Encouragement and Prayer: Perfect In Christ! (7/27/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Perfect In Christ! (7/27/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 27, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Finally, brothers, good-by.  Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.”  
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about God’s desire that we be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.  I suspect many have heard the instruction of Jesus calling us to be perfect, but have we really considered the context in which it is given?  For many, the pursuit of perfection seems to center around our self and/or our accomplishments.  We aim and we fall short, causing us to doubt if this command of Jesus is even possible.  In fact, we excuse it away with the statement that “no one is perfect except Jesus.”  Yet rather than a focus on us, Jesus puts the emphasis on how we relate to others when it comes to the perfection He desires in us.  Pray that your interactions with others, all others, would display a perfection that reflects the interaction God has with you.  Pray for the courage to reach beyond, over, and through the walls you have created between you and others.  Pray that you would pursue perfection as being one made complete in Christ.  Ask God to help you live with humility in the way that perfection in Christ is seen in you.

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
Colossians 1:28 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine both how and who you love.  Pray that you would know and teach Christ as the only way to be made perfect.  Pray that the way you interact with all people would reflect a perfection that comes from Christ.  Pray for pure motives in the way you admonish and teach.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Summer With the Son: Being Perfect! (Sermon Audio)
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Summer With the Son: Being Perfect! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 26, 2026 sermon, “Summer With the Son: Being Perfect!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Matthew 5:43-48

 

“Finally, brothers, good-by.  Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you.”  
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Being Perfect sounds like an impossible goal, and in fact it is impossible in our own strength.  It is only through abiding in God’s love that we can be perfect just as He is perfect.  To do that, we need God’s help to become perfect through . . .

  • Learning:  Matthew 5:43-44

    • Being perfect through learning involves us understanding more accurately what God actually has said through His Word.  There are many times in life we “have heard it said”, but that doesn’t mean what we have heard is always accurate or complete.  Perfect love is found in Christ and we grow in perfection when we learn how to live with that kind of love.

  • Opportunity:  Matthew 5:44-45

    • Being perfect involves our being aware of the perfect opportunities to share the love of Jesus with everyone.  It can be easy to miss good opportunities simply because we believe incorrectly about who and how we ought to love.  The perfect love of Christ in us will always look for and make the most of every opportunity to love others.

  • Value:  Matthew 5:46-47

    • Being perfect requires that we value all people with the same value that God has created them with.  The Bible makes it clear that it was while we were enemies of God in our own mind that Christ died for us because of the great value He considers us to have.  Our value to God is not dependent on our goodness or lack of goodness, therefore the value that we credit others with having should always come from who they are as one created by God rather than from how we perceive them.  The perfect love of Christ in us will value our self and others with the same value that is derived from God.

  • Example:  Matthew 5:48

    • Being perfect is made visible to us through the perfect example of God as we seek to “be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect.”  With the Father exalted as our primary example, we also understand perfect love as we grow in our knowledge of Christ’s love for us.  Jesus sets the perfect example, and calls for us to follow His example, as He love without partiality, favoritism, or prejudice.  The perfect love of Christ in us will not only follow His example, but will become an example in us to others.

 

Today, how will you live with perfection that is all about LOVE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful That Is Beyond Understanding! (7/25/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful That Is Beyond Understanding! (7/25/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 25, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that your prayer life would fill you with a peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that God’s peace would always guard your heart and mind.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful In Preparation For Movement! (7/24/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful In Preparation For Movement! (7/24/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 24, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would be prepared to take the gospel message with you because of its message of peace.  Pray that your readiness to go wherever God leads you would come from a belief in the gospel of peace.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful To Bring Unity! (7/23/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful To Bring Unity! (7/23/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 23, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would work diligently at maintaining unity as God’s Spirit binds you together in peace.  Pray that your interactions with other believers would present a picture of unity through a common peace.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful Through God’s Spirit! (7/22/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful Through God’s Spirit! (7/22/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 22, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would live a Spirit-filled life that would give you a peace that cannot be taken from you.  Pray that you would incorporate the fruit of God’s Spirit into your daily practice of living with peace.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful As You Trust In God! (7/21/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful As You Trust In God! (7/21/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 21, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would put your hope in God so that He would fill you with a peace that comes from having a complete trust in Him.  Pray that this peace would overflow with a hope that the world can notice.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful In Times Of Trouble! (7/20/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peaceful In Times Of Trouble! (7/20/26)

 

This is the audio from the July 20, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would look to God for a peace that is beyond anything the world could offer.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s peace when trouble and fear come your way.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom