Monday, December 04, 2023

The Journey to Bethlehem in Our Hearts - December 4, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, December 4 - The Journey to Bethlehem in Our Hearts

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I’m listening for Your leading to begin my day pursuing Your Presence. ...

 

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

 

Long before Christmas Day, the wise men from the East began their journey to Bethlehem. With their eyes, they saw a sign. With their hearts, they yearned to come find and worship the One who would be born King of the Jews. And not only King of the Jews, this One would also be revealed as King of Kings and Lord of Lords of all the heavens and all the earth (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 19:16).

 

In this season of the year we call “advent” -- named after the adventure of the journey to Bethlehem in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, who comes to rule and reign as King and Lord of our hearts -- I want to prepare my heart for Your coming.

 

I’m well aware of the history lessons and theological discussions of why “Christmas” is not really the time of the real birth of Jesus and just the co-opting of a pagan holiday with its imagery and mythology of trees and wreaths and angels, etc., etc., etc. I acknowledge the validity of the arguments. But I’m also well away of Your power to redeem all things--"redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5), redeeming the curse (Galatians 3:13), redeeming us (Ephesians 1:7) -- and causing all things to work together for good according to Your plans and purposes (Romans 8:28).

 

Dubious origins or not, there’s no doubting this is a season when people are speaking of Jesus, looking to Jesus, celebrating Jesus, all around the world. So I join in the redemption of this time, this season of anticipation of Your coming, in the adventure of advent. Prepare my heart as I prepare You room, here in my life -- this day and every day, this season and every season. As they say, “Wise men still seek Him.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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


My friend, may you be making room for Jesus in your heart during this adventure of advent season on our journey to Bethlehem, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

--Free to Be Like Jesus--

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

New Wine Worship This Wednesday Night!

If you're in the Fredericksburg, Texas area or coming this way, please come join us on the First Wednesday of Every Month at 7PM for our Messiah Ministries' Night of Worship, Prayer, and Prophetic Intercession to encounter the Presence of the Lord, as we we drink deeply of the New Wine of the Holy Spirit, however the Spirit leads.


People come from all over the country to the vineyards of Fredericksburg. May they also come into the Vineyard of Jesus (John 15:1) and drink in the New Wine of the Holy Spirit as we pray and pursue Revival in our hearts and our community!

(Mark 2:22)


Hosted each month at 7PM at The Gateway Gathering 394 RM 1376, just East of Fredericksburg, Texas. All are welcome! Not a church but a monthly gathering of hearts hungry to drink deeply from the well of the Spirit of God. Join us on the 1st Wednesday of Every Month for this new local ministry outreach.

Come join us and Spread the word!

https://www.gatewayfbgtx.com

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


December 6 - New Wine Worship! —First Wednesday

7PM at The Gateway Gathering Venue in Fredericksburg, Texas (Road 394 RM 1376). Come drink deeply from the New Wine of the Holy Spirit, as we follow His leading in worship, prayer, and prophetic intercession, as the Holy Spirit leads. All are Welcome! https://www.gatewayfbgtx.com


January 13, 2024

Speaking at Canyon Lake, Texas Aglow Ministries Gathering


January 20, 2024

Speaking at Bastrop, Texas Aglow Ministries Lighthouse


January 22-30, 2024

Ministry in Morelia, Mexico with our Ministry Partner there, Pastor Fernando Tovar at Rey de Reyes Iglesia Christiana and Morelia House of Prayer


February 2024

Ministry in Bangalore, India with Rev. Samuel and Pastor Pramila Jeyaraj at Jubilee Revival Worship Center


March 8-10

Leading a Free to Be Like Jesus Conference at the House of Prayer in Montpelier, Ohio


Contact Me for a Conference or Retreat in Your Church or Community: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


March 2024

Planning a ministry trip in person to Pakistan with our ministry partners there. Please pray about contributing this amazing ministry opportunity to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Pakistan!


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit.

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


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 

Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free!

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Friday, December 01, 2023

Ears to Hear and a Heart to Trust and Obey - December 1, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, December 1 - Ears to Hear and a Heart to Trust and Obey

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Awaken my heart to align with Your Spirit, as I wait for You and listen for Your leading, for the sons and daughters of God are led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). ...

 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:13).

 

Those are not words chiseled in stone of Old Testament Law, but Words of Spirit and Life and Truth spoken from Your mouth in New Testament grace--the grace of God to lead us into the fullness of life we have in You.

 

You’ve given us spiritual ears to hear. You’ve given us the capacity and the freedom to turn to You in our hearts, to listen for You from our spirits, to follow You in our obedience.

 

And at the same time, You’ve given us the capacity and the freedom to “turn a deaf ear” to You, to harden our hearts toward You, to refuse to listen and refuse to obey. You set before us life and death, obedience and rebellion, yielding to Your control or insisting on our own, trusting Your Lordship over our lives or demanding our own lordship over our lives.

 

There are consequences for our choices. When we choose the way of pride, the way of insisting on our own way, in our own power, in our own wisdom, You’ll allow us to make those choices. When we close our ears to hear and stiffen our necks to resist, saying in our hearts, “I’m going to do what I want do; and I don’t care what You say to do,” our pride is resisting Your grace and we’re choosing the path of depending upon ourselves instead of trusting in You.

 

And then we suffer the consequences of this spiritual principle of the Kingdom of God: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Our pride resists Your grace where we need it the most. Our pride wants to rise up and take the place of lordship when there’s only room for one Lord on the throne of our lives.

 

Lord, give me a more humble heart. Give me ears to hear and a heart to trust and obey, as I seek You and desire to follow Your leading and walk in Your ways--as best as I can and all by Your grace. Then I can join in the joy of this spiritual principle of the Kingdom of God: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

 

Lift up my spirit into Your embrace. Lift up my heart to hear what Your Spirit is saying to Your church, what Your Spirit is saying to me. With my ear ready to hear, let me hear Your voice, speaking Your word, saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). For I am a child of God, ready to be led by the Spirit of God--right now and throughout every moment of my day (Romans 8:14). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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


My friend, may you be led by the Spirit of God with open ears to the voice of God, as you trust and obey in the fullness of His grace, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

--Free to Be Like Jesus--

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


December 3

Speaking at a Tamale Making Fellowship Gathering in San Antonio, Texas with my wife Rocio's Handmade Tamales!


December 6 - New Wine Worship! —First Wednesday

7PM at The Gateway Gathering Venue on Luckenbach Road in Fredericksburg, Texas (Road 394 RM 1376). Come drink deeply from the New Wine of the Holy Spirit, as we follow His leading in worship, prayer, and prophetic words as the Holy Spirit leads.

First Wednesday of Every Month. All are Welcome! https://www.gatewayfbgtx.com


January 13, 2024

Speaking at Canyon Lake, Texas Aglow Ministries Gathering


January 20, 2024

Speaking at Bastrop, Texas Aglow Ministries Lighthouse


January 22-30, 2024

Ministry in Morelia, Mexico with our Ministry Partner there, Pastor Fernando Tovar at Rey de Reyes Iglesia Christiana and Morelia House of Prayer


February 2024

Ministry in Bangalore, India with Rev. Samuel and Pastor Pramila Jeyaraj at Jubilee Revival Worship Center


March 8-10

Leading a Free to Be Like Jesus Conference at the House of Prayer in Montpelier, Ohio


Contact Me for a Conference or Retreat in Your Church or Community: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


March 2024

Planning a ministry trip in person to Pakistan with our ministry partners there. Please pray about contributing this amazing ministry opportunity to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Pakistan!


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit.

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


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 

Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free!

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Looking to God, Trusting His Will - November 30, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, November 30 - Looking to God, Trusting His Will

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take me by the hand and lead me by the heart into all You have for me today--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...

 

“Look to Me, and be saved,

All you ends of the earth!

For I am God, and there is no other.

I have sworn by Myself;

The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,

And shall not return,

That to Me every knee shall bow,

Every tongue shall take an oath.

He shall say,

‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength.

To Him men shall come,

And all shall be ashamed

Who are incensed against Him.

In the Lord all the descendants of Israel

Shall be justified, and shall glory’” (Isaiah 45:22-25).

 

You say “Look to Me,” but we live in a world that’s looking everywhere else but You. You say You alone are God and “there is no other,” but we live in a world where each one seeks his own god or even exalts himself as his own god. But there is salvation in no other. There is no God but You. And in the end there will come a day when every knee will bow to You and every tongue shall confess to You that You alone are Lord and Your word alone is true (Isaiah 45:23 affirmed in Philippians 2:10).

 

To look to You is to seek You, to pursue You, to honor You, to trust You, to submit to you, to set You as the goal and the prize and the standard of our lives. We “look” to You to “be saved,” but it’s not just to be saved to go to Heaven when we die, but it’s also to look to You to have Heaven in us now, with our hearts open to You and our lives committed to You, trusting in You alone for our salvation in eternity to come and in eternity now. When the eternity of forever intersects with the moment of eternity taking place right now, it’s called “the present.” And I want to be found seeking You, embracing You right here, right now, in this present moment and also through every moment of my day.

 

So I begin my day looking to You, trusting Your will, entrusting my life and every moment of my day to You. You be Lord of my life; You be King of my heart. You send forth Your word into my world to establish Your will in my life and through my life, for my life belongs to You. Your word will not return empty, but will accomplish all Your purposes (Isaiah 55:11).

 

You already know and You’ve already declared “the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:10). So give me Your grace to yield to Your will and trust in Your ways. Form Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart, so my will is aligned with Your will and the days of my life are aligned with the plans of Your purposes. As You have said in Your Word which will never fail, “I also will bring it pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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


My friend, may you begin your day looking to God, as you keep looking to Him throughout the moments of your day as He leads you in His will according to His word, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

--Free to Be Like Jesus--

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


December 3

Speaking at a Tamale Making Fellowship Gathering in San Antonio, Texas with my wife Rocio's Handmade Tamales!


December 6 - New Wine Worship!

7PM at The Gateway Gathering Venue on Luckenbach Road in Fredericksburg, Texas. First Wednesday of the Month. All are Welcome! https://www.gatewayfbgtx.com


January 13, 2024

Speaking at Canyon Lake, Texas Aglow Ministries Gathering


January 20, 2024

Speaking at Bastrop, Texas Aglow Ministries Lighthouse


January 22-30, 2024

Ministry in Morelia, Mexico with our Ministry Partner there, Pastor Fernando Tovar at Rey de Reyes Iglesia Christiana and Morelia House of Prayer


February 2024

Ministry in Bangalore, India with Rev. Samuel and Pastor Pramila Jeyaraj at Jubilee Revival Worship Center


March 8-10

Leading a Free to Be Like Jesus Conference at the House of Prayer in Montpelier, Ohio


Contact Me for a Conference or Retreat in Your Church or Community: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


March 2024

Planning a ministry trip in person to Pakistan with our ministry partners there. Please pray about contributing this amazing ministry opportunity to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Pakistan!


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit.

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


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 

Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free!

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

“Multitudes, Multitudes in the Valley of Decision” - November 29, 2023

 

Morning by Morning, November 29 - “Multitudes, Multitudes in the Valley of Decision”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind, Your desires in my heart, and Your words in my mouth, as I seek to be more like You today, for as You are, so are we to be in our world (1 John 4:17). ...

 

In these days, at this time, it seems all the world is coming into a division and point of decision on the question of Israel. Yesterday, a vote was taken in our Congress of whether our nation would affirm Israel’s right to exist. Most said Yes, but some said No, or at least refused to say Yes.

 

This morning, this ancient Prophesy from the Word of God recorded in the Third Chapter of the Book of Joel comes to mind. I don’t understand all that it means or all the timing of its fulfillment, whether in whole or in part, but I do know it’s true and every Word of God will be fulfilled--all in Your time and all in Your way, based upon Your sovereignty which includes Your respecting of our decisions (Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 55:11):

 

“For behold, in those days and at that time,

When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

I will also gather all nations,

And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

And I will enter into judgment with them there

On account of My people, My heritage Israel,

Whom they have scattered among the nations;

They have also divided up My land.

They have cast lots for My people,

Have given a boy as payment for a harlot,

And sold a girl for wine, that they may drink.

 

“Indeed, what have you to do with Me,

O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia?

Will you retaliate against Me?

But if you retaliate against Me,

Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head;

Because you have taken My silver and My gold,

And have carried into your temples My prized possessions.

Also the people of Judah and the people of Jerusalem

You have sold to the Greeks,

That you may remove them far from their borders.

 

“Behold, I will raise them

Out of the place to which you have sold them,

And will return your retaliation upon your own head.

I will sell your sons and your daughters

Into the hand of the people of Judah,

And they will sell them to the Sabeans,

To a people far off;

For the Lord has spoken.”

 

Proclaim this among the nations:

“Prepare for war!

Wake up the mighty men,

Let all the men of war draw near,

Let them come up.

10 Beat your plowshares into swords

And your pruning hooks into spears;

Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ ”

11 Assemble and come, all you nations,

And gather together all around.

Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord.

 

12 “Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.

Come, go down;

For the winepress is full,

The vats overflow—

For their wickedness is great.”

 

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

15 The sun and moon will grow dark,

And the stars will diminish their brightness.

16 The Lord also will roar from Zion,

And utter His voice from Jerusalem;

The heavens and earth will shake;

But the Lord will be a shelter for His people,

And the strength of the children of Israel.

 

17 “So you shall know that I am the Lord your God,

Dwelling in Zion My holy mountain.

Then Jerusalem shall be holy,

And no aliens shall ever pass through her again.”

 

18 And it will come to pass in that day

That the mountains shall drip with new wine,

The hills shall flow with milk,

And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water;

A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord

And water the Valley of Acacias.

 

19 “Egypt shall be a desolation,

And Edom a desolate wilderness,

Because of violence against the people of Judah,

For they have shed innocent blood in their land.

20 But Judah shall abide forever,

And Jerusalem from generation to generation.

21 For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed, whom I had not acquitted;

For the Lord dwells in Zion” (Joel 3:1-21).

 

As one who is part of the “multitudes” in “the valley of decision,” I want to choose well. I want my nation to choose well. Not based on emotions or the positions of politicians, not based on the trends of the times or the moods of the mobs, but based upon the Word of God, revealed by the Spirit of God.

 

This is not a social issue, but a spiritual issue. And according to Your Word, it is a significant, life-changing, earth-shaking issue that exposes hearts and determines destinies. May we each be led by the Spirit of God in our decisions as children of God (Romans 8:14). And may we each be found faithful on the right side this issue of Israel, as we each come to place of our valley of decision. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


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


My friend, may you be found faithful, by the leading of the Holy Spirit in accordance with God's Word, as you make your decisions concerning the issue of Israel, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!


Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Mailing Address:

412 S. Adams Street #148

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624


Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Anyone can sign up for free at:

https://messiah-ministries.org


My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays


Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be

--Free to Be Like Jesus--

secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events


November 28

#Giving Tuesday—Thank You So Much! We were so encouraged!

We welcome Your partnership and joyful giving into our ministry as the Holy Spirit would lead if you find us to be good stewards of all God has entrusted to us for His kingdom and glory!


https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


December 3

Speaking at a Tamale Making Fellowship Gathering in San Antonio, Texas with my wife Rocio's Handmade Tamales!


December 6 - New Wine Worship!

7PM at The Gateway Gathering Venue on Luckenbach Road in Fredericksburg, Texas. First Wednesday of the Month. All are Welcome! https://www.gatewayfbgtx.com


January 13, 2024

Speaking at Canyon Lake, Texas Aglow Ministries Gathering


January 20, 2024

Speaking at Bastrop, Texas Aglow Ministries Lighthouse


January 22-30, 2024

Ministry in Morelia, Mexico with our Ministry Partner there, Pastor Fernando Tovar at Rey de Reyes Iglesia Christiana and Morelia House of Prayer


February 2024

Ministry in Bangalore, India with Rev. Samuel and Pastor Pramila Jeyaraj at Jubilee Revival Worship Center


March 8-10

Leading a Free to Be Like Jesus Conference at the House of Prayer in Montpelier, Ohio


Contact Me for a Conference or Retreat in Your Church or Community: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org


March 2024

Planning a ministry trip in person to Pakistan with our ministry partners there. Please pray about contributing this amazing ministry opportunity to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Pakistan!


Tuesday Nights at 6PM

Teaching our 9 Month Equipping Course on Tuesday Nights at 6PM at The Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas based on my books Free to Be Like Jesus! and First the Spirit.

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


Wednesday Mornings

Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups from around the world.

 

Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment and as the Holy Spirit leads. Please keep us in prayer for spiritual breakthrough and transformation! Let us know if you'd like to set up a session: 

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

 

Sessions are without cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries.

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free!

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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