Friday, March 03, 2023

“Iron Sharpens Iron” - March 3, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, March 3 - “Iron Sharpens Iron”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me in the Way and the Truth and Life in You today (John 14:6). For You are my Life, and my life is in You (Colossians 3:3). ...

 

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 ESV).

 

I’ll be sharing a little bit at a men’s retreat down on the Guadalupe River of Texas this weekend. This group of men have been getting together for twenty years and look forward to this time of fellowship and friendship all year long. For the past few years, I’ve been honored and blessed to get to join them and share a word or two of encouragement. But my favorite times have always been those inevitable opportunities of the Holy Spirit to get to be a part of someone’s one-on-one, heart-to-heart, life-changing experience with You. I’m praying for another one of those!

 

Men need the Lord. And men need one another. Together we encourage one another, learn from one another, and join together with one another to grow in spiritual maturity and authority, finding security in our true identity and fulfilling our God-given destiny in Christ. And sometimes that takes some time that’s set apart to get apart from our wives so we can become better husbands, get apart from our children so we can become better fathers, get apart from our parents so we can become better sons, get apart from jobs so we can become better employees and employers, even get apart from our local churches so we can become better disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Women, of course, need these same things in their own way. But any Godly woman will tell you the men in their lives need Jesus more than anything else. And if a little time down by the river or out in the woods or off on somebody’s ranch will help make that happen and git-er-done, well then “Amen! Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus! And pass them boys some more biscuits before they come home smelling like a campfire infused with the Holy Fire!”

 

Come, Holy Spirit with Your Holy Fire! Come burn in hearts this weekend, as You set us ablaze with a passion for God and all God has entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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

 

My friend, may you be sharpened and encourage and become more like Jesus in your times set apart for fellowship and friendship with the Godly people He has put into your life, in Jesus' name. God bless you!



Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org

Praise God! I'm going to Africa to preach a Crusade in Kenya in July, 2023! Thank you for sending me!


$7,050 of the $6,000 Needed is Raised! Praise God!


I went 12 years ago with Evangelist Wesley Paul and am thrilled to be going to preach again in July 2023.

Thank you for supporting me and sending me to go!

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


"And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end will come"

(Matthew 24:14)

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

March 3-4

Speaking at a Men's Retreat on the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas


March 12

Free to Be Like Jesus Course on Sunday Mornings at 9:00am

(In Addition to my weekly Tuesday Night Course at 6:00pm)

Teaching a 6 week series at 9am at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, TX on Spiritual Freedom, Maturity, and Authority (March 12 to April 16)

Based on my Books Free to Be Like Jesus and First the Spirit

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


March 13

Faith & Family Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas with Matt Long


March 15, 23, 29

Equipping the Restoration Ministry Team for MorningStar Ministries Online Connect Groups


March 16-19

Leading a Prayer Revival at Olney Methodist Church in Olney, Illinois


March 25-26

Leading a Setting Hearts Free Weekend Encounter at Grace Community Church in Tahoka, Texas. Global Methodist Church gathering. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Open to all.


April 21-22

Preaching Revival at the Barn! 6pm Each Night

The Barn behind Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters in Fredericksburg, Texas

Please come and start spreading the word as we pray for Revival!


April 24-27

Fellowship of Ministries Retreat with MorningStar Ministries


April 29

Officiating the Wedding of Karen Lindsay's Daughter Sarah and John


May 5

Next Messiah Ministries' Men's Retreat in the Texas Hill Country.

All men are welcome! We had fantastic feedback from our "pilot" retreat in February. Send me an email if you are interested!


May 10

Speaking at San Antonio Aglow International Ministries - Day Time Lighthouse. 10 to Noon. Contact: sa.day.aglow@gmail.com

 

July 17-31

Preaching an Evangelistic Crusade in Kenya!


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

Order these Spiritual Books by Tommy Hays Today!

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

Thursday, March 02, 2023

“Bold as a Lion” - March 2, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, March 2 - “Bold as a Lion”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill my heart with Your Spirit and make me more like You today (Romans 8:9 and 8:29). ...

 

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

 

Holy Spirit, make me more righteous. Make me more bold. Make me more like Jesus.

 

Sometimes with words, sometimes with silence, always in obedience to the Father and full of faith in His heart, Jesus was righteous and bold as He walked this earth as our Lord and Savior, but also as our Example.

 

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). “For to this (we) were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that (we) should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

 

In Christ, we are righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Christ, we are bold (Acts 4:29). In Christ, we are “filled with the Holy Spirit (that we) speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). In Christ, we can take our stand and speak our voice, because Christ stands in us and speak His voice through us by His Spirit who lives in us (John 15:4).

 

Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb of God who laid down Your life to take away our sins (John 1:29). And at the same time, You are also “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). Lion of Judah, bold and righteous Lion of God, utter and release Your bold and righteous voice through Your people You’re making to be bold and righteous in You!

 

“The Lord utters His voice before His army, for His camp is exceedingly great; He who executes His word is powerful. For the day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it?” (Joel 2:11) “Let God arise! Let His enemies be scattered! Let those also who hate Him flee before Him!” (Psalm 68:1) In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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

 

My friend, may you be bold as a lion and righteous in Christ, following in His steps with His Spirit in your heart, in Jesus' name. God bless you!



Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org

Praise God! I'm going to Africa to preach a Crusade in Kenya in July, 2023! Thank you for sending me!


$7,050 of the $6,000 Needed is Raised! Praise God!


I went 12 years ago with Evangelist Wesley Paul and am thrilled to be going to preach again in July 2023.

Thank you for supporting me and sending me to go!

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


"And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end will come"

(Matthew 24:14)

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

March 3-4

Speaking at a Men's Retreat on the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas


March 12

Free to Be Like Jesus Course on Sunday Mornings at 9:00am

(In Addition to my weekly Tuesday Night Course at 6:00pm)

Teaching a 6 week series at 9am at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, TX on Spiritual Freedom, Maturity, and Authority (March 12 to April 16)

Based on my Books Free to Be Like Jesus and First the Spirit

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


March 13

Faith & Family Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas with Matt Long


March 15, 23, 29

Equipping the Restoration Ministry Team for MorningStar Ministries Online Connect Groups


March 16-19

Leading a Prayer Revival at Olney Methodist Church in Olney, Illinois


March 25-26

Leading a Setting Hearts Free Weekend Encounter at Grace Community Church in Tahoka, Texas. Global Methodist Church gathering. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Open to all.


April 21-22

Preaching Revival at the Barn! 6pm Each Night

The Barn behind Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters in Fredericksburg, Texas

Please come and start spreading the word as we pray for Revival!


April 24-27

Fellowship of Ministries Retreat with MorningStar Ministries


April 29

Officiating the Wedding of Karen Lindsay's Daughter Sarah and John


May 5

Next Messiah Ministries' Men's Retreat in the Texas Hill Country.

All men are welcome! We had fantastic feedback from our "pilot" retreat in February. Send me an email if you are interested!


May 10

Speaking at San Antonio Aglow International Ministries - Day Time Lighthouse. 10 to Noon. Contact: sa.day.aglow@gmail.com

 

July 17-31

Preaching an Evangelistic Crusade in Kenya!


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

Order these Spiritual Books by Tommy Hays Today!

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

Wednesday, March 01, 2023

Rights and Responsibilities to “Train Up a Child” - March 1, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, March 1 - Rights and Responsibilities to “Train Up a Child”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You here in my heart and every moment of my day -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...

 

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

 

The Word of God speaks of our responsibility under God to train up our children in the way they should go. And the Spirit of God empowers us to do so. No government replaces that responsibility or usurps that authority.

 

From the earliest Declaration of the government being formed in our nation under the guidance of the Providence of God, as our forefathers stated, we have determined to be a nation entrusting limited authority to government only by the “consent of the governed.” As commonly understood, “A government’s legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and lawful only when consented to by the people or society over which that political power is exercised.”

 

The delegated authority entrusted to our school districts, academies, institutions, churches, or any other body who partner with us to train up our children is no different. And when any governmental body, so entrusted, violates that principle of our consent, it becomes tyranny. And if we won’t use our voice to speak up with our God-given responsibility and authority, we can’t blame the tyrants.

 

In my home State of Texas, that delegated authority is expressed like this:

 

Education Code

Title 2. Public Education

Subtitle E. Students and Parents

Chapter 26. Parental Rights and Responsibilities

 

Sec. 26.001. Purpose. (a) Parents are partners with educators, administrators, and school district boards of trustees in their children's education. Parents shall be encouraged to actively participate in creating and implementing educational programs for their children.

(b) The rights listed in this chapter are not exclusive. This chapter does not limit a parent's rights under other law.

(c) Unless otherwise provided by law, a board of trustees, administrator, educator, or other person may not limit parental rights.

(d) Each board of trustees shall provide for procedures to consider complaints that a parent's right has been denied.

 

As a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, that authority is expressed like this:

 

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

 

You expressed it like this:

 

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

 

And this:

 

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

 

Lord, let us not sit back and be silent in such a time as this, when a war is waged for the souls of our children in their hearts and minds at school. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear what they are being taught. And give us courage to stand up and voices to speak out when what they are being taught is destructive to their true identity and contrary to Your Truth. And even more importantly, stir up within us -- whether natural mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, or spiritual mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers -- our God-given responsibility and authority to train up our children in what is good and right and true according to Your Word and as applied by Your Spirit.

 

I’m reminded of the words of courage, spoken by men of courage in the spiritual battles of their day:

 

"Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me."

‑-William Wilberforce

 

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth.... And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

--Joshua

 

By the grace of God, may I not be silent nor fail to act, but serve the Lord. And by the grace of God, may I take my place in the community of our faith to train up our children in the way they should go, partnering, when possible, with delegated authority proving themselves worthy of our trust and consent, but at the same time, never neglecting our God-given authority and responsibility. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.



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

 

My friend, may you be stirred up by the Holy Spirit to stand up and speak out as the Lord leads you on behalf of your children and spiritual children, as you and your community of faith train them up in the way they should go according to God's Word and Spirit, in Jesus' name. God bless you!



Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org

Praise God! I'm going to Africa to preach a Crusade in Kenya in July, 2023! Thank you for sending me!


$6,900 of the $6,000 Needed is Raised! Praise God!


I went 12 years ago with Evangelist Wesley Paul and am thrilled to be going to preach again in July 2023.

Thank you for supporting me and sending me to go!

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


"And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end will come"

(Matthew 24:14)

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

March 3-4

Speaking at Men's Retreat on the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas


March 12

Free to Be Like Jesus Course on Sunday Mornings at 9:00

Teaching a 6 week series at 9am at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, TX on Spiritual Freedom, Maturity, and Authority

(March 12 through April 16)

Based on my Books Free to Be Like Jesus and First the Spirit

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


March 13

Faith & Family Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas with Matt Long


March 15, 23, 29

Equipping the Restoration Ministry Team for MorningStar Ministries Online Connect Groups


March 16-19

Leading a Prayer Revival at Olney Methodist Church in Olney, Illinois


March 25-26

Leading a Setting Hearts Free Weekend Encounter at Grace Community Church in Tahoka, Texas. Global Methodist Church gathering. Open to all.


April 21-22

Preaching Revival at the Barn! 6pm Each Night

The Barn behind Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters in Fredericksburg, Texas

Please come and start spreading the word as we pray for Revival!


April 24-27

Fellowship of Ministries Retreat with MorningStar Ministries


April 29

Officiating the Wedding of Karen Lindsay's Daughter Sarah and John


May 5

Next Messiah Ministries' Men's Retreat in the Texas Hill Country.

All men are welcome! We had fantastic feedback from our "pilot" retreat in February. Send me an email if you are interested!


May 10

Speaking at San Antonio Aglow International Ministries - Day Time Lighthouse. 10 to Noon. Contact: sa.day.aglow@gmail.com

 

July

Preaching an Evangelistic Crusade in Kenya!


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

Order these Spiritual Books by Tommy Hays Today!

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

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

True “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” as Defined by God - February 28, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, February 28 - True “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” as Defined by God

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart, as I seek to begin my day grounded in Your Word and filled with Your Spirit. ...

 

Last night I was honored to give the opening prayer and remarks for a rally in our community of Fredericksburg, Texas, hosted by Moms for Liberty, encouraging our community to stand up and speak out against the tide of the culture of our day seeking to program and pervert the minds of our children. World renown investigative journalist Lara Logan, who lives and raises their children in our community, spoke with fiery passion against the false narratives and dark agendas being imposed upon our children with nice-sounding terms like “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” which are doing just the opposite to the hearts and minds of our children.

 

This morning, the Word of Scripture that Your Holy Spirit is bringing to mind to me is a picture of the true diversity and equity and inclusion You intend for every child of God in all Your creation:

 

“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying:

 

‘You are worthy to take the scroll,

And to open its seals;

For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

And have made us kings and priests to our God;

And we shall reign on the earth.’

 

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:

 

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

To receive power and riches and wisdom,

And strength and honor and glory and blessing!’

 

“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

 

‘Blessing and honor and glory and power

Be to Him who sits on the throne,

And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:8-13)

 

That’s a picture of the children of God, saved and redeemed by the Lamb of God, grown up to maturity in their true identity as the sons and daughters of God, worshipping You and serving You as “kings and priests to our God” in true diversity and equity and inclusion from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation!”

 

You are the One to receive all glory and power and honor and blessing -- not the governments of this world or the rulers and influencers and controllers of the world. And Your Word is what is to define gender and sexuality and marriage and life and family and morality.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, in this radical revolution of restoration to what is right and reformation into all You’ve forever desired for all the children of God created in the image of God.

 

Last night I shared a prophetic picture You gave me during the prayer time of a powder keg about to explode and a spark ready to ignite it. Lara Logan said what immediately came to her the moment I spoke it was “urgency.” Now is the time to act. Now is the time to stand up and speak out and take a stand for the sake of our children.

 

Yes, Lord. Ignite our hearts by Your Holy Spirit. Let us not be complacent, but courageous. Let us not be passive, but passionate. Let us not be intimidated, but invigorated. By the power of Your grace, let us fight for this generation entrusted to our care -- not to the care of the rulers of this age, but to our care in submission to the One who is Ruler of All for all eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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

 

My friend, may you be empowered by the Holy Spirit to stand up and speak out in your community against the tide of all that would seek to confuse and control our minds and the minds of our children with the false ideas and agendas of this age, in Jesus' name. God bless you!



Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org

I've been invited to go and preach a Crusade in Kenya


$5,600 of the $6,000 Needed is Raised!


I went 12 years ago with Evangelist Wesley Paul and would be thrilled to be able to go preach again in July 2023.

Please consider supporting us and sending us to go!

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


"And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end will come"

(Matthew 24:14)

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


February 27 Thank You for Your Prayers Last Night! Standing Room only crowd in Fredericksburg!

Opening Prayer and Remarks for Moms For Liberty Rally in Fredericksburg, TX 6pm at St Joseph's Halle, 212 W San Antonio Street. Lara Logan is speaking also! Advocating for Parents' Rights and Godly Values in Our Schools and Communities.

https://momsforliberty.org/events/1434


March 3-4

Speaking at Men's Retreat on the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas


March 12

Free to Be Like Jesus Course on Sunday Mornings at 9:00

Teaching a 6 week series at 9am at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, TX on Spiritual Freedom, Maturity, and Authority

(March 12 through April 16)

Based on my Books Free to Be Like Jesus and First the Spirit

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


March 13

Faith & Family Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas with Matt Long


March 16-19

Leading a Prayer Revival at Olney Methodist Church in Olney, Illinois


March 25-26

Leading a Setting Hearts Free weekend encounter at Grace Community Church in Tahoka, Texas. Global Methodist Church gathering. Open to all.


April 21-22

Preaching Revival at the Barn! 6pm Each Night

The Barn behind Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters in Fredericksburg, Texas

Please come and start spreading the word as we pray for Revival!


April 24-27

Fellowship of Ministries Retreat with MorningStar Ministries


April 29

Officiating the Wedding of Karen Lindsay's Daughter Sarah


May 5

Next Messiah Ministries' Men's Retreat in Texas Hill Country.

All men are welcome! We had fantastic feedback from our "pilot" retreat in February. Send me an email if you are interested!


May 10

Speaking at San Antonio Aglow International Ministries - Day Time Lighthouse. 10 to Noon. Contact: sa.day.aglow@gmail.com

 

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

Order these Spiritual Books by Tommy Hays Today!

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