Morning by Morning—Daily Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays: Star of Hope Rising

Friday, December 11, 2020

Star of Hope Rising - December 11, 2020

Morning by Morning, December 11 - Star of Hope Rising

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart, as I seek to follow in Your steps today. ...

"In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay homage'" (Matthew 2:1-2).

Before hope was fulfilled, the wise men saw hope from afar.

Long before the day of the birth of Christ, they looked up to the sky and saw a star of hope in the heavens. As the star was rising in the sky, hope was rising in their hearts. So they followed that star until their hope was fulfilled.

There was something unique about this star that spoke to their hearts that there was something unique about this Child. They probably didn't know that the fulfillment of their hopes was destined to be the fulfilment of the Promises of God and the hope of mankind.

"For so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who is to shepherd My people'" (Matthew 2:5-6).

The wise men followed their hearts and hopes. They followed "the star they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the Child was" (Matthew 2:9). And on that day, their hopes were turned to joy. "When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they knelt down and paid Him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:9-11).

Holy Spirit of the Living God, come fill our hearts with hope. Come lift up our eyes to the heavens, from where our help comes from. Give us courage and faith to keep following the star of hope You cause to shine in our hearts until our hopes are fulfilled in You. "Hope deferred make the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled in a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).

Fulfill the desires You've put in our hearts, Father. Fill our hearts with Your new life. Like wise men on a journey going to see the King, we believe with expectant faith and hopeful hearts that our journey will end in joy! And we will bow down and pay homage to the One whose hope does not disappoint.

"Hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). So arise and shine in our hearts, Holy Spirit of God, O Star of Hope, who always leads us to the King. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

My friend, may hope rise in your heart with expectant faith and courage to pursue the promises our Father has put into your hearts by His Holy Spirit on your journey to the King and His kingdom purposes in your life and our world, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. And I join with you and so many in prayer for our nation through this challenging time. God bless you, my friend!

Monthly Pakistan Evangelistic Crusade through our

Skype Internet Ministry Yesterday.

We praise God for a great gathering of people hungry to hear the Gospel at our meeting last night in Pakistan, where I was able to share a message of hope and healing. So many came even though it was very cold.

We're excited to have just received this Praise Report from Pastor Rizwan Fazal who sets up the meetings and interprets my message and prayer live: "Thank the Lord! 247 Souls are Saved and 19 Persons are Healed from different things. Me and my wife Mehwish request please help us to support Bonded Labor Christian Slaves Families at Brick Kiln before 20th December." If you would like to join us in helping these families, please add this message to your on-line contribution for this designation.

Here are a few photos Pastor Rizwan just sent: