Law and Grace 7-22-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be in charge of my calendar, my conversations, and my commitments today. Be at the center of my focus now. ... "After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, 'The people of Israel, the priests, the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations.... For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons. Thus the holy seed has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands, and in this faithlessness the officials and leaders have led the way" (Ezra 9:1-2). When the exiles returned to Israel from their captivity, there was great zeal to obey the letter of the law. They had suffered the judgment of exile to a foreign land and were now returning home with a fresh start for a "new life" (v. 9:9). Yet they could only see this as a "brief moment" of "favor" from a God who was granting "a little sustenance in (their) slavery" (v. 9:8). Someone pointed out the sin if intermarriage with people of foreign religions worshipping false gods, and they chose to take drastic action "to send away all these wives and their children" (Ezra 10:3). Only a few spoke up to oppose this plan (Ezra 10:10). These kinds of passages of Scripture are always hard for me to grasp and understand with the eyes of grace that has now set us free from the law. Under the grace of God through the Christ our Lord, "we know that a person is justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not be doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law" (Galatians 2:16). We are not free to sin, but we are free to follow Christ. "For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:19-20). Seeing the strictness of the law convicts me of the depths of sin, reminds me of my continual need for a Savior, and fills me with joy for the freedom of the grace of God. "For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). Holiness under the law before grace through Christ seemed to require that the unbelieving wives and children be sent away. It seems holiness under the grace of Christ is the Holy Spirit of Christ living in us, shining as light through us, in the midst of the darkness of unbelieving cultures and people. We are still called to be joined in marriage to believers, but if we are joined to an unbeliever and who consents to live with us, we are not to send them away (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). By the power of the grace of God, instead of what is unholy defiling what is holy, what is holy transforms what is unholy. "For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy" (1 Corinthians 7:14). I'm still growing in my understanding of law and grace, the truth of the Word of God under both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. I'm still wresting with Your teaching of the Sermon of the Mount as You continually addressed the law with the fuller understanding of grace out of the heart of the same God, when You relentlessly said, "You have heart it was said.... But I say to you ..." (Matthew 5:21-48). But unlike Ezra the priest and the people of his day who were looking for only "a little sustenance in their slavery" for the "brief moment" of Your "favor," I live every day under the freedom and power of grace. "For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:5). So let me not pull back from the world to be holy, but send me forth into my world today with the holy light of Your Holy Spirit shining through me, transforming my world by the power of Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Handle the Gold 7-21-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Before I talk to anyone else, I want to talk to You. Before I hear another voice, I want to hear Yours. ... "Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests.... And I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God.... And I said to them, 'You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord, the God of your ancestors" (Ezra 8:24-28). You restored Your people to their land out of their captivity when the judgment of exile was completed. And You restored all that had been stolen from them. Among them were all the vessels of silver and gold taken from the temple and hauled away into the treasuries of the kings of Babylon. But even there, these vessels were to be treated with only honor and respect, as the son of Nebuchadnezzar found out when he read the writing on the wall that prophesied his own judgment for defiling the vessels of the Lord (Daniel 5:1-31). The vessel of his soul was "weighed on the scales and found wanting" (v. 5:27). I think these vessels of the temple of the Lord speak of our souls. God commands they be treated with honor and respect, even in the times of judgment and consequences for our disobedience and sin. His heart is to always to restore us and return us to the place of His honor. And in Christ, we are all his priests as well, called to be holy through the cleansing of Your blood and commanded to handle the vessels of God's people with holy honor (1 Peter 2:9). "You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish" (v. 1:18). Through faith in You, our souls are being cleansed and purified to be "more precious than gold," though "tested by fire," to be worthy vessels of honor. (1 Peter 1:6-7). Today, let me see myself that way and see others that way as well. As the vessels of the Lord were "weighed out" into the hands of Your priests by Ezra, they were called to "guard them and keep them" until they were completely restored into the house of the Lord (Ezra 8:29). Likewise, You've called me and each of us who are called by Your name to be holy priests to You, as we handle the gold of Your people's souls in our hands today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please sign up soon to come join Laura Beach and me for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Through Tommy's teaching and Laura's leading of creative prayer experiences, "The Shepherd's Pen Retreat" will explore the beautiful passage of John 10 -- We will delve into what it means to: 1) Truly hear and discern the voice of God, our good shepherd, 2) Identify the broken fences that allow the wolf and the thief to disrupt our ability to hear the Good Shepherd, and 3) Experience the healing and restoration that occurs when we enter into the safe "pen" of God's love. There will be times of worship, teaching, practice hearing the voice of God in different ways and, of course, prayer to equip and nurture all who attend.Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). It's not too late to sign up for our School of Spiritual Ministry intensive this Thurs night, Friday, and Saturday -- equipping and empowering spiritual leaders. My friend, Greg Howard, former commander of vehicle enforcement for the state will be teaching on leadership as well. Childcare available. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Not Empty-handed 7-20-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I welcome You here in my spirit, soul, and body. ... "All that first opens the womb is Mine .... No one shall appear before Me empty-handed" (Exodus 34:19-20). As I appear before every morning in the communion of prayer, these first moments belong to You. As morning opens to a new day, all that first opens my thoughts, my desires, my words, and my actions belong to You. I will not go through the moments of my day empty-handed, because I've not come before You in these first moments empty-handed. You fill my hands with Your hands and my spirit with Your Spirit. You gladly receive my sacrifice of my self as a willing embrace of Your constant Presence throughout my day. ... As I wait upon You in the silence of surrender, it seems I hear You say, "My Son, you may see these first moments as a sacrifice, but I multiply these moments beyond your imagination. These are the most important moments because all the other moments of Your day are set in motion in these. You have used them well this morning." Yes, Lord. Yesterday morning, I thought I was too tired to come and thought I would just "take a day off," but things didn't quite seem right all day long. But You've used even that to draw me closer to You today. You are showing me that my time is a sacrifice but my time with You is really no sacrifice at all in light of all it does in me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, that you for praying for us at The Fountain Friday night. Please keep Shrae Ning from Cambodia in your prayers as the Lord continues to heal her eyes and empower her testimony. She encouraged us all with her strong faith that allowed her to survive through the killing fields as a child and through all the many trials and challenges since. God bless you! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

A Heart for the Word of God 7-16-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I watch and wait in the silence of surrender before You again in these first moments of my morning. ... "Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses that the Lord our God had given; and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord God was upon him" (Ezra 7:6). Though Your priest Ezra was taken away captive and exiled to a foreign land and subjected to life under the influence of a foreign king, Your Word was never exiled from his heart. And the hand of Your favor never left his head. "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). And when the season of suffering was over and the season of restoration began, Ezra was ready for the move of God in his day, "for the gracious hand of his God was upon him" (v. 7:9). Keep giving me a hunger for Your Word and Your Spirit. Let them fill me and overflow through me. Prepare me for battle and position me to move with authority at Your command, with my hand filled with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" and with Your hand filled with my heart (Ephesians 6:17). By the power of Your grace, I set my heart to study Your Word and seek the abiding presence and favor of Your Holy Spirit. When I go before courts and kings, sinners and saints, and all who cross my path in the everyday journey of life, let them know by Your gracious hand upon me that I have been with You -- in Your Word and filled with Your Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we've updated our ministry resources at: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org, including my new book and the new release of the dvd's from our School of Spiritual Ministry filmed live in Lexington earlier this year. Please sign up soon to come join Laura Beach and me for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Sign up soon to join us for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry I'll be leading July 24-26, 2008 (Equipping and Empowering Spiritual Leaders in Prayer Ministry to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father). No fee, but suggested donation of $75.00. CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night 7/18 (on the 3rd Friday night of every month)for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. I will be there to lead in prayer this month. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"A Great Shout" 7-15-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your Spirit increase; let my flesh decrease, as I choose, by Your grace, to submit my will to Yours today. ... "When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the Lord with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, according to the directions of King David of Israel; and they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid" (Ezra 3:10-11). There's great rejoicing in heaven whenever a sinner comes to repentance and turns his life over to You, welcomes Your Holy Spirit into his heart, and embraces the steadfast love of our Father. And their was great rejoicing at every stage of Israel's journey where they behold Your mighty power and turned their hearts to their God. But when You restored their lives and their nation from Your judgment and the season of their exile from the promised land and blessings of God through their sin, they gave up "a great shout." You set things right again in the foundation of their souls and their land. In Your "steadfast love" that "endures forever," You are good and faithful to restore and redeem all things we will entrust to Your care. I thank You for the joy of my salvation. And I praise You for all the times I've seen You move in the mighty power of Your steadfast love to set things right in my life. Every time You heal my brokenness and break my bondage, You continue to build a foundation of faith in my soul, grounded and established in Your steadfast, unyielding love for me. You never let go. And I want to respond with a great shout of praise when I remember and bear witness to all You've done out of Your unfailing, unending love for me. And one day, a mighty angel of the Lord will stand on earth and shout into the heavens with "a great shout" like "a lion roaring" and sound of "seven thunders" when You move in mighty power to restore and redeem all things (Revelation 10:1-7). "There will be no more delay" and "the mystery of God will be fulfilled" on that day (v. 10:6-7). That will be a day worthy of the greatest shout of praise of all. Give me grace to press on and rise up from the firm foundation of faith You've been laying in my soul until the coming of that awesome day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we've updated our ministry resources at: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org, including my new book and the new release of the dvd's from our School of Spiritual Ministry filmed live in Lexington earlier this year. Please come join Laura Beach and me if you can for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Join us for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Equipping and Empowering Spiritual Leaders in Prayer Ministry to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father). No fee, but suggested donation of $75.00.CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night 7/18 (on the 3rd Friday night of every month)for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. I will be there to lead in prayer this month. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Prophets, Priests, and Kings Together 7-14-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, my Father God. Good morning, Holy Spirit of the Living God. I welcome every dimension of Your Being to abide in every dimension of my being. ... "Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them. The Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set out to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them" (Ezra 5:1-2). In the days of the restoration of Israel and the rebuilding of Your temple, You called together prophetic elders, spiritual leaders, and governmental authorities -- the prophets, priests, and kings of their generation. Together, they heard Your word and moved in action, helping one another to rebuild the house of the Lord. Each group recognized their giftings of God and the giftings of God in one another, complementing one another to work together to advance the word and will of God on earth. As they honored You and embraced the responsibility and authority You gave them to advance Your kingdom in their generation, they overcame all opposition and resistance to Your will through their lives. "So the elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of the prophet Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished their building by command of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus, Darius, and King Artaxerxes of Persia; and this house of was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius" (Ezra 6:14-15). The favor of God upon Your people, moving together as one, brought even the favor of the pagan rulers of the world into submission to Your plan to restore and bless the people of God. In Christ, You are our Prophet, Priest, and King. And as the body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, You are in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). You anoint us with Your Holy Spirit to take our responsibility and authority to listen for Your leading and then move in action with one another as Your prophets, priests, and kings in our own spheres of influence and authority. You pour out Your favor and blessing to accomplish Your purposes in us and through us. And as we honor You and honor Your Spirit and Your gifts in one another, Your kingdom will advance in our generation for Your glory (1 Corinthians 12:1-31). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we've updated our ministry resources at: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org, including my new book. Please come join Laura Beach and me if you can for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Join us for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Equipping and Empowering Spiritual Leaders in Prayer Ministry to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father). No fee, but suggested donation of $75.00.CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Come to The Fountain! on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Come to the Mountain! every Monday night at 7 pm to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem led by Doris and Bob McCray of our ministry. Hosted in the upstairs community room of First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Rd in Lexington. Contact Doris at bndmccray@windstream.net All are welcome! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Unafraid to Build 7-13-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Form Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart. Cause my nature to become more like Your nature each day. ... "Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and made them afraid to build, and they bribed officials to frustrate their plan throughout the reign of King Cyrus of Persia and King Darius of Persia" (Ezra 4:4-5). You have called us and commissioned us to build Your house according to Your plan. You are building Your church and establishing Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 16:18). Your church is gathering of Your people, filled with Your Spirit, displaying Your glory through our surrendered lives. Your kingdom is within us (Luke 17:21). And in the sovereignty of Your authority, You have empowered us to participate with You in this building plan, with both deep humility and bold faith. You have given us "the keys of the kingdom" and expect us to use them (Matthew 16:19). But the people of the land, resisting the surrender of their hearts to You alone, will try to discourage us, intimidate us, and frustrate us. They try to confuse us and condemn us for trying to follow You and obey the plan You've written in Your Word and sealed into our hearts. In the days of Ezra, they claimed that the gods of their culture were the same as the God of our faith (Ezra 4:1-2). They were offended that Your people would not compromise their faith and abandon their beliefs that You alone were the one true God, in order to settle for the lowest common denominator of faith and worship. So they railed and retaliated against them, slandered and accused them, and tried to demonize and ostracize them to the powers that be of the world (Ezra 4:6-24). And so it is today. But You have given us grace throughout the ages to stand firm in the faith, not bowing our knees to the false gods and their prophets. No matter how unrelenting their attacks or how subtle their tactics, by Your grace our faith will not be broken or moved. You call us and empower us to "continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel" (Colossians 1:23). With the courage and determination You give me by Your grace each day, "I keep the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, we've updated our ministry resources at: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org, including my new book. Come to The Fountain! on the 3rd Friday night of every month for our ministry's gathering of the body of Christ from every tradition and stream to worship the Lord in Sprit and in Truth. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in the freedom of the Spirit. 7 pm in the chapel at Centenary. All are welcome. Call for details: 859-422-1794 Come to the Mountain! every Monday night at 7 pm to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem led by Doris and Bob McCray of our ministry. Hosted in the upstairs community room of First Southern National Bank at 3060 Harrodsburg Rd in Lexington. Contact Doris at bndmccray@windstream.net All are welcome! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" http://www.messiah-ministries.org/ 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: http://www.shop.messiah-ministries.org/ Daily Archives: http://www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com/

Anointed in Truth 7-11-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Steady my thoughts and strengthen my spirit as You anoint me with the power of Your presence in me. ... "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth" (1 John 2:20-21). When I first put my hope and trust in You alone as Savior of my life, You came into my heart and anointed me with Your Spirit. Your anointing is Your presence in my life. You are "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). And as I acknowledge and embrace the anointing of Your presence abiding in me, You lead me in Your way, reveal to me Your truth, and impart to me Your life. "As for you, the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in Him" (1 John 2:27). Your presence assures me of Your protection, Your provision, and Your power. Your anointing abiding in me changes me into Your image and conforms me to Your nature as I grow in Your grace. And You anointing also reveals how far I have to go and how much of me is not yet like You. But event that is Your love for me and Your grace for me to become more like You each day as I look to You and embrace the anointing of Your presence (2 Corinthians 3:18). Your truth about who You are in me and who I am in You exposes and expels every lie to the contrary, as You strengthen me and establish me in Your truth and by Your presence. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come join Laura Beach and me if you can for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Join us for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry led by Tommy HaysJuly 24-26, 2008 (Equipping and Empowering Spiritual Leaders in Prayer Ministry to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father). No fee, but suggested donation of $75.00.CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Note from Bob & Doris McCray of our ministry about prayer for Israel: Ezra International is coming to Lexington August 6-10 and will be available to pastors and churches for evening and Sunday services. Ezra's ministry is to help fulfill Bible prophecy in helping rescue and return oppressed Jewish people from the former Soviet Union to their promised land of Israel. This Saturday, July 12th, we will meet at 10 a.m. at the Baptist Church at Andover 3330 Todds Road to plan/pray for Ezra's weekend in Lexington. All are welcome. Info and video at: www. ezrausa.org or Bob and Doris McCray at bndmccray@windstream.net or 859 273-0137 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

"Direct Your Mind" 7-10-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be the center of my thoughts and the focus of my prayer as I begin this new day with You. With my spirit, soul, and body, I give entrust every dimension of my being into every dimension of Your Being, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ... "Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way" (Proverbs 23:19). Sometimes sleep eludes my grasp and the weight of worry tries to steal my peace and snuff out my joy. Sometimes my mind is flooded with thoughts of discouragement, disappointment, frustration, and anger at how all things are not as they should be in my life and the lives of those around me. But I soon realize You are not the author of those thoughts, as You remind me that Your words for me are truth and life, healing and freedom, redemption and mercy. Even Your words of correction are Your words of love, sometimes bringing conviction but never bringing condemnation (Hebrews 12:5-6). Rather than foolishly allow destructive thoughts to linger and poison my soul, Your Holy Spirit rises with wisdom to prompt me to pray and direct my mind in the way that leads to life and peace in the embrace of Your arms. You move me to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" in this war zone of the mind (2 Corinthians 10:5). You give me grace to choose to direct my mind to You or choose to allow my mind to be directed away from You. You give me grace to take these thoughts captive or my pride can resist Your grace and allow these thoughts to take me captive. I can choose to come into agreement with the One who is the way, the truth, and the life or choose to come into agreement with the one who is "the father of lies" (John 8:44). The choice is mine to be active in resistance or passive in defeat (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11). So as best as I can and all by Your grace, I choose to hear Your voice, my Father, to be wise, and direct my mind in Your way. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, please come join Laura Beach and me if you can for the overnight spiritual retreat we are leading August 2-3, 2008 near Lancaster, Kentucky, in the country just south of Lexington -- "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away with the Good Shepherd to learn to hear His voice and be comforted in His embrace. Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, for more details and registration (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com). Join us for The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Equipping and Empowering Spiritual Leaders in Prayer Ministry to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of our Father). No fee, but suggested donation of $75.00.CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Note from Bob & Doris McCray of our ministry about prayer for Israel: Ezra International is coming to Lexington August 6-10 and will be available to pastors and churches for evening and Sunday services. Ezra's ministry is to help fulfill Bible prophecy in helping rescue and return oppressed Jewish people from the former Soviet Union to their promised land of Israel. This Saturday, July 12th, we will meet at 10 a.m. at the Baptist Church at Andover 3330 Todds Road to plan/pray for Ezra's weekend in Lexington. All are welcome. Info and video at: www.ezrausa.org or Bob and Doris McCray at bndmccray@windstream.net or 859 273-0137 Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

Heal Our Ear Infection 7-9-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me in Your paths of righteousness today. ... "From heaven He made you hear His voice to discipline you. On earth He showed you His great fire, while you heard His words coming out of the fire" (Deuteronomy 4:36). I woke up yesterday morning with my ear still hurting from an ear infection. It was sore and filled with fluid that seemed to distort my hearing. But my need brought me to my knees as I sought You for healing and freedom from this infirmity and affliction. At noon, my weekly accountability partners prayed for me. And after a day of ministry and worship in the fire of Your Holy Spirit, I noticed last night that my ear wasn't hurting and all the fluid and distortion was gone. Praise You, Lord God! Healing doesn't always seem to come and doesn't always seem to come so suddenly on this side of heaven, but I rejoice in You and thank You when it does in my life and in the lives of others. Lord, heal our ear infection as the body of Christ. Remove all the things that fill our ears to distort the sound of Your voice. Send Your holy fire to burn away and consume all that is not of You. We are Your sheep, Your sons and daughters, and we know You want us to hear Your voice and obey Your will (John 10:3). "Therefore the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors put Me to the test, though they had seen My works for forty years" (Hebrews 3:7-9). Make us more sensitive to the stirring of Your Spirit and the sound of Your voice, with ever-increasing discernment, as we hear and obey Your word. Let us be hearers and doers of Your word (James 1:22). But if we are to obediently do Your word, we must first be faithful to seek to hear Your word. So let "the ears of the deaf be unstopped" (Isaiah 35:5). "Let anyone with ears to hear, listen" to the sound of Your voice from heaven as we fulfill our destiny in Christ on earth (Mark 4:9). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays "The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Be equipped & empowered as a spiritual leaders for spiritual ministry -- suggested donation $75.00) CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for detailsand for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -August 2-3, 2008 RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch, led by Tommy Hays and Laura Beach of Messiah Ministries. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Crossing Over in Pursuit of the Enemy 7-8-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I long for Your living waters to keep rising up and flowing out of me. ... "So David set out, he and the six hundred men who were with him. They came to the Wadi Besor, where those stayed who were left behind. But David went on with the pursuit, he and four hundred men; two hundred stayed behind, too exhausted to cross the Wadi Besor" (1 Samuel 30:9-10). The enemy of our souls comes in "to steal and kill and destroy" just as David's enemies came in to steal the people and possessions entrusted to his care and near to his heart (John 10:10; 1 Samuel 30:1-6). And many "turn bitter in spirit" against God and God's leaders (v. 30:6). Part of the enemy's strategy is to get us blaming You and one another instead of blaming the one who came to steal and kill and destroy. It makes us weary and discouraged, bitter and angry, so that we have no spirit to rise up and fight for or inheritance and all You have entrusted to us. So many are "left behind" and "too exhausted" to cross over from depression to determination, from being a victim to being victorious. But You have not left Your people without Your warriors. "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" (v. 30:6). And "David inquired of the Lord" for Your divine strategies for the plan of heaven to come against the hordes of hell (v. 30:8). Your word in response to his prayers was not one of waiting or appeasement or treaty with evil; it was "Pursue; for you will surely overtake and shall surely rescue" (v. 30:8). Even though some would stay behind, some rise up and join the battle to follow the man of God, led by the Lord to pursue and overcome and take back all the enemy had stolen. "The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). And in Your abundant mercy and unfailing love, when the battle is fought and won, even those who held back -- because they either could not or would not rise up and cross over into the battle -- will rejoice in receiving the blessings of the restoration of all that was taken from them (1 Samuel 30:24-25). Lord, open my eyes to see all the enemy has stolen from me. Let my anger be turned toward the enemy of my soul, the spiritual forces of wickedness who come to take my inheritance and all I love and hold dear (Ephesians 6:12). By Your grace, I will not give in to discouragement, weariness, bitterness, or despair. I will seek You and the wisdom of Your divine strategies with those You are calling to join with me to cross over into the battle. Together, we will "fight the good fight of the faith" and "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness" as we "take hold of the eternal life to which (we) were called" (1 Timothy 6:11-12). And the victory of the cross You enforce through our lives, "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under (our) feet" (Romans 16:20). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays "The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" led by Tommy Hays July 24-26, 2008 (Be equipped & empowered as a spiritual leaders for spiritual ministry -- suggested donation $75.00) CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - Please contact Marilyn Walker for detailsand for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -August 2-3, 2008 RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -- Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch, led by Tommy Hays and Laura Beach of Messiah Ministries. Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.blogspot.com

As Each Day Requires 7-7-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I begin this day, set all things right in my heart and soul. ... "Then Solomon offered up the burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of the Lord that he had built on the front vestibule, as the duty of each day required .... Thus all the work of Solomon was accomplished from the day the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid until the house of the Lord was finished completely" (2 Chronicles 8:12-16). Solomon began to build the house of the Lord on a firm foundation. And from that first day, he was faithful and obedient to bring the offerings and lay them upon Your altar "as the duty of each day required." He followed all that his father, King David, "the man of God," had shown him for the building of Your temple, and called all those under his influence and authority to do the same (v. 8:14-15). Lord, I thank You for my forefathers in the faith who have helped prepare a firm foundation for the building of Your house in my life. Thank you for the men and women of God who have inspired me and encouraged me through their lives in Your Word and in our world. And I know it's up to me to build upon that foundation every day, to offer myself at Your altar as the duty of each day requires. My heart is Your house, my body is Your temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Your Spirit is building Your nature in me, one day at a time, that I "may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:4). In all Your people, called by Your name, You are "building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to a unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the full measure of the stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13). Together, we are the house of the Lord on earth. And one day, as we keep offering ourselves to You on Your altar each day, the house of the Lord will be finished completely. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, thank you for praying for us at the Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit last week. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma magazine, encouraged us with an inspiring word and led us in prophetic declarations into the heavenly realms along with Bishop Swanson of Ohio that God is raising up warriors of His Spirit in the Methodist church to wage spiritual war for the spiritual heritage He has imparted to this stream of His body for His purposes. Lord, let it be so! Please pray for us and every part of the body of Christ as we all grow up in the unity of the Spirit into maturity. It would be great to order the tape of his Saturday night message: http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org/ God bless you! Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Honor the Lord" 7-5-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. It's all about You. ... "Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10). I honor You, my Lord and my God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- with all that I am and all that I have. The substance of my being belongs to You. I am Yours and You are mine (Song of Solomon 2:16). "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26). Yet as I give myself to You, You give of Yourself even more to me. You fill me with plenty until I'm bursting with the peace and joy of Your Spirit. But even so, even though You lavish me and overwhelm me with Your peace and Your joy, it's not Your peace that I honor nor Your joy that I honor. I honor You alone. I thank You for all You do, but I honor You for who You are -- my Lord and my God, my Father and Friend, Savior and King, my All in All. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, thank you for your prayers for us at the annual Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit in Columbus, Ohio this week. Our friend from Wales, Heather Butler felt led to come join us and sang the song of the Lord out over us last night prophetically, reminding us God is here! And He's touching us all in a very deep way. I pray the same for you! I'll be teaching two sessions today on emotional healing during the conference and would appreciate your prayers for us: http://aldersgaterenewal.org God bless you! Our publisher will be releasing my new book Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays as a 365 Day Prayer Devotional at the Aldersgate Conference in the bookstore. Click Here to Order Online Now. Thank you for the encouragement of so many to have these morning prayers published. Here are some upcoming opportunities for teaching and ministry with key dates: NEW Registration Deadline July 7, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 - ONLY A FEW MORE CABINS LEFT (prices may be different from original posted). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch August 2-3, 2008 (A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 -"The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy HaysJuly 24-26, 2008 (become equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00)Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

"Walking and Leaping and Praising God!" 7-4-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. On this day my nation celebrates the declaration of our independence, I also celebrate the declaration of my desperate dependence upon You. ... "But Peter said, 'I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God" (Acts 3:6-8). Last night the bishop from this Ohio region of the United Methodist Church came to preach a simple message on the love of God and the gift of Your Spirit through salvation at our annual Aldersgate Conference. And then, as we always do, we began to pray for the needs and spiritual hunger of all who came up to the prayer ministry team. I don't know if the bishop is used to miracles after his messages, but as we finished up with prayer last night a woman and her friends couldn't wait to come up and tell us about what You hand done. When she went back to her seat from her time of prayer, she noticed she could feel her foot and ankle -- which she hasn't felt for three years due to diabetes! We were all leaping and praising You for the power of Your love! And I know there will be many other testimonies of this move of Your love and power across our land and in our hearts. This gospel of Your kingdom is being proclaimed to all tribes and tongues and nations and denominations -- even ours. Lord, let Your fire blaze; let Your river flow; let Your love and power abound as You make us hungry for more of You. Let our temples -- and our homes and marketplaces and public squares -- be filled with lives who have been changed, "walking and leaping and praising God!" In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, if you can please come join us the annual Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit in Columbus, Ohio this week from Wednesday night through Sunday. I'm excited to be the Pre-Conference keynote speaker Wednesday night, teaching on emotional healing during the conference, and serving with the word gifts discernment team during the worship sessions: http://aldersgaterenewal.org Our publisher will be releasing my new book Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays as a 365 Day Prayer Devotional at the Aldersgate Conference in the bookstore. Click Here to Order Online Now. Thank you for the encouragement of so many to have these morning prayers published. Here are some upcoming opportunities for teaching and ministry with key dates: NEW Registration Deadline July 7, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 - ONLY A FEW MORE CABINS LEFT (prices may be different from original posted). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -RETREAT - "The Shepherd's Pen" -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch August 2-3, 2008(A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 -"The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy HaysJuly 24-26, 2008 (become equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00)Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Strike the Match 7-3-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your Holy Fire burn in me. Set everything ablaze with Your glory around me. ... "The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire" (Psalm 29:7). We've come together again this year for the Aldersgate Conference on Spirit-filled Living led by my friends of the renewal movement within the United Methodist Church. This is always a time of deep refreshing and renewal for me, even as I'm ministering to others because of the deep well of joy that always seems to bubble up and flow every year. This year it's in Columbus, Ohio and our leader, Gary Moore, shared with us last night how the pastors of this area have been united in prayer, praying for the fire of the Lord to fan into flame in their city and region. This said our gathering just might be the match that ignites the blaze. Lord, let it be so! We worship You in Spirit and truth, with hearts unrestrained. We open our ears to hear Your voice and open our spirits to Your consuming fire. "For indeed our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). And as Your Spirit and Your voice burn within us, Your release the voice of Your word through us, flashing forth Your flames of fire, charging the atmosphere with the blaze of Your glory. "Together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:6). Yes, Lord. Strike the match and let us burn with Your glory -- "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, if you can please come join us the annual Aldersgate Conference of the Holy Spirit in Columbus, Ohio this week from Wednesday night through Sunday. I'm excited to be the Pre-Conference keynote speaker Wednesday night, teaching on emotional healing during the conference, and serving with the word gifts discernment team during the worship sessions: http://aldersgaterenewal.org Our publisher will be releasing my new book Morning by Morning, A Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays as a 365 Day Prayer Devotional at the Aldersgate Conference in the bookstore. Click Here to Order Online Now. Thank you for the encouragement of so many to have these morning prayers published. Here are some upcoming opportunities for teaching and ministry with key dates: NEW Registration Deadline July 7, 2008 - Inspirational Caribbean Cruise with "The Haven" & Tommy Hays February 23-28, 2009 - ONLY A FEW MORE CABINS LEFT!!! (prices may be different from original posted). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) NEW DATE -RETREAT - August 2-3, 2008 "The Shepherd's Pen" -Come away to hear the Shepherd's voice and embrace His healing touch (A Retreat in Lancaster, KY with Tommy Hays & Laura Beach - one overnight; 4 meals - $99.00/person). Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Registration Deadline July 20, 2008 -"The Fountain School of Spiritual Ministry" - Messiah Ministries & Tommy HaysJuly 24-26, 2008 (become equipped & empowered as a spiritual leader for prayer ministry - suggested donation $75.00)Contact Marilyn for more information (859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com) Subscribe free by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org

Prophetic Intercession 7-2-08

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

Fire and Hammer 7-1-08

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

To the Battle Line 6-30-08

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

Seek, Listen, and Hear 6-29-08

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

Hear His Words of Love 6-28-08

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

"An Excellent Spirit" 6-27-08

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

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

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

Seven Mountains of Culture 6-24-08

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

"Groaning in Labor Pains" 6-23-08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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