Encouragement and Prayer: The Endurance of Truth! (11/27/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: The Endurance of Truth! (11/27/25)

This is the audio from the November 27, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Proverbs 12:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that your words and life would speak truth which endures forever.  Pray that you would reject the temptation of momentary untruthfulness.  Ask God to help you endure in truthfulness as you reject the lies of this world in both the speaking of such lies and the acceptance of them.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Trust! (11/26/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Trust! (11/26/25)

This is the audio from the November 26, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
Psalm 125:1 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that your trust of God would endure through all things.  Pray that your faith would not be shaken by the troubles which you face in this world.  Pray that you would stand firm in the Lord because of your enduring trust.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Inheritance! (11/25/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Inheritance! (11/25/25)

This is the audio from the November 25, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.”
Psalm 37:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that you would keep your mind and eyes focused on the inheritance that awaits those who belong to God.  Pray that your blameless walk would be the result of the goodness of God and lead you to an enduring inheritance which cannot be taken away.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Fear of the Lord! (11/24/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: An Enduring Fear of the Lord! (11/24/25)

This is the audio from the November 24, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.  The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.”
Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that you would always hold fast to a healthy fear of the Lord that endures through all things.  Pray that a proper fear of the Lord would lead you to follow God’s commands with confidence.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Exceedingly Great Joy: Making It LAST! (Sermon Audio)

Exceedingly Great Joy: Making It LAST! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the November 23, 2025 sermon, “Exceedingly Great Joy: Making It LAST!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Philippians 1:12-30

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Today, we continue a sermon series through Philippians about Exceedingly Great Joy and we consider how to live with an enduring joy!  Even as a prisoner himself, Paul knew the secret to the exceedingly great joy expressed by the Magi and he sought to instruct the Philippians, and us, about how to live with a joy that endures all things.  At the heart of living with such joy is the need for each of us make our joy . . .

  • LoudPhilippians 1:12-14

    • Making your joy loud is not always about volume, often times it is more about visibility.  With the help of God, Paul made his joy heard throughout the entire palace guard and it caught the attention of believers everywhere who were now filled with courage to also share the good news of Jesus. 
  • Active:  Philippians 1:15-19

    • Making your joy active will change how you respond to the troubles of this world.  It is the active element of joy which moves beyond an intellectual knowledge of God being able to work all things together for good, to a willing participation in using your struggles and weakness for God’s glory.
  • Strong:  Philippians 1:20-26

    • Making your joy strong will lead you to hold on to God and His promises when the enemy is tempting you to let go.  An enduring joy will fill you with hope because you understand that in Christ all will be accomplished for His good and His glory whether the outcome is what you initially want or not.
  • Thankful:  Philippians 1:27-30

    • Making your joy thankful will not only fill you with gratitude, but it will become a contagious force in leading others to find joy in Christ.  While perhaps not quite as contagious as grumbling seems to be, the spread of joy is nearly impossible to stop once we learn to be thankful in all circumstances.

Today, how will you make joy LAST?

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray With a Clear Mind! (11/21/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray With a Clear Mind! (11/21/25)

This is the audio from the November 21, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray with joy!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”
1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Ask God to help you overcome distractions that keep you from praying as you ought.  Pray that you would recognize in the brevity of life the importance of praying with a clear mind and with self control.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray During Times of Trouble! (11/20/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray During Times of Trouble! (11/20/25)

This is the audio from the November 20, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray with joy!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”
James 5:13 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Ask God to help you look to him in times of trouble — whether it is trouble you face or trouble those around you experience.  Pray that you would know the praise of peace that comes to those who seek God in times of trouble.  Pray for the courage to have others pray for you during times of trouble.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray For Restoration! (11/19/25)

Encouragement and Prayer: Pray For Restoration! (11/19/25)

This is the audio from the November 19, 2025 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

~

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray with joy!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.”
Hebrews 13:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Ask God to help you notice those who are distant and need to be restored.  Pray that you would not only be restored to God, but that you would seek God’s help in seeing people restored to one another.  Pray about specific individuals and situations in which you need to be restored.

You can find the live video feeds of previous 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