Encouragement and Prayer: Gift of Self! (1/5/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Gift of Self! (1/5/26)

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

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“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 focus on some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you have given and received this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  Your 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 unwrap God’s gifting in your life.  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 previous 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

Unwrapped Gifts: The Gift of GOD! (Sermon Audio)
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Unwrapped Gifts: The Gift of GOD! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 4, 2026 sermon, “Unwrapped Gifts: The Gift of God!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Ephesians 2

 

“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)

When we experience the gift of Jesus, it is imperative that we unwrap the various gifts He gives to us.  As we embark on a journey to unwrap the gifts which have been given, we begin with the gift of . . .

  • Grace:  Ephesians 2:1-10

    • The Bible makes it clear that every person has sinned and the result of sin is that we became objects of God’s wrath as sin ruled our thoughts, desires and actions.  But.  But . . . God loved the people of the world so much that He chose the gift of grace to give of Himself to us.  The grace of God is an undeserved gift in every way imaginable.  Our forgiveness, our cleansing, our salvation is all wrapped up in the grace extended by God through the work He did.  It is not that salvation was free and required no work . . . it is only that price was paid and the work was done by Him!  When we receive the gift of God, we receive the gift of grace that calls us to do our good works to fulfill an appropriate response to God’s love and grace. 

  • Opportunity:  Ephesians 2:11-18

    • While we have been saved by God’s grace to do the works created in advance for us to accomplish, we have that privilege because of the gift of opportunity.  While the promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to call a nation to Himself through their descendants was the foundation of the nation of Israel, the promise also included God blessing the nations through His people.  It is in Jesus that the opportunity to draw near to God became readily available to all people regardless of ancestry or nationality.  The gift of God to all mankind through Jesus threw open the door, and literally tore the temple veil in two, so that all who would call upon the name of the Lord might be saved.  When we receive the gift of God, we receive the gift of opportunity to be included in God’s family and to invite all others to say yes to God.

  • Design:  Ephesians 2:19-22

    • There is something special about a thing functioning according to its design.  In fact, when something fails to work as it is supposed to, we often call a repairman or replace it as defective.  God makes it clear that nothing in creation is by accident and that you are part of His design for a functioning and healthy body of Christ.  God designed you, the Bible says He knit you together in your mother’s womb.  You are not an accident.  You have great value as one designed by the Master Himself.  When we receive the gift of God, we receive the gift of design that makes us useful to the Master for the specific purposes He created in advance for us.

 

Today, how will you live with, and share, the gift of GOD?

Encouragement and Prayer: A Win Over Death! (1/2/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win Over Death! (1/2/26)

This is the audio from the January 2, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would live a life that reflects your knowledge that the power of death has been defeated.  Pray that you would be able to grieve as one with great hope, knowing that the victory over death has been won by Jesus.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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: A Win For Justice! (1/1/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win For Justice! (1/1/26)

This is the audio from the January 1, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.  In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:20-21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that your hope for a justice which prevails would rest fully in Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect the heart of Jesus as you seek victory for justice.  Pray that God would help you make things right.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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: A Win Through the Lord! (12/31/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win Through the Lord! (12/31/25)

This is the audio from the December 31, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”
Proverbs 21:31 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would live with an understanding of where true victory comes from.  Pray that your preparations for battle would always understand that it is the Lord who will be able to give victory.  Pray for the wisdom to be made ready even as you trust God for the victory.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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: A Win Through Wise Counsel! (12/30/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win Through Wise Counsel! (12/30/25)

This is the audio from the December 30, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”
Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would live victoriously because of the quality of counsel you surround yourself with.  Pray that you would always seek advice from God first and be sure your human advisers give godly advice.  Pray that your guidance to others would always be filled with godly wisdom.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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: A Win For the Faithful! (12/29/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Win For the Faithful! (12/29/25)

This is the audio from the December 29, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would cling to the victory that awaits those who walk in blameless ways.  Pray that God would guard your path as you walk in faithfulness to Him.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That WINS! (Sermon Audio)
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Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That WINS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 28, 2025 sermon, “Exceedingly Great Joy: A Joy That Wins!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Philippians 4:2-23

 

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

Today, we concluded a sermon series through Philippians about Exceedingly Great Joy as we consider how to live with a godly joy!  Even as a prisoner himself, Paul knew the secret to the exceedingly great joy expressed by the Magi and he sought to instruct the Philippians, and us, about how to shine with a confident joy that endures all things through a prayerful and humble spirit, a joy which is God’s gift to us.  When we live a life pursuing Jesus, we find a joy that . . .

  • Works:  Philippians 4:2-5

    • Living with a victorious joy is not easy.  In fact, a joy that wins is a joy that works.  We must allow God to work on us, in us, and through us in ways which help others.  Conflicts are a part of life even among those who work together for the cause of the gospel.  Paul not only desired for those who were in conflict to get along, he instructed their fellow believers to work together to bring unity through the share joy in Christ. 

  • Inspects:  Philippians 4:6-9

    • Living with a victorious joy will lead us to inspect ourselves closely with God’s Word being the standard.  The things we dwell on tend to be the things which define how we think, talk, and act.  While we often like to inspect others and pass judgment on what we see in them, the joy that we have in Christ will lead us to inspect how faithful we are in letting the light of Jesus shine through us.

  • Notices:  Philippians 4:10-13

    • Living with a victorious joy will open our eyes with a joy that notices the needs of others with attention being paid to how God may have equipped us to be a help to them.  Even when we don’t have the means to help with the exact need that we notice, God has called us to do what we can with what He has given so that we might be a help and encouragement to others.

  • Shares:  Philippians 4:14-23

    • Living with a victorious joy will result in having a joy that shares all good things which we ourselves have received from God.  It is in the act of giving that we best notice what God has given to us.  The common selfish nature of mankind will do its best to convince us that we don’t need to share anything with anyone.  It is the Spirit of God within us that can fill us with a contagious joy that we can’t help but share everywhere we go.

Today, how will you live with a joy that WINS?