Tuesday, August 09, 2022

“Many are Called, but Few are Chosen” - August 9, 2022

 

Morning by Morning, August 9 - “Many are Called, but Few are Chosen”
 
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I want to know You more deeply; and I’m moved to entrust my heart and soul to You more completely -- now and throughout the moments of my day. ...
 
Are there parts of my heart and soul I’ve not yet completely surrendered to You? Are there areas of my life, places where I still insist on my own lordship instead of fully yielding to Your Lordship, that I’m still holding back or holding on to instead of wholly trusting You alone with it all?
 
It’s not about my salvation -- salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8). But it is about something more, something You set before us and invite us to pursue with a spiritual hunger and thirst and passion and zeal that only You can provide, but that You are so ready and willing to supply. It relates to something You said and set before us when You declared, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
 
I don’t know all that that means, but You spoke those words in a very serious manner, after expressing this spiritual principle with a very challenging parable:
 
“Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad, so the wedding hall was filled with guests.
 
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:1-14).
 
Thank You for inviting me to salvation -- by grace, through faith. Thank You for calling me to a place of honor and celebration. But forgive me for ever making light of it. Forgive me for every way I’ve not always treasured it. You are worthy of more. You are worthy of it all. You are worthy of my all.
 
By the mercy of Your grace, may I be one who is “chosen” -- not merely invited, not merely called, but “chosen.” Again, I’m not talking about salvation. I’m talking about something more, something deeper, something that I don’t even fully know what it is, but You’ve put a hunger and thirst in me for more.
 
May I be one of Your chosen ones, one of Your hungry and thirsty ones, one of Your insatiable, passionately pursuing ones, who will settle for nothing less than all You’ve called me and created me to be in You. May I be one who embraces “Your way,” who walks in “Your truth,” and with “an undivided heart” reveres “Your name” (Psalm 86:11). May I be one who loves the Lord my God “with all (my) heart and with all (my) soul and with all (my) might” (Deuteronomy 6:5; also Joshua 22:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).
 
May I be blessed to be “chosen,” favored to be “chosen” -- chosen as one who fully chooses You -- as best as I can and all by Your grace. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
 
“For this is the will of God, (my) sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). So by the power of Your grace working in me, stirring up this hunger and thirst in me, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify (me) entirely, and may (my) spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls (me) is faithful, and He will do this” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
 
Yes, Lord, “do this” in me -- as one who willingly chooses to be among those who are “chosen.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

My friend, may you be blessed and favored to be "chosen" as one who willingly, completely, passionately chooses the One who has chosen you, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Messiah Ministries Mailing Address:
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Anyone can sign up for free to receive them at:
Please Keep us in Prayer for These
Messiah Ministries Events

Save the Date! — September 10th!
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries
Dinner and Silent Auction Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas
at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch
Get Your Ticket Today
on our Eventbright Page:

Sponsor a Table or Get Information:

Partner in Ministry with Us!

August 11
Our Monthly Pakistan Evangelistic Crusade through our Skype Internet Ministry.

August 18-30
Our Next Ministry Trip to Central Mexico in Torreon, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and San Miguel with Pastor Fernando Tovar and our ministry partners at Morelia House of Prayer and Rey de Reyes Iglesia!

September 1-3
Teaching our Level 1 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry, in Lampasas, Texas for interdenominational, city-wide teams of healing and deliverance prayer ministry.
Based on the principles of my books:
Free to Be Like Jesus! — Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance and
First the Spirit — Right Alignment of Spirit, Soul, and Body

September 10
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries!
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch.
Please click the Links Above for a Ticket and Information.

September 11
Starting a 6 Weeks Equipping Series at Bridge Church same time as the 9:00 Service as part of the discipleship plan at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Texas.
6 Week Survey Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus. All are Welcome.

September 13
9 Month Weekly Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus at Bridge on Tuesday Nights at 6:00 at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg. All are welcome.

October 7-8
Revival at the Barn! at Yee Haw Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas

October 21-23
Mens' Retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where I'll be teaching and equipping on Freedom Prayer Ministry.

November 17-19
Teaching our Level 2 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry in Lampasas, Texas

Wednesday Mornings
Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Inner Healing and Deliverance Ministry Sessions for the Online Connect Groups from around the world.

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

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute
Free On-line Video Series
Setting Hearts Free!
My Core Teaching and Ministry

Monday, August 08, 2022

New Beginnings on 8/8 - August 8, 2022

 

Morning by Morning, August 8 -- New Beginnings on 8/8
 
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I speak out the authority of Your name and listen up for the leading of Your Spirit -- “the Spirit of Jesus” who guides my heart within me and directs my steps before me (Acts 16:7). ...
 
As I write down the date in my prayer journal today, I notice it’s August 8th -- 8/8. What comes to mind is the prophetic meaning of the number 8, which speaks of “new beginnings.” A few Scriptures come to mind:
 
After 6 days of creation, God rested on the 7th day; and a new beginning began for us on the 8th day (Genesis 2:1).
 
Following the Great Flood, eight people were saved for a new beginning of life in the days of Noah and his family (Genesis 7:13; 1 Peter 3:2).
 
On the 8th day, Jesus, along with every Jewish son, was circumcised and dedicated (Luke 2:21), just as we receive a spiritual “circumcision of the heart” and a new beginning with our new birth in Christ (Romans 2:29; John 3:3).
 
And on the 8th day of the Feast of Tabernacles, set apart as a holy day of assembly after 7 days of feasting when the symbolic jar of water was poured out at the temple, “Jesus was standing there (and) cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me, and let the one who believes in Me drink. As the Scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now He said this about the Spirit, which believers in Him were to receive” (John 7:37-39). The Holy Spirit in us transforms us for our new beginning in Christ (Romans 8:9).
 
Thank You for the grace of new beginnings. Thank You for Your Promise, “See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). Thank You for the hope You’ve put within us that “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
 
On this 8th day of the 8th month, I embrace by Your grace this new day of new beginnings, as the prophecies of Isaiah rise up in my spirit:
 
“See, the former things have come to pass,
    and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
    I tell you of them.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
    His praise from the end of the earth! (Isaiah 42:9-10)
 
“For a long time I have held My peace;
    I have kept still and restrained Myself;
now I will cry out like a woman in labor;
    I will gasp and pant....
I will lead the blind
    by a road they do not know;
by paths they have not known
    I will guide them.
I will turn the darkness before them into light,
    the rough places into level ground.
These are the things I will do,
    and I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:14-16).
 
“Do not remember the former things
    or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
    now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor Me,
    the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
    rivers in the desert,
to give drink to My chosen people,
     the people whom I formed for Myself
so that they might declare My praise!” (Isaiah 43:18-21).
 
I do declare Your praise, my Lord! God of new beginnings, begin “a new thing” in me. I’m one who is “thirsty” for You and Your Spirit and all You have for me, as You “make all things new.” I sing to You “a new song” as Your Rivers of Living Water rise up and flow out of me, like “water in the wilderness” and “rivers in the desert.” Even a “double” portion on this day of 8/8 (Isaiah 61:7). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

My friend, may you thirst for Jesus and the Living Waters of His Spirit, as the Lord does a new thing in you on this double portion day of new beginnings, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Messiah Ministries Mailing Address:
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Anyone can sign up for free to receive them at:
Please Keep us in Prayer for These
Messiah Ministries Events

Save the Date! — September 10th!
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries
Dinner and Silent Auction Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas
at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch
Get Your Ticket Today
on our Eventbright Page:

Sponsor a Table or Get Information:

Partner in Ministry with Us!

August 11
Our Monthly Pakistan Evangelistic Crusade through our Skype Internet Ministry.

August 18-30
Our Next Ministry Trip to Central Mexico in Torreon, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and San Miguel with Pastor Fernando Tovar and our ministry partners at Morelia House of Prayer and Rey de Reyes Iglesia!

September 1-3
Teaching our Level 1 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry, in Lampasas, Texas for interdenominational, city-wide teams of healing and deliverance prayer ministry.
Based on the principles of my books:
Free to Be Like Jesus! — Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance and
First the Spirit — Right Alignment of Spirit, Soul, and Body

September 10
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries!
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch.
Please click the Links Above for a Ticket and Information.

September 11
Starting a 6 Weeks Equipping Series at Bridge Church same time as the 9:00 Service as part of the discipleship plan at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Texas.
6 Week Survey Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus. All are Welcome.

September 13
9 Month Weekly Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus at Bridge on Tuesday Nights at 6:00 at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg. All are welcome.

October 7-8
Revival at the Barn! at Yee Haw Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas

October 21-23
Mens' Retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where I'll be teaching and equipping on Freedom Prayer Ministry.

November 17-19
Teaching our Level 2 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry in Lampasas, Texas

Wednesday Mornings
Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Inner Healing and Deliverance Ministry Sessions for the Online Connect Groups from around the world.

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

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute
Free On-line Video Series
Setting Hearts Free!
My Core Teaching and Ministry

Friday, August 05, 2022

I’ve Been With Jesus! - August 5, 2022

 

Morning by Morning, August 5 - I’ve Been With Jesus!
 
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, as You send me into my day. ...
 
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 NKJV).
 
As I go out of my time of communion in prayer with You into the day You’ve set before me, may the people I encounter see and perceive that I have been with Jesus. Let there be a boldness in my spirit, a love in my actions, a humility in my heart, a joy in my eyes, and an authority in my words that reveals where I’ve been and Who I’ve been with.
 
Whatever education, whatever training I’ve ever received doesn’t begin to compare with these morning moments in Your Presence. Here in Your Presence, You change me (2 Corinthians 3:18). Here in Your Presence, You make me more like You (1 Corinthians 6:17). Here in Your Presence, You fill me with the “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). And then I carry Your Presence with me everywhere You send me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).
 
As anyone sees You in me, as anyone marvels at what You have done despite me, let them be moved to pursue You for themselves, more deeply, more intimately -- deep to Deep, heart to Heart, spirit to Spirit (Psalm 42:7). Let them be moved to take time to press in until they glow with Your glory as one who’s been in Your Presence (John 17:22-23). For You draw near to everyone who will draw near to You (James 4:8). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

My friend, may you radiate with the glory of one who has been with Jesus, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Messiah Ministries Mailing Address:
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Anyone can sign up for free to receive them at:
Please Keep us in Prayer for These
Messiah Ministries Events

Save the Date! — September 10th!
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch
Get Your Ticket Today
on our Eventbright Page:

Sponsor a Table or Get Information:

August 18-30
Our Next Ministry Trip to Central Mexico in Torreon, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and San Miguel with Pastor Fernando Tovar and our ministry partners at Morelia House of Prayer and Rey de Reyes Iglesia!

September 1-3
Teaching our Level 1 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry, in Lampasas, Texas for interdenominational, city-wide teams of healing and deliverance prayer ministry.
Based on the principles of my books:
Free to Be Like Jesus! — Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance and
First the Spirit — Right Alignment of Spirit, Soul, and Body

September 10
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries!
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch.
Please click the Links Above for a Ticket and Information.

September 11
Starting a 6 Weeks Equipping Series at Bridge Church same time as the 9:00 Service as part of the discipleship plan at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Texas.
6 Week Survey Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus. All are Welcome.

September 13
9 Month Weekly Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus at Bridge on Tuesday Nights at 6:00 at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg. All are welcome.

October 7-8
Revival at the Barn! at Yee Haw Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas

October 21-23
Mens' Retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where I'll be teaching and equipping on Freedom Prayer Ministry.

November 17-19
Teaching our Level 2 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry in Lampasas, Texas

Wednesday Mornings
Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Inner Healing and Deliverance Ministry Sessions for the Online Connect Groups from around the world.

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

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute
Free On-line Video Series
Setting Hearts Free!
My Core Teaching and Ministry

Thursday, August 04, 2022

“The Morning Star” - August 4, 2022

 

Morning by Morning, August 4 - “The Morning Star”
 
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind, Your desires in my heart, Your words in my mouth, and Your steps in my path -- now and throughout the moments of my day. ...
 
“So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
 
When we first see the morning star in the sky, it’s still dark. But it’s already reflecting the light of the sun, soon to dawn over the horizon.
 
That’s such a prophetic picture of our place in this world. The days can be dark and troubling. We face challenging circumstances and trials that test our faith every day, as we long for the rising of the sun, for the coming of the Son of God to come bursting into our world like the sun over the horizon.
 
But between this day and that day to come, we have been called and strategically positioned for just such a time as this. As the Body and Bride of Christ, we’re to be “a lamp shining in a dark place.” We’re to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which (we) shine like stars in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:15).
 
You are “the Bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). And You live and abide in us by Your Spirit as Your Body and Your Bride in the midst of the darkness of our world (Romans 8:9). The “prophetic message” of our lives is to point this world to You, to reflect Your light and Your glory -- “Christ in (us), the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
 
You are “the Light of the World” who says, “Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life” (John 8:12). And with the Light of Your Life shining in our hearts, You remind us of our true identity and empower us to fulfill our true destiny that You continue to speak into our lives: “You are the light of the world. A city build on a hill (that) cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
 
Lord, let Your Light shine through me today. Along with all You’ve called and positioned around this world as Your Body and Your Bride, may we shine with the Light of Your glory in the midst of the darkness, pointing this world to You. By the power of Your grace, may we overcome the challenges and conquer our tests to receive the ultimate fulfillment of the Promises of Your Word:
 
“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
 
“To the one who conquers I will also give the Morning Star” (Revelation 2:28).
 
Lord Jesus, Bright Morning Star, let it be so in me today and every day -- as best as I can and all by Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

My friend, may you shine with the Light of the Glory of Jesus like the morning star, reflecting His glory and pointing the world to Him in the midst of the darkness, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you!

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Messiah Ministries Mailing Address:
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Please share this word to encourage a friend!
Anyone can sign up for free to receive them at:
Please Keep us in Prayer for These
Messiah Ministries Events

Save the Date! — September 10th!
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch
Get Your Ticket Today
on our Eventbright Page:

Sponsor a Table or Get Information:

August 18-30
Our Next Ministry Trip to Central Mexico in Torreon, Morelia, Patzcuaro, and San Miguel with Pastor Fernando Tovar and our ministry partners at Morelia House of Prayer and Rey de Reyes Iglesia!

September 1-3
Teaching our Level 1 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry, in Lampasas, Texas for interdenominational, city-wide teams of healing and deliverance prayer ministry.
Based on the principles of my books:
Free to Be Like Jesus! — Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance and
First the Spirit — Right Alignment of Spirit, Soul, and Body

September 10
Celebration Fundraiser for Messiah Ministries!
Hosted in Fredericksburg, Texas at The Venue at Rafter E Ranch.
Please click the Links Above for a Ticket and Information.

September 11
Starting a 6 Weeks Equipping Series at Bridge Church same time as the 9:00 Service as part of the discipleship plan at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Texas.
6 Week Survey Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus. All are Welcome.

September 13
9 Month Weekly Freedom Equipping Course: Based on my Book Free to Be Like Jesus at Bridge on Tuesday Nights at 6:00 at Bridge Church in Fredericksburg. All are welcome.

October 7-8
Revival at the Barn! at Yee Haw Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas

October 21-23
Mens' Retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, where I'll be teaching and equipping on Freedom Prayer Ministry.

November 17-19
Teaching our Level 2 Weekend Intensive School of Ministry in Lampasas, Texas

Wednesday Mornings
Joining with MorningStar Ministries to Lead Online Inner Healing and Deliverance Ministry Sessions for the Online Connect Groups from around the world.

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

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

Free On-line Video Series
Setting Hearts Free!
My Core Teaching and Ministry