Faith

Encouragement and Prayer: The Messiah! (5/19/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: The Messiah! (5/19/25)

~

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

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As we grow in following Jesus, our prayer focus this week will be on knowing Him.  We often think of the various aspects of Jesus as expressed in the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  Pray that your celebration of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”
John 1:41 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the One anointed by God should compel you to tell others about Him.  Pray for the courage, and urgency, to share the good news about the One you have found to be sent from God.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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

Following Jesus – Knowing the SON! (Sermon Audio)
by

Following Jesus – Knowing the SON! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the May 18, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Knowing the SON!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 17

 

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  While the disciples spent time following Jesus, I believe they really knew Him as simply Jesus of Nazareth, their friend sent from God.  As we arrive in Matthew 17, God decides it is time for the disciples to really know the Son.  When we choose to follow Jesus, God invites us to know the . . .

  • Significance:  Matthew 17:1-13

    • More than just a good guy who could do wonderful and miraculous things, Jesus was revealed to be the very Son of God.  Even after the initial observation of the transfiguration and Moses and Elijah showing up, Peter thinks the best thing to do would be to memorialize the occasion with the erecting of shelters for each of them.  I believe in Peter’s mind, this was just another great moment with his friend Jesus.  It is when God speaks and declares Jesus to be His Son, it appears the disciples catch the significance of who Jesus really is as they fall to the ground in fear.  The correct response to knowing the significance of Jesus as God’s Son is to listen to Him in all things. 

  • Opportunity:  Matthew 17:14-23

    • As Peter, James, and John are with Jesus on the mountain, a man brings his son to the other disciples so that they would heal him.  Unfortunately, the disciples were not able to do so and after Jesus returns and heals the boy, the disciples want to know why they couldn’t.  Matthew tells us Jesus responds to them about their little faith.  Other gospel writers indicate that prayer and fasting was required . . . and evidently not being practiced fully by the disciples.  I suspect the disciples were simply trying to do what Jesus had done before, yet they never stopped long enough to understand how Jesus did what He did.  As the Son of God, Jesus reveals to them the opportunity to do even greater things if they would only have a faith that was fully placed in what God could do, and what God wanted to do.  The correct response to the opportunity which comes through knowing Jesus as God’s Son is to be available for God to work through you.

  • Nature:  Matthew 17:24-27

    • When Peter is questioned by the collectors of the temple tax, he appears to answer without really knowing if his answer was accurate.  Not wanting to be in trouble, he gave what sounded like it should be the correct answer, “of course Jesus pays the temple tax!”.  I say that I’m not sure if Peter’s answer was correct simply because the response of Jesus to Peter seems to declare His belief that He was exempt from the tax as the Son of the King.  Yet even with that statement, we find in the very nature of Jesus a desire to do all that He could to not offend people.  The nature of God’s Son is to provide for Himself and for those who are His.  The correct response to understanding the nature of Jesus as God’s Son is to trust Him to care for you.

 

Today, how will you experience the SON?

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track In Light! (5/16/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track In Light! (5/16/25)

~

This is the audio from the May 16, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would use God’s Word to illuminate the path you walk each day.  Pray that you would shine the light of God’s Word on the path that those around you walk.  Pray for the wisdom and desire to shine the light of God’s Word upon the path you travel so that your way would be clear.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: On Track In Freedom! (5/15/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track In Freedom! (5/15/25)

~

This is the audio from the May 15, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ.

“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would daily experience the freedom of walking in the path of God’s commands.  Pray that the people around you would see a heart set free in Christ.  Pray that you would learn to run free from bondage as you travel in the path of God’s commands.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: On Track In God’s Way! (5/14/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track In God’s Way! (5/14/25)

~

This is the audio from the May 14, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ.

“Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.”
Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s way so that your path would not be disrupted by the enemy.  Pray that you would teach others the way of God.  Pray that those who stand against you would actually help you travel in a way that pleases God.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: On Track With Protection! (5/13/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track With Protection! (5/13/25)

~

This is the audio from the May 13, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ.

“You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
Psalm 18:36 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would follow God’s path and trust Him to broaden it beneath your feet so that your walk is steady.  Pray that those around you would not stumble on the path they are choosing to travel.  Pray for God’s protection from both physical and spiritual dangers that exist as you travel through life.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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: On Track With Life! (5/12/25)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: On Track With Life! (5/12/25)

~

This is the audio from the May 12, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ.

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.

You can find the live video feeds of these 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

Following Jesus – The Right TRACK! (Sermon Audio)
by

Following Jesus – The Right TRACK! (Sermon Audio)

~

This is the audio from the May 11, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: The Right TRACK!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 16

 

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  As we make it to chapter 16, we find Jesus leading us to the right . . .

  • Teaching:  Matthew 16:1-7

    • Jesus often found the need to correct the teaching of the religious leaders of His day.  Instead of following the teachings of God’s Word and acknowledging the arrival of Jesus as the Messiah, the leaders often tried to use their understanding of scripture to test Jesus.  Unfortunately, it isn’t just the people in the days of Jesus who fall into the trap of making up teachings which they agree with.  We are surrounded by people who teach a variety of things of their own making, and some who do so claiming they represent Jesus.  When we choose to follow Jesus on the right track, we must gaze fully into His Word to follow the right teaching. 

  • Report:  Matthew 16:8-14

    • As news of Jesus spread, many had their own idea of who He was.  In fact, when asked who the crowds said Jesus was, the disciples had a variety of answers based on the reports they had encountered.  We also will encounter people with all kinds of claims about who God is, and even reports of some who claim to be the returning Messiah.  Rather than be derailed by false reports, when we choose to follow Jesus we evaluate the source of every report and only accept as truth that which comes from God.

  • Answer:  Matthew 16:15-20

    • One of the things which people often came to Jesus about was a desire to have an answer which would fulfill their greatest questions.  The difficulty came as people settled for their own answers rather than turning to Jesus for the right answer.  Peter gives the classic answer of who he believes Jesus is and we’re told that this answer was not of his own doing but came from God Himself.  When we choose to follow Jesus we must be careful to both give and receive the right answers . . . answers which come from the truth of God’s Word.

  • Christ:  Matthew 16:21-23

    • The Bible makes it clear that there were many, and will be many, who claim to be the Christ.  Some of these individuals can be quite persuasive and they lead many people astray.  As Jesus declares Himself to be the Son of God, He defines the Christ in a way which is exclusive and as God providing the way for us to be right with Him.  When we choose to follow Jesus, we do so with Him as the fulfillment of all prophecies concerning the coming of the Christ to save His people from their sin.

  • Kingdom:  Matthew 16:24-28

    • As Jesus lived and taught, He told of the coming of a kingdom like no other.  This was a kingdom that required repentance in order for people to be prepared for it.  The right kingdom is the kingdom where God is King and we are His subjects.  It is through our willingness to take up our cross daily that we identify with this spiritual kingdom where Jesus is Lord, not just of the kingdom but of us.

Today, how will you follow the right TRACK?