Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Passes Understanding! (10/7/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Passes Understanding! (10/7/24)

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

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would accept a peace that comes from God even when it surpasses your understanding.  Pray that you would allow God’s peace to guard both your heart and your mind.

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 PEACE! (Sermon Audio)

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

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This is the audio from the October 6, 2024 sermon, “A Vision To Be SERVE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 6

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (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 . . .

  • PowerZechariah 6:1-3

    • A vision of peace will come from the One who has the power to bring everlasting peace.  As God sends out His Spirit, He does so with power.  Many of our efforts of temporary peace fall short simply because we don’t have the power to establish the peace we desire.  God’s power is almighty and through the power of the blood of Jesus, He has established a way for peace to exist between us and Him.
  • Everywhere:  Zechariah 6:4-7

    • A vision of peace which comes from God will go out everywhere that mankind exists.  There is not a place we can hide, nor a place which would go unnoticed, from God’s desire that people everywhere would be at peace.  Our geographical and political borders mean nothing to the peace God wants to bring to all who would call upon the name of Jesus.  
  • Authority:  Zechariah 6:8-10

    • A vision of peace will arrive with a declaration of authority of the One making peace possible.  Often our efforts of peace fail in this world because we lack authority over the ones needing peace.  Because God’s authority is supreme, He not only sets the terms of peace, He also makes those terms attainable through the blood of Jesus.
  • Christ:  Zechariah 6:11-13

    • A vision of peace will ultimately be a vision of Christ because it is only through Him that true peace is possible.  The Branch which has grown from the root of Jesse as a descendant of David, actually preceded David as the source of all things.  It is out of this Branch, which is Christ, that the kingdom of God grows and the people of His church become His dwelling.
  • Everyone:  Zechariah 6:14-15

    • A vision of peace must extend to everyone if it is to be a godly vision of peace.  People came from far away to rebuild the temple, and people come from even greater distances to become the new temple . . . the dwelling place of God within His people.  When God says that whosoever will may come, as peacemakers on behalf of Jesus we must include all people in God’s invitation to be at peace with Him.

Today, how will you experience PEACE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)

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

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.”
Daniel 7:21-22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would experience the favorable judgment of God as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would share with others the good news of receiving favorable judgment from 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: Sound Judgment! (10/3/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Sound Judgment! (10/3/24)

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This is the audio from the October 3, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.”
Proverbs 3:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that your life would exemplify sound judgment and that you would allow nothing to take if from you.  Pray for a steadfast spirit that would help your judgments stand up to the test of God’s Word, as well as to the test of time.

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: Good Judgment! (10/2/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Good Judgment! (10/2/24)

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This is the audio from the October 2, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.”
Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would learn good judgment as you believe and follow the commands of God.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the goodness of God’s judgments.    Pray for a knowledge that is both good and godly in content and practice.

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: Righteous Judgment! (10/1/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Righteous Judgment! (10/1/24)

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This is the audio from the October 1, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”
Psalm 94:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would look to God for the foundation of righteous judgment.  Pray that you would follow His judgments wholeheartedly.  Pray that the judgments you must make each day would be according to the righteousness of 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: Impartial Judgment! (9/30/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Impartial Judgment! (9/30/24)

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This is the audio from the September 30, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
Deuteronomy 1:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would seek to hear the whole story before making judgments in matters brought before you.  Pray for wisdom to know the difference between decisions which are yours and those which belong to 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: Serve Faithfully! (9/27/24)

Encouragement and Prayer: Serve Faithfully! (9/27/24)

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This is the audio from the September 27, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.  . . . So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’”
Zechariah 4:6 & 14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with a vision to serve.  God makes it clear in His Word that we serve Him when we serve people.  While the world often defines greatness based on power and who you have serving you, God says that to be great you must become servant of all.  Pray for a spirit of humility to guide you as you serve people wherever you are.  Pray that God’s love would be seen and felt through you as you serve.  Pray that your commitment to serving would be an example for others.  Pray about how God would use your service to teach and train others to join in a lifestyle that serves.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only see opportunities to serve, but to give you the courage to actually serve.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that your faithfulness in serving would be based on God’s faithfulness to you.  Pray that God would help you to know His grace more fully.

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

In prayer,
Tom