Prophetic Intercession 7-2-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You increase, as I decrease -- more of Your will and less of mine, more of Your Spirit and less of my flesh. ... "He covers His hands with lightning and commands it to strike the mark" (Job 36:32). The word of Your command goes forth with power and purpose, never returning empty, always striking its mark (Isaiah 55:11). You stretch for Your hand in power and send forth Your word with precision. "Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him" (Proverbs 30:5). "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). And You have invited us into this exciting realm of releasing Your will on earth as it is in heaven, as we listen for Your voice in prayer and release Your word in Your power by the authority of Your name. "Jesus answered them, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what has been done to this fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive' " (Matthew 21:21-22). This is prophetic intercession and declaration. Just as the Father sent You as Son of Man, so You have sent us -- the sons and daughters of man -- as the body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, to continue the ministry of Christ in the authority and power of Your name (John 20:21). As You prayed in the final days of Your life on earth in the flesh, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You have sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" (John 17:17-18). Now as we seek You in prayer and serve You in power, Your Word commands us use the gifts and move in the authority You have entrusted to us: "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you have received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength the God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:10-11). When we answer Your call to prayer and obey Your command to join with You through the gifts and authority You've given, through the prayer and proclamation of prophetic intercession Your will is released on earth as it is in heaven. In Your wisdom and by Your grace, You not only allows us, but You desire us to be a part of Your plan of the redemption of all creation, which "waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God" (Romans 8:19). "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's heavens; but the earth He has given to the children of men" (Psalm 115:16, NKJV). By Your grace and for Your glory, may we be obedient children, faithful disciples, and good stewards of all You have entrusted to us as we pray and proclaim in the authority of Your name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, if you can please come join us the annual Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit in Columbus, Ohio this week from Wednesday night through Sunday. I'm excited to be the Pre-Conference keynote speaker Wednesday night, teaching on emotional healing during the conference, and serving with the word gifts discernment team during the worship sessions: http://aldersgaterenewal.org Our publisher will be releasing my new book Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays as a 365 Day Prayer Devotional at the Aldersgate Conference in the bookstore. Click Here to Order Online Now. Thank you for the encouragement of so many to have these morning prayers published. Here are some upcoming opportunities for teaching and ministry with key dates: NEW Registration Deadline July 7, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 - ONLY A FEW MORE CABINS LEFT (prices may be different from original posted). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" August 2-3, 2008 -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch (A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 -"The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy HaysJuly 24-26, 2008 (become equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00)Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Fire and Hammer 7-1-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Before I think of anything else, I think of You. ... "Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let one who has My word speak My word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. Is not My word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:28-29). In these days of true signs and counterfeit signs, true words and false words, prophets of the Spirit and prophets of the flesh, we need Your discernment to sort out the straw from the wheat. Send forth the fire of Your word to consume the chaff of the false and the flesh, while You release Your true harvest of righteousness. Send forth the hammer of Your word to break to pieces the false facades of our hardened hearts and graven idols we've created with our own hands and erected with our own words, while You release Your true word that breaks every yoke of bondage to set the captives free. And when You come to us in our dreams speak to us with Your words, let us be faithful to test it and discern it, then share it as You lead, adding nothing to it and taking nothing away. Your written Word calls us to listen for Your spoken word, that we "may prophesy" it boldly and faithfully from a humble heart, confident in You, for "upbuilding and encouragement and consolation" of Your people (1 Corinthians 14:1-3). But keep teaching us how to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good" so that we don’t confuse the straw for the wheat nor the wheat for the straw (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And we will see the fire and hammer of Your word released faithfully in Your power to change our hearts and our world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, if you can please come join us for the annual Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit in Columbus, Ohio this week from Wednesday night through Sunday. I'm excited to be the Pre-Conference keynote speaker Wednesday night, teaching on emotional healing during the conference, and serving with the word gifts discernment team during the worship sessions: http://aldersgaterenewal.org Our publisher will be releasing my book Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays as a 365 Day Prayer Devotional at the Aldersgate Conference in the bookstore. It will also be available online soon. Thank you for the encouragement of so many to have these morning prayers published. Here are some upcoming opportunities for teaching and ministry with key dates: NEW Registration Deadline July 7, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 - ONLY A FEW MORE CABINS LEFT! (prices may be different from original posted). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch August 2-3, 2008 (A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 - "The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (become equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00) Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

To the Battle Line 6-30-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I rise this morning to entrust myself and this day to You. ... "David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, took the provisions, and went as Jesse had commanded him. He came to the encampment as the army was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry" (1 Samuel 17:20). Many claimed to be the army of the Lord, going forth as to battle, shouting their war cry. But when confronted by their enemy, taunting their Lord and mocking their people, they fled in fear and shame (v. 17:24). They compared their enemy's strength to their own instead of Yours. But David was of a different spirit. With a heart of faith and a spirit of courage, he encouraged others, saying, "Let no one's heart fail because of him! (v. 17:32). And when his enemy approached with taunts and threats, "David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine" (v. 17:48). His heart didn't fail; his heart was filled with the faith to know and declare, "The battle is the Lord's!" (v. 17:47). These weapons of war You've placed in our hands are not swords and spears, but courage and faith. David's weapons were not even the slingshot and smooth stone he used to fell his foe. His weapons were Your words of truth and life hidden in his heart to be released in power at Your command. These "weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power" (2 Corinthians 10:4). When we wield them in obedience to Your leading, with faith in Your words, we will see our enemies scatter and Your name gloried, "so that all the earth may know there is a God" whose hand is mighty to save all who trust in Him (1 Samuel 17:46). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Seek, Listen, and Hear 6-29-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My body rises to greet the day as my spirit rises to seek Your face. ... "Whoever is from God hears the words of God" (John 8:47). You have created us for communication with You. You are not distant, but intimate. You are not aloof, but near. You are a personal God drawing each one of us into a personal relationship. And one of the ways You reveal Your relationship with us is through speaking Your words to us, as You draw our spirits to listen and open our ears to hear. "Indeed, the word of God is living and active" (Hebrews 4:12). Sometimes You lead me to journal our conversations as I express the thoughts that come to my heart and as I listen for the leading of Your voice (John 10:27). "I cry aloud to the Lord and He answers me from His holy hill" (Psalm 3:4). "My Father, what would You say to me today as I listen for the leading of Your voice from Your holy hill and as You draw my spirit up on high in communion with Yours?" "My son, those who hear Me are those who take time to listen. When You seek Me and listen for Me, you honor Me. Just as when you take time to look into the eyes of your child and listen to the thoughts of his heart, so I take time to look into your eyes and listen into your heart. Lift your eyes to Me and open your heart to me, and You will hear My words to you." "Yes, Lord. I do lift up my eyes and open up my heart and listen for Your voice." "My son, these are days of rest for you. Rest now for the journey ahead. Be strengthened now in My peace with your family for the battles ahead. Do not be anxious for tomorrow, but take each day as it comes. And this is a day of rest for you." "Yes, Lord. I rest in You, my Father. And I find peace in Your words that are settling deep within my soul. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen." Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Hear His Words of Love 6-28-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Send forth Your Word; speak deeply to my soul. ... Father send forth Your Word Speak deeply to my soul Let Your voice be heard That I may truly know Just How You love me so Jesus rule and reign in me Transform my very soul Open my eyes to see That I may truly know Just how You love me so Holy Spirit come Arise within my soul Lift me to the heavens above That I may truly know Just how You love me so "Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts. Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land" (Psalm 85:8-9). Thank You for this new song of Your Spirit You're singing in my soul. When I get quiet and listen for the leading of Your voice, when I watch and wait for Your Word, I often hear Your words of love to me. Then there are often words of correction and direction, but so often You begin with the assurance of Your love and peace of Your presence. This is a gift of Your grace for all who turn to You in their hearts. Your love for us is the fullness of our salvation, always at hand for those who will take Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, my family and I are enjoying our simple time away together at Lake Cumberland state park in south central Kentucky. It was supposed to be rainy, but it's gorgeous! I pray for God's blessings of rest and peace for you and your family. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"An Excellent Spirit" 6-27-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I dedicate and consecrate my life and this day to You. ... "There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzer made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were in this Daniel ..." (Daniel 5:11-12). In the face of crumbling economies, environment catastrophes, moral decay, and global terror, the world is looking for answers to explain these riddles and solve these problems. They are looking for the wisdom of the gods they worship out of dependence, fear, or ignorance. But there is only one God who has wisdom for these days. There is only one Spirit of the holy God who gives true enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom to those who seek Him in worship, humble themselves before Him in prayer, and embrace Him in faith. There are no other gods but You. And in You alone, we receive "a spirit of wisdom and revelation as (we) come to know (You)" (Ephesians 1:17). Daniel came to know You. "Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all ... because an excellent spirit was in him" (Daniel 6:3). As we grow in the intimacy of knowing You, Your excellent Spirit will fill us with the wisdom and revelation our world needs. As we distinguished ourselves with the wisdom only You can provide, the world will see You in us -- "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). And we will be placed in positions of influence and authority for the transformation of this world. Though the darkness will grow darker, the light of Your glory shining through Your people will grow brighter (Isaiah 60:1-2). "Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (v. 60:3). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, our family is getting away together to a state park for the next few days, so I'll probably have limited access to the internet, but please keep us in your prayers for some rest and fun together. God bless you! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Authority Over All the Land" 6-25-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Living Waters, refresh me in Your Spirit I pray. ... "Pharaoh said to his servants, 'Can we find anyone else like this -- one in whom is the spirit of God?' So Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with regard to the throne shall I be greater than you.' And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.'... Thus Joseph gained authority over all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:38-45). You prepared Joseph through the furnace of affliction until it was time to position Joseph in his mountain peak of influence. He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with You and with people through the years of faithful endurance and faithful persistence. In the fullness of time, You gave him discernment and wisdom for solutions to the insurmountable problems of his day. Then You opened the eyes of those in positions of power to see the hand of Your Spirit and the grace of Your favor upon him. And as You ordered his steps, he gained authority over one of the kingdoms of this world for Your purposes and Your glory. Position me, Lord. Give me grace to endure my furnace of affliction and seasons of preparation. Give me a hunger to seek You and the gifts and graces I will need to fulfill my destiny for Your glory. Work in me the lessons I need for You to impart and develop discernment and wisdom to walk in favor in the spheres of access and authority You entrust to me for the purposes of Your kingdom. And give me eyes to see that in others as You empower me to encourage them with Your word to gain authority over all the land You have entrusted to them. Together with You and as one in Your Spirit, we will be Your means to transform our culture. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come join us for some upcoming opportunities of ministry: New Registration Deadline June 27, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline June 30, 2008 -"The Shepherd's Pen" -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch July 12-13, 2008 (A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 -"The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Be equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00) Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" http://www.messiah-ministries.org/ 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

Seven Mountains of Culture 6-24-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lord of lords and King of kings, be Lord and King of my life today. ... "Then the devil led Him up and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to Him, "To You I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be Yours" (Luke 4:5-7). Our Father didn't give the devil his authority and influence over all the kingdoms of the world. Our Father gave that authority to us (Genesis 1:2). And then we gave it to the devil through our choice to rebel against God and submit to him (Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-21). To this day, just as he boasted to You in the wilderness of Your temptation, he tempts us to worship him by allowing him to exercise the authority of dominion and influence in the kingdoms of the world You have entrusted to us. If we do, we give him that place of glory that only You deserve. Christian leader Lance Wallnau believes You are revealing to us there are seven mountains of culture that are the key high places of influence and authority in the kingdoms of our world: Religion, Government, Family, Education, Business, Media, and Arts and Entertainment. When we bow to the influence of the devil in these strategic areas of dominion, we abdicate our responsibility and authority to "exercise dominion" over what You have entrusted to our care to be stewarded in submission to Your ways. When we do, "the ruler of this world" has authority and influence in our lives (John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11). That's how "the whole world lies under the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19). But as we reclaim our culture through prayer and obedience in submission to You and Your authority and Your ways, we drive the devil out of the places of dominion we have given to him. You are high and lifted up as we repent and return our hearts to You in worship of You alone. We join with the voices of heaven to declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). Lord, we cry out for the transformation of our communities and culture. Give us the power of Your grace to move forward in the courage of Your wisdom and strength to reclaim the high places in these seven mountains of culture. Let us see the kingdoms of the world restored and redeemed to the glory of Your name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I would appreciate your prayers this week as I join pastors and ministry leaders from many diverse ministries of the body of Christ for our annual retreat of the MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries in the next few days. Rick Joyner leads our retreats as we seek to hear what the Lord is saying to His church in these days: http://www.morningstarministries.org This is one of my times each year for some personal renewal and encouragement, and I'm really looking forward to it. God bless! Please pray for the final steps for publication of my new book -- Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays. This will be a 365 Day Prayer Devotional taking from my morning prayers. It should be released July 4th at the Aldersgate Conference where I'll be speaking and teaching in Columbus, Ohio: http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org (Please come join us!). If you're interested, you'll be able to order a copy of Morning by Morning soon! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Groaning in Labor Pains" 6-23-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I watch and wait for the leading of Your Spirit. ... "We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:22-23). This summer is a season of spiritual intensity and preparation, like "groaning in labor pains" for the releasing of next season of Your eternal plan of redemption of all creation. Last night at the beginning of our annual retreat, Rick Joyner called our Fellowship of Ministries to seek Your leading for how we should fast and pray in preparation for the spiritual breakthroughs and release to come later this summer. Give me courage to endure this greater intensity as I embrace You in deeper intimacy. You were reminding me of the calling of our ministry to help "prepare the way of the Lord." Prepare my heart and soul to be able to fully embrace this coming move of Your Spirit. We are already tasting the first fruits, but this is but a foretaste of the feast to come. Many are saying revival is here, but even this measure of revival is but a foretaste of the feast to come. Lord, make me hungry for more, unwilling to settle for anything less, and prepared to participate in the fullness of this move. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I would appreciate your prayers this week as I join pastors and ministry leaders from many diverse ministries of the body of Christ for our annual retreat of the MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries in the next few days. Rick Joyner leads our retreats as we seek to hear what the Lord is saying to His church in these days: http://www.morningstarministries.org This is one of my times each year for some personal renewal and encouragement, and I'm really looking forward to it. God bless! Please pray for the final steps for publication of my new book -- Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays. This will be a 365 Day Prayer Devotional taken from my morning prayers. It should be released July 4th at the Aldersgate Conference where I'll be speaking and teaching in Columbus, Ohio. If you're interested, you'll be able to order a copy soon! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Global Warming of the Hearts of Men 6-22-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I love You because You first loved me. I come watch and wait on You in the communion of prayer, because You've already been here first waiting on me to come. ... "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed" (2 Peter 3:10). People speak of "global warming." And so does Your Word. A day will come like no other day, when all the elements of this earth "will be dissolved with fire." All the wood, hay, and stubble of the nations and generations of the earth will be consumed. All that has been done and said "will be disclosed." So in light of that truth we can hide our heads in denial while we eat, drink, and be merry; we can give in to a paralysis of fear or the complacency of passivity; or we can seek to grow in relationship with the One who is faithful to go through every fire with us (Daniel 3:25). "Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire?" (2 Peter 3:11-12). I want to be the sort of person who trusts You to be true to Your nature and Your Word: You will never leave me not forsake me, that nothing will ever separate me from the Love of God, and that no matter what ever happens, You will redeem all things and cause all things to work together for good for me because I love You and am called according to Your purpose (Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:38-39; and Romans 8:28). So "in accordance with His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home" (2 Peter 3:12). While we're waiting, You're not wasting a moment. Already the fire of Your Holy Spirit is ablaze in the earth to purify our hearts so that "righteousness is at home" in us. And that's "what sort of persons" we ought to be. That's "what sort of persons" we are in You -- "so that in Him we become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the global warming of the hearts of men. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

A Broad Place of God's Love 6-21-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Another day to start my day with You. ... "Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place" (Psalm 118:5). The summer storms unleashed sheets of rain all morning long. All the beautiful plans of a June wedding outdoors among the horses and hills of the bluegrass region of Kentucky seemed to be washing away in torrents of water. But out of her distress, the mother of the bride lifted her face and poured out her heart to You. And by late afternoon, the sun was shining and the horses were frolicking in a beautiful backdrop on a beautiful day that couldn't have been planned any better. Even as the guests and I arrived, we had to navigate through construction on the roads and pass through equipment and obstructions at the gate. But then it all opened up to broad fields of rolling grass hills and horse rail fences that are the signature symbols of this beautiful land. Though the preparations of their hearts for this covenant of love were much more important than the preparations of this place, in answer to a mother's prayers You prepared the way for such a memorable day. In the mystery of Your ways, You don't always still the storm and open the skies in such a spectacular way. But yesterday You did. At one wedding You turned the water into wine. And at this one You turned the water of a mother's tears into praises of joy. What a sign and symbol of Your gifts of grace for these two lives You've bonded together and established forever in the broad place of Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"The Two Shall Become One" 6-20-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. In the first light of dawn of this new day, I turn my first thoughts to You. ... "But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:6-9). Today I'll have the honor of leading my friends Val and Carrie in their vows to You and one another, as You seal their hearts and lives together as one in marriage. You've given them Your heart of love for each other and Your eyes to see each other as You see them. Through prayer and faith, trusting Your leading of their hearts, You are releasing them of every bond that would hold them back from being fully bonded to one another. And with the love of parents, family, and friends, we will add our blessing of this sacred and holy covenant to Yours. Their lives will be changed forever today as the two become one. Their spiritual journey to maturity will accelerate as You help them learn to surrender their lives and love one another in deeper ways. In the daily choices they'll learn to make out of their "genuine mutual love," they will learn to "love one another deeply from the heart" (1 Peter 1:22). Their marriage is also meant to be an outward symbol of the inward grace You long for us each to experience with You, "just as Christ love the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:21-33). In the sacred and holy covenant of the surrender of our hearts to Yours, we learn to love You deeply from the heart. And "anyone united with the Lord becomes one spirit with Him" (1 Corinthians 6:17). There is nothing more powerful or beautiful than the bond of Your love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please join your prayers with mine in blessing the marriage of my friends, Val Mink and Carrie Curtis. I'll be marrying them this evening at a beautiful Kentucky horse farm outside of Lexington. And I pray God's guidance and blessings in the holy relationships of your lives. God bless you! Come to The Fountain! tonight 6/20 at 7 pm -- on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Nonconformist to This World 6-19-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Keep renewing my mind and conforming my nature. ... "He said to them, 'You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He.' They said to Him, 'Who are you?' Jesus said to them, 'Why do I speak to you at all? I have much to say about you and much to condemn; but the One who sent Me is true, and I declare to the world that I have heard from Him.'... As He was saying these things, many believed in Him" (John 8:23-30). You are not of this world. And the ways of this world are not Yours. As You walked Your journey in the flesh through this world, You were never intimidated to confront the people and the sin of this world with words of truth out of a heart of love. You were confident in who You were and confident in the One who sent You. You were consistent and persistent in the message of Your words and actions, uncompromising in truth and unwavering in love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Those who believe in Him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God" (John 3:16-18). Love is not the same as unsanctified mercy. Your love comforts, but Your love also convicts. You love encourages, but Your love also corrects. You meet us where we are, but You never leave us as we are. You accept us, but not our sin and our ways of the world You came to change. You "so loved the world" that You were willing to be risk rejection in order to stand for truth. Out of that same heart of love, You mercies are tender, but Your judgments are strict, because the stakes are high. "And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God" (John 3:19-21). In Your love and mercy, convict me of my sin. Deliver me from compromise and complacency. Expose the ways of the world that have confused my thinking and defiled my faith and witness. Keep drawing me out of the darkness and into Your light. Let Your light expose the darkness in me and let the power of Your love drive it from me. Where my mind and my heart have become desensitized by the ways of the world, the flesh, and the devil that surround me and try to saturate me each day, sensitize me again to Your ways and will by Your truth. By Your grace and with Your courage, I choose to follow You and Your example in the power of Your Spirit to be a nonconformist to this world (Matthew 10:38). As You speak the truth in love to my soul and empower me by Your grace to live that truth with my life, I will "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of (my) mind, so that (I) may discern what is the will of God (not my own will or the will of the world) -- what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come if you can and join in prayer if you can't for our city on Saturday, June 28th. Some are planning a gay pride parade that day but others are planning a day of celebration and worship of our God. Everyone is invited to The Crossing, 2700 Todds Road, Lexington, Kentucky, 9-12 am, Sat, June28th for Harp and Bowl worship (prophetic worship and intercession led by CornerStone International House of Prayer from Wilmore in the style of the Kansas City International House of Prayer). Please contact my friend Gerry Morford for details: gerry.morford@ky.gov or check our citywide prayer mailing through PrayLexington@aol.com Though I'll be away with my family that weekend, I'll be joining in prayer. Please join us as well as you can. I join with you in the agreement of prayer for your city and region. God bless you! Come to The Fountain! this Friday Night 6/20 at 7 pm -- on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Order Out of Chaos 6-18-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Before the thoughts of the day begin to flood my mind, I first focus my mind on You alone. ... "I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the children of Jacob, 'Seek Me in chaos.' I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right" (Isaiah 45:19). Days of judgment and correction in the nations and generations of the earth seem like confusion and chaos. But You are "not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33, KJV). And even Your judgments are a means of Your mercy to draw us back to You and under the covering of Your hand. In the "day of tumult and trampling and confusion" You have "taken away the covering" to expose us to the consequences of our choices in rebellion of Your will and ways (Isaiah 22:5-8). You uncover the foolish of our prideful arrogance of insisting on our own will and ways, turning to the idols we have created with our own hands rather than trusting upon You alone as the source of our security and strength. But in the shaking of confusion and chaos brought about by the consequences of our choices -- personally, corporately, and generationally -- those idols will come down. Our self-made, self-sufficient walls and defenses will crumble and fall. Our self-determined laws to justify our self-centered nature that we've lifted up to be worshipped rather than submitting to the laws of our Creator will be exposed, judged, and struck down. Only "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). We have no righteousness or security in ourselves or the idols we create. Our righteousness is in relationship with You alone, Lord Jesus Christ -- a relationship of love, founded upon trusting faith, humble submission, and desperate dependence upon You (2 Corinthians 5:19). In that relationship, You bring order out of the chaos, righteousness out of the wickedness, and peace out of our tribulation. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please keep the people of our city in prayer. Misguided preparations are being made for a gay pride parade and a psychic fair in Lexington soon. Wherever the Lord is sowing seeds of righteousness, the enemy comes in to sow seeds of unrighteousness to try to destroy or hinder the harvest to come (Matthew 13:36-43). God loves all people and we believe He has given our city a redemptive gift of mercy and a father's heart. But the enemy of our souls will try to misuse and distort our gifts if he can't crush them out of us to try to defeat the purposes of God. But prayer prepares the way of the Lord for healing, deliverance, and the fullness of salvation in Christ to come. God, in His mercy and love, will judge us and correct us in order to lead us into the blessings and peace of His presence. So please keep our city and region in prayer and I join in prayer for yours. God bless you! Come to The Fountain! this Friday Night 6/20 at 7 pm -- on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Come to the Mountain! every Monday night at 7 pm to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem led by Doris and Bob McCray of our ministry. Hosted in the upstairs community room of First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Rd in Lexington. Contact Doris at bndmccray@windstream.net All are welcome! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"He Remains Faithful" 6-17-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me beside Your still waters. ... "The saying is sure: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful -- for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:11-13). You are a faithful God, worthy of our trust. I have seen Your faithfulness over and over again. You are faithful to be with us through every challenge, to strengthen us through every battle, and encourage us through every day. You never said life would be easy or even fair in this broken, fallen world where human beings and spiritual beings make choices that influence our lives throughout all our generations. In fact You warned us of the opposite: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when His glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13). Being with us does not immunize us from suffering and injustice. But being with us gives us courage to endure, faith to hold fast, and hope to know that You don't waste a moment of our suffering to produce in us hearts of gold refined in the fire of this world. "God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). By Your grace, we can choose to "entrust (ourselves) to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good" no matter what we face (1 Peter 4:19). As we do, You will give us faith to trust You more and faith to entrust more of us to more of You -- depending on Your wisdom, Your strength, Your ways, and not our own. "He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:8-9). This fellowship of love is also a fellowship of the cross. And I choose to believe by faith that Your Word is true -- the reward of the resurrection glory to come on the day of the Lord will be worth all "the sufferings of this present time" (Romans 8:18). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Come to The Fountain! this Friday Night 6/20 at 7 pm -- on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Come to the Mountain! every Monday night at 7 pm to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem led by Doris and Bob McCray of our ministry. Hosted in the upstairs community room of First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Rd in Lexington. Contact Doris at bndmccray@windstream.net All are welcome! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

The World Watches and Listens 6-16-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take me by the hand and lead me by the heart this day. ... "And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him" (Mark 6:19-20). As You send me out into my world today, send me out filled with Your Word and Your Spirit. The world watches and listens. There will be those who do not like me just because of who I am and who You are in me. But there will be others who may like to listen because they hear You speaking through my life into theirs. So in these first moments of my morning, set my heart right with You. First, let Your light shine in me so throughout this day, Your light can shine through me. I want to know I go with Christ in my heart. Then, as You explained to Your first disciples as You sent them out, "Whoever listens to you, listens to Me, and whoever rejects you rejects Me, and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me" (Luke 10:16). Like John, somebody may try to take my head, but they can't take my heart (Mark 6:27). "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6). "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Come to the Fountain! next Friday Night 6/20 at 7 pm -- the 3rd Friday Night of every month -- for our ministry's monthly gathering of people from many different churches and streams of the body of Christ across our city for prayer, praise, and healing worship. Held in the chapel of Centenary: 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY. Please come early for Intercessory Prayer at 6:15. Contact Marilyn at dirofministries@aol.com or 859-422-1794. All are welcome! Come to the Mountain! every Monday night at 7 pm to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem led by Doris and Bob McCray of our ministry. Hosted in the upstairs community room of First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Rd in Lexington. Contact Doris at bndmccray@windstream.net All are welcome! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Everlasting Father 6-15-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are One with the Father and One with the Holy Spirit, perfectly revealing our Father's heart to me. ... "For a Child has been born for us, a Son given to us, authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). You are an Everlasting Father. In some ways, my earthly father was not. He left when I was young. And I missed him a lot. Little boys need their daddies. And then he died too early in life, and I still miss him a lot. Big boys need their daddies too. But all earthly fathers will fail in one way or another. All fall short of Your glory (Romans 3:10). I know I have -- many ways and many times. And we are all in need of Your grace to cover our sins and mistakes, to pour Your Father's blessing from Your Father's heart into the spirits of our children in all the ways we can't. You never fail and never grow weary of loving us and pouring Yourself into us. You are "the everlasting God" (Isaiah 40:28). And I thank You for Your everlasting Father's love for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Morning by Morning, Saturday 6-14-08 -- Rock Solid Relationship Good morning, Lord Jesus. I quiet my soul and center my thoughts on You alone in these first moments of my morning. ... "Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock" (Matthew 7:24-25). Things are not as they should be in this broken, fallen world where flood waters burst forth and storm winds rage through, where droughts dry up life and fires consume what's left. The sin of man throughout the generations has opened the door to turmoil and destruction of all creation. And now all creation shakes and groans for the coming day of redemption when peace and order is restored to all (Romans 8:19-21). But even in the midst of turmoil and tribulation, we can find security for our souls and peace from our fears in our rock solid relationship with You. There will be floods and storms, droughts and fires. There will be times we are faced with disappointment and discouragement, destruction and death in a broken, fallen world where things happen that break our hearts and try to break our spirits. Rather than getting angry with You for the destruction we see, we must remember the truth of Your Word that until the coming day when You redeem and restore all things, "the whole world lies under the power of the evil one" (1 John 5:19). So we must seek now to find our security in You so we will be ready then. Then all we face will not overwhelm us nor overcome us, for You will be with us (Isaiah 43:2). And as You promised, "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22 and 24:13). Even all that we suffer and endure through the brokenness and destruction that may touch our lives and those we love will serve to strengthen us in our desperate dependence upon You alone for our security and strength. "He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:2-3). I choose, by Your grace, to trust You now so that I will be able to continue to trust You then. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Before I Was, You Were I Am 6-13-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My Father, My Friend, My Lord and My God, You are I Am. ... "Jesus said to them, 'Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am' " (John 8:58). Before my day began, You were here. Before my life began, You were here. Before the beginning of all things, You were here. "All things have been created through Him and for Him. He himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (from Colossians 1:15-17). So I have been created through You and for You. You hold me together. And You hold together all the challenges I'll face and the choices I'll embrace this day and the days to come. In Your hands, You will continue to create me and conform me into Your image (Romans 8:29). Then one day, all by Your grace, through the process of Your creation, I will be like You, according to Your Word: "Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: When He is revealed, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). That's hard to believe. But I choose to believe You and Your Word. I choose to live my life as if it were true -- because it is. Before I was, You were I Am. And You saw who I would be -- a child of God, created to be conformed to the image of God. Your Word is faithful and true. It will not fail, but will accomplish all that You have said -- even what You have said about me (Isaiah 55:11). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

One Church, One Body 6-12-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Open the eyes of my heart and open the ears of my spirit. I want to see what You're doing and hear what You're saying to me today. ... "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you were called in the one body" (Colossian 3:15). "How many churches are there in Kerrville?" the pastor asked. "One!", everybody in the sanctuary shouted back as they all held up a single finger in the air. "Who's church has the most members?" "Jesus!", they declared. That's the kingdom of God, a kingdom perspective of the body of Christ. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-5). There are many streams, yet one river; many gifts, yet one Spirit; "many members, yet one body" (1 Corinthians 12:20). Sometimes we need to forgive one another so we can move forward with one another. We can't love one another unless we are willing to embrace one another. We can't speak the truth in love to one another unless we're willing to speak to one another -- and listen to one another. But if we will humble ourselves to hear one another's heart and humble ourselves to forgive and be forgiven, there is a bond that You form out of the brokenness that becomes stronger than ever before. The strongest part of the steel becomes the very place where the broken pieces were welded together. As You bind up our broken hearts and set free our captive souls, You open up Your heavens and "proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19). We cross over into the land of our destiny as one (Joshua 3:1-17). Then the world sees the Son in us, as Your name is the banner over us and Your nature is the love within us (John 17:22; Song of Solomon 2:4). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org