goals

Following Jesus – Those Who Are SENT! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Those Who Are SENT! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the March 16, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Those Who Are SENT!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 10

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (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 Matthew’s gospel continues, we find Jesus encountering many people who had great needs.  As Jesus prepared His disciples for the work ahead of them, He told them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field and then He chose them to be those who were . . .

  • Selected:  Matthew 10:1-4

    • Jesus selected those who would be His and those He would send out to share the good news of the coming kingdom of God.  While this particular sending in Matthew 10 was of the 12 disciples, He ultimately has selected all who would believe in Him to be sent as His messengers to everyone and everyplace they would encounter. 

  • Equipped:  Matthew 10:5-16

    • Jesus not only selected the twelve to be sent out, He equipped them for the task He called them to.  While the equipping of the disciples included miraculous gifts of healing and casting out evil spirits, we have been equipped with the Holy Spirit to be the representative of Jesus which He has created us to be.  As we are sent by Jesus to share the good news of God’s kingdom, we find He supplies all that we need when we learn to trust Him.

  • Noticed:  Matthew 10:17-23

    • Being selected and equipped by Jesus led to the disciples being noticed as they went from town to village proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God.  While some of that notice was positive and welcoming, much of it was not.  We must be careful not to allow the notice of others, whether good or bad, influence our obedience to sharing with others as one who is sent.

  • Taught:  Matthew 10:24-33

    • Life itself is a learning process and there is no greater teacher than Jesus being the living Word of God.  As Jesus sent out His disciples He made it clear that while a student is not greater than their teacher, their greatness is a reflection of what they do with what they have been taught.  As those sent by Jesus, we must pursue a faithfulness in living life consistent with all we have been taught by the Word of God.  

Today, how will you live as one who is SENT?

Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (3/14/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (3/14/25)

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This is the audio from the March 14, 2025 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.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“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, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  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 or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Effectiveness! (3/13/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Effectiveness! (3/13/25)

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This is the audio from the March 13, 2025 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.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“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, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  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 or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Wisdom! (3/12/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Wisdom! (3/12/25)

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This is the audio from the March 12, 2025 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.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“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, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  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 or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Provision! (3/11/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Provision! (3/11/25)

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This is the audio from the March 11, 2025 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.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“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, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  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 or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Encouragement! (3/10/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Encouragement! (3/10/25)

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This is the audio from the March 10, 2025 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.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“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, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  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 or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Compassion For the Lost/Missing! (3/7/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Compassion For the Lost/Missing! (3/7/25)

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This is the audio from the March 7, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”
Jonah 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing God’s compassion so that we can share it with others.  Many times we try to substitute pity, instruction, warnings, judgment, or even good deeds for true compassion because we want to help but we don’t want to suffer.  Yet godly compassion means to suffer with those who are suffering so that they may receive the same comfort from us that we have received from God.  We can learn a lot about the compassion we ought to  have by looking at the compassion God has for us.  Pray that you would have the courage to suffer with them — not for the purpose of having a pity party, but in order to find the avenues of comfort that are needed.  Pray that you would follow Jesus in a way which shares His compassion through you to others.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the sufferings of others.  Pray that you would be filled with a tender compassion for the people you know who are lost and/or missing from the fellowship of believers.

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: Compassion For the Hungry! (3/6/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Compassion For the Hungry! (3/6/25)

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This is the audio from the March 6, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”
Jonah 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing God’s compassion so that we can share it with others.  Many times we try to substitute pity, instruction, warnings, judgment, or even good deeds for true compassion because we want to help but we don’t want to suffer.  Yet godly compassion means to suffer with those who are suffering so that they may receive the same comfort from us that we have received from God.  We can learn a lot about the compassion we ought to  have by looking at the compassion God has for us.  Pray that you would have the courage to suffer with them — not for the purpose of having a pity party, but in order to find the avenues of comfort that are needed.  Pray that you would follow Jesus in a way which shares His compassion through you to others.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”
Mark 8:2 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the sufferings of others.  Pray that you would recognize the ways God has satisfied your hunger.  Pray for eyes that see the true hunger experienced by the people around you.  Pray for the compassion to share both physical and spiritual food with the people who hunger.

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