Building For Revival: Sit With God and PLAN! (Sermon Audio)
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Building For Revival: Sit With God and PLAN! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the April 14, 2024 sermon, “Building For Revival: Sit With God and PLAN!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Nehemiah 1

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

This morning’s message began a series from the book of Nehemiah about Building For Revival.  As with any construction project, building for revival takes a lot of work.  Some of that work is exciting and looks a lot like the finished product.  But as tempting as it may be to jump right into the more exciting tasks, the foundation for revival of any kind is to sit with God and . . .

  • Pray: — Nehemiah 1:4-5

    • Because the real foundation of revival is Jesus, it is important that our plan involves pursuing the will of God in all things.  With God in charge, we plan most effectively when we sit with God and weep, mourn, fast, and pray.  Real revival takes place in our life, and then spreads by God’s Spirit through us, when we choose to be devoted to prayer.  Nehemiah wasn’t satisfied to simply say, “God help us!” and then move on.  He spent days and nights in all forms of communication with God as he began to plan for revival.  We plan for revival when we choose to sit with God and pray in a genuine and steadfast manner.

  • Listen: — Nehemiah 1:8-11

    • As Nehemiah sat with God to plan revival, we see evidence that he was willing to listen because he had been listening all along.  His prayer includes a reminder of God’s promises and His goodness.  Since God is not forgetful, I believe this was a statement to himself, to us, and to God that Nehemiah was listening all along.  Things looked bleak and some would even say beyond hope, but Nehemiah chose to listen to God rather than the enemy.  The enemy wants to convince every person that we have failed beyond the power of God to revive us.  We plan for revival when we listen to God as we spend time in His Word and with His Spirit where we discover His desire is for restoration.

  • Acknowledge: — Nehemiah 1:5-7

    • I believe one of the greatest hindrances to revival at any level from individually to nationally, is a failure to acknowledge that we need revived.  Oh, it can be easy to look at others and say they need revival, but to look at our self and believe revival is necessary can be another story.  Nehemiah sat with God and acknowledged not only the sin of the people of Israel, but his own sin and that of his family.  For the most part, we simply will not change if we don’t think we need to.  We plan for revival when we sit with God and acknowledge our sin creates a need that only He can satisfy.

  • Notice: — Nehemiah 1:1-3

    • The whole catalyst for Nehemiah moving from servant to builder to governor was a willingness to notice the needs of others.  While not the most glamorous of occupations, life for Nehemiah as cupbearer to the king was likely comfortable as long as the kingdom was at peace.  Nehemiah was motivated to sit with God and plan because he took the initiative to notice what life was like for those back in his homeland of Israel, and specifically of Jerusalem.  Revival is about us, but it is not only about us.  A true revival in our life will always lead us to represent Jesus in ways that both notices and does something about the needs of others.  We plan for revival when we sit with God and choose to notice the needs of others.

Today, how will you PLAN for revival?

Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (4/12/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (4/12/24)

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

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Acts 4:29 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God about how He would have you involved in missions for everyone.  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel.

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: Effectiveness! (4/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Effectiveness! (4/11/24)

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

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God about how He would have you involved in missions for everyone.  Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  Pray that an obedience to those open doors would bear much fruit for the kingdom.

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: Wisdom! (4/10/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Wisdom! (4/10/24)

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

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”
2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God about how He would have you involved in missions for everyone.  Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  Pray that the good news of Jesus being shared through our missions would be accepted as godly wisdom.

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: Provision! (4/9/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Provision! (4/9/24)

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

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:17,19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God about how He would have you involved in missions for everyone.  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give 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: Encouragement! (4/8/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Encouragement! (4/8/24)

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This is the audio from the April 8, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”
Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God about how He would have you involved in missions for everyone.  Pray that God would help you find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  Pray that those being served by our missions would be encouraged.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Good News: The Path of LIFE! (Sermon Audio)
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Good News: The Path of LIFE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the March 31, 2024 sermon, “Good News: The Path of LIFE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Luke 24

“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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

This morning’s message concluded our Good News series from the gospel of Luke. This section of the series took us to Resurrection Sunday as we gazed into the life of Jesus during His final week leading up to, and through, His resurrection.  As the world pauses on what is known as Easter Sunday, we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  After the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, some of the women among His followers went to the tomb early on the first day of the week to finish the burial preparations that had been postponed due to the Sabbath.  What they found as they walked the path to through the garden was an empty tomb where Jesus had been.  The journey which they thought was a path of death turned quickly into the path of life as they ran from that place to tell the good news.  As Jesus began to appear to His disciples, we find the good news of the path of . . .

  • Love: — Luke 24:1-12

    • The good news of the resurrection of Jesus was discovered by some women who were on a path of love.  Their intent was to take care of the burial preparations that had been postponed in order to observe the Sabbath.  In this path of life, the love between Jesus and His followers spread from person to person until all would hear the good news.

  • Instruction: — Luke 24:13-35

    • The good news of the resurrection of Jesus continued down the path of life where it intersected with the path of instruction as two of the followers of Jesus walked a sad an lonely journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  It was on this journey that Jesus joined them and explained from scripture all that had happened was according to God’s plan.  As the eyes of these followers were finally opened in recognition of Jesus, the same road that they had learned on once again became the path of instruction as they returned at once to tell the others

  • Fellowship: — Luke 24:36-49

    • The good news of the resurrection of Jesus followed the path of life through love and instruction where it joined the path of fellowship.  As the followers who had encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus returned to Jerusalem to share the good news, Jesus appeared among them with visible and physical proof that He was indeed alive.  In the midst of their doubt, Jesus ate with them on the path of fellowship as they continued to receive instruction from Him.

  • Enjoyment: — Luke 24:50-53

    • The good news of the resurrection of Jesus followed the path of life to a place of enjoyment as His disciples witnessed the ascension of Jesus back into heaven.  Rather than being disappointed at His departure, they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  Their time with Jesus after His resurrection would change not only their lives, but also the trajectory of the entire world.  This path of life had truly become the path of enjoyment for all who would put their faith in Jesus.

Today, how will you walk the path of LIFE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Fellowship Of Suffering! (3/29/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Fellowship Of Suffering! (3/29/24)

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

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our identification with the suffering of Christ.  Jesus stated that we would have trouble in this world but we should not be overwhelmed, rather we should take heart, because He has overcome the world.  As we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we understand that His time to die was actually good news for all who sin . . . which is everyone.  When Christ calls all who would follow Him to take up our cross daily, He does it with an awareness that we must die to self in order to be raised to new life.  In our prayer time we will seek to learn how to rejoice in the suffering we experience because of our relationship with Christ.  Pray that you would experience the goodness of God in the midst of your suffering.  Pray the glory of God is revealed in you as you die to self and live for Christ.

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God not only about your suffering but about how you can help and encourage others who suffer.  Pray that you would see suffering for the sake of Christ as a fellowship with Him in His sufferings on your behalf.  Pray that you would know Christ in a way that fills you with a confidence in joining His resurrection.

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

In prayer,
Tom