Teaching Podcasts

Encouragement and Prayer: Avoid Ruin From Betrayers! (11/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Avoid Ruin From Betrayers! (11/11/24)

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This is the audio from the November 11, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,” declares the LORD. “I will hand everyone over to his neighbor and his king. They will oppress the land, and I will not rescue them from their hands.”
Zechariah 11:6 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on a vision of ruin so that we would avoid it.  While there are numerous things which can cause sudden ruin, more common for most things which fall apart is the gradual lack of care and maintenance.  Anyone that has ever been in a battle understands the need for constant vigilance — to always be on guard.  But the truth is, we are all in a daily battle that is taking place over the eternal destination of our souls.  Paul writes of our need to wage war, not with the weapons of the world, but with the spiritual armor of God.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would fill you with His presence in a way that gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to always be on guard.  Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire which would lead you to ruin.

“Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.”
Matthew 10:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the attempts of the enemy to destroy you.  Pray that God would protect your heart and mind from the ruin caused by betrayers.  Pray that your trust of God would fill you with peace when people seek to harm you.  Pray that you would not be one who betrays others by your words or actions.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision of RUIN! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of RUIN! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the November 10, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of RUIN!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 11

“For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,” declares the LORD. “I will hand everyone over to his neighbor and his king. They will oppress the land, and I will not rescue them from their hands.”
Zechariah 11:6 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we continue our Godly Vision series from Zechariah, we look at the not so pleasant topic of A Vision of Ruin. To help us avoid ruin, God warns us of the dangers and consequences of rejecting Him.  A continued disobedience to God will find us facing a vision of . . .

  • Rejection:  Zechariah 11:1-6

    • A vision of ruin will have us noticing the role rejection has in the destruction of a life.  When we consistently declare our independence from God, it is our rejection of Him which results in a growing separation which eventually would lead to ruin.  While it is important to note the warning of ruin to those who reject God, the good news is that God promises that all who come to Him in faith will in no way be cast out. 

  • Uselessness:  Zechariah 11:7-9

    • A vision of ruin will reveal a uselessness of all the things of this world which we use in an attempt to justify ourselves.  The spiritual ruin which comes by separating ourselves from God will make us unfit for any good and useful purpose.  As we heed the warning of ruin which comes to those who pursue useless things and teachings, we can be filled with great hope in knowing God created us for a useful and noble purpose which He fulfills in us as we follow Him.  

  • Injury:  Zechariah 11:10-14

    • A vision of ruin will expose the injury which occurs when we live apart from God.  When we ignore the teachings of God’s Word, we live without the protection He desires to surround us with.  When we are injured, yet reject the Good Shepherd who can bring healing to us, we soon find ourselves injuring others.  The antidote which keeps us from ruin when we are injured, and keeps us from injuring others, is to accept the healing power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse us of all sin.

  • Neglect:  Zechariah 11:15-17

    • A vision of ruin can be the result of simple neglect.  The care, or lack of care, which we give something will generally indicate how likely it is to last the test of time.  For many, the ruin that is faced does not come from rejection, uselessness, or injury, but rather from a neglect of hearing and doing the Word of God.  Our neglect may not be all that intentional, but neither is our study, fellowship, and pursuit of God very intentional.  We have a tool to avoid ruin when we choose not to neglect the things of God and how He wants us to live.

Today, how will you overcome RUIN?

Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Hurting! (11/8/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Hurting! (11/8/24)

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This is the audio from the November 8, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”
Luke 10:34 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that you would be moved to compassion in a way that compels you to help the hurting.  Pray that you would be willing to give of yourself to care for the hurting rather than expect someone else to do it.

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: Care For God’s People! (11/7/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For God’s People! (11/7/24)

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This is the audio from the November 7, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“’This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?’”
Ezekiel 34:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that you would consider the needs of others to be more important than your own.  Pray that those under your care would know you one who cares for them even more than you care for yourself.

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: Care For the Poor! (11/6/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Poor! (11/6/24)

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This is the audio from the November 6, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that you would have a right attitude toward things being made right for the poor.  Pray that you would know how to live with godly justice toward all who might struggle to be seen and heard.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion and concern for the poor.

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: Care For the Place of Worship! (11/5/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Place of Worship! (11/5/24)

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This is the audio from the November 5, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.”
1 Chronicles 9:29 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to be involved in caring for the places we gather at to worship God.  Pray that you would care about God being represented well in your life.  Pray that you would care for yourself as the sanctuary of God’s Spirit.

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: Care For Creation! (11/4/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For Creation! (11/4/24)

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This is the audio from the November 4, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things God has created and has given you stewardship of.  Pray that you would understand how much God cares for His work as He gives value both to creation and to the one He calls to care for it.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision of CARE! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of CARE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the November 3, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of CARE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 10

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision of . . .

  • Compassion:  Zechariah 10:1-2

    • A vision of care is revealed in the compassion God has for people.  The suffering of mankind does not escape the notice of God.  In fact, He chose to suffer with us so that through Jesus He could rescue us from the source of our suffering — sin.  When we experience the compassion of God, we learn to care for others when we extend that same compassion towards them. 

  • Anger:  Zechariah 10:3-5

    • A vision of care contains a surprising element of anger.  In fact, a lack of anger about anything will generally expose a lack of true care about anything.  The problem isn’t the anger, but rather the way we express and respond to anger.  When we notice the things which make God angry, we also see His heart for people exposed in His care for them . . . even when His anger burns against them.  When we learn to care for people in the way God cares, we learn to focus our anger against the spiritual enemy which seeks to destroy rather than on the people whom God seeks to save.  

  • Restoration:  Zechariah 10:6-8

    • A vision of care will turn the compassion and anger we experience into a process of restoration.  Far too many people are living life distant from God and from one another simply because the enemy does a good job of convincing them that they are not cared for.  Unfortunately, as Christians we don’t always excel in expressing care for people in a way which restores them to God or to fellowship with others.  When we understand the extent of God’s love while we lived as His enemy, we begin to see a godly care which leads to restoration.

  • Embrace:  Zechariah 10:9-12

    • A vision of care is not restricted to compassion, anger, and restoration in ways which are superficial.  In fact the superficial nature of many human relationships cause much of the despair and hopelessness which comes from believing no one really cares.  The kind of care God expresses towards us is the kind which embraces us as one fully loved.  It is this embrace that the body of Christ ought to have toward one another as we follow the prayer of Jesus in letting the world know we belong to Christ by the visible love for one another, shown by the way we care.

Today, how will you live with a vision of CARE?