The Church Within You!

"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

Are you feeling invisible today? Do you ever feel that, even in a crowded room, no one notices you are there? If a billion voices call out right now, do you know that Jesus knows your voice, needs, wants, and heart's desires? It is so good to know that our Heavenly Father always sees us right where we are; he never overlooks us, cares for us, and is a patient Father to His children. You are never invisible to God. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes BeStillAndKnow

The right path for living is ancient and has been marked out by God. But the people refused to take God's path, going their way instead. We face the same decision today: going God's old but true way or following a path of our own choosing. Don't be misled. The only way to find peace and "rest for your souls" is to walk on God's path. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes BeStillAndKnow | LAB

"The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade upon your right hand. The Sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore." Psalm 121:5—8 This Psalm gave the people hope and courage to calm their fears. Trust in the LORD, for He said in His Word that He shall keep you with the right hand of His righteousness. Blessings, Elder Barbara Hayes BSAK | FLSB

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow wastes time. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning involves thinking about goals, steps, and schedules and trusting God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Don't let concerns about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today. Try to live in the "here and now." Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes TWFYT | FLSB | TLAB

Trust in God by relinquishing control and putting it in His hands. If you let go and let God, He will and can work out the things troubling you. Bring everything to God in prayer, trust, and believe that your heavenly Father hears and knows what you need even before you ask. You have to recognize that He is God. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes SY Jesus Calling

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. In John's Gospel, Jesus speaks several times about the Father's love for Him. We often emphasize God's love for the world and the church but forget that the Father loves the Son. He has put all things into the Son's hand and has revealed all things to the Son. He loved the Son when the Son died on the cross. The amazing thing is believers today can personally experience that same love. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes WSB | FLSB

The Virtual Altar of Prayer: (You can revisit this one anytime, anywhere, and come pray with me.) While visiting the hospital, an Elder who was a patient at the time said to me, "Elder, last night, I couldn't hear anyone praying." Prayer involves the worship of the heavenly Father. In the morning, commit your day to Him; in the evening, render your thanks for His mercies; when the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray, pray. Read the sixth chapter of the Book of Matthew regarding the model prayer. Christ indicates areas of concern that should be addressed in a Christian's prayer. Bring your petitions before the LORD in prayer, and God will meet you there. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes FLSB

When we permit God to perform His "good work" in us, we grow in our love for one another. True Christian fellowship is much more than having a name on a church roll or being spiritual. One of the sources of Christian joy is the fellowship that believers have in Jesus Christ. Fellowship among Christians has to do with a growing realization that we are all undergoing the process of spiritual transformation. Together in Christ! Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes The Wiersbe Study Bible

"Answer me speedily, O LORD." What were the answers to David's anxious waiting? These are the same answers we want to receive today. We want to hear God's Word, to see His smile and hear His voice gives us the strength we need to overcome the enemy. We want to receive from the LORD a knowledge of the will of God. His Spirit teaches us from the Word and shows us the path we should take. When God answers prayer, we want to bring glory to His great name. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes The Wiersbe Study Bible

Let God comfort you, receive comfort from Him, and use that comfort to help others in need. When we are down and going through something, our LORD provides us with the comfort we need. If we call upon Him, He will answer as our Father who art in heaven He is the Father of all comfort. Through His goodness and mercies, we learn to share with others who may be in need. Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes WFT | KJB

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Blessings, Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes SY Jesus Calling | LAB

Trusting in God is considered highly important in many faiths as it provides a foundation for peace, stability, and guidance in life, allowing individuals to rely on a higher power, especially during challenges, by believing in God's goodness, wisdom, and plan for their lives, which can lead to a sense of security and purpose; it means having faith that God will care for you and guide you through life's difficulties, even when you don't fully understand the situation.  Blessings, Elder Barbara Hayes SY Jesus Calling for Moms

According to Wiersbe's Study Bible commentary, Jesus's Sermon on the Mount is one of the most misunderstood messages.  One group says it is God's plan of salvation, that if we ever hope to go to heaven we must obey these rules. Another group calls it a charter for world peace and begs the nations of the earth to accept it.  Still, a third group tells us that the Sermon on the Mount does not apply today but will apply at some future time, perhaps during the tribulation or the millennial Kingdom. Blessings, Elder Barbara Hayes The Wiersbe Study Bible Commentary

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.' The LORD promised to Israel (and through Israel to us) a Redeemer. Isaiah continued the theme of light and darkness by announcing that the darkness and despair will not be upon her who is as distressed, as when at first. The Redeemer will come and bring the dawning of a new day to the world! Blessings, Presiding Elder Hayes FLSB | TWSB (Is.9:6-7; Mat. 1:18-25; Mat 2:1-12 NIV)