Encouragement and Prayer: Grow Submissively! (12/31/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Grow Submissively! (12/31/23)

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This is the audio from the December 31, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some important elements that exist in increasing measure as the good news of Jesus grows in us.  We can be strong in the Lord because of the power of God at work through our weaknesses.  But that doesn’t mean that we can sit back and take a passive role in growing strong.  No, God has work for us to do as we grow in the characteristics that His Spirit produces in our life.  We grow strong when we put on the full armor of God so that we are equipped to stand against the schemes of the devil.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see strength from His perspective.  Pray that you would not only put on the full armor of God, but that you would check it each day to make sure you are still using it.  Pray that you would pursue the things of God that make you strong — not necessarily strong by the world’s standards, but strong according to God.  Pray for the wisdom to live with the strength only God can give.

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Romans 15:1 (NIV)

Pray that you would have the strength to submit not only to Christ, but also to the needs of others.  Pray that your strength will allow you to submit even when others fail due to weakness.  Pray that your desire to please God would continually grow.

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 of Christmas: Good News Must GROW! (Sermon Audio)
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Good News of Christmas: Good News Must GROW! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 31, 2023 sermon, “Good News of Christmas: Good News Must GROW”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Luke 2:21-52

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Luke 2:52 (NIV)

Today I concluded a Christmas series from the gospel of Luke as we continued to gaze deeply into God’s Word to find the good news of Jesus shared with us by Luke the physician.  Throughout the month of December we have looked at The Good News of Christmas as found in the first two chapters of Luke.  After taking time last week to examine the good news born to all mankind, this week we considered what took place after the birth of Jesus.  When the good news of Christ is born to us, there is an expectation that we accept it and that it would grow in us.  As the good news grows, we find it is time for us to . . .

  • Give: — Luke 2:22-24

    • The good news of Jesus grew as those who had experienced it began to give it to others.  The example of giving began with God in the giving of His Son to be Emanuel, God with us.  Mary and Joseph continued the giving as they gave to God that which was required by the law.  As we experience Jesus being born in us, we have the responsibility to give that good news to others.  Our giving must first be of our self and then our treasure, talents, and time will follow.

  • Receive: —  Luke 2:33-35

    • The good news of Jesus grew as those who had experienced realized it was not something they had earned or accumulated of their own power, but rather it was something they had received.  The Bible asks the somewhat rhetorical question, “what do you have that you have not received, and if you have received it why do you act like you haven’t?”.  Mary and Joseph received blessings from God and from those God prompted to acknowledge the birth of Jesus.  As we experience Jesus being born in us, we must do so knowing that it is a gift of God for us and for all who would believe.  Our receiving from God must be done with open hands that willingly share because we understand who owns what we have received.

  • Obey: — Luke 2:39-40, 50-51

    • The good news of Jesus grew as those who had experienced it understood the obedience that was required by God.  The entire Christmas story from Jesus, to Mary & Joseph, to the shepherds, to the wise men, and to you & I is all about obedience to the will of the Father.  As Mary and Joseph went through the process of being parents to the Son of God, they did so with full obedience to the Word of God.  Even Jesus as He grew understood the need to obey Mary and Joseph as His parents here on earth.  As we experience Jesus being born in us, we find a clear call from God to obey all that He has commanded.

  • Worship: — Luke 2:29-32, 36-38

    • The good news of Jesus grew as those who had experienced it chose to worship God in every way possible.  Those who were surprised by the coming of Jesus, like the shepherds, chose to worship Him.  Those who had been anticipating and longing for the birth of Jesus, like Simeon and Anna, chose to worship Him.  It is the offering of ourselves as living sacrifices that God deems a reasonable, or acceptable, act of worship on our part.  As we experience Jesus being born in us, our response every day ought to be a response of worship.

Today, how will the good news of Jesus help you GROW?

Encouragement and Prayer: Jesus! (12/29/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Jesus! (12/29/23)

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This is the audio from the December 29, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

As we pray this week, our focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — Jesus!  The good news of God took on flesh and dwelt among us as the one born King of the Jews.  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth in human form.  Pray each day about that specific aspect of who Jesus is, not only who He is in history but who He is in your life.  Pray that you would know Jesus not just by name, but in a personal relationship that equips you to share Him with others.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His role in each aspect of who He is.  Pray about how God would have you reflect the nature of Jesus to everyone you meet.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”
1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you consider, not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves.

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: Prince of Peace! (12/28/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Prince of Peace! (12/28/23)

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This is the audio from the December 28, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

As we pray this week, our focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — Jesus!  The good news of God took on flesh and dwelt among us as the one born King of the Jews.  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth in human form.  Pray each day about that specific aspect of who Jesus is, not only who He is in history but who He is in your life.  Pray that you would know Jesus not just by name, but in a personal relationship that equips you to share Him with others.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His role in each aspect of who He is.  Pray about how God would have you reflect the nature of Jesus to everyone you meet.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you consider, not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would grow as a peacemaker because of the presence of Jesus in your life.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your 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: Everlasting Father! (12/27/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Everlasting Father! (12/27/23)

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This is the audio from the December 27, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

As we pray this week, our focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — Jesus!  The good news of God took on flesh and dwelt among us as the one born King of the Jews.  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth in human form.  As you pray, ask God to help you consider, not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray each day about that specific aspect of who Jesus is, not only who He is in history but who He is in your life.  Pray that you would know Jesus not just by name, but in a personal relationship that equips you to share Him with others.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His role in each aspect of who He is.  Pray about how God would have you reflect the nature of Jesus to everyone you meet.

“’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”
John 8:58 (NIV)

Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you live with confidence in His promises.  Pray that the people around you would know true hope because of an everlasting Father.

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 of Christmas: Good News Is BORN! (Sermon Audio)
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Good News of Christmas: Good News Is BORN! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 24, 2023 sermon, “Good News of Christmas: SONG”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Luke 2:1-20

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Today I continued a series from the gospel of Luke as we gaze deeply into God’s Word to find the good news of Jesus shared with us by Luke the physician.  Throughout the month of December we will continue our Good News series with a look at The Good News of Christmas as found in the first two chapters of Luke.  In the small town of Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to a son and placed him in a manger because there was no room in the inn.  At that moment, the seed of good news which had been growing in Mary was born and it changed the world forever.  After the official birth announcement was given to a group of shepherds, we find an appropriate response which teaches us that good news must be . . .

  • Believed: — Luke 2:8-15, Mark 1:15

    • As the recipients of the official birth announcement concerning Jesus, the shepherds had a choice about what they would do with the information.  Do they believe the good news given to them, or not?  Granted, when the proclamation is given by an angel who is joined by a “great company of the heavenly hosts”, the credibility of the message would seem to be great.  As Jesus began His ministry here on earth, His call was for all who would hear the good news of the kingdom of God to repent and believe.  We are faced with a similar decision when the good news of Christmas is presented to us, and the appropriate response is belief.

  • Observed: —  Luke 2:16, James 1:25

    • While the flesh tends to operate on a seeing is believing basis, faith says that believing is seeing.  It is the response by faith of the shepherds which took them into the town of Bethlehem so that they could observe for themselves what they had already believed.  The good news of Christmas becomes more than just a story when we begin to look deeply into God’s Word and observe for our self the wonder of God taking on flesh.

  • Reported: — Luke 2:17-18, Acts 4:20

    • After the shepherds had been able to observe all that had been told to them, their next step was to report this wonderful news to everyone they met.  When our faith becomes sight and we are able to experience the good news of Jesus working in our life, our responsibility is to accurately report the work God is doing in and through us.

  • Nurtured: — Luke 2:19-20, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

    • While there is often great excitement at a birth, it is in that moment that the real work often begins.  Mary’s soul is nurtured as she treasures and ponders in her heart all that had taken place from the birth of Jesus through the visit by the shepherds.  The shepherds grew in their faith as they went from their encounter with Jesus to being reminded of that encounter every time they shared with someone new about all they had experienced.  We have that same responsibility to nurture the faith of others as we recall our faith story and share it with the people we meet.

Today, how will good news be BORN in your life?

Encouragement and Prayer: Songs of Joy! (12/22/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Songs of Joy! (12/22/23)

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This is the audio from the December 22, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Praise the LORD.  Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.”
Psalm 149:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on the songs that fill our heart as well as those that come from our mouth.  The Christmas story itself is filled with songs of praise to God from people who are transformed by the events taking place.  The songs that fill our soul, and are expressed in a variety of ways, reflect off the waters that run deep within us.  I believe we ought to carefully guard the songs we allow into our heart and mind as they greatly influence the song we sing to our God.  Throughout scripture God talks about us singing a new song.  I think His call for us to sing a new song is because just as His mercies are new every day, our expressions of appreciation and worship should be new every day.

“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains!  For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you evaluate the songs of your life.  Pray that God would fill your heart with joy as you sings songs of comfort.  Pray that your awareness of God’s compassion would fill you with joy.  Pray that you would share the joy which comes from God’s comfort.

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: Songs of Strength! (12/21/23)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Songs of Strength! (12/21/23)

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This is the audio from the December 21, 2023 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Praise the LORD.  Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.”
Psalm 149:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on the songs that fill our heart as well as those that come from our mouth.  The Christmas story itself is filled with songs of praise to God from people who are transformed by the events taking place.  The songs that fill our soul, and are expressed in a variety of ways, reflect off the waters that run deep within us.  I believe we ought to carefully guard the songs we allow into our heart and mind as they greatly influence the song we sing to our God.  Throughout scripture God talks about us singing a new song.  I think His call for us to sing a new song is because just as His mercies are new every day, our expressions of appreciation and worship should be new every day.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

As you pray, ask God to help you evaluate the songs of your life.  Pray that your songs about God would strengthen you in times of trouble.  Pray that you would be filled with courage through your songs.  Pray that you would share the good news of salvation through your song of strength.

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

In prayer,
Tom