God

Encouragement and Prayer: Seek Earnestly! (12/23/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Seek Earnestly! (12/23/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 23, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on various aspects of seeking Jesus as your King.  Because I enjoy photographing wildlife, I am often asked where I find the various subjects of my photos.  The basic answer is really quite simple — “Where I look.”  The more complex answer involves knowing both where to look and where not to look, but also in not being surprised at the occasional appearance somewhere unexpected.  For me, the process of seeking God is similar — While I may find Him where I look, if I’m not looking with an expectation of finding Him I will probably walk away thinking He’s not there.  Pray that you would look for Him, and find Him, in all the details of the life He would have you live.  Pray that the seeds of righteousness being planted would bear great fruit in your life and the lives of others as you seek God.  Pray that a life of seeking God would help you to find Him in both expected and unexpected places.

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your desire to seek Him at all times.  Pray that God would help you evaluate just how earnestly you seek Him.  Pray that your seeking of God would constantly be moving from casual desire to a greater longing for His presence.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Following Jesus – Seeking the KING! (Sermon Audio)
by

Following Jesus – Seeking the KING! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the December 22, 2024 sermon, “Following Jesus: Seeking the KING!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  While the world at large saw nothing remarkable about another baby being born, a group of Magi saw “his star” and set off to seek the . . .

  • Knowledge:  Matthew 2:1-2

    • Seeking the King begins with our desire to know Christ even as we are known by Him.  This knowing and being known is a level of intimacy which produces a new life . . . our new life in Christ.  

  • Intention:  Matthew 2:3-4, 7-8

    • Seeking the King requires that we accurately examine our intention and motive for finding Him.  The intention of the Magi was to worship the King in recognition of the One who was worthy.  Herod’s intention in seeking the King was not of noble cause as he sought to kill Him.  We seek the King in a worthy manner when we approach Him with the intent of exalting Him in the worship He alone is due.  

  • Need:  Matthew 2:5-6

    • Seeking the King leads us to examining the need which only He can meet.  We often develop our own lists of things we think we need and then become disappointed when God doesn’t give us all we desire.  His desire is that we look to Him and His Word for a better understanding of what is important enough to actually be a need.  We seek the King in a productive manner when we know our need for both a ruler and a shepherd.

  • Gifts:  Matthew 2:9-12

    • Seeking the King causes us to seek the gifts fit for a king.  While most focus on Christmas often grows from seeking the gifts we desire to receive, the result of seeking the King should lead us to pursue the gifts we can give.  While the greatest gift of all was given to us in Jesus, the good news of that gift is also the greatest gift we can give to others.

Today, how will you seek the KING?

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Strength! (12/20/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Strength! (12/20/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 20, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”
1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray that God would help you to use the strength that is found in Jesus.  Pray for courage in doing the things God desires from you.  Pray that your service to others in the name of Jesus would be done in the strength which God provides.

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: The Gift of Peace! (12/19/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Peace! (12/19/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 19, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the prince of peace.  Pray about how peace will look in your interactions with others.  Pray that the peace you experience in life would reflect the peace that Jesus brings between you and 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: The Gift of Rest! (12/18/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Rest! (12/18/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 18, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray that you would always look to Jesus as the One who desires to give you real rest.  Pray for the  humility needed to approach Jesus in the midst of your weariness.  Pray for wisdom in helping others to always go to Jesus with their burdens as they seek to find rest.

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: The Gift of Understanding! (12/17/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Understanding! (12/17/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 17, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.”
1 John 5:20 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray that God would open the gift of understanding in your life as you seek Jesus with a whole heart.  Pray for a growing understanding of Jesus as the One who is true.  Pray that you would accurately represent the truth 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

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Self! (12/16/24)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Self! (12/16/24)

~

This is the audio from the December 16, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”
Luke 22:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray about how your life reflects an acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins.  Pray that your remembrance of the gift of Jesus would help you to consistently help others to accept the gift of Jesus for themselves.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Following Jesus – He Is HERE! (Sermon Audio)
by

Following Jesus – He Is HERE! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the December 15, 2024 sermon, “Following Jesus: He Is HERE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 1:23-25, Philippians 2:5-11

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  While the world at large saw nothing remarkable about another baby being born, Mary and Joseph had to be looking forward with a mix of fear and anticipation to the birth of Jesus.  Imagine that moment when He arrives and they can proclaim He is . . .

  • Humble:  Philippians 2:8

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here should draw us to an attitude of humility.  When Paul writes to the Philippians, and to us, he states that we should take on the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus — an attitude and practice of being humble.  We show the world that He is indeed here when we choose to be humble.  

  • Exalted:  Philippians 2:9

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here will lead us to exalt Him above all.  While being humble and being exalted sound like contradictory traits, it is God Himself who exalts Jesus above all other names.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we choose to exalt Him above everything else which exists.  

  • Recognized:  Philippians 2:10

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here ought to result in Him being recognized in us by the way we live.  In fact, a day will come when everyone recognizes Jesus on the day of His return when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He indeed is Lord.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we live a life which daily recognizes His presence and authority.

  • Eternal:  Philippians 2:11

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here acknowledges that He is indeed eternal.  The existence of Jesus with God and as God before His birth as a baby, during His life on earth, and after His resurrection back into heaven gives us the picture of Him being honored and praised throughout eternity.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we live our life in Christ preparing for eternity.

Today, how will you proclaim He is HERE?