"But grow in the grace
and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now
and to the day of eternity" (2 Peter 3:18).
Along the journey of my
life, it seems I've learned how to grow in knowledge, affirmed by the pieces of
paper, framed as certificates and degrees, hung on my walls or tucked away in my
closets-a high school diploma, an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Business
Administration, a Masters of Divinity, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, Board
Certification in Trial Law. And along the way, it seems I've grown in the
knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ-Bible classes, Sunday School lessons,
theological studies, meditation of the Word of God, and my personal spiritual
journey of faith. I've needed to grow, even been driven to grow in knowledge.
But maybe most of all, I'm realizing how much I need to grow in
grace.
Lord, teach me to grow
in grace. How do I do it?
It seems I hear You
say: "My son, My grace is My favor upon you, My mercy toward you, and My power
through you. You grow in grace as you learn to depend upon Me alone. You can't
earn it or deserve it; you can only receive it. Learn to receive My grace, My
son; and You will grow in grace, My son."
Yes, Lord. In our world
of striving, with all the pressures and expectations we put upon ourselves or
allow others to put upon us, it's hard to look to You alone to find my sense of
identity and allow You alone to direct my sense of destiny. But as best as I can
and all by Your grace, I choose to trust in You, to rest in You, to depend upon
You.
My Father God, help me
embrace the peace and the truth that "it is God (not me) who is at work in (me),
enabling (me) both to will and to work for (Your) good pleasure" (Philippians
2:13). Help me come to understand Your promise, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help me grow in
grace, all by the grace of God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Be encouraged today!
In the
Love of Jesus, Tommy
Hays
Friends, please come
join us and spread the word:
5th Annual Greater
Lexington Strategic Prayer SummitJanuary 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Messiah
Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012
in Lexington, KentuckyEquipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Be
empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in
Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays
| Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org
