Morning by Morning, Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays

Know When It's Time - February 10

2012-02-10T08:41:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your peace fill my heart and Your hope rise in my spirit, as I start this day grounded in Your Word and listening for Your Voice. ...

" 'Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for My time has not yet fully come' " (John 7:8).

Lord, I need to know when it's time - when it's time to go and time to stay, when it's time move forward and time to sit tight, when it's time to join in with others and time to stand alone. I need to be at the right place where You've positioned me, with the right people with whom You've aligned me, for the right purposes to which You've called me. But I also need it all to be in Your time, for it's in Your time that You have made all things beautiful (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Sylvia and I are excited to ministering next week at the Methodist School of Supernatural Ministry with Aldersgate Renewal Ministries near Nashville. I'll be speaking on the Restoration of Creation and Transformation of Culture. (www.aldersgaterenewal.org) Please keep us in prayer and we pray for your restoration and transformation in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"From There" - February 9

2012-02-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I look to You and call on Your name. I wait in the silence of surrender for the leading of Your Spirit. ...

"Therefore, I will now allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. From there I will give her her vineyards, and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope" (Hosea 2:14-15).

There's hope in every valley. There's always a way back home no matter how far we've gone. Even in the wilderness of our discontent or disobedience, You keep reaching out to us, keep speaking to us, keep calling us to come and embrace Your mercy and grace.

It's "from there" - from wherever our choices have led us or our circumstances have found us that You still offer to give us all we need to sustain us and fulfill us, if we would only humble our pride to admit our need of Your guidance and grace in our lives. You are our Door of Hope - "Christ Jesus our Hope" (1 Timothy 1:1).

Your door is always open; Your hope is always there. You embrace us where we are and provide for all we need. "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort (our) hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word" (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Passing Through the Challenges - February 8

2012-02-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit. Draw me near, Heavenly Father. I worship You, Lord God Almighty, in every dimension of Your Being and welcome You into every dimension of my being. ...

"When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl Him off the cliff. But He passed through the midst of them and went on His way" (Luke 4:28-30).

Some days are more stressful than others. And we all have stressful days, challenging circumstances, and confrontational encounters. That's when we need the power of Your grace to pass on through the midst of it, to just go on our way. That's when we need to take a deep breath of Your Holy Spirit, take a long drink from Your Living Water, and set our face toward the high ground of the Most High.

It seems it's easier to be like You when things are going well, when circumstances are calm, and when everyone is nice and speaking well of us. But those are probably not the times we really grow in spiritual maturity. Those are probably not the times we have a chance to really come to know just how much we really need Your wisdom, Your patience, Your correction, and Your forgiveness. It's when we really blow it that You teach us humility to admit we were wrong. It's when we really lose it that You remind us how far we have to go in our journey to be more like You.

"One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city" (Proverbs 16:32). Help us, Lord Jesus, grow in the power of Your grace to be slow to anger, controlling our temper, looking to You as our example to pass through the challenges that would get ourselves and our witness thrown off a cliff.

"Those with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). Help us, Lord Jesus, look to You and overlook the opportunities to stumble and fall in our journey of faith. And if we do, help us be quick to repent and ready to learn. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Daniel, Noah, and Job - February 7

2012-02-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come fill my heart with Your love and my mind with Your truth. Help me be more like You today. ...

"The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, when a land sins against Me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out My hand against it, and break its staff of bread and send famine against it, and cut off from it human beings and animals, even if Daniel, Noah, and Job, these three, were in it, they would save only their own lives by their righteousness, says the Lord God" (Ezekiel 14:12-14).

Though there is sin in the land, You want righteousness in our hearts. Though judgment comes to the land that refuses to hear Your voice and rebels against Your ways, there is salvation and safety for those who turn to You and call on Your name. Rather than send Your judgment, Your heart is to pour out Your mercy; but You cannot bless rebellion, even as You send out Your call to repentance: "As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die ...?" (v. 33:11)

Like Daniel, let us stand courageously for Your truth and Your ways (Daniel 6:10). Like Noah, let us find favor in Your sight by hearing and obeying Your voice (Genesis 6:8). Like Job, let us set aside our self-righteousness and pride to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord so that You can lift us up into the security of Your righteousness and the healing of Your restoration (Job 42:6).

O Lord, it is "not without cause" that Your judgments come against our lives and our land in our rebellion against Your ways (Ezekiel 14:23). So pour out Your Spirit of repentance upon us. Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see. Awake us to arise and turn again to You, that we might live well and walk in Your ways in this land You've entrusted to us. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, Thank You so much for all your prayers for us during our 4 Day School of Spiritual Ministry last week. It was our largest Level 2 Course yet! The Holy Spirit moved mightily to bring healing, deliverance, and prophetic words to us, while being equipped and trained to minister to others. Sylvia and I also offer this Course in other communities, so please let us know if your church or group would like us to come. We also have Level 1 and Level 2 from past sessions on DVD:

www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

The Holy Spirit is preparing the Bride and Body of Christ. We so excited to be a part of it!

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

Do Justice, Show Mercy, Do No Evil - February 6

2012-02-06T09:16:00.004-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your Kingdom come; let Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven, throughout the moments of my day. ...

"The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying: 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another' " (Zechariah 7:8-10).

Do justice. Show mercy. Do no evil. Your word to us today is as it has always been. "But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears in order not to hear. They made their hearts adamant in order not to hear the law and the words that the Lord sent by His Spirit through the former prophets" (v. 7:11). And sadly, our response today is as it has always been.

Lord, forgive us. Deliver us from stubbornness and pride, disobedience and rebellion. Give us a heart to trust You and Your ways, to know You know what's best and what will make us most fulfilled.

I hear You writing the words of a prayer in the cry of song that You want to hear from our hearts:

With humble hearts
And lifted hands
On bended knees
We take our stand

We call out on Your name

We cry out for Your grace

Because You are the One

Who knows what we need
Because You are the One
Who comes to those who believe

Yes, Lord. Open our ears; soften our hearts. Help us desire to listen; help us be able to hear. Help us believe and then live as though we do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

The Holy Spirit is preparing the Bride and Body of Christ. We so excited to be a part of it!

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"In the Shadow of the Almighty" - February 2

2012-02-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I love You, Lord; and I thank You for first loving me. ...

"You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust' " (Psalm 91:1-2).

I want to live every moment of every day in the shelter of the Most High. I want to continually abide in the shadow of the Almighty. That's where I belong; that's where I am strong. That's where I am safe and secure, connected in communion, dwelling in the depths of Your love and power. You are my refuge; You are my fortress. You are my God, in whom I trust.

This week we've been teaching and experiencing the transforming power of Your healing and deliverance at our 4 Day School of Spiritual Ministry. These are some of my favorite times of ministry - to be learning and growing in an atmosphere of hunger for more of You and more of Your impartation and activation of the spiritual gifts You're awakening within us to minister the power of Your love in the authority of Your name. Every class is different and we never know what to expect, as we learn Your principles of the Kingdom of God and see You demonstrate them in our lives in Your power.

But all that we learn and all that we experience is really just a way to draw closer to You. It's in Your Presence that we are safe and healed and free. It's in the deep communion of our human spirits with Your Holy Spirit that we are anointed and empowered to be the Body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, moved by Your love in the ministry of Christ. So draw me closer today than ever before; and help me lead others into that deep place in Your shelter and under Your shadow. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please keep us in prayer as Sylvia and I begin teaching our 4 Day School of Spiritual Ministry this week! We also offer this Course in other communities, so please let us know if your church or group would like us to come. We also have Level 1 and Level 2 from past sessions on DVD: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"Commander of the Army of the Lord" - February 1

2012-02-01T08:53:00.005-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit. Be near, Heavenly Father. ...

"Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a Man standing before him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua went to Him and said to Him, 'Are You one of us, or one of our adversaries?' He replied, 'Neither; but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped, and he said to Him, 'What do You command Your servant, my Lord?' " (Joshua 5:13-14).

Lord Jesus, You are the Commander of the army of the Lord. You are our Commander in Chief; we are Your army-an army of servants and sons, worshippers and warriors, the children of God in human flesh, sent forth to advance Your Kingdom at Your command.

Lord, what is Your command for me today?

As I watch and wait, Your Spirit is bringing Your Word to mind: "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask Him in My name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another" (John 15:12-17).

There are battles to fight and cities to take (Joshua 6:20). And everywhere You send us to set the soles of our feet in the physical realm and to touch with the power of our prayers in the spiritual realm is ground You have already given into our hands, if we will trust You and obey You (Joshua 1:3). Yet these battles are fought and these cities are taken through the power of love - loving You, loving one another, willing to lay down our lives for Your sake and for the sake of one another. Learning to choose full surrender to You and self-sacrifice for others is our training and commission for this spiritual war (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

This is Your command to Your army. These are our marching orders and our battle plan. These are the weapons of our warfare and the assurance of our victory. As You have with every army in every generation, You call us to battle and spur us on to victory with this command: "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

And with You armies of old, we respond to Your command: "All that You have commanded us we will do, and wherever You send us we will go" (Joshua 1:16). "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle" (Psalm 144:1). May we arise and go into battle today with these weapons of our warfare in the power of Your love - proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free (Isaiah 61:1). Trusting and obedient, strong courageous, may we advance today at Your command. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries. Request the dvd's to watch from Level 1 and you can still attend Level 2. Some partial scholarships are available so all can attend and be trained.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

Shield of Faith and Breastplate Prayer - January 31

2012-01-31T08:11:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - You are a mighty God, merciful and forgiving, faithful and true, holy and loving are You. ...

"When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this is I know, because God is for me" (Psalm 56:9, NKJ).

You are for me, O God. And if God be for me, who can be against me? You are my Advocate, my Champion, my Best Friend. You are mighty to save, gracious to forgive, and ready to answer when I cry out to You and call on Your name.

When You arise, my enemies are scattered. When You move mightily on my behalf, my spirit is confident in the security of my God. This I know. Of this, I am sure.

Great is Your faithfulness; mighty is Your power; deep is Your love. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). You are my shield of faith before me (Ephesians 6:16). And You are my rear guard behind me (Isaiah 52:12).

In the knowledge and faith of Your Presence ever with me - before me, behind me, all around me and within me - I join in St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer today:

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation....

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"My Word Will Come True" - January 30

2012-01-30T09:51:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be the center of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. ...

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Is the Lord's power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not' " (Numbers 11:23).

Lord, Your power is not limited. And every one of Your words will come true. Forgive me for doubting or giving in to discouragement. Fill me with faith that doesn't waiver or grow weary. Your promises are "Yes and amen." Your word goes forth and does not return void, but always accomplishes that to which You have purposed. You watch over Your word to perform it, for all that You have said will certainly come to pass (Jeremiah 1:12).

We came together as an expression of Your city-wide Church this weekend for our Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit. We welcomed You and worshipped You. We listened for Your voice and declared Your praises. And You reminded us of Your heart for our city and Your words for Your people to be anointed and empowered by Your Spirit to be Your Body in the spheres of influence You've entrusted to us.

Lord, let us not take Your words and put them on a shelf as if You may not have the will or the power to bring them to pass. What You have revealed, You have instilled. What You have proclaimed, You have imparted.

By the power of the grace of God: We will be a city full of mercy with the Father's heart. We will be a city of light, set on a hill, where streams of living water flow to bring life to all it touches. We will be a place of healing and deliverance, marked by unity of the Body in the bonds of the Spirit, welcoming all who are weary, thirsty, and weak to come and embrace the Father's heart. We will see breakthroughs and turnarounds in this year, as the atmosphere continues to shift into governmental order in the spiritual realm. Lord, let it be so in each of us personally and all of us corporately as Your Body in our city. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Taught by the Spirit" - January 27

2012-01-27T09:07:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Be King and Lord of every moment of my day and every day of my life. ...

"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

I want to be "taught by the Spirit." I want to be a spiritual person, receiving and growing in the grace of Your spiritual gifts and spiritual nature. Free me from the wisdom and judgments of this world that ridicule and mock as foolishness the things of the Spirit. "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).

If we are to be guided by the Spirit, we must continually grow in the understanding of Your spiritual truths and spiritual ways. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

Let me not be intimidated by the pressures and judgments of a world that only sees and discerns by the natural senses of the flesh. Awaken and enlarge my capacity to see and discern by the Spirit. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law-indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But (we) are not in the flesh; (we) are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in (us)" (Romans 8:5-9). Teach me and guide me, Holy Spirit of God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

Listen and Give Heed - January 26

2012-01-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I worship You in spirit and seek You in truth; I wait on You with hunger and trust in You by faith. I want to start this new day rooted and grounded in Your Word, firmly secure in Your love, and in deep communion with Your Spirit. ...

"Listen to Me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.... Listen to Me, My people, and give heed to Me, My nation; for a teaching will go out from Me, and My justice for a light to the peoples. I will bring near My deliverance swiftly, My salvation has gone out and My arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for Me and for My arm they hope.... My salvation will be forever, and My deliverance will never be ended" (Isaiah 51:1-6).

O Lord, My God, stir up my spirit to pursue righteousness. Stir up the spirit of my city, my nation, my people to pursue righteousness - to be right with You, right with one another, right within ourselves. Move us and enable us to listen to You, to give heed to You. May we embrace Your teaching and enforce Your justice. May we be expectant in Your hope. And may we see Your swift deliverance and experience the fullness of Your salvation.

Stretch forth Your arm to rule and Your hand to heal. Send forth Your Spirit to awaken us and empower us to be all You've created and called us to be. "Awake, awake; put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake, as in days of old, the generations of long ago! ...So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sadness shall flee away!" (v. 51:9-11)

Yes, Lord; let it be so in me and in my land, in our generation, as in the generations of long ago. And yet, let it be so in our generation as never before. "But as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him' - these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God" (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Coach D will speak and lead us in prayer on Fatherhood. Margaret Therkelsen, author and spiritual mother in our city, will be speaking and leading us in prayer Friday Night. Bishop Morton of Frankfort and the State-wide Prayer Movement, with other prayer leaders and worship leaders will lead us throughout the weekend. All are welcome! Please spread the word! (Flyer Below)
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

"From the Womb of the Morning" - January 25

2012-01-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I open the door of my heart and yield to Your - embraced by the Father, centered in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit - as I begin the journey of this day with You, O Lord, my God. ...

"The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces in holy splendor. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever according the Order of Melchizedek' " (Psalm 110:2-4).

Your Spirit spoke these words to King David and through him to the coming Messiah-the mighty King and the holy Priest. And now, in Christ, our Messiah, we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that (we) might proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called (us) out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

As we come into the place of communion in prayer at the beginning of our day, into "the womb of the morning," You draw Your forces together in holy splendor. You align us and empower us - all who offer themselves willingly to Your plans and purposes for our day. Through us, You stretch out Your mighty hand and through us You speak forth Your mighty word, for we are "the Body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27). We are filled with "the Spirit of Christ" (Romans 8:9). And we continue the ministry of Christ (John 20:21). Lead us today into the battles You choose in the power of Your love, as a mighty army, arrayed in holy splendor, to proclaim Your mighty acts. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

A City for God - January 24

2012-01-24T07:58:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I am Yours and You are mine. Abide in me as I abide in You. You are the Vine and I am one of Your branches; let the life of Your Spirit flow into me and through me to bear fruit of Your Spirit through my life today. ...

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you ..." (Jeremiah 29:7).

You've sent me to different cities in the different seasons of my life. When I think back on the events I've experienced, the encounters I've had, and the relationships I've known, I often relate them to the cities where I've lived. Each has been very different. And so are the things You accomplished in me and through me in each of those cities. And of course, Your Holy Spirit was not the only spirit trying to accomplish things in me and through me in those cities either. But You have caused it all to work together for good, as You've given me the grace to keep responding to Your love and following Your call, according to Your purposes (Romans 8:28).

For a long season now, You've had me here in the city of Lexington, Kentucky and the surrounding region. Here I've grown in the Spirit and battled in the flesh; here I've mourned times of great sorrow and sadness and experienced great heights of joy; here I've received great ministry of healing and freedom, and You've taught me how to minister that same healing and freedom to others in Your name and by Your power.

Several years ago, You gave me a great burden for this city and the unction of the Holy Spirit to call others to pray "for the welfare of the city" where You have strategically positioned us for this season of our lives. We put out the word to the intercessors and prayer warriors and watchmen on the walls of the city to come together at the beginning of the year to seek Your face and listen for Your voice to hear Your heart for our city in the coming year. We've been doing this for five years now, as we come together in unity, stand firm in the faith, and move forward in the Spirit to advance Your Kingdom in these spheres of influence You've entrusted to us.

Be with us this weekend for our 2012 Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit. Help us humble ourselves to seek Your face, call on Your name, and return to Your ways on behalf of ourselves and our city, as far as Your grace will go, as You come to strengthen our hearts and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Together, let us fulfill our calling to be a city for God, with the Father's heart of mercy and love, shining forth the light of Christ through the hearts of Your people (Matthew 5:14). As this city where You have sent us for this season prospers in Spirit, so will we; "... for in its welfare (we) will find (our) welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit

January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Margaret Therkelsen, author and spiritual mother in our city, will be speaking and leading us in prayer Friday Night. Bishop Morton of Frankfort and the State-wide Prayer Movement, with other prayer leaders and worship leaders throughout the weekend. All are welcome! Please spread the word! (Flyer Below)
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries. Request the dvd's to watch from Level 1 and you can still attend Level 2. Some partial scholarships are available so all can attend and be trained.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

"Pure in Heart" - January 23

2012-01-23T09:28:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, fill my spirit, soul, and body with the fullness of Your Presence in the intimacy of communion with You in prayer. ...

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

The "pure in heart" are those whose sins have been forgiven by the mercy of God through the blood of Jesus. But the meaning of the original language also speaks of those whose hearts have been cleansed as though "purified by fire" or prepared "like a vine cleansed by pruning and so fitted to bear more fruit" (katharos, Strong's Lexicon).

Purify my heart, Lord. Give me the grace to keep giving my heart to You, allowing You to cleanse it, heal it, purify it, and prepare it to bear the fruit of Your Spirit through my life today and every day. Help me embrace Your pruning, with a heart full of hope for all the good things to come. I want to be one of those who see God, one of those who are pure in heart - not just when I go to heaven when I die, but as Your bring Your heaven into my heart every day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Margaret Therkelsen, author and spiritual mother in our city, will be speaking and leading us in prayer Friday Night. Bishop Morton of Frankfort and the State-wide Prayer Movement, with other prayer leaders and worship leaders throughout the weekend. All are welcome! Please spread the word!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries. Request the dvd's to watch from Level 1 and you can still attend Level 2. Some partial scholarships are available so all can attend and be trained.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

The Key to "Well-Being" - January 19

2012-01-19T08:39:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; I want to see You. Open the ears of my spirit; I want to hear You. I'm watching; I'm waiting in the silence of surrender to sense Your leading in these first moments of my morning. ...

"So acknowledge today and take to heart that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Keep His statues and His commandments, which I am commanding you today for your own well-being and that of your descendants after you, so that you may long remain in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time" (Deuteronomy 4:39-40).

I look to You. I acknowledge You. You are God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. You are my Creator. You are my Lord and Savior. You are the Ruler of this universe and the Sovereign One over my life. You know what is best for "(my) own well-being." You know the way for me to "long remain in the land" of the promises and blessings that You have prepared for me through my identity and destiny in You. And that way is to trust in Your nature and obey Your commands.

What is Your nature? What are Your commands? They are both revealed in Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us - the One who is Love, the One who perfectly walks in Love, and the One who calls us to follow You in that walk and expression of Your nature: "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.... I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another" (John 15:12-17).

My health, my "well-being" in spirit, soul, and body, is dependent upon my obedience to Your command to love. My possession of Your promises for my identity and my destiny is dependent upon my obedience to Your command to love. Lord Jesus, You said, "As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love" (John 15:9-10). Teach me, lead me, and empower me to abide in Your love in obedience to Your command. I know I can't do that apart from You and Your Spirit abiding in me, but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night, Jan 20th at 7 pm for our Messiah Ministries monthly city-wide gathering for prayer, praise, and healing worship on the 3rd Friday of every month. Come drink deeply from The Fountain of Living Waters as we worship Jesus in the freedom of His Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father heart of God. Andrew Eberheart from Asbury will be leading in worship, while Sylvia and I will be leading in prayer and ministry this month. All are welcome! Please come and spread the word!

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries. Request the dvd's to watch from Level 1 and you can still attend Level 2. Some partial scholarships are available so all can attend and be trained.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"Complacent in the Land" - January 18

2012-01-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Good morning, heavenly Father. Good morning, Holy Spirit.
Lord God Almighty, You are One and You are holy. You are Love and You love me. So
as best as I can and all by Your grace, I love You and seek You with all my heart
and all my soul. ...

"When you have had children and children's children, and become complacent in the
land, if you act corruptly by making an idol in the form of anything, thus doing
evil in the sight of the Lord your God, thus provoking Him to anger, I call heaven
and earth to witness against you today that you will soon utterly perish from the
land that you are crossing the Jordan to occupy; you will not live long on it, but
be utterly destroyed.... From there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will
find Him if you search after Him will all your heart and soul" (Deuteronomy 4:25-29).

Lord, forgive me and forgive us, as Your people in the families and cities and nations
where You have positioned us, where we have become complacent in the land. Forgive
us where we have made idols of people and things instead of seeking first Your Kingdom
and Your righteousness, trusting You to provide all that we need in Your time and
in Your way. Forgive us where we've grown passive and lazy, dependent upon our government
or our employment or other people to provide for our needs and fulfill our desires.
Pour out a Spirit of repentance and awakening upon us, O God - in our hearts and
in our land.

Lord, continue to call us to return to You. We can't do it ourselves, in our own
will power alone. It's not by our might or our power, but by Your Spirit. But we
can come into agreement with Your Word and in cooperation with Your Spirit to awaken
and arise and search after You again with all our heart and all our soul, holding
nothing back.

And as we awaken and arise - even if it's only a remnant who will on behalf of all
- we thank You for Your promise: "In your distress, when all these things have happened
to you in time to come, you will return to the Lord your God and heed Him. Because
the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will neither abandon you nor destroy you;
He will not forget the covenant with your ancestors that He swore to them" (v. 4:30-31).

All that happened to Israel, the people of Your covenant, is an example to us to
understand Your spiritual principles of trust and obedience, judgment and mercy,
repentance and forgiveness (1 Corinthians 10:6). And under our covenant of grace
in Christ, grounded in Your covenant of mercy with Israel, You still call us to
trust and obedience, as the measure and expression of our love: "If you keep My
commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have keep My Father's commandments
and abide in His love. I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in
you, and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:10-11).

Lord, help us trust You and obey You. Help us awaken and arise and return to You.
Help us embrace Your Spirit with a fervent passion to search after You again will
all our heart and soul. Release a Spirit of obedience; free us from the spirit of
complacency and the spirit of idolatry. Deliver us from evil and fill us afresh
with Your Holy Spirit, so that Your joy may be in us and our joy may be complete.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night, Jan 20th at 7 pm for our Messiah Ministries
monthly city-wide gathering for prayer, praise, and healing worship on the 3rd Friday
of every month. Come drink deeply from The Fountain of Living Waters as we worship
Jesus in the freedom of His Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father heart
of God. Andrew Eberheart from Asbury will be leading in worship, while Sylvia and
I will be leading in prayer and ministry this month. All are welcome! Please come
and spread the word!

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal
the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of
the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries. Request the dvd's
to watch from Level 1 and you can still attend Level 2. Some partial scholarships
are available so all can attend and be trained.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for
our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian
Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"Steadfast Love of the Most High" - January 17

2012-01-17T08:38:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. With the eyes of my heart and the ears of my spirit, I wait for Your Presence and watch for Your leading. ...

"In Your strength, the king rejoices, O Lord, and in Your help how greatly he exults! ...

For the king trusts in the Lord, through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.... Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength! We will sing and praise Your power" (Psalm 21:1-13).

In Your steadfast love, I am strong. In Your mighty power, I am secure. You embrace the yearnings of my spirit; You defeat the enemies of my soul. You love me and fight for me; You always reach out to me and never abandon me. My hope and trust is in You.

As I begin this new day, I exalt in Your help; I sing and praise Your power. You are the Most High-mighty and strong, loving and wise. Like King David, I look to Your leading and lean into Your loving, praising You for Your power that goes before me and Your Presence that goes with me, throughout all the moments of my day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Spiritual Eyes - January 16

2012-01-16T08:17:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Draw me into the deep place of prayer, Your Spirit in communion with my spirit, as I start this day centered in Your Presence and grounded in Your Word. ...

When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, 'Alas, master! What shall we do?' He replied, 'Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them.' Then Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:15-17).

O Lord, open my eyes that I may see. Let my natural eyes be open to see the people and circumstances that I'll encounter today, being fully alive and fully engaged with all my natural senses. But also let my spiritual eyes be open to see the fullness of the spiritual reality beyond my senses.

With "the eyes of (my) heart" open to the truth of Your power and Presence all around me, I will not falter or fear in where You lead me to go and what You call me to do, by the power of the grace of God today (Ephesians 1:17-18). Some may trust in horses, some may trust in chariots; some may trust in the worldly wisdom and strength of natural insight and natural senses alone; but I will trust in the Lord, my God (Psalm 20:7). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

"The Spirit of Jesus" - January 13

2012-01-13T08:52:00.005-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my Peace, the Shalom of God. Bring me into that
deep place of trusting faith, where I am at peace with God, at peace with others,
and at peace within myself. ...

"When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the
Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas"
(Acts 16:7-8).

Sometimes Your Spirit says, "Yes." Sometimes Your Spirit says, "No." Sometimes Your
Spirit says, "Wait." Sometimes Your Spirit says, "Slow." Lord, I need to know what
Your Spirit is saying to me every moment of every day.

I trust You to know what's best for me. So help me grow in sensitivity to Your Spirit
to know what You're saying and to follow how You're leading. Help me learn to live
a lifestyle of constant communion of with You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for
our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian
Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal
the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of
the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Walk with God - January 12

2012-01-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I intentionally choose to intentionally abide in You,
as You abide in me, throughout the moments of my day. ...

"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him" (Genesis 5:24).

Like Enoch, I want to walk with You until I am no more. I want to walk with You
until "it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Galatians
2:20). Teach me how, Lord. Show me what that looks like.

In the power of Your grace, Enable me to live for You. Enable me to live in You
and allow You to live through me. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as
you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7, NKJV).

Like Enoch, come and take me, Lord-all that I am and all that I have. I've been
bought with a price and now my life is no longer my own. "And the life I now live,
I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" Galatians
2:20). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:
5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for
our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian
Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal
the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of
the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Grow in Grace - January 10

2012-01-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I look and listen; I watch and wait. Come, Holy Spirit. ...

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity" (2 Peter 3:18).

Along the journey of my life, it seems I've learned how to grow in knowledge, affirmed by the pieces of paper, framed as certificates and degrees, hung on my walls or tucked away in my closets-a high school diploma, an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Masters of Divinity, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, Board Certification in Trial Law. And along the way, it seems I've grown in the knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ-Bible classes, Sunday School lessons, theological studies, meditation of the Word of God, and my personal spiritual journey of faith. I've needed to grow, even been driven to grow in knowledge. But maybe most of all, I'm realizing how much I need to grow in grace.

Lord, teach me to grow in grace. How do I do it?

It seems I hear You say: "My son, My grace is My favor upon you, My mercy toward you, and My power through you. You grow in grace as you learn to depend upon Me alone. You can't earn it or deserve it; you can only receive it. Learn to receive My grace, My son; and You will grow in grace, My son."

Yes, Lord. In our world of striving, with all the pressures and expectations we put upon ourselves or allow others to put upon us, it's hard to look to You alone to find my sense of identity and allow You alone to direct my sense of destiny. But as best as I can and all by Your grace, I choose to trust in You, to rest in You, to depend upon You.

My Father God, help me embrace the peace and the truth that "it is God (not me) who is at work in (me), enabling (me) both to will and to work for (Your) good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). Help me come to understand Your promise, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help me grow in grace, all by the grace of God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

Supernatural Strengthening - January 9

2012-01-09T08:57:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. In the communion of prayer, let my human spirit engage
with Your Holy Spirit and my human nature yield to Your holy nature. ...

"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from His glorious power,
and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving
thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints
in the light" (Colossians 1:11-12).

There is a supernatural strengthening that comes from within-from Your Spirit abiding
within my spirit (John 15:4). Your Holy Spirit strengthens my human spirit with
Your glorious power. Your Holy Spirit sensitizes my human spirit with Your tender
leading. Your Holy Spirit aligns my human spirit with Your wise will. In that strengthening,
You prepare me and empower me to endure anything without losing my patience or letting
it steal my joy. This is part of my inheritance as a saint in the light, a child
of God filled with the Spirit of Christ. This is part of the fulfillment of Your
promise, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Lord, strengthen me more every day. Grow me up "to maturity, to the measure of the
full stature of Christ," as I seek to "grow up in every way into Him who is the
head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-16). It's all by the power of Your grace, and
it's all in the journey of faith. Thank You for meeting me here in my heart, Spirit
to spirit, as I start off another day of our journey in communion with You. Thank
You for Your compelling invitation to start each day embraced by the Father, centered
in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Help me now continue to abide with You,
in the communion of Your Spirit, throughout the moments of my day. In Jesus' name
I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for
our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian
Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Messiah Ministries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal
the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of
the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"Not Your Own" - January 6

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are One with the Father and One with the Holy Spirit.
Through the deep communion of intimate prayer and trusting surrender, draw me into
the place where You are One within me. ...

"But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.... Or do you not know
that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you. which you have from God,
and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify
God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:17-20).

I am not my own. I belong to You. I was in slavery to sin and death, but You came
and saved me. I was lost, but now I'm found; I was dead, but now I'm alive; I was
bound but now I'm free. Now I'm cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and filled with
the Spirit of God. My heart is Your home and my body is Your temple. You are Lord
of all that I am and Lord of all that I have. I am Yours. ...

Lord, help me live my life today like I truly mean the words I've just prayed. Show
me in all the encounters I'll have and all the choices I'll make, throughout all
the moments of my day, what a difference it makes if these words are true. ...

I know I'll need the power of Your grace, because I know it's not by my power or
my might, but by Your Spirit alone that I can glorify You in my body and by my
life-one day at a time. Thank You that I know that I have it, and Your grace is
sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for
our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Second Street Christian
Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar
Messiah Minsitries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, KentuckyEquipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal
the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of
the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"Set All Your Hope on the Grace" - January 5

2012-01-05T08:12:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As best as I can and all by Your grace, I seek Your face and listen for Your voice to begin my day following You. ...

"Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when He is revealed" (1 Peter 1:13).

I want all my hope to be on all Your grace. So I willingly choose to desperately depend upon You alone. Help me prepare my mind and discipline my will to live this way. Your grace is Your power to forgive me, to heal me, to free me, to change me more into Your image every day-if I will consciously choose to deliberately set all my hope in You.

One day, the great power of Your great grace will be fully revealed to me when You return in glory on earth or I go to glory in heaven. But every day between this day and that one, I believe You desire to continually, increasingly reveal Yourself to me and to all who truly seek You. Every moment of every day is chance to choose to trust You and to entrust myself to You. As I do, I will "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity" (2 Peter 3:18). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please come join us and spread the word:

5th Annual Greater Lexington Strategic Prayer Summit
January 27-28, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
"Contend for the Faith" -- A regional gathering to seek the Word of the Lord for our city and region for 2012, hosted this year at East Third Street Christian Church in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. All are welcome!
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Messiah Minsitries' School of Spiritual Ministry - Level 2
February 1-4, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky
Equipping and empowering leaders for healing prayer and prophetic ministry to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Led by Tommy & Sylvia Hays of Messiah Ministries.
www.messiah-ministries.org/calendar

Be empowered, equipped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

Power Encounters in the Spirit of Christ - January 4

2012-01-04T06:28:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my Lord and Savior, my Best Friend and King. I entrust this day and all my life to You, O Lord, my God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"Then Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.... 'As you go, proclaim the good news, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand...' " (Matthew 10:1-7).

You're still sending forth Your faithful disciples, just as You sent forth Your first disciples, to encounter the powers of darkness and the kingdoms of this world with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God. Sickness must bow; disease must be healed; demons must go. "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:16, NKJV).

These are power encounters-Your power that destroys the power of the kingdom of darkness through the power of the blood of Jesus. "The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). And now You have entrusted Your power to be released in the power of Your love through those who are called by Your name as the Body and Bride of Christ. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit within us, empowering us with authority in this world, as the Body of Christ to continue the ministry of Christ (Romans 8:9-11).

Lord Jesus, as the Father sent You, so You send us in Your power and authority to continue to accomplish Your purpose-to destroy the works of the devil (John 20:21). "The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under (our) feet" (Romans 16:20). It's not in our power, but Yours-the power of the Spirit of "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). So I praise You, Lord God Almighty, with excitement and expectation, for the opportunities and encounters I'll have today to see the kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of my God, through the power and authority of the Spirit of Christ living in me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Happy New Year! I pray for you to know the intimacy, power, and authority of Christ in your heart and every dimension of your life this year, in Jesus' name. Thank you for joining with me in the journey of prayer. I'll be praying for you. Would you please be praying for me? God bless you!

Be empowered, equiped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries

www.messiah-ministries.org

Fasting and Praying, Worshipping and Waiting - January 3

2012-01-03T09:46:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Align my heart with Your heart, my mind with Your mind,
my ways with Your ways. I want to start well and end well, with Your Spirit guiding
my steps throughout the moments of my day. ...

"While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart
for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting
and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off" (Acts 13:2-3).

Sylvia and I are beginning the first fourteen days of this new year fasting and
praying, worshipping and waiting for the clear leading of Your Holy Spirit. What
is the work to which You have called us this year? Who are those You've called
to come alongside us? Who are those You've called us to come alongside? Where are
You leading us; where will You send us?

Give us grace to wait with patience and faith for what we don't yet need to know.
Give us tenacity and perseverance to press in to You for what You want us to find
now. Let us be content with where we are in the journey; but at the same time, let
us always be excited and expectant for what lies ahead.

A wise friend of ours recently told us, "Everybody needs someone to love, something
to do, and something to look forward to." Thank You for giving us all three. And
thank You for calling us into this deep place to hunger and thirst to seek and
find what You have for us now. "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the
glory of kings is to search things out" (Proverbs 25:2). In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
Happy New Year! I pray for you to know the intimacy, power, and authority
of Christ in your heart and every dimension of your life this year, in Jesus' name.
Thank you for joining with me in the journey of prayer. I'll be praying for you.
Would you please be praying for me? God bless you!

Be empowered, equiped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

Excited and Expectant - January 2

2012-01-02T09:12:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
As I come to the end of 2011 and begin 2012, I know You are with me-watching over
me, going before me, and coming alongside me. I'm excited and expectant to see what
You have planned for me. ...

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence? If I ascend
to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I take the
wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there Your
hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me fast" (Psalm 139:7-10).

You are everywhere in the heavens and on the earth, yet You are here in my heart.
You hold all time and eternity in Your hands, yet You are here in every moment of
my day. You see all things, know all things, rule and reign over all things, yet
You are mindful of every thought in my mind, every desire in my heart, and every
word of my mouth. There is none like You.

"How weighty to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try
to count them-they are more than the sand; I come to the end-I am still with You"
(v. 139:17-18). Yes, Lord. I am still with You, because You have chosen to still
be with me. You've called me to remember that You've forever promised to be with
me forever (Matthew 28:20). So how could I be anything less than excited and expectant
to begin this new year with You, with great anticipation to see all You have planned
for me? I'm ready to come and see. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Happy New Year! I pray for you to know the intimacy, power, and authority
of Christ in your heart and every dimension of your life this year, in Jesus' name.
Thank you for joining with me in the journey of prayer. I'll be praying for you.
Would you please be praying for me? God bless you!

Be empowered, equiped, and encouraged to fulfill your destiny in Christ!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays | Messiah Ministries
www.messiah-ministries.org

"He Was Called Jesus" - December 30

2011-12-30T09:47:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I want to hear the leading of Your voice and follow in
Your steps throughout the moments of my day. ...

"After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the Child; and He was called
Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb" (Luke 2:21).

He was called Jesus-the Salvation of Jehovah-the One Who would be "a mighty Savior
for us" (Luke 1:69). This would not be God coming to earth in all-consuming fire
or with armies of angels. This would be God coming to earth as a Child, not only
in the likeness of human flesh, but even "in the likeness of sinful flesh"-in "likeness,"
yet without sin (Romans 8:3). So God Himself, Immanuel-God with us-would even humble
Himself to be circumcised of the flesh, as a Child of Abraham and the Son of David
in the dedication of His life to the glory and purposes of God.

Lord, I dedicate my heart to You, offering my flesh to You to be stripped away.
"Real circumcision is a matter of the heart-it is spiritual and not literal" (Romans
2:29). And as You strip away my flesh, may You awaken within me the name and the
nature to which You've called me, even as "You knit me together in my mother's
womb" (Psalm 139:13). You are my Salvation-the Salvation of Jehovah-Jesus Christ,
my Lord. Give me Your grace to live my life to honor You. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
Friends, for your tax-deductible, charitable contributions by year-end, please keep
Messiah Ministries in mind, as you join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every
contribution is greatly appreciated and truly needed. Thank you!

Contrbute to Messiah Ministries
By Mail:

Messiah Minsitries
2800 Tates Creek Rd.
Lexington, Kentucky 40590

By www.PayPal.com through MessiahMin@aol.com
On-line through our website: www.messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

God bless you with great favor and blessings this coming year!
Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Spirit of Excitement and Anticipation - December 28

2011-12-28T08:38:00.004-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I draw near to You, I know You draw near to me-Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
'Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord
has made known to us.' So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the
child lying in a manger" (Luke 2:15-16).

When You made known Your plans, the shepherds couldn't wait to go and see. Your
prophetic word released a spirit of excitement and anticipation within them. They
expected Your word to be true and to come to pass. They didn't waiver or doubt;
they went with haste. And all was as You said.

Lord, thank You for the plans You choose to make known to me. And thank You for
the patience and faith You give me for the plans You choose not to make known to
me. As best as I can and all by Your grace, I choose to trust You to know what's
best. So with a spirit of excitement and anticipation, I look forward to go and
see what You have planned for me today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
For your tax-deductible, charitable contributions by year-end, please keep Messiah
Ministries in mind, as you join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution
is greatly appreciated and truly needed. Thank you and God bless you!

Messiah Ministries
2800 Tates Creek Rd.
Lexington, Kentucky 40502
Or: www.paypal.com using MessiahMin@aol.com
Or www.messiah-ministries.org/partner/contribute

My friends, thank you for joining with me in the journey of prayer this year! God bless
you with excitement and anticpation in this coming year!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Christ is Born in Me - December 26

2011-12-26T08:43:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Christ is born; Christ in me. ...

"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10).

You were born in a manger that Your Spirit could be born in my heart. You set aside
the glory of heaven that I could have the One who is the glory of heaven living
in me. You came in the likeness of human flesh that the flesh of my own will apart
from Your will might die, for me to live a life in Christ. "But you are not in the
flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who
does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him" (Romans 8:9).

On Christmas morning, the angels came to the shepherds in the fields, declaring,
"Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the
people: To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,
the Lord!" (Luke 2:10-11). Now on this morning and every morning, I can embrace
this great news of great joy, that my Savior, Christ the Lord, is born in me. "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
www.messiah-ministries.org
Good morning and Merry Christmas! May the Spirit of Christ be formed in you this day and every
day!

Friends, please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you
join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated
and truly needed. Thank you!

God bless you, Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

"The Time Came" - December 23

2011-12-23T09:38:00.004-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be my vision and my provision, as I look to You and entrust
my will and my day to You. ...

"Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of
David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.
He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting
a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And
she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid
him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 2:4-7).

It was "while they were there" that "the time came" for the prophetic promises of
God to come to pass. In the sovereignty of God, there was a specific place for Mary
and Joseph to be and there was a specific time for this fulfillment of their promises
to occur. Centuries before, through the prophet Micah, You spoke of this place:
"But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from
you shall come forth for Me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of
old, from ancient days" (Micah 5:2). And You spoke of this time: "Therefore he shall
give them up until the time when she who is labor has brought forth" (Micah 5:3).

And in the mystery of Your sovereignty and the free will that Your relationship
of Your love with us requires, many choices were made by many people involved for
Mary and Joseph to be at that place, at that time: The Roman governor issued a decree
that required them to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They had to be willing
to travel even though Mary was pregnant and about to give birth. There had to be
too many travelers that filled the inn that this newborn Child would be found in
a manger, not fit for a King. Yet You knew every choice that would be made in fulfillment
of every plan You had.

Lord, prepare me and position me, align me in right relationship with those around
me, move me and establish me to be in the right places, at the right times, for
the fulfillment of Your promises for me. Make me increasingly sensitive to Your
leading and increasingly obedient to Your will. And I pray the same for all who
are around me and all You've chosen to be involved with me in Your plans and purposes
for my life. Let our will align with Your will, our choices align with Your purposes,
as our freedom aligns Your sovereignty. It's a great mystery, but it's also a great
adventure. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Friends, please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you
join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated
and truly needed. Thank you!

God bless you! Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

A Child, A Son, Everlasting One - December 22

2011-12-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. In what can become the chaos of Christmas, I want to come
away with You in the center of my heart at the start of my day. ...

"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior'"
(Luke 1:46-47).

As My soul magnifies You, my Lord, and as my spirit rejoices in You, my Savior, I
hear You writing the words of a poem of praise on my heart:

A Child, A Son
Everlasting One
In virgin birth
Heaven to Earth
Jesus is our Salvation

That all may hear
And none may fear
From the manger to the cross
He seeks and saves the lost
Jesus is our Salvation

Let the Christmas lights
And songs of Holy Night
Point the way
To the One Who came
Jesus is our Salvation

We honor this Child, this Son
This Holy One
With Christ in our hearts
Forever set apart
Jesus is our Salvation
Help me keep my focus on You, Lord Jesus. Fill my heart with the Spirit of Christ
this Christmas season and every season. You are our Salvation. In Jesus' name I
pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
Friends, please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you
join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated
and truly needed. Thank you!

God bless you! Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Choosing to Trust in God - December 21

2011-12-21T10:55:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. May the nature of Christ be birthed and matured in me
today and every day. ...

"When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he
took (Mary) as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had born
a Son; and he named Him Jesus" (Matthew 1:24-25).

Joseph had an opportunity to choose to be the husband and father You created him
to be. He could trust in his natural wisdom, his gut instincts, his first inclinations
or he could trust in You. But trusting in You meant stretching his faith beyond
what his eyes could see. Trusting in You meant believing in the supernatural realm
of angels and dreams and the voice of God speaking to men to direct their lives.
Trusting in You meant making choices about the most significant decisions he'd
ever make based upon the will of God and not his own, yielding control of his destiny
to a God he could only hear and follow by faith.

Lord, help me faithfully choose to completely trust in You. Give me eyes to see
what You're doing and ears to hear what You're saying. Help me continually stretch
beyond the realm of my natural reasoning into the realm of Your supernatural guidance.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Like Joseph, help me grow
in my willingness and capacity to "trust in (You) with all (my) heart, and lean
not on (my) own understanding; in all (my) ways to acknowledge (You, knowing You)
shall direct (my) paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
Friends, please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you
join with us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated
and truly needed. Thank you!

God bless you! Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Believing Together - December 20

2011-12-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-into every
moment of my day. ...

"'And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was
spoken to her by the Lord.'...And Mary remained with (Elizabeth) about three months
and then returned to her home" (Luke 1:45-56).

Every day, the Child grew within Mary's womb. And every day, the promises of God
concerning the birth of her Child grew closer to fulfillment. But though she believed
with all her heart that what God had said would come to pass, not everyone would.
So she was led to get away for three months of time with someone who would join
with her in prayer and stand with her in faith for the promises of God to be fulfilled.
"Two are better than one.... For if they fall, one will lift up the other" (Ecclesiastes
4:9-10). Mary and Elizabeth encouraged each other to trust in You and believe Your
promises.

Thank You for the companions and friends, for the prayer partners and soul mates
that You bring into our lives to join with us in the journey of faith. It's not
good to be alone (Genesis 2:18). So You bring us together with others of like mind
and like spirit to help build our faith and hold on to Your promises. When one is
weak, then the other is strong. When one falters, the other can pick us up. And
when we come together in agreement of prayer and faith in the power of Your name,
we see mountains moved and the promises of God fulfilled (Matthew 18:19). Blessed
are we when we believe what You have said and celebrate with each other the words
of God that come to pass. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
Please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you join with
us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and
truly needed. Thank you!

God bless you! Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Life and Joy! - December 19

2011-12-19T10:06:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Glory to God in the highest. Peace and goodwill toward
men. I embrace Your peace and goodwill within me as I begin my day with You. ...

"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth
was filled with the Holy Spirit, and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you
among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to
me that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your
greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy!' " (Luke 1:41-42)

The life within Elizabeth leaped for joy in the Presence of the One Who is life
and joy. Your Spirit filled her spirit, as Deep called out to deep (Psalm 42:7).
She couldn't help but shout out blessings and praise, as Your joy began to gush
up and flow out of her like a fountain.

Lord, let my spirit live in communion with Your Spirit every day. Let Your joy fill
my heart and Your life fill my spirit. Like Elizabeth, I want to be filled with
the Holy Spirit, releasing words of blessing and praises to God throughout the moments
of my day. Living a life in Your Presence, there is "righteousness and peace and
joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

www.messiah-ministries.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=orwjxtfab&t=p4yuf9iab.0.0.orwjxtfab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.messiah-ministries.org]

Please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving, as you join with
us to advance the Kingdom of God. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and
truly needed. Thank you!

Contrbute to Messiah Ministries [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=orwjxtfab&t=p4yuf9iab.0.0.orwjxtfab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.messiah-ministries.org%2Fpartner%2Fcontribute]

God bless you! Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Good, but Misunderstood - December 16

2011-12-16T09:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Your name is above every name. Your name be above every moment of my day. ...

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place this way. When His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly" (Matthew 1:18-19).

Mary was good, but misunderstood. She found great favor with God, but was exposed to public disgrace with people. Her heart was pure and her intentions were good, but at first even her husband didn't understand the gift of God within her and the destiny of God upon her. So along with her calling, You gave Mary the grace to embrace Your divine assignment with great faith and unwavering obedience.

In many ways, Mary is a picture of us, the Body and the Bride of Christ. We carry Christ within us (Colossians 1:27). The favor and grace of God is upon us (Ephesians 2:8). The gifts of God flow through us (Romans 12:6). But at the same time, we will often be misunderstood and mocked, even ridiculed and rejected, despite the best intentions of our hearts. You prepared us for this, saying, "Servants are not greater than their master. If they persecuted Me, they persecute you" (John 15:20).

So in those times, help us hold fast to what we know is true and to what You've called us to do. Send Your angels to speak to those around us; send Your Holy Spirit to open minds and change hearts to see what Your doing by Your hand and through Your people. But even if their eyes don't see and their hearts don't change, let us not bow down or back away despite whatever public pressure or displeasure we endure. Like Mary, let us stand firm in the faith, trusting in Your grace, declaring from the good intentions of our hearts, "Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to Your word" (Luke 1:38). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

www.messiah-ministries.org

Come to the Fountain! this Friday Night December 16th at 7 pm. Phil Jackson will be leading in worship and Tommy Hays will be leading in prayer at our Messiah Ministries' monthly gathering for Prayer, Praise, and Healing Worship. Come drink deeply from the Living Waters in intimate worship with healing prayer ministry with the Body of Christ in our city from many different churches and streams. All are welcome!

Friends, please keep Messiah Ministries in mind for your Year-end Giving. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and truly needed. Thank you!

Contrbute to Messiah Ministries

"Found to Be With Child" - December 13

2011-12-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. O come let us adore You, Christ the Lord. ...

"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place this way. When His mother Mary had
been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with
child from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18).

Mary was "found to be with child." And though she knew her Child was from the Holy
Spirit, though she knew she was honored by God among all women to carry the Messiah
in her womb, she didn't announce it with trumpets or assert her status in the religious
circles. Instead she pondered all these things in her heart. She didn't go seeking
position or place, filled with spiritual pride, but the time came when she was "found
to be with child from the Holy Spirit."

No one could see what God had done in Mary with their natural eyes. But You opened
the eyes of Joseph to see and You stirred in Elizabeth's womb to know that Mary
was blessed and highly favored by the hand and heart of God (Luke 1:28). And though
she was afraid and though she was misunderstood, rejected, and judged, she chose
to trust in You and embrace Your will for the calling of her life (Luke 1:38).

Lord, what have You conceived in me by Your Spirit? What have You imparted to me
that no one can see with their natural eyes? What path have You called me to travel
and what life have You called me to live that others may misunderstand, reject,
and judge? Whatever it is You have for me, I want to choose by Your grace to embrace
You and Your calling with obedience and faith. With Mary and each one of us, the
children of God who are found with Your Spirit moving in us, we are blessed and
highly favored by the sovereign hand and heart of God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org
Come to the Fountain! this Friday Night December 16th at 7 pm. Phil Jackson will
be leading in worship and Tommy Hays will be leading in prayer at our Messiah Ministries'
monthly gathering for Prayer, Praise, and Healing Worship. Come drink deeply from
the Living Waters in intimate worship with healing prayer ministry with the Body
of Christ in our city from many different churches and streams. All are welcome!

Generations Longing for Jesus the Messiah - December 12

2011-12-12T09:23:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Christ Child, Son of Man, Word of God-You are the One
I worship and adore, as I seek to begin my day centered in Christ, embraced by the
Father, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

"An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of
Abraham.... So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the
deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations" (Matthew 1:1-17).

You are the Messiah-the Anointed One of God, fully God and fully man, Who set aside
the glory of heaven to humble Yourself in the likeness of human flesh and blood
to be the Atoning Sacrifice for our sins and the eternal Savior of our lives (Philippians
2:5-11). And God the Father promised that the blessing of the nations through the
Messiah, His Son, would be a Son of Abraham and a Son of David (Genesis 22:18; 2
Samuel 7:12).

And in the seasons of longing and preparation for the coming of the Messiah, there
were cycles of fourteen generations before this great hope was fulfilled. Thank
You for the seasons and cycles of my life. Thank you even for those long stretches
of time and those pivotal events that have marked my journey toward the fulfillment
of the hopes and dreams You've planted in my spirit.

Through Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Messiah, I too am a son of God, an anointed
one of God, and a blessing to the nations of my generation (Galatians 3:26). As
God the Father sent You as God the Son in the anointing of God the Holy Spirit,
so You send me (John 20:21). Together with the sons and daughters of God, we are
the hands and feet of the Body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, continuing
the ministry of Christ. And in these generations between the first coming of the
Messiah and the second, let us be filled afresh every day with longing and preparation
for the great hope yet to come (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.

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

"By Him You Were Called" - December 9

2011-12-09T09:42:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me start this day and every day centered in Your Presence and listening for Your voice-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by Him you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

As I wait for Your leading, I hear Your Spirit writing a new song in my spirit:

So I watch and wait
When I'm weary and faint
And You lift me up, Lord
And You fill me up, Lord
And You bring me up, Lord
To the place I can see
To the place I can be
All that You've called me to be

Your Holy Spirit comes in
Where I breathe You within
And You lift me up, Lord
And You fill me up, Lord
And You bring me up, Lord
To the place I can see
To the place I can be
All that You've called me to be

Now I can arise

Now I can shine
'Cause You lift me up, Lord
'Cause You fill me up, Lord
'Cause You bring me up, Lord
To the place I can see
To the place I can be
All that You've called me to be

Thank You for strengthening me, for encouraging me, for purifying me. Thank You for reminding me that You're always faithful to me and that You have plans for me-a future with hope to honor Your name with my life (Jeremiah 29:11). In this fellowship of Christ, through my daily communion with Your Holy Spirit, I know I am a son of God, deeply loved by my Father, and created with purpose, calling, and destiny that will be fulfilled (Romans 8:15-17). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

www.messiah-ministries.org
Friends, may the Holy Spirit put a song in your heart and a fire in your spirit to fulfill the purpose, calling, and destiny the Lord has for your life today. I'll be praying for you and thank you for praying for me. God bless you!

--Tommy

Love Revealed through Obedience - December 8

2011-12-08T09:59:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I love You, Lord-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-with all
my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I want to start and end this day full of love
for You. ...

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills
the desire of all who fear Him; He also hears their cry, and saves them. The Lord
watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will
speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and
ever" (Psalm 145:18-21).

Lord, I want to love You passionately and fear You obediently. Let my love be reflected
in my obedience, and let my obedience flow out of my love. There's no true love
of God without obedience to God. As You have said, "If you love Me, you will keep
My commandments" (John 14:15).

You fulfill the desires of those who honor You, yet destroy the wicked who reject
You. You draw near to all who draw near to You, revealing Yourself to all who seek
You in truth. So teach me how to both love You and fear You, to draw near to You
in intimacy and also submit to You in obedience. Let my love be revealed by my
actions, as You have required: "They who have My commandments and keep them are
those who love Me.... Those who love Me will keep My Word ..." (John 14:21-23).
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please remember Messiah Ministries in your Year-end Giving to the Kingdom
of God All your encouragement and support is truly needed and greatly appreciated! Thank
you and God bless you!

"The Will of God, Your Sanctification" - December 7

2011-12-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords; be the King
and Lord of my encounters and experiences this day. ...

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification ..." (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Is this Your will for me, Lord-that You would sanctify me? ...

It seems I hear You say: "Yes, My son. I want you to be like Me. I want to conform
you into the image of Christ. I want your nature to become like My nature, your
thoughts to become like My thoughts, your desires to become like My desires, your
ways to become like My ways."

Yes, Lord. Is that really possible?

"With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible."

What do I need to do?

"I need you to choose, by the grace I give you, to allow Me to work this in you.
You must desire this, and even let Me build this desire within you, so that you
do not turn back from My sanctifying fire.'

Yes, Lord. Give me this desire; increase within me this desire to embrace Your fire.
When I'm tempted to step back, give me courage to press in. When I'm tempted to
give up, give me strength to press on. Remind me this is Your will; remind me it's
in Your power. "For it is God Who is at work in (me), enabling (me) both to will
and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). "The One Who calls (me)
is faithful, and He will do this. Beloved, pray for (me)" (1 Thessalonians 5:24-25).

So every challenge is an opportunity to die to my flesh and live in Your Spirit.
Every question is a chance to answer well with the Word of God and in the Spirit
of God. Every temptation is an invitation to respond in the nature of Christ, expressing
the fruit of the Spirit of Christ-in "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

I have a long way to go, but a lifetime to get there. And I thank You that I don't
have to do it alone and I don't have to do it on my own. "Not by might, nor by power,
but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.

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

The Choice to Love - December 5

2011-12-06T09:10:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me listen; help me hear; help me trust; and help
me obey. ...

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves
is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is
love" (1 John 4:7-8).

Yes, Lord. This is Your Word; this is Your will. Let me get this right-because unless
and until I do, nothing else matters. "If I speak in the tongues of morals and of
angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. And if I have
prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have
all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing ..." (1
Corinthians 13:1-2). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Words that Give Grace - December 5

2011-12-05T09:44:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Make me more like You today. ...

"Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building
up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians
4:29).

Lord, I want my words to give grace. I want to build up and not tear down, encourage
and not discourage, bring life and not death. I want my words to reflect my heart;
and I want my heart to be right with You and right with others. As You have said,
"The good person out of the good treasures of the heart produces good, and the evil
person out of the evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of
the heart that the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

Your written Word gives me grace every day. And Your living words give me grace
every day. You are the Word of God (John 1:1). And You are the Word of God made
flesh in the likeness of human flesh and blood (John 1:14). Now the Spirit of the
Word of God dwells within me and within all who put their hope and trust in You
(1 Corinthians 3:16). So let Your Spirit anoint and empower my words to be words
that give grace today. Let this be the good treasure that flows out of the abundance
of my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Love, Obedience, and Faith - December 2

2011-12-02T09:34:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let me start this day embraced by the Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

"For the love of God is this, that we obey His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:3-5)

Love, obedience, and faith-these three expressions of my relationship with You will determine whether I will conquer the world or the world will conquer me. This is the bottom line. As Your Word declares: "The only thing that counts is faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).

Lord, let my faith be expressed in my love; and let my love be expressed in my actions. Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God; and we are sons and daughters of God because we believe in You, we embrace Your Spirit to fill our hearts, and we allow Your love to work through our lives. "So we have known and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:16-17). So as best as I can and all by Your grace, let me be more like You in this world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Dear Friends,

You're Warmly Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Party Tonight, December 2nd. Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming, which will help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591 Bring some friends!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Eagles Soar Higher in the Spirit's Power - December 1

2011-12-01T10:41:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let my feet be grounded in Your Word and my heart soar in Your Spirit. ...

I awoke this morning to the tune of a new song Your Holy Spirit was writing on my heart:

Though my eyes may see

Whatever troubles me
I can choose to not let them get me down

Though I may not know

Which way to go
I can choose to come and follow You

You always bring me through

And Your mercies are new
I can choose to call on Your name every day

I can stay in the pit

Bound with lies and regret

Or I can rise and soar to the sky ...

Eagles fly high

They live the sky life
Though troubles come around
They don't get them down
Eagles soar up higher
In the Spirit's power
'Til the troubles of this world fade away

Thank You, Holy Spirit. You always give me the right perspective. And having the right perspective is such a key to the victorious life I'm created and called to live. "So if you have been raised with Christ, seek 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 the earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ Who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

Lord, teach me how to life the sky life-a life hidden in Christ, always looking to Christ, lifted above the things of the kingdoms of this world that would weigh me down to the things of the Kingdom of Heaven that lifts me up. Teach me how to soar up higher in Your Spirit's power like the eagle whose spirit cannot be crushed and whose hope cannot fade. "But those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Yes, Lord. I choose to follow You. As best as I can and all by Your grace, I choose to soar up higher in Your Spirit's power-not running away from the troubles of this world, nor letting the troubles of this world crush my spirit or steal my hope. I choose Your perspective. I choose to live the sky life. I choose to keep looking up unto the hills from where my help comes from, because my help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1-2). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

You're Warmly Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Party on December 2nd. Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming to help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591 Bring some friends!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Please God, Not Ourselves - November 30

2011-11-30T09:28:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My Lord and Savior, be Lord of all I say and do today. ...

"We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please Himself ..." (Romans 15:1-3).

Thank You for those who put up with my failings when I am weak, for those who do not seek to please themselves, but rather seek to please You alone. Lord, give me that spirit, give me Your Spirit, when others seem to fail in weakness around me. You encourage us to build one another up, to prefer one another, to "outdo one another in showing honor" (Romans 12:10).

Throughout the moments of my day, let me be one who encourages rather than discourages, who blesses rather than curses, who forgives rather than resents, who builds up rather than tears down. Let this mind and heart be in me that was in You-as the Son of Man, filled with the Spirit of God, You sought to please the Father rather than please Yourself. You had nothing to prove and everything to give. In that way, You fulfilled the command to "let love be genuine" (Romans 12:9). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends,
You're Warmly Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Party on December 2nd. Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming to help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591 Bring some friends!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Christmas Party This Friday Night, December 2nd

2011-11-30T08:35:00.001-05:00

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

Warmly Invite You to our Messiah Ministries Christmas Party December 2nd!

Please come join us for a Festive Evening

with Dessert Buffet and Christmas Music,

Great Tidings of Comfort and Joy with all our Friends

7:00 pm in the Foyer at Centenary UM Church

2800 Tates Creek Road; Lexington, Kentucky

Please RSVP for You and any Friends You'd Like to Bring

by responding to this message

or to Marilyn Walker at 859-317-1591

or DirectorMin@Messiah-Ministries.org

"With One Voice" - November 28

2011-11-28T09:08:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. As best as I can and all by Your grace, I entrust all my heart and all this day into Your hands and into Your will. ...

"May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:5-6).

Your love is steadfast and Your words are encouraging. As we embrace Your love and hear Your words, You bring us together in the bonds of peace to empower us to live in harmony with You and in harmony with one another.

As we live together in the unity of Your Spirit, there You command Your blessing-"life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1-3). It's that eternal life flowing out of us that draws the world to the One Who is Life. And it's that life flowing among us-loving one another, encouraging one another-that glorifies our God, as we speak from the heart as Your witness in this world "with one voice."

O Lord, bring Your children into harmony; bring Your Body and Your Bride into unity. Align us and empower us together as one in the Spirit and one in the Lord. As Your Holy Spirit pleads with us through the words of Your apostle: "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3). Lord, let it be so. Only together as one in the Spirit and one in the Lord can we speak "with one voice." In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, You're Warmly Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Party on December 2nd. Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming to help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591 Bring some friends!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Offering of Thanksgiving-Soaked in Oil, Ablaze by Fire- November 23

2011-11-23T11:27:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I give You thanks with a grateful heart and wait before You now, in these first moments of the morning, with a hungry spirit. ...

"This is the ritual of the sacrifice of the offering of well-being that one may offer to the Lord. If you offer it for thanksgiving, you shall offer with the thank offering unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of choice flour well soaked in oil .... Your own hands shall bring the Lord's offering by fire ..." (Leviticus 7:11-30).

Soaked in oil, ablaze by fire-You desire my offering of thanksgiving to be Spirit-led and Spirit-filled. The oil speaks of a life to be soaked in Your Presence, and the fire speaks of a life to be ablaze with Your passion. This is "the ritual of the sacrifice" You desire. "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1).

In this season of thanksgiving, Lord, I offer to You as much of me as I can-all that I am and all that I have. Help me not hold back. Help me embrace the fullness of Your Presence and Your passion, for You and Your people, as I willing choose to live my life by the power of Your grace in the oil and fire of Your Spirit. "Through Christ, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name! Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (Hebrews 13:15-16).

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

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Do All the Good You Can" - November 22

2011-11-22T10:11:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Awaken my spirit, as I wait upon You. ...

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it'-when you have it with you" (Proverbs 3:27-28).

Lord, give me Your Father heart today. A good father loves to give good gifts to his children (Luke 11:13). And You've given Your good gifts to me so much. So by the measure I've been given, let me give; freely I've received and freely I'm to give (Matthew 10:8). Show me who to whom I can be good today, just like You've been so good to me. Show me where I can give joyfully and generously, just like You've given so joyfully and generously to me. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

It's said that one of John Wesley's rules of life was, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, as long as you ever can." It seems he had Your Spirit. And I want to have Your Spirit too. "The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, You're Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Gathering on December 2nd! Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming to help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

The Lamb Shall Lie Down with the Lion - November 21

2011-11-21T13:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Draw me near, hold me close, fill me up, and send me forth. ...

"Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent-its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all My holy mountain, says the Lord" (Isaiah 65:24-25).

We look forward to that day when You set all things right. We look forward to the fullness of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. And yet, at the same time, we appreciate every foretaste we have now of what we will have then. We thank You now for the expression of Your Kingdom we already have in Christ, even as we groan with all creation for the fullness of Your Kingdom yet to come. "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God ... in hope that the creation itself will be set from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:18-21). Praise God for the expectancy and hope of that day-O happy day!

This morning a wild deer came so near to my wife, Sylvia, that she was able to reach out and pet it! What immediately came to mind was, "The lamb shall lie down with the lion." What a picture now of the age to come. The wild at heart will remain wild, being all You created them to be; yet at the same time, there will be peace and honor and love. O Lord, change our hearts, move us in prayer, anoint us and empower us with authority as the Body and Bride of Christ to expectantly call forth that day of the restoration of all things-"waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God!" (2 Peter 3:12) In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Tommy & Sylvia Hays
www.messiah-ministries.org

Unmerited Favor, Undeserved Mercy, Unimaginable Goodness of the Grace of God - November 18

2011-11-18T09:19:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me start this day and every day centered in Christ, embraced by the Father, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

"As we work together with Him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For He says, 'At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.' See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!' " (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

Your grace is sufficient and Your grace is for today. Your grace is Your unmerited favor, Your undeserved mercy, and Your unimaginable goodness. Your grace reaches out to us in our sin and shame, our brokenness and bondage, and our woundedness and weariness. Your grace fills us when we're empty, lifts us when we're down, and finds us when we're lost. Your grace embraces us in Your love, empowers us as Your children, and encourages us to know our identity and fulfill our destiny, as we grow daily in the image of Christ. Your grace is the transforming power of God to change our lives into all You've created us to be.

How can we neglect so great a gift, so great a salvation? How can we get stuck in the past when Your grace sets us free to move forward. How can we get paralyzed in the fear of what tomorrow may hold when Your grace immerses us with all the strength and wisdom we need for today? Every moment of every day is "the acceptable time" and "the day of salvation!" Now is the time; now is the day!

And You have saved us by Your grace with a purpose-to live our lives in passionate pursuit of our relationship of love with You and with one another: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).

O Lord, my God, as I work together and live together with You and with all You bring alongside me in every season of this journey of faith, I embrace the gift of Your grace. And by Your grace, I will not accept it in vain, but with thanksgiving and joy for all You have done and all You will continue to do, in me and through me, this day and every day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! Tonight, Nov. 18 at 7 pm for our Messiah Ministries monthly city-wide gathering for prayer, praise, and healing worship. Come drink deeply from The Fountain of Living Waters as we worship Jesus in the freedom of His Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father heart of God. Brooke Barrett will be leading in worship and Linda Dulin-Moore will be leading in prayer this month. All are welcome! Please come and spread the word!

You're Invited to the Messiah Ministries Christmas Gathering on December 2nd! Please come join us for a festive time with all our friends, 7-9 PM in the Foyer at Centenary UMC in Lexington, 2800 Tates Creek Road. Please let Marilyn Walker know if you're thinking of coming to help with our planning: DirOfMinistries@aol.com or 859-317-1591

Friends, please keep us in prayer as Sylvia and I travel to the Palo Duro Canyon area of north Texas this week to lead a Pastor's Retreat with the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church this weekend. Please let us know if you'd like us to come minister in healing prayer and prophetic ministry in your area. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

You're Invited to Our Christmas Party! Dec 2nd

2011-11-16T09:52:00.001-05:00

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

Warmly Invite You to our Messiah Ministries Christmas Party - December 2nd!

Please come join us for a Festive Evening

with Dessert Buffet and Christmas Music,

Great Tidings of Comfort and Joy with all our Friends

7:00 pm in the Foyer at Centenary UM Church

2800 Tates Creek Road; Lexington, Kentucky

Please RSVP for You and any Friends You'd Like to Bring

by responding to this message

or to Marilyn Walker at 859-317-1591

or DirectorMin@Messiah-Ministries.org

www.messiah-ministries.org

Favorite of God - November 16

2011-11-16T09:40:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I lift up my eyes, open up my heart, waken up my spirit, and listen up for Your voice. Speak, Lord, for Your servant, Your son, is listening. ....

"Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favorite of the Strong One of Israel ..." (2 Samuel 23:1).

David dared to believe he was Your favorite-"the favorite of the Strong One of Israel." Was that the most prideful, most arrogant, most self-centered declaration in all of history? Who did he think he was? How could he believe that You had a favorite and David was it?

It seems I hear You say: "My son, David was My favorite. He was blessed and highly favored. My favor was upon him; My grace was sufficient for him; My heart delighted in him. And so it is with you. And so it is with each of My children who open up their hearts to embrace the gift of My mercy and love for each of them. These are My favorites."

Yes, Lord. I want to be Your favorite. I want to be a man after Your own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). I want to be one of Your children, blessed and highly favored-not because I'm better than anyone else, but because I'm as blessed with Your favor as I can possibly be. And I know that's only possible in Christ-the Son of David and the Son of God, over Whom alone the voice of heaven declared, "You are My Beloved Son, with You I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22).

By the grace of Your mercy and love, I am "in Christ" and Christ is in me (Romans 8:1). And in Christ, I am "not in the flesh; (I am) in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in (me)" (Romans 8:9). "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new .... so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In Christ alone, the Son of David and the Son of God, I am a man after Your own heart. And in Christ alone, the Son of David and the Son of God, I am Your favorite, just as David was Your favorite. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! This Friday Night, Nov. 18 at 7 pm for our Messiah Ministries monthly city-wide gathering for prayer, praise, and healing worship. Come drink deeply from The Fountain of Living Waters as we worship Jesus in the freedom of His Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father heart of God. Brooke Barrett will be leading in worship and Linda Dulin-Moore will be leading in prayer this month. All are welcome! Please come and spread the word!

Friends, please keep us in prayer as Sylvia and I minister in San Antonio, Texas this week and then lead a Pastor's Retreat near Amarillo with the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church this weekend. Please let us know if you'd like us to come minister in healing prayer and prophetic ministry in your area. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Wisdom and Faith - November 15

2011-11-15T10:23:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I am Yours and You are mine; so I entrust this day and my life into Your hands. ...

"If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, Who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:5-8).

Lord, give me wisdom-wisdom for every choice that's set before me, wisdom to know to trust You above all, and wisdom to rest in knowledge that You know my every moment and hold them all in Your hands. Lord, give me faith-faith that doesn't doubt, faith that doesn't worry, and faith that's single-minded in focus upon You to be my steady rock and steadfast hope. In the gift of wisdom and the gift of faith You give to me and all who humble themselves to ask, I wait expectantly to receive Your guidance and entrust myself to Your governance. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Come Up Here" through the Open Door - November 14

2011-11-14T11:52:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Make me more like You today. ...

"After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with One seated on the throne!" (Revelation 4:1-2)

Like John, I want to look up to heaven; I want to see the door that You're opening before me; I want to hear Your voice speaking to me. Like John I want to be caught up "in the Spirit;" I want to see the throne of Your authority; I want to see the One Who has all authority in my life and all authority in heaven and on earth.

My experience will be different than John's, as no two spiritual journeys and no two spiritual encounters are exactly the same. But at the same time, Your invitation to "Come up here" into the heavenly realm is the same to us all: "So if 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 is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

Yes, Lord. I'm looking up. I'm setting my mind on things that are above, the things of the heavenly realm in You. And as I look and listen, I hear You now singing a new song of invitation into my spirit:

Come

Come up here

Here with Me

Let me show you the things

All the wonderful things

I have for you in Me

Thank You, Lord Jesus. You are "the door" (John 10:9). You are the door to life, the door to heaven, the door to the destiny You have for me and I have in You. So I will come and enter in. I will come and follow You, wherever You lead through whatever door You open for me-as best as I can and all by Your grace.

Now I hear Your words again to the new song You were writing on my heart a few days ago:

Come, follow Me

Wherever I lead

I want you there with Me

Come, follow Me

Yes, Lord; here I come. I don't know yet what the door is that You've opened for me, other than to know that You are in that door and Your plan for me in this season of my life is through that door. So that's where I want to be. And I embrace Your invitation to go there with You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please keep us in prayer as Sylvia and I minister in San Antonio, Texas this week and then lead a Pastor's Retreat near Amarillo with the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church this weekend. )Please let us know if you'd like us to come minister in healing prayer and prophetic ministry in your area. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

November 11 - 11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:58:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my Rock and my Refuge, my Healer and my Hope, my Deliverer and my Destiny. ...

"On that day the Lord will extend His hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that is left of His people ..." (Isaiah 11:11).

On this eleventh day of the eleventh month of the eleventh year of this century, I seek Your face and open my spirit to You alone with expectant faith. This is 11/11/11. Much of the world and much of the Church have an excited expectancy about today. In a few moments, I'll be joining worshippers and prayer warriors from around the globe at a prayer gathering at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. They've said there's to be no agenda but Your agenda, no special speaker but Your Holy Spirit. May You fill us with a spiritual hunger and passionate thirst for Your Presence.

May You extend Your hand in Your steadfast love and tender mercies. May You call forth Your remnant of all who believe and are called by Your name to seek Your face and embrace Your Spirit. May You awaken the Bride and Body of Christ to be cleansed and holy and empowered for Your purposes and the advancement of Your Kingdom. Let there be a sudden shift and a clear transition into a new season of Your love and light displayed through Your people over all the earth. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

We've been invited to come with friends for a prayer gathering at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for 11-11-11. It's called "A Line in the Sand." Stand with us in prayer for this spiritually significant day. Please let us know if your church or community would like to make arrangements for us to come to your area as well. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Everlasting Light" - November 10

2011-11-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I will arise and shine, for my Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon me and upon all who are called by Your name (Isaiah 60:1). ...

"The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night, but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, or your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.... I Am the Lord; in its time I will accomplish it quickly" (Isaiah 60:19-22).

You are the everlasting God, and You are my everlasting Light. You are at work in this broken, fallen world. And You are at work in my broken, fallen soul. But Your Spirit always lifts my eyes up out of the darkness and toward Your Light. Your Spirit always imparts hope and stirs up faith to believe the best is yet to come.

No matter how much darkness covers the face of the earth, no matter how much darkness covers the people who are blinded to the light of Your glory revealed in the face of the Son of God, Your light continues to shines and Your glory continues to come in the midst of it all (Isaiah 60:2). There is a remnant who will stand firm in the faith in the face of it all. There is a Bride who is being prepared for the coming of the Groom and the wedding feast. There is a people who will see all the prophecies and promises of God fulfilled in the earth-all "in its time," all in Your time. "Lift up your eyes and look around.... Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because of the abundance of all that will be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you" (Isaiah 60:4-50.

Yes, Lord. With the remnant of the faithful of Your people, with the Body and the Bride of Christ as one, I will persevere in faith by the grace of God. I will hope against hope for the fulfillment of all You have decreed. I will look forward to the day that all You have said will come to pass: "I will appoint Peace as your overseer and Righteousness as your taskmaster. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise!" (Isaiah 60:17-18) You are the everlasting God, shining forth Your everlasting light, to lead us into the fullness of Your everlasting covenant. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Please keep us in prayer, as Sylvia and I are in San Antonio, Texas to minister together this week with inner healing prayer and prophetic ministry. We've been invited to go with friends for a prayer gathering at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for 11-11-11. Stand with us in prayer for this spiritual significant day. Please let us know if your church or community would like to make arrangements for us to come to your area as well. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

God Knows Us and Still Loves Us - November 9

2011-11-09T12:14:00.003-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My hope and trust is in You-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...

"The woman said to Him, 'I know that Messiah is coming' (Who is called Christ). 'When He comes, He will proclaim all things to us.' Jesus said, 'I Am He, the One Who is speaking to you.' Just then, His disciples came. They were astonished that He was speaking to a woman, but no one said, 'What do you want?' or, 'Why are You speaking with her?' Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 'Come and see a Man Who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can He?' " (John 4:25-29)

You are the Messiah, the Christ. You are God the Son, the Anointed One of God the Father through God the Holy Spirit. You are Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). You are the Word of God, filled with the Spirit of God, revealing in human flesh and blood the Heart of God for all the world to see.

And like the Samaritan woman at the well, what we see in You is a holy God, filled with compassion and mercy for an unholy people who desperately need to know the love of God revealed in Jesus the Christ. Our hearts are bare before You; our past is open toward You; our thoughts and motives and desires are known to You. You know everything about us.

And yet, You still love us. You still come to us and reach out to us and embrace us. You expose and uproot everything within us that would keep us from being able to fully know You and trust You and give our lives completely to You. "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'" (Lamentations 3:22-24).

Thank You for helping us trust You to go into all the ages and moments of our lives to forgive the sin, heal the wounds, break the chains, and reveal the truth. Your perfect love casts out our fears. Your cleansing grace redeems our failures. You draw out our pain and shame to fill us with Your peace and love. And then we can't wait to go tell everybody we know to come see this God Who knows everything about us but loves us more than we can ever imagine. O Lord, our God, there is none like You! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Please keep us in prayer, as Sylvia and I are in San Antonio, Texas to minister together this week with inner healing prayer and prophetic ministry. Please let us know if your church or community would like to make arrangements for us to come to your area as well. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Follow Me" - November 8

2011-11-08T09:54:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. With all that I am and all that I have, I worship You and welcome You into every moment of my day. ...

I hear these words of a new song You're writing on my heart and stirring in my spirit. ...

Come follow Me

Come follow Me
Wherever I lead
I want you there with Me
So come and follow Me

Yes, Lord Jesus. You stand at the threshold of the door and call me to come. You call me to trust. You call me to move forward into the place You've prepared for me along the journey ahead. "Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there will My servant be also. Whoever serves Me, the Father will honor" (John 12:26).

By the gift of grace You've given me and with the gift of faith You've imparted to me, I arise to follow You. You're invitation is simple, and Your command is clear. So here we go. Let the adventure of this great journey of faith continue. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Please keep us in prayer, as Sylvia and I travel to San Antonio, Texas to minister together this week in healing prayer and prophetic ministry. Please let us know if your church or community would like to make arrangement for us to come to your area as well. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

The Gift and Choice of Humility Instead of Pride - November 7

2011-11-07T08:41:00.006-05:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I look up to You and set my mind on things above with the first thoughts of my day. ...

"In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, and He answered him and gave him a sign. But Hezekiah did not respond according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.... Hezekiah had very great riches and honor.... Hezekiah prospered in all his works.... God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart" (2 Chronicles 32:27-31).

Our pride draws Your wrath, yet our humility draws Your riches. In Your mercy, You allow the sicknesses and sufferings, the trials and tribulations of our lives to test us and show us the pride that remains in our hearts. And in the process, Your heart is not to condemn us, but to free us; not to break our spirits, but to crucify our flesh; not to wound our pride, but to put it death. Then we can truly live and truly prosper in the fullness of our destiny for the glory of God. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10, NKJV).

Like the gift of faith, we need the gift of humility. We can love You because You first loved us, and we can trust You because Your Spirit first reveals Your nature to our hearts. It's the same with humility that slays our pride. We can choose to humble ourselves in Your sight because You give us the grace to see our need to willingly choose to be desperately dependent upon You alone. "For it is God Who is at work in (us), enabling (us) both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

So I thank You for the testing and the trials that come to us all in our journey of faith. They are never pleasant at the time, but they produce the fruit of Your righteousness in us-right relationship with God, with one another, and within ourselves. It's the loving guidance and holy correction of our perfect Father Who wants the very best for each one of His children (Hebrews 12:4-13).

We are Your children, as we are moved and empowered by Your Spirit to die to the pride of our independence, self-centeredness, selfishness, and desire for control apart from entrusting ourselves completely to You. "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, 'Abba! Father!' it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if in fact, we suffer with Him so that we also may be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:14-17).

Christ is always our example. So Christ is our example to make our choice in response to Your gift of grace in humility as well. "Let the same mind be in (us) that was in Christ Jesus ... He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him ..." (Philippians 2:5-11).

When we humble ourselves in Your sight, You lift us up. As we learn to completely entrust our lives to the One Who completely cares for us, we are set free from fear and filled with faith; we are healed from our sicknesses and forgiven from our failures. And like Hezekiah, who humbled himself from the pride of his heart, we position ourselves for You to honor and prosper our lives for the glory of Your name and the advancement of Your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, the more I continue the ministry of inner healing and spiritual formation, along with my own personal journey of faith toward spiritual maturity, I have a growing belief that humility is perhaps one of the greatest keys of the Kingdom of God we've been given in Christ (Matthew 16:19; Philippians 2:5-11). I pray for the humility of Christ to fill your heart and ask you to pray this for me, as we journey in prayer together. God bless you and prosper you, even as your soul prospers! (3 John 2)

Please keep us in prayer, as Sylvia and I travel to San Antonio, Texas to minister together this week in healing prayer and prophetic ministry. Please let us know if your church or community would like to make arrangement for us to come to your area as well. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Continue in the Faith" - November 4

2011-11-04T10:33:00.001-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I worship You in spirit, soul, and body and welcome You into every moment of my past, present, and future. ...

"After they had proclaimed the Good News to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, 'It is through many persecutions that we must enter the Kingdom of God'" (Acts 14:21-22).

Every day, Your Holy Spirit strengthens my soul and encourages me to continue in the faith. Every day, Your Holy Spirit leads me on and draws me in to enter the Kingdom of God. And Every day, Your Holy Spirit anoints me and empowers me to proclaim the Good News and help make disciples wherever I am and wherever You send me. This is the mission and the ministry of all the sons and daughters of God (Matthew 28:18-20).

Thank You for every one of Your disciples who have strengthened me and encouraged me along the way. And I pray now for the continuing journey of faith of each of the lives You've allowed me to touch with the truth and power of the Good News of this Gospel of the Kingdom of God. "And this Good News of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

My Friends, thank you so much for joining with me in this journey of prayer. Sylvia and I are home now from our Encounter Wales! ministry trip with Heather Butler. We praise God for the souls that were saved and the lives that were changed by the healing love of God these past three weeks. We're so encouraged to see how the Lord has moved everywhere He sent us, and we have many invitations to return. Thank you for being part of our team through all your prayers. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Astounded at the Greatness of God!" - October 31

2011-10-31T05:38:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are One with the Father and One with the Holy Spirit; be One within me, as I abide in You and You abide in me. ...

"While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God!" (Luke 9:42-43)

Last night at the men's meeting at the Elim Church in Wells, southern England, a father filled with gratitude for the greatness of God handed me a note from his son. It said, "Thank you for praying for me this morning. (It) made me feel good." Praise God!

He was a young boy, struggling with panic and fear about being bullied at school. He was too fearful to come up for prayer, so we went to him. He wasn't ever able to turn his face toward us from his father's side, as we prayed for him to know the safety and security of the Father's embrace. But Your perfect love began to cast out all his fear (1 John 4:18). Then You began to replace his stress, anxieties, and fears with Your power and love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Thank You, Lord Jesus! We are "astounded at the greatness of God!"

As he goes to school today, Father, fill him with Your peace and shelter him under the mighty right hand of Your protection. No matter what foes he may face, remind him that the One who stands firm within him is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). I pray this for all the children who face these struggles at school. And I pray this same peace for all who may have to face the taunting and torment of those who need to know the love of God in Jesus Christ. Like Stephen, whose faith began to change the heart of Saul, may faith arise in the face of fear to begin to bring conviction and repentance to hearts of the tormenters (Acts 7:54-60). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, we've had a very intense but wonderful few days of ministry in a Spiritual Renewal meeting near Swansea in south Wales, then at the Elim Church in Wells in southern England with a women's meeting, a men's meeting, and Sunday worship. The Holy Spirit has been moving mightily with salvation, healing, deliverance, and prophetic ministry. Thank you so much for your prayers for us! We couldn't carry this message of hope and the healing love of God at home and abroad without our wonderful prayer covering.

Sylvia and I have a day off today in Wells, before catching our train tomorrow for the airport in Manchester and a very early flight home the next day. We've said our goodbye's to Heather, Bob, and Pedr Butler of Angelsey, north Wales, who have been so wonderful to host us and arrange all these meetings for us. Please keep them in your prayers as well, and you will be in ours'. God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Mighty Ones Who Do His Bidding" - October 26

2011-10-26T05:20:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, lead me in Your ways, and live through me today. ...

"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His Kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, obedient to His spoken word. Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers that do His will. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul" (Psalm 103:19-22).

Thank You for Your holy angels-the hosts of heaven, the mighty ones, who do Your bidding, who are obedient to Your spoken word, who are Your ministers who do Your will. Thank You for sending them to watch over me, even as they continually behold the face of the Father in heaven (Matthew 18:10). Thank You for assigning them to minister alongside me and to battle in the heavenly realms for me and for those You desire to comfort and encourage through me (Daniel 10:12). "Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)

Like Your holy angels, I am part of Your creation-created to love You and embrace Your love, created to obey You and embrace Your will. We are part of the works of Your hands, part of the reign of Your dominion. O Lord, I bless You with all my soul. I honor You with all I am and all I have. And like Your holy angels, let me be faithful to bow at Your throne, to welcome Your Kingdom, and to do Your bidding today, as I am obedient to Your spoken word and led by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, thank you so much for your prayers for us as we travel through Wales this week in ministry. Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys Tomorrow, we'll be travelling down to South Wales to preach on Friday night, then go to Somerset in southern England to lead a retreat on Saturday and preach on Sunday. Please keep us in prayer for the Lord's protection to be upon us, His provision to sustain us, and His power and love to flow through us.

At home, we would welcome your prayers to cover our ministry through some financial challenges. But we know our God is faithful and will bring us through as we keep our eyes on the Lord and humble ourselves to listen for His voice. Please keep us in prayer, and we are praying for you too! God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

God's Heart for Businessmen and Women - October 25

2011-10-25T07:56:00.001-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You're my Savior; You can move mountains; You are mighty to save. I give commit this day into Your hands. ...

"As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at a tax booth; and He said to him, 'Follow Me.' And he got up and followed Him. As He sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' Be when He heard this, He said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners'" (Matthew 9:9-13).

Three hands went up in the air to pray to receive You as their Lord and Savior last night at a dinner meeting of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Association at Anglesey, Wales! Sylvia shared her testimony from her years as a business owner and financial advisor, while I shared mine from my years as a trial lawyer. Your Holy Spirit drew each of them there to that place in the hotel restaurant and there to that place in their hearts to say: "Yes, Lord Jesus; I give my life completely to You, with full assurance of my salvation in the peace of my heart." Praise God!

Lord, You're not willing that any should perish, but that all would repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). You want all to know they can be forgiven of every sin, freed from every burden of guilt and shame, and draw near to God through the sacrifice of Christ (John 3:16). And when You bring Your businessmen and women into Your Kingdom, You intend to express Your Kingdom through their lives in their business world. And so "the kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Revelation 11:15, NKJV). Praise God!

Lord, use my life in whatever sphere of influence You send me and strategically position me each day. Let Your light shine in me and shine through me to bring others to You. I want to shout for joy with the angels of heaven over every person who comes to faith in You! (Luke 15:10) Keep sending me to my neighborhood and sending me to the nations, with hope in my heart to see souls saved in Your name and lives changed in Your power. In Jesus' name I pray Amen.

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

Friends, thank you so much for your prayers for us as we travel through Wales this week in ministry. Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys At the end of this week, we'll be travelling down to South Wales to preach on Friday, then go to Somerset in southern England to lead a retreat on Saturday and preach on Sunday. Please keep us in prayer for the Lord's protection to be upon us, His provision to sustain us, and His power and love to flow through us.

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Return, Rebuild, Restore, Renew - October 24

2011-10-24T07:50:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my Rock and Refuge-my "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). ...

"Remember the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish My name.' They are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and Your strong hand. O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give success to Your servant today ..." (Nehemiah 1:8-11).

Praying and preparing for the fresh bread of Your Word for the church in Holyhead, Wales Sunday morning, Your Holy Spirit brought to mind the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall and the twelve gates of Jerusalem. It seemed to be a picture of the Body of Christ in this hour, as well as so many principles and applications for our communities and personal lives. We are Your servants and Your people; You have redeemed us by Your great power and Your strong hand. Yet in many ways, we are scattered and divided, weary and oppressed, confused and discouraged. And Your Word to us, as it was to Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem, is always "Return to Me."

Thank You for the grace You always give us and the invitation You continually extend to us to come and return to You. As we return to You, You rebuild, You restore, and Your revive. If we stumble, You lift us up. If we get lost, You lead us home. If we feel empty, You fill us up. You keep on redeeming us, keep on saving us, keep on bringing us through in Your great power, with Your strong hand to the place You've chosen to establish Your name through our lives. "God chose (us) as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in truth. For this purpose, He called (us) through the proclamation of the Good News, so that (we) may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Thessalonians 2:13-14).

O Lord, hear our prayer as Your Church, the Body of Christ on this earth. In this pursuit, "give success" to Your servants, Your sons and Your daughters, today. By the grace of God, we return to You to obey Your will and follow Your way. Let "the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" rise upon us and shine through us-personally, in our communities, and throughout Your Church on this earth. "Arise, shine; for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!" (Isaiah 60:1) In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England the next few weeks in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys

The Holy Spirit is giving us fresh words in the messages, prophetic ministry, and prayer ministry wherever we go, corporately for the body and personally for the people! Last nigth, the Lord gave us specific prayers and prophetic words for everyone who came to the evening service in Holyhead. I praise God for the gift He's giving Heather as a prophetic psalmist to sing the song of the Lord every people in such a personal way and for the gift of such accurate and specific prophetic words He has given Sylvia as we pray for the people.

Tonight, Sylvia and I will be speaking at the Full Gospel Businessman's meeting in Valley, Wales, with an altar call for salvation, as requested by the leaders. At home, we would welcome your prayers to cover our ministry through some financial challenges. But we know our God is faithful and will bring us through as we keep our eyes on the Lord and humble ourselves to listen for His voice. Please keep us in prayer, and we are praying for you too! God bless you!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Hope Continually" - October 21

2011-10-21T06:42:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. My Lord, my Savior, my Best Friend, I welcome You into my heart and into my day. ...

"But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteous acts, of Your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge. I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God, I will praise Your righteousness, Yours alone.... You Who have done great things, O God, Who is like You? You Who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth, You will bring me up again. You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again" (Psalm 71:14-21).

I've seen "many troubles and calamities;" but I've also seen great breakthrough and deliverance. I've seen much injustice and evil, but I've also seen astounding generosity and mercy. I live in a broken, fallen world, hurtling along in the throes of the age-old process of Your restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). But in the midst of this world and all the challenges that come with it every day, "I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more."

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You" (Psalm 56:3). Whenever I am confused, I will listen to You. Whenever I am hurting, I will embrace You. If I am brought low, You will lift me up again. If I lose my way, You will lead me home again. You have always done great things for me; You have always shown me Your mighty deeds. So "I will hope in You continually, and will praise You yet more and more. O God, Who is like You?" None, there is none like You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! this Friday Night October 21 at 7 pm, led by Messiah Ministries and hosted in the Chapel at Centenary UMC, 2800 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington, Kentucky. Linda Dulin-Moore will be leading in the service this month, and Kerry Dorrell will be leading in worship. Come and be refreshed, refilled and restored in the presence of the Lord! All are welcome!

Friends, Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England the next few weeks in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys

We've been invited to continue developing a strong relationship of ministry between us. This coming weekend, we will be in ministry at a church in Flint on Saturday and another church in Holyhead on Sunday throught the day and evening. We'll be speaking at the Full Gospel Businessman's meeting on Monday night, with times of pesonal prayer ministry all along the way. Please keep us in prayer! God bless you,

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"The Ancient Paths" - October 20

2011-10-20T09:38:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead me beside Your still waters, in Your paths of righteousness, as You restore my soul, for Your name's sake. ...

"Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16).

As I begin this new day, I stand at the crossroads and look. As I go forward, throughout the moments of my day, with every encounter and every choice, I will continue to stand at the crossroads and look. I will look to see which way to go. And in a way, the crossroads are always the same-Your way or some other way.

So as I stand and as I look, I need to ask which way is Your way. Your way is "where the good way lies." You are "the Ancient One" (Daniel 7:22). And You desire to lead me in "the ancient paths"-the paths that are tested and true, laid out by You since before the foundation of time. These are "the paths of righteousness" that "lead me beside the still waters" where You "restore my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3, NJKV).

Sylvia and I spent a couple of days in the little mountain village of Betws-y-coed in North Wales. Each morning, we walked down the hill from the home where we were staying and over to the village. To get there we had to journey down the road, by the farm house, through the sheep gate, across the pastures, and on the bride over the river. Our path was an ancient one-well worn by centuries of generations and journeys. And though it was narrow, and in places a little muddy, it was tested and true, cleared of any obstacles to block our way to where we chose to go.

Lord, help me choose well where to go each day and throughout the moments of my day. Remind me to stand and look and ask, before I venture out on my own. Show me the ancient paths, tested and true, as I journey on for Your name's sake. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Come to The Fountain! this Friday Night October 21 at 7 pm, led by Messiah Ministries and hosted in the Chapel at Centenary UMC, 2800 Tates Creek Rd., Lexington, Kentucky.

Friends, Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England the next few weeks in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

God’s Thoughts in My Mind - October 17

2011-10-17T04:04:00.002-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Your name is the name above every name. So I speak out Your name as my first word in these first moments of my day. ...

“Then my God put it into my mind to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy” (Nehemiah 7:5).

Nehemiah was a spiritual leader, divinely called and strategically positioned to rebuild the city and the hearts of the people of Jerusalem (v. 2:4). And one of the ways You led him in his leadership of others was to put Your thoughts in his mind and Your desires in his heart. You gave him “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” in order to know Your will and understand Your leading for the divine assignments You entrusted to him (Ephesians 1:17).

Lord, I need Your wisdom. I’m to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is,” and I’m to “set (my) mind on things that are above, not things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). I want to see what You’re doing and hear what You’re saying. I desire for my plans to align with Your purposes and for my steps to be ordered by Your Spirit.

So as I begin each day seeking Your face, listening for Your voice, and discerning the leading of Your Spirit, I open my mind to Your thoughts and open my heart to Your desires. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart. “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” if we will humble ourselves to seek and listen for Your leading (1 Corinthians 2:16).In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England the next few weeks in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys

We had an incredible time of teaching and ministry, leading a conference on healing prayer ministry with the RiverDee Community Church in Flint, North Wales, this past weekend: http://riverdeecommunitychurch.org.uk/ We've been invited to continue developing a strong relationship of ministry between us. Thank you so much for your prayers for us! God bless you,

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"The Oil of Gladness!" - October 14

2011-10-14T05:39:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Make me more like You each day. ...

"Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions" (Psalm 47:7).

Your goodness makes me glad. Your faithfulness fills me with joy. And though there are days of struggles and straining, though there are even seasons of wilderness and desert, there are also these times of gladness and joy that stir up my spirit and brighten up my life. "For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your work; at the works of Your hands I sing for joy!" (Psalm 92:4)

Anoint me with gladness today, O Lord. Fill me with the joy of the Lord, and let the joy of the Lord be my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Wherever You send me, let the oil of gladness flow out of my spirit and release the power of Your joy. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, Sylvia and I are ministering with our good friend Heather Butler in Wales and England the next few weeks in a variety of settings Heather has arranged for us. www.ourchurch.com/member/keys Frinday and Saturday, we will be hosted at River Dee Church in Flint, North Wales; then at Heather and Bob Butler's home church, Elim Pentecostal Church, in Holyhead on Holy Island, Anglesey, North Wales. Please keep us in prayer! God bless you,

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Intimately Present - October 13

2011-10-13T06:52:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lord of Heaven and Earth, be Lord of my life and every moment of this day. ...

"He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' And he said to Him, 'If your Presence will not go, do not carry us up from here' " (Exodus 33:14-15).

Wherever I go, wherever You send me, I want Your Presence to go with me. I know You're already there long before I get there and I know You'll be there long after I leave. Yet at the same time, it's also true that You go with me.

You are the God Who is both omnipresent, yet also intimately present. Though You hold all the world in Your hands, You also stretch out Your hand to touch my heart. Though You carry all the thoughts and prayers of all Your children in the immensity of Your divine mind, You also know my every thought and hear my every prayer. Thank You that I can rest in both the certainty of Your infinite omnipresence and the intimacy of Your constant Presence. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

"Be Thou My Vision" - October 10

2011-10-10T10:40:00.001-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart ...

"And He said, 'Hear My words: When there are prophets among you, I the Lord make Myself known to them in visions; I speak to them in dreams. Not so with My servant Moses; He is entrusted with all My house. With Him I speak face to face-clearly, not in riddles; and he beholds the form of the Lord' " (Numbers 12:6-8).

You've chosen in Your sovereignty to create us to live in this season of time that You've poured out Your Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and Your daughters prophesy, Your young men see visions and Your old men dream dreams (Acts 2:17). All Your children are led by Your Spirit (Romans 8:14). Like Moses, we all are invited to draw near to You as You draw near to us, to seek Your face, listen for Your voice, and embrace Your love (James 4:8). And as we look up to behold Your form with an unveiled face and unhidden heart, You are changing us into Your image, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Be my vision, Lord. By the mercy of Your grace, lift me up to the mountain of Your Presence with clean hands and a pure heart to seek Your face (Psalm 24:3-6). I receive Your invitation and embrace Your welcome. And from this place of Your Presence in the communion of prayer, I want to go wherever You send me, carrying this Spirit of Christ within me (Colossian 1:27).

Today, You are sending Sylvia and me to Wales for a few weeks of prophetic ministry and prayer ministry with Heather Butler, one of Your prophetic psalmists, among the people of this ancient Celtic land. And as I look to You and listen for Your leading, I keep hearing in my spirit the words of this ancient Celtic hymn:

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy Presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

Lord, You are my Vision. You are the High King of Heaven and yet, You humble Yourself to dwell in Your children by Your Spirit and send us forth to carry Your message of love and power by Your grace. You are first in my heart, as I go forth in Your faith. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Please keep us in prayer as we go!

Tommy & Sylvia Hays

www.messiah-ministries.org

Present with the Power to Heal - October 7

2011-10-07T08:45:00.003-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are my Everlasting Father, my Wonderful Counselor, my Prince of Peace, and my Mighty God. I look to You and listen for Your leading, as I start my day in the communion of prayer. ...

"I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who will call you by your name" (Isaiah 45:2-3).

Yesterday afternoon at our School of Ministry, Your Holy Spirit disrupted my teaching with a moving of Your power in an unexpected time of healing prayer and prophetic ministry. Praise God! You were making crooked places straight, destroying strongholds, uprooting bitterness, and driving out spirits of torment, infirmity, and pain. You were aligning spirits, souls, and bodies, redeeming the distortions of the past and restoring them to Your created order. One woman's spine was straightened as she stretched her arms to the heavens in praise! What a holy mess as "the power of the Lord was present to heal!" (Luke 5:17, NKJV)

You were encouraging us to step out in faith, to risk speaking prophetic words and praying healing prayers, as we discerned Your Spirit's leading. You were empowering us to be the body of Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ, to continue to the ministry of Christ. Just as You said to Your first disciples, so You continue to speak to all Your disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.... Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21).

Continue to go before us-leveling the mountains of our fears and faithlessness, our doubts and unbelief. Continue breaking in pieces the doors that shut down and shut out the moves of Your Spirit through the Body of Christ. Continue cutting through the bars that attempt to restrict and imprison the power of God to sometime in the past or someplace far away. Continue giving us the treasures of Your spiritual gifts and graces You long to display through Your people who have Your heart and who are called by Your name in the power of Your love.

Let us no longer hold back, but boldly "press on toward the goal of the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature be of the same mind.... Only let us hold fast to what we have attained" (Philippians 3:14-16). In our generation and throughout our nations, let God arise and let the Body of Christ "come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the full measure of the stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please keep us in prayer for our Level 1 School of Spiritual Ministry this week in Lexington! My wife Sylvia Jackson Hays will be teaching today on activation of prophetic ministry and prophetic dream interpretation. Please let us know if your church or community would like us to come speak on these topics of equpping for prayer and prophetic ministry. We're off to a great start, with healing already happening among our students in a weighty Presence of God's glory in our times of worship and prayer. This is our Messiah Ministries' 4 Day School for equipping and impartation in healing prayer ministry and prophetic ministry. Scholarships are available as needed so all can come. Please see our Events Calendar on the web site for details or to arrange for us to come speak: www.messiah-ministries.org

For those who can't come join us in person, we have our Level 1 and Level 2

4-Day Schools of Spiritual Ministry available on DVD, as well as my books and our other ministry resources: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

Contend for the Faith We Share - October 6

2011-10-06T08:37:00.004-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are One with the Father and One with the Holy Spirit. I worship You, Lord, in every dimension of Your Being and welcome You, Lord, into every dimension of my being. ...

"Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the faith we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3).

With every believer of every nation and every generation, I share a faith. With all the saints of heaven and all the saints on earth, I share a faith. With those You used to write Your Word, with those who've been willing to lay down their lives, and with those who are willing to live their lives for You today, I share a faith. It's a faith that believes that You are God and You are good. It's a faith that believes that You are love and You love us. It's a faith that believes that You love us so much that You took upon Yourself all our sins and failures, all our sicknesses and diseases, all our curses and consequences, that we might be free from everything that would hold us back from a loving relationship with You and being all You created us to be.

And this faith we share is a faith that's worth fighting for, worth dying for, worth living for. By the power of Your grace, I willingly choose to answer Your call to "contend for the faith." In the name of Jesus, I renounce and reject all passivity and complacency, all hesitation and timidity, all fear of rejection and failure; and I embrace this faith that's founded in the One Who can never falter and never fail, Who has always loved me and always will. "Now to Him Who is able to keep (me) from falling, and to make (me) stand without blemish in the presence of His glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever" (Jude 24-25). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please keep us in prayer for our Level 1 School of Spiritual Ministry this week in Lexington! We're off to a great start, with healing already happening among our students in a weighty Presence of God's glory in our times of worship and prayer. This is our Messiah Ministries' 4 Day School for equipping and impartation in healing prayer ministry and prophetic ministry. Scholarships are available as needed so all can come. Please see our Events Calendar on the web site for details or to register on-line: www.messiah-ministries.org

For those who can't come join us in person, we have our Level 1 and Level 2

4-Day Schools of Spiritual Ministry available on DVD, as well as my books and our other ministry resources: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

"Set Me Secure on the Heights" - October 5

2011-10-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I love You, Lord; and I thank You first for loving me. Out of that love, I want to live for You and the glory of Your name today. ...

"For Who is God except the Lord? And Who is a rock besides our God?-the God Who girded me with strength, and made my way safe. He made my feet like the feet of a deer, and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has supported me; Your help has made me great" (Psalm 18:31-35).

Your Word says, "Your help has made me great." Is it true, Lord, that it's in Your heart for my life to help me to make me great? It somehow seems a little prideful, arrogant, or self-centered; it even seems a little sacrilegious to think about You making me great. You are God, and You are great.

It seems I hear You say: "My son, you are great because you are My child. That is your identity; that is your greatness. I save you and sanctify you; I strengthen you and support you; I train you and equip you to live out your great destiny because of your great identity in Me."

Thank You, Lord. Help me see myself and each of Your children as You do. "Set me secure on the heights" of this truth of Your Word. I renounce in the name of Jesus all false-pride, false-humility, and false-religion that would say anything less than what Your Word says of me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

Friends, please keep us in prayer as we begin our Level 1 School of Spiritual Ministry today in Lexington! Our Messiah Ministries' 4 Day School for equipping and impartation in healing prayer ministry and prophetic ministry. Scholarships are available as needed so all can come. Please see our Events Calendar on the web site for details or to register on-line: www.messiah-ministries.org

For those who can't come join us in person, we have our Level 1 and Level 2

4-Day Schools of Spiritual Ministry available on DVD, as well as my books and our other ministry resources: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

"My Soul Waits in Silence" - October 4

2011-10-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. King of kings and Lord of lords, be King and Lord of all that I am and all that I have. ...

"For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:5-8).

When I rise in the morning to sit in the silence to listen for Your voice, I'm entrusting my heart and thoughts to You. Everything else becomes dim in my view for these first few moments of the morning, when You alone are my focus. Here in the silence of surrender, here in the time of trusting, I reset the priorities of my life to remember that You alone are my rock and my salvation; You alone are my fortress and refuge; You are alone are my deliverance and honor; You alone are my God.

And as I pour out my heart before You and open up my heart for You, You draw near and hold me close. You lift my face and fill me up. You remind me that You know all about me-every need and burden, every worry and fear, every sin and failure, every hope and desire. You remind me that You're for me. "If God is for (me), who can be against (me)? (Romans 8:31) Then it's from that place of knowing Your steadfast love, Your constant gaze, and Your abiding Presence, that I rise and go forth to meet the day-trusting in the One Who alone is God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

For those who can't come join us in person, we have our Level 1 and Level 2

4-Day Schools of Spiritual Ministry available on DVD, as well as my books and our other ministry resources: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources

It's not too late to sign up for our 4 Day School starting Wednesday! We're excited that the registrations for our upcoming Level 1 School of Spiritual Ministry indicate this may be our biggest class ever! Please come join us in Lexington in October for our 4 Day School of Spiritual Ministry for equipping and impartation in healing prayer ministry and prophetic ministry. Scholarships are available as needed so all can come. Please see our Events Calendar on the web site for details or to register on-line: www.messiah-ministries.org

"A Tree of Life" - October 3

2011-10-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me start this day and every day knowing I'm embraced by the Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12).

Lord, let my desires be Your desires. Let my longings, be Your longings. When You fulfill the desires that are consumed with Your desires and satisfy the longings that are driven by Your longings, they are a tree of life for me. They are like a tree planted by the waters that does not wither in the dry seasons and does not break in the storms. They bear the fruit of a life filled with peace and love and joy, no matter what challenges and circumstances may come.

You are the God Who "fulfills the desire of all who fear Him" and the God Who "watches over all who love Him" (Psalm 145:19-20). You are the God Who wants Your joy fulfilled in us (John 17:13). And You are the God Who invites us, "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).

Every day may not be like this day. But this day, my heart is full of gratitude and peace and joy. I woke up in my warm bed, next to my loving wife, after a wonderful night of fulfilling ministry with our New Life Community of friends with the home group from our church. My children are healthy and have Jesus in their hearts. I have productive work to do today that will make a difference in peoples' lives, as I help them trust You with their burdens and pain to be whole and free in the power of Your name.

Today, I have a confident hope in my heart that You are at work in my life, fulfilling the desires and satisfying the longings that You have placed there to guide my steps along the path of Your plan for my life. It's all by Your grace. Thank You for this day that You've given me the grace to recognize the fruit of this tree of life that's flourishing exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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

For those who can't come join us in person, we have our Level 1 and Level 2

4-Day Schools of Spiritual Ministry available on DVD, as well as my books and our other ministry resources: www.messiah-ministries.org/resources