A Chosen People: Believers are set apart from the world

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,

He picked you out!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

FLB | GFTM

TRUSTING GOD IN ADVERSITY. It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must

A Test of Faith, trust God even when you can't trace

Trust and know He already knows just what you need.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

LAB

"Ever good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

The Bible often compares goodness with light and evil with darkness.

The purpose of God giving us spiritual gifts is clear. God, our Father who art in Heaven and loves us infinitely, has gifted us with gifts. Think of the gift of free will, the gift of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We are ever so thankful for the wonderful gifts of God!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Grace For The Moment | LAB

"So the king restored all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now."

Because this woman demonstrated sincere faith and remained faithful to God's prophet in a time of general apostasy, the LORD guided and helped her in her time of need by the way of divine intervention.

There is no door that God cannot open that man has locked.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

FLSB

God is often pictured as a Shepherd, gently caring for and guiding His flock. He is powerful, yet careful and gentle. He is called a Shepherd (Ps. 23); the good Shepherd (John 10:11,14); the great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20); and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4).

Note that the Shepherd cares for the most defenseless members of His society: children and those caring for them.

This reinforces the prophetic theme that the truly powerful nation is not the one with a strong military, but rather the one that relies on God's caring strength.

Remember, God is the Great Comforter.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

LAB

SEEK ME. Believing that God exists is only the beginning; even the demons believe that much.

God will not settle for mere acknowledgment of His existence. He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life.

Those who seek God will be rewarded with His intimate presence. SEEK ME.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

SY Jesus Calling | LAB

Don't rush to judgment! Jesus tells us to examine our motives and conduct instead of judging others. The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves.

Jesus' statement, "Do not judge," is against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down to build oneself up.

Remember be careful of that finger you point at another because you have three fingers and a thumb pointing back at you!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | LAB

Why do we worry? The Bible tells us that we should not worry about tomorrow, it asks us "Where is our faith?"

The rich man in Jesus' story died before he could use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement and preparing for life before death is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous!

Live today as if Jesus was coming tomorrow. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed.

Trust in God and consider how the lilies grow.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

SY Jesus Calling | LAB

Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?" These verses (Rom. 10:8-12) give you the beautiful answer — salvation is as close as your mouth and heart.

People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen LORD, we will be saved.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | LAB

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.

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