Impact Prayer Ministry Podcasts

Encouragement and Prayer: Great Joy for Everyone! (12/5/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Great Joy for Everyone! (12/5/22)

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This is the audio from the December 5, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”
Matthew 2:10 (NKJV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with great joy.  Many times it is the intensity of our longing or search for something that is reflected in the joy we are able to express.  Our seeking of God ought to fill us with great joy because He promises to be found when we seek Him with our whole heart.  As you pray this week, join with the Magi in rejoicing “with exceedingly great joy” because you have experienced the light of Jesus in your life.  Pray for the courage to be filled with great joy in the midst of circumstances which are difficult to rejoice in.  Pray for a contagious joy that helps comfort those who see little to rejoice about.  Pray that you would be diligent in searching for the light of Jesus and in being the light of Jesus so that His joy would abound.  Pray for wisdom in sharing the great joy that God has put within you.  Pray that your expressions of joy would help others see Jesus more clearly.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s joy.  Pray that you would take to heart the message of the angel that the good news of Jesus is meant to be for all people.  Pray that fear would not keep you from experiencing the great joy found in Jesus.

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

In prayer,
Tom

The Christmas Excitement: A Great JOY! (Sermon Audio)
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The Christmas Excitement: A Great JOY! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 4, 2022 sermon, “The Christmas Excitement: A Great JOY!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text:  Matthew 2:1-12, Philippians 2:12-18

Today continued our Christmas sermon series with a look at the Christmas excitement experienced by the wise men.  When I think about excitement and exceedingly great joy, I often think about accomplishing or experiencing something that is extremely difficult or even thought to be impossible or at least highly improbable.  There seems to be a correlation between the effort put forth and the joy produced.  In fact, it can be the times of greatest difficulties which lead us to a joy that is unlike any other.  For these Magi from the east, it was the earnestness of their search that led them to “rejoice with exceedingly great joy” when the star reappeared and let them to the house in Bethlehem where they found the child Jesus.  As we examine the story of the Magi, I want us to also consider our own story and reflect on the elements of our great . . .

  • Journey.  Matthew 2:1-8, Philippians 2:12-13
    • The wise men set out on a great journey with the goal of being able to worship a child who had been born king of the Jews.  They had observed a sign that led them on a great journey, not knowing exactly where they were headed.  Our journey to Christ is often similar in that we receive a calling from God’s Word and we continually grow in holiness and righteousness as we pursue God each day.  Given Herod’s reaction, it appears to have taken the wise men up to two years to find the Christ after first seeing the star in the east.  They kept searching and learning until their goal was accomplished.  When Paul tells us to work our our salvation, he is not talking about earning our salvation through our efforts bur rather to live in such a way that our path to salvation in Christ becomes evident to us and to those around us.  Life’s journey will be difficult and full of trouble but when it is a great journey toward God, it leads us to a great joy.
  • Observation.  Matthew 2:9-10, Philippians 2:14-16
    • Having a great observation is not only about being able to see, it is also about knowing the significance of what we observe.  The wise men noticed something that stood out to them and for some reason it carried a message to them that no one else seemed to get.  We really don’t know if this star was exclusively revealed to the wise men or if it was visible to anyone who happened to be paying attention to the sky.  I tend to believe that it was something God placed in the sky for all to see, yet the vast majority of people paid it no attention.  Whatever the case might be, these men observed something that both got their attention and led them to action.  Paul writes to us and challenges each child of God to live as those who “shine like stars”.  Our joy ought to be amplified when we observe the working of God in someone’s life, just as the joy of the Lord ought to grow in others as they see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  When we seek to live with great joy in the midst of a troubled world, we live in such a way that a great observation leads us and others closer to Christ.
  • Yielding.  Matthew 2:11-12, Philippians 2:17-18
    • The wise men appear to come from positions of influence and power as they are able to spend much time traveling, they gain an audience with Herod, and they have precious and valuable gifts to give to Jesus.  Yet the very heart of their trip was to worship and yield to the authority of this child that was born king of the Jews.  Their plans, even in their changed departure, was a continual yielding to the will of God.  It is this very element that helps us in having joy that the world knows nothing of when we find ourselves dealing with the struggles of life.  Even when it feels like our life is being poured out through the trouble of this world, we gain strength as we yield to God and desire His will to be done in us and through us.  When we daily yield to Jesus, we find that even the sorrows and grief of this life can result in the growth of our faith and testimony as we seek to make Jesus known.

Today, how will you have a Christmas JOY that others can see?

Encouragement and Prayer: Building With Encouragement! (12/2/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Building With Encouragement! (12/2/22)

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This is the audio from the December 2, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up. Pray that God would surround you with people who encourage you in your walk with Him. Pray that the gathering of God’s family would be an encouragement to all.

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: Building With Speech! (12/1/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Building With Speech! (12/1/22)

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This is the audio from the December 1, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen. Pray that you would filter what comes into your ears so that the speech of others would build you up.

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: Building Up the Church! (11/30/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Building Up the Church! (11/30/22)

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This is the audio from the November 30, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.

“So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would use, and grow, in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church. Pray for an atmosphere that would encourage people to excel in the gifts that build up the body. Pray that the family of God would grow in every way as it is built up by God’s gifting.

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: Building Up One Another! (11/29/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Building Up One Another! (11/29/22)

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This is the audio from the November 29, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
Romans 15:2 (NIV)

As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would serve your neighbors in the name of Jesus so that they would be built up according to their need. Pray that you would trust God to use your neighbor in Christ to build you up according to your need. Pray that you would be a neighbor to everyone you encounter.

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: Building With Grace! (11/28/22)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Building With Grace! (11/28/22)

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This is the audio from the November 28, 2022 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would pay attention to the part that you ought to be doing, rather than concerning yourself with what someone else should do.  Pray for a healthy and mature body of Christ as each member submits to the Head.

“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Pray that you would recognize the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours. Pray that you would be active in sharing God’s grace in a way that builds up His family.

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

In prayer,
Tom

The Christmas Family: A Place for YOU! (Sermon Audio)
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The Christmas Family: A Place for YOU! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the November 27, 2022 sermon, “The Christmas Family: A Place for YOU!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text:  Matthew 1:1-16

Today began our Christmas sermon series with a look at the Christmas family.  Often times the first thing that comes to mind when we think of the Christmas family is the simple family of Mary and Joseph and then the arrival of Jesus.  At times we may expand our thinking to include Zechariah and Elizabeth, but Matthew begins his account of the Christmas story with an entire list of the family involved . . . the genealogy of Christ.  If you were to spend time going through the names listed, you would find people from nearly every type of background you can imagine.  There is royalty and refugees, rich and poor, nationals and foreigners, prostitutes and powerful, givers and takers, there are liars, cheats, thieves, holy, noble, humble, and nearly any other characteristic you can imagine.  In fact the list is so varied that I suspect that it shouldn’t be too difficult to see yourself in it in more ways than one.  And the good news when you gaze into this list of the family ancestors of Christ is that seeing a place for them in the family ought to help you to realize this Christmas family has a place for . . .

  • Yourself.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11
    • I suppose it should seem natural to begin our understanding of a place for you with a discussion of it being a place for yourself.  Paul writes to the Corinthians and addresses a sampling of the things that keep people separated from God.  He is even bold enough to tell his audience that they once were defined by these very things until they were washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  It is important to notice that God’s desire is to transform people from that which once identified them to becoming children of the living God.  Jesus was born into this specific family line as listed by Matthew and we have the privilege of being a part of that family when we are born again into the family of God.  When you look at the Christmas family as being the family of Jesus, you find that your past and present do not disqualify you from finding a place for yourself in this family.
  • Others.  1 Corinthians 12:12, 27-31
    • Knowing that there is a place for yourself is great news, but it is not the only news of the genealogy of Christ.  As you look into the lives of those listed in the genealogy of Christ, it is important to note that regardless of what they once were, each one of them needed the others to complete the family line.  Even as Paul writes to let individuals know the great value they have in the family of God, he often reminds them that this is true of others as well.  Living as the Christmas family, the body of Christ, requires that we know it is a place for others.  Jesus made it clear that He came to earth as the central figure in this Christmas story in order to seek and to save that which was lost.  When we consider the scope of God’s family, we must learn to value others and the part God has created for them within the body.  When you look at the Christmas family as being the family of Jesus, you find that it isn’t all about you but that it values others even above yourself.
  • Understanding.
    • When you combine the value of yourself and the value of others within this Christmas family, you discover the value of us.  And while “us” would have been a good topic for this third point, I believe understanding is more fitting because that is the necessary quality that combines yourself and others to become us.  God instructs us as His children to live in understanding with one another.  It is through a deliberate valuing of our similarities and differences that we are able to make the most of the variety of talents, skills. personalities, and giftedness God brings together within His body.  It is in seeking this level of understanding that we find and can declare that each person has value not only to the body of Christ in the big, kingdom sense of the word, but each has great value to the local body of Christ as it meets to worship God, encourage one another, and make Christ known among its community.

Today, how will you see the value which belongs to each person God is calling into His family?