Encouragement and Prayer: Scripture For Rebuking! (2/21/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Scripture For Rebuking! (2/21/24)

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This is the audio from the February 21, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to value it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others with great care and love when it is necessary.

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: Scripture For Teaching! (2/20/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Scripture For Teaching! (2/20/24)

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This is the audio from the February 20, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to value it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Immeasurably More Scripture: The WORD of Truth! (Sermon Audio)
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Immeasurably More Scripture: The WORD of Truth! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the February 18, 2024 sermon, “Immeasurably More Scripture: The WORD of Truth!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

“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)

This morning’s message concluded a sermon series designed to help us look at some of the immeasurably more God desires to do in us, through us, and for us.  Often when we think about immeasurably more, it focuses on what we want to receive.  God, on the other hand, is more concerned about what He will do to make the good news of the kingdom grow.  So far we have looked at the immeasurably more that God wants to do in our prayer life, in the way we love, in our serving, in our giving, in compassion, and in our gratitude.  Today we gazed into God’s Word to consider the immeasurably more Scripture that ought to be active in our life because of Jesus.  While the quantity of Scripture which we have remains constant, the immeasurably more aspect of it has to do with our response to God’s Word and our allowance for it to direct every aspect of life.  It is through the acceptance and application of God’s Word that we discover the . . .

  • Wisdom of Truth: — 2 Timothy 3:14-15

    • Paul instructed Timothy to continue in what he had learned because there was great wisdom in the things of God which had been taught to him throughout his life.  Having already addressed a form of godliness which left out Christ and therefor had no power, Paul makes it clear that the wisdom which comes from God will lead us to the way of salvation.  When we encounter the Word of truth, we discover a wisdom that reveals the nature of God to us through Jesus.

  • Origin of Truth: — 2 Timothy 3:16

    • After having warned Timothy about false teachings and those who would spread such, he wants Timothy to consider the source of all information and find God as the origin of all Scripture.  Understanding and accepting that all Scripture is God-breathed should convey the urgency in our acceptance and practice of what it says.  When we encounter the Word of truth, we come face to face with an origin that is without fault.

  • Restraint of Truth: — 2 Timothy 3:16

    • Few people like to be told what to do or to have any restrictions placed upon them by someone else.  At least not until those restrictions are shown to be for our protection and good.  Paul makes it clear that all Scripture is useful in providing the boundaries we need in life through using it for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.  When we encounter the Word of truth, we benefit greatly by the restraint it brings to our life.

  • Doing of Truth: — 2 Timothy 3:17

    • Scripture was never meant to simply be a body of information to be studied, memorized, and dissected.  In fact, Paul makes it clear that the wisdom, origin, and restraint of Scripture was all designed to equip us for the doing of it.  God’s Word tells us that we should not simply be hearers of what it says, but that we should do what it says!  When we encounter the Word of truth, we are compelled and equipped to do every good work God would call us to.

Today, how will you apply the WORD of truth in your life?

Encouragement and Prayer: Scripture From God! (2/19/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Scripture From God! (2/19/24)

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

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to value it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“For prophecy [God’s Word] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.

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: Thankful For One Another! (2/16/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Thankful For One Another! (2/16/24)

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

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear it.

“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”
1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life.  Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer.

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: Thankfulness Which Glorifies God! (2/15/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Thankfulness Which Glorifies God! (2/15/23)

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

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear it.

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God.  Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful.

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: Thankful For What God Has Done! (2/14/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Thankful For What God Has Done! (2/14/23)

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

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear it.

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”
Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you would give Him thanks for doing so.  Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great 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: Thankful In Song! (2/13/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Thankful In Song! (2/13/23)

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This is the audio from the February 13, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear it.

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

 As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly.  Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others.

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

In prayer,
Tom