God

Encouragement and Prayer: A New Listening! (2/10/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A New Listening! (2/10/25)

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This is the audio from the February 10, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
Zechariah 8:19 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on growing in the practice of prayer and fasting.  While there are many who believe fasting is simply an Old Testament practice, we find Jesus giving new instruction about prayer and fasting as He teaches in what we call the Sermon On the Mount.  God’s desire is that our practice of prayer and fasting brings us closer to Him in ways that He is made more visible rather than us.  Pray that you would practice humility in all spiritual disciplines as you desire relationship with God over the showmanship of the world.  Pray that fasting, or any spiritual discipline, would be a joy rather than a burden as you deepen your desire for the things of God.  Pray that your growing relationship with Jesus would lead to a greater love of truth and peace.

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”
2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the role fasting should have in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would join with others in listening to God when the circumstances of life alarm you.  Pray that God would help you to know how fasting with purpose can lead to a greater listening to Him.  Pray for wisdom in asking others to join you in fasting.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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 – Looking At the NEW! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Looking At the NEW! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the February 9, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Looking At the NEW!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 6

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 (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 sat down on the mountainside to teach His followers, including us, He takes teaching from God’s Word and makes it sound new.  As we look at what He teaches which is new, we find that He shares with us about taking a new look at the . . .

  • Needy:  Matthew 6:1-4

    • As we are called to look at the needy, God wants us to have a new direction in that the focus is on helping people rather than on making a name for our self.  While not really a new concept, it is a new approach compared to the way the people had seen the needy being used for the benefit of others looking good rather than actually being helped.  When we choose to follow Jesus, we must look at the needy with the eyes of Christ which seek to lift them rather than exploit them. 

  • Eternal:  Matthew 6:5-18

    • As we are called to look at the eternal, God wants us to examine the spiritual practices of prayer and fasting that were meant to help us grow in relationship with Him.  Prayer and fasting were normal activities in the lives of those who would have gathered around Jesus but for many the practices had simply become religious routines rather than eternal relationship.  When we choose to follow Jesus, we must look at the eternal as something we desire with enough intensity that we are willing to be real in our conversations with God and at times choose to go without some things of this world in order to pursue God more deliberately.

  • Wealth:  Matthew 6:19-34

    • As we are called to look at the wealth, God wants us to see Him and His kingdom as that which is valuable above all else.  Sometimes this requires a change in our practices, and sometimes it requires a change in our motivations.  Do we really seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, or are we more worried about our self.  When we take this new look at wealth, we discover the worry of tomorrow has no place in disrupting today.  When we choose to follow Jesus, we recognize our relationship with the living God fills us with a greater wealth than any of the riches of this world could ever bring.

Today, how will you care for the NEW?

Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Revenge! (2/7/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Revenge! (2/7/25)

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This is the audio from the February 7, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on gazing into God’s Word to discover how His heart ought to define the way we apply that which we have heard.  God’s desire is that we know Him in a way that surpasses the legalistic righteousness of those who know the letter of the law without understanding its intent.  Applying that which you have heard is only useful if you understand what the One speaking meant.  Pray that you would grow in knowing how God’s laws are meant to help us know Him.  Pray for a compassionate response to people as they learn to apply God’s Word in their life.  Pray for wisdom in overcoming the entanglements of sin before they grow into an overwhelming destructive force in your life.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’“
Matthew 5:38 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray not only for ears which hear the Word of God, but also for a heart which seeks His help in understanding and doing His will.  Pray that you would see beyond the desire for revenge as you choose to consider the needs of others to be more important than your own.  Pray that you would find joy in letting God deal with those who do evil and seek to harm you.  Pray for a growing spirit of generosity to replace the desire for revenge.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: Beyond Promises! (2/6/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Promises! (2/6/25)

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This is the audio from the February 6, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on gazing into God’s Word to discover how His heart ought to define the way we apply that which we have heard.  God’s desire is that we know Him in a way that surpasses the legalistic righteousness of those who know the letter of the law without understanding its intent.  Applying that which you have heard is only useful if you understand what the One speaking meant.  Pray that you would grow in knowing how God’s laws are meant to help us know Him.  Pray for a compassionate response to people as they learn to apply God’s Word in their life.  Pray for wisdom in overcoming the entanglements of sin before they grow into an overwhelming destructive force in your life.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’“
Matthew 5:33 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray not only for ears which hear the Word of God, but also for a heart which seeks His help in understanding and doing His will.  Pray that you would see beyond the distinctions of oaths so that you would know the value of keeping your word at all times.  Pray that you would give careful thought to your words so that your actions are consistent with what you say.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: Beyond Selfishness! (2/5/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Selfishness! (2/5/25)

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

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on gazing into God’s Word to discover how His heart ought to define the way we apply that which we have heard.  God’s desire is that we know Him in a way that surpasses the legalistic righteousness of those who know the letter of the law without understanding its intent.  Applying that which you have heard is only useful if you understand what the One speaking meant.  Pray that you would grow in knowing how God’s laws are meant to help us know Him.  Pray for a compassionate response to people as they learn to apply God’s Word in their life.  Pray for wisdom in overcoming the entanglements of sin before they grow into an overwhelming destructive force in your life.

“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’“
Matthew 5:31 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray not only for ears which hear the Word of God, but also for a heart which seeks His help in understanding and doing His will.  Pray that you would see beyond the rejection of marriage vows to see how selfishness leads to the breakdown of many relationships.  Pray that you would protect the relationships of others.  Pray that you would have the courage to work at maintaining and growing godly relationships.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: Beyond Adultery! (2/4/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Adultery! (2/4/25)

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

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on gazing into God’s Word to discover how His heart ought to define the way we apply that which we have heard.  God’s desire is that we know Him in a way that surpasses the legalistic righteousness of those who know the letter of the law without understanding its intent.  Applying that which you have heard is only useful if you understand what the One speaking meant.  Pray that you would grow in knowing how God’s laws are meant to help us know Him.  Pray for a compassionate response to people as they learn to apply God’s Word in their life.  Pray for wisdom in overcoming the entanglements of sin before they grow into an overwhelming destructive force in your life.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’“
Matthew 5:27 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray not only for ears which hear the Word of God, but also for a heart which seeks His help in understanding and doing His will.  Pray that you would see beyond the unfaithfulness of adultery to know how lust creates a destructive unfaithfulness also.  Pray for a purity of sight and actions which would keep your desires from leading you into sin.  Pray for a growing faithfulness to God in all things.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: Beyond Murder! (2/3/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Beyond Murder! (2/3/25)

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

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on gazing into God’s Word to discover how His heart ought to define the way we apply that which we have heard.  God’s desire is that we know Him in a way that surpasses the legalistic righteousness of those who know the letter of the law without understanding its intent.  Applying that which you have heard is only useful if you understand what the One speaking meant.  Pray that you would grow in knowing how God’s laws are meant to help us know Him.  Pray for a compassionate response to people as they learn to apply God’s Word in their life.  Pray for wisdom in overcoming the entanglements of sin before they grow into an overwhelming destructive force in your life.

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder’.”
Matthew 5:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray not only for ears which hear the Word of God, but also for a heart which seeks His help in understanding and doing His will.  Pray that you would see beyond the act of murder to know how the harboring of anger also destroys lives.  Pray for the courage and humility to settle differences and forgive those you may be angry with.  Pray for God’s help in learning how to deal with anger in ways that don’t lead to sin.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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 – Overcoming What You’ve HEARD! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Overcoming What You’ve HEARD! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the February 2, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Overcoming What You’ve HEARD!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 5:17-48

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:20 (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 we continue into the Sermon On the Mount, we find Jesus helping us understand the heart of God which will help us overcome what we’ve . . .

  • Harbored:  Matthew 5:21-26

    • “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'”  Matthew 5:21
      To overcome what you have heard about murder, Jesus wants you to examine your heart to see the anger which is often harbored.  Rarely, if ever, does murder just happen.  It is generally born out of the things which are harbored in the heart and allowed to grow.  It is not just the murder of a physical body which God is concerned about when it comes to our actions.  His commands teach us to look beyond what we thing we’ve heard and see the great damage caused by the murder of a person’s reputation, image, position, or any damage caused to their social, emotional, physical, or spiritual well-being.  We overcome what we’ve heard when we choose God’s help in removing all the harmful things which we tend to harbor. 

  • Eyed:  Matthew 5:27-32

    • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.'”  Matthew 5:27
      To overcome what you have heard about adultery, Jesus wants you to examine what you allow your eyes to linger on.  The lust in a person heart causes great damage whether that lust is focused on a person, place, or thing.  Unresolved and unrepented of, the lust of the eyes lead us to desire, touch, and take things which do not belong to us.  We overcome what we’ve heard when we pay attention to what we eye and choose to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

  • Authorized:  Matthew 5:33-37

    • “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.'”  Matthew 5:33
      To overcome what you have heard about oaths and promises, Jesus wants you to pay attention to what you believe you have the right to authorize.  It is far too common to make uncommitted commitments simply to avoid saying yes or no.  When we choose to rank our promises based on who they’re made to, we show favoritism and partiality in ways which go against all that is of God.  We overcome what we’ve heard when we choose to be impartial in authorizing our yes to be yes and our no to be no every time.

  • Resisted:  Matthew 5:38-42

    • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'”  Matthew 3:38
      To overcome what you have heard about revenge, Jesus wants you to pay attention to who your resisting is against.  Our human nature wants to resist the person we believe has wronged us while the nature of Christ within us calls us to resist the devil so that he would flee from us.  While our flesh often wants revenge, God’s Word reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood.  We overcome what we’ve heard when we choose to resist the devil and all his temptations of revenge against others.

  • Decided:  Matthew 5:43-48

    • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'”  Matthew 5:43
      To overcome what you have heard about love and hate, Jesus wants you to decide to love like He loves.  When we choose love and hate according to the standards of the world, we find our life filled with division and labels based on the distinctions defined more by hatred than love.  Prejudice and favoritism has no place within the kingdom of God in any way, shape, or form and definitely not in the way we love.  We overcome what we’ve heard when we decide to love all people in the way that Jesus loves them.

Today, how will you overcome what you’ve HEARD?