Christian life

April 30, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Prayer of FAITH!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Prayer of FAITH!

“Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:13-16 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on the faith aspect of our prayers.  God says that without faith it is impossible to please Him.  Without some element of faith, our prayers may not really be prayers at all.  It is faith, even if just the seeds of faith, that cause us to cry out to God in prayer.  Faith believes that God exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  A prayer of faith will make a sick person well — not always by removing the sickness, but always by being raised up by the Lord.  This week we will spend time asking God to help us grow in some areas that will increase the faith in our prayers.  As you pray, ask God to help you overcome any doubts that hinder your faith.  Pray that you would seek God diligently and believe that He will reward you through a relationship with Him.  Pray that your understanding of “being well” would take on an eternal perspective.  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 praying with faith in all circumstances.

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 Prayer of Focus.  Ask God to give you the wisdom to know what is good and right.  Pray that you would stay focused in your belief in God’s desire and ability to answer your prayers.  “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Prayer of Acceptance.  Pray that your faith would accept God’s Word as the holy instructions which bring salvation.  Ask God to help you have prayers which are filled with an acceptance of His Word and His ways being the foundation of His answers.  “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”  James 1:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Prayer of Insight.  Pray that God would fill you with an insight and understanding that could only come through His Word and His Spirit.  Ask God to fill your prayers with the insight that comes from doing the things He teaches.  “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)

Thursday: A Prayer of Trust.  Ask God to increase your trust of Him as you submit to Him in all things as you go to Him in prayer.  Pray that  you would learn to humble yourself as you pray and trust that He will lift you up.  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  James 4:10 (NIV)

Friday: A Prayer of Hope.  Pray that you would have patience as you wait for the hope you have in Christ to be fulfilled.  Ask God to help you pray with hope in all things because of the coming of the Lord.  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Prayer of Exclamation!  Pray that you would know the healing that comes from living in agreement with God, and others, about the harmfulness of sin.  Ask God to help you have powerful and effective prayers that exclaim to others the power of God to heal and forgive.  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16 (NIV)

April 23, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Dare To Be a Daniel!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Dare To Be a Daniel!

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10 (NIV)

The Bible is filled with characters who serve as examples of how we ought to live a godly life.  If you pay attention, you’ll notice that many of them did just that under circumstances that were less than ideal.  Daniel is one of them.  When Nebuchadnezzar invaded Israel, he carried off from Jerusalem “young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace” — young men including Daniel.  Even in a place where it would have been easy to forget God, Daniel maintained a practice of honoring God just as he had been taught.  I still remember the old Sunday School song, “Dare To Be a Daniel”, and believe that doing just that would make a world of difference in the way we represent Christ.  This week we will spend time praying about each of the above qualities that the king looked for, and found, in the life of Daniel.  As you pray, ask God to help you remain faithful regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in.  Pray that you would not be ashamed to be different from others as you live for Christ.  Pray that your daily practice of honoring God would sustain you in continuing to do so when times are difficult.  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 applying the characteristics which made Daniel useful not only to the king, but more importantly, useful in serving God.

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: Dare to Be Perfect.  Pray that you would understand the perfection that God wants you to have in being holy just as He is holy.  Pray that you would set God as the standard of perfection you pursue in all things.  “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

Tuesday: Dare to Be Handsome/Beautiful.  Pray that you would view yourself, and others, in the same way God does.  Pray that the beauty of your inner spirit would be evident to those who see you each day.  “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  1 Peter 3:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Dare to Be a Learner.  Pray that you would live each day yoked together with Christ as you learn from Him.  Pray that the gentleness and humility of Christ would be characteristics you learn from Him.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Thursday: Dare to Be Informed.  Pray that you would take the time to be informed about the hardships that are suffered by Christians in many parts of the world simply because they follow Christ.  Pray that being informed would move you to do what you can, and what God calls you to do.  “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.”  2 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Friday: Dare to Understand.  Pray that God would fill you with an understanding of His will as you search and study scripture.  Pray that your understanding of the Lord’s will would result in your doing of the Lord’s will.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Dare to Be Qualified.  Pray that you would live as one qualified to serve in the kingdom of God, not because of your self but because of a God who has qualified  you.  Pray that you would live a life of thanksgiving as one God has qualified.  “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”  Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

April 16, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living a (New) Resurrected Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living a (New) Resurrected Life!

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:5

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  This week as we reflect on the resurrection of Jesus and the new life we have in Him, we will focus on some of the aspects of living that new life.  Whether you feel new or not, if you have been adopted into God’s family, He has made, and continues to make, you new!  As you pray, ask God to help you not only experience the newness of being in Christ but that you would share that newness with the people around you on a daily basis.  Pray that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would be on display in your life as you live a life that has been made new.  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 living a new life through the power of the resurrection.

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: New Command.  Pray that you would live out this new command in a way that your love would not be ordinary, but would be Christ-like.  Pray that your obedience to the command to love one another would help others see you as a disciple of Jesus.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35

Tuesday: New Life.  Pray that the new life you experience in Christ would compel you to share that message with others.  Pray that your life and your words would always tell the full message of the resurrected life you live.  “‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20

Wednesday: New Teaching.  Pray that you would always be prepared to give an explanation of the teaching of Jesus that you follow.  Pray  that you would live in a way that others would want to know the new teaching that you follow.  “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’”  Acts 17:19

Thursday: New Covenant.  Pray that you would fully live by the Spirit which gives life according to the covenant God has made with His people.  Pray that you understand fully the competence you have been given to share the new covenant with others.  “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  2 Corinthians 3:6

Friday: New Creation.  Pray that you would know the power of the resurrection in making you a new creation in Christ.  Pray that your life as a new creation in Christ would not be held back by a past that has been forgiven.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

Saturday:  New Attitude.  Pray that the removal of your old self  would be complete as you live fully in a new attitude when you allow Christ to complete a renewing of your mind.  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”  Ephesians 4:22-23

April 9, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Obedience!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Obedience!

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week, as we pray leading up to Resurrection Sunday, we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.  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 importance of obedience in all aspects of your relationship 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: Obedience That Is Steadfast.  Pray that God would help you to maintain a steadfast obedience to the decrees of God.  Pray that your times of doubt would be replaced by a steadfast commitment to obeying the laws of God.  “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!”  Psalm 119:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Obedience In Your Thoughts.  Pray that God’s Spirit would guard  your mind so that every thought is obedient to Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to see through the arguments and pretension that would lead you away from obedient thoughts.  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Obedience That is Wholehearted.  Pray that you would pursue a wholehearted obedience to the teachings of God in order to escape the slavery of sin.  Pray that you would help other know they do not have to remain a slave to sin.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Obedience to Leaders.  Pray that your obedience would be a joy to the leaders who have authority over you.  Pray that you would recognize the advantages that come, both to you and your leaders, when you obey.  “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)

Friday: Obedience to the Truth.  Pray that you would be able to express pure love for others because of your obedience to the truth.  Pray that you would allow God to purify your life by your willingness to obey His truth.  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”  1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Obedience to God’s Commands.  Pray that your love for God would be expressed in your obedience to His commands.  Pray that the command to walk in love would be the foundation for your obedience.  “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”  2 John 1:6 (NIV)

April 2, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Godly Riches!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Godly Riches!

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)

What kind of things, or riches, do you find yourself running after each day?  Are they “kingdom of God” things or are they things of the world?  Because we live in the world, there are things that we need but even in our need God wants us to pay close attention to what kind of riches we are seeking.  If we allow Him, God has a way of transforming us through a renewing of our mind so that the things we seek are the things of His kingdom and righteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you examine the value you place on the riches of this world compared to the value you place on the things of God.  Pray for greater contentment with godly riches as you trust God to supply  your needs for now and for eternity.  Pray that your recognition of the riches God has supplied would lead you to share those types of riches with others.  Pray that your acceptance of godly riches would help you to keep worldly riches in their proper perspective.  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 true nature of godly riches and how to seek them above the riches of the world.

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: Rich In Love.  Pray that you would know the abundance of God’s love as you experience His compassion and graciousness.  Pray that the richness of God’s love would help you to be slow to anger.  Pray that you would be rich in love as you share the goodness of God with the people around you.  “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”  Psalm 145:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rich Toward God.  Pray that God would help you to examine your attitude regarding how much you are storing up for yourself versus how rich you are toward God.  Pray that being rich toward God would lead you to go through life with a loose grasp on the things of this world. “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rich In Generosity.  Pray that you would trust God in a way that allows you to be rich in generosity even when your circumstances make generosity difficult.  Pray that your generosity would flow from the joy that God brings to your life.  “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”  2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Rich In Mercy.  Pray that you would know true life because of the richness of God’s mercy.  Pray that the life you have in Christ would lead you to be rich in mercy toward others.  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”  Ephesians 2:4 (NIV)

Friday: Rich In Good Deeds.  Pray that you would not allow money to define how rich you are toward others.  Pray that you would be rich in good deeds as you share of yourself in ways that benefit the needs of others.  “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rich In Faith.  Pray that you would be rich in faith regardless of how rich you appear to the world.  Pray that your love of God would fill you with the riches of the kingdom that only faith can produce.  “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”  James 2:5 (NIV)

March 26, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Ready!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Ready!

“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:38-40 (NIV)

Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  We actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  As we pray this week, we will pray not only about being ready for the return of Christ, but also about living life ready for the moment.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today.  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 importance of being ready and how to be ready.

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 Ready for Jesus.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would grow in such a way that you are ready for His return at any time.  Pray that you would know the urgency of sharing about Jesus with others so they will be ready.  “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Ready to Give Generously.  Pray that you would be prepared to give in accordance to the desire God has placed within you.  Pray that your readiness to give generously would be an encouragement and example to others.  “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”  2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Be Ready for Works of Service.  Pray that God’s gifting in the lives of others would prepare you for the works of service that are yours to do.  Pray that God’s gifting in your life would prepare others for works of service.  “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Be Ready to Do Good.  Pray that your obedience to those in authority would prepare you to do whatever is good.  Pray for those in authority, that their decisions would allow you to do good most effectively.  “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”  Titus 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Be Ready for Action.  Pray that your mind would always be ready to lead the action God calls you to.  Pray that God’s grace would not only guard your mind, but would lead it into action.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Ready to Give an Answer.  Pray that you would take hold of the hope of God in such a way that you are always ready to answer questions about it.  Pray that your readiness to answer would treat others with gentleness and respect.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

March 19, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Saved!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Saved!

“When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’  Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Matthew 19:25-26 (NIV)

Many people, even some Christians, are filled with confusion when the issue of being saved comes up.  It seems every group has their own theology of how to be saved, what you need saved from, what you are being saved to do, and even how to remain saved.  With so much confusion, one might think that the Bible has little to say about salvation — but that is simply not true.  As with many Bible topics, the difficulty isn’t caused by a lack of information, rather it grows out of a lack of application.  It is easy to grasp hold of a verse or two that we can carry around to be pulled out when we want to talk about what it means to be saved, but rarely does a verse or two do justice to the entirety of any issue as serious as our salvation.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you have a greater understanding of the salvation that is offered through the name of Jesus.  Pray that you would grow in your understanding, and sharing, of the “whole counsel” of God’s Word in regard to being saved.  Pray that your desire would be the same as God’s — that all people would be saved.  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 the whole counsel of scripture in regards to being saved.

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: Saved By Entering Life Through Jesus.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the entrance to being saved.  Pray that you would help others to know that Jesus is that gate through which salvation can be found.  “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”  John 10:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Saved By the Gospel of Jesus.  Pray that you would understand the “good news” of Jesus — His death, burial, and resurrection — as the firm foundation of salvation.  Pray that you would hold firm to the gospel so that your belief would not be in vain.  “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Saved By God’s Grace.  Pray that you would always see your actions related to salvation as your response to God’s grace, not the cause for it.  Pray that both your acceptance and response to God’s gift would lead you to salvation.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Saved to Know Truth.  Pray that you would seek to live in peace so that the truth of God’s Word which brings salvation would be made known.  Pray that the salvation you have in Christ would lead you to a greater pursuit of the knowledge of truth.  “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

Friday: Saved Through Courageous Belief.  Pray that you would be courageous in holding fast to a belief in the power of Jesus to save.  Pray that your belief in Jesus would fill you with the courage to remain faithful in all circumstances.  “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”  Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)

Saturday:  Saved By the Resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that you would understand the work God does through baptism as a person is resurrected to walk a new life.  Pray for the power of the resurrection to be at work in your life as you walk in obedience to God’s commands.  “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 3:21 (NIV)

March 12, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Healing!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Healing!

“Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God — the LORD, the God of his fathers — even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.’  And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 (NIV)

Most Christians are familiar with the “If my people . . .” passage early in 2 Chronicles where God promises Solomon that He would heal the land of those who would humble themselves and pray.  Later, in the same book, we find the above passage where Hezekiah humbles himself and prays — not only for himself and the land, but for the healing of the people as they turned to God to receive His forgiveness.  Far too often in our prayers, we focus on a good thing — the physical healing of people — and miss a better thing, the spiritual healing of ourselves and others.  Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on praying about some aspects of healing that we ought to seek for ourselves and others.  As you pray, ask God to cover you in His grace as you seek forgiveness and healing of anything that would hinder your prayers.  Pray that you would spend at least as much time praying for the spiritual well-being of people as you do praying for their physical health.  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 the healing He wants to bring into your life.

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: Healing Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would seek, and know, the mercy of God when you need healing from sin and from the effects of sin in your life.  Pray that you would help others heal as you extend the same mercy to them that you have received from God.  “I said, ‘O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.’”  Psalm 41:4 (NIV)

Tuesday: Healing Through God’s Word.  Pray that you would know the power of God’s Word that can heal you from the deadly power of the grave.  Pray that your trust in God and His Word would lead you to share with others about the healing that can be had through obeying God’s Word.  “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”  Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Healing Through Pleasant Words.  Pray that you would speak pleasant words and know the healing that you will both give and receive in doing so.  Pray that you would guard the words you allow into your life so that you would hear pleasant words that bring healing.  “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

Thursday: Healing Through Confession and Prayer.  Pray that you would have wisdom in agreeing with those you have sinned against or have wronged you.  Ask God to help you pray with and for others, especially those you are in disagreement with.  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16 (NIV)

Friday: Healing By Christ’s Sacrifice.  Pray that you would know the complete healing that was purchased for you by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that you would be healed from the power of sin in order to live a righteous life.  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  Healing For the Soul.  Pray that you would experience a wellness of the soul that brings healing.  Pray that things would go well for those around you as they experience a soul that is well.  “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”  3 John 1:2 (NIV)

March 5, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: More Than Enough!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: More Than Enough!

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

When it comes to our interactions with people and the judgments we are tempted to pass upon them, God wants to remind us of both the sufficiency and source of what we have.  God says that “every good and perfect gift comes from above.”  The best and most perfect gift that there is, is our relationship with God.  While there is work that we need to do to maintain that relationship and help it to grow, being in relationship with God is His gift to us.  When we understand the sufficiency of what God has given us through Jesus Christ, we ought to be more willing and eager to share it with others knowing there will always be enough for everyone who would call upon the name of the Lord.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see Him as the source of every good thing in your life.  Pray that you would look to Him to be the source of all that seems to be missing from your life.  Pray that God would convict you in regard to how you use what He has given.  Pray that your “enough” would overflow with generosity into the lives of people who are in need.  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 sufficiency in your life.

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: Enough Trust.  Pray that you would recognize, and learn from, the times when a lack of trust in God prevented you from accomplishing what you had hoped.  Pray that your trust would be enough to honor God in the sight of the people around you.  “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’”  Numbers 20:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Enough Trouble.  Pray that God would help you to overcome all the temptations of worry.  Pray that you would not only recognize each day’s trouble as being enough, but that you would look to God to be enough for each day.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: Enough Resources.  Pray that you would consider your need for God, and the value He brings to life, when you are deciding if you have enough.  Pray that you would finish your life walking with God because you have found Him to be enough.  “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?”  Luke 14:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Enough Wisdom.  Pray that you would have enough wisdom from God to help the people around you resolve differences.  Pray that you would seek Godly counsel and wisdom when you are in disagreement with others.  “I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?”  1 Corinthians 6:5 (NIV)

Friday: Enough Grace.  Pray that you would allow God’s grace to carry you through your areas of weakness.  Pray that God would be seen as powerful as He is displayed through your weaknesses.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Enough Courage.  Pray that you would have enough courage to make Christ known in your life.  Pray that your courage in Christ would keep you from being ashamed to stand up for Him.  “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”  Philippians 1:20 (NIV)

February 26, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Great Rewards!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Great Rewards!

“The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:9b-11 (NIV)

It is often said that you can get people to do just about anything — you just have to figure out the proper reward that motivates them.  I suppose I should know, I have an entire card wallet filled with rewards cards from various companies.  While the corporate world may believe they invented the idea of rewarding loyalty; long before any corporations existed, God declared there would be a great reward for those who are loyal to Him.  When I receive an offer of a reward from a company, I have to decide if I want the reward and if I’m willing to meet the requirements to receive the reward.  God has offered each of us an eternal reward that comes from living in relationship with Him.  In that relationship, God expects us to know, understand, and keep His commands and ordinances.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with a great desire for His rewards.  Pray that you would understand and follow His instructions so that you are not disqualified.  Pray that you would know of a reward in Christ that is greater than any you would find apart from Him.   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 pursuing the rewards that He desires to give.

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: Rewarded Through Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that recognizes His rewards in your life.  Pray that you would use the wisdom God gives you to avoid the suffering of a mocker that you would bring upon yourself.  “If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”  Proverbs 9:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rewarded According to What We Sow.  Pray that you would pay attention to what it is you are sowing, not only in your own life but in the lives of others.  Pray that the seeds you share each day would be seeds of righteousness.  “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”  Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rewarded According to Our Words and Work.  Pray that you would only speak words that would bring about good for you and others.  Pray that God would help you to enjoy the rewards that come from you work.  “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”  Proverbs 12:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Rewarded According to Our Kindness.  Pray that you would see being kind to the poor as its own reward.  Pray that you would know the reward of having your kindness to others returned to you.  “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”  Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

Friday: Rewarded According to Our Conduct.  Pray that you would examine your own heart as honestly as God does.  Pray that you would know the reward that comes from conduct that is done with pure motives.  “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”  Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rewarded According to Our Faith.  Pray for a faith that believes God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Pray that your being in relationship with God would be the ultimate reward for having sought Him.  “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)