goals

Encouragement and Prayer: Healed By God’s Mercy! (2/24/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Healed By God’s Mercy! (2/24/25)

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This is the audio from the February 24, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
Matthew 8:16 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on knowing Jesus as the One who heals.  As Jesus encountered people, He not only taught them, He had compassion on them and healed them in every way imaginable.  While casting out demons and healing the sick was important work done by Jesus as He was here on earth, the most valuable work was the spiritual healing made possible by His death, burial, and resurrection.  Far too often in our prayers, we focus on a good thing — the physical healing of people — and miss a better thing, the spiritual healing of ourselves and others.  Pray that  God would cover you in His grace as you seek forgiveness and healing of anything that would hinder your prayers.  Ask God to help you spend at least as much time praying for the spiritual well-being of people as you do praying for their physical health.

“I said, ‘O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.’”
Psalm 41:4 (NIV)

As you pray this week, focus on praying about some aspects of healing that you ought to seek for yourself and others.  Pray that you would seek, and know, the mercy of God when you need healing from sin, and from the effects of sin, in your life.  Pray that you would help others know of God’s healing as you extend the same mercy to them that you have received 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 – The One Who HEALS! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – The One Who HEALS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the February 23, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: The One Who Heals!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 8

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
Matthew 8:16 (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 met those needs, we discover that following Jesus includes knowing the One who . . .

  • Hears:  Matthew 8:1-7

    • Jesus is one who hears both what we say and what we don’t say.  There is great healing which takes place through the powerful act of being listened to.  Jesus could hear both the spoken request to be healed and the unspoken request to be touched.  We become more like Jesus when our following of Him leads us to listen for the purpose of hearing. 

  • Examines:  Matthew 8:8-13

    • Jesus is one who examines the motives of our heart even more than the actions of our hands.  As one who examines, Jesus encourages us to grow in faith as we move our belief in God from words to trust.  We can know the healing of Jesus when He examines our life and finds great faith.  We become more like Jesus when we examine, by the truth of His Word and His Spirit, our faith and find it growing.

  • Acts:  Matthew 8:14-16

    • Jesus is one who acts according to what is good and right and just.  The One who heals does so not only through hearing and examining, but by acting upon what was heard and noticed.  Our desire to be like Jesus ought to lead us to a greater awareness, and practice, of how we should act toward one another.  We become more like Jesus when we act like those who have been healed by His blood.

  • Loves:  Matthew 8:17

    • Jesus is one who loves above all others and sets the example of how we should love one another.  His love is not only evident in the laying down of His life to pay the penalty we deserve from sin, it is also evident in His living life as one of us and enduring the hardships and troubles that we ourselves encounter.  We become more like Jesus when our love is not only willing to die for others, but is willing to live a life of sacrifice for them.  

  • Saves:  Matthew 8:23-27

    • Jesus is the one who saves when no one else can.  When we find ourselves overwhelmed in the turmoil of life, the healing that we need is greater than a simple physical healing.  When the waves of worry and trouble crash over us, we can find comfort and healing when we cry out to Jesus to save us.  While the body we live in will not last forever, when Jesus saves us we have an eternal healing that will never fade.  We become more like Jesus when we share the good news of Jesus as the One who saves.

Today, how will you reflect the One who HEALS?

Encouragement and Prayer: A Wise Path! (2/21/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Wise Path! (2/21/25)

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This is the audio from the February 21, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on finding, walking, and proclaiming the correct path.  If you’ve ever followed a path or road which abruptly ended in a place no where near your intended destination, you likely understand the importance of following the correct path.  While Jesus states few will find the correct path, it is not because the path is hidden but rather many are not looking for it.  Pray that you would actively seek God’s guidance as you spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Pray that your life would be evident to others in a way which points them to Jesus as the path of life.  Pray for wisdom in avoiding all the enticements of the path of destruction.  Pray for the humility to repent and change when you discover the path you are on is not correct.

“Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”
Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the path which leads to life so that you can walk on it every day.  Pray that you would desire godly wisdom as more valuable than all the wisdom of the world.  Pray for a listening spirit and mind which can hear the instructions of God regarding the path you take.  Pray that the emotions of  your heart would  not lead you astray as you choose to listen to the wisdom of God for direction.

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: A Righteous Path! (2/20/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Righteous Path! (2/20/25)

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This is the audio from the February 20, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on finding, walking, and proclaiming the correct path.  If you’ve ever followed a path or road which abruptly ended in a place no where near your intended destination, you likely understand the importance of following the correct path.  While Jesus states few will find the correct path, it is not because the path is hidden but rather many are not looking for it.  Pray that you would actively seek God’s guidance as you spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Pray that your life would be evident to others in a way which points them to Jesus as the path of life.  Pray for wisdom in avoiding all the enticements of the path of destruction.  Pray for the humility to repent and change when you discover the path you are on is not correct.

“In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”
Proverbs 12:28 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the path which leads to life so that you can walk on it every day.  Pray for a clear understanding and pursuit of a righteousness which can only be found as you walk with God.  Pray that you would choose to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ which leads to eternal life.  Pray for wisdom in walking the path of righteousness as you seek eternity with 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: A Good Path! (2/19/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Good Path! (2/19/25)

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

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on finding, walking, and proclaiming the correct path.  If you’ve ever followed a path or road which abruptly ended in a place no where near your intended destination, you likely understand the importance of following the correct path.  While Jesus states few will find the correct path, it is not because the path is hidden but rather many are not looking for it.  Pray that you would actively seek God’s guidance as you spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Pray that your life would be evident to others in a way which points them to Jesus as the path of life.  Pray for wisdom in avoiding all the enticements of the path of destruction.  Pray for the humility to repent and change when you discover the path you are on is not correct.

“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”
Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the path which leads to life so that you can walk on it every day.  Pray that you would turn to God, rather than to the world, for an understanding of what is truly right, just, and fair.  Pray that you would find the goodness of God displayed in your life as you walk the path set forth by Him.  Pray that you would know the goodness of a life which treats others fairly.

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: A Joyful Path! (2/18/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Joyful Path! (2/18/25)

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This is the audio from the February 18, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on finding, walking, and proclaiming the correct path.  If you’ve ever followed a path or road which abruptly ended in a place no where near your intended destination, you likely understand the importance of following the correct path.  While Jesus states few will find the correct path, it is not because the path is hidden but rather many are not looking for it.  Pray that you would actively seek God’s guidance as you spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Pray that your life would be evident to others in a way which points them to Jesus as the path of life.  Pray for wisdom in avoiding all the enticements of the path of destruction.  Pray for the humility to repent and change when you discover the path you are on is not correct.

“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 know the path which leads to life so that you can walk on it every day.  Pray that you would know the pleasure of walking the correct path with God.  Pray that you life would be filled with joy as you experience God’s presence with you.  Pray that your joy would be complete as you share with others about the path of 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: A Guided Path! (2/17/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: A Guided Path! (2/17/25)

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This is the audio from the February 17, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on finding, walking, and proclaiming the correct path.  If you’ve ever followed a path or road which abruptly ended in a place no where near your intended destination, you likely understand the importance of following the correct path.  While Jesus states few will find the correct path, it is not because the path is hidden but rather many are not looking for it.  Pray that you would actively seek God’s guidance as you spend time in His Word and in prayer.  Pray that your life would be evident to others in a way which points them to Jesus as the path of life.  Pray for wisdom in avoiding all the enticements of the path of destruction.  Pray for the humility to repent and change when you discover the path you are on is not correct.

“By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.”
Nehemiah 9:19 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the path which leads to life so that you can walk on it every day.  Pray that God would help you notice, and follow, His guidance on the path that leads to life.  Pray that you would pay attention to the primary tools of God’s guidance for your life today — His Spirit and His Word.

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 Correct PATH! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – The Correct PATH! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the February 16, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: The Correct PATH!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 7

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 (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 Jesus sat down on the mountainside to teach His followers, including us, He takes teaching from God’s Word and makes it sound new.  As Jesus began to conclude His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, He not only calls for us to find the path which leads to eternal life, He defines for us the correct . . .

  • Problem:  Matthew 7:1-6

    • Finding the correct path begins when we are able to find the correct problem . . . and that problem is the sin in our own life.  While it can be easy to notice, and want to do something, about the sin we see in others, our path to eternal life begins when we acknowledge our own sin and agree with God about its need to go.  Yes, there is a time to help our brothers and sisters in Christ deal with the sin which so easily entangles them, but our priority begins in dealing with the plank in our own eye. 

  • Answer:  Matthew 7:7-12

    • Finding the correct path continues when we find the correct answer to the problem we find in our life . . . the answer to the problem of sin.  The good news is that the answer we need is Jesus and He promises that those who genuinely ask, seek, and knock will find an answer of a door opened by His life, death, and resurrection.  When we are willing to know Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we discover the correct answer to our problem of sin.

  • Tree:  Matthew 7:13-23

    • Finding the correct path will lead us to the correct tree . . . a tree which bears good fruit.  We find that choice of tree laid out for mankind since the beginning of time.  While there were many trees in the garden of Eden, we find two of them that were named with one of those two being forbidden.  While it can be easy to question Adam and Eve’s decision, how often do we choose to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil rather than the tree of life?  While the garden of Eden was protected by angels and then destroyed in the flood, the new tree of life is the cross where Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.  It is by eating the fruit of this tree that we find our path to be the correct tree which bears much fruit to the glory of God.

  • Home:  Matthew 7:24-29

    • Finding the correct path will lead us to the correct home . . . an eternal home build on the solid foundation of Jesus.  We build on that foundation when we choose to hear the Word of God and do what it says.  It is this home that stands even when the storms of life and the attacks of the enemy seek to kill, steal, and destroy.  While the path is narrow and few find it, the good news is that all are invited to find this correct path and to join with others as we journey toward an eternal home with Jesus.

Today, how will you find the correct PATH?