August 7, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Discernment!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Discernment!

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with courageous discernment. Not everything is always as it first appears and there are many who attempt to deliberately deceive for a variety of reasons. Discernment is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”. Discernment is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need. As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a discernment that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways. Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”. Pray that you would seek wisdom from God in all situations so that you would not be easily deceived. Pray that your response to deception would always be one of integrity on your part.

“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 having courageous discernment.

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: Discernment to Understand God’s Laws. Pray that you would serve God with discernment in order to understand how He works through His laws. Pray that you would always live with discernment as a servant of God. Pray for the discernment needed to accurately share the beauty of God’s laws with others. “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” Psalm 119:125 (NIV)

Tuesday: Discernment to Guide Your Understanding. Pray for discernment to find God’s guidance in understanding the proverbs and parables of the Bible. Pray that your discernment would lead to knowing and practicing the truth found in the sayings of the wise. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV)

Wednesday: Discernment that Leads to Life. Pray that you would hold onto the discernment that comes from sound judgment. Pray that you would wear discernment in a way that brings life to you and to those around you. “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV)

Thursday: Discernment that Leads to Wise Instruction. Pray for a heart of wisdom that would lead to you being known as discerning. Pray that you would always follow God’s leading in your pursuit of instruction. Pray for the discernment needed to share pleasant words that lead to the instruction of those who hear. “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)

Friday: Discernment that Seeks True Knowledge. Pray that the discernment you seek from God would lead to actual knowledge. Pray that you would have “wise ears” that seek out the knowledge that comes through godly discernment. Pray that your life would share godly knowledge with others. “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Discernment that Leads to What is Best. Pray that you would live with a discernment that comes from an abundance of love. Pray that you would allow godly discernment to lead you in doing what is best in all things. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

July 31, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Courage To Overcome!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Courage To Overcome!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will take another look at some things God calls His children to overcome. While we may want a life of ease and comfort, Jesus says that life as a follower of Him will be filled with trouble, misunderstandings, and even persecution. While that is not news that anyone really wants to hear, Jesus also tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world. When John wrote the messages from Jesus to the seven churches that we read of early in the book of Revelation, He ends each message with a promise for those who overcome. As you pray this week, ask God to empower you to be an overcomer. Pray that you would recognize, and overcome, the power of sin. Pray that you would recognize, and value, what awaits those who overcome. Pray that you would face whatever hardship comes your way with the courage that comes from knowing the crown of life is given to those who overcome.

“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 having the courage to overcome.

Monday: Overcome Death. Pray that you would listen to the message of God’s Spirit as He calls you to overcome in a way that gives victory over death. Pray that you would live with great hope as one who will overcome death by the power of Jesus. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: Overcome the Past. Pray that you would feast on the spiritual manna and rejoice in a new name that frees you from the past. Pray that your eyes would be open to the power of God to help anyone overcome their past. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Overcome Oppression. Pray that you would be faithful in doing God’s will as He empowers you to overcome oppression with His authority. Pray for the courage to remain faithful in the midst of any opposition. “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations — ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’ — just as I have received authority from my Father.” Revelation 2:26-27 (NIV)

Thursday: Overcome Abandonment. Pray that you would overcome in a way that gives you a permanent place of belonging with those who are pure. Pray that your life would help others know they can have a place of belonging. “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5 (NIV)

Friday: Overcome Wandering. Pray that you would find a place of belonging in the temple of God so you would have no need to wander away from Him. “He who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.” Revelation 3:12 (NIV)

Saturday: Overcome Weariness. Pray that you would overcome everything that would keep you from being able to sit and rest at the throne of Jesus. Pray for the courage needed to find rest in Jesus even as you live in a world filled with trouble. “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21 (NIV)

July 24, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Courageous Way!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Courageous Way!

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

With a continued focus on a time for courage, this week we will focus our prayer emphasis on our ways. The Bible makes it clear that each one of us has a way that seems right to us, but it is only God’s way that leads to life. When we accept God’s ways as being far above our own ways, we begin a journey that leads us in a way which is eternal. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your ways to see how much of them are of you and how much are of Him. Pray that you would continually grow in accepting and living by God’s ways in all things. Pray for the humility needed to admit when your ways are in error so that you would turn to the ways of God. Pray that the way you live your life would help others clearly see Jesus at work in 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 living with in a courageous way.

Monday: A Perfect Way. Pray that you would find the strength from God to walk in a way He has made perfect. Pray that you would live with the courage to pursue a way that is perfect by God’s standard. Pray that your life would help others to know the way of God to be perfect in all situations. “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Guided Way. Pray for the humility needed to look for, and see, the right way in every circumstance. Pray that you would be a willing learner when it comes to knowing and following the way of God. Pray that your life would help others see the value of a life guided by God and His Word. “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Blameless Way. Pray that you would know the blessings of living in a way in which the accusations of the enemy do not stick to you. Pray for a growing understanding of the Word of God which will lead you in living a blameless life. Pray that the people around you would be blessed in their pursuit of a blameless life. “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” Psalm 119:1 (NIV)

Thursday: An Excellent Way. Pray that your pursuit of the good things of God would always lead you to the most excellent way of doing everything. Pray that your life would reflect God’s love as the most excellent way to live. Pray that your love for God and for others could be described as excellent. “But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Friday: A Wise Way. Pray for wisdom, especially in regard to the way you treat those who are not yet believers in Jesus. Pray for the wisdom necessary to see the opportunities in both expected and unexpected circumstances. Pray that the wisdom given to you by God would be used to represent Jesus in everything. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 (NIV)

Saturday: A Peaceful Way. Pray that you would know the peace of God which can only come through relationship with Him. Pray for a heart which can see a way of peace in all situations. Pray that you would live in a way that conveys peace to those who are living in turmoil. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

July 17, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Purity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Purity!

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

With a continued focus on a time for courage, this week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with courageous purity. It seems that most conversations and teaching about purity center around the topic of sexual purity. While that is an important Biblical topic, I believe the Bible teaches that it is often the impurities in other aspects of our life that leads to sexual impurity. The door of impure actions is often opened by having an impure heart, attitude, thought, or speech. As you pray each day this week, pray for a greater desire for, and practice of, the purity that God desires for you. Pray that your pursuit of purity would be courageous as you choose God’s standards rather than the ways of the world. Pray that the promises of God would motivate you to a purity that honors and pleases Him.

“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 with courageous purity.

Monday: Pure Fear of the Lord. Pray that you would always live according to a pure fear of the Lord. Pray that your reverence of God would come from pure motives and would never waver. Pray that the people around you would come to know a fear of the Lord as the foundation for all purity. “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.” Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pure Heart. Pray that you would seek and allow God to create a pure heart within you. Pray that a purity of heart would calm your spirit and keep you steadfast in your relationship with God. Pray that the people around you would see your persistence in allowing God’s Spirit to purify your heart. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pure Way. Pray that you would be a faithful student of God’s Word for the purpose of keeping your way pure. Pray that all of your ways would be pleasing to God. Pray that the people around you would come to know God’s Word as a protection to keep their life pure. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Pure Speech. Pray that God’s guard over your mouth would keep your speech pure in all situations. Pray for the courage to be silent when needed and to speak when appropriate. Pray that the people around you would hear a consistent message of your faith as you ask God to watch what comes from your lips. “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Friday: Pure Thoughts. Pray that your thoughts would only be of things that are pleasing to God. Pray for a purity of thoughts that would guide all of your actions. Pray that the people around you would understand how important their thought life is and that nothing you do would cause them to have impure thoughts. “The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.” Proverbs 15:26 (NIV)

Saturday: Pure Actions. Pray that God would help you to see how your actions are reflecting Him to the world. Pray for the courage to always act in ways that honor God and help to make Him known. Pray that the people around you will know you as God’s child because of the way you live your life. “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

July 10, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Faith!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous 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)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living with a courageous faith. Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith. Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe. As you pray, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God. Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do. Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions. Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you. Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“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 with courageous faith.

Monday: Faith That Is Visible. Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen. Pray that your faith would be put into action in ways that are not only noticed, but in ways that help others. Pray for a visible faith that pleases God by the way you use it to care for others. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Faith That Is Growing. Pray that you would understand the need to constantly grow in your faith. Pray that you would always go to God as both the source of your faith and the source of its growth. Ask God to increase your faith. Pray that your growing faith would help others grow in their desire to know God. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Faith That Encourages Others. Pray that your faith would be practiced in such a way that others are encouraged by it. Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being with people of faith. Ask God to help you grow through a shared faith. “I long to see you so that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday: Faith That Is Tested. Pray that you would be strong in faith as you experience times when it is tested. Pray that you would accurately examine your faith as you consider the fruit it is producing. Ask God to fill you with a faith that will pass every test it is put through. Pray that your life would help others see the value of faith during the struggles of life. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Friday: Faith That Protects. Pray that you would put your faith into action in such a way that it protects you from the attacks of the enemy. Pray that you would be aware of the temptations of the evil one, and in faith resist and overcome them. Pray that your faith in Jesus would help stop the spread of evil. “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Saturday: Faith That Produces Work. Pray that your courageous faith would produce good works that honor God. Pray that you would live a life of thankfulness as you consider the work God has produced in others through their faith. Ask God to help you recognize His work being done in the lives of others. “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

July 3, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Choices!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Choices!

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on seeking God’s help in making courageous choices! Regardless of our circumstances, or even our own role in being where we are, we have the opportunity to make choices that determine, or show, who we really serve. Our prayer life should help us to be in line with God’s will so our choices will honor Him. As you pray this week, ask God to help you see accurately where you are at in relationship with Him. Pray that you would seek His help in making choices that draw you closer to Jesus and that help others see Him in you. Pray for the courage to choose wisely in everything you do. Pray that you would regard no choice as too insignificant for prayer.

“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 making courageous choices.

Monday: Choose Life. Pray that you would make courageous choices that lead to life. Pray that you would be able to lovingly communicate the choice between life and death to others so they would choose life. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Choose Instruction. Pray that you would always value godly instruction. Pray that you would choose the instruction of God’s wisdom over anything else you may value. Pray that all of your interactions with others would help them to know the value of godly instruction in their life. “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.” Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Choose Understanding. Pray that you would choose an understanding that can only come from God. Pray for a godly wisdom that is applied in your understanding of the times. Pray that you would choose to apply godly understanding in all of your interactions with people. “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose What Pleases the Lord. Pray that your life would be lived choosing the things that please the Lord. Pray for the courage to be consistent in pleasing the Lord so that others come to know Him. “For this is what the LORD says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant . . . I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.'” Isaiah 56:4-5 (NIV)

Friday: Choose to Be Spirit-filled Workers. Pray that you would choose to value God’s presence in the lives of people. Pray that you would choose to be one who is full of the Spirit and wisdom. Pray that the people around you would know you as one who is full of the Spirit. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Choose to Be Faithful Messengers. Pray that you would choose, to be a faithful messenger in carrying the gospel. Pray for wisdom in being involved in choosing and sending out faithful messengers so the gospel would be shared everywhere they go. “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.” Acts 15:22 (NIV)

June 26, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Leadership!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous 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. 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 your own agenda. Pray that you would always know God as the leader you follow — even in areas you are called to lead 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 following and being a courageous leader.

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. Pray that the people you lead would know they are valuable to you and to God. “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. Pray for the courage to recognize ignorance in your own life and deal with it so that you can lead people away from their ignorance. “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. Pray about growing in a willingness to be faithful in allowing God to work through you. “ . . . 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 you would be courageous in following the examples of those who lead in godly ways. Pray that your life would be a godly example to those who hear the Word of God through 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 19, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Godly Example!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Godly Example!

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (NIV)

Throughout scripture we are told to view various things as examples of God’s mercy, His judgment, His patience, His love, and the list goes on. This week our focus will be on praying about the examples we learn from and the example we ought to be. As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is important to realize we have a perfect loving Father to follow regardless of our relationship with our own father. Not only does God set the example through His nature and the life of His Son, He gives us godly examples throughout His Word for us to follow and learn from. As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn from the examples found in scripture. Pray that you would always have people in your life that serve as spiritual fathers and mentors. Pray that you would live in such a way that you are a godly example to 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 following and being a godly example.

Monday: A Godly Example To Serve Others. Pray that you would have eyes that notice the needs of others and have a willingness to serve them. Pray that you would be a godly example to others as you serve in every way possible. “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)

Tuesday: A Godly Example Of Following Christ. Pray that God would surround you with people who are faithfully following Jesus. Pray that you would learn to be a godly example as you grow in following the example of Christ. Pray that your life would be a consistent example. Pray that Jesus would be seen clearly in the way you live. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Godly Example Of Diligent Work. Pray that you would follow godly examples of those who work faithfully for the cause of Christ. Pray that your example as a worker would help others see Christ more clearly. Pray that your diligent work would serve as an example to others in providing for yourself and for those in need. “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:7 (NIV)

Thursday: A Godly Example Of God’s Mercy and Patience. Pray that you would take courage from the examples of God’s mercy that you see. Pray that your life would be an expression to others of God’s mercy. “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)

Friday: A Godly Example Of Integrity. Pray that you would learn to live a life that is above reproach. Pray that your teaching would always have a consistency that is in agreement with God’s Word. Pray about how God would use your example to help others see the value of doing everything with integrity. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity.” Titus 2:7 (NIV)

Saturday: A Godly Example Of Suffering. Pray for courage to respond with humility when you suffer for the sake of Christ. Pray that you would learn from the examples of those who suffer for the cause of Christ. Pray that your life would be an example to others of how God can be glorified even in suffering. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

June 12, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Integrity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Integrity!

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

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 we will focus our prayer emphasis on some things that God says about integrity. Selfishness and situational ethics have made integrity a dying characteristic — everyone else does “it”, so will I. Integrity is a part of God’s nature so it is a characteristic we ought to pursue in our life in order to better reflect Jesus to the world. As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your commitment to letting your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’. Pray that the message you present with your life would match what you say with your words, and that both would match God’s Word. Pray that you would make a life of integrity 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 responding to His call for integrity.

Monday: Judged According to Your Integrity. Pray that you would live in such a way that you have no fear when the One who knows your heart judges you according to your integrity. Pray for the humility needed to live with confidence in your integrity and in the righteousness of God. “Let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.” Psalm 7:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Protected By Integrity. Pray that the hope you have in Jesus would fill you with an integrity that protects you from sin. Pray for a growing integrity that protects you from the accusations of the enemy. Pray that the people around you would seek God’s protection through a life of integrity. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Upheld By Integrity. Pray that your life of integrity would lift you up to eternal life with God. Pray that your pursuit of integrity would fill you with a growing peace of God’s presence in your daily walk. Pray that the people around you would have a relationship with Jesus that is upheld by their integrity. “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” Psalm 41:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Leading With Integrity. Pray that all leading you do, whether considered big or small, would be done with integrity. Pray that all those who lead within God’s kingdom would do so with a heart of integrity. Pray that the people around you would both lead with integrity and be involved in choosing leaders with integrity. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Psalm 78:72 (NIV)

Friday: Guided By Integrity. Pray that your pursuit of God would fill you with an integrity that guides your every step. Pray for a life of faithfulness that is guided by integrity. Pray that the people around you would avoid destruction by seeking God in a life of integrity. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Teaching With Integrity. Pray that all the teaching you do in both word and deed, would be done with complete integrity. Pray that the people around you would see and hear an integrity from you that leads them to Jesus. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8

June 5, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Unity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Unity!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis this week will focus on different aspects of unity from God’s perspective. It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of unity, if people would just agree with me (what I say, what I like, what I want, what I . . .) though really we just want conformity, not unity. Real unity comes when we decide it’s all about what God says, wants, and desires and not about me! Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for. As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular. As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do. Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times. Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“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 responding to His call for unity.

Monday: Called To Unity of Mind. Pray for a unity of mind among the people of God so that the work of the kingdom is not hindered. Pray that the Word of God would be the source for the unity of mind you seek. “Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 30:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Called To Unity of Life. Pray for unity in the individual families of your congregation and throughout the family of your congregation so that life together will be “good and pleasant”. Pray that you would learn to live in unity while honoring the uniqueness of individuals. Pray that a unity of life would help those around you see Jesus. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Called To Complete Unity. Pray that your pursuit of complete unity in Christ would help others to see Jesus and the love of God in you. Pray that love would be the foundation of your unity in a world that needs to see the love of God in you. “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Called To Unity of Spirit. Pray for a unity of spirit among your church family that is based on following Christ Jesus. Pray that you would grow in endurance as God encourages and leads you to a greater unity through following Christ. Pray that a unity of spirit would identify you as a follower of Christ. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 (NIV)

Friday: Called To Unity of Faith. Pray for the maturity to get along with one another as we all mature into a unity of faith. Pray that your knowledge of Jesus would lead you to a unity of faith that results in growing into the fullness of Christ. “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Saturday: Called To Perfect Unity. Pray for a Christ-like love which will hold together in perfect unity all of the godly characteristics that God calls you to “put on” in your life. Pray about how all of the goodness of God will come together in your life as you live in the presence of others in a way that imitates Jesus. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NIV)