Thursday, July 03, 2025

Morning by Morning, July 3, 2025 - “The One Who Holds Heaven in His Hands Holds Me”

 

Morning by Morning, July 3, 2025 - “The One Who Holds Heaven in His Hands Holds Me”


Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be at the center of my heart and every moment of my day (Colossians 3:3). ...


As I wait upon You this morning—seeking to begin my days embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with Your Holy Spirit—these words come to my heart:


“The One who holds Heaven in His Hands holds me.” ...


To me, this speaks of Your sovereignty. A Scripture from Your written Word comes to mind to confirm what I believe I’m hearing in my heart as Your spoken words:


“Fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with My Righteous Right Hand” (Isaiah 41:10).


Held in Your Righteous Right Hand, fear shall not overwhelm me; worry shall not consume me; questions and doubts shall not stifle me. The One who holds Heaven in His Hands holds me.


Thank You for that picture. Thank You for these words. Thank You for Your sovereignty in my life and my world. No matter the struggles or spiritual battles, no matter the challenges to overcome, I’m never alone, never unseen, never left to flounder in my own wisdom or strength, feeling dismayed or distant.


For You are with me. For You are my God. For You strengthen me and help me. You uphold me with Your Righteous Right Hand. For the One who holds Heaven in His Hands holds me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you be strengthened and encouraged through whatever you're going through, knowing the One who holds Heaven in His Hands holds you, 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 your identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling your destiny"


We Welcome Your Financial Support to Fulfill our Vision and Calling

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

and

We Welcome You to Join Us as You're Led to Fulfill our Vision and Calling with Your Prayers and Financial Support

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Every Morning in Pakistan except Sunday Morning

Messiah Ministries Christian School in Tara Garth, Pakistan with children from the Brick Kilns and village


Every Saturday Morning in Pakistan through Zoom

Messiah Ministries Discipleship Training School in Pattoki, Pakistan


July 4 

Leading Prayer at the Patriotic Prayer Gathering for Fredericksburg, Texas 4th of July Parade at the County Courthouse Gazebo 9am. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Tea Party. All are welcome!


July 6

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


July 9

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! 

305 E Ramsey Rd., Ste 329, San Antonio, TX SA.day.aglow@gmail.com


July 11-13

Keynote Speaker Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio


July 17

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 7pm. All are welcome! 

14015 San Pedro Ave., Bldg. 2, SATX Sa.aglow.evening@gmail.com


July 23-August 4

Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyeri, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team 


August 18-25

Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia 


September 21 

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


October 21

Speaking at Around the Table Monthly Faith Based Social Gathering at Yee Haw Ranch Fredericksburg, Texas 6:30pm. All are Welcome.


Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom.

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Morning by Morning, July 2, 2025 - “Yet Will I Trust Him”

 

Morning by Morning, July 2, 2025 - “Yet Will I Trust Him”

 

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart, as I seek to follow You today. ...


“Yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).


Job didn’t understand all that was going on around him and even within him. There were things around him and within him that needed to be addressed. Ultimately, he would turn to You in repentance, humility, and faith in the climax of his heart-breaking, soul-shaking struggle, declaring “I repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). And You would restore him and re-establish him beyond his comprehension (Job 42:10).


But through his struggles against his spiritual foes and even his self-righteous friends, against his overwhelming grief and mind-numbing shock of all he was going through, somehow he kept his eyes on You. Not matter what happened or what was to come, even if it was from Your own hand, he declared in his heart and with the words of his mouth, “Yet will I trust Him.”


“And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12).


As much as we suffer and endure on our own journeys through this broken and fallen world, where You are at work in us through all we go through, no matter the source, You use it all to work together for good, as You remind us You love us and we are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). You use it all to make us more like You (Romans 8:29).


It could be said for almost all of us, certainly for me, that we have not suffered and endured as Job. Thank God. But at the same time, we have a witness from the journey of Job to seek a heart like Job. That’s a heart that says, “No matter what comes, no matter the source, or as they say in the South, ‘Come hell or high water,’ ‘Yet will I trust Him.’”


Yes, Lord. Give me that heart, I pray. Give me that heart to say, “Yet will I trust Him” no matter what. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you keep looking to the Lord, trusting in Him, no matter what you go through, 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 your identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling your destiny"


We Welcome Your Financial Support to Fulfill our Vision and Calling

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

and

We Welcome You to Join Us as You're Led to Fulfill our Vision and Calling with Your Prayers and Financial Support

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Every Morning in Pakistan except Sunday Morning

Messiah Ministries Christian School in Tara Garth, Pakistan with children from the Brick Kilns and village


Every Saturday Morning in Pakistan through Zoom

Messiah Ministries Discipleship Training School in Pattoki, Pakistan


July 4 

Leading Prayer at the Patriotic Prayer Gathering for Fredericksburg, Texas 4th of July Parade at the County Courthouse Gazebo 9am. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Tea Party. All are welcome!


July 6

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


July 9

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! 

305 E Ramsey Rd., Ste 329, San Antonio, TX SA.day.aglow@gmail.com

July 11-13

Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio


July 17

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 7pm. All are welcome! 

14015 San Pedro Ave., Bldg. 2, SATX Sa.aglow.evening@gmail.com


July 23-August 4

Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyeri, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team 


August 18-25

Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia 


September 21 

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


October 21

Speaking at Around the Table Monthly Faith Based Social Gathering at Yee Haw Ranch Fredericksburg, Texas 6:30pm. All are Welcome.


Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom.

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Morning by Morning, July 1, 2025 - “Come, Follow Me” for “My Sheep Hear My Voice, and I Know Them, and They Follow Me”

 

Morning by Morning, July 1, 2025 - “Come, Follow Me” for “My Sheep Hear My Voice, and I Know Them, and They Follow Me”


Good morning, Lord Jesus. I speak out Your name and listen for Your leading in my heart, for You said and continue to say to all who take time to hear, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).


As I watch and wait in the silence of surrender before You and in the communion of prayer with You, I hear this simple invitation in my heart:


“Come, follow Me.” ...


Yes, Lord. To “come” is a choice. To “follow” is a choice. To follow You, and not someone or something else is a choice.


As a practical matter, how do I come and follow You? ...


What comes to my heart is this:


“Let Me put My thoughts in your mind, My desires in your heart. Let Me speak My words through your mouth, stretch out My hands through your hands, and take you where I lead through your steps.” ...


As I seek to discern the Source and the truth of these words I sense in my heart, always testing them first against the established Truth of the Word of God, these Scriptures come to mind:


“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).


“It is enough for the disciple to be like his Teacher, and the servant like his Master” (Matthew 10:25).


“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).


“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).


“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).


Yes, Lord. These written Words of God confirm what I sense are the spoken words of God from Your Spirit into my spirit, inviting me to “Come, follow (You)” today.


So come and lead me, as I come and follow You. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Draw me nearer to You as I draw nearer to You, that I may know You and know that You know me (James 4:8; Matthew 7:23).


By the power of Your grace at work within me, make me more and more sensitive to Your leading and more and more obedient in my following. Keep putting Your thoughts in my mind, Your desires in my heart, Your words in my mouth. Keep directing my path and correcting my missteps. Keep me seeking, listening, trusting, and obeying along every step, every decision all along the way, as I seek to know and follow the One who is “the Way” (John 14:8).


In the freedom I have, these are the choices I make—here in my heart right now and, by God’s grace, throughout the moments of my day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My friend, may you hear and trust and obey the voice of the Lord as you choose to come and follow Him, letting Him put His thoughts in your mind and His desires in your heart, 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 your identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling your destiny"


We Welcome Your Financial Support to Fulfill our Vision and Calling

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

and

We Welcome You to Join Us as You're Led to Fulfill our Vision and Calling with Your Prayers and Financial Support

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Every Morning in Pakistan except Sunday Morning

Messiah Ministries Christian School in Tara Garth, Pakistan with children from the Brick Kilns and village


Every Saturday Morning in Pakistan through Zoom

Messiah Ministries Discipleship Training School in Pattoki, Pakistan


June 21-29 Thank you for all your prayers! Praising God for all He did!

Teaching on Spiritual Warfare at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico


July 4 

Leading Prayer at the Patriotic Prayer Gathering for Fredericksburg, Texas 4th of July Parade at the County Courthouse Gazebo 9am. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Tea Party. All are welcome!


July 6

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


July 9

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome! 

305 E Ramsey Rd., Ste 329, San Antonio, TX SA.day.aglow@gmail.com



July 11-13

Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio


July 17

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 7pm. All are welcome! 

14015 San Pedro Ave., Bldg. 2, SATX Sa.aglow.evening@gmail.com


July 23-August 4

Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyeri, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team 


August 18-25

Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia 


September 21 

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas



October 21

Speaking at Around the Table Monthly Faith Based Social Gathering at Yee Haw Ranch Fredericksburg, Texas 6:30pm. All are Welcome.


Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom.

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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

Monday, June 30, 2025

Morning by Morning, June 30, 2025 - “Iron Sharpens Iron” as Disciples of Jesus

 

Morning by Morning, June 30, 2025 - “Iron Sharpens Iron” as Disciples of Jesus


Good morning, Lord Jesus. Just as Your Word promises, I draw near to You and embrace You drawing near to me—Father, Son and Holy Spirit of God (James 4:8). ...


“As Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).


I’ve been away for a week on a men’s retreat up in the mountains with no cell phones or internet connections. My part was to teach on Biblical Principles of Spiritual Warfare and to soak in the teachings of other men, in deep times of the Presence of God, as iron sharpens iron for the spiritual battles and journeys of our lives.


How freeing to be unshackled from emails and world news, from distractions and details, to have deep times of contemplation and encounters with You, as we breathed in the fresh mountain air and a fresh breath from Your Holy Spirit.


And now I’m on the journey home to put into practice what You’ve been teaching, seeking to live out the way of discipleship You’ve called me and every one of us to live. Not settling for merely being a Christian who’s going to Heaven when I die, but being a disciple of Jesus Christ, surrendering all of me to all of You, that I can experience the Your Heaven in my now. As You required of those who would be Your first disciples, so You continue to require of each of us:


“If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).


Thank You for putting this desire in my heart and empowering me by Your Spirit to deny myself, to take up my cross, and follow You however You lead and whatever that looks like in my life every day—day by day, step by step, morning by morning, all along the way. “For God is working in (me), giving (me) the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13).


As we’ve been learning on the mountain, to be reaffirmed and lived out when we get back home to the valley, “the way” is just as much a Person to experience and to follow, to be with and to become like, as it is a journey. You are “the Way.” You are “the Way and the Truth and the Life,” Lord Jesus (John 14:8).


And as I close this first burst of prayer from here in the solitude of the communion of prayer with You on my way home, I’m remembering a word of encouragement from one my friends who was one of the men You were using to sharpen the iron of my spirit. He quoted from Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest:


“Take the initiative. ...

We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does and that God will not do what He has called us to do. ...

Beware of the tendency of asking the way when you know it perfectly well.

Take the initiative. Stop hesitating. Take the first step. Be resolute when God speaks. Act in faith immediately on what He says....”


I do know perfectly well the way. You are “the Way.” So as best as I can and all by Your grace, I choose to embrace the Way that leads to the abundance of Life in the fullness of Truth that only You can supply (John 10:10). Keep letting iron sharpen iron, as You Lead me in Your Way today and every day, I pray—Father, Son and Holy Spirit of God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.



Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays


My Friend, may you be filled with the desire and the power to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus as one of His true disciples, as iron sharpens iron in your spirit morning by morning and day by 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 your identity, growing in maturity, fulfilling your destiny"


We Welcome Your Financial Support to Fulfill our Vision and Calling

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Special Note:


Friends, I will be away teaching at a Men's Retreat in the New Mexico Mountains all next week, with very limited internet. So I will probably not be sending out my Morning by Morning Devotional, but still joining with you in prayer in my heart. God Bless You and Thank You for joining me in this Journey of Prayer from my morning prayer time.

Please Keep us in Prayer for These

Messiah Ministries Events

and

We Welcome You to Join Us as You're Led to Fulfill our Vision and Calling with Your Prayers and Financial Support

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute


Every Morning in Pakistan except Sunday Morning

Messiah Ministries Christian School in Tara Garth, Pakistan with children from the Brick Kilns and village


Every Saturday Morning in Pakistan through Zoom

Messiah Ministries Discipleship Training School in Pattoki, Pakistan


June 21-29 Thank you for all your prayers! Praising God for all He did!

Teaching on Spiritual Warfare at Selah Men's Ministry Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico


July 4

Leading Prayer at the Patriotic Prayer Gathering for Fredericksburg, Texas 4th of July Parade at the County Courthouse Gazebo 9am. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Tea Party. All are welcome!


July 6

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas


July 9

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 10am. All are welcome!

305 E Ramsey Rd., Ste 329, San Antonio, TX SA.day.aglow@gmail.com



July 11-13

Preaching at Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Regional Meeting at Grafton Methodist Church, St. Paris, Ohio


July 17

Speaking at San Antonio Day Aglow Lighthouse Meeting 7pm. All are welcome!

14015 San Pedro Ave., Bldg. 2, SATX Sa.aglow.evening@gmail.com


July 23-August 4

Returning to Preach Crusades and minister in Kenol, Kenya and Nyeri, Kenya with Pastor Jeff Bealmear and Team


August 18-25

Preaching Crusades and Ministry in return ministry to Cartagena, Colombia


September 21

Preaching the Sunday Morning Services at Bridge Church Fredericksburg, Texas



October 21

Speaking at Around the Table Monthly Faith Based Social Gathering at Yee Haw Ranch Fredericksburg, Texas 6:30pm. All are Welcome.


Personal Ministry Appointments

Spiritual Direction Sessions and Personal Prayer Ministry Sessions of Inner Healing & Spiritual Freedom by Appointment in Person and Online through Zoom.

tommyhays@messiah-ministries.org

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

https://messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

Free On-line Video Series: Setting Hearts Free! 

My Core Teaching and Ministry

https://messiah-ministries.org/resources

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