Do you believe that your heavenly Father is pleased with you? Do you walk in peace knowing that you have His approval? If you believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and He dwells within, then you are APPROVED!

So, if you ever feel damaged or unworthy, remember you are in good company. God has a history of using the least likely candidates to accomplish the greatest feats. Trust in His plan and allow His grace to work through you. Yourbrokenness can be a powerful testimony of redemption, healing, and hope. Know this: you have been approved by His eyes!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still and Know

We must be careful not to judge others quickly based onour limited perception of another. First, we have a limited perspective because we often only see a small part of someone’s life and 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.

Kindness is always right!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

Be Still and Know | Ephesians 4:32 NLT

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

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | Luke 22:32

"You are not beyond God's reach" conveys that no matter what you've done, where you are, or how far you may feel from spirituality or redemption, you are never too far gone for God's love and grace.

It underscores the belief that God's compassion and forgiveness are boundless and that He can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time.

This message often brings comfort, hope, and encouragement to those who feel lost or disconnected, reminding them that they are always within God's care and concern.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT

It has often been said that love is the "circulatory system" of the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts can only be used creatively when Christians are motivated by love. Love is enriching. Paul identified five spiritual gifts: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, and giving (sacrifice). He emphasized that the exercise of these gifts is meaningless without love. This means we must focus on others rather than ourselves, which requires love. Love is enduring. These gifts will become useless and cease, but love will last forever, for "God is love."

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWSB

God is described as One who picks up an individual lamb to protect and carry it close to His heart.

Although God is all-powerful and the nations are as dust before Him, He still cares for each of His own in a personal way.

We must never think that God is so majestic that He ignores the needs and problems of the individual believer.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

UBC WFT | FLSB

So, you feel like your back is up against the wall, and there is no way out!

Recall the story in the Bible of a man namedJob. If you do, you will read in Chapter 1 how wealthy he is. Then, in Chapter 2, you will read how Job lost everything. Well, just like that, Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health. But did Job give in? No. Did Job give out? No. Job kept his faith in God.

In Chapters 3 to 41, Job truly went through the test of a lifetime. Yet he continued to place his trust in God.

At the time, Job did not know that he would get it all back, including some.

So, when you feel like it's dark and there is no clear view, stop looking around and look up. Do not let go of your faith; God has you.Keep trusting God!

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

TWFYT | FLSB

God said to Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Jer 1:5

Being special does not necessarily imply superiority over others. You were chosen to be God's special possession, and that's an amazing thing. To be truly special means to have been chosen. You were no mistake in God's eyes, and you have a unique relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Blessings,

Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes

BSAK | FLSB