Morning by Morning, December 20 - Pondering the Promises, Shouting Our Praises
Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my focus and my foundation, as I begin my day seeking Your face and listening for Your voice. ...
"So (the shepherds) went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made know what had been told them about this Child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them" (Luke 2:16-20).
The angels told the shepherds that Mary's Baby Child was the Messiah, the One who was born to be Savior and Lord of all (v. 2:10-11). And then the shepherds told Mary. The shepherds were shouting their praises, while Mary was pondering the promises.
In this Christmas season where we prepare our hearts with expectant faith to celebrate the birth of Christ, I thank You for the times of praise and joy. Like the shepherds, we are moved with Your good news of great joy, as we are glorifying and praising God for all we hear and see of Your great love for us. But at the same time, we are also moved, like Mary, to take time to ponder these things in our hearts, to let the deeper meaning of all You have done and all that this means settle deeply into our hearts.
Through the birth of Christ, God came near. You not only created us, You are with us. You not only watch over and care for us from Heaven, You abide with us and within us here on earth in our hearts. You not only forgive us of our sins, You also fill us with Your Spirit. You not only see us as servants, You love us as sons and daughters of God. And none of that would ever be possible if You had not come to this earth to be born as a Child who would die for our sins so we could live with You, now and forever (John 3:16). As we ponder that truth in our hearts, we can't help but shout our praises, glorifying and praising God.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My Friend, in this Christmas season, I pray you'll ponder the promises of all God has done for us through Jesus Christ and shout His praises, glorifying and praising God with all your heart. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Friends, I'll be away with family for the next couple of weeks. I wish you a Merry Christmas and pray all the joy of Jesus Christ will fill your heart! Thank you so much for joining with me in this journey of prayer for another year. I hope you'll continue to the journey with me next year! Thank you so much for all your prayers, encouragement, and support for me and our ministry! God bless you!
In the Love of Jesus,
Tommy Hays
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
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