Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready For Action! (7/26/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready For Action! (7/26/24)

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

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that your mind would always be ready to lead the action God calls you to.  Pray that God’s grace would not only guard your mind, but would lead it into action.

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: Be Ready To Do Good! (7/25/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready To Do Good! (7/25/24)

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This is the audio from the July 25, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Titus 3:1 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that your obedience to those in authority would prepare you to do whatever is good.  Pray for those in authority, that their decisions would allow you to do good most effectively.  Pray that you would know, and do, the good you ought to do.

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: Be Ready To Serve! (7/24/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready To Serve! (7/24/24)

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This is the audio from the July 24, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that God’s gifting in the lives of others would prepare you for the works of service that are yours to do.  Pray that God’s gifting in your life would prepare others for works of service.

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: Be Ready To Give! (7/23/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready To Give! (7/23/24)

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This is the audio from the July 23, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”
2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that you would be prepared to give in accordance to the desire God has placed within you.  Pray that your readiness to give generously would be an encouragement and example to 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: Be Ready For Jesus! (7/22/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Be Ready For Jesus! (7/22/24)

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This is the audio from the July 22, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would grow in such a way that you are ready for His return at any time.  Pray that you would know the urgency of sharing about Jesus with others so they will be ready.

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

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This is the audio from the July 21, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be READY!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 3

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 (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 . . .

  • Respectful:  1 Peter 3:1-7

    • One of the things that often gets lost when people look at the first part of 1 Peter 3 is the context of submitting to one another so that we are ready to give an answer for the hope which lies within us.  God’s desire is that our attitude toward one another would be respectful so that unbelievers would desire to know the Savior we know.  When our submission is a reflection of our reverence for Christ, we find that it has purpose and brings fulfillment to us and to others.

  • Encouraging:  1 Peter 3:8-9

    • The world is filled with so many discouraging things which weigh us down and attempt to keep us from being ready to share the good news of Jesus and His return.  The way in which we encourage one another goes a long way in not only helping others remain faithful, but i helping us be ready to share about the hope Jesus gives us.  The Bible says we ought to be actively involved in meeting together for the purpose of encouragement, and to be doing so more and more as we see the day of Christ’s return approaching.  When we are encouraged, and encouraging, we prepare ourselves to be ready.

  • Active:  1 Peter 3:10-14

    • Being ready is not something that passively occurs simply because we want it to happen.  God’s Word instructs us to be active in our participation even as God’s Spirit does the work of conviction and transformation.  Refraining from evil and doing good requires an active desire on our part to know that which is God’s good and perfect will, and then set about with the fruit of God’s Spirit to help us live according to that will.  We find ourselves ready when we are active in our repentance and obedience to all God’s instructions.

  • Direct:  1 Peter 3:15-17

    • Many of us like to be liked, so it often becomes difficult to be as direct as we ought to be.  When asked about the hope that lies within us, we beat around the bush so badly that the truth of Jesus being that hope never gets heard.  The necessary balance to being direct is to do so with gentleness and respect.  Helping a fellow believer notice a sin in their life which they may be blinded to, must be done with love, compassion, and care.  Our answer about what God has done in our life should be as clear as possible so that others would know the hope they desire is attainable.

  • Yielded:  1 Peter 3:18-22

    • Being ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us begins by first setting apart Christ as Lord in our life.   We live a life yielded to Him and a life that continues to yield to Him.  Being immersed into Christ often makes no logical sense other than it is an act of obedience which identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  It is God choosing to work in us a resurrection from the deadness of sin which had laid claim to our soul.  If the heart of being ready involves submission to one another, the foundation on which we build is a life fully yielded to God.

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

Encouragement and Prayer: A Living Example! (7/19/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Living Example! (7/19/24)

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This is the audio from the July 19, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be a living stone in the likeness of Jesus.  When we build with the materials of this world, even our best efforts are only temporary.  To build something which lasts for eternity, we must build not only on the foundation of Jesus but also with the building blocks of one whom He lives in.  When we become the living temple of God, He not only dwells within us but He uses us to grow a living kingdom.  Pray that you would choose to be a stone useful to the Master Builder.  Pray about how God uses your acceptance of Him to build you into a spiritual house where He can dwell.  Pray about how your life can be lived as a spiritual sacrifice which is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would build well with others as you allow God to place His living stones where they are needed within His kingdom.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:5 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the eternal nature of being a living stone.  Pray that you would continually grow in your knowledge and understanding of the example of Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus in increasing ways each day.  Pray that you would be a godly example in all circumstances.  Pray that your example would be one that is lived and not just said.

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: A Living Nation! (7/18/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Living Nation! (7/18/24)

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

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be a living stone in the likeness of Jesus.  When we build with the materials of this world, even our best efforts are only temporary.  To build something which lasts for eternity, we must build not only on the foundation of Jesus but also with the building blocks of one whom He lives in.  When we become the living temple of God, He not only dwells within us but He uses us to grow a living kingdom.  Pray that you would choose to be a stone useful to the Master Builder.  Pray about how God uses your acceptance of Him to build you into a spiritual house where He can dwell.  Pray about how your life can be lived as a spiritual sacrifice which is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would build well with others as you allow God to place His living stones where they are needed within His kingdom.

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”
John 18:36 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the eternal nature of being a living stone.  Pray that your life would become a praise offering to God as you choose to be a kingdom citizen.  Ask God to help you know you belong to a holy nation that exceeds any nation of this world.

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

In prayer,
Tom