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Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Morning by Morning, November 28 - For the Cause!
"And David said, ... 'Is there not a cause?'" (1 Samuel 17:29 NKJV)
The armies of Israel and their king were trembling in fear before the Philistine giant, Goliath. But David was stirred in his spirit with passion for the honor of his people and with faith in the power of his God. "Is there not a cause?" was his battle cry. "Is there not reason to arise and shine, to walk by faith, to move in the power of God, trusting in the victory of His will?" was the declaration of his heart. "Then David said to Saul, 'Let no man's heart fail because of (this giant); your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.... The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (v. 32-37).
While others were trembling in fear, paralyzed by the puniness of their faith in the face of their enemies, David ran to the battle. His cause was to be the one, by power of the grace of God "who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel," saying "who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (v. 26)
Full of faith and inspired by the power of Your Spirit, David's heart would not fail and David's aim would not miss. Neither did his words fall to the ground unfulfilled. "David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel! Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands! (v. 45-47)
With a cause in his heart and confidence in his spirit, "David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and stuck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth!" (v. 49) "And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursed the Philistines" (v. 51-52).
Lord, let there be a cause in me. Stir up my faith, inspire me and empower me by Your Spirit. Give my life meaning and purpose, with a strong sense of direction, to honor Your name and advance Your kingdom through my life each day. Give me courage to face my giants and faith to speak Your Word with authority through my words and my actions that inspire others to remember their identity and fulfill their destiny.
"Is there not a cause?" ... Yes, there is! It is the cause of Christ. It is the cause of the truth and power and love of the Kingdom of God being made manifest here in my heart and here in my world, on earth as it is in heaven. And by the Spirit of Christ, arising and shining through me, I can say with You, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37 NKJV). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
I pray you are stirred up and running to battles the Lord sets before you today, inspired and empowered by His Spirit for the cause of His glory, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friend!
I invite you to join with me on the spiritual journey of hungering and thirsting for more with a couple of my books I believe I've been led to write and to share:
A Deeper Journey to Healing and Freedom
A Deeper Journey to Intimacy in Prayer
God bless you and thank you for joining with me in the journey!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Monday, November 27, 2017
Morning by Morning, November 27 - United in Christ, Shining as Light
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me begin my day embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ... "Anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him" (1 Corinthians 6:17). As I wait and listen for Your leading, I believe I hear Your Spirit speaking with a rhythm and rhyme in my heart:
United in Christ
Shining as light
Here in the darkness of this world
Arise and shine
I am Yours and You are mine
Secure in Your Spirit and the truth of Your Word
Guide my steps
Though I'm storm-tossed and swept
In the way that leads to Life in You
One in the Spirit
To listen and hear It
And walk with the One who's Faithful and True
Yes, Lord. Let me listen and hear You. Let me walk in Your ways and shine with Your light, united as one with You--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. You said You are "the Light of the world" (John 8:12). And at the same time, You said we are "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). That can only be true as we are one in You (John 17:22-23). As You promised Your first disciples, You continue to promise me and every disciple today: "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.... the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you " (John 14:18-26). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
I pray you shine as light, united in Christ, one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and walking in the way that leads to life in Him each day, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friend!
Friends, thank you for all your prayers and encouragement for me during my opportunity to preach by live streaming over the internet to a gathering in a village in Pakistan near Lahore. As I shared with photos and testimonies on Facebook last week, the pastors reported many salvations and healing encounters with the love of God through Jesus Christ! Praise God!
I invite you to join with me on the spiritual journey of hungering and thirsting for more with a couple of my books I believe I've been led to write and to share:
A Deeper Journey to Healing and Freedom
A Deeper Journey to Intimacy in Prayer
God bless you and thank you for joining with me in the journey!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Morning by Morning, November 16 - The Father's Love for Us
"Then Jesus said, 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate!" (Luke 15:11-24)
When the prodigal son came to the end of himself, he said, "Here I am dying.... I am no longer worthy." He was giving up hope, believing his sins were too dark, his heart was too hardened, his character was too tarnished, his faith was too weak, his life was too wasted. He believed he was too far gone and began to give up to hopeless despair.
But then a thought came to his mind of the father he knew. And though he felt so much rejection from within and without, so alone and so unworthy that surely he would be unloved and unwanted, he chose to "get up and go to (his) father, and (speak) to him" (v. 18). He was sure in his mind and convinced in his heart that he would only face more shame, more rejection, more disappointment, all in confirmation of all the negative things he'd come to believe about himself and his worth in the eyes of his father and everyone else.
Yet, something drew him to come and see, to take a risk to come receive, to humble himself come and ask for his father's help. And what a father he found! His father ran to him and hugged him and kissed him and welcomed him home in the embrace of his love. He father was filled with joy at his son's return -- the one who was dead was now alive, the one who lost was now found! How great, how deep is our Father's love for us! How great, how vast beyond all measure!
As the song of worship says:
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(Songwriter: Stuart Townsend)
My Father, I thank You for never giving up on me. Thank You for never letting me give up on myself. Thank You for Your sacrifice of love for me and for all, through Jesus Christ, that there is no sin You won't forgive, no wound You won't heal, and no bondage You won't not break if we humble ourselves to turn to You, to call on Your name, and ask for Your help. When we humble ourselves in Your sight, You lift us up (James 4:10).
Thank You for Your everlasting promise and unfailing love: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him" (Lamentations 3:22-25). In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
I pray you embrace the Father's love for you--His unfailing love, poured into your heart by His Spirit through His Son, every day, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friend!
Friends, I'm really excited about the opportunity to preach by live streaming over the internet to a gathering in a village in Pakistan near Lahore this coming Friday. It will be Friday night their time in Pakistan and Friday morning my time in Texas. Please cover us in your prayers for salvation, transformation, healing, and deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus! May they know the Father's love for them! I was able to preach there in person several years ago and saw the Lord move mightily. I'm so thrilled to have a chance to return in this way. God bless you and thank you!
I invite you to join with me on the spiritual journey of hungering and thirsting for more with a couple of my books I believe I've been led to write and to share:
A Deeper Journey to Healing and Freedom
A Deeper Journey to Intimacy in Prayer
God bless you and thank you for joining with me in the journey!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Morning by Morning, November 15 - "Full of Grace and Power"
Good morning, Lord Jesus. In Your grace and from Your embrace, I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, as I begin my day in the intimacy of Your Presence -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...
"Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue ... and others from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke" (Acts 6:8-9).
Stephen was not one of Your apostles; he was one of Your servants. He was not a learned scholar; he was a student of the faith. And he was one who sought to live his life in "good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom ... a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (v. 6:3-5). You anointed him and empowered him, as You did "great wonders and signs" through him, just as You desire to do through every one of us in the authority of Your name and the power of Your Spirit -- "through those who believe" (Mark 16:17-18).
Father God, lay Your hands upon me today. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit today. With the authority of the name of Jesus in my words and the nature of Jesus growing in my heart, do great wonders and signs of Your love and grace through my life. Just like Stephen, I'm Your servant and I'm Your son -- a child of God, being filled up to overflowing with the same power and the same nature that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Display the glory of Your power and love, Your wisdom and grace, through me today -- "Christ in (me), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
I pray you will be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, full of God's grace and power, for the the Father to display His glory, His great wonders and signs, through your life today, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friend!
Friends, I'm really excited about the opportunity to preach by live streaming to a gathering in a village in Pakistan near Lahore this coming Friday. It will be Friday night their time in Pakistan and Friday morning my time in Texas. Please cover us in your prayers for salvation, transformation, healing, and deliverance in the mighty name of Jesus! I was able to preach there in person several years ago and so the Lord move mightily. I'm so thrilled to have a chance to return in this way. God bless you and thank you!
I invite you to join with me on the spiritual journey of hungering and thirsting for more with a couple of my books I believe I've been led to write and to share:
A Deeper Journey to Healing and Freedom
A Deeper Journey to Intimacy in Prayer
God bless you and thank you for joining with me in the journey!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Morning by Morning, November 14 - Got Wisdom?
Good morning, Lord Jesus. King of kings and Lord of lords, be King of my heart and Lord of my life, as You rule and reign over every moment of my day. ...
"Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight; for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, and my mother's favorite, he taught me, and said to me, 'Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will help you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you do, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown'" (Proverbs 4:1-9).
David spoke of wisdom to Solomon. And Solomon spoke of wisdom to his children. And by Your Word through them, You speak of wisdom to us. Your Word says, "Get wisdom." Show me, Lord. What does it mean to "Get wisdom?" ...
It seems I hear You saying in my spirit, "To 'Get wisdom' is to pursue Me, for I Am Wisdom. I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let Me put My thoughts in your mind and My desires in your heart so I can lead you in My paths. My paths are Righteousness, Truth, and Love. Hold fast to these; hold fast to Me and My Word. And you will 'Get wisdom' to walk in the way that leads to Life -- the abundant life I long for you to have in Me." ...
Yes, Lord. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life" (Proverbs 9:10-11). Lord Jesus, You are "Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). So put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart; fill me with Your Spirit and lead me in Your ways. Guide my steps upon Your paths that lead to life in You, as a child of God "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6:3). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
I pray you seek and embrace the One who is the Power and Wisdom of God, allowing Him to put His thoughts in your mind, to put His desires in your hear, and to fill you with His Spirit to walk in His ways today, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friend!
I invite you to join with me on the spiritual journey of hungering and thirsting for more with a couple of my books I believe I've been led to write and to share:
A Deeper Journey to Healing and Freedom
A Deeper Journey to Intimacy in Prayer
God bless you and thank you for joining with me in the journey!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Please share this word to encourage a friend!
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