If you are in a position of spiritual leadership, this reading has some important lessons for you.

Christian leaders must know how to handle false accusations, vicious letters, unfounded press reports, and gossip. Otherwise, these devilish weapons will upset them so much that they will lose their perspective and spend so much time defending themselves that they will neglect their work, and possibly decrease in church membership.

Nehemiah didn't make that mistake; he took his problems to God in prayer. Remember, the congregation of people is not yours; they belong to the LORD.

Trust God to provide you with your answers on how to lead.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB | Catalyst

Today's reading speaks of a few of Paul's teachable moments.

The LORD knows how to bring balance to our lives. If we have only blessings, we may become proud; so He permits us to have burdens as well. That being said, we have good days and some not-so-good.

One thing is for sure, God is still in control, and all we have to do as faithful to His Word is trust Him.

Blessings,

Elder Hayes

The Wiersbe Study Bible's Catalyst

Whether it is convenient or inconvenient ... "Preach the Word!" You are to be instant in season and out of season.

How can you say that you are a child of God, yet you walk around with a "do not disturb" sign hanging around your neck?

We must always be ready to proclaim God's goodness and mercy toward men. He will stand with you and strengthen you in that hour.

Blessings,

Elder Hayes

TWFYT | TWSB

"There's danger in the land ... The safest place in the whole wide world is in the Master's Hand."

"I Delight To Do Thy Will, O My GOD." Every believer should affirm these words of Christ in his or her own life.

It is by Christ's obedience to death that we have been sanctified (Hebrews 10:10) so that the law of God may be put into our hearts (Hebrews 10:16).

Blessings,

Elder Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB

Should I go or should I stay? Many before you have asked this question of yourselves.

Should I move to another church or take that new job offer? or Should I relocate to another state?

TWFYT says this; "What you must seek God about is, Am I called to go or to stay?" However, there are times when you ask God the answer that comes back, is to stay where you are!

We should always seek the LORD before we make any major decision and then wait for His reply. God will never mislead you.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB

Seek Him while He may be found. God has a special family love for those who through Jesus are reconciled to Him, and remain loyal to Him while experiencing tribulation in this world.

Our affection for Jesus brings forth the Father's affection toward us. Love responds to love.

Seek His Face while He may be found.

Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

SY Jesus Calling | FLSB

God wants to do a "new thing" in your life—a new time of forgiveness, blessing, restoration, and God's presence.

Isaiah wrote about a "New Exodus. " Just as God had led His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea (Exodus

This is your exodus, for this, we give God Praise!

Blessings,

Elder Barbara Hayes

SY Jesus Calling | FLSB

Can you put the world on hold for a few minutes? If it were so, what would you do with those moments? Would you pause to thank the LORD for all He has done?

If He asked you to, "Follow Me" or " Come Away with Me", would you without question? What if He asks you to put Him first for a change, instead of all those other things that seem more important?

Would you choose the best thing that will never be taken away from you?

Think it over.

Blessings,

Elder Hayes

SY Jesus Calling

Seek the LORD above all else. You can have only one Master, the LORD Jesus Christ.

Do not allow others' expectations to drive you. Trust the LORD to direct your paths, and lean not to your expectations.

Allow no pretense, in your Christian walk. Be real at all times and at all costs.

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" Eph. 5:8

Blessings,

Elder Hayes

SY's Jesus Calling

The word for you today says, "Sadly today, the road less traveled is honesty in small things and honesty in all things."

Honesty is being truthful and not lying, stealing, or deceiving. Integrity is the quality of being honest having strong moral principles, and being trustworthy and incorruptible.

Honesty and integrity are often associated with trustworthiness. They can be developed from the inside out, and involve listening to your inner voice about how you feel about what you've said or done.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT