HOPE NEVER DISAPPOINTS

Romans 5:5

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." NIV

"And hope maketh us not not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." KJV

Our hope is in Him not how we want things to be or how He will work things out for us. We can freely and completely hope in Him because He will lead us to eternal peace and joy. Let's endure the trials and enjoy the journey.


Heavenly Father, what a wonderful God you are to be forever faithful and merciful to us. Give us determination to hope in Christ no matter what we face here on earth because we know all things will work out for His glory and our good. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

NONE OF US, ALL OF HIM

Romans 6:6-7

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." NIV

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." KJV

Do we ever stop to think of the reason why we are still tempted and, at times, give in to sin when Jesus Christ conquered sin on the cross? The answer is relatively simple. We have not yet put to death all those part of ourselves that still want to have things our own way. When we accept Christ and follow His death in baptism, we are saying we identify with His death and now it will be Him who lives through us. If we have surrendered all those parts of ourselves that allow us to give in to temptation, we will not give in to sin. It is a work in progress, but a work that our Lord expects each one of us to be seriously attending.


Heavenly Father, we know we are like sheep that have gone astray. We confess that we have not surrendered totally to You and that we continue to give in to the pleasures of this world. Forgive us Lord, and help us to embrace all that You have supplied to us, so that You will live through us and we will be totally dead to sin and alive in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

NO OTHER NAME

Acts 4:12

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we much be saved." NIV

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."KJV

Those who believe that all major religions lead to God are sorely mistaken. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. He gave up His equality with God, was born into this world, and lived a sinless, spotless life. He was crucified, arose from the dead, conquering death. Jesus Christ showed all of creation that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.


Heavenly Father, how thankful we are for the saving grace brought by the blood of Jesus Christ. Help us to bring this good news, that Jesus is the only way, to those who are misguided and deceived, that they may know Him and eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

TO REALLY KNOW HIM

Philippians 3:10

"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His suffering, becoming like Him in His death." NIV

"That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." KJV

God not only saves us but He brings us to the Saviour. As His followers, we join together as we go through the trials and tribulations this world heaps on us. As Jesus suffered without complaint, so should we. Then the same power that brought Christ alive and out of the grave will raise us up from death to eternal life.


Heavenly Father, forgive us for losing sight of the reason we experience trials on this earth. Help us, O Lord, to be more like Jesus Christ, who suffered without a whimper and He was pure and innocent from sin. Lead us to the knowledge of Him and of Your mighty power. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

RESURRECTION AND LIFE

John 11:25

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." NIV

"Jesus said unto to her, 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.'" KJV

Because Jesus Christ conquered death, He has all power to give us life, so much so, that even when we physically die, our lives will not be over, but just beginning. Death was defeated by Him for you and for me.


Heavenly Father, we praise you with all our hearts for the work You did at the cross. All we can do to show you our gratefulness is to give you ourselves to do with as you wish. All praise and honor be to Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE

Luke 1:37

"For nothing is impossible with God." NIV

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." KJV

Every one of us has been in a situation that leaves us feeling hopeless or afraid. We are humans and God knows how we are. But we know our God and there is nothing too hard for Him. When a seemingly impossible situation faces us, we can step back and watch in wonder and awe at how He is going to work the thing out.


Heavenly Father, how we praise your wonderful name for your greatness. Forgive us for losing faith when we get into a difficult circumstance. Give us understanding that you can make something out of nothing and you can work out any circumstance that might come our way. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

FINISHED

John 19:30

"When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." NIV

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, 'It is finished.' And He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost." KJV

Jesus' last words from the cross were not a weak mumbling to say He couldn't take any more torture. They were a loud shout to let the world know He had done the Father's will, He had conquered death and Satan, and He took all the responsibility of our sin and made us pure. He had succeeded as the perfect sinless lamb of God. It was done.


Heavenly Father, all praise, glory, and honor belong to the Son whom You gave to us and who completed the work You gave Him to do. Help us to understand just what that means for us as sinful humans, to know He took the punishment for all our wrong doings and sits at your right hand to intercede for us until He gets us where You are. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

OUR POWERFUL WEAPONS

2 Corinthians 10:4

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." NIV

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." KJV

What is this fight? It is Satan's serious attempts to lure us away from God. The battles take place in our minds with thoughts or responses to circumstances around us. Our weapons are divinely powerful to gain victory over all of Satan's attacks. Our weapons are truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, our salvation, and the Word of God.


Heavenly Father, we need your help in being able to discern Satan and his subtle attacks. Give us wisdom and understanding of his tactics so that we can stand firm, using the weapons that you have already freely given to us. We thank you for your gracious gift of divine power to overcome evil. In Jesus' name. Amen

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

RECEIVE AND CONTINUE

Colossians 2:6

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him." NIV

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." KJV


Why would the Apostle Paul direct us to continue living in Christ if we had already received Him as our Lord? Christ knows how humans are. We are easily led astray, easily deceived, and quick to become complacent. Accepting Christ is the beginning of the Christian journey. Staying on the narrow path He walked is a lifetime responsibility.


Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing ourselves to lose our first love and to let our relationship with you become lukewarm. Help us to walk with you as we did the day we accepted you as our Lord and Saviour, so that we may arrive at eternal life with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

SEEK HIS KINGDOM FIRST

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." NIV

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." KJV

All of us have concerns and worries about the everyday things of living and working in this life. If we are continually worshipping, seeking, and obeying God, we don't have to worry about any of our needs being met. Everything will fall into place.


Heavenly Father, what a loving and caring God you are. Give us the hunger to seek you, worship you, and obey you. Then we will have need of nothing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

GOD NEVER CHANGES

Malachi 3:6

"I the Lord do not change . . . ." NIV

"For I am the LORD, I change not . . . ." KJV

All of creation has been in a constant state of change since it was created. Each of us changes in many and various ways as time passes. Isn't it a great comfort to know our God never changes. He and His Word never waiver or need updating. We can stake our eternity on it.


Heavenly Father, how blessed we are to have you, O Lord, who never changes and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help us to never forget that in this world of constant change. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

DO NOT FEAR

Lamentations 3:57

"You came near when I called you, and you said, 'Do not fear.'" NIV

"Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not." KJV

When unbelievers are in danger or deep trouble, on whom do they call? We, as God's children, call on Him at all times, good or bad. We have full trust He will help us and comfort us when we need help.


Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for your constant presence with us. Help us to commune with you all the time, whether we are in trouble or whether we are grateful for your blessings. Remind us to fear not when things are difficult. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

FOOLISH VIRGINS

Matthew 25:2-3

"Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them." NIV

"And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them." KJV

Being a child of the King of kings does require responsibility. There are foolish Christians. To be foolish is not thinking ahead, being complacent and self-satisfied so as not to take thought of pitfalls that lie ahead. We are commanded to be ready, to be alert, to listen, and to watch. Let's not be foolish.


Heavenly Father, please help us to be wise and not foolish in our daily living as your children. Help us to be responsible and to look ahead with vigilance. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11b

" . . . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." NIV

" . . . . for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." KJV

How can we be content when there are so many obstacles and problems facing us day after day? We can be content because this world is temporary. We have a Hope, Jesus Christ, who will never leave us and who works all things for our good and His glory. We can remain content having faith in Him, the One who never changes.


Heavenly Father, it is so hard to not let the problems of this world get to us and make us lose our contentment. We humbly ask for your help in keeping our minds focused on You, the One who watches over us and will take care of us in all circumstances. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

OF WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?" NIV

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJV

In this troubled world, there is not one of us that is free of possible tragedy, illness, or tribulation of any kind. Remember! Who is our Saviour, our Refuge, our Shepherd, and our Omnipotent God? It is the Lord God Almighty. No need to fear. He has it all worked out and He will keep us close to Himself.


Heavenly Father, how comforting it is to know your are the God of all power, mercy, love, and grace. Forgive us for the fears we allow to plague us day by day and remind us why we do not need to fear anyone or anything. In Jesus' name. Amen

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

REAPING HOLINESS AND ETERNAL LIFE

Romans 6:22

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." NIV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." KJV

Death to ourselves, being alive to the Spirit, and bought by God puts us in a much different way of living. Now our Lord has all the privileges and uses of our bodies, mind, and actions. We have become His servants of our own lives. That is what it means to make Jesus Christ our Lord.


Heavenly Father, it is so hard to let go of some things in our lives that we have controlled for so long. Show us these things we have not turned over to you so that we can surrender and allow you to be the Lord of all. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

TO KNOW HIM

Ephesians 1:17

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." NIV

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." KJV

The Spirit of Christ draws us to God by love. As we give Him more and more of ourselves, the Holy Spirit shares God's wisdom and deep things about God. By His love and our desire to be near Him, He will use this way to reveal Himself to us.


Heavenly Father, what a glorious gift, the Holy Spirit, you have given us. We ask that you would help us to trust Him and stir up the faith that is already in us, so that the Holy Spirit will reveal the things of our God to us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

KNOWN BY GOD

1 Corinthians 8:3

"But the man who loves God is known by God." NIV

"But if any man love God, the same is known of him." KJV

Many who are seeking God rely on gathering knowledge about God. The Bible tells us knowledge will only make us prideful. It is those who seek God by loving Him who actually experience God, who are known by God, and who have a true relationship with Him.


Heavenly Father, please help us to stop relying on our knowledge to know You, but to nourish our love for You. Then we will find You and You will know us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

RENEWED LIKE A SOARING EAGLE

Isaiah 40:31

"but those who hope in the Lord . . . . . they will soar on wings like eagles . . . " NIV

"but they that wait upon the Lord . . . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles . . ."
KJV


An eagle molts (casts or sheds in the process of renewal) when it is old and tired. One of the things an eagle does is pull out all it's feathers. When the feathers grow back and molting is complete, the eagle becomes just as it was in its' youth. Our hope in the Lord will help us grow in faith, by helping us molt away our old selves so that we are renewed with youthful energy. Then we can soar above our trials and storms.


Heavenly Father, O how we thank you for the gift of renewal. You understand our human plight and how tired we get sometimes. You have made a way for us to become refreshed and renewed, just like you did for the eagle. Help us to put our faith and hope in you so that we can run and not faint. In Jesus' name. Amen

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

HIS ROD AND STAFF

Psalm 23:4b

" . . . . Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." NIV

" . . . . Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." KJV

As His sheep, we are likely to cringe at the sight of our Lord's rod and staff coming toward us to pull us out of the mud pit. It will be painful and may even break a bone or bruise us. But we are, at the same time, relieved to be rescued from danger. We may be battered and bruised, but we are now safe in the arms of our Great Shepherd.


Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for your rod and staff, that keeps us within the boundaries of your kingdom, pulls us away from danger, and keeps us safe. Please help us to let the bumps and bruises remind of what a wonderful and loving Shepherd you are. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

THE FRUIT REVEALS THE TREE

Matthew 12:33

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." NIV


"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." KJV


Just like the fruit on a tree reveals to us whether the tree is a good healthy tree or a barren, diseased tree, our actions reveal to those around us if we are truly children of God or not. What type of fruit, if any, are we producing?


Heavenly Father, we can only produce good fruit by your grace through faith. Help us to examine the fruit we are producing and seek You to help us produce good fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

WHY ARE YOU DOWNCAST?

Psalm 43:5

"Why are you downcast O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God." NIV


"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." KJV


We all get down and sad at times, we are human. We may be in the middle of great turmoil, we live on this earth. When these things happen, we can stir up our faith, get our minds on God, and thank Him for His many blessings to us. Then our sadness will be turned into joyful praise.


Heavenly Father, when we are having bad times, help us to remember You and Your gracious blessings to us so that we will be lifted in spirit with praise in our hearts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

NEVER GET TIRED

2 Thessalonians 3:13

"And as for you, brother, never tire of doing what is right." NIV

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." KJV

Doing what is right is a direct indication of the health of our faith. If we do right regardless of the consequences our faith is strong. If we give in to wrong because we are tired or we will gain from it, our faith is either weak or dead. If we endure to the end we will be saved. How healthy is your faith?


Heavenly Father, please help us to continue doing what is right no matter what the consequences or how tired we are. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

LOOKING FOR THAT CITY

Hebrews 13:14

"For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." NIV

"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." KJV


As Christians, we know this world is temporary, neither is it our real home. Why then do we fret and worry? We can be joyfully content as we watch for the eternal city of God, our eternal home.


Heavenly Father, forgive us for worrying as we look around us at all the confusion and calamities. Remind us that we are just traveling through this world, waiting for the eternal home in Your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

Luke 6:27

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." NIV

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you." KJV


How can we live up to these words that go against our very human nature? Only those who are truly God's own, full of the Holy Spirit can let the hatred and evil of others bring out the best in us.


Heavenly Father, how great is our need to show love to our enemies. Give us hearts of pure Godly love, like the love You have for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

LET US WORSHIP TOGETHER

 

Psalm 34:3

"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together." NIV

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." KJV


Are we inviting others to join us in praising God, taking His name to the world? If we don't, the rocks will cry out in praise to Him and take this blessed honor from us.

Heavenly Father, please help us to be willing to sacrifice praise in our hearts and the desire to have others join in the spirit of worship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

THE POWER OF GOD

Nahum 1:5

"The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it." NIV


"The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein." KJV


Take a few moments to think about this almighty power of God that shakes all of creation to its core. How could anyone not fear and reverence Him? Do we fear and reverence Him as if we are standing before Him? Do we realize the great power He has. He is all powerful, omnipotent. He is our God and we are His children.


Heavenly Father, help us to be still and meditate on Your power and help us to grasp just how powerful You are. In Jesus' name. Amen

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

STAIN REMOVAL

Psalm 51:2

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." NIV

"Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." KJV

Have you ever gotten a stain on your favorite piece of clothing, your new carpet, or furniture? There are so many products on the market that promise to remove even the toughest stains. What about the stains in our hearts that no one sees but God and us? We all have them. If we didn't we would already have been translated into heaven like Enoch was. It is good Christian practice to examine our hearts allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal our 'stains' to us. There is only one stain remover for these kinds of stains and it is proven 100% effective. God washes us and cleanses us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, and makes us white as snow. Let's examine ourselves and call on our Heavenly Father for His stain removal.


Heavenly Father, we are so aware that our lives are not free from the stains and blemishes of the world. We ask that you help us examine ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit show us these stains. We ask you to wash us and cleanse us with your stain removal, so that we will be white as snow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

LIKE JESUS DID

John 15:10

"If you obey my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's command and remain in his love." NIV


"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." KJV


Often we feel obligated to obey God's commands because, after all, isn't that what Christians are supposed to do? If we understand the concept of obedience to God and look at Jesus' life as He obeyed the Father, we clearly see obedience born out of love and honor to our Heavenly Father. If is not an obligation, it is an act of love to obey Him. We know we are resting in His love as Jesus did when we obey Him from a heart of love and gratitude toward our God.


Heavenly Father, please help us to know the true meaning of obedience and that we are honored and privileged to obey because our hearts want to show you our love and gratitude for the great and abundant blessings you have freely given us. Help us to not fall into acts of obligation, but acts of love from hearts of gratefulness and love for you, our Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.

REVENGE IS NOT OURS

Romans 12:19

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." NIV


"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." KJV


Revenge is such a common response to the natural man who has been wronged or threatened in some way. The thing is, God always takes what Satan meant to destroy us and turns things into good for us. It is God who is the judge and the avenger of our enemies. If we try to get revenge we take God's rightful place as Judge away from Him and we make ourselves responsible. God will punish those who harm us and He is righteous in his judgment. He sees the whole picture, we don't, and He knows what needs to be done. Leave your desire for revenge with Him. He will take care of it.


Heavenly Father, so often we take matters into our own hand without even thinking that it is your position as judge and the avenger of our lives. Please forgive us when we try to take matters into our own hands. Only you see the whole picture and you are the only One who can make a righteous judgment in the situation. By your grace and mercy, help us to let you take care of these things for us, trusting you will work things out for our good and your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D.