God’s Word

Chosen To Be . . . HOLY! (Sermon Audio)
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Chosen To Be . . . HOLY! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the July 7, 2024 sermon, “Chosen To Be HOLY!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: 1 Peter 1

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This morning’s message began a series through 1 & 2 Peter with a theme of “Chosen To Be . . . “.  As God works the miracle of revival in our life, we discover He does so as the God who chooses us!  This is an important message to all who feel distant from God for whatever reason.  To those believers who are scattered around the known world, God communicates a message that they are known by Him, loved, by Him, and chosen by Him.  But it is not just a generic choosing that allows us to be whatever we want to be, rather it is a reminder from God that we are chosen to be holy just as He is holy.  As we gaze into God’s Word and examine what it means to be chosen by God to be holy, we find that we have been chosen to be . . .

  • Hopeful:  1 Peter 1:1-5

    • Chosen to be holy begins with a recognition that the God who chooses us has the power and desire to make our holiness possible.  While is ought to be apparent that holiness is not possible on our own, we can live with confident hope in a God who chooses us to be His and transforms us by the power of His Spirit so that we can be holy as He is holy.

  • Obedient:  1 Peter 1:13-15

    • Chosen to be holy should lead us in a growing desire to be obedient to Christ in all things.  When we obey in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, our obedience usually ebbs and flows based on whether or not we think our disobedience will be noticed.  When we live with the realization that God chooses us, our obedience ought to grow from a position of desire to honor the One who has chosen us.

  • Loving:  1 Peter 1:22

    • Chosen to be holy is not only about how we relate to God and respond to His love, but it also shows us how we ought to love others.  When we view holiness as a sacred purity devoted to God, the way we love others should begin to reflect the way God loves them.  It is in this act of loving others sacrificially that we live out the instructions of Jesus who says the world will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.

  • You:  1 Peter 1:23-25

    • Chosen to be holy should remind us of the great value each person has to God simply by being you.  But this isn’t you as defined by self, or by the world.  No, this is you as created and defined by God and made new by the power of His Spirit.  Chosen to be you doesn’t mean you can continue in sin with the excuse that it is simply who you are — God makes it clear that you are chosen to be holy just as He is holy which means being you must be defined by the purity and righteousness of His Word.

Today, how will you live as one chosen to be HOLY?

Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Praying! (7/5/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Praying! (7/5/24)

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This is the audio from the July 5, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for others.

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: Keeping Blameless! (7/4/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keeping Blameless! (7/4/24)

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This is the audio from the July 4, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength you need each day.  Pray that you would live a blameless life as you trust in God’s ability and power to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.

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: Keep Speaking! (7/3/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Speaking! (7/3/24)

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This is the audio from the July 3, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’”
Acts 18:9 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would not let fear keep you from speaking about your relationship with God.  Pray that your words and actions would match and represent Jesus well.  Pray that you would use gentleness and respect as you keep on speaking about what Jesus has done 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: Keep Watch! (7/2/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keep Watch! (7/2/24)

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This is the audio from the July 2, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would live a life ready for the return of Jesus as you work and watch for Him.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things of this world which tempt you to take your eyes off of Jesus.  Pray that your life would help others to keep watch and be ready for Christ’s return.

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: Keep On the Right Path! (7/1/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Keep On the Right Path! (7/1/24)

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This is the audio from the July 1, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“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 examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would be one who listens to God and gains wisdom from His Word.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would keep you on the right path.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to the things of God so that you would not be led astray.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Building For Revival: Just Keep At IT! (Sermon Audio)
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Building For Revival: Just Keep At IT! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the June 30, 2024 sermon, “Building For Revival: Just Keep At IT!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Nehemiah 13

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

This morning’s message concluded a series from the book of Nehemiah about Building For Revival.  As with any construction project, building for revival takes a lot of work and once it is accomplished you are never really finished — there are always maintenance and repair needs to be done.  As we experience a revival of the heart by the work of God’s Spirit, we must also pay attention to the ongoing work and just keep at . . .

  • Instruction:  Nehemiah 13:1, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    • Because God’s Word is living and active, we find that there are always things to learn when we gaze into it.  Even after experience a great revival and renewal, the people of Israel continued to discover instructions from God’s Word which they had somehow missed.  We build for revival when we choose to spend time in God’s Word asking Him to instruct us.

  • Transformation:  Nehemiah 13:30-31, Matthew 7:24-29

    • Instruction is only half the equation when it comes to keeping at it in regard to revival.  In fact, keeping at instruction can cause more damage than good if we fail to apply what we learn from God’s Word.  As the people of Israel heard from God’s Word regarding His commands and precepts, they chose to make changes which would align them with God’s instructions.  We build for revival when we choose to be doers of God’s Word and not hearers only.

Today, how will you choose to keep at IT?

Encouragement and Prayer: An Awe of God’s Spirit! (6/28/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: An Awe of God’s Spirit! (6/28/24)

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This is the audio from the June 28, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.”
Nehemiah 12:27 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on how we view and interact with God in response to His Word.  As we continue to build for revival, we should grow in our realization of God being more awe-inspiring than anything else we will ever encounter.  Even the things on earth which bring reaction of awe are here through God.  Our celebrations of God ought to be transformed when our encounters with God through His Word and His Spirit bring changes in us.  Pray that your awe of God would not only be revived, but that it would grow as you encounter God in every aspect of how you do life.  Pray about how your view of God influences your witness to those around you.  Pray for a joyful heart which willingly shares with others about the awesome nature of the God you love.

“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”
Acts 2:43 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to renew the sense of awe for Him which you began your walk of faith with.  Ask God to help you see the miraculous which takes place in the midst of everyday life.  Pray that you would be in awe of the things done by God which seem impossible until He does them.  Pray that your transformed life would reflect God’s Spirit.

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

In prayer,
Tom