COMPASSION

Matthew 9:36

Compassion is at the heart of our faith and our humanity. It is the quality that allows us to empathize with others. We can feel their pain. We offer our support and kindness. In times of hardship, compassion becomes crucial. It gives individuals strength and solace. This helps them navigate their struggles. It is through compassion that we can fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.

One of the most powerful ways to show compassion is by simply being present. When someone is going through a difficult time, knowing that they are not alone can make a world of difference. A kind word, a listening ear, or a gentle touch can provide comfort and reassurance. It is in these small acts of kindness that we demonstrate our care and concern for others. By offering our time and attention, we show that their struggles matter to us. We are here to support them.

Compassion also calls us to action. Feeling sympathy for those who are suffering is not enough. We must also take steps to alleviate their pain. This can involve offering practical assistance, such as providing meals, helping with chores, or offering financial support. It can also mean advocating for those who are marginalized and working to address the root causes of their suffering. When we act with compassion, we become agents of change, helping to create a more just and loving world.

In showing compassion, we reflect the love and grace that God has shown us. Our actions become a testament to our faith and a beacon of hope for those in need. Let us strive to cultivate a compassionate heart, always ready to reach out to others in their time of need. Through compassion, we embody the spirit of Christ. We make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us.

Blessings,

The Church Within You! Elder Hayes

UCB WFT | Mat. 9:36 NKJV  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/COMPASSION-e2vigfi

OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH

Dan 10:17; Is 30:15; Ep 3:16-17; Is 40:29-31; Ph 4:13; Is 41:10; Ps 18:1-3; Ep 6:13-14; Ps 27:1-2; & Ep 6:10

Life has many ups and downs. Sometimes, ugliness, pain, and disappointment can overwhelm us. During those difficult times, we must remember who gives us the strength to keep going. God, our heavenly Father, is there to guide us through the storms and will provide us with that much-needed strength. We must never give up. We must not give in. We must remember we’ve come too far from where we started to turn back. Trust God.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB | The Promises of God  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/OUR-SOURCE-OF-STRENGTH-e2vh793

KINDNESS IS ALWAYS RIGHT 

Eph. 4:32 NLT

We must be careful not to judge others quickly based on our limited perception of them. First of all, we have a limited perspective. We often only see a small part of someone’s life. We 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.

  1. Self-Reflection: Remembering our own flaws and mistakes can remind us that everyone is on a journey of growth and learning.
  2. Bias and Assumptions: Quick judgments are often based on stereotypes, prejudices, or incomplete information, leading to unfair or inaccurate conclusions.
  3. Kindness and Support: Offering kindness and support rather than judgment can have a positive impact on someone’s life. This encouragement helps them thrive and overcome obstacles.
  4. Relationships and Trust: Judgment can damage relationships. It can erode trust. An open and non-judgmental attitude can strengthen bonds. It can build mutual respect.

By taking the time to understand others and withholding quick judgments, we create a more compassionate and connected world. What are your thoughts on this?

Kindness is always right!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still and Know | Ephesians 4:32 NLThttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/Kindness-Is-Always-Right-e2v19ue

YOU ARE THE VESSEL, NOT THE TREASURE!

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

From the glory of the new creation, Paul shifted to the humility of the clay jar. His focus was not on the fragile container but on its priceless contents — God’s power living in us. Thus, we should concentrate on the treasure inside. We should not focus on the vessel. It is the treasure within that gives the vessel its value.

Although we are weak, God can use us to spread His message. He empowers us to do His work. We can be encouraged because God is glorified through weak vessels!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | TWSB | LAB

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/barbara375/episodes/You-Are-The-Vessel–Not-The-Treasure-e35d9fb

BOASTING ABOUT TOMORROW

James 4:13—17 NIV

“IF THE LORD WILL”. We should never boast about tomorrow nor anything that lies before us. In making goals and plans for the future, believers must always consider God and His Will. We must not act like the rich fool spoken of in Luke 12:16—21. Instead, we must recognize that true happiness and a helpful life are entirely dependent on God.

The principle by which we live must be, “If the LORD will.”  If our prayer is truly “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42), we then have the assurance that our current and future are in the protective care of our heavenly Father (cf. Acts 18:21; 1 Cor. 4:19; 16:17).

For those who have set goals and succeeded, the temptation is to boast.  Boasting stems from the false assumption that we achieved everything on our own. We often forget the help of God and others.  The N.T. exhorts us to boast in our weaknesses and our dependence on God (2 Cor. 11:30; 12:5,9).

Remember, boast not of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what tomorrow holds.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

NIV | FLSB

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/BOASTING-ABOUT-TOMORROW-e3592b9

ARE YOU USING YOUR GOD-GIVEN POWER

“But ye shall receive power” Acts 1:8. This is the key verse in the book of Acts. The primary purpose of the baptism in the Spirit is the receiving of power to witness for Christ. This is to win the lost to Him and to teach them to follow all that Christ commanded.

There is a divine energy that fills and dwells within the hearts and souls of believers in God. God does not call us to speculate about the nature of this power. He desires that we use it to partner with Him in His purposes here on earth.

This “power” means more than strength or ability; it designates primarily power in action. The end result is that Christ is known, loved, honored, praised, and made LORD of God’s chosen people (cf. Matt. 28:18—20; Luke 24:49; John 5:23; 15:26-27).

So, if you are connected to the power source, are you using your God-given power for His work?

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | NKJV

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/Are-You-Using-Your-God-given-Power-e352khp

THANKING GOD FOR HIS REMINDERS

2 COR. 4:6-10, 17, 18

We may face challenges that seem to press us from all sides. Still, we must remember that we are not defeated. We may feel confused, but we are not in despair. We have even been persecuted. We are not abandoned. We know the One who has our back, no matter how tough the situation may seem. God’s glory surrounds us, and He keeps us, having never forsaken us.

In times of challenges and confusion, it’s crucial to remember that we are not defeated or in despair. Even in the face of persecution, we are not abandoned. Knowing that we have unwavering support can give us the strength we need during tough times. God’s glory envelops us, and His steadfast presence has never wavered, always by our side.

Remember this!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Minister Annie Cox wrote today’s word

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/barbara375/episodes/Thanking-God-for-His-Reminders-e34p6i1

RULES OF HAPPINESS

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

FAITH IS NOT FAITH UNTIL IT IS ACTED UPON

James 2:26

Dynamic faith is genuine, possesses power, and transforms lives. Every professing Christian should examine their heart and life to ensure they have true, saving, dynamic faith.

Our values decide our evaluations. If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we can’t experience joy during trials. If we only live for the now and forget the future, trials will make us bitter, not better. If we respond well, yet testing works for us. The word “testing” can be translated as “being approved.” God’s approval of our faith is precious because it assures us that our faith is genuine and maturing.

Through testing, God wants to produce patience, endurance, and the ability to keep going when things are tough. In the Bible, endurance is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty. Endurance can’t be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying. We must face life’s problems, trust God, and obey Him in His Word.

Remember, God said through it all, He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always watchful and forever hearing the cries and needs of His children. In His Word, “never seen the righteousness forsaken nor His seed begging bread.”

Faith is an action word.

James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | TWSB

KNOWING THE SEASON YOU’RE IN

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