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This is the audio from the February 17, 2021 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.
You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In prayer,
Tom
It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others. There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others. Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season. I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.
This is day four in the sixth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”. This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others. Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.
“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.“
Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV)
In what ways has God rescued you? Have you ever accomplished something that you felt you were the only one who believed you could do it? Have you ever done something that at one time you thought was impossible? Do you often doubt God’s ability to do what He says? Does your doubt ever keep you from serving in ways you know you should? How would you serve differently today if you believed God could use you to accomplish great things?
When the Bible talks about people of great faith accomplishing great things, we often read it with at least a mental disclaimer that that was them and not us. Somehow we miss, or don’t believe, the scripture that says Elijah was a man just like us. Turning the rain off and then on was not Elijah’s plan but rather God’s plan. Even in the midst of great adversity and hard times, God not only rescued Elijah but used him to serve the people of Israel. Our faith has power not because it causes God to do what we want, but because it puts us in a position to do what God wants.
As you pray, ask God to fill you with a faith that seeks to serve according to His power.
In prayer,
Tom
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This is the audio from the February 16, 2021 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.
You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In prayer,
Tom
It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others. There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others. Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season. I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.
This is day three in the sixth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”. This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others. Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
Have you ever avoided trouble or harm because you believed something you were told? Have you ever had to watch someone walk a difficult, even harmful, path because they refused to believe your warnings? How difficult is it to serve someone who doesn’t believe you? How about serving someone that you don’t believe in? How does the faith that saved you help you serve others more effectively?
I tend to be a big picture observer. While that can be a helpful trait, it doesn’t win me many friends if I try to point out how a small decision now has long-lasting consequences that many would rather not consider. There are a few people though, who have learned to believe what I can see and appreciate the perspective that I bring. The sadder part is that many ignore God’s “big-picture” perspective because they lack a faith that could save them from many hard consequences as well as save their soul eternally. To serve well, we need a faith that sees beyond today and into the desire God has for those we serve.
As you pray, ask God to help you examine how your faith in Him has saved you. Pray that your faith in God would lead you to share about a saving faith with those you serve.
In prayer,
Tom
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This is the audio from the February 15, 2021 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.
You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In prayer,
Tom
It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others. There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others. Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season. I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.
This is day two in the sixth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”. This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others. Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.’“
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Are you the same size that you were when you were 2 years old? Would you seek help for a child that didn’t grow? Why? Have you ever tried to become physically stronger? Were you successful? Why? Do you want your faith at the end of the year to be the same size as at the beginning? What will it take for it to grow? How will serving help it grow? How will its growth help you serve more effectively?
Praying that God would increase your faith is about as popular as praying for patience — the typical way of getting more of either of them is through situations that put them to the test. It is said that no living thing remains the same. It is either growing or declining. The same is true when we have a living faith, we are either doing things that help it to grow or we find it slipping from our life. When we ask God to help our faith grow, we should expect opportunities to serve in ways that require a greater trust in Him.
As you pray, ask God to increase your desire for a growing faith. Pray that you would not become complacent in your walk with God. Pray that the way you serve would be marked by great faith.
In prayer,
Tom
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This is the audio from the February 14, 2021 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.
You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In prayer,
Tom
It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others. There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others. Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season. I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.
This is day one in the sixth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”. This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others. Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.“
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Are there things that you believe just because the right person says so? Are there people who believe things just because you say they are true? How does that make you feel? How do you feel when you are not trusted? How do you think others feel when you don’t trust them? How about God, how much do you trust Him? Do you ever give much thought to your faith in Him actually pleasing Him? Does that motivate you to a greater faith?
Trust, or faith in a person, is something most of us want but we have a difficult time giving it. Many people go to great lengths in their efforts to please God yet fail to realize the key ingredient in doing so is faith. When we seek to serve in a way that pleases God, faith must be at the core of our service. We serve well when our faith believes God will work through our acts of service to benefit those we serve. It is our knowledge that God has changed us that allows us to believe He can change others.
As you pray, ask God to increase your faith in Him and in His ability to use your works of service. Pray that He would surround you with people who help you to grow in faith.
In prayer,
Tom
Tom's Treasure 