Morning by Morning, May 21, 2025 - Christ is Lord in My Heart and Life, Not Me

 

Morning by Morning, May 21, 2025 - Christ is Lord in My Heart and Life, Not Me   Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lord of my life, Lord of all. ... “In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). In my heart, I sanctify You as Lord. In honor You and reverence You as Lord. I surrender my life and submit my life to Your Lordship, Your leadership, Your rulership, Your authority, Your guidance, Your correction. In humility before You and faith in You, I acknowledge the truth You speak in Your Word that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5). And I praise You that I never have to be apart from You, for You always abide in me and I in you, as I keep my heart open before You and yielded to You (John 15:4). You are with me “always” (Matthew 28:20). And You are the Hope that is in me. But in the intimacy and ever-abiding embrace of this spiritual communion of Your Presence with me and within me, there is only one Lord. You are Lord and I am not. You are in charge, and I am not. You lead and I follow; You speak and I listen; You direct and I obey. You rule and reign in my heart and life, for You are Lord of all (Acts 10:36). You are the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”—King of my life and Lord of my heart (Revelation 19:16). By the power of Your grace, help me trust You even more, surrender even more. As You said in Your Word, my willing surrender and faithful obedience to You is the true measure of my love for You: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.... If a man loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words” (John 14:21-23). People don’t like to hear that, but it is the Truth. Grace is not freedom from obedience. Grace is the power of God that frees us to trust You, love You, and obey You. That’s much of what it means in Your Word to “sanctify” Christ as “Lord” in our hearts. Thank You for this drawing this morning to deeper surrender, deeper submission, more faithful obedience to You and Your word in my life. Thank You for the power of Your grace to sanctify You as Lord in my every area of my heart and every moment of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you surrender and submit more and more of your heart and life to the Lordship of Jesus, trusting Him and obeying Him in your love for Him, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street 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 Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org May 21-25 Preaching and Ministry at Olney, Illinois First Methodist Church with my great friend Pastor Jeff Bealmear May 31 Preaching at "The Hill Country for Jesus Revival" at The Empty Cross of The Coming King Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas. Worship, Testimonies and Teaching from 11-5pm, led by Minister Ruth Sebring. Information at: ruth1sebring@yahoo.com June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost June 9 Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 4 Leading Prayer at the Patriotic Prayer Gathering at the 4th of July Parade at the County Courthouse Gazebo hosted by the Fredericksburg Tea Party 9am. All are welcome! July 9 Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 23-August 4 Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team August 18-26 Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set 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

Morning by Morning, May 20, 2025 - “Increase.”

 

Morning by Morning, May 20, 2025 - “Increase.” Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You here in my heart and every moment of my day. ... As I wait for Your leading, the word “Increase” comes to mind. ... And this Word from the story of the children of Israel who had gone down to Egypt during the famine in their land. While they were there, You multiplied them and increased them: “The descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong; so that the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7). Even in the midst of a culture with very different beliefs, values, and religious faith, You increased them. Even knowing the hardships they would endure because of their faith and identity, You increased them. There would come a day when You would set them free from Egypt and lead them toward their Promised Land. Not all would make it themselves, but their children and their children and their children would, as You made them to become a great nation. One of our pastors at our local, home base church was sharing very encouraging reports of the increase of faith, increase of Bible reading, increase of Christian commitment currently taking place in our nation.  According to a current study of American Bible Society, there’s evidence of a great move of Your Holy Spirit taking place now. Especially among the young people. There’s been a 29% increase in Bible usage among “millennials,” a 19% increase in Bible usage among men. 54% of “Gen Z” adults report that the Bible has “transformed” their lives. Barna Group says one in six adults affirm they read the Bible most days during their week. Now that sounds like “increase!” That sounds like Revival! There’s “increase” not just here at home, but around the world! Sometimes we see it, but most of it is happening often times underground and unreported. On my recent ministry trip to Pakistan, I was amazed at how the Christian faith is growing and increasing even in the face of a very different culture of religion. A leader of that religion in the little village where we minster and have started a school for the poor is even coming to our discipleship training classes we just began. Praise God! I’m remembering the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream that spoke of the days to come. Despite all the opposition and persecution, despite all the resistance and dominance of the cultures, religions, and kingdoms of this world, there will come a day when “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed!” (Daniel 2:44). That kingdom shall increase and fill “the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). And that kingdom “shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44). That kingdom, “the kingdom of God,” is not just increasing in the nations. It’s also increasing in us. In all of us who are called by Your name, pursuing Your Presence, surrendering to Your character, as You make us more like You by transforming our lives, You are increasing in us. The kingdom of God is a moving of Your Spirit in our hearts: “For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). “And the kingdom and the dominion     and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven     shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,     and all dominions shall serve and obey them” (Daniel 7:27) One day, Your Word will be fulfilled throughout all the nations of the earth: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15). Come, Holy Spirit. Come, continue the “increase.” Continue the revival. In our hearts. In our homes. In our nations of this world! In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you increase and the kingdom of God increase within you with His righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, as His kingdom increases in our world, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street 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"

A few Pictures from Pakistan Ministry May 2025

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org April 30-May 18 - Thank you so much for all your prayers, my friends! Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Karachi, Lahore, Pattoki, Tara Garth, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit! Please consider supporting our Messiah Ministries Christian School we started this year for children from the brick kilns and villages. Write for details: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org May 21-25 Preaching and Ministry at Olney, Illinois First Methodist Church with my great friend Pastor Jeff Bealmear May 31 Preaching at "The Hill Country for Jesus Revival" at The Empty Cross of The Coming King Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas. Worship, Testimonies and Teaching from 11-5pm, led by Minister Ruth Sebring. Information at: ruth1sebring@yahoo.com June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost June 9 Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 9 Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 23-August 4 Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team August 18-26 Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set 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

Morning by Morning, May 19, 2025 - Pursuing “Quality” not “Quantity”

 

Morning by Morning, May 19, 2025 - Pursuing “Quality” not “Quantity” Good morning, Lord Jesus. All is well with my soul when my soul is wholly surrendered to You. ... “How then should we live?” (Ezekiel 33:10) As I wait upon the leading of Your Spirit this morning, the thought comes to mind of the news of our former President who was just diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. I’m led to ponder the frailty of human life and our struggle for significance or legacy, for meaning in the moments of our days, in this short period of time we have on this earth. “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). So this question comes to mind from the Prophet Ezekiel: “How then should we live?” (Ezekiel 33:10). It’s akin to the question the Apostle Peter asks in contemplation of the uncertainty of our lives from our perspective, even amidst the certainty of Your sovereignty from Your perspective: “What manner of persons ought (we) to be?” (2 Peter 3:11) What comes to my heart is this sense: “It’s not about the quantity of what we do, but about the quality of who we become.” ... Now, the words and face of Mike Chaille, a teacher and friend from early in my ministry, now at home with the Lord, come to mind: “We are not human doings, but human beings.” The emphasis of our lives is not to be about what we do as much as who we are becoming, growing in our understanding of who we are in You and who You are in us, as sons and daughters of God, living out our lives in the constant communion of our personal relationship with You. “Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). So in this sort of wake-up call to mortality and call to rightly align my priorities and perspective with Heaven’s heart for my time here on earth, let me grow in the grace of my quality of relationship with You. Let that be my focus. Let that be my legacy. As the Apostle Paul came to realize in the realignment of his life priorities along the way of his spiritual journey with You, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “Indeed I count everything (else) as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Thank You for the grace of the freedom from the tyranny of struggling for “quantity” and the peace You grant in the simple pursuit of “quality” in my relationship with You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. As King David come to understand, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). Like Mary, who focused primarily on being with You, as compared to Martha who was primarily busy about doing her tasks, may I choose the best part, the only part that really matters. As You said, “Few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). By the grace of God, I choose the better part. I choose the priority of “quality” over “quantity” as my legacy and way of life. This then, is how I choose to live—as best as I can and all by Your grace. Now, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with (us) all” (2 Corinthians 13:14). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you be freed from the tyranny of pursing "quality" and free to purse your relationship of "quality" with the Lord, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street 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"

A few Pictures from Pakistan Ministry May 2025

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org April 30-May 18 - Thank you so much for all your prayers, my friends! Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Karachi, Lahore, Pattoki, Tara Garth, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit! Please consider supporting our Messiah Ministries Christian School we started this year for children from the brick kilns and villages. Write for details: tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org May 22-25 Preaching and Ministry at Olney, Illinois First Methodist Church with my great friend Pastor Jeff Bealmear May 31 Preaching at "The Hill Country for Jesus Revival" at The Empty Cross of The Coming King Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas. Worship, Testimonies and Teaching from 11-5pm, led by Minister Ruth Sebring. Information at: ruth1sebring@yahoo.com June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost June 9 Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 9 Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 23-August 4 Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team August 18-26 Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set 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