SCRIPTURE
Genesis 22:1-12 (selected NASB)
Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" …Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him…. Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."
Hebrews 11:17-19 (NASB)
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead...
Matthew 16:25 (NASB)
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
PRAYER
[Pray this for yourself]
Lord, I admit the agony of obeying you when it means giving up the gifts most precious to me. The pain of release is unspeakable. And yet, I do it. I release my hold. I choose obedience because of faith. But Lord, I hear the flesh of my heart tearing as roots of self are being extracted. I truly feel that I am loosing my life for the sake of obedience to you. And then I remember the faith of Abraham, who trusted you so much that he believed you could give him the promise even if you had to raise Isaac from the dead. Lord, please give me a faith like that. As I sacrifice, give me faith, help me to believe that you can and will keep your promise to give me the desires of my heart. Lord, I affirm the truth in my head, that I will only ever find my life by loosing it for your sake. Now please apply that faith to my heart as well. Help me Lord. Help me. Amen
ENCOURAGEMENT
Loose your life for his sake. Obey him. Trust him. And you WILL find your life.
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Dave's Life Coaching
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Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
His Comfort
SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
PRAYER
Lord, today I ask that you would send an angelic messenger to ______, carrying a double measure of your comfort to be poured directly into her heart. And after that another, and another, and then another, until she is filled up and overflowing. You know that she needs that comfort today, this morning, this moment. So please give it generously. Push out the sense of loss, and replace it with the memories that have been gifted to her over the years. I pray that she would be truly blessed as your comfort washes over her mourning. And Lord, as she lingers in that place of peaceful comfort, I ask that you would bring her a new gift, a gift of hope. I pray that she would know beyond a doubt that you see the true dream of her deep heart, and that you are promising to fulfill the desire of her heart as she delights in you. I ask that she would see the serendipitous events of yesterday as evidence of your sovereign tapestry, and so would be moved to trust you for tomorrow… giving her hope for today. And just as she begins to feel this new hope begin to rise on the horizon of her future, send another brigade of angels with triple loads of comfort. Overwhelm her with your love today. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
He knows. He cares. He understands. And he is there for you, pouring out his comfort. You have felt it before, feel it again today. Receive his blessing.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
PRAYER
Lord, today I ask that you would send an angelic messenger to ______, carrying a double measure of your comfort to be poured directly into her heart. And after that another, and another, and then another, until she is filled up and overflowing. You know that she needs that comfort today, this morning, this moment. So please give it generously. Push out the sense of loss, and replace it with the memories that have been gifted to her over the years. I pray that she would be truly blessed as your comfort washes over her mourning. And Lord, as she lingers in that place of peaceful comfort, I ask that you would bring her a new gift, a gift of hope. I pray that she would know beyond a doubt that you see the true dream of her deep heart, and that you are promising to fulfill the desire of her heart as she delights in you. I ask that she would see the serendipitous events of yesterday as evidence of your sovereign tapestry, and so would be moved to trust you for tomorrow… giving her hope for today. And just as she begins to feel this new hope begin to rise on the horizon of her future, send another brigade of angels with triple loads of comfort. Overwhelm her with your love today. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
He knows. He cares. He understands. And he is there for you, pouring out his comfort. You have felt it before, feel it again today. Receive his blessing.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
His Peace
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
PRAYER
Lord, today I ask that you would calm the storm… the storm within ______. I pray that you would lay your hand upon her heart, and command the waves of anxiety to cease from churning. Lay the stillness of peace within her, Lord. Please take away the storm clouds on the horizon of today that threaten tomorrow. Make the wind of your comfort simply blow them away. And shine around them the silver lining of your grace. I pray that you would move ______ to fix her thoughts on you, Lord. May she remember the real touch of your comforting angels, your strengthening hand, your sustaining grace, your provisions and your care. May she be so calmed with the memory of your goodness that she can not but trust you for tomorrow. May her mind be so filled up with you that a flood of peace overtakes her worries and drowns them all. And Lord, when you give her that peace, please make it a perfect peace. She deserves it, Lord, you know that she deserves it.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Take control of your mind, and fix it on the memory of the good things God has given you. Dwell on his goodness and grace. Saturate yourself with thoughts of our Lord. And trust that his peace will follow.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
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Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
PRAYER
Lord, today I ask that you would calm the storm… the storm within ______. I pray that you would lay your hand upon her heart, and command the waves of anxiety to cease from churning. Lay the stillness of peace within her, Lord. Please take away the storm clouds on the horizon of today that threaten tomorrow. Make the wind of your comfort simply blow them away. And shine around them the silver lining of your grace. I pray that you would move ______ to fix her thoughts on you, Lord. May she remember the real touch of your comforting angels, your strengthening hand, your sustaining grace, your provisions and your care. May she be so calmed with the memory of your goodness that she can not but trust you for tomorrow. May her mind be so filled up with you that a flood of peace overtakes her worries and drowns them all. And Lord, when you give her that peace, please make it a perfect peace. She deserves it, Lord, you know that she deserves it.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Take control of your mind, and fix it on the memory of the good things God has given you. Dwell on his goodness and grace. Saturate yourself with thoughts of our Lord. And trust that his peace will follow.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Monday, August 6, 2007
Gratitude
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 75:1
We thank you, O God!We give thanks because you are near.People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you would nurture ______’s soul with gratitude today. As her will identifies and expresses gratitude for your wonderful deeds, I ask that you would feed the emotion of gratefulness within. May her list be long Lord, and when she begins to come to the end I ask that you would stretch her heart to look even more deeply at who you are, and what that means in her life. Lord, again I pray that you would open her eyes to see just how near you are to her, how present you are in her everyday, how close you were today. Make her feel your nearness, like a good hug. May she feel the warmth of your presence in the sunshine, and the comfort of your presence in her sleep. Surprise and amaze her today with your nearness, Lord. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Count your blessings. Recall some of his wonderful deeds to you. Name them to him, everyday at least once. And watch your awareness of his nearness grow.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Psalm 75:1
We thank you, O God!We give thanks because you are near.People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that you would nurture ______’s soul with gratitude today. As her will identifies and expresses gratitude for your wonderful deeds, I ask that you would feed the emotion of gratefulness within. May her list be long Lord, and when she begins to come to the end I ask that you would stretch her heart to look even more deeply at who you are, and what that means in her life. Lord, again I pray that you would open her eyes to see just how near you are to her, how present you are in her everyday, how close you were today. Make her feel your nearness, like a good hug. May she feel the warmth of your presence in the sunshine, and the comfort of your presence in her sleep. Surprise and amaze her today with your nearness, Lord. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Count your blessings. Recall some of his wonderful deeds to you. Name them to him, everyday at least once. And watch your awareness of his nearness grow.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Bearing Burdens
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:33-37
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
Matthew 7:1
"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.”
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you today for ______, and the beauty of her caring heart, for she is truly a lady who understands love. She listens deeply to the true heart, and does not judge on past actions alone. In fact, she does not judge at all, but just reaches out with humility and forgiveness. She knows that even the heart that has wandered hurts. She does not ask where the wounds came from, and judge the worthiness of the wounded. She simply sees the wounds, refuses to pass by on the other side of the road, and reaches out to give what she can toward healing. She calls. She writes. She shows hospitality. She encourages. She prays. And she even talks straight when the time is right. She is a friend. She is a true neighbor. She gives her strength to help shoulder a load that is too heavy to carry alone. So Lord, I ask that at this very moment you would smile upon ______. Give her a taste today of the reward you have stored up for her… an extra dose of your blessing … something special just for her. May she know how deeply those she reaches out to are touched. May she know they will never be the same because of her. May she know that she is making a difference. And may she know how rare her breed is indeed. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
You will never know how profound your humble, forgiving touch has been. Grace has flowed from the throne of our Lord, through you, and into the wounded. Thank you… thank you.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Luke 10:33-37
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
Matthew 7:1
"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.”
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you today for ______, and the beauty of her caring heart, for she is truly a lady who understands love. She listens deeply to the true heart, and does not judge on past actions alone. In fact, she does not judge at all, but just reaches out with humility and forgiveness. She knows that even the heart that has wandered hurts. She does not ask where the wounds came from, and judge the worthiness of the wounded. She simply sees the wounds, refuses to pass by on the other side of the road, and reaches out to give what she can toward healing. She calls. She writes. She shows hospitality. She encourages. She prays. And she even talks straight when the time is right. She is a friend. She is a true neighbor. She gives her strength to help shoulder a load that is too heavy to carry alone. So Lord, I ask that at this very moment you would smile upon ______. Give her a taste today of the reward you have stored up for her… an extra dose of your blessing … something special just for her. May she know how deeply those she reaches out to are touched. May she know they will never be the same because of her. May she know that she is making a difference. And may she know how rare her breed is indeed. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
You will never know how profound your humble, forgiving touch has been. Grace has flowed from the throne of our Lord, through you, and into the wounded. Thank you… thank you.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Soul-Fitness
SCRIPTURE
James 1:2-5
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not resent your asking.
PRAYER
[Pray this for yourself.]
Lord, I admit to you that I really don’t like it when troubles come my way. It hurts, it’s confusing, and I seem to either feel guilt or injustice, depending on the cause of the trouble. I sometimes feel like I am pressing the barbell up, up, up, squeezing out that last repetition of the third set while my shoulders scream out with that clear burn of muscle fatigue. It hurts. But then I realize, Lord, that the pain is not destructive to my life, but is producing an increase in the strength and endurance in my character that will make me more spiritually fit for worship and ministry. And at that moment of realization, the pain actually feels different, Lord, it feels healthy. When I think back on the accumulation of strength and endurance that has accrued over the years, I begin to feel something under the pain, something deeper and more profound. I begin to feel joy; a sense of fulfillment as I taste the fruit of increased personal soul-fitness. Lord, keep my perspective clear. Keep my heart longing for growth. And make me willing to walk the road of fatigue to get this growth. Give me more moments of joy along the way, I ask. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Keep walking the treadmill of God’s path before you. Even when you don’t feel you are making any progress, your soul-fitness is increasing bit by bit, and the muscles of your faith are tightening. And it will pay off. So keep walking, and allow yourself to feel the joy of growth.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
James 1:2-5
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not resent your asking.
PRAYER
[Pray this for yourself.]
Lord, I admit to you that I really don’t like it when troubles come my way. It hurts, it’s confusing, and I seem to either feel guilt or injustice, depending on the cause of the trouble. I sometimes feel like I am pressing the barbell up, up, up, squeezing out that last repetition of the third set while my shoulders scream out with that clear burn of muscle fatigue. It hurts. But then I realize, Lord, that the pain is not destructive to my life, but is producing an increase in the strength and endurance in my character that will make me more spiritually fit for worship and ministry. And at that moment of realization, the pain actually feels different, Lord, it feels healthy. When I think back on the accumulation of strength and endurance that has accrued over the years, I begin to feel something under the pain, something deeper and more profound. I begin to feel joy; a sense of fulfillment as I taste the fruit of increased personal soul-fitness. Lord, keep my perspective clear. Keep my heart longing for growth. And make me willing to walk the road of fatigue to get this growth. Give me more moments of joy along the way, I ask. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Keep walking the treadmill of God’s path before you. Even when you don’t feel you are making any progress, your soul-fitness is increasing bit by bit, and the muscles of your faith are tightening. And it will pay off. So keep walking, and allow yourself to feel the joy of growth.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Rest in Him
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:28-30
[Jesus said] "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
PRAYER
Rest for her soul Lord, I pray rest for her soul. I ask that ______ would come to you in her weariness, and the excessive load of the burden she carries. I pray that she would come and rest. Make her heart cease from its churning. Make her mind stop trying to calculate the sum of the parts of her life and circumstances. Stop her Lord, gently, and quiet her. May she lay down this night, sinking into your arms, and rest in you. And as she rises, may she simply continue obeying you, taking your yoke, doing what is right today, leaving tomorrow for you to care for. I pray that as she obeys, that your smile would shine upon her soul, and that the weariness would melt away. Rest Lord, rest is what I pray into ______ this day. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Take a deep breath, and let out a big sigh… and rest in him. You have come already. You have taken his yoke, and are doing what is right. Now rest my dear girl, rest. You are in his care.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
_______________________________________
Matthew 11:28-30
[Jesus said] "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
PRAYER
Rest for her soul Lord, I pray rest for her soul. I ask that ______ would come to you in her weariness, and the excessive load of the burden she carries. I pray that she would come and rest. Make her heart cease from its churning. Make her mind stop trying to calculate the sum of the parts of her life and circumstances. Stop her Lord, gently, and quiet her. May she lay down this night, sinking into your arms, and rest in you. And as she rises, may she simply continue obeying you, taking your yoke, doing what is right today, leaving tomorrow for you to care for. I pray that as she obeys, that your smile would shine upon her soul, and that the weariness would melt away. Rest Lord, rest is what I pray into ______ this day. Amen.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Take a deep breath, and let out a big sigh… and rest in him. You have come already. You have taken his yoke, and are doing what is right. Now rest my dear girl, rest. You are in his care.
_______________________________________
Dave's Life Coaching
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