Good morning, Lord Jesus. My hope is in You, Lord. I will neither fear nor fail, by the power of Your Spirit and the provision of Your grace. …
"Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in You" (Psalm 33:18-33).
Our nation's new President, Barack Obama, took his oath of office on the well-worn Bible of President Abraham Lincoln yesterday, and humbly affirmed the only Source of strength to fulfill such an arduous task with his prayer, "So help me God." As I watched with the millions who were present -- my friend Tammy from Texas sent me her cell phone picture during the inauguration, not far in front of the President -- and the millions who watched with me from around the world, I was pleased to see Him speak often of the need for our humility and the need of Your grace if our hope and destiny as a nation is to be fulfilled:
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord…. We remain young as a nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness…. For as much as government can do and must do, it is the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies…. This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny…. In the year of America's birth … the father of our nation ordered these words to be read to the people: 'Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it).' America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. God bless you and God bless the United States of America."
Yes, Lord. May You bless us as we honor You (1 Samuel 2:30). Let us honor life as we honor the Source of all life. Let us honor truth as we honor the One who is the Truth. Let this be more than words. Let this be our faith and determination, by Your grace and in Your power, to be the people You created us to be. In the freedom and destiny that is only possible because of the grace and love of God displayed for all eternity through the cross and blood of Christ, let us honor You and fear You as a nation whose hope and virtue is in Your steadfast love alone (Romans 15:13). In humility and faith, we declare You are our Hope, our Help, and our Shield. "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him' " (Lamentations 3:21-24). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
Friends, an Invitation to join with us in ministry as an Isaiah 35 Streams in the Desert covenant partner this year is included below. We look forward to praying for you and updating you on all the Lord is doing through your prayers and provision of a steady stream for Messiah Ministries, which is much needed this year. Thank you and God bless you, exceedingly abundantly more than you can ever ask or imagine!
Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com
-- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" http://www.messiah-ministries.org/
2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502
Isaiah 35 -- Streams in the Desert
"For waters shall break forth in the wilderness
"For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert"
—Isaiah 35:6
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your friendship and relationship with me and our ministry. These are exciting days in the Kingdom of God! We are thrilled with all the Lord seems to be doing in the life of Messiah Ministries. He has called us to do our part in our generation to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free, to prepare the way of the Lord and minister the healing love of God. Thank you for every way you have been a part of fulfilling our calling and vision.
Though doors of opportunity for ministry continue to open wide and we continue to work hard in the strength of the Lord to fulfill the vision He has given us, this economic desert season is causing us to be even more desperately dependent upon the Lord alone in faith for all our provision. In seeking His wisdom and answers in prayer, we believe He gave us a strategy for our ministry finances in this wilderness time -- Isaiah 35 Streams.
In humility and faith, we are inviting you to partner with us in ministry, spiritually and financially, by contributing $35 a month to the work of the Kingdom through Messiah Ministries this year. We believe the Lord has shown us this will provide "a steady stream" of His provision through these desert days. We praise God for His faithfulness! And we thank God for you, as you join with us as a significant part of His provision for His ministry for the glory of His name and His Kingdom.
Please prayerfully consider our invitation. And if this stirs in your spirit with joy to join us as the Lord's answers to our prayers, please covenant with us this year to be a part of Isaiah 35 Streams. I will be very glad to talk with you about this or describe more of our vision and calling in ministry. I pray you see our ministry as good soil in which to sow your seed for God's harvest. May the Lord bless you and pour out His exceedingly abundant blessings and provision for you this year -- "... A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap ..." (Luke 6:38).
In the Love of Jesus,
Tommy Hays
Messiah Ministries
2800 Tates Creek Rd.
Lexington, Kentucky 40502
www.messiah-ministries.org
All contributions, of any amount, are very welcome, tax deductible, and greatly appreciated. We've had a very positive response already. Praise God!
In answer to questions that have come, here are some ways to consider joining with us as the Lord's Streams in the Desert for steady provision:
1) You can Click Here to contribute on-line at our shopping cart or go to:
http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/
2) You can let us get you set up for automatic withdraw by sending a note to Marilyn Walker at dirofministries@aol.com or calling her cell at 859-317-1591
3) You can send in a check for "Messiah Ministries" to our office at:
Messiah Ministries
2800 Tates Creek Rd.
Lexington, KY 40502
859-422-1794
4) You can set up an account on-line and contribute to "Messiah Ministries" and other ministries or churches through the Kentucky Christian Foundation
( http://www.kentuckychristianfoundation.org/ ). They can also help with any stock or asset transfers, as well as planned or long-term giving.
Please let me know any way I can help or answer questions. Please feel free to introduce me to come have a conversation with anyone who may be interested.
Thank you and God bless you!
Tommy Hays
Founder and Executive Director
Messiah Ministries
2800 Tates Creek Rd.
Lexington, Kentucky 40502
