Encouragement and Prayer: A Path Prepared For Life! (1/6/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Path Prepared For Life! (1/6/25)

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This is the audio from the January  6, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'”  
Matthew 3:3 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about the prepared path that Jesus walked, and that He calls you to walk as you follow Him.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a path, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The path we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the path of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the path you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you off the path that is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would follow it as they observe your life in Christ.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.

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 – A Prepared PATH! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – A Prepared PATH! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the January 5, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: A Prepared Path!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 3

“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'”  
Matthew 3:3 (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.  Before Jesus called for people to follow Him, God worked at just the right time to provide a prepared . . .

  • Person:  Matthew 3:1-4

    • Following Jesus began in earnest with John being a prepared person who was called to make the way ready for the arrival of the Messiah.  His preparation came through his obedience to God’s call to preach a message of repentance.  This prepared person made the path straight for Jesus to be the One prepared as the sacrificial Lamb who could take away our sin.  Our obedience to what became known at “The Way” is possible because a prepared person shared the good news of Jesus with us.  We too can be a prepared person as we learn from God’s Word and share the good news of Jesus with others.  

  • Attitude:  Matthew 3:5-6

    • Following Jesus always comes from a prepared attitude.  While we will talk a bit later about humility, John’s attitude was one that acknowledge a need for change.  The path John was preparing for Jesus was a path marked by repentant people who were tired of a sinful way of life.  This attitude of repentance would lead to a willingness to follow Jesus because He taught not as the teachers of the law, but rather as One with authority.  In fact, this prepared attitude is one which we’re commanded to take as our own if we indeed have any good which comes from our relationship with Christ.  We too can live with a prepared attitude when we are willing to be honest with God and our self about the sins which grab hold of us.

  • Teaching:  Matthew 3:7-12

    • Following Jesus flows from our acceptance, and obedience to a prepared teaching.  This teaching which has been prepared for us does not come from worldly wisdom but rather from the wisdom of God.  John’s teaching was shocking to the religious leaders of the day because it not only called for the people to be sorry for their sins, it called for the people to produce fruits of repentance as they changed their life.  Even Jesus said He did not do, or teach, anything on His own but it all came from the prepared teaching of His Father.  We too can live with prepared teaching when we allow the Word of God to be the authority in what we believe and in what we share.

  • Humility:  Matthew 3:13-16

    • Following Jesus is only possible when we choose to live with a prepared humility.  While a false humility may lead us to decline doing what God would calls us to because we’re “not worthy”, this prepared humility brings about an obedience because God is worthy.  John’s hesitation in baptizing Jesus shows a humility which knows Jesus is much greater, but it is also the humility within him which follows through with the baptism of Jesus because it is the type of humility which leads to obedience.  It is a humility that may well say to Jesus, “I’m tired, I’m not qualified, and I don’t want to but I’ll do it anyway simply because you say so.”  We too can live with a prepared humility when we set apart Christ as Lord in our heart.

Today, how will you follow the prepared PATH?

Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Bear Fruit! (1/3/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Bear Fruit! (1/3/25)

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This is the audio from the January  3, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”  
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how we ought to respond when God says go!  While there are times when God gives specific direction as to where we ought to go, as He did with Joseph and Mary, other times the direction is more about just taking Jesus with us wherever we go.  As children of God, He has called us to be active in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  Sometimes we lose sight of where all “everywhere” might mean so this week’s prayer focus should remind us that everywhere means everywhere.  Pray that you would learn obedience to the directions of God’s Word and His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom to understand when God says go and when He says stay.  Pray that you would courageously take the message of salvation everywhere you go.  Pray about how God would use your testimony where you are at now, and also in every place He may lead you.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
John 15:16 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the how and why of God saying to you, “Go!”.  Pray that your life would bear much lasting fruit as you follow the call of Jesus to go.  Pray that God’s will for you to bear fruit is evident in what you ask for.  Pray that the good news of Jesus would produce much fruit both in your life and in the lives of those you share it with.

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: Go and Leave Sin! (1/2/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go and Leave Sin! (1/2/25)

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

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”  
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how we ought to respond when God says go!  While there are times when God gives specific direction as to where we ought to go, as He did with Joseph and Mary, other times the direction is more about just taking Jesus with us wherever we go.  As children of God, He has called us to be active in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  Sometimes we lose sight of where all “everywhere” might mean so this week’s prayer focus should remind us that everywhere means everywhere.  Pray that you would learn obedience to the directions of God’s Word and His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom to understand when God says go and when He says stay.  Pray that you would courageously take the message of salvation everywhere you go.  Pray about how God would use your testimony where you are at now, and also in every place He may lead you.

“‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
John 8:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the how and why of God saying to you, “Go!”.  Pray that you make a deliberate decision to remove yourself from the places of sin in your life.  Pray that God’s forgiveness would always be cause to leave sin behind.  Pray for wisdom in communicating a message which doesn’t condemn a person, but also doesn’t make sin acceptable.

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: Go To Your Family! (12/31/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go To Your Family! (12/31/24)

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This is the audio from the December 31, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”  
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how we ought to respond when God says go!  While there are times when God gives specific direction as to where we ought to go, as He did with Joseph and Mary, other times the direction is more about just taking Jesus with us wherever we go.  As children of God, He has called us to be active in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  Sometimes we lose sight of where all “everywhere” might mean so this week’s prayer focus should remind us that everywhere means everywhere.  Pray that you would learn obedience to the directions of God’s Word and His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom to understand when God says go and when He says stay.  Pray that you would courageously take the message of salvation everywhere you go.  Pray about how God would use your testimony where you are at now, and also in every place He may lead you.

“Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’”
Mark 5:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the how and why of God saying to you, “Go!”.  Pray that you would not neglect to talk to your family about all that Jesus has done for you.  Pray others would known of God’s mercy upon your life.  Pray for wisdom in sharing the good news of Jesus with those who know you well.

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: Go To the Street! (12/30/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Go To the Street! (12/30/24)

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

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”  
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how we ought to respond when God says go!  While there are times when God gives specific direction as to where we ought to go, as He did with Joseph and Mary, other times the direction is more about just taking Jesus with us wherever we go.  As children of God, He has called us to be active in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  Sometimes we lose sight of where all “everywhere” might mean so this week’s prayer focus should remind us that everywhere means everywhere.  Pray that you would learn obedience to the directions of God’s Word and His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom to understand when God says go and when He says stay.  Pray that you would courageously take the message of salvation everywhere you go.  Pray about how God would use your testimony where you are at now, and also in every place He may lead you.

“Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”
Matthew 22:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider the how and why of God saying to you, “Go!”.  Pray that you would see all people as valuable.  Pray that you would take the message of Jesus to where the people are who still need to hear it.  Pray for a spirit of humility to fill your message of good news to all people.

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: Seek Joyfully! (12/27/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Seek Joyfully! (12/27/24)

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

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on various aspects of seeking Jesus as your King.  Because I enjoy photographing wildlife, I am often asked where I find the various subjects of my photos.  The basic answer is really quite simple — “Where I look.”  The more complex answer involves knowing both where to look and where not to look, but also in not being surprised at the occasional appearance somewhere unexpected.  For me, the process of seeking God is similar — While I may find Him where I look, if I’m not looking with an expectation of finding Him I will probably walk away thinking He’s not there.  Pray that you would look for Him, and find Him, in all the details of the life He would have you live.  Pray that the seeds of righteousness being planted would bear great fruit in your life and the lives of others as you seek God.  Pray that a life of seeking God would help you to find Him in both expected and unexpected places.

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”
Psalm 105:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your desire to seek Him at all times.  Pray that you would find joy in the process of seeking God, as well as in finding Him.  Pray for a spirit that is turned toward God so you have reason to rejoice when you encounter Him.  Pray that the people around you would see the joy that you have in the Lord and seek Him.

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: Seek While You Can! (12/26/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Seek While You Can! (12/26/24)

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This is the audio from the December 26, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on various aspects of seeking Jesus as your King.  Because I enjoy photographing wildlife, I am often asked where I find the various subjects of my photos.  The basic answer is really quite simple — “Where I look.”  The more complex answer involves knowing both where to look and where not to look, but also in not being surprised at the occasional appearance somewhere unexpected.  For me, the process of seeking God is similar — While I may find Him where I look, if I’m not looking with an expectation of finding Him I will probably walk away thinking He’s not there.  Pray that you would look for Him, and find Him, in all the details of the life He would have you live.  Pray that the seeds of righteousness being planted would bear great fruit in your life and the lives of others as you seek God.  Pray that a life of seeking God would help you to find Him in both expected and unexpected places.

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”
Isaiah 55:6 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to increase your desire to seek Him at all times.  Pray that you would know God’s willingness and desire to be found by you.  Pray for a greater recognition of God’s nearness to you.  Pray that the people around you would seek God while the opportunity exists and that they would find Him to be very near.

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

In prayer,
Tom