Encouragement and Prayer: Fellowship In Worship! (1/26/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Fellowship In Worship! (1/26/26)

This is the audio from the January 26, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
1 John 1:3 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on growing in fellowship through the gift of mercy.  While most Christians are aware of God’s desire that we have fellowship with Him and with one another, we often leave growing in that fellowship to chance with little training or practice in the things that would draw us together.  Pray that you would desire a greater fellowship with God as the foundation of all of your other relationships.  Pray that you would grow in both the desire and practice of living in fellowship with those who share your faith in God.  Pray that the fellowship you experience with other believers would attract others to pursuing God and having fellowship with Him.  Pray that your fellowship with Christ, and with one another, would prepare you for an eternal fellowship.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk with God about how your fellowship with Him can grow.  Pray that you would know and practice the things which are important as you gather with others to worship God.  Pray that your devotion to God would be reflected in the things you are devoted to doing as you worship.

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

Unwrapped Fellowship: The Gift of MERCY! (Sermon Audio)

Unwrapped Fellowship: The Gift of MERCY! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 25, 2026 sermon, “Unwrapped Fellowship: The Gift of MERCY!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: James 2:8-17

 

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
1 John 1:3 (NIV)

As we continue on a journey to unwrap the gifts which have been given by God, we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of . . .

  • MinistryJames 2:8

    • As we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of mercy, we find a calling to ministry.  It is through God’s mercy toward us that we experience how to love others in a merciful way.  While our church culture often things of ministry as a chosen way of life for those who are called to it, God views ministering to others as the responsibility of every believer.  The gift of mercy begins to be made known through us as we share in the gift of ministry. 
  • Equality:  James 2:9

    • As we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of mercy, we begin to see the equality in both value to God and in the need for mercy.  While we may be able to quote the scripture that says all have sinned, sometimes we fail to act like all sin is repulsive to God.  When it comes to mercy, God’s desire is for each of us to receive His mercy in a way which leads us to extend mercy without favoritism.  The gift of mercy is displayed to us, and should be displayed through us, in ways which show equality.
  • Reflection:  James 2:10-11

    • As we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of mercy, the ministry and equality of mercy should lead us to genuine and accurate reflection.  Our time with God and His Word should lead us to reflect on the plank in our own eye before we even begin to consider how to help our brothers and sisters with the specks in their eyes.  The gift of mercy gains power within us as we reflect on our need to receive it and share it.
  • Compassion:  James 2:12-14

    • As we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of mercy, we ought to be moved to compassion for every person we encounter.  While it is easy to join in the suffering of that we might identify with as “worthy”, God’s compassion towards us was made known even while we lived as His enemies.  It is this level of compassion that leads us to show mercy in a way which triumphs over judgment.  The gift of mercy in us is revealed more fully when we learn to live with compassion.
  • Yourself:  James 2:15-17

    • As we unwrap fellowship to discover the gift of mercy, it is important to see yourself in both the giving and receiving of mercy.  As the grace and mercy of God cleanses us from all unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus, we have fellowship with God and with one another.  It is this gift of mercy which helps us grow in fellowship as life becomes centered around one another rather than on yourself.

Today, how will you live with the gift of MERCY?

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight That Seeks Knowledge! (1/23/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight That Seeks Knowledge! (1/23/26)

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

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“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with insight into God’s Word and the revelation of Himself to us.  Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons.  Discernment, or insight, is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Insight is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived.  Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an understanding of prophecy as an insight that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray that the insight you seek from God would lead to actual knowledge.  Pray that you would have “wise ears” that seek out the knowledge that comes through godly discernment.

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: Insight That Leads To Instruction! (1/22/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight That Leads To Instruction! (1/22/26)

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

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“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with insight into God’s Word and the revelation of Himself to us.  Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons.  Discernment, or insight, is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Insight is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived.  Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.”
Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an understanding of prophecy as an insight that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray for a heart of wisdom that would lead to you being known as discerning.  Pray that you would always follow God’s leading in your pursuit of instruction.  Pray for the insight needed to share pleasant words that lead to the instruction of those who hear.

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: Insight That Leads To Life! (1/21/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight That Leads To Life! (1/21/26)

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

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“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with insight into God’s Word and the revelation of Himself to us.  Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons.  Discernment, or insight, is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Insight is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived.  Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”
Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an understanding of prophecy as an insight that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray that you would hold onto the insight that comes from sound judgment.  Pray that you would wear discernment in a way that brings life to you and to those around you.

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: Insight To Guide Your Understanding! (1/20/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight To Guide Your Understanding! (1/20/26)

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

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“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with insight into God’s Word and the revelation of Himself to us.  Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons.  Discernment, or insight, is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Insight is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived.  Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.”
Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an understanding of prophecy as an insight that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray for insight to find God’s guidance in understanding the proverbs and parables of the Bible.  Pray that your discernment would lead to knowing and practicing the truth found in the sayings of the wise.

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: Insight To Understand God’s Law! (1/19/26)

Encouragement and Prayer: Insight To Understand God’s Law! (1/19/26)

This is the audio from the January 19, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with insight into God’s Word and the revelation of Himself to us.  Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons.  Discernment, or insight, is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Insight is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived.  Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”
Psalm 119:125 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an understanding of prophecy as an insight that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray that you would serve God with insight in order to understand how He works through His laws.  Pray that you would always live with discernment as a servant of God.  Pray for the insight needed to accurately share the beauty of God’s laws with others.

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

Unwrapped Insight: The GIFT of Prophecy! (Sermon Audio)

Unwrapped Insight: The GIFT of Prophecy! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 18, 2026 sermon, “Unwrapped Gifts: Unwrapped Insight – The GIFT of Prophecy!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 2 Peter 1:12-21

 

“Who is wise? He will realize these things.  Who is discerning? He will understand them.  The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

When we experience the gift of Jesus, it is imperative that we unwrap the various gifts He gives to us.  As we continue on a journey to unwrap the gifts which have been given, we unwrap insight to discover the . . .

  • Goal of prophecy2 Peter 1:12-15

    • As we unwrap the insight which comes from God, we discover the goal of prophecy is for God to reveal Himself to us.  As we use this gift as given by God, we ought to live with that same goal of making Christ known through what we think, say, and do. 
  • Insight of prophecy:  2 Peter 1:16-18

    • As we unwrap the insight which comes from God, we discover an insight into the source of all of God’s Word.  The prophets of today who speak the Word of God simply echo the prophets of old who spoke the Word of God in their time.  With the help of God’s Spirit, we can have insight which avoids the allure of the cleverly invented stories of men as we follow the heart of God.
  • Faith of prophecy:  2 Peter 1:19

    • As we unwrap the insight which comes from God, we find godly faith at the heart of all prophecy.  It is faith that enable us to see the unseen and to live with confidence that God’s Word is real and timeless.   It is by faith that we can use the gift of prophecy to proclaim rather than predict.
  • Truth of prophecy:  2 Peter 1:20-21

    • As we unwrap the insight which comes from God, we reveal and proclaim the truth of all prophecy from God.  When we acknowledge God as the source of all that is spoken by His prophets, we willingly accept it as truth and share it as truth.

Today, how will you live with the GIFT of prophecy?