Faith

Encouragement and Prayer: Care For Places of Worship! (5/27/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Care For Places of Worship! (5/27/25)

(No audio devotion today.)

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“’I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,’ declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others. When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people. In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him. When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him. Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care. Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility. Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name. Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.”
1 Chronicles 9:29 (NIV)

As you pray this week, consider they many ways you have experienced God’s care. Pray that you would know how to be involved in caring for the places we gather at to worship God. Pray that you would care about God being represented well in your life. Pray that you would care for yourself as the sanctuary of God’s Spirit.

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

Following Jesus – Learning To CARE! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Learning To CARE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the May 25, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Learning To CARE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 18

 

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (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.  When we examine the life and teachings of Jesus, we discover both His instruction and our need to . . .

  • Change:  Matthew 18:1-9

    • When asked about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus uses a child as an example and declares that unless a person changes and becomes like a child they won’t even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be in the running for greatest.  We learn to care like Jesus cares when we learn to change so that we live with the humility and faith of a child. 

  • Adore:  Matthew 18:10-14

    • As Jesus continued teaching, He indicated the children were not just examples but their great value to God should lead us to adore them.  Jesus made it clear that our love for Him ought to be seen in the way we adore children . . . not just in an “awe, how cute” kind of way but in a way that we do whatever it takes to protect them as our care is put into action by sharing Jesus.

  • Reprove:  Matthew 18:15-20

    • At first glance, you may wonder what reproving someone has to do with learning to care but Jesus makes it clear that He corrects those He loves and we ought to do the same.  Doing the same, however, also means we reprove in the way Jesus would direct so that the desired result is restoration.  When we correct in private, we show we care not only about what is right but also about the person needing correction.

  • Embrace:  Matthew 18:21-35

    • If you’ve ever become weary of forgiving someone and wondered how often you must do so, you are not alone.  It appears in our text that Peter was wanting a definitive answer from Jesus as to when he could stop with the forgiving of someone who had wronged him.  Jesus turns the story into one with very harsh consequences for living with an unforgiving spirit.  The true spirit of forgiveness shown to us by Jesus is one where we don’t keep count because we care enough to embrace.

Today, how will you CARE?

Encouragement and Prayer: The Good Shepherd! (5/23/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Good Shepherd! (5/23/25)

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This is the audio from the May 23, 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.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the good shepherd will provide you with the comfort and protection that only He can.  Pray with gratitude as you consider how Jesus cares for you in your times of need.  Pray that you would share the good news of a good shepherd.

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: The Way, The Truth, and The Life! (5/22/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Way, The Truth, and The Life! (5/22/25)

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This is the audio from the May 22, 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.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life will provide you with necessary direction each day you live.  Pray that your life, and words, would always direct people to Jesus as the true way to eternal 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: The Bread of Life! (5/21/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Bread of Life! (5/21/25)

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This is the audio from the May 21, 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.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
John 6:35 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the bread of life will help you to be filled and satisfied.  Pray that you would be generous in sharing the bread you have found with the people around you who are in need.

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: The Son of God! (5/20/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: The Son of God! (5/20/25)

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This is the audio from the May 20, 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.

“I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:34 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Son of God helps you to have confidence and trust in His ability to do what He has said He will.  Pray that your life would give Jesus the honor that is due to Him as God’s Son.  Pray for a life of greater obedience to Jesus as God’s Son.

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

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

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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?