Author Archives: Barbara Hayes

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 the fact that the difficulties of life help him mature in his faith.  If God instantly rescued His people from their personal challenges, they would become “spoiled brats.” They would never grow in faith or character.

“For whom the LORD loves He chastens”  (Heb. 12:6).  God uses personal difficulties to teach us new truths from His Word (Psalm 119:50, 75, 92—95).

Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your Word has given me life.”

75: I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

92: Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.

93: I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.

94: I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.

95: The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies.

92—95: commentary: Do not go to the Bible to escape the realities of life. Go to be strengthened to face life. Serve God effectively. We are unable to take delight in what is happening in the world. Still, we can find delight in what God says in His Word. The Word equips us to deal with the changes of life and the crises that come our way. The verb “translates” (sought), in verse 94, means “to consult, to inquire, to beat a path, and to read repeatedly.” Here is a believer who beat a path to the Bible. He read it over and over. He studied it. When he had to make a decision, he consulted the Word carefully. Philosophies change, political expedience fails, and promises and contracts are broken, but the Word of God still stands.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still & Know | TWSB

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/RULES-OF-HAPPINESS-e32pgqc

Ecc. 3:1 NKJV “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven.”

Knowing the season you’re in. The idea that “in everything there is a purpose” suggests that every event or experience serves a deeper meaning. Even negative experiences have a reason within life’s larger context.

Solomon affirms that God is at work in our lives, seeking to achieve His will. The inference is plain: life will not be meaningless if we cooperate with God’s timing. Everything will be beautiful in its time and place, even when facing difficulties. Remember that in those times, the Word promised that God would never leave or forsake us. We must trust and believe in Him. No matter what it looks like, God has it all under His control.

“As for me and my house,” I will trust God in this earthen temple. My Savior, the One who has never failed nor lost a battle.

So, no matter what season I find myself in, I know God has already prepared the way.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT

John 1:16

“And His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16

Jesus Christ possesses the fullness of grace and truth. Grace is God’s unmerited favor and kindness bestowed upon those who do not deserve it and cannot earn it. If God dealt with us solely based on truth, none of us would survive. However, He interacts with us through both grace and truth.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still & Know | TWSB

“And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament:  and it was so. Gen. 1:7

Just think. By His spoken word, the “firmament” was made. It refers to the atmosphere between the water on Earth and the clouds above. Seven times God stated that what He created was “good.” Each part of God’s creation completely fulfilled His will and intended purpose. God created the world to reflect His glory. It is a place where humankind can share in His joy and life.

If you want to know God, examine what He has made!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

FLSBI HOPE YOU ENJOYED TODAY’S READING. This is Elder Hayes and in closing let us remember the Word of God in Ecc. 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

God’s rule is like a man who casts seed upon the soil. After sowing, he goes to bed at night and gets up by day. A farmer learns patience, for how seeds sprout, he does not know.

Our faith is believing in God, trusting Him beyond seeing. By faith, the farmer plants his seeds. By faith, you ask of God. The farmer knows not the crop he will yield, but he hopes for the best. By faith in God and prayer, you trust the answer will come.

Remember to plant your seed in the ground; this is your season.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

LASB | TWFYT | MBC

“It’s easy to say, The LORD is my Shepherd, but do you genuinely believe in your own words? Let’s put it to a small test. Do you reach out to someone when you’re in trouble? Does an issue at home or on the job make you seek help from someone first? Think about it. It’s probably a friend, your spouse, or a parent; the last thing to come to mind is prayer. God is not deaf; He hears!

We often forget that all-important verse, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want!” We overlook the promise made by the Promise Keeper to His children: “I will never leave you.” He promises, “Nor forsake you.” The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) care for us. Just as the LORD is the Good Shepherd, we are His sheep. We are not frightened, passive animals. Instead, we are obedient followers. We are wise enough to follow One who will lead us to the right places. He guides us in the right way. This psalm emphasizes not the animal-like qualities of sheep, but the discipleship qualities of those who follow.

The LORD God is your Shepherd, and He knows not only your voice but your needs as well. Put your trust in His hands. Remember this: if you confess to the LORD, you can call Him up! He is only a whispered prayer away. He might not come when you want Him, but He is always, always right on time! He knows the “green pastures” and “quiet waters” that will restore our souls when we require refreshing.

We must remember this. The next time we are tempted, we should follow our personal guide rather than going our own way.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

LASB | TWFYT | MCB [The Church Within You! podcast]

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Instead, in humility, value others above yourselves. Do not look to your own interests. Each of you should look to the interests of the others.

STANDING STRONG, FIRM, AND STEADFAST!

Thus, humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand so that He lifts you in due time.

No matter the storm we are facing, if we keep our trust in God, He will bring us through. We must stand firmly upon His Word.

Listen to today’s reading to get the scripture text about standing despite what it looks like.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/STANDING-STRONG–FIRM—STEADFAST-e2hnvm5

Philippians 4:11-13

I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT. The word means “self-sufficient.” In Stoic philosophy, this Greek word described a person who dispassionately accepted whatever circumstance brought. The key to contentment is realizing that God has given you everything you need. To stay victorious in Christ in your current 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.

This does not come naturally, yet; it must be learned through dependence on Christ.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still & Know | FLSB

Luke 22:32

In a world that often values perfection and success, it can be easy to feel inadequate or unworthy. This is especially true when we’ve faced hardships, failures, or brokenness. But here’s a comforting truth: God uses damaged people. He sees beauty in our scars and strength in our struggles.

Throughout history, we find countless examples of individuals who, despite their imperfections, were chosen by God. Despite their pain, these individuals achieved remarkable things. Think of Moses, who struggled with speech yet led an entire nation to freedom. Or David, a shepherd boy with a flawed past who became a revered king. Even Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles.

When we are broken, we are often more open to growth, empathy, and transformation. Our experiences—both good and bad—shape us into unique vessels capable of profound impact. It is through our cracks that God’s light can shine the brightest. Our imperfections and wounds make us relatable and approachable, allowing us to connect with hurting and lost others.

Remember, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He takes our brokenness and turns it into something beautiful and purposeful. Embrace your story. Embrace your struggles and your scars. They are the very things that equip you to fulfill a greater purpose.

So, if you ever feel damaged or unworthy, remember you are in good company. God has a history of using the least candidates to achieve the greatest feats. Trust in His plan and allow His grace to work through you. Your brokenness can be a powerful testimony of redemption, healing, and hope.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | Luke 22:32  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/God-Uses-Damaged-People-e2v163h