent you from moving forward?If Jesus were to ask you, "Do you wish to be made whole?" what would your answer be? Read John 5:6Think about it.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesUCB WORD FOR TODAY

To discover your life's purpose, you must start with God as your reference point. Remember it is He who made you; He redeemed you; He has a plan for your life, and He will reveal it to you. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesUCB Word for Today

Father, I can't believe you chose me. With all my faults and all the times I go my own way, I'm amazed You call me Your beloved child. Knowing I bring pleasure to You just by being me is one of the great joys of my life.Amen!Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | Ephesians 1:5 NLT

The power of the tongue is not only harsh and angry words, but also false and foolish doctrines. The tongue is the main expression of our personality and usually calls forth an immediate reaction, of one kind or another, in others.This tiny member has been known to cause many wars, loss of life, and end many marriages. Our words steer our lives and direct our destiny. Let's work at keeping it in check.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesHSB

"For forty days He was tempted by the devil." Luke 4:2 NIVDon't give in to fear and despair. Don't quit, and don't run. God has ordained victory for you. You may have taken a few hits and carry a few scars, but God will bring you through and make you stronger and wiser if you trust Him and stand on His Word.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | NIV

Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cares for His flock (those who follow Him). "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture." John 10:7-9Come to Jesus, He will save you.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | LAB

Fascination: allure, attract, captivate, charm, and enchant. The natural result of love is fascination: being so irresistibly drawn to something that nothing can keep you from it.Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25—26If you are looking for support, remember God is your all in all!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

The believer is simply an "earthen vessel'; it is the treasure within the vessel that gives the vessel its value.2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.We can take heart that God is glorified through weak vessels!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | TWSB

"IF THE LORD WILL". We should never boast about tomorrow nor anything that lies before us. In making goals and plans for the future, believers must always consider God and His Will. We must not act like the rich fool spoken of in Luke 12:16-21; instead, we must recognize that true happiness and a helpful life are entirely dependent on God. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesNIV | FLSB

There is a divine energy that fills and dwells within the hearts and souls of believers in God. God does not call us to speculate about the nature of this power. He desires that we use it to partner with Him in His purposes on earth. Therefore, if you are connected to the power source, are you using your God-given power for His work? Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes TWFYT | NKJV

Gossip! If you wouldn't say something to a person's face, don't say it behind their back. Make this a personal litmus test for all future conversations. Adopt a no-tolerance attitude toward gossip. You have the power to shut it down before it spreads like wildfire. If it's not edifying to your soul, then why let it in? Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

We may be facing challenges that seem to press us from every side; however, we must remember that we are not defeated. We may be confused, but we are not in despair. We may even have been persecuted, but we are not abandoned because we know the One who has our back, no matter how tough the situation appears. God's Glory covers us, and He keeps us and has never forsaken us.Remember that!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesToday's word was written by Minister Annie Cox

LORD, I bring all my emotions before You and ask You to meet me in whatever is now holding me or keeping me from feeling at ease. Allow me to feel Your presence, so that I know I am not alone. Only You, LORD, can comfort me.Help me to be a comfort to those around me who need it, in the same way You have shown me comfort.Blessings in prayer,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

Understanding the depth of God's love and the power of prayer and trust in God.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

To be able to say "my God" by faith transformed David's wilderness experience into a worship experience. With his whole being, body and soul, he yearned for God's satisfying presence. Just as we have physical senses that are satisfied by God's creation, so we have spiritual senses that can be fulfilled only by Christ. He is the bread of life (John 6), and He gives us the water of life by His Spirit (John 4:1 14), and we shall be filled with spiritual food and drink (Matt. 5:6). Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWSB

"In the Word of God, I have a hiding place!" David was unable to climb higher on his own; he needed the Lord to help and sustain him. We are never so far away—or, as in the case of Jonah, so far down (Jon. 2) that we can't pray to God. We must trust that God will never fail us in any crisis. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

The concept of "breaking every chain" is a common theme in scripture, often used to represent overcoming obstacles, finding freedom, and experiencing liberation from sin and bondage. Isaiah 9:4 Prophesies that God will break the chains that bind His people. "For You have broken he yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian."Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

No matter the troubles or trials we face, it's always beneficial to look back and recall the goodness of the LORD. David remembered how long he had waited before the LORD delivered him from his enemies and Saul, but the day came when God inclined His ear, heard his cries, and lifted him from the pit. You are never too far out of reach for God to hear your cry and deliver you. Trust God. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes Be Still & Know | TWSB

God is my hope for today and tomorrow. He is my all in all. God is the strength of my life; His promises are always sure. I know He never falls short of His Word. I want to go with Him when He returns. Please, LORD, help me to live each day and walk in Your way according to Your Word. God is my hope for life here on this day and every day. God is my all in all! Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes Be Still & Know

Psalm 19:8 states, "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." In other words, God's laws are righteous and bring joy, while his clear commands provide insight. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | ESV

'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'God Himself asks us to call Him, and He will answer. Isaiah 65:24 "It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. " There you have it, signed, sealed, and delivered. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

Psalm 94:12 states that happiness is found in being disciplined by the LORD and taught from His law. It highlights the blessing of learning from God's corrections and instructions, ultimately leading to rest and relief from adversity. The psalmist recognized that the difficulties of life could help him mature in his faith. If God immediately rescued His people from their personal difficulties, they would become “spoiled brats” and never grow in faith or character. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

Dynamic faith is genuine, has power, and changes lives. Every professing Christian should examine his or her own heart and life and make sure that he or she possesses true, saving faith, dynamic faith. James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | TWSB

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". Ecc. 3:1Knowing the season you're in. The idea that "in everything there is a purpose" is a belief that every event or experience, even negative ones, serves a deeper meaning or reason within the larger context of life. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT

In Christ Jesus, you have a perfect friend. Therefore, let your prayer be one of thanksgiving to Him for being your loyal friend who sticks closer than a brother.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

The subject of human suffering is not easy to understand, as there are mysteries in the workings of God that we will never grasp until we reach heaven. Just know that God is eternally present and will guide us through, if we believe and trust in Him. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36:5, 6.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | FLSB

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 5:18Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

"And His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." John 1:16Jesus Christ has fullness of grace and truth. Grace is God's favor and kindness bestowed on those who do not deserve it and cannot earn it. If God dealt with us only according to truth, none of us would survive, but He deals with us based on grace and truth.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | TWSB

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry." Ps 40:1 NKJVBlessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT

For those who believe in Jesus, physical death is not a tragic end. Instead, it serves as the gateway to abundant eternal life and fellowship with God. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | FLSB | WSB

I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT. The key to contentment is realizing that God has given you everything you need to remain victorious in Christ in your present circumstances (1 Cor. 15:47; 2 Cor. 2:14; 1 John 5:4). Your ability to live triumphantly above changing circumstances is Christ's power flowing in and through you.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | FLSB

"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Mat 5:41Love is the church's most effective weapon. Love is the essence of God's nature. Love is the perfection of human character. Love is the most powerful, ultimate force in the universe.Blessings,Presiding Elder HayesTWFYT | HSB

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 1 John 4:12Let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWSB

"Consolation" refers to the sense of comfort or relief that helps someone feel better after experiencing sadness, disappointment, or distress. Life is filled with painful moments that can arise unexpectedly, but it also brings many opportunities for second chances. Do not lose hope in yourself; God has not given up on you! Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

God, I know you have a plan for my life, but sometimes it's hard to see. Help me lift my head confidently above the fray and believe that You will lead me to victory. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. God and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. Psalm 25:4, 8-9Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayeesBe Still & Know

Tell them while you still can. Do not put off today for tomorrow, as tomorrow is not promised. Don't let shyness, fear, or rejection keep you from saying what needs to be said. Tell them while you still can."Gracious words are ... sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Pr. 16:24 NIVBlessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT

It has been said that love is the "circulatory system" of the body of Christ. Young people live for the temporary, and adults live for the permanent. "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails." 1 Cor. 13:4-8Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | TWSB

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up — the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 TLBBlessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12There is joy everlasting in the presence of God!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesSY Jesus Always

I'm learning to lean on Jesus. We must learn to understand and depend upon God through every difficult situation and trial. God promises never to leave you nor forsake you. Therefore, no matter what it may look like or how it may seem, know that God is there for you to bring you safely through. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still and Know

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11When we speak positively and affirm our faith, we shift our mindset and open our hearts to God's blessings. Remember to speak over yourself and encourage yourself in The LORD. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesFLSB

Courage is often associated with acts of bravery that defy typical human experience—firefighters running into a burning building, rescuing someone who has fallen into deep water, or pulling someone out of the path of a speeding vehicle. Courage can also mean delivering a speech in front of a room full of people. When we trust in God, He gives us the courage we need when the time comes. We must remember that we are never alone—God is there to carry us through.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still and Know

Compassion is at the heart of our faith and humanity. It allows us to empathize with others, feel their pain, and offer our support and kindness. In times of hardship, compassion becomes even more vital, providing the strength and solace individuals need to navigate their struggles. Through compassion, we can fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.BlessingsThe Church Within You!UCB WFT | Mat. 9:36 NKJV

Life offers many ups and many downs. Sometimes, the ugliness, pain, and disappointment box us in. During those downtimes, we must remember who provided us with our source of strength, enabling us to press onward. God, our heavenly Father is there to guide us through the storms. He will supply us with that much needed strength. We must never give up nor give in, but remember that we've come too far from where we started. Trust God.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWSB | The Promises of God

He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will — to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given. Eph. 1:5-6In Christ Jesus every "faithful" believer has life only "in Christ Jesus." There's a song that I belong to You, and all the praise, glory, and honor belong to You. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesKJV