God

Encouragement and Prayer: A Powerful Prophet! (04/18/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Powerful Prophet! (04/18/22)

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This is the audio from the April 18, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.  He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’”
Luke 24:15-17 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on some lessons from a walk with Jesus.  While we tend to gather and celebrate resurrection morning with gladness, that first resurrection morning was filled with much confusion and uncertainty.  It is in that confusion that Jesus joins two disciples for a walk and helps them to understand all that had happened.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding as you walk with Him each day.  Pray for the courage to be honest with Jesus about your questions and the times you lack understanding.  Pray that the lessons you learn would be lessons that you willingly share with others.  Pray for the humility needed to listen to others in their times of confusion.  Pray that you would share the good news of Jesus with others as you join them in their walk.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would fill you with a message of hope that you carry with you everywhere you go.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.”
Luke 24:19 (NIV)

Pray for a growing knowledge of how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah.  Pray that you would accept the power of God’s Word as represented in the life of Jesus.  Pray that you would always trust the promises of Jesus.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Do You Love ME? (Sermon Audio)
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Do You Love ME? (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the April 17, 2022 sermon, “Do You Love ME?”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text:  John 21:4-19

In the midst of the uncertainties, confusion, and routines of life, Jesus calls out to ask a simple question — “Do you love . . .

  • More.  John 21:11-15, Philippians 1:8-10, Luke 7:41-43
    • While there are various opinions on what Jesus was referring to when He asked Peter if he loved Him “more than these”, I believe He asks us us each day if we love more.  More than we love the world.  More than we love our self.  More than we loved yesterday.  More.  Love is not a static element.  It is either growing or declining and our love for Jesus is one that ought to be growing in depth and insight — both in knowledge and application.  The more we realize just how much our sin separated us from God and the greatness of His forgiveness, the more we ought to love.
  • Enough.  John 21:17-19, Luke 6:32-26, John 13:1
    • Even when we answer Jesus with, “Yes, I love more.”, I believe He still asks if we love enough.  Loving more is a great start, but do we love enough to do something about it?  While Peter kept affirming that he indeed loved Jesus, the question seemed to remain about whether he loved enough to feed His sheep and care for His lambs.  Is your love for Jesus enough to allow Him to do the impossible through you?  Is your love enough to motivate you to serve, teach, visit, give, help, care for all people?  When we have a love that is enough, it will compel us to do the things that force could never make us do.

How will you respond as Jesus asks, “Do you love ME”?

Encouragement and Prayer: I Am Thirsty! (04/15/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: I Am Thirsty! (04/15/22)

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This is the audio from the April 15, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”
John 19:28 (NIV)

As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray that you would always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that you would be satisfied.  Pray that you would know the value of God’s completed work in satisfying your thirst.  Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things 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: Why Have You Forsaken Me? (04/14/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Why Have You Forsaken Me? (04/14/22)

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This is the audio from the April 14, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.

“About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”
Matthew 27:46 (NIV)

As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God whenever you feel discouraged.  Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them.  Pray for the humility to love and serve those who feel abandoned.

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: Behold, Your Son! (04/13/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Behold, Your Son! (04/13/22)

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This is the audio from the April 13, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19:26-27 (NIV)

As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family.  Pray that you would know of God’s care for you when you feel alone.  Pray that you would live as God’s family with those who have no other family.

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: You Will Be With Me! (04/12/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: You Will Be With Me! (04/12/22)

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This is the audio from the April 12, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.

“Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
Luke 23:43 (NIV)

As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray that you would live each day with a knowledge of God’s presence with you through His Spirit.  Pray that your life and words would be an invitation for others to live in the presence of Jesus.  Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus.

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: Father, Forgive Them! (04/11/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Father, Forgive Them! (04/11/22)

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This is the audio from the April 11, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.  As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray for a greater awareness of the things Jesus went through to bring salvation to you.  Pray about how the words of Jesus will help you know the fullness of His love for you.  Pray that you would realize how you are part of the joy that was set before Jesus as He endured the cross.  Pray that your life would reflect the message of the cross to the people around you.

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Luke 23:34 (NIV)

Pray for a growing awareness of the fullness of God’s forgiveness extended toward you.  Pray that you would learn to forgive others, just as in Christ you are forgiven.  Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness.

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

In prayer,
Tom

An Offering of PALMS! (Sermon Audio)
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An Offering of PALMS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the April 10, 2022 sermon, “An Offering of PALMS”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Goshen Christian Church.

Text:  Luke 19:30-48

It can be easy to look at the final week leading to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and be shocked at how quickly the crowds go from shouting “Hosanna!” to yelling out “Crucify Him!”  Before we come down too harshly on all those present for the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, we probably ought to take a close look at our own life and how it changes from Sunday worship to Wednesday workplace.  God’s desire is that we would hail Jesus as King every day as we offer Him our . . .

  • Praise.  Luke 19:37-38, Hebrews 13:15
    • Praising God ought to be a natural characteristic of a child of God.  While it is good to gather with others in a worship service and lift praises to God, a genuine offering of praise is something that should be done throughout each day that we live.  It is that daily offering of praise that keeps us on track to honor God as He deserves.
  • Attitude.  Luke 19:39-40, Ephesians 4:22-24
    • When we offer God our attitude, we ask Him to change us and make us more like Jesus from the inside out.  Many times our jealousy and pride keeps us from representing Jesus well when we are outside of our comfort zone and feel we have to prove our self to the people around us.  It is a daily offering of our attitude that allows us to humble ourselves and take on the attitude of Christ in the way we treat one another.
  • Love.  Luke 19:41, Ephesians 5:1-2
    • The things that break the heart of God ought to be the things that break our heart.  As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he wept.  We offer our love to God when we learn to love people like He loves people.  Loving like Jesus is not easy but it conveys a life-changing power that only He can provide.  As you weep with those who weep, it is a daily offering of our love that helps those who are hurting know the love of Jesus.
  • Motives.  Luke 19:45-48, Proverbs 16:1-2
    • According to the Bible, the why we do the things we do can be just as important, or perhaps even more so, than the actual things we do.  I’ve heard numerous church growth presentations that seem to center on everything except the main thing — introducing people to Jesus.  God wants us to offer Him our motives, since He know what they are anyway, so that instead of gathering to benefit ourselves we gather to become a house of prayer.  It is a daily offering of our motives to God that helps us to live with purified actions.
  • Stuff.  Luke 19:30-36, Luke 12:15
    • I’m always intrigued by the story of Jesus sending His disciples to borrow a colt with only the explanation that “the Lord needs it”.  I wish I knew the backstory of the guy the colt was borrowed from as it appears he raised no objections.  How would your life and my life be different if we held our stuff loosely and learned to share more readily?  Living with a growing awareness that “every good and perfect gift comes from above” ought to help us be more deliberate in offering our stuff to be used by the Lord.  It is through a daily offering of our stuff that we grow in our ability to trust God to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.

As you shout Hosanna today, what place does Jesus have in the details of your life?  Have you chosen to offer Him everything as you offer Him your PALMS?