Morning by Morning, October 14, 2026 — “Respond Well”
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind, Your desires in my heart, Your words in my mouth, as I seek You and seek to follow You today. …
As I wait for the leading of Your Spirit, I hear in my heart: “Respond well. Learn to respond well, for your responses shape your soul and develop your character.” …
Yes, Lord. And this Scripture comes to mind from Your written Word of what I believe I’m hearing as Your spoken word to my heart:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:1-5).
By the power of Your grace at work within me, help me learn to respond well. Whatever “tribulation” I go through, whatever challenges I face, whatever decisions I make, teach me and empower me to respond from a heart that belongs to You, from a mind that’s being transformed and renewed by You, from a spirit that’s filled with Your Spirit living in me, abiding in me, and leading me. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
Help me learn “perseverance.” Help me learn how to press through and overcome, without giving up, shutting down, or running away. Help me learn how to respond in love, without reacting with hate, being consumed with anger, or retaliating with vengeance. Help me learn to forgive and release each person and situation to You, without burying it inside, harboring it in my heart, or hardening part of my heart in judgment.
Instead, teach me and empower me to respond well. As I persevere and overcome, You’re using all I go through to make me more like You, conforming me into the image of the Son of God (Romans 8:28-29). You’re making me more like You each day (1 John 4:17). You’re shaping my soul and developing my character, setting me free to be all You created me to be, as the son of God You said I am (Romans 8:16).
As I learn to respond well, I’m learning to live well. To live as a victor and not a victim. To live as an overcomer and not one who’s always being overcome. To live as more than a conqueror because greater is the One who lives in me—empowering me, shaping me, making me more like You each day through every experience and encounter I face. If this is the faith I have, the determination I have, “the hope” I have, “this hope does not disappoint.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged this day. In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be taught and empowered to respond well through any challenges or tribulations you go through, as the Lord develops His character in you, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
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Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
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