Friday, May 10, 2024

 

Morning by Morning, May 10 - Purposefully Prepared Personal Cross for Each of Us

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Eyes forward; heart open. Where You go I will go; what You say I will say, as I follow You into the moments of my day. ...

 

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

 

It’s astounding that before You took up Your cross, You spoke to Your disciples about taking up their crosses. Not that their cross would be the same as Your cross--for there is only one cross on which our Savior bled and died for us that we could be forgiven of our sins and reconciled with our God in every dimension of our lives. “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).

 

And at the same time, You did speak of a cross for each of us to bear--not for our salvation, but for living out our sanctification--all by the power of Your grace through the blood of Your sacrifice upon Your cross. It’s not of our works but of our choice to take up our cross and die daily to everything in us that’s not yet like You. As You spoke to Your first disciples, you continue to speak to every disciple in every generation, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). As the Apostle Paul would express this very attitude of heart and surrender of soul, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31).

 

We don’t die to the true self You have created, but to the false self that we have created. We don’t die to our true identity of who we are in Christ and who Christ is in us as sons and daughters of God, secure in our identity and fulfilling our destiny in You. But we die to our flesh; we die to our carnal nature; we die to our selfishness, self-centeredness, self-righteousness, self-idolatry; self-delusion that we can do anything or become anything of any value or significance apart from You, for “Apart from (You), we can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 

Our personal cross is purposefully designed to put to death what still needs to die in every one of us. And it’s a cross purposefully designed for each day. “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). But each has all the grace we need to learn and discern, to be empowered and to overcome, to grow up in maturity a little more each day, as we learn to love and learn to trust as You make us more like You each day (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:15; 1 John 4:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 1:4).

 

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3).

 

Keep giving me the grace to keep taking up the cross prepared for me to purify me more and more every day, dying to myself and following You. This is an essential part and purpose of our daily journey with You. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).

 

There’s no place I would rather be. Give me the desire for nothing less I’d rather do than to allow You to make me more like You each day, as I take up my cross and follow You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you be empowered by God's grace to take up your cross and follow Jesus daily, as He makes you more like Him each day, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

New Address:

502 North Milam Street

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


“Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

—Free to Be Like Jesus—

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


May 28-June 2

Ministry in Cali, Columbia with Rocio and speaking at the Citywide Pastors Association Monthly Meeting in Cali on Inner Healing and Deliverance Prayer Ministry and other Pastors' and Strategic Meetings. Huge Open Doors of Invitation for this Kingdom Message! Praise God!


June 5

New Wine Worship

Hosted at Messiah Ministries home base at 502 North Milam Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome to come drink deeply from the Well of the Holy Spirit to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. First Wednesday of Every Month at 7PM.



June 5-7

MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries Retreat at Fort Mill, SC


June 23

Preaching 3 Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas


July 27

Speaking at the Aglow International Ministries Gathering for Interest to start of a citywide Prayer Lighthouse in Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome.


July 30-August 1

Teaching the Healing Academy at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, Goodlettsville, TN in the Nashville, Tennessee area


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays

Thursday, May 09, 2024

News of Awakening and Revival on the College Campuses - May 9, 2024

 

Morning by Morning, May 9 - News of Awakening and Revival on the College Campuses

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I set my eyes on You as I lift up my heart to You to begin my day deliberately, consciously looking to You. ...

 

 “And with many other words (the Apostle Peter) testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:40-41).

 

While the word is spreading about students on the college campuses in America being caught up in chaos and protest, word is finally beginning to spread about students on college campuses in America getting saved and baptized and connected with the local churches in a new wave of revival! We hear plenty about the chaos in the news and hardly anything about the hearts being changed and the souls being saved in this burgeoning move of the Holy Spirit. But it is happening! Asbury, Auburn, Florida State, University of Alabama, Texas A&M, University of Georgia, now the University of Tennessee and more! Praise God!

 

Come, Holy Spirit. Move in the midst of “this perverse generation” where we find ourselves in our land in our day. Throughout history, revival breaks out in the darkest, most desperate times. And these are dark and desperate times! But Your Light always overcomes the darkness (John 1:5). You are moving in our days through the messengers of Your Word by Your Spirit to bring a generation of desperate hearts to God through faith in Jesus Christ

 --“to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in (Jesus Christ)" (Acts 26:18).

 

Yes, Lord. Let the revival of Your Spirit begin in us and spread across our land--not only in our colleges but in every community. Turn “this perverse generation” trapped and confused in darkness into a passionate, pure generation pursuing You with all our hearts, that Your Light may break forth in the darkness in this mighty move of Your Spirit! They may not be talking about it yet on the news of our nation, but all Heaven is rejoicing in celebration of what Your Holy Spirit is doing in our generation! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you join in celebration with all Heaven for this new wave of revival and join in prayer for it to continue and increase in our hearts and across our land and throughout all the earth, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

New Address:

502 North Milam Street

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


“Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

—Free to Be Like Jesus—

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


May 28-June 2

Ministry in Cali, Columbia with Rocio and speaking at the Citywide Pastors Association Monthly Meeting in Cali on Inner Healing and Deliverance Prayer Ministry and other Pastors' and Strategic Meetings. Huge Open Doors of Invitation for this Kingdom Message! Praise God!


June 5

New Wine Worship

Hosted at Messiah Ministries home base at 502 North Milam Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome to come drink deeply from the Well of the Holy Spirit to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. First Wednesday of Every Month at 7PM.



June 5-7

MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries Retreat at Fort Mill, SC


June 23

Preaching 3 Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas


July 27

Speaking at the Aglow International Ministries Gathering for Interest to start of a citywide Prayer Lighthouse in Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome.


July 30-August 1

Teaching the Healing Academy at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, Goodlettsville, TN in the Nashville, Tennessee area


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Seeking the Face of the Lord “in Time of Trouble” - May 8, 2024

 

Morning by Morning, May 8 - Seeking the Face of the Lord “in Time of Trouble”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. In these moments of my morning, I seek You, I listen for You, I wait for You--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...

 

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’

My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’” (Psalm 27:8).

 

David wrote these words to express his heart to You “in time of trouble” (v. 5). He said, “The wicked came against me” (v. 2). An army of his enemies had “encamped against (him)” and he knew that “war may rise against (him)” (v. 3). “False witnesses” and “violence” came against him (v. 12). He even felt forsaken by some of those in his own family (v. 10).

 

But in the midst of it all, through it all, “(his) heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek’” (v. 8). He lifted the eyes of his heart to “behold the beauty of the Lord” in “the secret place of (Your) tabernacle” (v. 4-6).

 

He knew in his heart You were “(his) Help” and “(his) Salvation” (v. 9). He knew You would “not deliver (him) to the will of (his) adversaries” (v. 12). Instead, You would use all he was going through to “teach (him) Your way” and “lead (him) in a smooth path, because of (his) enemies” (v. 11). He knew that no matter what he was going through, no matter how he felt at the time, You would “set (him) high upon a rock” (v. 5). In Your time and in Your way, “(his) head would be lifted up above (his) enemies all around (him);” and he would “offer sacrifices of joy in (Your) tabernacle” and “sing praises to the Lord” (v. 6).

 

For us, in Christ, our enemies are not flesh and blood, but are spiritual enemies of the kingdom of darkness seeking “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” whatever they can in our lives” (John 10:10). “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

 

So in our battles against our enemies, like David, we turn to You, we wait for You, we cry out to You, we seek Your face and trust in Your grace. As we read the words of David inspired and written on his heart by Your Spirit and even pray the prayers of the Psalms of David with our hearts led by Your Spirit, we can trust in You through it all. We can even worship and praise You through it all. We can believe and embrace the final words of David expressed through that “time of trouble”--

 

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14).

 

I wait on You today, Lord. I trust in You today, Lord. I trust in You through every “time of trouble.” I say, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” In Jesus’ name I pray.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you wait on the Lord, trust in the Lord, seek the face of the Lord through any time of trouble you ever have to go through, knowing He is your Help and your Salvation and He will lift your head and bring you through, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

New Address:

502 North Milam Street

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


“Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

—Free to Be Like Jesus—

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


May 28-June 2

Ministry in Cali, Columbia with Rocio and speaking at the Citywide Pastors Association Monthly Meeting in Cali on Inner Healing and Deliverance Prayer Ministry and other Pastors' and Strategic Meetings. Huge Open Doors of Invitation for this Kingdom Message! Praise God!


June 5

New Wine Worship

Hosted at Messiah Ministries home base at 502 North Milam Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome to come drink deeply from the Well of the Holy Spirit to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. First Wednesday of Every Month at 7PM.



June 5-7

MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries Retreat at Fort Mill, SC


June 23

Preaching 3 Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas


July 27

Speaking at the Aglow International Ministries Gathering for Interest to start of a citywide Prayer Lighthouse in Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome.


July 30-August 1

Teaching the Healing Academy at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, Goodlettsville, TN in the Nashville, Tennessee area


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

“Think on These Things” - May 7, 2024

 

Morning by Morning, May 7 - “Think on These Things”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); and You are the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Fill me with Your peace as I entrust myself to You and Your Kingdom to begin my day centered in You. ...

 

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8 KJV).

 

As I begin my morning--before going forward into all the battles and challenges that are set before me in the circumstances of my life today--I first take time to look to You, listen for You, and “think on these things” that are true and honest and just and pure and lovely and of good report. And I allow virtue and praise to fill my heart and my mind, as I lift up my heart and direct my thoughts to You.

 

Coming into Your Presence, embracing Your Presence in my thoughts as I “think on these things,” I “enter (Your) gates with thanksgiving and (Your) courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). I remember that “the Lord is good and His love endures forever” (Psalm 100:5).

 

Thank You for lifting my heart and my spirits. Thank You for filling my mind with good things as I “think on these things.” Keep putting Your good thoughts in my mind and Your right desires in my heart, as You lead me through the moments of my day. “For as (a person) thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you "think on these things" that are good and holy pure, letting the Lord put His thoughts in your mind and His desires in your heart, as you go about your day and through anything you have to face, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

New Address:

502 North Milam Street

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


“Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

—Free to Be Like Jesus—

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


May 28-June 2

Ministry in Cali, Columbia with Rocio and speaking at the Citywide Pastors Association Monthly Meeting in Cali on Inner Healing and Deliverance Prayer Ministry and other Pastors' and Strategic Meetings. Huge Open Doors of Invitation for this Kingdom Message! Praise God!


June 5

New Wine Worship

Hosted at Messiah Ministries home base at 502 North Milam Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome to come drink deeply from the Well of the Holy Spirit to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth



June 5-7

MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries Retreat at Fort Mill, SC


June 23

Preaching 3 Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas


July 27

Speaking at the Aglow International Ministries Gathering for Interest to start of a citywide Prayer Lighthouse in Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome.


July 30-August 1

Teaching the Healing Academy at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, Goodlettsville, TN in the Nashville, Tennessee area


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays