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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?

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

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This is the audio from the October 13, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of TRUTH!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 7

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  
John 18:37 (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 . . .

  • Tradition:  Zechariah 7:1-3

    • A vision of truth will cause us to look at the traditions we hold on to.  Traditions can easily become either the holy grail which can’t be messed with or the scapegoat which ought to be removed at all cost.  While either of those extremes would be somewhat easy to identify and deal with, the truth of of traditions is generally a more complicated issue.  God’s desire is that we hold fast to the traditions of truth which are foundational in His Word while letting go of the traditions of our own which keep us from knowing real truth. 

  • Reality:  Zechariah 7:4-7

    • A vision of truth will lead us to look at the reality of our motives in responding to God’s Word.  When we continue to do something good when the motivation is all about pleasing our self, the result will be an unnatural and unexpected distance from God.  God always knows not just the reality of our actions, He knows the reality of why we do what we do and if it is to honor Him or self.  

  • Understanding:  Zechariah 7:8-10

    • A vision of truth will result in our seeking an understanding from God in regard to both the traditions we follow and the reality of why we observe them.  The truth of God’s Word always reveals the application of how we ought to treat others, especially those who are underserved, ignored, or abused.  God’s truth is for everyone and it is our responsibility as God’s children to have an understanding and practice which shares the good news of Jesus with all people.

  • Trouble:  Zechariah 7:11-12

    • A vision of truth will make known to us, and to those around us, that there will always be trouble present in this world.  When we are truthful with ourselves and with others, we communicate the trouble we have caused as well as the trouble we have experienced beyond our control.  While Jesus clearly teaches that trouble will be present in this world, there is  a greater trouble we must be aware of, and that is the trouble when we reject God and find ourselves on the receiving end of His wrath.  This trouble which will come upon all those who reject Jesus can be avoided as we surrender to Him and find ourselves welcomed into His kingdom on the day of judgment.

  • Hearing:  Zechariah 7:13-14

    • A vision of truth comes from a willingness and desire to hear the Word of God in a way that leads us to action.  The Bible makes it clear that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”  The good news is the Bible also states that “faith come by hearing and hearing comes through the Word of God.”  While the people of God refused to listen to Him and thus found themselves unheard when they cried out to God, we can learn from their error and choose to listen to God’s Word in a way which produces action in our life.

Today, how will you respond to TRUTH?

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

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This is the audio from the October 6, 2024 sermon, “A Vision To Be SERVE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 6

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (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 . . .

  • Power:  Zechariah 6:1-3

    • A vision of peace will come from the One who has the power to bring everlasting peace.  As God sends out His Spirit, He does so with power.  Many of our efforts of temporary peace fall short simply because we don’t have the power to establish the peace we desire.  God’s power is almighty and through the power of the blood of Jesus, He has established a way for peace to exist between us and Him.

  • Everywhere:  Zechariah 6:4-7

    • A vision of peace which comes from God will go out everywhere that mankind exists.  There is not a place we can hide, nor a place which would go unnoticed, from God’s desire that people everywhere would be at peace.  Our geographical and political borders mean nothing to the peace God wants to bring to all who would call upon the name of Jesus.  

  • Authority:  Zechariah 6:8-10

    • A vision of peace will arrive with a declaration of authority of the One making peace possible.  Often our efforts of peace fail in this world because we lack authority over the ones needing peace.  Because God’s authority is supreme, He not only sets the terms of peace, He also makes those terms attainable through the blood of Jesus.

  • Christ:  Zechariah 6:11-13

    • A vision of peace will ultimately be a vision of Christ because it is only through Him that true peace is possible.  The Branch which has grown from the root of Jesse as a descendant of David, actually preceded David as the source of all things.  It is out of this Branch, which is Christ, that the kingdom of God grows and the people of His church become His dwelling.

  • Everyone:  Zechariah 6:14-15

    • A vision of peace must extend to everyone if it is to be a godly vision of peace.  People came from far away to rebuild the temple, and people come from even greater distances to become the new temple . . . the dwelling place of God within His people.  When God says that whosoever will may come, as peacemakers on behalf of Jesus we must include all people in God’s invitation to be at peace with Him.

Today, how will you experience PEACE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)

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

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.”
Daniel 7:21-22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would experience the favorable judgment of God as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would share with others the good news of receiving favorable judgment from God.

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: Sound Judgment! (10/3/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sound Judgment! (10/3/24)

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

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.”
Proverbs 3:21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that your life would exemplify sound judgment and that you would allow nothing to take if from you.  Pray for a steadfast spirit that would help your judgments stand up to the test of God’s Word, as well as to the test of time.

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: Good Judgment! (10/2/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Good Judgment! (10/2/24)

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

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.”
Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would learn good judgment as you believe and follow the commands of God.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the goodness of God’s judgments.    Pray for a knowledge that is both good and godly in content and practice.

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: Righteous Judgment! (10/1/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Righteous Judgment! (10/1/24)

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

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”
Psalm 94:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would look to God for the foundation of righteous judgment.  Pray that you would follow His judgments wholeheartedly.  Pray that the judgments you must make each day would be according to the righteousness of God.

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: Impartial Judgment! (9/30/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Impartial Judgment! (9/30/24)

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This is the audio from the September 30, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
Deuteronomy 1:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would seek to hear the whole story before making judgments in matters brought before you.  Pray for wisdom to know the difference between decisions which are yours and those which belong to God.

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

In prayer,
Tom