Godly Vision – A Vision To BLESS! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision To BLESS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 20, 2024 sermon, “A Vision To BLESS!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 8

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” 
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision to . . .

  • Believe:  Zechariah 8:1-6

    • A vision to bless calls for us to believe in people in the same manner in which God believes in us.  God calls us to Himself to be a blessing to the world not because He believes in our ability to do so, but because He believes in His ability to work through us.  When we believe in God’s ability to transform any person, we are better able to bless them. 

  • Love:  Zechariah 8:7-13

    • A vision to bless will result in a choice to love people with the same love which God has for us.  The love of God is poured out upon mankind in a manner which reflects His nature and His desire to bless us without regard to our worthiness.  It is our experience of God’s love which should lead us to bless others regardless of our view of their worthiness..  

  • Express:  Zechariah 8:14-17

    • A vision to bless will lead us to express God’s goodness to others.  When we believe in people and love people the way God believes in us and loves us, we find appropriate ways to express that belief and love.  There is something special and significant about an expressed blessing that lifts a person beyond themselves as they begin to see the potential which God has put in their life.  It is God’s expression of His love for us which ought to lead us expressing a blessing upon others.

  • Serve:  Zechariah 8:18-19

    • A vision to bless will result in a greater desire to serve God in the way we serve others.  Jesus made it clear through His words and His example that we rise to greatness when we choose to serve others.  In fact, Jesus says that the way we serve “the least of these, my brethren” is the way we serve Him.  While we may be tempted to “bless” others in the way we would want to be blessed, God gives us a vision to bless others as we serve them according to their need.

  • Sacrifice:  Zechariah 8:20-23

    • A vision to bless will be a costly decision of sacrifice, but one which is worth all that you might be asked to pay.  As we take on the nature of Jesus, we must consider the needs of others to be more important to us than our own.  As God’s children, we are called to be a blessing to the world and we do so when we are willing to sacrifice our own wants, desires, and even needs in order to see others blessed by God through us.

Today, how will you choose to BLESS?

Encouragement and Prayer: Truth Which Is Handled Correctly! (10/18/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Truth Which Is Handled Correctly! (10/18/24)

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This is the audio from the October 18, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that you would be an eager student of God’s Word so that you would handle its truth correctly.  Pray for wisdom in the way you use the truth of God’s Word in your own life and in the lives of others.

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: Truth Which Supports and Protects! (10/17/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Truth Which Supports and Protects! (10/17/24)

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This is the audio from the October 17, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that you would know how the truth of God holds together everything which is necessary for you to be protected from the attacks of the enemy.  Pray that you would stand firm in the truth of God’s Word as it lifts you up and protects you from the destructive nature of deceit.

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: Truth Which Remains! (10/16/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Truth Which Remains! (10/16/24)

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

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.”
Galatians 2:5 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that you would hold fast to truth while the enemy tries to snatch if from you.  Pray for the spiritual strength to withstand the opposition to truth which is so prevalent in the world.  Pray that the truth of the good news of Jesus would remain with you at all times.

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: Truth Which Purifies! (10/15/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Truth Which Purifies! (10/15/24)

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This is the audio from the October 15, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that your love for others would increase as you are continually purified through an obedience to the truth.  Pray that the people around you would experience a purity of truth which helps them grow in love.

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: Truth In Judgment! (10/14/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Truth In Judgment! (10/14/24)

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This is the audio from the October 14, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.”
Romans 2:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that you would accept the truthfulness of God’s judgment against the sin in your life.  Pray for wisdom in sharing with others regarding God’s judgment against sin.  Pray for hearts and lives to be transformed by the blood of Jesus as the only way to overcome true judgment.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision of TRUTH! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of TRUTH! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 13, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of TRUTH!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 7

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  
John 18:37 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision of . . .

  • Tradition:  Zechariah 7:1-3

    • A vision of truth will cause us to look at the traditions we hold on to.  Traditions can easily become either the holy grail which can’t be messed with or the scapegoat which ought to be removed at all cost.  While either of those extremes would be somewhat easy to identify and deal with, the truth of of traditions is generally a more complicated issue.  God’s desire is that we hold fast to the traditions of truth which are foundational in His Word while letting go of the traditions of our own which keep us from knowing real truth. 

  • Reality:  Zechariah 7:4-7

    • A vision of truth will lead us to look at the reality of our motives in responding to God’s Word.  When we continue to do something good when the motivation is all about pleasing our self, the result will be an unnatural and unexpected distance from God.  God always knows not just the reality of our actions, He knows the reality of why we do what we do and if it is to honor Him or self.  

  • Understanding:  Zechariah 7:8-10

    • A vision of truth will result in our seeking an understanding from God in regard to both the traditions we follow and the reality of why we observe them.  The truth of God’s Word always reveals the application of how we ought to treat others, especially those who are underserved, ignored, or abused.  God’s truth is for everyone and it is our responsibility as God’s children to have an understanding and practice which shares the good news of Jesus with all people.

  • Trouble:  Zechariah 7:11-12

    • A vision of truth will make known to us, and to those around us, that there will always be trouble present in this world.  When we are truthful with ourselves and with others, we communicate the trouble we have caused as well as the trouble we have experienced beyond our control.  While Jesus clearly teaches that trouble will be present in this world, there is  a greater trouble we must be aware of, and that is the trouble when we reject God and find ourselves on the receiving end of His wrath.  This trouble which will come upon all those who reject Jesus can be avoided as we surrender to Him and find ourselves welcomed into His kingdom on the day of judgment.

  • Hearing:  Zechariah 7:13-14

    • A vision of truth comes from a willingness and desire to hear the Word of God in a way that leads us to action.  The Bible makes it clear that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”  The good news is the Bible also states that “faith come by hearing and hearing comes through the Word of God.”  While the people of God refused to listen to Him and thus found themselves unheard when they cried out to God, we can learn from their error and choose to listen to God’s Word in a way which produces action in our life.

Today, how will you respond to TRUTH?

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Sown! (10/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Sown! (10/11/24)

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

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would be aware of the seeds of peace which have been sown in your life.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker who sows those same seeds of God’s peace into the lives of others.  Pray for eyes which look forward to a harvest of righteousness from the seeds you are planting today.

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

In prayer,
Tom