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Encouragement and Prayer: Hope of the Nations! (10/28/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Hope of the Nations! (10/28/24)

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

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with hope in such a way that we share it with others.  Life is filled with uncertainty and trouble yet we live with hope because Jesus has overcome the nature of this world.  It is in this hope that we are able to know God in a way which prepares us for eternity.  The hope we have in Christ ought to fill us with a praise of Him that grows each day.  Pray that you would notice great reminders of His steadfast goodness and love as God fills you with incredible hope.    Pray that the boundless nature of God would fill you with a hope that knows no end.  Pray about how the hope which you are filled with can be shared with others.  Pray for the courage to both live with hope and to share that hope with others.

“In His name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to fill you an unshakeable hope.  Pray that your hope remains in the name of Jesus.  Pray that the people of the nations would know the hope of Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you to be involved in sharing the hope that you know with the nations of the world.  Pray that a pursuit of hope would bring the people of the nations to Jesus.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision of HOPE! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of HOPE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 27, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of HOPE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 9

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision of . . .

  • Hardship:  Zechariah 9:1-8

    • A vision begins at what my seem to be a strange place — a place of hardship.  Because trouble exists in the world, we can be certain we will face hardships of various kinds.  Yet, often without the hardships, we wouldn’t even consider our need for a hope that surpasses the best of what this world can offer.  It is in the hardships of life that we discover a God that never leaves nor forsakes us, a God who is dependable in all circumstances.  . 

  • Overcoming:  Zechariah 9:9-10

    • A vision of hope will include the ability to see how God has overcome, and how He will overcome.  When Jesus stated we would have trouble in this world, He went on to tell us to take heart because He has overcome the world.  It is in Jesus that we can overcome the hold of sin that kept us apart from God.  When the apostle Paul writes us being more than conquerors through Christ, he does so with an awareness that we can live with great hope because our failures need not define us.  

  • Promise:  Zechariah 9:11-13

    • A vision of hope includes not only a promise, but a relationship with the only One who is faithful in all of His promises.  We can live with hope in the midst of hardship, even as we struggle to overcome, because of God’s faithfulness to keep His promise that all who come to Him by faith He will not cast out.  While we benefit from the promise of God that Jesus would come and save His people from their sin, we also can cling to the promise of God that Jesus will one day return for those who are His.

  • Eternity:  Zechariah 9:14-17

    • A vision of hope is a vision of eternity as we place our hope in Jesus Christ.  This vision of eternity that is found in Christ helps us to understand that our current circumstances, good or bad, are not permanent but something better is coming.  It is in this steadfast hope that we can find the strength to endure all things for a little while because we will experience live with Christ forever.

 

Today, how will you experience HOPE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Bless By Providing! (10/25/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Bless By Providing! (10/25/24)

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This is the audio from the October 25, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.
Psalm 132:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Pray that you would acknowledge the abundant provisions God has made available in your life to bless others even as He blesses you.  Pray with thanksgiving for those whom God uses to satisfy you in times of need.  Pray for eyes which notice the needs of others as you seek to bless them.

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: Bless In the Name of the Lord! (10/24/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Bless In the Name of the Lord! (10/24/24)

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This is the audio from the October 24, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.  From the house of the LORD we bless you.”
Psalm 118:26 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Pray that your every step would be taken in the name of the Lord.  Pray that your walk with God would lead you to bless others in His name.  Pray for wisdom in the ways you represent Jesus and the blessings He wants others to receive through you.

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: Bless By Praying! (10/23/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Bless By Praying! (10/23/24)

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This is the audio from the October 23, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.”
2 Chronicles 30:27 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Ask God to help your prayer life be a blessing to others.  Pray that your conversations with God would lead not only to His blessings upon others, but that your prayers would teach you to bless 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: Bless Your Family! (10/22/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Bless Your Family! (10/22/24)

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This is the audio from the October 22, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family.”
1 Chronicles 16:43 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Pray that your desire and practice of blessing others would begin at home.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your family is blessed by your presence.  Pray about how God would have you be an example to others so they would know how to bless their family.

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: Bless One Another! (10/21/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Bless One Another! (10/21/24)

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This is the audio from the October 21, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin.”
Deuteronomy 27:12 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Pray that your life would bless others rather than curse them.  Pray for the wisdom needed to bless everyone that you encounter.  Pray that the people around you would know the blessings of God through you.

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

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision To BLESS! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision To BLESS! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 20, 2024 sermon, “A Vision To BLESS!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 8

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” 
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision to . . .

  • Believe:  Zechariah 8:1-6

    • A vision to bless calls for us to believe in people in the same manner in which God believes in us.  God calls us to Himself to be a blessing to the world not because He believes in our ability to do so, but because He believes in His ability to work through us.  When we believe in God’s ability to transform any person, we are better able to bless them. 

  • Love:  Zechariah 8:7-13

    • A vision to bless will result in a choice to love people with the same love which God has for us.  The love of God is poured out upon mankind in a manner which reflects His nature and His desire to bless us without regard to our worthiness.  It is our experience of God’s love which should lead us to bless others regardless of our view of their worthiness..  

  • Express:  Zechariah 8:14-17

    • A vision to bless will lead us to express God’s goodness to others.  When we believe in people and love people the way God believes in us and loves us, we find appropriate ways to express that belief and love.  There is something special and significant about an expressed blessing that lifts a person beyond themselves as they begin to see the potential which God has put in their life.  It is God’s expression of His love for us which ought to lead us expressing a blessing upon others.

  • Serve:  Zechariah 8:18-19

    • A vision to bless will result in a greater desire to serve God in the way we serve others.  Jesus made it clear through His words and His example that we rise to greatness when we choose to serve others.  In fact, Jesus says that the way we serve “the least of these, my brethren” is the way we serve Him.  While we may be tempted to “bless” others in the way we would want to be blessed, God gives us a vision to bless others as we serve them according to their need.

  • Sacrifice:  Zechariah 8:20-23

    • A vision to bless will be a costly decision of sacrifice, but one which is worth all that you might be asked to pay.  As we take on the nature of Jesus, we must consider the needs of others to be more important to us than our own.  As God’s children, we are called to be a blessing to the world and we do so when we are willing to sacrifice our own wants, desires, and even needs in order to see others blessed by God through us.

Today, how will you choose to BLESS?