The Church Within You!

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

To all of your questions, Jesus is the answer, and that's it in a nut's shell.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | NLT

Peter is a warning to all of us, for if an apostle who walked with Christ denied his LORD, what might we do in similar circumstances? How many times have we denied the LORD and lost opportunities to share the gospel with others? Do we, like Peter, talk when we should listen, argue when we should obey, sleep when we should pray, and fight when we should submit? The Bible says, "Let a man examine himself." 1 Cor. 11:28. Where do you stand when sharing "the good news"?Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesCatalyst/TWSB

God is a shelter, a refuge when we are afraid. This should be a picture of our trust — trading all our fears for faith in Him, no matter how intense our fears are. We must "dwell" and "rest" with Him to do this. We will be kept safe beneath His wings by entrusting ourselves to His protection and pledging our daily devotion. Knowing that God watches over us even in times of great stress and fear is comforting.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesFLSB | TWSB

Do you believe that your heavenly Father is pleased with you? Do you walk in peace knowing that you have His approval? If you believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and He dwells within, then you are APPROVED!So, if you ever feel damaged or unworthy, remember you are in good company. God has a history of using the least likely candidates to accomplish the greatest feats. Trust in His plan and allow His grace to work through you. Yourbrokenness can be a powerful testimony of redemption, healing, and hope. Know this: you have been approved by His eyes!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still and Know

We must be careful not to judge others quickly based onour limited perception of another. First, we have a limited perspective because we often only see a small part of someone's life and don't fully understand their struggles, experiences, or reasons behind their actions. By withholding judgment, we open ourselves to understanding others' feelings and challenges, fostering empathy and compassion.Kindness is always right!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBe Still and Know | Ephesians 4:32 NLT

In a world that often values perfection and success, it can be easy to feel inadequate or unworthy, especially when we've faced hardships, failures, or brokenness. But here's a comforting truth: God uses damaged people. He sees the beauty in our scars and the strength in our struggles.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | Luke 22:32

"You are not beyond God's reach" conveys that no matter what you've done, where you are, or how far you may feel from spirituality or redemption, you are never too far gone for God's love and grace. It underscores the belief that God's compassion and forgiveness are boundless and that He can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time. This message often brings comfort, hope, and encouragement to those who feel lost or disconnected, reminding them that they are always within God's care and concern.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT

It has often been said that love is the "circulatory system" of the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts can only be used creatively when Christians are motivated by love. Love is enriching. Paul identified five spiritual gifts: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, and giving (sacrifice). He emphasized that the exercise of these gifts is meaningless without love. This means we must focus on others rather than ourselves, which requires love. Love is enduring. These gifts will become useless and cease, but love will last forever, for "God is love." Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes TWSB 

God is described as One who picks up an individual lamb to protect and carry it close to His heart.Although God is all-powerful and the nations are as dust before Him, He still cares for each of His own in a personal way.We must never think that God is so majestic that He ignores the needs and problems of the individual believer.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesUBC WFT | FLSB

So, you feel like your back is up against the wall, and there is no way out!Recall the story in the Bible of a man namedJob. If you do, you will read in Chapter 1 how wealthy he is. Then, in Chapter 2, you will read how Job lost everything. Well, just like that, Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health. But did Job give in? No. Did Job give out? No. Job kept his faith in God. In Chapters 3 to 41, Job truly went through the test of a lifetime. Yet he continued to place his trust in God.At the time, Job did not know that he would get it all back, including some.So, when you feel like it's dark and there is no clear view, stop looking around and look up. Do not let go of your faith; God has you.Keep trusting God!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | FLSB

God said to Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jer 1:5Being special does not necessarily imply superiority over others. You were chosen to be God's special possession, and that's an amazing thing. To be truly special means to have been chosen. You were no mistake in God's eyes, and you have a unique relationship with your Heavenly Father.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesBSAK | FLSB

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Ro 11:29 AMPAs a Christian, you have a responsibility to help your brother who has stumbled or fallen into sin.Approach the situation with kindness and compassion, not judgment or condemnation.As we are our brother's keeper.Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | FLSB | AMP

"Cast it on the ground." "Throw it down!" These are the words that the LORD spoke to Moses when he asked him what was in his hand. The staff he threw down was used to tend the sheep, and the one he picked up would be used to part the waters of the Red Sea!Sometimes, we carry a lot of junk as security. When all we need to do is place our trust in God! He is your security!Blessings,Presiding Elder Barbara HayesTWFYT | TWSB

2 Tim. 2:2 In this verse, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian church. Paul emphasizes the importance of passing on the teachings and wisdom he has received. He instructs Timothy to entrust these teachings to reliable and faithful individuals who will, in turn, be able to teach others. This creates a discipleship chain and ensures that the gospel message continues to be spread effectively. The verse highlights the importance of mentorship, leadership, and the perpetuation of sound doctrine within the Christian community. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes TWFYT | NKJV

Where is your faith? Faith often refers to believing in something or taking action based on trust, confidence, or conviction in a particular belief or principle without requiring physical evidence or proof. It's having confidence in things unseen and hoped for. Faith matters! Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes WSB

When we are tested, we must overcome the temptations in our lives. Just as Jesus was aware of the devil's schemes, we must be vigilant in recognizing the temptations we face in our daily lives.  The world can quickly draw us backward, just as Lot's wife. We must resist the devil, and he will flee. We must pray for the strength of Jesus to cover us and keep us at all times. Jesus remained steadfast in His identity as the Son of God. We must hold firm to our values and beliefs, knowing who we are and what we stand for. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes TWSB | BSAK

"Order my steps in thy Word" is a line from Psalm 119:133 in the Bible. The verse is a plea to God to guide one's steps and not allow sin to have power over us. It's a cry in prayer in faith, as in Romans 6:14 promises that "sin shall not have the dominion over us." The verse expresses the belief that God will order one's steps if they are willing to obey and follow Him. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes