Bible Lessons

Encouragement and Prayer: A Win For the Faithful! (12/29/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win For the Faithful! (12/29/25)

This is the audio from the December 29, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would cling to the victory that awaits those who walk in blameless ways.  Pray that God would guard your path as you walk in faithfulness to Him.

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

Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That WINS! (Sermon Audio)
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Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That WINS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 28, 2025 sermon, “Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That Wins!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Philippians 4:2-23

 

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

Today, we concluded a sermon series through Philippians about Exceedingly Great Joy as we consider how to live with a godly joy!  Even as a prisoner himself, Paul knew the secret to the exceedingly great joy expressed by the Magi and he sought to instruct the Philippians, and us, about how to shine with a confident joy that endures all things through a prayerful and humble spirit, a joy which is God’s gift to us.  When we live a life pursuing Jesus, we find a joy that . . .

  • Works:  Philippians 4:2-5

    • Living with a victorious joy is not easy.  In fact, a joy that wins is a joy that works.  We must allow God to work on us, in us, and through us in ways which help others.  Conflicts are a part of life even among those who work together for the cause of the gospel.  Paul not only desired for those who were in conflict to get along, he instructed their fellow believers to work together to bring unity through the share joy in Christ. 

  • Inspects:  Philippians 4:6-9

    • Living with a victorious joy will lead us to inspect ourselves closely with God’s Word being the standard.  The things we dwell on tend to be the things which define how we think, talk, and act.  While we often like to inspect others and pass judgment on what we see in them, the joy that we have in Christ will lead us to inspect how faithful we are in letting the light of Jesus shine through us.

  • Notices:  Philippians 4:10-13

    • Living with a victorious joy will open our eyes with a joy that notices the needs of others with attention being paid to how God may have equipped us to be a help to them.  Even when we don’t have the means to help with the exact need that we notice, God has called us to do what we can with what He has given so that we might be a help and encouragement to others.

  • Shares:  Philippians 4:14-23

    • Living with a victorious joy will result in having a joy that shares all good things which we ourselves have received from God.  It is in the act of giving that we best notice what God has given to us.  The common selfish nature of mankind will do its best to convince us that we don’t need to share anything with anyone.  It is the Spirit of God within us that can fill us with a contagious joy that we can’t help but share everywhere we go.

Today, how will you live with a joy that WINS?

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Surrender! (12/26/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Surrender! (12/26/25)

This is the audio from the December 26, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:33 (NIV)

As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that you would surrender everything to the Lordship of Jesus.  Pray that you would have a greater understanding of both the cost and reward of being a disciple of Jesus.  Ask God to help you see your surrender to Him as a gift both from Him and to Him.

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: The Gift of Uniqueness! (12/25/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Uniqueness! (12/25/25)

This is the audio from the December 25, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that Jesus would always be the only one you look to for your salvation.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to be saved.  Ask God to help you proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God.

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: The Gift of Salvation! (12/24/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Salvation! (12/24/25)

This is the audio from the December 24, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that you would always value the salvation you receive through Jesus Christ.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s desire for them to be saved.  Ask God to help you share the promise of God’s salvation with those who have not yet been saved.

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: The Gift of Energy! (12/23/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Energy! (12/23/25)

This is the audio from the December 23, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Colossians 1:29 (NIV)

As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the good works God has created for you to do as you use the energy of Jesus within you.  Pray that you would trust the power of God to work within you to accomplish what you cannot.  Ask God to help His energy to be made known through 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: The Gift of Joy! (12/22/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Joy! (12/22/25)

This is the audio from the December 22, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
John 17:13 (NIV)

As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that you would experience and share true joy because of the gift of Jesus in your life.  Pray that the people around you would see the joy of Christ in you.  Ask God to help you be more expressive of the joy experienced through Christ.

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

Exceedingly Great Joy: Knowing the GIFT! (Sermon Audio)
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Exceedingly Great Joy: Knowing the GIFT! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 21, 2025 sermon, “Exceedingly Great Joy: Knowing the GIFT!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Philippians 3:12-4:1

 

“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

Today, we continue a sermon series through Philippians about Exceedingly Great Joy and we consider how to live with an enduring joy!  Even as a prisoner himself, Paul knew the secret to the exceedingly great joy expressed by the Magi and he sought to instruct the Philippians, and us, about how to shine with a confident joy that endures all things through a prayerful and humble spirit.  When we live a life pursuing Jesus, we find joy in knowing the . . .

  • Goal:  Philippians 3:12-14, Matthew 1:21-23

    • Knowing the gift of Jesus begins with knowing the goal of His life on earth.  When we press on toward the goal of eternity with God, we do so because the goal of Christmas was Jesus coming to earth to save His people from their sins . . . sins which we commit and which separate us from God.  The gift of Jesus is that He accomplished His goal which makes our goal possible. 

  • Insight:  Philippians 3:15-16, Luke 1:34-35

    • Knowing the gift of Jesus will lead us to an insight into His eternal nature as we trust Him in the midst of our own uncertainty and confusion.  The insight we receive from God is not generally a complete knowledge about anything, but rather it leads us to a greater trust and faith in a God who knows what He is doing.

  • Fear:  Philippians 3:17-19, Luke 1:29-33

    • Knowing the gift of Jesus involves a recognition of fear that motivates us to continually pursue a path of godly wisdom and practice.  When we truly understand the depth of separation that exists between us and God absent a forgiveness of our sin, we begin to allow that fear to turn us toward the solution which is only found in Jesus.

  • Truth:  Philippians 3:20-4:1, Luke 2:16-20

    • Knowing the gift of Jesus will always be based in truth.  We share the good news of Jesus, or choose not to, based on how absolute we believe Him to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  This gift of Jesus ought to be so meaningful to us that we feel compelled to share the joy He brings into our life.

Today, how will you know the GIFT of joy?