Discipleship

Called By God: No Place To HIDE! (Sermon Audio)
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Called By God: No Place To HIDE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 23, 2023 sermon, “Called By God: No Place To Hide”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Amos 8:3-7

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

Today I continued a sermon series which is based from the Old Testament book of Amos.  If you’re wondering how applicable the message from this book of the Bible can be today, consider the following description of the world in the days of Amos.  See if this sounds familiar at all to the world we currently live in.

“A spirit of self-sufficiency and smug complacency thrived on material prosperity.  The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer.  Idolatry, hypocrisy, moral corruption, and social injustices were everywhere.  The nation was truly on the brink of disaster.”  (Irving Jensen)

While there are many times people try to completely hide from God, such as Jonah did, perhaps more common is the thought that we can hide certain actions from God and He won’t notice.  The people in the days of Amos would observe the Sabbath and worship times set by God, yet in the midst of those times which should have been sacred they were concerned about getting back to the business of mistreating and cheating people.    When we live as those called by God, as His people, the way we treat others says a lot about our relationship with God.  Even when we struggle with differences within the body of Christ, God wants us to treat one another in a way that promotes honor and respect.  Doing so every day that we live shows that the family of God really is no place to . . .

  • Humiliate: (Matthew 18:15)

    • The people in the days of Amos appear to have made it a habit to lift themselves and put down others.  Often times our mistreatment of others begins by making them out to be less of a person than we are.  Even in the midst of conflict, God says His family is no place to humiliate one another.  In fact, He gives us instructions on how to handle situations when we sin against one another.  Rather than point that out to anyone else, our first step is to protect the reputation of others and go to them privately to work out the issue.  As those called by God, we must be very careful that our dealings with others are always done with the utmost care so that the family of God is no place to humiliate anyone.

  • Injure: — (Ephesians 4:29)

    • The people in the days of Amos not only had not problem humiliating others, they would extend that into the way they actually treated the people they looked down on.  While the old playground phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me”, was often repeated, it was far from the truth.  God says that when we don’t guard our words that sin abounds.  What we allow to grow in our heart will eventually come out through our words and then make its way into our actions.  Living as the family of God calls for us to protect others from injury by only speaking what is useful and builds them up according to their need.  As those called by God, there is no place within God’s family to injure anyone.

  • Destroy: — (Galatians 5:14-15)

    • The hearts of the people in the days of Amos seem to be set on destruction.  I suspect that it didn’t begin that way, but once we allow the seeds of humiliating and injuring others to slip into our lives the path to destruction becomes the natural flow.  It is by holding fast to God’s command to love our neighbor as our self, we are transformed into seeing people the way God sees them.  God warns us that a life spent “biting and devouring” one another will lead to destruction.  Living as the family of God calls for us to care about others and to love them with the same love that God has shown to us.  As those called by God, there is no place within God’s family to destroy anyone.

  • Enslave: — (Colossians 2:8)

    • The ultimate digression of mistreating people is to enslave them in one way or another.  The people in the days of Amos had devalued others to the point that they were simply another commodity in the process of lifting themselves.  While it is unlikely that any Christian reading this would consider enslaving someone else in the traditional sense of the word, our methods of doing so typically revolve around forcing others to live by our standards and preferences rather than letting Christ be the head of the body.  In fact, God warns us about the dangers of being taken captive, or taking others captive, through the tools of human tradition and worldly principles.  Living as the family of God calls for us to be submissive to one another and allow for differences that don’t violate the Word of God.  As those called by God, there is no place within God’s family to enslave anyone.

Today, how will you live in God’s presence so there is no need or desire to HIDE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Obey Leaders! (7/21/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Obey Leaders! (7/21/23)

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This is the audio from the July 21, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would obey the leaders that God has placed in positions of authority over you.  Pray for a life which makes the work of leaders less difficult.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Obey Parents! (7/20/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Obey Parents! (7/20/23)

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This is the audio from the July 20, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would be faithful in honoring and obeying your parents — regardless of your age or theirs.  Pray that the people around you would understand how much it pleases God for them to be obedient to their parents.  Pray for a godly life that helps obedience to be easier.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Obedience and the Holy Spirit! (7/19/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Obedience and the Holy Spirit! (7/19/23)

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This is the audio from the July 19, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 5:32 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life through your obedience to God.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you be a witness to the things of God.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s presence in them through their obedience.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Blessed By Obedience! (7/18/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Blessed By Obedience! (7/18/23)

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This is the audio from the July 18, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
Luke 11:28 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would always listen to the word of God with a desire to obey what He says.  Pray for the courage to obey God as He reveals Himself through His Word.  Pray that you would be a blessing to others because of your obedience to the word of God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Teach Obedience! (7/17/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Teach Obedience! (7/17/23)

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This is the audio from the July 17, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Pray that you would be a faithful disciple of Jesus in the way you teach others to obey all He commanded.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Called By God: The Need to OBEY! (Sermon Audio)
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Called By God: The Need to OBEY! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 16, 2023 sermon, “Called By God: The Need to Obey”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Amos 7

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Today I continued a sermon series which is based from the Old Testament book of Amos.  If you’re wondering how applicable the message from this book of the Bible can be today, consider the following description of the world in the days of Amos.  See if this sounds familiar at all to the world we currently live in.

“A spirit of self-sufficiency and smug complacency thrived on material prosperity.  The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer.  Idolatry, hypocrisy, moral corruption, and social injustices were everywhere.  The nation was truly on the brink of disaster.”  (Irving Jensen)

God’s desire for each one of us is that we would grow in relationship with Him.  As God calls us to not only accept Him but to grow in this relationship, our response is often put to the test.  God’s plan for us has always been to use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.  That only happens when we understand the need to . . .

  • Observe: (Amos 7:1, 4, & 7)

    • When called by God, Amos learned to observe the things that God intended for him to see.  We also have been called by God and He expects us to pay attention and observe His nature and His work as we spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Being able to gaze into scripture and notice the laws and instructions of God ought to put us into a position of listening.  Because we are called by God, we must understand the need to observe all that He has commanded.

  • Believe: — (Amos 7:2 & 5)

    • Observing the nature and character of God is one thing, but the true test comes in what we choose to do about what God has revealed.  When Amos observed the judgement that God revealed was to come upon Israel, he cried out to God for mercy because he believed God would do what He said.  Observing the truth of God’s Word and the promise of the return of Jesus ought to compel us to have great concern for ourselves and for everyone around us.  Sometimes we fail to be all that concerned for others because we may be harboring doubt about what God has shown us in His Word.  Because we are called by God, we must believe in a way that compels us to action.

  • Examine: — (Amos 7:8)

    • Observing and believing are great places to start, but it is not enough to just do anything that comes to mind.  As God set forth a plumb line for Amos to observe, He was calling Amos to examine the standard by which God calls people to Himself.  Our enemy is a master at deception and does everything he can to distort God’ Word in order to confuse our actions.  We must be careful to use the straight edge of the Word of God as the standard by which we live and act.  Because we are called by God, we must consistently examine what is before us so that our response to God and to those around us would always be right.

  • Yield: — (Amos 7:14-16)

    • As Christians we tend to accept the need to observe, believe, and examine.  The difficulty often comes when we attempt to put those elements into action and are required to fully yield to God.  God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things because that is really all that any of us are.  Amos was an ordinary farmer who was called by God to deliver an unwanted message and even when the message and messenger was rejected, Amos yielded to God as he continue to do the work God had called him to.  Because we are called by God, we must learn to continually grow in the ways we yield to God in all things.

Today, how will you OBEY?

Encouragement and Prayer: Guarded With Understanding! (7/14/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Guarded With Understanding! (7/14/23)

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This is the audio from the July 14, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on our need to guard our heart!  The Bible makes it clear that our actions are a reflection of our heart, so it becomes vital that we pay attention to what our heart contains.  Jesus taught that the command to not commit adultery was more about a heart problem than it was a physical problem.  God’s desire is that we would learn to guard our heart and mind from the temptations that want to take root and destroy us.  It is much easier to blame someone else when we give in to temptation than admit we have failed to guard our heart in Christ Jesus.

“Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”
Psalm 119:34 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only guard your heart and mind, but that you would not be a stumbling block in another person’s efforts to guard their heart.  Pray that  you would have an understanding of God’s laws and their purpose in protecting you from sin.  Pray that an understanding of consequences would protect your heart from wrongful pursuits.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom