Morning by Morning, August 19 - Strong and Mighty, Faithful and True

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I lift up my head in praise and open up the gates of my heart in prayer, as I begin my day worshipping You and welcoming You into every moment of my day and every area of my life.  ... 

 

"Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory many come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!" (Psalm 24:7-10 NRSV)   ...

 

We heard the good and long-awaited news yesterday that a close friend of mine was found Innocent of all charges, declared Not Guilty by the jury and announced by the judge in his federal court case. He said he was innocent from the beginning, three and a half years ago, and proved it in the trial of his life, even representing himself. 

 

But every day, he was on his knees in prayer, growing more desperately dependent upon You alone each day as his Defender and Deliverer, his Advocate and Savior. He was learning to draw courage and hope from You alone as his Source of strength to persevere in faith until this day would come. And so were his wife and family and so many who knew his integrity and honor, with so many who knew his heart and called him friend. With the jury's Verdict -- which means "to speak the truth" -- it seems this long nightmare is finally over and a new day can finally begin. Praise God! "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning!" (Psalm 30:5)

 

Thank You for Your justice. Thank You for Your mercy. What You do for us as our Father, You require of us as Your children:  "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NKJV). And in all humility, we all know that the victory of this verdict had much more to do with Your righteousness alone than the righteousness of my friend or any of us who prayed. "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.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him" (Lamentations 3:22-25).

 

You have shown Yourself strong and mighty in this battle for truth to be established and justice to be done in my friend's life. And this day of praise, I lift up my head and open up my heart to praise Your holy name, O King of glory! You are the One "called Faithful and True, and in righteousness (You are the One who) judges and makes war" as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:11-16). So You have, once again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the justice and mercy of our God, as you walk humbly with Him, the One who is strong and mighty, faithful and true, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

 

 

Friends, Thank You so much for all the encouraging notes and prayers! We're praising God for all He has done for my close friend, Mikal Watts and his family through this trial. His name and his honor have been restored in the power of the mighty name of Jesus! And I pray for God's restoration and grace in your life and the lives those on your heart in prayer. 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 17 - Dedication to Vindication

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Sovereign King, merciful and mighty God, You are my Lord and Savior, and I welcome Your saving grace and ruling lordship into every moment of my day -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory.... Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth.... The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth:  Say to daughter Zion, 'See, your salvation comes; His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him'" (Isaiah 62:1-11 NRSV).

 

We are Your sentinels -- Your watchmen on wall. You position us in prayer and deploy us in battle.  You encourage us and empower us to persevere in faith until we see Your victory and the vindication of Your people established on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

 

You stir in our hearts to seek Your heart in prayer. You put Your thoughts in our minds and Your desires in our hearts. Then You invite us to partner with Your Word and Your will by the moving of Your Spirit in our prayers and praises and proclamations until we see Your kingdom come and Your will be done in the matters You've put in our hearts to pray:  "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

 

You know every matter on my heart today. And I believe by faith You are the One who put those matters on my heart to pray. So by the power of the grace of God, I will pray. And I will persevere in faith. And I will proclaim Your truth and Your will according to Your Word. And I will praise You now for the victory and the vindication to come -- as best as I can and all by Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the victory and vindication of God in every matter He's put on your heart to pray, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

 

 

Friends, thank you so much for all the encouraging notes and prayers! 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. Closing Arguments were yesterday and now the jury will decide. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. 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 17 - Dedication to Vindication

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Sovereign King, merciful and mighty God, You are my Lord and Savior, and I welcome Your saving grace and ruling lordship into every moment of my day -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory.... Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth.... The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth:  Say to daughter Zion, 'See, your salvation comes; His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him'" (Isaiah 62:1-11 NRSV).

 

We are Your sentinels -- Your watchmen on wall. You position us in prayer and deploy us in battle.  You encourage us and empower us to persevere in faith until we see Your victory and the vindication of Your people established on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

 

You stir in our hearts to seek Your heart in prayer. You put Your thoughts in our minds and Your desires in our hearts. Then You invite us to partner with Your Word and Your will by the moving of Your Spirit in our prayers and praises and proclamations until we see Your kingdom come and Your will be done in the matters You've put in our hearts to pray:  "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

 

You know every matter on my heart today. And I believe by faith You are the One who put those matters on my heart to pray. So by the power of the grace of God, I will pray. And I will persevere in faith. And I will proclaim Your truth and Your will according to Your Word. And I will praise You now for the victory and the vindication to come -- as best as I can and all by Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the victory and vindication of God in every matter He's put on your heart to pray, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

 

Friends, thank you so much for all the encouraging notes and prayers! 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. Closing Arguments will be today. Please pray for courage for the judge who has continued to take the Motion to Acquit under consideration, in a rare move, even as the case is given to the jury to decide their verdict. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. By the grace of God, this trial seems to be going exceptionally well, with more truth being revealed every day. 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 16 - Power of Positive Praising

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good Shepherd of my soul, let me hear Your voice and follow Your lead.  ...

 

"So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went, Johoshaphat stood and said, 'Hear me, O Judah and your inhabitants of Jerusalem:  Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.' And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:  'Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.' When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated" (2 Chronicles 20:20-22 NKJV).

 

Some speak of the power of positive thinking. And it's true that "as (one) thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). You said, "According to your faith let it be to you" (Matthew 9:29). But Your Word also speaks of the power of positive praising, as when King Johoshaphat and all the people of Israel rose early in the morning and began to praise the beauty of Your holiness and proclaim their faith in Your mercy that endures forever. As they worshiped You, You set an ambush for their enemies and defeated their plans to destroy Your people.

 

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). And one of the mightiest weapons of our warfare is worship and praise. When we worship You and praise You, when we lift up our eyes and our hearts to You, we remember the One who is our help, the One who never ceases to war in the heavens on our behalf (Psalm 121:1-2). In You, our victory is won and the battle belongs to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15).

 

So as I rise up early this morning, my first thoughts are not of the battle of the day or the enemies of my soul or even the needs of my family or the calling of my ministry. My first thoughts are of You. My first acts are worship and praise. "Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth... For He is coming, for His is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth" (Psalm 96:8-13). By the grace of God in the leading of Your Spirit, this is the power of positive praising. And I'll be excited to look and see the deliverance of the Lord (Psalm 18:17). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the mighty deliverance of our God on your behalf, as you rise early in the morning to worship and praise the Lord in the beauty of His holiness, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

 

Friends, thank you so much for all the encouraging notes and prayers! 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. Please pray for courage for the judge who has taken the Motion to Acquit under consideration, in a rare move, before the case is given to the jury to decide their verdict probably early this week. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. By the grace of God, this trial seems to be going exceptionally well, with more truth being revealed every day. 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 15 - "They Shall Not Prevail"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Your name is above every name (Philippians 2:9). And I lift up Your name in worship and praise above every moment of my day and every matter on my heart.  ...

 

"They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:19).

 

We're in a battle every day (John 10:10). The enemies of our soul never give up the fight. It's just that some days are much less subtle than others. Some days they're more in our face than sneaking around behind our back. But though they fight against us, they will not prevail against us. For You are with us and You will deliver us. "(We) are of God, little children, and have overcome them:  because greater is He that is in (us), than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4 KJV).

 

Arise today, O Lord. Let my enemies be scattered! (Psalm 68:1) "As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; and as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly!" (Psalm 68:2-3 NKJV)

 

We're only righteous in You, because You set things right in us through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). And though our enemies fight against us, even though things are not always right in the means and systems they use to try to destroy us, they will not prevail against us. Your truth will stand. Their lies will fall. Your will shall be done. And all along the way, You will be at work in us, teaching us to trust more in You, making us more like You, through every fight we endure and every enemy we overcome (Romans 8:28-29). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I pray you will see the Lord our God arise to scatter your enemies, who shall not prevail against you, but will only be used to empower you to trust more in our God and become more like Him through every fight you face and overcome, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

    

"I, the Lord, will roar like a Lion" (Hosea 11:10 NLT)

 

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. Please pray for courage for the judge who has taken the Motion to Acquit under consideration, in a rare move, before the case is given to the jury to decide their verdict probably early this week. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. By the grace of God, this trial seems to be going exceptionally well, with more truth being revealed every day. 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 12 - "Desired Haven" of Peace

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). Rule and reign over every dimension of my life today. Under the sovereignty of Your kingship and the authority of Your lordship, I have nothing to fear in all that I may face. And the best of all is that You are with me through it all. So I begin my day speaking out Your name and listening for Your voice.  ...

 

"Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to the desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:28-31 NKJV)

 

As a close friend of mine continues to present his case in the trial of his life, he's crying out to You. As each distortion is clarified and every misrepresentation is confronted, You are exposing the lies and revealing the truth to establish his innocence, while he cries out to You. His desired haven in the storm at hand is the restoration of the honor of his name. And the heaven he'll find will be in the peace and joy he'll know in his soul when You calm this storm and still these waves to bring him out of this distress. 

 

One day soon, we'll all join with him and all his family and friends to give thanks to You for all Your goodness and wonderful works. That's my prayer for him and proclamation over him, as Your Spirit continues to stir in our hearts to persevere in prayer until all is done and he is home in that desired haven of peace. You are our Haven of Peace (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

I rejoice with you and thank the Lord our God for bringing you through every storm into His haven of peace for you, 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. He'll likely be calling his last witnesses today, with the judge giving the case to the jury to decide their verdict early next week. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. By the grace of God, this trial seems to be going exceptionally well, with more truth being revealed every day. 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 11 - Revealing "All that is Good and Right and True"

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I want to begin my day seeking Your face, embracing Your Presence, and waiting for Your leading -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  ...

 

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light -- for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light" (Ephesians 5:6-14).

 

In Your light, darkness cannot hide. In Your light, the darkness of distortions and lies are exposed. And in Your light, "all that is good and right and true" is reveled.

 

Shine the Your light of Your truth in my heart first. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). And then with clean hands and a pure heart that comes through the repentance of a humble heart before You, Your light shines through us to expose the darkness around us. You "turn the darkness before (us) into light" (Isaiah 42:16). "(Your) light shines in the darkness, and the darkness (cannot) overcome it" (John 1:5).

 

When our hearts are in Your hands and Your truth abides in our lives, wherever we are, we bring Your light into that place -- into our homes, into our workplace, into our schools, into our courtrooms, into every place where You send us and position us to expose the darkness and reveals the light. The light of the kingdom of God arises and shines because the light of the kingdom of God arises upon us and shines through us (Isaiah 60:1; Luke 17:21). In You, "(We) are the light of the world" because the Light of the world is in us" (Matthew 5:14). Come shine the light of Your truth through me today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

Tommy,  I pray the light of God's truth will shine through you everywhere the Lord's sends you and positions you each day, revealing all that is good and right and true through you, 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. Thank you so much for all who were praying for me yesterday as I was available as a witness but not called at this stage. I did get to witness the light of truth being revealed and many distortions and lies being exposed, as my friend is being exonerated. Please continue to join with me to press through in prayer until the end for him and his family. By the grace of God, this trial seems to be going exceptionally well, with more truth being revealed every day. 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 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!