Morning by Morning, March 18, 2025 - “A Hill to Conquer”

 

Morning by Morning, March 18, 2025 - “A Hill to Conquer”   Good morning, Lord Jesus.  Help me begin my day embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with Your Holy Spirit. ...   As I wait for Your leading this morning, what comes to my heart are these words, “A hill to conquer.” ...   What hill, Lord? ...   The thought comes to mind that there are hills before us to climb, challenges before us to overcome. That we are created to be adventurous, needing the challenges that shape our character.   Some may seem overwhelming in the moment, more than we can carry, the opposite of what we would choose. And yet, You are taking full advantage of every opportunity to develop us and mature us and make us more like You. For that is Your ultimate will for each one of us -- that we would be conformed into the image of the Son of God (Romans 8:29).   Now this Scripture comes to mind from the days of Caleb, who had endured the wilderness and fought many battles, seeking to always be faithful to You (Joshua 14:6-15). Caleb had come to the age of eighty-five years old but still had the Spirit of the Lord upon him to face his next challenge and embrace his next adventure. He looked off to a hill that he was led to conquer as part of his inheritance in the Promised Land. And in the Words of Scripture, he declared:   “Give me this mountain!” (Joshua 14:12).   Yes, Lord. Give me this mountain! Give me Your Spirit to see whatever challenges You’re setting before me to develop my character and make me more like You. Give me my mountain. Give me grace to conquer my hill. May I be “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37), as You keep refining my character and forming my nature in the battles I’ll face--whether without or within—in the hills I’ll climb, the valleys I’ll go through, the obstacles I’ll learn to overcome. For as You are, so are we to become in our world (1 John 4:17).   It's funny that as I close my “serious” prayer this morning, the words of an old song sung from younger days comes to mind and makes me smile: “Ain’t no mountain high enough ... to keep me from gettin’ to you” (Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell).   Thank You, Lord. With joy in my spirit, I rise up to go into my day—to conquer that hill, to take that mountain, no matter how high it is, to let You be at work within me to make me more like You today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you be empowered to look up and conquer your hill and take your mountain, as God develops the character of Jesus Christ in you every day, in Jesus'name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays “Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be —Free to Be Like Jesus— secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org March 19-24 Rocio and I Travel for Ministry in Morelia, Mexico and Toluca, Mexico April 2 New Wine Worship at our ministry home base in Fredericksburg, Texas. 1st Wednesday of Every Month at 7pm April 6 Preaching in Pakistan through the Internet at All Nations Church Sunday Service in Karachi, Pakistan. April 13 Preaching the Sunday Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas https://bridgefbg.com/sunday-worship-live-stream/ April 20, 2025 Preaching Easter Sunrise Service at The Empty Cross, The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas April 25-26, 2025 - Date being postponed Preaching Revival at the Barn at Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters, Fredericksburg, Texas April 30-May 18 Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Pattoki, Karachi, and Lahore, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit!  June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost leading in a Prayer Experience of "Praying the Tabernacle - Embracing the Intimacy of our Dwelling Place in God" June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 28-August 10 Making plans of returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries. https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

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

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

Morning by Morning, March 17, 2025 - “This Far and No More in Jesus’ Name!”

 

Morning by Morning, March 17, 2025 - “This Far and No More in Jesus’ Name!”   Good morning, Lord Jesus. I look to You and call upon You, as I begin my day centered in You, with my heart and mind and all my life hidden and secure in You (Colossians 3:1-4). ...   “This far you may come, but no farther” (Job 38:11).   All our community in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, Texas are praying against the destruction from an outbreak of brushfire burning across our county. Many friends and families have been evacuated along with their livestock. So far, nearly 10,000 acres have been consumed, with ranch houses and pastures.   Yet, by the mercy and grace of God, no lives have been lost. And though the fires continue to burn, the outer boundaries appear to be contained to hold back further advancement. We pray for complete containment and ultimately extinguishment.   As You spoke to the oceans to set their boundaries, Lord speak to this fire to set its boundary: “This far you may come, but no farther.”   That is our prayer in agreement with Your Word, Lord. “This far and no more, in Jesus’ name!”   We pray for all who are affected, that You would comfort them and steady them, that You would move on behalf of them to bring restoration and peace. We thank You for such a display across our community of loving kindness and neighborly goodness, as friends and neighbors, churches throughout our community, relentless firefighters and first responders all join together to help and to pray.   That’s one way You have already redeemed what many have endured—the unity of Spirit and the spirit of community that fills our hearts with thanksgiving to You for all the neighborly love expressed.   Lord, continue to still the winds and quench the flames. And we pray You continue to declare and declare through the words and prayers of Your people, “This far and no more!” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you join in prayer and in your declarations in agreement with the Word of God, as He sets the boundaries of containment against any forces of destruction in your life and community, in Jesus'name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays “Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be —Free to Be Like Jesus— secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org March 19-24 Rocio and I Travel for Ministry in Morelia, Mexico and Toluca, Mexico April 2 New Wine Worship at our ministry home base in Fredericksburg, Texas. 1st Wednesday of Every Month at 7pm April 6 Preaching in Pakistan through the Internet at All Nations Church Sunday Service in Karachi, Pakistan. April 13 Preaching the Sunday Services at Bridge Church, Fredericksburg, Texas https://bridgefbg.com/sunday-worship-live-stream/ April 20, 2025 Preaching Easter Sunrise Service at The Empty Cross, The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas April 25-26, 2025 - Date being postponed Preaching Revival at the Barn at Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters, Fredericksburg, Texas April 30-May 18 Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Pattoki, Karachi, and Lahore, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit!  June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost leading in a Prayer Experience of "Praying the Tabernacle - Embracing the Intimacy of our Dwelling Place in God" June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 28-August 10 Making plans of returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries. https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

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

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

Morning by Morning, March 14, 2025 - Embracing the Eternal One Who Says Forever “I AM THAT I AM”

 

Morning by Morning, March 14, 2025 - Embracing the Eternal One Who Says Forever “I AM THAT I AM”   Good morning, Lord Jesus. I speak out Your name and listen for Your leading (John 10:27). ...   As I watch and wait, what comes to my heart is this: “I AM THAT I AM.” ...   And of course, immediately this Scripture comes to my mind:   “And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:14 KJV).   More modern translations of this Verse express Your Words as “I AM WHO I AM” (NKJV; NIV; ESV).   What’s coming to me this morning, as I ponder what I believe I’m hearing in my heart and as I mediate on the Word of God is that You are Eternal. You are what You are; You are who You are; You always have been; You always will be; You are right now.   You are “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).   You “do not change” (Malachi 3:6).   You are “the everlasting God” (Isaiah 4:28).   You are “the same, and Your years have no end” (Psalm 102:27).   You are “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End ... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).   You are “God, and there is no other; (You) are God, and there is none like (You), declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand. And I will accomplish all My purpose.... I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it’” (Isaiah 46:9-11).   Knowing You and who You are, that You are eternal and that You hold all eternity in Your hands, I sense Your call, even Your command, to rest in You, to trust in You. To embrace You in this moment, without worry or anxiety or fear about anything challenging or troubling that may come in the moments and events ahead. But to remember You are present with me in every moment, eternal with me in every moment. And if You are with me, what can stand against me? (Romans 8:31).   Eternal One, the One who says now and forever I AM THAT I AM into my spirit and into all the world, I choose to rest in You, to trust in You, to embrace You in this moment and in every moment to come. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you rest and trust in this moment and every moment the eternal One who says to you I AM THAT I AM, in Jesus'name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays “Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be —Free to Be Like Jesus— secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org March 11-13 Attending the Patriot Experience Course at Patriot Academy's new headquarters outside Fredericksburg, Texas led by Rick Green March 19-24 Rocio and I Travel for Ministry in Morelia, Mexico and Toluca, Mexico April 2 New Wine Worship at our ministry home base in Fredericksburg, Texas. 1st Wednesday of Every Month at 7pm April 20, 2025 Preaching Easter Sunrise Service at The Empty Cross, The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas April 25-26, 2025 Preaching Revival at the Barn at Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters, Fredericksburg, Texas https://messiah-ministries.org/events April 27 -May 11 Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Pattoki, Karachi, and Lahore, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit!  June 2 Speaking with the Mason, Texas Intercessory Prayer Group on the Day of Pentecost leading in a Prayer Experience of "Praying the Tabernacle - Embracing the Intimacy of our Dwelling Place in God" June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 28-August 10 Making plans of returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries. https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

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

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

Morning by Morning, March 11, 2025 - “Let Him Deny Himself, and Take Up His Cross, and Follow Me”

 

Morning by Morning, March 11, 2025 - “Let Him Deny Himself, and Take Up His Cross, and Follow Me”   Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind, Your desires in my heart, Your words in my mouth, as I seek to follow You today. ...   “When (Jesus) had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels’” (Mark 8:34-38).   For us to “take up (our) cross and follow (You)” is a day-by-day choice. It’s part of what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). And when he declared, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). It’s part of what the Apostle Peter was expressing when he taught, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that (we) should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).   So many of the choices set before us day-by-day are so hard, even gut-wrenching at times. Some seem easier like choices between good and evil, right and wrong, walking in the Spirit or walking in the flesh. Others are much harder, requiring much more discernment, prayer, humility, and faith. Like choices between what’s best and what’s ok, what’s expedient for the moment and what’s lasting and eternal, even what’s love and what’s tough love.   So we desperately need Your guidance, Your wisdom, Your way. To humble ourselves and seek Your face and pray. To be willing to be led by Your Spirit no matter how hard the choices. To trust Your Word that You will “Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me” (Psalm 119:133). To trust Your Word that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).   Lead me Spirit of God in the choices I make today. I pray for wisdom and guidance, taking You at Your Word to provide it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5-6). By the power of Your grace, I’m humbly, desperately depending upon You and faithfully trusting You to obediently take up my cross and follow You in the choices and challenges set before me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you be empowered by the grace of God to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him in your choices today, in Jesus'name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day! Click Here to Listen to Today's Prayer: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2375760 Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org My Books on Inner Healing, Spiritual Freedom and Spiritual Intimacy with God are Available on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays “Setting hearts free to be all they were created to be —Free to Be Like Jesus— secure in their identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling their destiny"

Please Keep us in Prayer for These Messiah Ministries Events Every Tuesday Night Teaching my 9 Month Equipping Course Free to Be Like Jesus! at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas. 6:00PM Central Time Zoom link available by request to my email. Based on My Book, Free to Be Like Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/author/tommyhays tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org March 12 Speaking at Fredericksburg Middle School at 7am for Devotionals and Donuts sponsored by our local Bridge Church March 11-13 Attending the Patriot Experience Course at Patriot Academy's new headquarters outside Fredericksburg, Texas led by Rick Green March 17-24 Rocio and I Travel for Ministry in Morelia, Mexico and Toluca, Mexico April 2 New Wine Worship at our ministry home base in Fredericksburg, Texas. 1st Wednesday of Every Month at 7pm April 20, 2025 Preaching Easter Sunrise Service at The Empty Cross, The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville, Texas April 25-26, 2025 Preaching Revival at the Barn at Yee Haw Ranch Outfitters, Fredericksburg, Texas https://messiah-ministries.org/events April 27 -May 11 Return Travel to Pakistan for Ministry in Pattoki, Karachi, and Lahore, Pakistan! Please cover us in prayer for another Outpouring of the Holy Spirit! June 16-29 Teaching at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico July 11-13 Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio July 28-August 10 Making plans of returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyrie, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team Wednesday Mornings Leading Online Restoration Ministry Sessions for Online Connect Groups of MorningStar Ministries from around the world by appointment.   Personal Ministry Appointments Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment. tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org  Sessions are without set cost and all contributions help support the calling and vision of Messiah Ministries. https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

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

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