Christian life

November 20, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Overcoming Ungratefulness!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Overcoming Ungratefulness!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on overcoming ungratefulness by growing in thankfulness.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  We all go through struggles that test our faith and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks to those who need to hear it.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in overcoming ungratefulness by growing in thankfulness.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Give Thanks Through Sacrificial Offerings.  Pray that the offering of yourself and your possessions to God would be done with a thankful heart.  Pray that your promises to God would be fulfilled as you give sacrificially.  Pray about how your giving reflects both your thankfulness and your promises to God.  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”  Psalm 50:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give Thanks Through Singing.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly.  Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others in various ways.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”  Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Thanks to the Lord.  Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you give Him thanks for doing so.  Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great work.  “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks Which Glorifies God.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God.  Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful.  “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

Friday: Give Thanks For One Another.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life.  Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer.  Pray that you would grow in the ways you express your thankfulness to those you are thankful for.  “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Thanks In All Circumstances.  Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and ever circumstance you face.  Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person.  Pray that you would find joy in learning to be thankful.  “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)

November 13, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Restoring the Broken-Hearted!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Restoring the Broken-Hearted!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how God restores us and calls us to be involved in sharing the good news of that restoration with others.  It is comforting to know that regardless of how much of a lost cause I may look like to myself or to others, God still has the ability and desire to restore me to Himself.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with the hope of His glory as He continues His work of restoration in your life even through suffering.  Pray that you realize His current restoration work in your life as well as anticipate the complete restoration when you see Jesus face to face.  Pray that you would carry with you a message of restoration to the people around you who are losing, or have lost, hope.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in being restored and sharing a message of restoration.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Restored to Joy.  Pray that God would fill you with an indescribable joy because of the salvation you have in Christ.  Pray that your joy would be sustained by a steadfast spirit within you.  Pray that your representation of Jesus to others would help them to know a joy that only He can give.  “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”  Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Restored to Life.  Pray that you would have a confident hope in Christ that even the midst of great troubles, and even death, God will restore you to life with Him through His Son, Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you share the message of life.  “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”  Psalm 71:20 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Restored Through Repentance.  Pray that you would always repent of any sin and wrongdoing that keeps you from serving God.  Pray that the restoration you receive would help others to know of God’s love for them.  “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Restored at the Return of Jesus.  Pray for a patient understanding that complete restoration will not take place until Jesus returns.  Pray that you would be involved in living the process of restoration until that time when Jesus returns.  “He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”  Acts 3:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Restored Gently.  Pray that the restoration you receive from God would help you be willing to restore others with gentleness.  Pray that your compassion in restoring others would not lead you to participate in wrongdoing.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Restored Through Prayer.  Thank God for the opportunity to pray for one another in their times of need.  Pray that you would be more diligent in praying that the people around you would be fully restored to Christ.  Pray that God would help you to notice how He answers prayer.  “And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.”  Philemon 1:22 (NIV)

November 6, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Accused!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Accused: Show Mercy!

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’”
John 8:7 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on some things that God says about His mercy.  Mercy is one of those characteristics that we all tend to love when it is extended toward us yet find ourselves hesitant when it comes to extending it to others.  It is a struggle that requires great submission to the will of God as we pray that He would empower us to be merciful by the power of His Spirit.  As we focus our prayer emphasis on God’s mercy this week, pray that you would both know God’s mercy in your life and express God’s mercy to others.  Pray that you would know the mercy of God when you stand accused by others.  Pray that you would extend that same level of mercy when others stand accused.  Pray that you would make a life of mercy a priority each day you live.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in loving the accused by showing mercy.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Ministry Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would show mercy  to others through the mercy of God in your life.  Pray that an awareness of God’s mercy would help you to keep extending mercy to others.  Pray that you would know the joy of serving others in ways that are only possible because of His mercy.  “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”  2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Patience Shown By God’s Mercy.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s patience displayed through His mercy in your life.  Pray that you would learn patience with others as you reflect to them the mercy God has shown you.  “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”  1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

Wednesday: God’s Mercy In Our Time Of Need.  Pray that you would have confidence through Jesus in approaching God for mercy in your times of need.  Pray that you would always be aware of the element of mercy needed by others in their times of  need.  “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Wisdom Filled With God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would seek and use true wisdom that is full of mercy.  Pray that you would apply the wisdom God provides as He teaches you to be more merciful with yourself and with others.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: New Birth Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would rejoice in the new birth you have through the mercy of God.  Pray that your life would be lived in such praise of God that others would know God’s mercy.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Eternal Life Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the eternal life you have because of God’s mercy being extended to you.  Pray that God’s love would always be the guide for how you share with others about the life God desires for them to live.  “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  Jude 1:21 (NIV)

October 30, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Crowd!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Crowd: Provide Help!

“’Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’  Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’”
Mathew 14:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about loving others enough to help them.  Helping others is not just a good idea, it is a God idea!  When Jesus saw the crowds, He was often moved to compassion and chose to help in ways that were consistent with the actual need.  God continually sets the example by helping us in our times of need, and did so in the ultimate way by sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from our greatest need.  As  you pray, ask God to fill you with a compassion that leads to a desire to help others.  Pray that this desire would take root and grow into an action that produces fruit.  Pray that you would notice not just those in the crowd who need help, but that God would help you see clearly what help is really needed.  Pray that God would be honored in the way you help others.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in loving the crowds enough to provide real help.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Provide Help According to Your Ability.  Pray that God would help you to accurately evaluate your ability to help others.  Pray that you would free yourself from the trap of comparison as you help others according to the ability God has given you.  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”  Acts 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Provide Help to Those Who Are Weak.  Pray that you would be mindful of the many ways in which a person might be weak.  Pray that you would have the courage to do the hard things that help those who are weak.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Provide Help Through Your Prayers.  Ask God to help you to remember to pray for those who need His help.  Pray that you would pay attention during your prayer time for how God would have you help others.  “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”  2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Provide Help According to Need.  Pray that it would not only be  your actions, but also your words that would be helpful to others according to their need.  Pray that you would seek wisdom in knowing what others really need before you try to offer help.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Provide Help So Others Get Along.  Pray that you would be a peacemaker when the people around you don’t get along.  Pray that your help would encourage others to resume their work for the cause of the gospel.  “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.  Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.”  Philippians 4:2-3  (NIV)

Saturday:  Provide Help That Encourages Others.  Pray that you would be a help to those who encourage others and to those who need encouraged.  Pray that you would know the encouragement of being a helper.  “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”  1 Peter 5:12 (NIV)

October 23, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Path We Travel!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Path We Travel!

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
     shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about the path you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a path, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The path we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the path of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the path you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you off the path that is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would follow it as they observe your life in Christ.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in traveling a path with Him.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: The Path of Life.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.  “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)

Tuesday: The Path of Protection.  Pray that you would follow God’s path and trust Him to broaden it beneath your feet so that your walk is steady.  Pray that those around you would not stumble on the path they are choosing to travel.  Pray for God’s protection from both physical and spiritual dangers that exist as you travel through life.  “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Path of God’s Way.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s way so that your path would not be disrupted by the enemy.  Pray that you would teach others the way of God.  Pray that those who stand against you would actually help you travel in a way that pleases God.  “Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.”  Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

Thursday: The Path of Freedom.  Pray that you would daily experience the freedom of walking in the path of God’s commands.  Pray that the people around you would see a heart set free in Christ.  Pray that you would learn to run free from bondage as you travel in the path of God’s commands.  “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”  Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

Friday: The Path of Light.  Pray that you would use God’s Word to illuminate the path you walk each day.  Pray that you would shine the light of God’s Word on the path that those around you walk.  Pray for the wisdom and desire to shine the light of God’s Word upon the path you travel so that your way would be clear.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Path of Justice.  Pray that your practice of administering mercy and justice would lead you on a path that is good.  Pray that you would continually grow in your understanding of God’s definition of justice.  Pray that you would treat the people around you in a way that helps them desire a path that is good.  “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”  Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

October 16, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Serving One Another!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Serving One Another!

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14-15 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on serving one another like Jesus.  When we are in Christ, we are one family.  When I think of those closest to Jesus, it is His disciples that first come to mind.  Even as Jesus faced the cross, He loved those who were His own by serving them as an example of how we ought to serve one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an awareness of the family He has called you into.  Pray that you would notice specific ways you can serve others.  Pray that you would look for the opportunities to help others according to their need.  Pray that you would know the love of Jesus in a way that  helps you to love His family.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in serving one another.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Share With One Another.  Pray that you would understand and practice your responsibility to share with God’s family in need.  Pray for wisdom to know how to do that well.  Pray about how God would have you share not only the material goods He has blessed you with, but also the love He has shown to you.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Equipping One Another.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped for every good work.  Pray that you would use God’s word accurately in serving others.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rebuking One Another.  Pray for the wisdom and grace to rebuke others in love and to repent when you are rebuked.  Pray that you would pay close attention to the details of your interactions with others.  Pray that any rebuking you give or receive would always be in line with God’s Word and according to need.  “So watch yourselves.  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”  Luke 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Visiting One Another.  Pray that you would notice the stranger, the needy, the sick, and the imprisoned and visit them as if you are visiting Christ.  Pray that you would carry God’s peace and joy with you as you visit others.  “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’”  Matthew 25:38-39 (NIV)

Friday: Encouraging One Another.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you meet together on a regular basis.  Pray about how God would have you encourage others even when you are apart for a time.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serving One Another Like Christ.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.  Pray that God would help you deal with any selfishness that keeps you from serving like Jesus.  “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

October 9, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Children!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Children!

“’I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on loving children like Jesus does.  God has a lot to say about His concern for children.  Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods.  As you pray this week, pray that the children in your life would know the love of God that He lavishes on them.  Pray that you would love and value children just as God does.  Pray that God would mold your heart and will into that which aligns with His love and care for children.  Pray for the courage to be involved in the lives of children in ways that show them the love of God.  Pray about how you can serve the needs of children, both in the church gathering and in the community.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in loving children like Jesus does.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Children Who Are Obedient.  Pray that you would live in obedience to Christ out of love for Him and as an example to others.  Pray that children would be filled with the presence of God as they put away the desires of ignorance and walk in obedience to God.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”  1 Peter 1:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Children Who Are Forgiven.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that reflects the forgiveness that you have received in Christ.  Pray that children would know the depths of God’s forgiveness as they experience your forgiveness.  Pray that God’s forgiveness of you would lead you to forgive others more.  “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”  1 John 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Children Who Live With Confidence.   Pray that you would live life with a confidence in the future because of whose child you are.  Pray that children would begin, and continue, a life in Christ so they would have a confidence in being unashamed when He returns.  “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”  1 John 2:28 (NIV)

Thursday:  Children Who Have Genuine Love.  Pray that your love for others would be reflected in the things you actually do.  Pray that children would see and hear in you a consistency that demonstrates through your actions both your love and God’s love for them.  Pray that your expressions of love would be truthful.  “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”  1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Children Who Worship God Exclusively.  Pray that you would be aware of the things which could easily become idols in your life so that you can avoid them.  Pray that children would see in you a life that only worships God.  Pray for the children who are growing in a world that is filled with people and things wanting to be worshiped.  “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”  1 John 5:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Children Who Walk In Truth.  Pray that you would be one that finds, and expresses, joy through walking in the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that children would learn from your words and example as they find the greatest of all joys can be discovered through walking with God in truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4 (NIV)

October 2, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Overcoming Doubt!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Overcoming Doubt!

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”
John 20:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on overcoming doubt even as we consider how Jesus loves those who doubt.  It ought to be comforting to everyone to know that Jesus understands the doubts we have and loves us so much that He patiently walks us through our disbelief.  When we take our doubts to Jesus, He presents Himself to us in such a way that we can believe fully in Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the doubts that enter you life at any time.  Pray that you would know the evidence of Jesus that is strong enough to overcome all doubts.  Pray that you would know the love of God that doesn’t waver because of your doubts and embraces you in a way that removes doubt.  Pray that you would love people who doubt and share with them the good news of a God who can be believed in.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in overcoming doubt.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Overcoming Doubt With God’s Help.  Pray that you would always turn to God when you have doubts.  Pray that your belief would be strengthened by God as you recognize the tension between belief and unbelief.  Pray that you and the people around you would know God’s love even in moments of doubt.  “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”  Mark 9:24 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Overcoming Doubt By the Testimony of Jesus.  Pray that the testimony of God about Jesus would help you overcome doubt.  Pray that you would live in such a way that people see the testimony of Jesus through you.  Pray that the love of God would be known to all through the testimony of Jesus.  “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.”  John 1:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Overcoming Doubt By Listening to Truth.  Pray that you would listen intently to the truth of  God’s Word.  Pray that your belief is strengthened through the truth of God you learn from others.  Pray that your love for people would be known by the truth you share.  “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”  John 4:42 (NIV)

Thursday:  Overcoming Doubt By the Work of God.  Pray that you would know the work of God in your life that leads to belief.  Pray that you would be actively involved in the work of God by sharing your belief in Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would know of God’s love as you share the good news of Jesus.  “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’”  John 6:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Overcoming Doubt By Faith.  Pray that you faith in God would grow in such a way that it continually pushes all doubt away.  Pray that you would be one who seeks to please God through a life of faith.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Overcoming Doubt By God’s Word.  Pray that God’s Word would fill you with a knowledge of eternal life that expels doubt.  Pray that you would love people enough to share God’s Word with them.  Pray that the knowing and sharing of God’s Word would spread a growing belief in Jesus.  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  1 John 5:13 (NIV)

September 25, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving With Truth!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving With Truth!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on loving with truth as we continue a series about being loved by Jesus so we can love like Jesus.  When we know the truth of God’s Word, we are prepared to speak that truth to others.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  The way we love people, especially those who may be labeled by society as outcasts, ought to be centered in the truth of God’s love for them.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow into a fullness of His truth.  Pray that the truth of God’s love for you would fully shape the way you love others.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in loving people with truth.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Speaking Truth.  Pray that your love for God and people would guide the way you speak truth.  Pray that you would be one who always speaks truth because that is what resides within you.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s love through the truth you speak.  “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”  Psalm 15:1-2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Learning Truth.  Pray that you would be a continual student of God’s Word as you learn truth from Him on a daily basis.  Pray that the truth you learn from God’s Word would guide your love for all people.  “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Walking in Truth.  Pray that you would be known by the people around you as one who walks in truth no matter what.  Pray that a continual awareness of how God views your life would help you to be faithful to Him as ’the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  “Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.”  Psalm 26:2-3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Protected by Truth.  Pray that you would know the protection of having your life centered in the truth of God.  Pray that the truth of God’s mercy would direct the way you love others with mercy.  Pray that God’s protection would be known by those who experience His mercy through you.  “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.”  Psalm 40:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Guided by Truth.  Pray that you would seek God’s truth for your source of guidance in all things.  Pray that your love for others would be guided by the truth of God’s love for them.  Pray that God’s love through you would guide others to Him.  “Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.”  Psalm 43:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Judged in Truth.  Pray that you are always prepared by the blood of Jesus to be judged in truth by God.  Pray that your love for people would lead you to be truthful with them about the day of God’s judgment.  Pray that the judgments you make about others would be truthful.  “They will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.  He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.”  Psalm 96:13 (NIV)

September 18, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Overlooked!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Overlooked!

“A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.  He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.”
Luke 19:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will begin a series about being loved by Jesus so we can love like Jesus.  We’ll begin with a look at Zacchaeus and pray about how to love the overlooked . . . even when the overlooked just might be you.  Whether you feel overlooked because of your physical characteristics or the labels you wear, Jesus notices you and loves you.  When we love like Jesus, we pay attention to those that the world overlooks.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know just how much you are noticed and loved by Him.  Pray that you would pay attention to the people around you who feel like the world has passed them by.  Pray that your eyes would always be open to the opportunities to share God’s love with others.  Pray for a heart that loves people in the same way that God loves you.

“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) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in loving people who are overlooked.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: The Overlooked You Pass By.  Pray that you would not be so focused on your destination that you miss the people who are along the way.  Pray that you would see your journey in life as a series of opportunities to love people.  Pray for a heart that loves people in all places where you encounter them.  “Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.”  Luke 19:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Overlooked Who Are Seeking.  Pray that you would do whatever it takes to see Jesus at work around you.  Pray that the people around you would long to know Jesus.  Pray that you would learn to love everyone who might be in the process of seeking Jesus.  “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”  Luke 19:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Overlooked Who Are Noticed.  Pray that you would be confident of the gaze of Jesus directed toward you even when you feel overlooked by people.  Pray that God’s love in you would notice and include those who have been overlooked by others.  “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’”  Luke 19:5 (NIV)

Thursday: The Overlooked Who Are Labeled.  Pray that you would know the love of God regardless of the labels others might put on you.  Pray that your love for people would overcome the stereotypes and prejudices that tend to label people.  Pray that you would see beyond the labels that others have been tagged with.  “All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a “sinner.”'”  Luke 19:7 (NIV)

Friday: The Overlooked Who Are Repentant.  Pray for the courage to realize when your own actions have caused others to overlook you.  Pray for a life which reflects the actions that come from a repentant heart.  Pray that you would love those who you have wronged and those who have wronged you.  “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  Luke 19:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Overlooked Who Are Lost.  Pray that you would know the love of God which sought you when you were lost.  Pray that you would live with a compassion for the lost that seeks to share God’s love with them.  Pray that you would not lose hope for yourself, or for others, as you consider God’s desire that all would be saved.  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”  Luke 19:10 (NIV)