Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Self! (12/16/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Gift of Self! (12/16/24)

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This is the audio from the December 16, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“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 wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re 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 you share the real gift of Christmas with others.  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 these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Following Jesus – He Is HERE! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – He Is HERE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 15, 2024 sermon, “Following Jesus: He Is HERE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 1:23-25, Philippians 2:5-11

“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)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  While the world at large saw nothing remarkable about another baby being born, Mary and Joseph had to be looking forward with a mix of fear and anticipation to the birth of Jesus.  Imagine that moment when He arrives and they can proclaim He is . . .

  • Humble:  Philippians 2:8

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here should draw us to an attitude of humility.  When Paul writes to the Philippians, and to us, he states that we should take on the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus — an attitude and practice of being humble.  We show the world that He is indeed here when we choose to be humble.  

  • Exalted:  Philippians 2:9

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here will lead us to exalt Him above all.  While being humble and being exalted sound like contradictory traits, it is God Himself who exalts Jesus above all other names.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we choose to exalt Him above everything else which exists.  

  • Recognized:  Philippians 2:10

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here ought to result in Him being recognized in us by the way we live.  In fact, a day will come when everyone recognizes Jesus on the day of His return when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He indeed is Lord.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we live a life which daily recognizes His presence and authority.

  • Eternal:  Philippians 2:11

    • Living with an awareness and reflection that Jesus is here acknowledges that He is indeed eternal.  The existence of Jesus with God and as God before His birth as a baby, during His life on earth, and after His resurrection back into heaven gives us the picture of Him being honored and praised throughout eternity.  We show the world that Jesus is indeed here when we live our life in Christ preparing for eternity.

Today, how will you proclaim He is HERE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Jesus! (12/13/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Jesus! (12/13/24)

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This is the audio from the December 13, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”
1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray about how you can make the name of Jesus known.  Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves.

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: Prince of Peace! (12/12/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prince of Peace! (12/12/24)

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This is the audio from the December 12, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that the “Prince of Peace” would reign in your life as you find in Him a peace that surpasses all understanding.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your life.

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: Everlasting Father! (12/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Everlasting Father! (12/11/24)

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This is the audio from the December 11, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”
John 8:58 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you look to the future with confidence.  Pray that the people around you would know true eternal hope because of an everlasting Father.

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: Mighty God! (12/10/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Mighty God! (12/10/24)

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This is the audio from the December 10, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
Luke 22:69 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray that all people would experience salvation which comes through the might of God working in Jesus.  Pray that your life would show to others that you believe in a mighty 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: Wonderful Counselor! (12/9/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Wonderful Counselor! (12/9/24)

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This is the audio from the December 9, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.   Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.  Pray that you would seek God’s counsel in everything you do.  Pray that God’s Spirit would continually remind you to share the good news of Jesus.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Following Jesus – The Promised CHILD! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – The Promised CHILD! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 8, 2024 sermon, “Following Jesus: The Promised CHILD!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 1:18-23

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (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.  As Matthew’s gospel begins, we find the promise of the Christ which teaches us that following Jesus includes knowing the promised . . .

  • Conception:  Matthew 1:18

    • Following Jesus recognizes the Spirit’s involvement in His promised conception and understands that we share in the nature of Jesus when our new birth is also conceived by the Holy Spirit.  

  • Honor:  Matthew 1:19

    • Following Jesus understands the promised honor that would be bestowed upon Jesus even when the world would not understand His origin.  We share in the promised honor when we look beyond the appearances of what might be and see the reality of what is.  

  • Intention:  Matthew 1:20

    • Following Jesus calls for a grasp of the promised intention of this child being born to save His people from their sin.  We live with this promised intention when we look at every person with the intention of God that all would come to repentance and be saved.

  • Love:  Matthew 1:21

    • Following Jesus leads us to know the promised love that God has for mankind as shown through the giving of His Son.  We grow in becoming like Christ when we both accept this promised love and then share this same love with all people.

  • Dwelling:  Matthew 1:22-23

    • Following Jesus is possible because of God becoming a child and dwelling among us.  We learn how to grow in Christ because of God through His Spirit dwelling within us.

Today, how will you experience the promised CHILD?