Wise and Ready 3-11-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Live in my heart and lead in my life. … "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps" (Matthew 25:1-4). Father God, You have poured out Your Holy Spirit to prepare a holy bride for Your coming Son. As the people of the church of Christ and the kingdom of heaven, we are to be that pure, spotless bride -- radiant and glorious, passionate and pure (Ephesians 5:27). At the same time, we a like the friends of the bridegroom, looking forward to the day of the coming of Christ and preparing the way of the Lord (John 3:29). And also, we are like the bridesmaids watching and waiting, longing for the day the "bride has made herself ready … clothed with fine linen, bright and pure" for "the marriage of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:7-8). But of the ten bridesmaids, only five were prepared to greet the bridegroom and enter in to celebrate the joy of the wedding feast (Matthew 25:10). All ten went out to meet the coming bridegroom. All ten were looking forward to the coming day of celebration. All began on the journey together and all had a measure of oil in the lamps to burn through the long watches of the night, through the times of weariness and slumber, until the darkest time of the midnight hour (v. 25:4-7). But when the shout rang out, "Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!", only five were found to be "wise"; only five were found to be "ready" (v. 25:10). At the beginning of the journey and throughout the long wait for the bridegroom to come, outwardly they all appeared to be the same, outwardly they all appeared to be ready, both the wise and the foolish. "Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matthew 11:19). It was at the midnight hour, in the times of deepest darkness, heaviness of spirit, and weariness of soul that the bridegroom came. That's when it was revealed who was ready and who was not, who was wise and who was foolish, who had prepared the way of the Lord and who had just come along for the ride. They were wise who had taken the time to fill their vessels with oil (v. 25:4). "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not be drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:15-20). Lord, fill my vessel with the oil of Your Holy Spirit. Surround me with people who are hungry and thirsty for more of You, worshipping You in Spirit and truth, thankful for our blessings through the darkness and delays. Give me the wisdom to be ready for Your coming, "filled with the Spirit", having prepared the way of the Lord in the earth and in my heart (Ephesians 5:18). Some will think they have. Some will think they're ready. But many will be heartbroken to find they are empty of Your Spirit when they hear Your haunting words, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you" (Matthew 25:12). Some will think they have done enough good works of religion, even under Your name, to earn the right to live forever with You. But many will be convicted of their failure to have committed to a living and personal relationship with You when they hear Your horrible words, "I never knew you; go away from Me; you evildoers" (Matthew 7:23). By Your grace, I want to be ready to enter "into the wedding banquet" (v. 25:10). I want to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. And I want to be anointed and empowered by Your Spirit to help prepare the way of the Lord in as many hearts as are willing to hear Your call to fill our vessels with oil and be ready. I want to be wise and ready -- before it's too late. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I'm excited to be the Keynote Speaker at the annual Lay Witness Mission retreat at St. Simon's Island, Georgia this coming weekend ( Lay Witness Mission ). I'll be preaching four times to encourage law witnesses from across the United Methodist Church and other denominations and traditions in their ministry of evangelism, and I would appreciate your prayers for us. I know I'll be inspired by their stories of God's glory, love, and power. And I pray they'll be inspired by mine. Find out more about having LWM teams come to your church through Aldersgate Renewal Ministries ( www.aldersgaterenewal.org/events/lwm/index.html ). God bless you! Do you know any women on the front lines of ministry who need the encouragement, renewal, or Sabbath rest? Consider inviting them to attend a day retreat of spiritual refreshment for women of faith led by Laura Beach, Equipping Lydia in association with Messiah Ministries. The testimonies that have come from past retreats have been rich with the Lord’s healing and restoration. The next open retreat dates are March 23 or 24 in Bryantsville, Kentucky, 30 minutes from Lexington. For more information, email laurabbeach@insightbb.com . Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling to the Kingdom of God through Messiah Ministries On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

"Good Morning, Lord Jesus" 3-10-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I speak out Your name and open upon up my heart, my spirit always seems to awaken and arise to enter in to our morning communion of prayer together. Thank You for always being here to hear and embrace my morning greeting of love and respect, honor and surrender. … "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other" (Isaiah 45:22, NKJV). As I look to You in worship and prayer, I honor You and submit to You; I bow down before You and lift up my heart to You. I acknowledge that You are God and there is no other. I worship You in every dimension of Your Being -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- with every dimension of my being -- spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). And I am saved -- forever safe and eternally secure by the grace of God that draws me and empowers me to continue to call on Your name, embrace Your love, and surrender to Your will. You always give me freedom to turn away, but I choose by Your grace to turn to You. You always give me freedom to look to myself as my own savior and lord, but I choose by Your grace to look to You. As I have come to know You more each day, I continue to find Your Word and Your ways to be faithful and true. It's only in Your embrace that I am truly free. It's only in Your power that I am truly strong. It's only in Your love that I am truly loved. I know I'm not yet and far from it; but I really do want to be more like You -- all by the grace of our Father and the power of Your Holy Spirit. So I try to begin each day looking to You, calling on Your name, welcoming You into my day, and opening my life to be filled with Your Spirit. That's what I mean by "Good morning, Lord Jesus." And according to Your Word, as I look to You, I become more like You: "And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As I continually come to know You, worship You, and surrender myself to You, You are making me more like You each day, conforming my nature to Your nature, enmeshing Your life in mine (Romans 8:29). By the mystery of Your grace and the power of Your Spirit, all who look to You and submit their will to Your transforming power actually "become participants of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). Together in You, we are growing up "to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). So thank You, Lord, for waking me and leading me to come seek Your face and embrace Your grace in these first moments of my morning and throughout my day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I'm excited to be the Keynote Speaker at the annual Lay Witness Mission retreat at St. Simon's Island, Georgia this coming weekend ( Lay Witness Mission ). I'll be preaching four times to encourage law witnesses from across the United Methodist Church and other denominations and traditions in their ministry of evangelism, and I would appreciate your prayers for us. I know I'll be inspired by their stories of God's glory, love, and power. And I pray they'll be inspired by mine. Find out more about having LWM teams come to your church through Aldersgate Renewal Ministries( www.aldersgaterenewal.org/events/lwm/index.html ). God bless you! Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling to the Kingdom of God through Messiah Ministries On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

We The People Who Pray 3-9-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Keep coming into my heart, keep pouring Your Spirit into my spirit, keep living Your life through my life. … "I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here I am, Here I am,' to a nation that did not call on My name" (Isaiah 65:1). Our nation needs answers. We need wisdom beyond our capacity to know. We need power to overcome beyond our capacity to release. Questions of our security, provision, and peace are never far from mind. The search for answers and the frustration of failing to find them is ever at hand. We are a nation of increasing awareness of our own incapacity to work out our problems in our own wisdom and power apart from You. But at its heart, a nation is not its leaders or its form of government. A nation is its people. And as a people we do have the capacity to humble ourselves together in prayer, to call upon the name of the God who is ready to be found, and to seek the wisdom and power of the One who is the only answer and our only hope. Our hope is not in a man or a government. Our hope is in You alone. No matter what our leaders of our government may choose, we the people can choose You. All may not turn to You. Some may continue to spurn You and mock You and those who do. "I held out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke Me to My face continually…" (v. 65:2-3). But our actions need not be controlled by their actions. Their rebellion need not be our rebellion. You always set before us the choice of humbling ourselves in prayer, repentance, and faith for the healing of our land and the restoration of the blessings and favor of God (2 Chronicles 7:14). We the people who are willing to humble themselves to call on Your name together in prayer in gatherings of two or three across this land have the capacity to welcome the wisdom and power of the very presence of God in the midst of all our problems and questions. "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:19-20). Holy Spirit of the Living God, move among us. Bring us together in prayer. Out of our desperation, let there be intense intercession. Out of our isolation, let there be a hunger for community in faith. Out of our fears and anxieties, let there be a deeper surrender to the One who is our only hope. In that way, You will use even these times of tribulation to work together for good, reminding us of how firm our foundation has been all along. "Therefore thus says the Lord God, See I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: 'One who trusts will not panic' " (Isaiah 28:16). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling to the Kingdom of God through Messiah Ministries On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

You are Always There 3-6-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You were and You are and You always will be. You are the same yesterday and today and forever. You are holy, holy, holy. You are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are the Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all there was and all there is and all there ever will be. You are I Am. And yet You are here with me, even while You are always enthroned in the highest heaven and always ever present even in my lowest valley. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, You are there, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me fast" (Psalm 139:7-10). You woke me up with shaking and trembling again early this morning. That led to intercession; and that led to spiritual warfare; and that led to triumphant proclamation of our victory in Christ; and that led conviction and repentance of sin in such an awareness of Your Presence; and that led to worship and praise in the Spirit; and that led to this song of Your faithfulness and nearness You're writing right now in my spirit: You are there when I rise in the morning You are there through my afternoon You are there when I lay down in the evening You're always there with me through and through You are there when I walk in Your righteousness You are there when I fall down in sin You are there when I'm too weary to walk at all You're always there with me no matter where I've been You are there when I worship and praise You You are there even when I'm self-absorbed in worshipping myself You are there when I pour out my heart in the service of love and life You're always there with me when I'm poured out with nothing left You are there when my heart is soaring You are there when my heart is breaking You are there when everything's victory and shouts of praise You're always there with me even when I feel forsaken You are I Am That I Am You are The One Who Ever Will Be You are the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all that there is Yet You're always there with me with Your heart always towards me Yes, Lord. That's who You are. You are the God who never leaves, never forsakes me, never lets go of me. You bridged the gap between my sin and Your Self, between my brokenness and Your healing, between my suffering and Your sacrifice long ago on the cross of Christ. From that moment on, You have been with me, even living within me by Your Spirit (Romans 8:9). I may never know how much that really cost You to take upon Yourself all my iniquities and infirmities, my insecurities and fears, my pain and shame, and all things that would keep me from being with You and keep You from being with me (Isaiah 53:4-6). But I thank You with all that I am for loving me and being for me all that You Are. "For He has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?' " (Hebrews 13:5-6). You are a good God. You are always there. You are I Am (Exodus 3:14). And I am Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends I apologize if you are getting multiple emails of the same message. I'm working with my internet provider to identify and fix this problem. Many friends of mine sense a major spiritual assault that's been coming against us right, especially against relationships, finances, and health. But when the enemy comes in like a flood, sensing and fearing the move of God in His people, the Lord raises up the banner of the victory of the cross through the power of the blood of Jesus (Isaiah 59:19, NKJV). In Christ, we stand in prayer and faith with one another, knowing "The One who is in you is greater than the one in the world" (1 John 4:4). "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you" (Romans 16:20). God bless you and God be with you my friends and fellow prayer warriors! Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling to the Kingdom of God through Messiah Ministries On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

Wally Thomas, Man of God and Man of Love 3-5-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I worship You, and I want to be more like You. … "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:12-13). Yesterday we honored the life and ministry of Rev. Wallace E. Thomas, as we entrusted his spirit into the arms of his Father. My pastor and friend of many years spoke tenderly and passionately of his father and mentor and friend. But of the words spoke in memory and honor of this man of God who touched so many lives, these are the words that continue to burn in my soul: "Cut Wally Thomas anywhere, and he bleeds love." Wally Thomas lived his life to be like You. As he grew in age, he grew in the nature of Christ. That's really the standard and the goal for each of us who are called by Your name -- "to press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ" (Philippians 3:14). It's a high call to bless those who curse you, to pray for those who persecute you, to love those who hate you, to bleed love for those who cut you. But we could not be more like You when we do. To love is to willingly lay down your life for the lives of others. This is the sacrifice of love, the willing submission and trusting surrender to the life of God living through us. "If we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit…. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:12-17). As You are, so was Wally Thomas in this world, by Your grace. And by the blood of Christ poured out for the cuts of the sins of the world, Wally had great boldness on the day of his judgment, as a heavenly host of angels carried his spirit into the loving embrace of Your eternal presence. He was a man of God and a man of love. And his life and memory is in inspiration and example to us all of trying to simply live every day in the simple love of Christ. His big smile said it all, except maybe the smiles on the faces of all the lives he touched and loved. "… and the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please join with me in keeping Kay Thomas, her daughter Debbie, son David, and all of their family in prayer through these sacred times of both celebration and sadness. I pray the same for you through these painful times of your life of releasing the ones you love from this earthly life. But through the love and grace of God in Christ, "we not grieve as others do who have no hope," for we will see them again; our hope and faith is in the eternal love of God (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling to the Kingdom of God through Messiah Ministries On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/

Saved for a Purpose, Blessed to be a Blessing 3-4-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, my heavenly Father. Good morning, Holy Spirit of the Living God living in me. … "God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth' " (Genesis 9:1). Noah spent some time away on a boat with his family. All the while, the world outside the ark of his salvation was soaked in turmoil and tribulation, panic and fear. But He trusted in Your words, waited on Your will, and rested in his relationship with You. And then there came a day when his boat returned to shore. It was time for his sea legs to stand firm again on the land of his destiny and in the power and purpose of God, forever changed. There You blessed him and his family. There You commissioned them to go forth into their next season of life and ministry, to see the world differently than before. There You anointed them with Your favor and grace to increase and abound, to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. You set before them all they would need to find and fulfill their destiny, along with the eyes to see it, the permission to receive it, and the wisdom to use it for their provision and Your purposes. "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything" (v. 9:3). As in the days of Adam, You entrusted dominion of the earth, along with both authority and responsibility, into the hands of Noah and his generations to follow (v. 9:2). "The heaven's are the Lord's heavens, but the earth He has given to human beings" (Psalm 115:16). His salvation was for a purpose. He was blessed to be a blessing, saved to share the hope and promise of salvation to others. He took the dominion and authority You gave him to till and cultivate the land You entrusted to him as an inheritance. He sowed seeds of life in fertile soil, even the very places that were once under the judgment of God, and produced a harvest of fruit (Genesis 9:20). Yet even then, You gave him the freedom to choose to love You and serve You, to honor You with the gifts You gave him -- or not. You gave him both the power to bless or to curse, to build up or to tear down. A true relationship of love always requires the freedom to choose to love or not, obey or not, live for ourselves or live for You. Noah, like Adam before him, would make choices in his freedom that would bring great blessings as well as great curses to the generations of the earth (v. 9:18-29). So from the very beginning, we have always had need of redemption and need of our Redeemer. We need the One who saves us from the destruction of our selfish choices. We need the One who causes all things to work together for good as we entrust all things into Your hands and Your will by the grace You give. "We wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify a people of His own who are zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:13-14). Lord, thank You for rest in times of turmoil and the peace that comes only through faith in the One who is in control. Give me strength to stand firm in the faith and wisdom to work the soil and produce the harvest You've entrusted to my care. Give me the favor of Your blessing and let me be a blessing to others. I am saved for a purpose and blessed to be a blessing. And when I stumble and fall and fail, give me the grace I'll never earn and the forgiveness I'll never deserve to entrust even that into Your redeeming hands. As You cause me and my generations to increase and abound in the power of Your grace, let it be Your good for Your glory that increases and abounds and fills the earth. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, at the beginning of this month, I want to invite you to join with us in ministry as you are led and able in joy as an Isaiah 35 Streams in the Desert Covenant Partner (see below). We believe this is the Lord's plan of provision for our ministry through these desert days. We are very encouraged that many have joined with us and prayerful that you will join us as well. I would love to talk with you about this and about our vision and calling of "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God." Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute On-line at http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/ Isaiah 35 -- Streams in the Desert "For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert" — Isaiah 35:6 Dear Friend, Thank you for your friendship and relationship with me and our ministry. These are exciting days in the Kingdom of God! We are thrilled with all the Lord seems to be doing in the life of Messiah Ministries. He has called us to do our part in our generation to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free, to prepare the way of the Lord and minister the healing love of God. Thank you for every way you have been a part of fulfilling our calling and vision.Though doors of opportunity for ministry continue to open wide and we continue to work hard in the strength of the Lord to fulfill the vision He has given us, this economic desert season is causing us to be even more desperately dependent upon the Lord alone in faith for all our provision. In seeking His wisdom and answers in prayer, we believe He gave us a strategy for our ministry finances in this wilderness time -- Isaiah 35 Streams. In humility and faith, we are inviting you to partner with us in ministry, spiritually and financially, by contributing $35 a month to the work of the Kingdom through Messiah Ministries this year. We believe the Lord has shown us this will provide "a steady stream" of His provision through these desert days. We praise God for His faithfulness! And we thank God for you, as you join with us as a significant part of His provision for His ministry for the glory of His name and His Kingdom.Please prayerfully consider our invitation. And if this stirs in your spirit with joy to join us as the Lord's answers to our prayers, please covenant with us this year to be a part of Isaiah 35 Streams. I will be very glad to talk with you about this or describe more of our vision and calling in ministry. I pray you see our ministry as good soil in which to sow your seed for God's harvest. May the Lord bless you and pour out His exceedingly abundant blessings and provision for you this year -- "... A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap ..." (Luke 6:38). In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Messiah Ministries 2800 Tates Creek Rd. Lexington, Kentucky 40502 http://www.messiah-ministries.org/ All contributions, of any amount, are very welcome, tax deductible, and greatly appreciated. We've had a very positive response already. Praise God!In answer to questions that have come, here are some ways to consider joining with us as the Lord's Streams in the Desert for steady provision: 1) You can contribute on-line at our shopping cart or go to: http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/ 2) You can let us get you set up for automatic withdraw by sending a note to Marilyn Walker at dirofministries@aol.com or calling her cell at 859-317-1591 3) You can send in a check for "Messiah Ministries" to our office at: Messiah Ministries 2800 Tates Creek Rd. Lexington, KY 40502 4) You can set up an account on-line and contribute to "Messiah Ministries" and other ministries or churches through the Kentucky Christian Foundation( http://www.kentuckychristianfoundation.org/ ). They can also help with any stock or asset transfers, as well as planned or long-term giving. Please let me know any way I can help or answer questions. Please feel free to introduce me to come have a conversation with anyone who may be interested. Thank you and God bless you, my friend! Tommy Hays Founder and Executive Director Messiah Ministries 2800 Tates Creek Rd. Lexington, Kentucky 40502

"As it Was in the Days of Noah" 3-3-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You increase as I decrease; You speak as I listen. … "Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. Someone asked Him, 'Lord, will only a few be saved?' He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able' " (Luke 13:22-24). According to Your warning, there will come a time when many will try to enter into the door of salvation and will not be able. They will sincerely try to enter it because they will sincerely desire it; yet You clearly say they will not be able. Lord, I want to be able. I want everyone that I know to able. In fact, I want everyone to be able. And it breaks my heart to think that many will try to enter and not be able. As I write these words, I think of those who must have sincerely desired to enter the ark with Noah on the day the rains fell and the floods rose. But they were not able (Genesis 7:21). Only those who entered in through the narrow door of the ark of Your salvation did not die. And though You have declared You will never again destroy the earth with a flood of water, You have also declared that there will again come a time like the days of Noah -- when all who will desire to enter Your salvation will not be able. "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too it will be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking, and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all of them" (Luke 17:26-28). Lord, how can we be ready to enter the ark of Your salvation? It seems I hear You say, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. Enter now, before that day comes. Enter now and enter every moment of every day by opening Your heart for My Spirit to enter you. This is the ark of your salvation. This is the narrow door -- that you would abide in Me and allow Me to abide in you. I am the door. I am your salvation. And I freely give Myself to all who freely give themselves to Me." Yes, Lord. "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation" (Psalm 62:1). "Lead me in Your truth, and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day long" (Psalm 25:5). "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2). As You have said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" (John 10:9, NKJV). "This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:11-12). So by Your grace and through Your Spirit, I wait upon You alone; and I welcome You to enter me as You welcome me to enter You. And in this I know I will live forever in the fullness of Your salvation. Today and every day is the day of the Son of Man for me. And I know the same is true for all who call on Your name to welcome You into their hearts. "For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved' " (Romans 10:13). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please send me a note if you have any concern about the certainty of your salvation. I would love to talk with you and pray with you. We can be sure through the grace of God when we choose to open our hearts to welcome Jesus in as Lord and Savior of our lives. This is God's will for you and for all (John 3:16). And I join each of you in praying this same prayer for all those who are on your heart, that we may all enter in through the narrow door into the ark of God's salvation through Jesus Christ. Our God is "not wanting any to perish, but all to come repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). God bless you! Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Avant-garde of God, Fellowship on a Cruise Ship 3-2-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. We've been away from home for a week of both ministry and family vacation. But it's good to be home and to slip into my old chair in my morning place of prayer to greet my day with You. … "I am not asking You to take them out of the world…. As You sent Me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15-18). You were really stretching the wineskin of my ministry last week. I was invited to be the inspirational speaker for our group onboard a Caribbean cruise ship. It was my first cruise and my first time of ministry so much in the midst of the world. They arranged for us to meet in a place between the casino and the espresso bar, across from a bandstand just through the glass walls of our meeting room. When I say "meeting room," I mean the bar that we transformed into our travelling tabernacle and "tent of meeting" for few hours together each day (Exodus 33:7-11). Our little lounge was called "Avant-garde," which appropriately speaks of "pushing the boundaries" and "living life on the edge." But there in our worship and prayer and ministry to one another, the glory of Your manifest presence descended like "the pillar of cloud." And, like Moses in his tent of meeting in the wilderness, You were there in the midst of the world to meet with us "face to face" (v. 33:11). Yet with all the irony of our eclectic journey onboard our city at sea, we had so much fun and we fully expressed our faith. I loved the night the reggae band slipped back in on our break to gather their drums and guitars to move to the bandstand outside our hall. The drummer sheepishly smiled and bowed his head as if to acknowledge the shift in the atmosphere in our common domain. And it was wonderful to have an elderly woman join us for our time of worship and allow us to join with her in prayer for Jesus to fill her heart and heal her body of bone cancer. She gave us a big hug and a smile as she slipped back out our glass doors into the world that filtered by our glass walls to see our hearts and hear our songs. Truly we followed in Your steps, not of the world, but not ashamed to live and love the world in their world. "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds" (Matthew 11:19). For us, our fun ship cruise ship was filled with worship, fellowship, and discipleship. I just read a note from Pastor Linda who came with a couple from her congregation, saying she had such a "glorious time" she hopes we'll do this every year! Truly You have pushed our boundaries. You've stretched our wineskins, lengthened our stakes, expanded our territory as witnesses and partakers of Your extravagant love and ever-abiding presence. We have experienced the Avant-garde of God. By Your grace, let us not shrink back, but keep pressing out until the light of the glory of God living in us as Your light in the world covers the earth "as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Please send me a note if you think you might like to join us in a ministry experience like this next year. Friends, thank you for your prayers for this exciting ministry experience last week and your prayers for my healing from sickness the week before. We've had our share of spiritual warfare and victory these past few weeks. Sorry that I've been so much out of touch with my prayer devotional, but thank you for joining with me in the journey. God bless you and I looking forward to continuing to pray with you! Subscribe by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Canopy of God's Protection 2-20-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My strength and my shield, my rock and my refuge. I entrust myself and my day to You. … "Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its places of assembly a cloud by day and smoke and shining of a flaming fire by night. Indeed over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain" (Isaiah 4:5-6). For a couple of days, I've been "under the weather." And the weather seems to be blowing through our house, bringing aches and congestion to my boys and me. It's as if an ill wind is trying to wither our spirits and steal away the blessing of our time away together next week. But no wind can blow away our hope in You and no weather can steal away our place of rest under the canopy of Your protection. The glory cloud of Your presence will utterly consume all that may try to consume us, and the flaming fire of Your light will utterly displace every darkness that may try to envelope us. The storm and rain of sickness will only shatter and fall powerless to the ground as it encounters the refuge and shelter of Your mighty hand covering our home and our health. Lord, let it be so, to the glory of Your name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, thank you for your prayers for me and my family. The Lord is our healer (Exodus 15:26; 1 Peter 2:24). Please be in agreement in prayer with us, and I stand in agreement in prayer for you. God bless you! Come to The Fountain! Tonight, Friday, Feb. 20, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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. Brooke and Shannon Barrett will lead in worship and Doris and Bob McCray will lead in prayer. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Order my book, Morning by Morning, or our other ministry resources for prayer, healing, and spiritual formation: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Subscribe by email to me at 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 Daily Archives at: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

"A Wonderful Feast" 2-17-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You're the fulfillment of all that I need, the best of all that I desire, and the source all the good that I'll ever have. … "In Jerusalem, the Lord Almighty will spread a wonderful feast for everyone around the world. It will be a delicious feast of good food, with clear, well-aged wine and choice beef. In that day He will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against His land and people. The Lord has spoken!" (Isaiah 25:6-8, NLT). Through the prophet Isaiah, You were speaking of a day to come -- the day of Your world-wide display of the victory of life over death, feast over famine, joy over sorrow, honor over ridicule, and redemption over destruction. What a wonderful feast and great banquet that will be (Luke 14:16). What a day to join in the celebration of "the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9). Yet even before that day comes in the fulfillment of all promises and prophecies, we can share now in a foretaste of the Holy Communion to come. We can drink from the cup of Your eternal salvation and eat of the bread of Your ever-abiding presence (Matthew 26:26-29). "Jesus said to them, 'I Am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty' " (John 6:35). Last year, my friend Wanda invited me to come along with her ministry to share a series of inspirational messages on a week-long Caribbean cruise. It didn't take me long to discern this was the voice of the Lord and the will of God! But that was before the "economic crises" and the giving crisis and the faith crisis and the woe-is-me crisis that seems to be casting a cloud of doom and shadow of death over all the earth. So honestly, Lord, it's been hard to focus on preparing my messages of abundance and joy and the celebration of the great feast in the midst of such suffering and scarcity at home and abroad. I've felt more than a little guilty. Then when some friends generously gathered up a collection to send my wife and children with me, I've even had to battle feeling more than a little embarrassed. But then I met with Wanda at our planning meeting, and she was so full of joy and excitement about our trip. She couldn't wait to share with me the word You had shared with her about the abundance of the Promised Land and all the blessings You had in mind for Your people to embrace and enjoy in the land of milk and honey. But the people "despised" Your blessing and broke Your heart in their insecurity and fear (Numbers 14:20-23). "Because of unbelief" and lack of trust in Your goodness and abundant provision, "they were unable to enter" and enjoy the blessings of God. You didn't see that as humility or as somehow joining in the fellowship of Your sufferings or the sufferings of others. You saw that as "an unbelieving heart that turns away from the Living God" and "rebellion." Then because of it, You were "angry" with them "for forty years" (Hebrews 3:7-19). Wanda's word put a whole new light on it! And now I'm able to prepare with as much anticipation and excitement, and pray for as much anointing of Your Holy Spirit, as on any other assignment You've ever given me. By Your grace, I will not despise Your blessing. I will not be ashamed of Your goodness or embarrassed by Your extravagance. With all those You've called to come with us, we will celebrate the feast of Your Presence; we will "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). As You said to Your first disciples, "The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast" (Mark 2:19). So in the joy of Your Father's heart, we will "kill the fatted calf" and "celebrate and rejoice" in the goodness and extravagance of Your grace (Luke 15:29-32). Thank You for freeing me to enjoy it and share it. May our joy bring You joy. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we now have available the DVD from the Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit 2009 we hosted to start off this new year seeking the Lord's face and will for our city and region. From Friday night through Saturday night, we experienced a flow of the Holy Spirit through many different streams of prayer, praise, and proclamation in a deep sense of the Presence of the Lord. Send us a note or order from our web site resources page: www.messiah-ministries.org I know you will be encouraged and blessed by the messages and prayers even if you're not in our region. Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night Feb. 20, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Order my book, Morning by Morning, or our other ministry resources for prayer, healing, and spiritual formation: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Subscribe by email to me at 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 40502Daily Archives at: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

Power in Corporate Prayer 2-16-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are a loving God and faithful Friend, mighty to save and worthy of praise. … "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths" (Isaiah 2:3). At times You call us up to the mountain in prayer alone. "But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:6). But there are also times when You call us up to the mountain in prayer together. "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:19-20). There's power in corporate prayer, as we humble ourselves together to seek Your face and call on Your name; that's where You not only change our lives, but also "heal our land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). You house is a house of prayer (Isaiah 56:7; Matthew 21:13). And as we come up to the mountain together to the house of God in prayer, You teach us Your ways and guide us to walk in Your paths. As a family, as a church, as a ministry, as a business, as a community, we need to take time to come together in corporate prayer to hear Your voice, to sense Your leading, and to follow Your Spirit. For our personal lives, we need personal times of prayer. And for our corporate lives, we need corporate times of prayer. "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). Then Lord, lead in Your way. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we now have available the DVD from the Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit 2009 we hosted to start off this new year seeking the Lord's face and will for our city and region. From Friday night through Saturday night, we experienced a flow of the Holy Spirit through many different streams of prayer, praise, and proclamation in a deep sense of the Presence of the Lord. Send us a note or order from our web site resources page: www.messiah-ministries.org Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night Feb. 20, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe by email to me at 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

Come Up in the Morning to the Mountain of Prayer 2-14-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Open Your Word and send Your Spirit to draw me up into Your Presence. … "Be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai and present yourself there to Me, on the top of the mountain. No one shall come up with you …" (Exodus 34:2-3). You called Moses up to the mountain. And You called him to come up alone. As he obeyed the leading of Your Spirit, You "descended in the cloud and stood with him there" and revealed Your name and Your nature (v. 34:5-7). In response to the glory of Your manifest Presence, "Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped" (v. 34:9). As he worshipped You and welcomed You into every moment of his life, You spoke to him of the things You would do and of the things You would empower him to do in the journey to come in covenant relationship with God (v. 34:10-28). As he came down from the mountain of Your Presence and into the journey of his destiny, he couldn't keep from shining from the light of Your glory "because he had been talking with God" (v. 34:29-35). For several years now, You've been drawing me up to Your mountain in these first moments of my morning. You call me to come alone, to seek Your face and listen for Your voice, to open my heart up to You in worship and lift my spirit up to You in prayer. Here in the glory of Your manifest Presence, You engage me and change me, You encourage me and empower me. And then You send me into the journey of my day on the path of my destiny in the assurance of my covenant with You. And what You desire for me, I believe You desire for each one of Your sons and daughters -- to come talk with You awhile, then go out into the world shining with the light of Your glory, having been changed a little more into Your image by spending time in Your Presence. "And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, you can join with me in one of the early years of my journey of prayer through my book, Morning by Morning, if you'd like to order it or our other ministry resources for prayer, healing, and spiritual formation: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Come to The Fountain! Next Friday Night Feb. 20, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe by email to me at 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

Celebration of Love 2-14-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I love You. And I thank You for first loving me. As all the world celebrates love today on Valentine's Day, I want to first celebrate the One who is the Source of all true love, the One whose love never fails. "Let me hear of Your steadfast love in the morning, for in You I put my trust" (Psalm 143:8). … You love me when I don't deserve it You love me when I foolishly think I do You love me when others turn away You love me when I feel like turning away from myself You love me in the way I really need it You love me despite all the wrong ways I've tried to find it You love me because You created me to need Your love above all else You love me because You created me in the image of the One who is love. "For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God" (John 16:27). Father God, You love me as an honored son. Lord Jesus, You love me as a faithful friend. Holy Spirit, You love me as a constant companion. I am deeply loved. "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). May I learn to love others with the love of God You have poured into me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Happy Valentine's Day! God bless you, my friend and companion in the journey! Come to The Fountain! Next Friday Night Feb. 20, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe by email to me at 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 My Book, Morning by Morning, and our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Your Good Works" 2-13-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be high and lifted up in my heart and throughout my day. … "You are the light of the world. A city build on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). There's a difference between letting your light shine before others and shining your light before others. It's the difference between being known and making yourself known, between being promoted and self-promotion. One comes out of insecurity and pride, driven by a need to find for yourself some sense of value and self-worth. The other comes out of the confident knowledge and full assurance that the One of infinite value and immeasurable worth chooses to dwell in you by His Spirit. One is a life consumed by striving to do enough good works to earn the favor of God and others, while one is embracing the favor of God who changes our hearts to be like His so that good works and good words flow out of the good heart He has given us by His grace. Lord, I don't want to strive in myself; I want to thrive in you. I don't want to be constantly trying to earn Your love or Your favor; I want to know I already have Your love and Your favor because I am Your son. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God -- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life" (Ephesians 2:8-10). Resting in that truth, I'm free to let my light shine, without fear of false motives or self-promotion, because I know I was created to let Your light shine through me and let the good works of Your good heart be done through me. And all will give glory where glory is due -- to my Father in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, several have asked about a group discount to travel from Lexington to Aldersgate '09 this summer ( www.Aldersgate09.org ) as a group from Messiah Ministries. If you would be interested, please send us a note. I'm really excited to be invited to be a Keynote Speaker at the Aldersgate '09 National Conference on Spirit-filled Living this summer, July 1-5, 2009 in North Carolina. Please come join us. You can register anytime online. ("Aldersgate" is the name of the street where John Wesley was filled with the Holy Spirit at a prayer meeting in London and his heart set ablaze with a passion for Jesus that ignited a great revival across England that changed the world). For my Methodist friends who are deeply hungry for more of the Spirit, let me say that Aldersgate is a highlight of my year every summer. You won't be dissappointed! Come to The Fountain! Next Friday Night, on the 3rd Friday night of every month, for our ministry's city-wide 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe by email to me at 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 My Book, Morning by Morning, and our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Who is Jesus?" 2-12-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I seek You and I need You; I thank You that You are always here. One with the Father, One with the Holy Spirit, Son of God be One within me … "He asked, 'Who are You, Lord?' The reply came, 'I am Jesus …' " (Acts 9:5). Tonight I'll be teaching one of the first lessons of the Alpha Course at my home church, "Who is Jesus?" As the course encourages, people will come with their questions and even their doubts from various walks of life and various concepts of their answer to that question. Over the next ten weeks or so, some will have a Damascus Road experience like Paul, as their lives will be changed forever through a real and powerful encounter with the living God. Others will experience a more gradual process, as their doubts diminish and their questions are answered, until they come to the knowledge of the truth and a choice of commitment. Still others will finish the course with even more questions, but having found a place where it's ok to ask them, among loving and patient people who are willing to listen. But right now, Your Holy Spirit is bringing to mind many faces of those I've seen ask their questions and find their Answer. That's what keeps me coming back and keeps me going out to find some other people with their questions to ask. You asked of Your first disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15) And You ask that question of each of us. There's no question that's more important, other than the question of what will we do with the Answer. Sadly, some know the right answer, but then make the wrong choice in response. Your heart is the Father's heart -- that we would know You and love You and embrace the love You have for us. "No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made Him known" (John 1:18). So as I join the other seekers tonight, I want to seek to know You more, to love You more, and to embrace more of Your love for me. And I want to be part of Your plan to help others find the Answer to the simple question You've put deep within the soul You've ever created -- "Who are You?" In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I'm really excited to be invited to be a Keynote Speaker at the Aldersgate '09 National Conference on Spirit-filled Living this summer, July 1-5, 2009 in North Carolina. Please come join us. Register online now for a discount: www.Aldersgate09.org ("Aldersgate" is the name of the street where John Wesley was filled with the Holy Spirit at a prayer meeting in London and his heart set ablaze with a passion for Jesus that ignited a great revival across England that changed the world). For my Methodist friends who are deeply hungry for more of the Spirit, let me say that Aldersgate is a highlight of my year every summer. You won't be dissappointed! Subscribe by email to me at 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 My Book, Morning by Morning, and our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Destructive Winds and Violent Rains 2-11-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me beside the still waters, before I push out into the raging rivers of my day. … "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 59:19). Destructive winds and violent rains, thunderstorms and tornadoes are expected to rage across our nation from west to east today. The call has gone out to make preparations, take cover, and be ready for the storms to come. As it is in the physical realm, so it is in the spiritual realm (1 Corinthians 15:46). Whether this is "the wind of the Lord" or the stirring of destruction from "the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient," our call is the same (Ephesians 2:2). We are to humble ourselves in obedience to You. We are to seek "the shelter of the Most High," "abide in the shadow of the Almighty," and "say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:1-2). We are to make preparations, take cover, and be ready for the storms to come. Let the fear of the Lord come again to our land. Let our consciences again be sensitive to the conviction of Your Spirit. Come like a pent-up stream and a mighty rushing wind to blow through the soul of our nation and drive away the chaff of our sin. Bring down the pillars of our false temples and arrogant pride, exalted in rebellious defiance to Your Word and Your Spirit. Let the false structures and false images we have built with our own hands for our own glory be "broken in pieces and become like chaff of the summer threshing floors" driven away by Your wind (Daniel 2:35). From west to east, let us fear Your name and behold Your glory. "Note then the kindness and the severity of God; severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness toward you, provided you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off" (Romans 11:22). You don't desire the death or destruction of anyone, but long for all to turn to You and find shelter in the refuge You freely provide for all who will humble themselves to come and call upon Your name (Ezekiel 33:11). "For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on You, for You will answer me" (Psalm 86:5-7). Though winds and storms, thunder and rain may come in violence and destruction, I will trust in the name of the Lord. "For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved' " (Romans 10:13). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I'm really excited to be invited to be a Keynote Speaker at the Aldersgate '09 National Conference on Spirit-filled Living this summer, July 1-5, 2009 in North Carolina. Please come join us. Register online now for a discount: www.Aldersgate09.org ("Aldersgate" is the name of the street where John Wesley was filled with the Holy Spirit at a prayer meeting in London and his heart set ablaze with a passion for Jesus that ignited a great revival across England that changed the world). Subscribe by email to me at 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 My Book, Morning by Morning, and our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Imperishable Seed, Indestructible Purposes 2-10-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Just speaking out Your name changes the spiritual atmosphere of my day. … "You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.' That word is the good news that was announced to you" (1 Peter 1:24-25). As I rise to meet the day, shall I live by my flesh or Your word? Shall I trust in my abilities or Your power? Shall I make my plans in light of my priorities to take care of all my problems or wait first in the silence of surrender before Your throne of grace until I am "endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49, KJV)? My flesh, apart from Your Spirit, will fall and fail. My plans, apart from Your purposes, will come to nothing -- or worse. But Your word will endure forever. Your word is the good news that I am born anew, that Your mercies are new every morning, that the seed of the word of God is implanted in my soul and nourished by Your Spirit. Though that seed may be hidden beneath the surface -- sometimes deep beneath the snow and ice, sometimes deep beneath bone dry sand or enmeshed in mud -- that seed is there nonetheless, imperishable and indestructible. And in its time, in Your time, it will bear fruit. Lord, what is Your word for me today? In my heart I hear You say, "My son, what seems like problems to you are the implements of My purposes if you will entrust them into My hands. They are the shovels and rakes, the planters and plows that till the soil of your soul until My seed bears My fruit through your life. In that way, your problems are My problems; and to Me, they are no problem at all." Yes, Lord. That really is good news. And You really are a good God. So as best as I can by the power of Your grace, I choose to live this day by Your word and not in my flesh. Let every problem become an implement of Your purposes. And I know at the heart of Your purposes is Your desire for me to know You, as You make me more like You each day. "His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Thus He has given us through these things, His precious and very great promises, so that through them (we) may escape from the corruption that is in this world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-4). In Jesus' name pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I'm really excited to be invited to be a Keynote Speaker at the Aldersgate '09 National Conference on Spirit-filled Living this summer, July 1-5, 2009 in North Carolina. Please come join us. Register online now for a discount: www.Aldersgate09.org ("Aldersgate" is the name of the street where John Wesley was filled with the Holy Spirit at a prayer meeting in London and his heart set ablaze with a passion for Jesus that ignited a great revival across England that changed the world). Subscribe by email to me at 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 My Book, Morning by Morning, and our Ministry Resources or Contribute to our vision and calling: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Pangs of New Birth into a Living Hope 2-9-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Living Word, Living Waters, Living Hope, come live in me today. … "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:3-5). Without death, there is no resurrection. Without the pangs of birth and the intense contractions of labor, there is no new birth. But death to our self will and self ways prepares the way and sets the scene for Your resurrection power and revelation glory. And the intensity of the pain of birth focuses our attention on nothing else but what You are doing in this hour. You are shaking what needs to be shaken, breaking what needs to be broken, pruning what needs to be pruned. "In this (we can choose by Your grace to) rejoice, even if now for a little while (we) have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of (our) faith -- being more precious than gold, that, though perishable, is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (v. 6-7). Not all that's happening in this hour is Your will and much of it breaks Your heart. But You will have Your way through it all. You will not waste a moment of our suffering, nor miss an opportunity for our maturity. You will cause all things to work together for our good as we keep turning all things over to our God. Through all of this, "(we) are receiving the outcome of (our) faith, the salvation of (our) souls" (v. 9). This salvation comes through a true faith, tested by the consuming fire of our choices through our circumstances every day. It is not a superficial assent to theological doctrines, but a trusting surrender of our lives to our God. In the trusting surrender of genuine faith, Christ is revealed in us, with all praise and glory and honor to You. This is our resurrection power, our new birth, and our living hope. And it will be eternally worth all we must temporarily endure to receive the fullness of our inheritance through faith in You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Come to The Fountain! on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's city-wide gathering in the unity 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe free by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Speak Up and Speak Out 2-6-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take me by the hand and lead me by the heart today. … "Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9). Our words have power. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). Our voices make a difference. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news … for 'Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the earth' " (Romans 10:15-18). You empower us to speak up and anoint us to speak out, according to Your will being made manifest through our words. "Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:23-24). Lord, purify my lips and my heart, anoint my tongue and empower my words as an instrument in Your hand to release Your will in my life and through my life today (Isaiah 6:5-8). Fill my mouth with Your words of wisdom and life. As I depend upon Your Holy Spirit, give me Your will to pray and Your words to say. "Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you" (Matthew 10:19-20). As with all Your sons and daughters of God, who yield their wills to walk in Your ways, available to be Your instruments of grace, our words will have Your power, released in the authority of Your Spirit. Your Holy Spirit is an "Advocate," the "Spirit of Truth" (John 14:16-17). And Your words, released through Your people anointed by Your Spirit are powerful "keys of the kingdom of heaven" so that "whatever (we) bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever (we) loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). So let us not take lightly this holy calling, with responsibility and authority, to lift our voices and speak our words for the causes and purposes You place on our hearts. As You lead me, I will speak up and I will speak out. I will not keep silent, as Your Spirit stirs me, "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). In Your power and with Your authority, I will speak up for those who have no voice and I will speak out for those who face injustice and oppression, whether by human flesh or by demonic spirits (Matthew 8:16; John 20:21). "The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word" (Isaiah 50:4). So Lord, fill my voice with Your words today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I have a number of invitations for our School of Spiritual Ministry for pastors and leaders overseas and would welcome your frequent flyer miles contributions. If you would be interested in joining with us in this way in ministry to nations not as financially blessed as ours, please send me a note: MessiahMin@aol.com Come to The Fountain! on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's city-wide gathering in the unity 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe free by email to me at 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 Ministry Resources or Contribute: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Godly Judgment and Ungodly Judgment 2-5-09

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Form Your nature in my nature; fill my spirit with Your Spirit. As I give myself to You, You give Yourself to me. … "Do not judge, and you will not be judge; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (Luke 6:37-38). There is godly judgment and ungodly judgment. Godly judgment is judging rightly, rightly discerning the truth for what it is. Godly judgment does not turn a blind eye to the truth, but sees clearly, as You see. Ungodly judgment is when we harden our hearts in judgment, as if to say, "That's how you are and that's how you'll always be; you'll never change." It's coming into agreement with the accuser instead of coming into agreement with the Redeemer. Godly judgment turns our hearts from discernment to intercession and intervention. Ungodly judgment turns our hearts from discernment to criticism and condemnation. Lord, give me eyes to see others as You see them -- not only recognizing the truth of who they are and what they've done, but also recognizing the truth of who they are created to be and seeing the potential of all they are created to do. Thank You for seeing me that way. Thank You for never hardening Your heart toward me, never turning Your back on me, never giving up on me. And as You have freely given to me, so You call me to freely give to others. My grace towards them with affect Your grace toward me -- the measure I give will be the measure I get, and more also. And as You and I both know, Lord, I need all the grace I can get. Lord, let me not be deceived, confused, or fooled; bring all things out of the darkness of deception and into the light of truth. But as You show me the truth, let me intervene and intercede as You lead, with Your heart of mercy and your hope for redemption. I renounce the all-too-common path of criticism and condemnation, and I seek to choose Your path of restoration and transformation. "My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2). Lord, let me not be tempted to ungodly judgment, but empowered by Your grace to choose godly judgment and redemptive restoration. And by the grace of God, may others choose the same for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I have a number of invitations for our School of Spiritual Ministry for pastors and leaders overseas and would welcome your frequent flyer miles contributions. If you would be interested in joining with us in this way in ministry to nations not as financially blessed as ours, please send me a note: MessiahMin@aol.com Come to The Fountain! on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's city-wide gathering in the unity 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 or send a note to Marilyn at DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe free by email to me at 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 Daily Archives at: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com Order our Ministry Resources or Contribute: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org