Christian life

July 9, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Wise Counsel!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wise Counsel!

“To God belong wisdom and power;
counsel and understanding are his.”
Job 12:13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about seeking wise counsel, not only from God but also from the people He has brought into our lives for that purpose.  If we examine who it is we listen to, many times we will discover it is only those who we believe will agree with us.  How often do we reject wise counsel, whether from God or people, because we have already made up our mind about a matter?  While the Bible talks about the importance of many advisers, it also warns about surrounding ourselves with those who simply say what we want to hear.  Gaining, and giving, wise counsel can be a balancing act as we listen to one another through the filters of God’s Word and His Spirit.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you listen not only to what you want to hear, but to differing viewpoints as you seek wise counsel from God.  Pray that you would subject all counsel you give and receive to the truth of God’s Word and instruction of His Spirit.  Pray that you would have the courage to change when God shows you that you have acted without wise counsel.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 both giving and receiving wise counsel.

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:  Counsel That Results in Praise.  Pray that you would receive counsel from the Lord at all times.  Pray that you would live a life of praise because of the counsel you receive and follow.  “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”  Psalm 16:7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Counsel That Leads to Eternal Glory.  Pray that you would desire to be guided by God’s counsel.  Pray that you would live with a confident hope of eternal glory with God as you follow His counsel.  “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”  Psalm 73:24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Counsel From God’s Word.  Pray that you would find delight in the laws of God’s Word.  Pray that you would be a student of the Word of God as you seek counsel from it.  Pray that God’s Word would be central in the counsel you give others.  “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”  Psalm 119:24 (NIV)

Thursday:  Counsel That is Successful.  Pray that you would be open to godly counsel and advice that may go against what you want.  Pray that you would surround yourself with advisers who seek to listen to God rather than advisers who seek to make you feel good about your plans.  “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”  Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

Friday:  Counsel That is Earnest.  Pray that you would know the joy of having friends who will give earnest counsel.  Pray that the counsel you give to others would be given with serious thought and consideration of what God desires.  “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.”  Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Counsel From God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would know, and listen to, the ultimate counsel of God’s Spirit living within you.  Pray that you would have God’s Word hidden in your heart so it is filled with good things for the Holy Spirit to remind you of.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

July 2, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living Free!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living Free!

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about living free.  While scripture teaches that “those whom the Son has set free, shall be free indeed”, God’s Word also makes it clear that we must be careful how we use our freedom.  God wants each one of us to live free in ways that build up and encourage one another.  Many times, at least in the American culture that I live in, we equate freedom with independence.  In God’s kingdom, our freedom comes through complete surrender to Him and an acknowledgement of our total dependence on the work Christ has done on our behalf.  Our freedom in Christ allows us to serve people in ways that benefit them according to their need.  We live with this kind of freedom through faith and by God’s grace, knowing that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand how the freedom that He offers is different from the world’s view of freedom.  Pray that you would be careful how you use your freedom.  Pray that you would know true freedom that is found through gazing into the perfect law of God’s Word and doing what it says.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 using the freedom you have in Christ to serve Him and others.

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:  Live Free to Proclaim Freedom to Others.  Pray that you would proclaim freedom to others because it is the right thing to do.  Pray that you would repent of any attitudes that would hold others captive in your thoughts.  “Recently you repented and did what is right in my sight: Each of you proclaimed freedom to his countrymen. You even made a covenant before me in the house that bears my Name.”  Jeremiah 34:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Live Free by God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would walk by the Spirit as you live in the freedom He gives.  Pray that you would know the presence of God dwelling within you through His Spirit.  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Live Free to Serve One Another.  Pray that you would be careful in how you use your freedom.  Pray that all selfishness would be banished from your life as you serve others.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Live Free to Approach God.  Pray that you would live with the confidence to approach God in perfect freedom.  Pray that your freedom would be used to help others know that they can also approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Live Free by God’s Perfect Law.  Pray that you would be more than a casual observer of God’s Word, that you would gaze into it intently.  Pray that you would not only look intently into God’s Word, but that you would do what it says.  “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Live Free to Serve God.  Pray that your life would be lived daily as a servant of God.  Pray that you would not use your freedom to hide sin in your life.  “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”  1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

June 25, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Leadership!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Leadership!

“‘Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them.  I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’  declares the LORD.  ‘So you will be my people, and I will be your God.'”  Jeremiah 30:21-22 (NIV)

This week we will be praying about leadership and how God wants those who lead, to lead according to His will, instruction, and power.  Before you dismiss this prayer guide as not applicable to you, or think it is all about someone else, look around at how God has called you to lead.  Sometimes people lead in ways that are very visible and everyone views that person as a leader.  Others lead by what they do in ways that are often unnoticed, other than by the visible results that are seen in the lives of those who follow.  Leadership done God’s way should always take place under the ultimate leadership of God and be done so that people recognize Him as the One who is leading.  As you pray this week, ask God to make you aware of the situations He has called you to lead in.  Pray that you would lead in ways that make Him known rather than in ways that promote yourself or you own agenda.  Pray that you would always know God as the leader you follow — even in areas you are called to lead in.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 understanding, and accepting, His leadership even as you lead in the areas He has called you to.

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:  Lead with Generosity.  Pray that your willingness to give would cause those you are leading to rejoice.  Pray that your generosity would always flow from the knowledge that you are giving to the Lord.  “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD.  David the king also rejoiced greatly.”  1 Chronicles 29:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Lead with Justice.  Pray that you would be filled with the wisdom to lead with justice.  Pray that you would treat everyone fairly and without partiality as you lead.  Pray for God’s view of justice to guide you as you lead.  “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel.  Should you not know justice.”  Micah 3:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Lead Away from Ignorance.  Pray that your leadership would be done in wisdom and truth, rather than in ignorance.  Pray that your actions would lead people toward truth and not away from it.  “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.”  Acts 3:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Lead Diligently.  Pray that you would be diligent in leading by the power of God’s Spirit in every area He has called you to lead.  Pray for the endurance to lead wisely through both your words and actions.  “ . . . if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”  Romans 12:8a (NIV)

Friday:  Lead by Example.  Pray that you would never forget the examples of those who have led well before you.  Pray that your life would be an example to consider for those who hear the Word of God from you.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Lead with Accountability.  Pray that you would lead with the ever-present knowledge that you will give an account for how you lead.  Pray that your obedience to God would encourage others to obey as they follow your leadership.  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

June 18, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Spirit!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Spirit!

“Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”  1 John 3:24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the Spirit of God who has been given by God to all who are in Christ.  The Bible teaches that when we are baptized into Christ, He forgives our sins and gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit.  God choosing to dwell among mankind through the life of Jesus on earth was an incredible event.  As great as that was, it is through our choosing to be buried with Christ that God chooses to dwell within us through the Holy Spirit.  God’s desire is that we would walk in obedience to Him through the knowledge we have in the Spirit.  While people credit, and blame, the Spirit for a lot of things, the Bible teaches us to “test the spirits” as not every spirit comes from God.  Scripture teaches that the fruit of God’s Spirit is obvious — you probably know the list. As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an awareness of His Spirit.  Pray that you would not be led astray by spirits which do not come from God.  Pray for the courage to walk in obedience because of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 understanding the presence of God’s Spirit within you and how to live by the Spirit.

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:  Be Born of the Spirit.  Pray that you would take God at His Word and be born of the Spirit in order to enter His kingdom.  Pray that being born of the Spirit would help you to speak truth to others.  “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.’”  John 3:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Taught By the Spirit.  Pray that you would be teachable as you allow God’s Spirit to remind you of the things said by Jesus.  Pray that you would allow God’s Spirit to lead in any teaching opportunities you have.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Guided By the Spirit.  Pray that you would live with humility as you allow God’s Spirit to guide  you each day.  Pray that God’s Word would always be the final authority of anything you believe the Spirit to be saying.  “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”  John 16:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Filled With the Spirit.  Pray that God’s Spirit would fill you as you earnestly seek Him.  Pray that the Spirit would move you to speak truthfully and boldly.  “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”  Acts 4:31 (NIV)

Friday:  Live By the Spirit.  Pray that you would desire each day to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh.  Pray that your living by the Spirit would lead you away from your sinful desires.  “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”  Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray In the Spirit.  Ask God to help you pray in ways that acknowledge and trust the role of the Spirit in your prayer life.  Pray that you would be build up in your faith, and build up others, as you pray with God’s Spirit interceding and interpreting on your behalf.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

June 11, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Protection!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Protection!

“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.”
Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the protection we have in Christ.  This protection is designed to keep us secure in our relationship with God as we journey toward an eternity with Him.  I know there are people who become easily disillusioned when they pray for protection from specific trouble, but the trouble comes anyway.  God’s protection isn’t designed to keep us from facing all trouble, in fact the Bible teaches that we will indeed face trouble of many kinds.  No, the protection is to guard our heart and mind in Christ Jesus in order to keep us pure and holy until the coming of Christ.  God has provided us with all that is needed, not to always protect us from trouble, but to protect us through troubles.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live under the “roof” of His protection.  Pray that the troubles you face would not lead you away from God and His protection, but rather lead you to experience a greater fullness in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would share with others about the protection that is available through Christ.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 understanding and living under the protection He offers.

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:  Protected by Taking Refuge in God.  Pray that you would turn to God for refuge in your times of trouble.  Pray that God’s protection would be spread over you and give you cause for rejoicing.  “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”  Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Protected by Integrity.  Pray that your hope in God would fill you with integrity as you walk with Him.  Pray that a life and reputation of integrity would protect you as you walk through times of trouble.  Pray that you would be protected by the integrity of God even when your integrity is weak.  “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”  Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Protected by Discretion.  Pray that you would have the discretion to not only know what to say, but also what not to say.  Pray that your discretion would not only protect you during times of trouble, but would also protect those around you.  “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”  Proverbs 2:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Protected by Wisdom.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom that He promises to give without finding fault.  Pray that you would use that godly wisdom to protect you from the temptations that accompany trouble.  “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”  Proverbs 4:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Protected From the Evil One.  Pray that you would live in this world with the protection of God from the evil one.  Pray that the trouble of this world would not overcome you, but that you would share the experience of God’s protection.  “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”  John 17:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Protected by Love.  Pray that you would know the depth of God’s love as it always protects.  Pray that the love of God that dwells within you would be visible as you are not only protected by that love, but also protect others through that same love.  “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV)

June 4, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Body Building!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Body Building!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:15-16

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the body of Christ.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire body grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up the body of Christ.  Body building in the physical realm takes commitment and effort.  The same is true in spiritual body building.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual body so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would pay attention to the part that you ought to be doing, rather than concerning yourself with what someone else should do.  Pray for a healthy and mature body of Christ as each member submits to the Head.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 doing your part to build up the body of Christ.

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: Building With Grace.  Pray that you would recognize the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours.  Pray that you would build up others as you share God’s grace with them.  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Tuesday: Building Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would serve your neighbor in the name of Jesus so that he would be built up according to his need.  Pray that you would trust God to use your neighbor in Christ to build you up according to your need.  “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Building The Church.  Pray that you would use, and grow, in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church.  Pray for an atmosphere that would encourage people to excel in the gifts that build up the body.  “So it is with you.  Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”  1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Building With Speech.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen.  Pray that you would filter what comes into your ears to that the speech of others would build you up.  “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: Building Through Encouragement.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up.  Pray that God would surround you with people who encourage you in your walk with Him.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Building In Faith.  Pray that your faith would be put into action in a way that builds up yourself and those around you.  Pray that you would seek God through His Spirit so that you would be built up in faith through prayer.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

May 28, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sacrificial Service!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sacrificial Service!

“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  
John 12:25-26 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week’s prayer focus will be on serving sacrificially.  As we commemorate Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., it is good to remember those who gave their life on behalf of their country and fellow-man.  It is also good to follow that example of sacrifice as we serve within the kingdom of God.  Serving sacrificially is difficult because it requires that we humble ourselves and consider the needs of someone else to be greater than our own.  Serving sacrificially is not without reward, however.  Not only does it benefit those we serve, it brings honor from God as we serve Christ in our service to others.  As you pray this week, thank God for those who have served their country, and you, sacrificially.  Pray that you would grow in the humility necessary to serve others as you should.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 learning how He would have you serve Him sacrificially.

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: Serve In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the joy that comes by serving through the way of God’s Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: Serve With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  Pray that those you serve would see the power of God at work in you.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Serve One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to deny yourself as you serve others.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Serve Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus you were serving.  Pray that the way you serve would help people see Jesus in you.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Serve Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that your service to others would be known as a gift from God.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray for those who serve as shepherds, that their motives are always pure.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.”  1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)

May 21, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: World Missions!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: World Missions!

“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)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation.  God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in.  For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling.  For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them.  As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed on the reverse side of this page.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 as you seek to spread the good news of Jesus everywhere you go.

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: Encouragement.  Pray that God would help you to find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV

Tuesday: Provision:  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give to others.  “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:17,19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom:  Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”  2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Effectiveness:  Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Boldness:  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday: Faithfulness:  Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them.  Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3 (NIV)

May 14, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Facing Trouble!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Facing Trouble!

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)

Trouble.  The “gift” no one asks for but we all receive.  Jesus made it clear in His teaching that His followers would not be exempt from trouble in this life.  In fact, He says there will be trouble that exists simply because of following Jesus completely.  While trouble is inevitable, Jesus says that we should not add to each day’s trouble by worrying about the trouble of the next day.  When we look to God’s Word, there is much to learn about how to pray during times of trouble.  We begin by seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.  When that is the one thing we seek each day, then we begin to get a glimpse of the temporary nature of our troubles.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you face trouble with a wisdom and strength that only He can give.  Pray that you would learn and grow during times of trouble as you rely on the power of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray that you would not add to your day’s trouble things that do not belong and pray that your actions would not add to the trouble faced by others.   Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 as you face, endure, and overcome trouble.

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: A Stronghold During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would seek God’s righteousness to be  your stronghold of protection when you experience trouble.  Pray that you would see through the trouble to the salvation that awaits those who remain in the Lord.  “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”  Psalm 37:39 (NIV)

Tuesday: Delivered During Times of Trouble.  Pray that your care of the weak would grow in proportion to your desire to be delivered from trouble.  Pray that the regard you have for those who struggle would result in both you and them being delivered by God.  “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.”  Psalm 41:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Answer During Times of Trouble.  Pray that God would fill your mind and spirit with the desire to call on Him first when you experience trouble.  Pray that your calling out to God would include times of listening as you anticipate His answer to the trouble you face.  “In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”  Psalm 86:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Peace During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would be filled with peace through your remembrance of the Word of God.  Pray that the victory won by Jesus would fill you with peace.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

Friday: Comfort During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would allow God’s comfort to fill you during times of trouble.  Pray that you would be active in comforting others with the comfort God has given you.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray During Times of  Trouble.  Ask God to help you turn to Him in prayer during times of trouble.  Pray that you would have the courage to enlist others to pray with you as you wait upon the Lord.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 (NIV)

May 7, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Learning to Give!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Learning to Give!

“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)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on learning to give.  Just as the Bible teaches that we know love because God first loved us, we can learn to give because God first gave to us.  Too often we don’t give — not because the need isn’t present, and not even because we don’t have the resources — but simply because we haven’t learned to give.  God’s desire is that we learn to give with the purpose of blessing others and in so doing we discover we too are blessed.  When we follow the example of Jesus we learn to give what we know, we learn to give what we have, and we learn to give what God provides.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be a learner when it comes to giving.  Pray that your practice of giving would be a blessing to you, and to others, as you reflect Christ in your giving habits.  Pray that your recognition of God as the provider of all good things would help you learn to give more freely.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 as you learn the blessing of giving.

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: Learn to Give Thanks.  Pray that your awareness of God’s righteousness would teach you to give thanks.  Pray that God’s work in your life would teach you a lifestyle of gratitude.  “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”  Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Learn to Give Generously.  Pray that you would follow God as you turn from a wickedness of taking to a righteousness of giving generously.  Pray that God would teach you to recognize all that He has put into your life for the purpose of you sharing it with others.  “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”  Psalm 37:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Learn to Give Now.  Pray that you would learn to recognize the moments of opportunity in giving.  Pray that God would help you do an inventory of your life so you know what you can give now.  “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’– when you now have it with you.”  Proverbs 3:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Learn to Give Sound Answers.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so you would be able to give sound answers.  Pray that God would help you to discern what is true and reliable as you answer those who seek hope.  “Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?”  Proverbs 22:20-21 (NIV)

Friday: Learn to Give Grace.  Pray that you would learn to give grace to others in the measure that God has given it to  you.  Pray that you would understand the power of transformation that comes through the giving and receiving of grace — even to those who are your enemy.  “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”  Proverbs 25:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Learn to Give Careful Attention.  Pray that you would give careful attention to all that God has put under  your care.  Pray that you would learn from God how to be responsible in giving attention to that which needs it so that you and your family will be prepared for the coming of Christ.  “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”  Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)