Morning by Morning, August 10 - A Witness of Innocence

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I'm desperately dependent upon You alone, O Lord, my God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" (Mark 13:11).

 

Today, I'll be a witness at the trial of a close friend of mine. He's been named and defamed, along with some others he trusted, who truly are guilty. He has proclaimed his innocence before judge and jury. Now he's making his case; and I'm honored to speak the truth on his behalf. I'm honored to come alongside him and join in prayer with so many who believe in his character of honesty and integrity. Together, we're honored to be numbered among those who are part of what he and his family have called The Innocence Project.

 

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill my mouth with Your words today. Let me be clear and convincing, speaking from the heart and speaking the truth. Just like my friend and all his family, we willingly choose to be desperately dependent upon You alone. As Your Word encourages us all:  "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6).

 

We pray for justice and we pray for mercy and favor with judge and jury. "He has shown (us) what is good; and what does the Lord require of (us) but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with (our) God" (Micah 6:8 NKJV).

 

As I listen for Your leading and Your words, Holy Spirit, I want to be walking humbly with my God today. And as I pray fervently for my friend and for the truth of his innocence to be clear in this trial, I want to be faithfully trusting in the One who is the Truth today and every day (John 14:6). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray the Holy Spirit will guide your steps and fill your mouth in every opportunity you have to speak the truth, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

   

Friends, please continue to join with me in prayer for a close friend of mine and his family, as he continues to go through his trial this week. I'm honored to be one of the witnesses, along with his pastor, Max Lucado, named to speak on his behalf, if necessary. We pray for clarity, discernment, that all things be exposed in the light of the truth, that the judge and jury may discern and judge rightly, as well as for the favor and mercy of the Lord for my friend and his family. And may God cause all of this to work together for good. We trust that the battle is won in the Spirit, as we pray for it to be manifested on earth as it is in heaven. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 4 - Girded with Strength for the Battle

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be at the center of my heart and at the heart of all I am and all I do today.  ...

 

"This God -- His way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? The God who has girded me with strength has opened wide my path. He made my feet like the feet of deer, and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your help has made me great. You have made me stride freely, and my feet do not slip; I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and did not turn back until they were consumed. I consumed them; I struck them down, so that they did not rise; they fell under my feet. For You girded me with strength for the battle; You made my assailants sink under me. You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them. They looked, but there was no one to save them; they cried to the Lord, but He did not answer them. I beat them fine like the dust of the earth; I crushed them and stamped them down like the more of the streets. You delivered me..." (2 Samuel 22:31-44).

 

David's battles were intense. His enemies were formidable and fierce, determined for his destruction by whatever means necessary. But You girded him with strength for the battle. And You gave him victory in the power of Your might until every enemy was crushed like dust under his feet.

 

Our battles are no less intense and our enemies no less formidable and fierce, determined for our destruction. But at the core, our battles are not ultimately against the human beings and human institutions being used like pawns on a chess board to steal, kill, and destroy in our lives (John 10:10). Rather, our battles are against the spiritual forces of evil that move on the hearts and minds of men to do the works of darkness. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV).

 

But just as You girded David with strength for his physical battles, so You gird us with the power of Your might for our spiritual battles. In the power of Your grace, You give us confidence and courage to "be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" as we "take up the whole armor of God" and "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-20). You empower us with divine revelation, heavenly wisdom, and spiritual insight to overcome and conquer the enemy of our souls (Ephesians 1:17). "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

 

Through weapons of worship and praise, thanksgiving and prayer, humility and faith, You crush our spiritual enemies like dust under our feet. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when (our) obedience is fulfilled" (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

 

And even in the midst of the battle, You open the eyes of our hearts with eyes to see the eternal reality that the battle is already won through the victory of the cross and the power of the blood of Jesus (Colossians 2:15; Revelation 12:11). "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give (our enemies) into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). 

 

So we can rejoice today and thank You now, even in the unfolding of the battle of the day, knowing by faith that our enemy will have no victory, that he is already defeated. And we look forward to the day of celebration to come when all is manifested here on earth as it already is in heaven (Ephesians 1:3). We can trust in Your promise with all our hearts that "the God of peace will crush Satan under (our) feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with (us)" (Romans 16:20). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will know in your heart and experience in your life that the Lord your God has girded you with His strength for every battle, that the victory is won, and that He will crush Satan under your feet shortly, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

 

Friends, please continue to join with me in prayer for a close friend of mine and his family, as he continues to go through his trial for the next several weeks. We pray for clarity, discernment, all things exposed in the light of the truth, that the judge and jury may discern and judge rightly, as well as for the favor and mercy of the Lord for my friend and his family. And may God cause all of this to work together for good. We trust that the battle is won in the Spirit, as we pray for it to be manifested on earth as it is in heaven. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 3 - Right Discernment for Right Judgment

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let me hear Your voice and walk in Your steps.  ...

 

"And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. In controversy they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments" (Ezekiel 44:23-24).

 

In a world of confusion and compromise, we need Your discernment. When we're surrounded by deception and distortion, we need Your guidance and clarity. And when we're tempted to waiver under the pressure of our peers or our culture to go along to get along, we need Your truth, settled in our souls, to be the judge of every thought that enters our hearts and minds.

 

We live in a day of those "who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). But at the same time, we live in a day when the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life lives in us and shines His light through us (Matthew 5:14).

 

So give us the courage to stand firm for what is right and resist what is wrong. Give us the discernment to know the difference. Give us the grace to "not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" that comes from right discernment (John 7:24). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will discern rightly and judge rightly, by the leading of the Spirit of Truth within you; and I pray those around you with authority and influence in your life will do the same, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

Friends, please continue to join with me in prayer for a close friend of mine and his family, as he continues to go through his trial for the next several weeks. We pray for clarity, discernment, all things exposed in the light of the truth, that the judge and jury may discern and judge rightly, as well as for the favor and mercy of the Lord for my friend and his family. And may God cause all of this to work together for good. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 2 - Justice, Righteousness, and Truth

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I seek You first -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- and listen for Your leading from the deep communion of prayer.  ...

 

"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance; for truth stumbles in the public square, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled.... The Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so His own arm brought victory, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself in fury as in a mantle.... So those in the west shall fear the name of the Lord, and those in the east, His glory; for He will come like a pent-up stream that the wind of the Lord drives on" (Isaiah 59:14-19).

 

Justice is important to You, O Lord. Righteousness is near Your heart. Truth is at the center of Your nature. "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You" (Psalm 89:14). You are "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).

 

So injustice angers You. And inaction in the face of injustice appalls You. You look for one who would arise to confront the lies and reveal the truth. And when truth stumbles, You lift her up. When righteousness stands off at a distance, You draw her near. You set things right in a fury of Your wrath against all that is wrong.

 

I join in prayer every day with the family and friends of a close friend of mine going through a long trial. And every day You move mightily to expose the lies, to clarify the distortions, and to reveal the truth. Yet while we pray for justice, we also pray for mercy and grace. We are desperately dependent upon You alone. And we are humbled and grateful to know that with You on our side, we are never alone. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 NKJV) And if You have put on righteousness like a breastplate to come in the fury of Your wrath to establish justice and truth, how can injustice and false accusation stand?

 

"Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, Who is even a the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:31). Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, for Your intercession. Thank You Holy Spirit of God for moving on the hearts of judge and jurors and all involved. Thank You heavenly Father for Your fierce love and the fury of Your wrath against injustice. Your truth is marching on (Revelation 14:19). And Your mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:1). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

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

I pray you will experience the peace and power of our God who is with you and fighting for you in His mercy and grace against every injustice in your life, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. And please join with me in prayer for justice, righteousness, and truth along with God's mercy and grace for my close friend and his family going through this long trial. God bless you, my friend!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 1 - "I Rejoice in My Victory!"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Give me ears to hear Your heart -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"Hannah prayed and said, 'My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory! There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God! ... He raises up the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor" (1 Samuel 2:1-2).

 

Hannah felt defeated, but You gave her victory. She felt ashamed, but You honored her. You spoke life into her womb and purpose into her destiny. And the barren woman became the bearer of a son named Samuel, the prophet of God (v. 2:20). And just as none of Hannah's prayers would fall from Your heart, none of Samuel's words would fall to the ground (v. 3:19). All would be established according to Your word and Your will "in due time" (v. 1:20).

 

You love to take the barren places of our souls and speak life. You love to change our pain and shame into shouts of praise. "Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you have not been in labor! ... This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from Me, says the Lord" (Isaiah 54:1-17).

 

So in faith believing -- even before the dust of the battle settles -- "I rejoice in my victory" by the power of the grace of my God who is a mighty Warrior and faithful King. You are mighty to save and faithful to redeem all things to work together for good for me, because You love me and have called me according to Your purpose (Romans 8:29). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

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

I pray you will rejoice in the victory of every battle our mighty Warrior and faithful King has already won for you, in Jesus' name. "May He grant you you heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions" (Psalm 20:4-5). Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 29 - "The Appointed Time"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Rule and reign in my heart and life today as King of kings and Lord of lords.  ...

 

"For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:3).

 

All that You've promised in Your Word and spoken in my heart will surely come. All will come in the appointed time. When You point, it will be time. When You speak, it will be done. "Just say the word" and it shall be so (Luke 7:7).

 

Sometimes it "seems to tarry," but "it will not delay." You're timing is not always my timing, just as Your thoughts and Your ways are not always my thoughts and my ways (Isaiah 55:8). So Your Word reminds me:  "Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with (us), not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:8-9).

 

As it turns out, it's not all about me. It's about me and so much more than me. It's about all You're doing every day, as You work in the heart of every soul, using everything that will happen in our broken, fallen world to bring us closer to You. You cause all things to work together for my good and the good of all (Romans 8:29). So I shouldn't be surprised and I shouldn't get discouraged when that seems to take a little more time than I'd like to spend in the places and situations I find myself. 

 

You give me the freedom to cry out, "How long, O Lord?" (Psalm 13:1) And at the same time, You've forever reserved the right to reply, "As long as it takes, My child."

 

Thank You for all Your patience with me. Give me the grace everyday to be patient in You. "For in hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:25). So with hope and patience, through the eyes of my heart, I look forward with vision for "the appointed time" to come, choosing to trust in You that "it will not delay" but be right on time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will know a deep peace in the patience God gives you in His grace to wait for His appointed time to fulfill every promise He's spoken to you in His Word and to your heart, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

       

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 28 - "Ask for the Ancient Paths"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I wait for Your leading -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- help me hear what You're saying, see what You're doing, and go where You're moving.  ...

 

"Thus says the Lord:  Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16).

 

Yes, Lord. As I begin my day, seeking Your face, listening for Your voice, I stand at the crossroads and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies. What are the ancient paths?  ...

 

It seems I hear You speaking in my heart:  "My Word is the Ancient Path. And I Am the Word. I am the Word made Flesh. Look to Me, follow Me, seek to be made more like Me. Then you will walk in the ancient paths. Then you will know where the good way lies. Then you will find rest for your soul."

 

Yes, Lord. You are the Word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). You are the Word made Flesh. "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory of a father's only son, full grace and truth" (John 1:14). And You are the Ancient Path. As You said, as was sealed forever in Your Word, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you know Me, you will know My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him" (John 14:6-7).

 

You are the "Ancient One" (Daniel 7:8). And Yet, at the same time, You are the Ever-Present One -- "God with us" (Matthew 1:23); the One who promises forever "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20); the One who forever declares "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

 

So as best as I can and all by Your grace, standing here at this crossroads of a new day, I choose to walk in the ancient paths, where the good way lies. Put Your thoughts in my mind; put Your desires in my heart. Make me more like You today (Romans 8:29). And as I seek to walk with You in grace and truth, empower me to obey Your command to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Then, together with as many as will come into the unity of Your Spirit, we will find rest for our souls in love with You and in obedience to Your Word (Ephesians 4:3). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will find and follow the ancient paths, walking with the One who is the Ancient Path, finding rest for your soul and making disciples of Jesus Christ, as the Spirit of God make you more like Him each day, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

      

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 27 - "Come."

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take hold of my heart, as I take hold of Your grace to guide my steps throughout the moments of my day.  ...

 

"Peter answered Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' When they got in the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God!'" (Matthew 14:28-33)

 

A long time ago, I sensed You calling me to "Come." And every day sense then, You've continued to call me to "Come." And every day has been a step of faith. 

 

Some days I've realized it more than others. Some days I've even thought I had much more of a measure of control than I ever truly did. Some days there was no doubt in my mind that my life was desperately dependent upon You alone. But every day has been no less miraculous than walking on the water -- walking on the water of faith that You are real and You are good and You are worthy of all my trust, no matter how afraid or unworthy I've ever felt at any step along the way.

 

You've protected me in ways I never saw. You've provided for me in ways I never knew. But in every way on every day, I know Your hand has been there to catch me when I start to sink and strengthen me when I start to doubt. You remind that You are One who called me and invited me to "Come." And You are the One who speaks to my heart through the wind and the waves that You'll never call me to come to a place where You're not already there. You're with me always (Matthew 28:20).

 

So as I begin my day -- another day to walk on the waters of faith -- give me the grace to hear Your voice and answer Your call to "Come." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will hear and answer the call of Jesus to "Come" -- trusting in Him with all our heart to be with you always in every step, as you walk on the waters of faith, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

      

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 26 - One Who is Greater

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come into my heart -- every moment of every day. By the power of Your grace, help me hear Your voice and walk in Your steps.  ...

 

"'Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him; for there is One greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.' The people were encouraged by the words of King Hezekiah of Judah" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8).

 

The hordes of hell have no power over the Hero of Heaven. Our spiritual enemies may taunt us and threaten us. They may mock us and ridicule us, like when the King of Assyria tried to torment Hezekiah and shake the faith of the people of Jerusalem when they were under siege from their enemy, saying, "Is not Hezekiah misleading you, handing you over to die by famine and by thirst, when he tells you, 'The Lord our God will save us from the hand of the king of Assyria?'  ... Who among all the gods of the those nations that my ancestors utterly destroyed was able to save his people from my hand, that your God should be able to save you from my hand? ... How much less will your God save you out of my hand!" (v. 11-15).

 

But Hezekiah's God did save him and all those entrusted to his care. The One who was greater was with them and answered them when they cried out to Him:  "Then Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz prayed because of this and cried out to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in disgrace to his own land. When he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword. So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all of his enemies; He gave them rest on every side" (v. 20-22).

 

Yes, Lord. Our God is greater. "The One who is in (us) is greater than the one in the world" (1 John 4:4). You silence the voice of our accuser. You send forth Your mighty warring angels and speak forth Your mighty word. You send our enemy away in disgrace. You're fighting fiercely for us in ways we don't always see. You're moving mightily for us in ways we don't always know. And You're always inviting us to turn to You in prayer and cry out to You in faith, trusting in the One who is greater than any other. "For great is our God above all gods! (2 Chronicles 2:4) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the power and provision of the One who is greater in every area of your life, as you turn to Him in prayer and cry out to Him in faith, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

           

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 22 - Ever Looking Up to the Lord

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- I worship You, Lord God, in every dimension of Your Being and welcome You into every dimension of my being.  ...

 

"My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net" (Psalm 25:15).

 

Should I look out for myself or look up to You? Should I focus on what makes me afraid or the One who sets me free? Should I worry about all the things that might happen or wait and watch for the word of the One who sees the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end, who holds all time and space and every moment of my life ever-present before Him? ...

 

Hmmm.... I think I'll go with God. I think I'll turn my eyes and my heart and my trust ever toward my Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of every net, get my ox out of every ditch, and cause all things to work together for good, as I entrust all things to Him (Romans 8:28).

 

I think I'll embrace the exhortation of Your Word to "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God, (to) set (my) mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth, for (I) have died, and (my) life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1-3). 

 

I think I'll "look up and lift up (my) head, because (my) redemption draws near" every time I choose to trust in what my God is doing, instead of being anxious about what I'm afraid He's not doing and every time I choose to put my hope in Him to be my help instead of trusting in my power and my wisdom to take care of my problems in my way (Luke 21:28 NKJV).

 

And I think I'll "lift up my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let (my) foot be moved; He who keeps (me) will not slumber. He who keeps (me) will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is (my) keeper; the Lord is (my) shade at (my) right hand. The sun shall not strike (me) by day, not the moon by night. The Lord will keep (me) from all evil; He will keep (my) life. The Lord will keep (my) going out and (my) coming in from this time on and forevermore" (Psalm 121:1-8).

 

Why would I look down or look around at the nets and everything less that my good God's good will for my life when all I need to do is look up with my eyes ever toward the Lord? ...

 

Hmmm.... It suddenly seems like a silly question in the light of the love and power and grace of my sovereign God "-- He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will ever look up to the Lord and be set free from every net and everything less than God's good will for your life, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

           

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 20 - "The Good News of God"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I rest in Your Presence and wait in the silence for the leading of Your Spirit -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:14-15).

 

I'm ready for some good news -- "the good news of God." I'm ready for the good news that stirs hearts to repent and stirs faith to believe. I'm ready to see the kingdom of God come near and to experience that the King of the kingdom is here.

 

Come, Lord Jesus! You are the "King of kings and the Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). And You are here among us; You are here within us, in the Presence and power of Your Spirit (Romans 8:9). And so is Your kingdom -- "for indeed, the kingdom of God is within (us)" (Luke 17:21 NKJV).

 

We live in a broken, fallen world full of bad news -- the bad news of the kingdoms of this world. We hear every day about famines and financial crisis, sickness and sorrow, acts of terror and acquiescence of cowardice, cities under siege and cultures given over to sin, hopelessness and heartlessness, destruction and decay. And in one way, it will all get worse until that day comes when it all gets better (Matthew 24:3-31).

 

We look forward to the good news of that day when all the world sees the news flash of Your coming from one end of the earth to the other:

 

"Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see 'the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven' with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:29).

 

And at the same time, between today and that day to come, Your kingdom comes near to us and Your kingdom comes near to our broken, fallen world through us:

 

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (Isaiah 60:1-3).

 

One day we will see Your Word completely fulfilled that "The kingdoms of this world have become of the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15 NKJV)  And at the same time, every day we repent in our hearts and believe in our faith, embracing Your Presence and "the good news of God," Your kingdom comes and Your will is done -- here in our hearts and here in our world. And for a moment at least, that part of our world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, because the kingdom has come near in us. That's a measure of how we fulfill Your command to "Occupy till (You) come" (Luke 19:13 KJV).

 

This is the hope of the good news of God we have in you -- "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). And by the power of the grace of God, I'm ready to embrace and to share some of that good news of God today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will embrace and share the good news of God today with the Spirt of Christ living through you, in Jesus' name. May His kingdom come and His will be done in you and and through you every where He sends you in your world today. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

           

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, July 19 - My Father's Son

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I begin my day with Your name on my lips. Help me live this day growing into Your nature in my heart.  ...

 

Less of me and more of You.

I want Your nature through and through.

Take my heart and take my soul.

Set me free and make me whole.

Crucified now in my flesh,

Sanctified now in Your rest,

Let Your Spirit live in me.

My Father’s son I’ll always be.

 

Yes, Lord. My Father God, I am Your son -- saved through the sacrifice my Savior Jesus Christ and being filled afresh each day with the Holy Spirit of the Living God (Ephesians 5:18). As a son of God, I'm led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). And the Spirit of God is always is moving in my heart to make me want to be more like Jesus, the perfect image of God my Father (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 1:3; John 10:30).

 

"(I am) not in the flesh; (I am) in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in (me). Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him. But if Christ is in (me), though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in (me), He who raised Christ from the dead will give life to (my) mortal body also through His Spirit that dwells in (me).... For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For (I) did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but (I) have received a Spirit of adoption. When (I) cry, 'Abba! Father!' it is that very Spirit bearing witness with (my) spirit that (I am one of the) children of God, and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ -- if, in fact, (I) suffer with Him so that (I) may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:9-17).

 

Yes, Lord. Let it be so -- all in Your time, all in Your way, all in the power of Your grace. "May the God of peace Himself sanctify (me) entirely; and may (my) spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls (me) is faithful, and He will do this. Beloved, pray for (me)" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-25). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will be filled afresh with God's Spirit every day, making you more like Jesus, being sanctified entirely in spirit and soul and body, as the child of God that you are, in Jesus' name. God is faithful and He will do this, as you willing choose to desperately dependent upon Him alone. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

          

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

www.Messiah-Ministries.org 

  

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

www.RaphaGodMinistries.com 

Please share this word to encourage a friend!