Barbara Hayes

God’s Got It!

Whatever you need, whatever you are going through, we must learn to trust that we are not alone in our requests. The answer to every question is there; we just have to place our trust in the One who has all the answers.

Jeremiah turned from contemplating his misery to remembering God’s mercy. As the Word is written states: “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.: La 3:22-23

The realization of God’s mercy, compassion, and faithfulness generates hope in Jeremiah’s soul, turning his contemplation of trouble into a confession of faith.

Should you be looked upon or viewed differently?

If we testify that the LORD is our strength, our hope, then we trust that He is there waiting for us to place our trust fully in His promises. And not just to provide lip service to our beliefs. It’s in God’s own time that our requests are answered, and then according to His Will.

Recall the story of Daniel: how he prayed, and the Angel showed up and informed him that, “from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” He was there to inform Daniel that his prayers were heard from the start. However, his request was delayed due to the war taking place in the heavenly realm.

Just suppose Daniel had given up his prayers in his request on the 21st day. Therefore, know this: blessings delayed are not blessings denied.

Keep trusting, keep believing; your answer is on the way. We must continue to trust in the One who has been our fourth man in the fire, time after time. No matter what?

God’s got it! If you need deliverance, our God is still offering deliverance to every raised hand. Just keep trusting; He has an answer to your problem. He knows what is best for us better than anyone else can. Just trust Him where you can’t trace Him. He will never leave you alone; remember, Hebrews 13: ‘Never leave you; never will I forsake you.’ God’s got it!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB

About The Church Within You!

Welcome to The Church Within You! I’m Elder Hayes, and I’m glad to have you join me.

The church within you means that the true church is not a physical building or an institution, but rather the spiritual body of believers, and is inhabited by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that individual followers of Jesus Christ, rather than man-made structures, constitute God’s living temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) states: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” This verse emphasizes that believers’ bodies belong to God and house the Holy Spirit, urging them to honor God in their bodies.

You are the church, the church is a gathered people, composed of believers in whom God dwells. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit: living stones, believers are built into a spiritual house, with the Holy Spirit residing within them.

I recall a Bishop once saying, in reference to the brick-and-mortar: “This is a building; when we stepped inside, this old building became ‘The Church where the Spirit of God dwells.’ Because the Spirit of God dwells within you! Therefore, it is ‘The Church!’ If we put it up for sale? Overnight, they will take up the pews and replace them with tables, chairs, and poles, and call it a bar! Or convert it into condominiums for a developer to sell. That is why it is for you to know, His Spirit dwells within you.”

I truly can’t say he was incorrect regarding the building. When the church was sold, we relocated. This same Church where I received the blessings of the Spirit of God tarrying at the altar, where I sang in the choir, worked on the Usher’s Board, provided food for the hungry, was appointed a Deaconess, a Missionary, an Evangelist, and ordained into the Ministry, was married, and had his homegoing service. We thought the buyer would keep it as it was. Today, it is home to condominiums.

The Book of Hebrews 10:25 (KJV), the Word of God says this: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” We are to gather together, oh, how wonderful it is for the children of God to come together in Worship and Praise.

Romans 8:11 States that the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus dwells in believers, bringing life to their mortal bodies.

1 Corinthians 3:16 & 6:19: Describe believers as the “temple of God” and their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that they are not their own.

2 Timothy 1:14: Encourages guarding the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within.

These passages emphasize the active, indwelling presence of the Spirit of guidance and sanctification.

In essence, it encourages a shift from viewing faith as the destination to viewing it as an eternal, living reality that accompanies a believer everywhere.

Be the church: this phrase encourages Christians to bring their faith into daily life, work, home, and community rather than limiting church to Sunday attendance.

Kingdom perspective: often we lay it to Luke 17:21: “The Kingdom of God is within you,” which implies that God’s reign is a transformation of the heart rather than just an external or future event. Functional body of Christ: it serves as a reminder to act as Christ’s hands and feet, and is embodied in bearing His teachings through love and service in the world.

The statement that the Kingdom of God is within you has challenged Bible translators and interpreters for centuries, and many explanations have been given.

The Greek proposition within can also mean among in the midst of, Jesus was saying, don’t look for the Kingdom out there unless it is first in your own heart. See Romans 14:17 (NKJV): “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” It emphasizes that true faith is defined by spiritual character—righteousness, peace, and joy—rather than adherence to external rules or dietary restrictions. At the same time, He may also have been saying that the fact that I am here in your midst is what is important, but I am the King.

How can you enter the Kingdom if you reject the King? See Luke chapter 19, verses 38 to 40 ³⁸“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[^a^]

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

⁴⁰“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Matt. 24:22
And unless those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, those days shall be shortened.

I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD”! Cry loud and spare not, tell of His goodness, His mercy, His grace, and His many benefits! The day of His return is closer than we think.

This is Elder Hayes. I welcome you to leave a comment or a testimony of the Goodness of God. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to pray for one and all in Jesus Holy Name. Once again, I thank you for listening to The Church Within You Podcast. Remember, the Thirty Minutes of Prayer is held on Friday evenings from 7 PM to 7:30 PM, and the Intercessory Power-Hour of Prayer every Saturday at 2 PM Sharp!

Busy But Not Blessed

Luke 10:38 Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

Are we at times so busy with other things that we forget what is most important? We run here and there, trying to keep up with a busy, hectic schedule we set for ourselves.

Mary and Martha are often contrasted as though each believer must make a choice: be a worker like our sister Martha or be a worshiper like our sister Mary. In the Bible, Martha was busy with the table layout, the dishes, the cups, and the food to be served! You name if Martha’s hands were busy at the task.

Now, do not get me wrong, in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, the apostle Paul encourages believers to “work with your own hands.” Also, Ephesians 4:28 teaches that hands that once did wrong should work at honest labor so that a person will “have something to share with the one in need.” And 11:6 “as one never knows which work will prosper.” Therefore, it is important to keep ourselves busy, but we must be mindful of those things our hands find to do. Are we busy with recognition, or with those things that are spiritual?

“Martha, worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.” v.42

Mary felt in her heart to give their special guest the best. Therefore, taking all she had, she purchased a very expensive bottle of perfume which she used to wipe the feet of Jesus.

Sometimes we have to look beyond those things that can hinder us and see the good that lies right before us. Doing that which is good and perfect in heart, which can make the best of the change in your life. Your choice, be mindful of how you choose.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes | The Church Within You!

The Holy Bible | AMP

Planting The Seed – Seeds of Grace

“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!

SEEDS OF GRACE

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

STRENGTH EVERY MORNING Isaiah 33:2

“LORD, be gracious to us; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.”

Each morning calls for our attention and strength. During difficult times, waking can cause unnecessary worry, fear, and distress. We all seek strength from different sources. Some of these sources are unhelpful. Let us remember to turn to the LORD; He is our help at all times.

We must remember that God is always watchful over us. This is true no matter how the day goes. A powerful promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” offers unwavering presence. It guarantees support to all the children of God.

This promise assures us that we are never alone, even in the most difficult times. Will feel this way at times, of course. And God knew this, and why we have been instructed that we can always call upon Him. We can put our trust in God. We can rely upon God for His constant help in times of need.

Faith eternal, believing without seeing, and trusting in His commitment to us is absolute. Thus, let’s place our trust in God. He will never fail us. He is our present help on every hand!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still & Know | NIVhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/298e3X3dpwL5ACNjVImy0u?si=A6ZeKuf_T1ibrUzhjM1aew

You are Loved and Highly Valued by God

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

Encouragement

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!

A PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE FROM GUILT Ps 86:5

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

ANGELS WATCH OVER YOU

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