God

Encouragement and Prayer: Die Daily! (9/9/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Die Daily! (9/9/25)

This is the audio from the September 9, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’  And all the other disciples said the same.” 
Matthew 26:35 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to die to self so that we may live for Christ even as He lives in us.  Over the few years Jesus spent with His disciples, He began to slowly reveal His purpose in coming to earth was to die so that they might live.  Just as His death, burial, and resurrection brought life, it is our dying to self so that Christ can live in us which brings us life.  Pray that you would not cling to the things of this world which result in eternal death, but rather seek first the things of God’s kingdom which bring eternal life.  Pray that your commitment to dying with Christ would be so steadfast that nothing would move you from it.  Pray that you would always keep your eyes on Jesus as you trust His promise that all who are buried with Him will surely rise with Him.  Pray for the courage to truly live for Christ as you daily choose to die to self.

“I die every day — I mean that, brothers — just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:31 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the things you must die to in order to experience the fullness of life which is only found in Christ.  Pray that you would choose each day to die to self in a way which serves others and glorifies Jesus.  Pray that your concern for others would be evident in the way you choose to sacrifice your own desires because of your love for them.

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: Die To Live! (9/8/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Die To Live! (9/8/25)

This is the audio from the September 8, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’  And all the other disciples said the same.” 
Matthew 26:35 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to die to self so that we may live for Christ even as He lives in us.  Over the few years Jesus spent with His disciples, He began to slowly reveal His purpose in coming to earth was to die so that they might live.  Just as His death, burial, and resurrection brought life, it is our dying to self so that Christ can live in us which brings us life.  Pray that you would not cling to the things of this world which result in eternal death, but rather seek first the things of God’s kingdom which bring eternal life.  Pray that your commitment to dying with Christ would be so steadfast that nothing would move you from it.  Pray that you would always keep your eyes on Jesus as you trust His promise that all who are buried with Him will surely rise with Him.  Pray for the courage to truly live for Christ as you daily choose to die to self.

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Romans 6:8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the things you must die to in order to experience the fullness of life which is only found in Christ.  Pray that you would understand the importance of taking up your cross daily and choosing to die with Christ.  Pray that your life would be lived for Christ in every way as you choose a life of surrender to Him.  Pray that you would help others know the importance of dying with Christ in order to live.

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

Following Jesus – Ready To DIE! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Ready To DIE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the September 7, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Ready To Die!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 27:27-66

 

“But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’  And all the other disciples said the same.” 
Matthew 26:35 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  The death we are called to as Christians is not a physical death, but rather a death to self so that we may truly live in Christ as He lives in us.  As we look at the crucifixion of Jesus, we find for our self a time to . . .

  • Declare:  Matthew 27:37-46

    • Being ready to die begins with a declaration of separation.  Sin brings separation, and it was our sin which separated Jesus from His Father to such an extent that He declares a forsaking which had never taken place before.  When we choose to die to self, we must declare a forsaking of our sin in a way which completely separates us from it. 

  • Invite:  Matthew 27:50-53

    • Jesus was ready to die because He knew doing so would fully open the invitation to His kingdom for all to enter.  When the temple veil was torn in two, that which had been off limits to the average person became open to all.  When we choose to die to self, we allow the curtain which surrounds our life to be torn open as we invite the presence of God’s Spirit to dwell within.  In so doing, we also remove the barrier between us and others as we invite them to know of the goodness of God through us.

  • Embrace:  Matthew 27:54-61

    • It was the manner in which Jesus lived and died which brought with it the embrace of an unlikely collection of people.  From the soldier who verbally embraces the deity of Jesus to the women who embraced a position of caring for Him to Joseph who embraced the task of providing a place for the body, we find people who chose to embrace the One they knew as Jesus.  When we choose to die to self, we discover an embrace that flows from Christ to us and from us to those around us and from those around us back to us.

 

Today, how will you be ready to DIE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Loneliness! (9/5/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Loneliness! (9/5/25)

This is the audio from the September 5, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about asking for God’s help in being prepared for the trials you will face in life.  After His arrest in the garden, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death.  As we consider the various elements of what was going on in the pretense of a trial which found Him guilty, we see things that we face on a regular basis.  It is in these daily trials that we are tested to see how prepared we really are.  Pray that you would be prepared for each trial as you consider how Jesus endured all that He faced.  Pray that your response to those who appear to be the source of your trials would be a godly response.  Pray for the courage and wisdom to speak when needed and to be silent when needed.  Pray that you would learn any and all lessons that God desires to teach you through the trials of life.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others of how God helps His children in the midst of their trials.

“Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
Matthew 27:26 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the various testings and trials you will face.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of God’s presence to help you when you feel all alone.  Pray for the peace which comes from being chosen by God when others might choose anyone else over 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: Prepared For Accusations! (9/4/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Accusations! (9/4/25)

This is the audio from the September 4, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about asking for God’s help in being prepared for the trials you will face in life.  After His arrest in the garden, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death.  As we consider the various elements of what was going on in the pretense of a trial which found Him guilty, we see things that we face on a regular basis.  It is in these daily trials that we are tested to see how prepared we really are.  Pray that you would be prepared for each trial as you consider how Jesus endured all that He faced.  Pray that your response to those who appear to be the source of your trials would be a godly response.  Pray for the courage and wisdom to speak when needed and to be silent when needed.  Pray that you would learn any and all lessons that God desires to teach you through the trials of life.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others of how God helps His children in the midst of their trials.

“When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”
Matthew 27:12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the various testings and trials you will face.  Pray that you would live in such a way that the accusations against you have no cause to stick.  Pray for a confidence in what God has done in your life so that you would not need to defend yourself against every accusation.

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: Prepared For Insults! (9/3/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Insults! (9/3/25)

This is the audio from the September 3, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about asking for God’s help in being prepared for the trials you will face in life.  After His arrest in the garden, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death.  As we consider the various elements of what was going on in the pretense of a trial which found Him guilty, we see things that we face on a regular basis.  It is in these daily trials that we are tested to see how prepared we really are.  Pray that you would be prepared for each trial as you consider how Jesus endured all that He faced.  Pray that your response to those who appear to be the source of your trials would be a godly response.  Pray for the courage and wisdom to speak when needed and to be silent when needed.  Pray that you would learn any and all lessons that God desires to teach you through the trials of life.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others of how God helps His children in the midst of their trials.

“The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’”
Matthew 27:6 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the various testings and trials you will face.  Pray that pride would not keep you from repentance when you feel insulted by the actions of others.  Pray about how God would have you live with a purity of thoughts and actions which would speak over the insults of 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

Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Testimony and Rejection! (9/2/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prepared For Testimony and Rejection! (9/2/25)

This is the audio from the September 2, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about asking for God’s help in being prepared for the trials you will face in life.  After His arrest in the garden, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death.  As we consider the various elements of what was going on in the pretense of a trial which found Him guilty, we see things that we face on a regular basis.  It is in these daily trials that we are tested to see how prepared we really are.  Pray that you would be prepared for each trial as you consider how Jesus endured all that He faced.  Pray that your response to those who appear to be the source of your trials would be a godly response.  Pray for the courage and wisdom to speak when needed and to be silent when needed.  Pray that you would learn any and all lessons that God desires to teach you through the trials of life.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others of how God helps His children in the midst of their trials.

“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’”
Matthew 26:62 (NIV)

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’  And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Matthew 26:75 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the various testings and trials you will face.  Pray that you would not be puffed up by flattering testimony nor torn down by false testimony about you.  Pray for a life which becomes a true testimony of Jesus within you regardless of the testimony of others.  Pray that the acceptance of you by Jesus would protect you from the damage caused by people’s rejection.  Pray for the proper response of godly sorrow when you discover you’ve rejected Jesus by your denial.

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

Following Jesus – Prepared For TRIAL! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Prepared For TRIAL! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the August 31, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Prepared For Trial!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 26:57 – 27:26

 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  As Jesus approached His death, burial, and resurrection, His example helps us to be prepared for . . .

  • Testimony:  Matthew 26:59-64

    • As Jesus stood before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, and eventually Pilate, He was prepared for the testimony which would be given.  Instead of relying on the testimony of others, most of which was false testimony, Jesus let His life speak for itself.  When we learn from the example of Jesus, our actions in obedience to Him will always speak louder as our testimony than anything others might say. 

  • Rejection:  Matthew 26:69-75

    • As Jesus stood before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, and eventually Pilate, He was prepared for the rejection of Himself that would take place even by those closest to Him.  If fact, He had told the disciples that they would all abandon Him and even pointed out ahead of time the denials that Peter would make.  When we learn from the example of Jesus, we always work toward restoration of others even when they may deny and betray us.

  • Insults:  Matthew 27:1-10

    • As Jesus stood before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, and eventually Pilate, He was prepared for the insults which would be heaped upon Him.  In the sorrow of Judas, we see a regret that his actions did not accomplish the desired result he had hoped for.  For me, the great insult came as Judas failed to learn from Jesus and failed to trust Him to do what was best and right without manipulation.  When we learn from the example of Jesus, we endure insults as the product of one who does not understand our true nature.

  • Accusation:  Matthew 27:12-18

    • As Jesus stood before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, and eventually Pilate, He was prepared for the many accusations that He chose not to respond to.  His only response was to affirm that He was indeed the king of the Jews as had been said.  When we learn from the example of Jesus, we discover that not every accusation deserves a response as giving a response may often lower us to the level of our accusers.

  • Loneliness:  Matthew 27:20-26

    • As Jesus stood before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, and eventually Pilate, He was prepared for the loneliness of standing alone.  At His trial all of His disciples and follower fled with only a few returning to be witness to His crucifixion, with most of those from a distance.  Not only was He prepared for the loneliness of standing trial, but also for the greater loneliness of being forsaken by His Father as He took on our sin.  When we learn from the example of Jesus, we find that people will ignore and forsake us but that Jesus will never leave us alone.

Today, how will you be prepared for TRIAL?