Author Archives: Barbara Hayes

Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world filled with sin, and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way.

As we grow we learn spiritually those things that we should stay away from. If we are not careful the things that are not right in the sight of the LORD can easily become part of our nature. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin within us.

Therefore, not only must we seek God’s protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and actions. We can utilize His protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | LAB

Ecclesiastes 3:7

It was knowing when it’s best to speak or to hold your peace. The Bible says, “For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven … A time to be quiet and a time to speak” Ecc. 3:7.

Solomon’s emphasis on this phrase reminds us all, that there are times when we should zip our lips. It’s OK not to have the answer to everything. Then when you know the answer, it does not mean you have to be quick to provide the solution.

A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.  A fool’s mouth is his ruin and his lips are a snare to his soul. Prov 18:6—7. Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Prov. 21:23.

TWFYT says this; “Never allow yourself to be pressured into saying something you don’t want to say or get drawn in when you don’t feel like talking.  Silence isn’t a lack of communication; it’s a form of communication that can be very effective!

However, there are times when God’s people should speak, such as when the Bible commands us to speak out against injustice or when believers should not keep silent about their faith in Jesus.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | AMP | Commentary  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/KNOWING-WHEN-TO-BE-QUIET-e2nla9h

Psalms 118:24 NKJV

Be Present in the Moment: Trying to keep your mind on what is taking place at that moment can be hard, especially when you feel you have a hundred to a thousand other things running through your mind.

We can miss out on life’s most precious moments when we are not actively present in the moment God has blessed us to be in.

Remember tomorrow is not promised to any of us. So let us love and learn to appreciate the people in our lives today.

Of course, there are days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice.  Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming.  We can relate to the writers of Psalms who often felt this way.  But no matter how low the psalmists felt, they were always honest with God.  And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. 

Tell God how you truly feel when you don’t feel like rejoicing.  You will find that God will give you a reason to rejoice.  God has given you this day to live and to serve Him – be glad.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | LAB  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/BE-PRESENT-IN-THE-MOMENT-e2nfd42

The path to personal growth is the process of becoming more aware of yourself, and changes in the things that you do, your habits, and your values. As you grow your outlook changes as well as your behavior. It’s like shaking off the old and starting afresh. This could be your home life, your career, and or those around you.

Most people who are on the path to personal growth find their first mentor within the pages of a book they have read. That’s all well, and good, but suppose you have a question regarding ‘Item #4’, you just can’t call the author for the answer. They then decide they need a mentor.

Ask yourself just what is it that you are looking for in guidance, whether is it personally or professionally. In finding a mentor, you must be sure that he or she is the right person for you. The wrong person could leave you feeling like Humpty Dumpty after the fall.

A mentor can be a teacher, your professor in college, your Pastor, or the Mother of your Church, or he/she could be your football or dance Coach. Whomever you choose remember the important thing is you. It is your personal growth and development that you are looking to achieve good end results. With the right mentor, you will receive a good path to what you were looking for.

FIND A MENTOR: You know the Bible is the best Mentor you can find. Within those 66 books are Words of guidance, instruction, teachings, and warnings. Also knowledge and wisdom, dos and don’ts? It’s all in there. From Genesis to Revelation.

Check it out! It is still providing the best support and guidance in all these thousands of years.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/THE-PATH-TO-PERSONAL-GROWTH-e2n5ak2

You know the Bible is the best Mentor you can find. Within those 66 books are Words of guidance, instruction, teachings, and warnings. Also knowledge and wisdom, dos and don’ts? It’s all in there. From Genesis to Revelation.

Check it out! Still providing the best support and guidance in all these thousands of years.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/THE-PATH-TO-PERSONAL-GROWTH-e2n5ak2

All the sufferings of this present age—sickness, pain, misery, disappointments, poverty, mistreatment, sorrow, persecution, and trouble of any kind — must be considered insignificant when compared with the blessing, experience, privileges, and glory that will be given to the faithful believer in the age to come.

In the Book of 2nd Corinthians 4th chapter verses, 8 and 17 we find words of strength in times of weakness; (8)”We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but now destroyed. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”.

A Christian is an “earthen vessel” who sometimes experiences some or most of these things, yet you are not defeated because of the heavenly “treasure” within him or she is not defeated. Christianity is not the removal of weakness, nor is it merely the manifestation of divine power. Rather, it is the manifestation of divine power through human weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “And he said unto me. My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Grace is God’s presence, favor, and power. It is a force, a heavenly strength bestowed on those who call upon God. “For when I am weak, then am I strong” 2 Cor. 12:10 This means that in every affliction we may be more than conquerors by the power and love of God and that our weakness, troubles, and suffering open us up to the abundant grace of Christ and allow the life of Jesus to be manifested in our bodies.

Finding strength in weakness, reach for your Bible.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

SY Jesus Calling | FLSB  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/FINDING-STRENGTH-IN-WEAKNESS-e2n44tr

2 Tim. 4:16, 17

THE LORD STOOD WITH ME. “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.”

Some have said, “It is lonely at the top.” While the teams around them may surround a leader, they can feel isolated from others.

The loneliness of those in leadership can be attributed to several factors, including the need to maintain a professional persona. Also, they are held to higher standards than those that they lead.

While you will always accomplish more while working with others, you can’t always count on being supported or liked by everyone.  No matter what you do, some people will have difficulties and be negative.

THE LORD STOOD WITH ME.  Because of the severe persecution against the Christians in Rome, no one dared to identify himself with the faithful and outspoken apostle.  Paul was deeply disappointed and felt deserted. But in such times he experienced the LORD’s special nearness as He stood by him and strengthened him.

The road to true leadership can be lonely.  But once you have reached your goals, the rewards are enormous. 

Take a listen to “Leadership Can Be Lonely”.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB | HSB  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/LEADERSHIP-CAN-BE-LONELY-e2n2urt