Encouragement and Prayer: Called Sheep! (8/5/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Called Sheep! (8/5/24)

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This is the audio from the August 5, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be sheep of His pasture.  If you spend much time with sheep, you will likely discover that this isn’t the most complimentary word picture God could have used for us — though rather fitting.  The great part about being sheep is that we are chosen by the greatest Shepherd to be His sheep and His care for us is always for our good.  Pray that you would desire to be a “sheep of his pasture”.  Pray that you would live as one who knows and listens to the voice of Jesus through His Word and His Spirit.  Pray for those whom God has called within His church to be shepherds of people.  Pray for human shepherds who serve with the same spirit as the Good Shepherd they serve under.  Pray that the people around you each day would hear and know the voice of the Good Shepherd, and choose to follow Him.

“The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
John 10:3 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one chosen by Him.  Pray that you would be inclined to respond to the call of Jesus as He asks you to be His.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would open the gate for others to respond to His calling them by name to come belong to Him.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Chosen To Be . . . SHEEP! (Sermon Audio)
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Chosen To Be . . . SHEEP! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the August 4, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be SHEEP!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 5

“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

This morning’s message continued a series through 1 & 2 Peter with a theme of “Chosen To Be . . . “.  As God works the miracle of revival in our life, we discover He does so as the God who chooses us!  This is an important message to all who feel distant from God for whatever reason.  To those believers who are scattered around the known world, God communicates a message that they are known by Him, loved by Him, and chosen by Him.  As we gaze into God’s Word and examine what it means to be chosen by God, we find that we have been chosen to be . . .

  • Submissive:  1 Peter 5:1-4

    • It is the responsibility of each believer to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Even those who have leadership roles of any kind are to lead in such a way that they are serving those being led as they submit to the lordship of Jesus.  Shepherds of people only have that role as servants of the Chief Shepherd who sets the example of submission to God in all things.

  • Humble:  1 Peter 5:5-6

    • Our submissiveness is only possible when we learn to take on the attitude of humility which was found in Christ Jesus.  We’re just sheep in the pasture of God, and as such we’re not better or worse than the other sheep which belong to Him.  It is through a spirit of humility that we find ourselves prepared to be lifted by God in ways we could never lift ourselves.

  • Equipped:  1 Peter 5:7-11

    • The good news of being sheep is that it is the responsibility of the Good Shepherd to equip us with the protection which is necessary to stand against the attacks of the evil one.  Our ability to resist the temptations of evil is possible because our Shepherd equips us with spiritual armor that helps us to stand on the day of evil.

  • Encouraged:  1 Peter 5:12

    • As sheep of God’s pasture, we are part of a herd.  This means we are not meant to do life alone and we are not left to do life alone.  It is said that hurt people hurt people, which I believe to be true.  The good news for the believer is that it is also true that encouraged people encourage people.  We have the responsibility, and ability, to encourage others with the same encouragement that we ourselves receive through our connection with Jesus as our Good Shepherd.

  • Peaceful:  1 Peter 5:13-14

    • Some animals, and people, just seem to be mean by nature — good sheep are generally not that way.  In fact, as sheep of God’s pasture, He calls us to not only live at peace as far as it depends upon us, but to also be a peacemaker in everything we do.  When we surrender our desire to be in charge and learn to be a submissive, humble, equipped, and encouraged sheep with Jesus as the Chief Shepherd, we find the secret to a peaceful life in Christ.

Today, how will you live as one chosen to be SHEEP?

Encouragement and Prayer: Live For Righteousness! (8/2/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Live For Righteousness! (8/2/24)

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This is the audio from the August 2, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

 “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that you would understand the price paid to declare you righteous.  Pray that you would live for righteousness by dying to sin daily.  Pray that you would share a message of healing through choosing a righteous 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: Harvest Of Righteousness! (8/1/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Harvest Of Righteousness! (8/1/24)

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This is the audio from the August 1, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

 “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as a means of producing righteousness.  Pray that you would share with others the peace that you have because of God’s discipline.

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: Trained In Righteousness! (7/31/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Trained In Righteousness! (7/31/24)

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

 “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that you would be a good student of God’s Word so that it would be used accurately in your life.  Pray that the training in righteousness you receive from God’s Word would equip you for every good work.

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: Pursue Righteousness! (7/30/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Pursue Righteousness! (7/30/24)

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

 “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that you would be active in pursuing a life of righteousness along with others who seek God.  Pray that your pursuit of righteousness would include a deliberate fleeing from evil desires.

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: Protected By Righteousness! (7/29/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Protected By Righteousness! (7/29/24)

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This is the audio from the July 29, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

 “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that your heart would be protected by righteousness as you put on the full armor of God.  Pray that the righteousness you have in Christ would serve as your protection against the attacks of the evil one.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Chosen To Be . . . RIGHTeous! (Sermon Audio)
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Chosen To Be . . . RIGHTeous! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 28, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be RIGHTeous!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 4

“Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

This morning’s message continued a series through 1 & 2 Peter with a theme of “Chosen To Be . . . “.  As God works the miracle of revival in our life, we discover He does so as the God who chooses us!  This is an important message to all who feel distant from God for whatever reason.  To those believers who are scattered around the known world, God communicates a message that they are known by Him, loved by Him, and chosen by Him.  As we gaze into God’s Word and examine what it means to be chosen by God, we find that we have been chosen to be . . .

  • Repentant:  1 Peter 4:1-4

    • Since we do not have a righteousness of our own, a change must take place for us to be declared righteous.  That change comes in the form of our repentance from all that is sinful.  When we choose to identify with the suffering of Christ, we choose to die to sin which means it has been rejected by us and we now live in a new way.  Our desire for sin is dead and our repentance leads us toward the righteousness which can be found in Christ.

  • Instructed:  1 Peter 4:5-7

    • In a world filled with information, it can be challenging to know what is good and right.  In fact, many will tell us to go by what we feel or by what makes us happy.  Unfortunately, going along with the world will never lead to righteousness simply because the world is caught up in a pursuit of evil desire.  It is when we turn to God’s Word for true instruction that we find ourselves being cleansed of all unrighteousness so that we are prepared for God to judge us according to the spirit.

  • Giving:  1 Peter 4:8-10

    • While the hallmark of unrighteousness is selfishness, the shining star of righteousness is love.  But the love defined by righteousness is not a love which is self-serving, but rather a love which is giving.  When we are declared righteous by God, we recognize that everything we have has come to us as a gift from God.  Our understanding of God as the owner of all things should lead us to be a more generous person as we seek to reflect the nature of God.

  • Humble:  1 Peter 4:11

    • Sometimes the temptation of being declared righteous is that we begin to think we are good enough to actually be righteous.  When we use the gifting of God in our life to serve others, we do so with the humility which gives God the credit for all the good being done.  It is a spirit of humility which helps us serve with an attitude that considers the needs of others to be more important than our own.

  • Tested:  1 Peter 4:12-19

    • Perhaps the most difficult part of being declared righteous is the testing that takes place in this world.  We want to think that being right with God should remove all trouble from our life, yet Jesus declared that in this world we would have trouble.  Just as a test in school is designed to confirm what we know, the testing of our faith through the trials and struggles of life serve to confirm the righteousness God has declared is ours.

Today, how will you live as one chosen to be RIGHTeous?