Author Archives: Barbara Hayes

“A single seed is so small it can slip through your fingers. Yet, it holds the promise of a tree.

We don’t always notice its power at first. Yet, it holds life and growth. It offers the possibility of shade for generations to come.”

Matthew 13:31-32

The story of the mustard seed is a parable told by Jesus. It compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed. Though the smallest of all seeds, it grows into the largest of garden plants. It becomes a tree with branches where birds can nest. It teaches that God’s kingdom starts small and seemingly insignificant. Yet, it has immense growth potential. This kingdom transforms into a vast and powerful force for good. It offers refuge and shelter. Much like faith, it can grow from a small beginning into something extraordinary. 

An Act of Kindness:

When you returned from lunch, you found a small bouquet on your desk. No note. No name. Just beauty. Such a simple act speaks volumes. It shows you are seen. You are reminded that you are thought of. It also shows that someone cared enough to express it so kindly.

In essence, “seeds of grace” often refer to planting God’s Word or acts of love. When these are nourished by God’s grace, they produce spiritual results.

Scriptures about “seeds of grace” in the KJV focus on God’s Word as seed. This is derived from the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 and Luke 8. They also focus on the ability to sow kindness and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-10). They emphasize growing in grace like a seed (2 Peter 3:18). Sharing God’s goodness brings spiritual fruit. Even if the exact phrase “seed of grace” isn’t familiar, the concept of planting spiritual seeds is central. These include God’s Word and acts of kindness. They flourish through divine grace.

If you’re making notes in your journal today, think about this:

“How is God inviting me to show kindness quietly this week?

Sketch it. Write it. Pray about it. Let it become your offering.

A Challenge:

This week, choose one act of kindness that no one expects.  A note. A smile. A prayer.

Let it ripple.  Because kindness, when rooted in grace, never ends.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

The Church Within You!

The small moments of faith, kindness, and grace that God plants in our lives are His gifts to all mankind. Like seeds, they seem ordinary at first, but when nurtured, they grow into something extraordinary.

Once they take root, they will manage to endure storms. They will blossom into blessings that reach far beyond us.

God, the Master planter, is there to plant into your life if you are willing to allow Him to. Imagine the seed grace that grows into encouragement. It lets you step ahead. Trusting, and not doubting, that each step will lead you to that door you once were afraid to open.

The seed of hope, once lost, has been returned and is transforming you and those around you. The seed of thanksgiving will open your heart to be thankful for all things, counting each as a blessing.

Never look upon anything as small. A single seed, so small it slips through your fingers, yet it holds the promise of a tree. Trust in the seeds that God placed in your hands as a special gift.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder BA Hayes

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

You are exceptionally blessed, regarded with preference, and accepted by God as part of His plan.

The grace of God is the source of salvation; faith is the channel, not the cause. God alone saves. Salvation never originates in the efforts of people; it always arises out of the loving-kindness of God.

At great expense to Himself, God worked for us on the cross. And today, based on that price paid at Calvary, He works in us to make us more like Christ. God can’t work in us unless He has first worked for us, and we have trusted His Son. Also, He can’t work through us unless He works in us. This is why we need to spend daily time in the Word and prayer. It is crucial to yield to Christ during times of suffering. God works in us through His work. He does this through prayer and suffering. He performs the “good works” He planned for us.

You are loved first and foremost, cared for, protected, and blessed. Trust that God has you in His perfect plan.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | TWSB

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 for His leading and guidance.

Sometimes we need that extra moment to have a one-on-one conversation with ourselves, and not forget to invite God. This is where you have to listen to that little voice from within and trust.

I like these three quotes. Just maybe, they will help you to step out in faith. You can believe without seeing.

“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” —Albert Einstein.

“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.

Encouragement: Put your trust in God, pray, and here’s the hard part: learning to wait for His answer. Remember, God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Recall how God has been good to you. Remember that He is with you. He will not abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).

We sometimes have to encourage ourselves. There are times when we have to stand in front of the mirror and pat ourselves on the back!

The Bible says that encouraging yourself is a valid practice. This is most notably shown in David’s example in 1 Samuel 30:6, where he “encouraged himself in the LORD”.

No matter how big your problem seems, remember there is nothing bigger than your God. Even if the problem appears far out in left field, it is not bigger than God. Don’t give up, nor give in, remember He’s brought you too far to give up now.

Trust and believe, and remember you can’t give up now. You’ve come a long way from where you started. Nobody told you the road would be easy. Know that He’s brought you too far to leave you.

You got this! You can do it! Have faith in God and faith in yourself!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes, The Church Within You!

Repent and be set free! This is 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. They 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. When you hear “Count yourselves dead to sin,” understand that we should consider our old, sinful nature as dead. It should be unresponsive to sin. Because of our union and identification with Christ, we are free from the obligation to carry out those old motives. We are also free from the obligation to pursue old desires and goals.

So let us see ourselves as what God has made us. We have a new start. The Holy Spirit will help us. It will support us in becoming in our daily experience what Christ has declared us to be. 

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | NKJV

Psalm 91:11

When we “dwell in the secret place of the Most High”, we are not alone. God is with us. He compensates for our inadequacies. This stanza emphasizes that we need not be afraid because the LORD and His angels watch over us.

The words He will give His angels charge over you offer strong OT support. This supports the concept of guardian angels.

The Israelites in Egypt were spared the danger that touched their neighbors (Ex 9:26; 10:23; 11:7). Similarly, believers in the LORD enjoy protection from Satan’s attacks.

Just as baby chicks take refuge under the wings of the mother hen. Similarly, we can seek refuge in God’s enveloping care. The person who trusts in God is the one who lives close to Him.

The LORD spoke. He announced what He would do for those of His people who truly loved Him. They acknowledged Him with obedient lives. All we must do is trust and believe that He is just a whispered prayer away. Our LORD and Savior will answer the call. He is always accessible and listens to even the faintest cry, the prayers of our hearts.

“For He shall give His angels charge over you”!

Blessings in Jesus’ Holy Name!

Elder B. Hayes

TWFYT| Psalm 91:11

1 Thessalonians 1:11

Courage is often associated with acts of bravery that defy typical human experience. These include firefighters running into a burning building. Some examples include rescuing someone who has fallen into deep water. Another example is 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.

Being courageous means standing up for what is right in God’s eyes, not trying to please man. 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 Hayes

Be Still and Know  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/BE-COURAGEOUS-e2vmgbb

DO NOT WORRY Luke 12:22-36

Christians are temporary citizens of heaven, living on earth. Jesus advises us not to focus on earthly concerns. Instead, we should give generously and walk in faith. We trust that the LORD will supply.

God will bless you with blessings that you can’t contain. You will discover a strength you never knew you had. You will get favor beyond your thoughts and prosperity. His goodness will be with you. And that’s not all; His mercy is never-ending. He said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”

The LORD will supply for all needs. He will also fulfill desires if we use the excess of what He has given us to minister to others.

Trust in God, our Savior, the One who has never failed us.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB | HSB

Luke 9:62

“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

This scripture highlights that a divided heart is not suitable for God’s kingdom. Concentrating on worldly concerns does not align with being truly prepared for it. There is no such thing as “retirement” for those who serve God. There won’t be a spiritual pension waiting for us. We can’t finally relax and let others finish God’s good work. The main message is that pursuing Jesus requires total devotion, putting His call above all other life events and concerns.

Hebrews 12:1-3 states Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still & Know | Luke 9:62  NIV