The Church Within You!

We can't give up or give in. We must learn to trust God and take that first step. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and listen."You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." — Martin Luther King, Jr."The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today," Franklin Delano Roosevelt.Blessings,Elder Barbara Hayes with Akiea Collins

"All of you be of one mind ... love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8 NKJVPut yourself in the other person's shoes and try to see things from their perspective. Blessings,Presiding Elder B. HayesUCB WFT | NKJV

"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Song of Solomon 2:14Blessings,Elder B. HayesTHSB ESV

"Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. Isaiah 66:9Blessings,Presiding Elder B. HayesBe Still & Know | THSB

Gather my tears in your bottle. Nothing that happens to us escapes God's notice and care; not a tear falls to the ground that He does not remember. It is a great comfort to know that God is for us—everything that we live through will be put to use for our good.Blessings in Jesus' Name,Presiding Elder B. HayesTHSB | ESV Holy Bible

In this prayer, the focus is on enablement; it is more about being than merely knowing—choosing to receive what God offers and, through faith, making it a vital part of our lives. Blessings, Elder Hayes TWSB | Eph 3:14 - 24

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10You are exceptionally blessed, regarded with preference, and accepted by God as part of His plan.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | TWSB

When we "dwell in the secret place of the Most High", we are not alone, for God is with us and compensates for our inadequacies. This stanza emphasizes that we need not be afraid, because the LORD and His angels watch over us.Blessings in Jesus' Holy Name!Elder B. HayesTWFYT| Psalm 91:3

Christians are temporary citizens of heaven who live on earth. Jesus teaches us not to focus on earthly concerns, but rather to give generously and walk in faith, trusting that the LORD will provide. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWSB | HSB

If a man wants a warm wife, he can't bring home frosty weather!  The time, love, and attention you invest in your marriage will bring you a reward of great blessings, satisfaction, and fulfillment. And when you do your part, you can count on God to do His.Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | Ecc. 9:9 NLT

Repent and be set free! A prayer for deliverance from the guilt and sin that keep us bound.Romans 6:7-14 explains that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers have died to sin and should no longer let it rule over their lives. It teaches that since believers are no longer under the law but under grace, sin should not dominate them.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | NKJV

If we trust God and obey Him, our Father will guide our paths toward the blessings He has prepared for us.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayeesTWSB | CATALYST

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 The core message is that following Jesus requires complete devotion, prioritizing His call over all other life events and concerns.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Php 4:7 NIVJesus promised us a path to His peace, even in this world of struggle. He is our Advocate, our Joy, and our Hope of a better tomorrow.Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | Php 4:7 NIV

Devotional reading by Amari: "If you feel Jesus is holding back His love and compassion from you because of something you have done or not done, think again!"Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | John 8:7 NIV

With God, we never have to worry about being the one who bestows unrequited love.Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | Proverbs 8:17 NIV

"Live" interview with Minister A. Cox. Discussion topics: Prayer, Grief counseling, and Spiritual support.Special thank you to Minister Cox.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesThe Church Within You!

The LORD GOD gave me the ability to teach so that I know what to say to make the weak strong. Every morning, He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. Isaiah 50:4To be chosen by God: Thank you, Jesus, for choosing us to impact the world for You! Thank You for the gifts we have through You. Help us to be faithful in teaching others what we have learned from Your love towards us. Blessings,Elder HayesBe Still & Know | Moody Bible Commentary

Are you available? Matthew 28:19–20 is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his followers to make disciples of all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded, with the promise of His perpetual presence until the end of the age. This passage outlines the mission for believers: to spread the gospel, baptize new followers, and instruct them in Jesus' teachings, ensuring His presence and support throughout this process.  Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | John 20:21

The saying "beauty is only skin deep" means that physical beauty is superficial and fleeting, while true beauty is found in a person's character, personality, and inner qualities. It suggests that what we see on the outside is less important than a person's heart and soul, and that a person's actions and inner nature are more meaningful than their appearance. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know | Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

Solomon wrote, "I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life! That way they will experience some happiness" (Ecc 8:15 NLT). Let's learn to laugh more and cry less!Blessings,Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT

The final of our 5-part series is the Crown of Glory. These crowns are not physical objects but rather symbolic representations of the blessings and honors bestowed upon those who live faithfully by His Holy Word. Blessings,Elder HayesUCB Word For Today

The Crown of Righteousness.  The term "Five Crowns" in Christian theology refers to five different crowns or rewards that believers can receive in heaven. Stay tuned for episode number 5, the final of the Five Crown Series.Blessings,Elder HayesUCB Word For Today

The term "Five Crowns" in Christian theology refers to five different crowns or rewards that believers can receive in heaven. Stay tuned for episode number 4 of the Five Crown Series.Blessings,Elder HayesUCB Word For Today

The term "Five Crowns" in Christian theology refers to five different crowns or rewards that believers can receive in heaven. Stay tuned for episode number 3 of the Five Crown Series.Blessings,Elder HayesUCB Word For Today

The term "Five Crowns" in Christian theology refers to five different crowns, or rewards, that believers can receive in heaven. Stay tuned for episode number 2 of the Five Crown Series.Blessings,Elder HayesUCB Word For Today

The heart of Communication with God. The LORD wants you to talk with Him in all occasions and with all kinds of prayers. We might not be able to trust our intentions when we pray, but God sees our hearts!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

God wants to give us good gifts. His love is better than life itself, and He knows exactly how to satisfy us. Our loving Father says to ask. Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

There are 1440 minutes in a day. At the end of each day, you should be able to look back with joy and satisfaction and see that those valuable minutes were spent wisely. Someone has said, "Time is God's gift to you, but what you do with your time is your gift to God." So, how will you use your allotted 1440 minutes today?Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | FLKJV | NLT

Do you know that from the beginning, God had you in mind? He planned you out to the tiniest detail. To Him, there is nothing new. He has loved you forever. It may not seem like it to you, but you have a beautiful story to tell. Begin telling yourself this, and be ready to share it when the time comes.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

How blessed you are. God has opened your eyes, He will always lift you in times of trouble, and He loves you because you have chosen that which is Good! Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

When you make dedicated time with the Lord, conversing with Him becomes a part of your everyday life, a necessity to make your day complete.Be sure to add Him to your daily and weekly planners!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still & Know

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