Encouragement and Prayer: Come To Repentance! (1/24/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come To Repentance! (1/24/25)

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This is the audio from the January 24, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on responding to the call of Jesus to come, follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray for a growing understanding of God’s patience, both with you and with those around you, as He calls all people to repentance.  Pray that you would learn patience with those who still need to repent.

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: Come Near To God! (1/23/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come Near To God! (1/23/25)

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

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on responding to the call of Jesus to come, follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your desire would always be to come near to God in your thoughts and actions.  Pray that you would know the nearness of God’s response as you approach Him by faith.  Pray for a steadfast mind that desires the nearness of God.

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: Come and Be Cleansed! (1/22/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come and Be Cleansed! (1/22/25)

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

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on responding to the call of Jesus to come, follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that you would have the courage and wisdom to leave the things of sin as you approach Jesus to be cleansed.  Pray for a growing desire to live a life set apart to honor God.  Pray for a purity of mind to keep yourself holy.

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: Come To Your Senses! (1/21/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come To Your Senses! (1/21/25)

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This is the audio from the January 21, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on responding to the call of Jesus to come, follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God — I say this to your shame.”
1 Corinthians 15:34 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that you would recognize the deceptiveness of sin as you come to your senses with the help of God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would not be ignorant of God or His ways so that you would not be brought to shame.

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: Come and Find Rest! (1/20/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come and Find Rest! (1/20/25)

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This is the audio from the January 20, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on responding to the call of Jesus to come, follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that you would respond to the call of Jesus to find a place or rest in Him.  Pray for all who are weary, that they would find rest in Jesus.  Pray that you would always find the burdens of your life to be lightened as you place them in the care of Jesus.

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

Following Jesus – Called To COME! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Called To COME! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 19, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Called To COME!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 4:12-25

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  After Jesus stood fast against the temptations of the devil, He began to proclaim a time to . . .

  • Change:  Matthew 4:12-17

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to change.  Following Jesus requires a new direction and a new life.  Being called to repentance should lead us to change the direction, and the director, of our life.  When a person chooses to put Jesus in charge of their life, nothing remains the same.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a willingness to change.  

  • Obey:  Matthew 4:18-22

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to obey.  Far too often, we want to offer a conditional obedience . . . I’ll obey in the areas I believe are beneficial to me and I’ll continue to do my own thing in the areas which I determine I’m doing okay in.  Unfortunately, that is now what obedience to God looks like.  The response of those initially called by Jesus we to immediately leave what they were doing and follow Him.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a decision to obey.

  • Mend:  Matthew 4:23

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to mend that which is broken.  While Jesus spent time mending the brokenness of sickness, injury, and other physical needs, He also set about mending the brokenness of injustice, prejudice, and abandonment.  While there is much good done by those who can help with physical healing, Jesus calls us to be involved in the emotional and spiritual healing of others as we share Him with them.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with a desire to mend, just as He mends us.

  • Expand:  Matthew 4:24-25

    • When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is a call to expand the kingdom of God.  The “come, follow me” was not just a statement offered to a few who were chosen, but rather a call of God to all who would be willing to respond.  It is God’s desire the no one should perish, but that all would come to repentance.  Until the day of Christ’s return, the fullness of the kingdom of God will always operate with the truth that there is room for one more.  The call of Jesus to follow Him must always be met with our desire to see the kingdom of God expand as we also share the good news of Jesus.

Today, how will you respond to this call to COME?

Encouragement and Prayer: Tested To Serve! (1/17/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Tested To Serve! (1/17/25)

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This is the audio from the January 17, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on being ready to face, and overcome, the temptations which come our way.  Temptations, when handled poorly, will often lead us to sin.  When handled correctly, however, those same temptations can serve as a test which illuminates our growth in Christ.  As Jesus was led into the desert to face temptation, He dis so as one prepared for the test through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God.  Pray that you live life preparing yourself to be ready for the temptations which are common to mankind.  Pray that the testing of your faith would always produce a confidence in the faithfulness of God.  Pray that God would fill you with wisdom to know when to stand against temptation and when to follow the way out which God provides..

“They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”
1 Timothy 3:10 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be ready for every test you will face.  Pray that you would prove your faithfulness in the small things on your way to doing greater things for Christ.  Pray that you would use every opportunity to learn and prepare for whatever God would lead you to next.  Pray that you would be faithful in a growing responsibility of service.

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: Tested Individually! (1/16/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Tested Individually! (1/16/25)

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This is the audio from the January 16, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on being ready to face, and overcome, the temptations which come our way.  Temptations, when handled poorly, will often lead us to sin.  When handled correctly, however, those same temptations can serve as a test which illuminates our growth in Christ.  As Jesus was led into the desert to face temptation, He dis so as one prepared for the test through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God.  Pray that you live life preparing yourself to be ready for the temptations which are common to mankind.  Pray that the testing of your faith would always produce a confidence in the faithfulness of God.  Pray that God would fill you with wisdom to know when to stand against temptation and when to follow the way out which God provides..

“Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.”
Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be ready for every test you will face.  Pray for clarity in testing your own actions by the standard of God’s presence in your life.  Pray that you would live with confidence in the way you offer the best of yourself to God.  Pray that you would avoid the trap of individual comparisons.

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