Encouragement and Prayer: Encouraged By the Lord! (6/2/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Encouraged By the Lord! (6/2/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

This week we begin a two week focus on being encouraged for the purpose of encouraging one another.  The distractions of this world are more than enough to bring discouragement to anyone, so it is important that we keep our eyes focused on the power of God to encourage us so that we can encourage others.  Pray that you would know God as the source of courage in the midst of any and all discouragement.  Pray that you would be open to the encouragement God sends your way through the people around you.  Pray about how God would use you to be a more effective encourager to the people in your life.  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.

“You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”
Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be encouraged through your relationship with Him.  Pray that you, and the people around you, would be encouraged by a God that listens to your cries.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God when you are in distress.  Pray that God’s presence in you would make you a better listener to those who cry out.

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: Care For the Hurting! (5/30/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Hurting! (5/30/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous 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 they 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 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: Care For God’s People! (5/29/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For God’s People! (5/29/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous 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 they 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 as one who cares for them even more than you care for yourself.

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: Care For the Poor! (5/28/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For the Poor! (5/28/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous 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 they 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 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: Care For Places of Worship! (5/27/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For Places of Worship! (5/27/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous 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 they 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 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

Following Jesus – Learning To CARE! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Learning To CARE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the May 25, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Learning To CARE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 18

 

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

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  When we examine the life and teachings of Jesus, we discover both His instruction and our need to . . .

  • Change:  Matthew 18:1-9

    • When asked about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus uses a child as an example and declares that unless a person changes and becomes like a child they won’t even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be in the running for greatest.  We learn to care like Jesus cares when we learn to change so that we live with the humility and faith of a child. 

  • Adore:  Matthew 18:10-14

    • As Jesus continued teaching, He indicated the children were not just examples but their great value to God should lead us to adore them.  Jesus made it clear that our love for Him ought to be seen in the way we adore children . . . not just in an “awe, how cute” kind of way but in a way that we do whatever it takes to protect them as our care is put into action by sharing Jesus.

  • Reprove:  Matthew 18:15-20

    • At first glance, you may wonder what reproving someone has to do with learning to care but Jesus makes it clear that He corrects those He loves and we ought to do the same.  Doing the same, however, also means we reprove in the way Jesus would direct so that the desired result is restoration.  When we correct in private, we show we care not only about what is right but also about the person needing correction.

  • Embrace:  Matthew 18:21-35

    • If you’ve ever become weary of forgiving someone and wondered how often you must do so, you are not alone.  It appears in our text that Peter was wanting a definitive answer from Jesus as to when he could stop with the forgiving of someone who had wronged him.  Jesus turns the story into one with very harsh consequences for living with an unforgiving spirit.  The true spirit of forgiveness shown to us by Jesus is one where we don’t keep count because we care enough to embrace.

Today, how will you CARE?

Encouragement and Prayer: The Good Shepherd! (5/23/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Good Shepherd! (5/23/25)

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This is the audio from the May 23, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As we grow in following Jesus, our prayer focus this week will be on knowing Him.  We often think of the various aspects of Jesus as expressed in the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  Pray that your celebration of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the good shepherd will provide you with the comfort and protection that only He can.  Pray with gratitude as you consider how Jesus cares for you in your times of need.  Pray that you would share the good news of a good shepherd.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: The Way, The Truth, and The Life! (5/22/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Way, The Truth, and The Life! (5/22/25)

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This is the audio from the May 22, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As we grow in following Jesus, our prayer focus this week will be on knowing Him.  We often think of the various aspects of Jesus as expressed in the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  Pray that your celebration of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life will provide you with necessary direction each day you live.  Pray that your life, and words, would always direct people to Jesus as the true way to eternal life.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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