I MUST BE LOOKING IN THE WRONG PLACE!

 

Job 13:15

 

 "Though he slay me, I will hope in him.." ESV 

 

If we see life only by the things going on around us, we are lacking true peace, hope, and joy. It is when we begin to see our lives from God's perspective that we rejoice at His purpose and blessings waiting ahead for us.

Lord, forgive us for looking at the things going on around us and for getting discouraged and fearful. Increase our hunger to rise above these things that bog us down and keep us stuck in stress, frustration, and dissatisfaction. Give us courage to look at our world through Your eyes, we pray in Your name, Amen

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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WAIT WAIT WAIT

 

Psalm 130:5

 

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope." ESV 

 

Patience is a spiritual product we choose by faith. It is so much easier to wait when we know God isn't going to disappoint us. But, everyday our faith is tested. Waiting with true faith will keep us on solid ground, enduring under the heaviest burdens and trials. If we can just remember how long the Lord waited for us, we will gladly wait patiently for Him.

 

Lord, forgive us for not exercising the measure of faith You have given us, so that we will be able to wait patiently for You to act on our behalf. Help us to stand strong in our faith so that nothing in this world can cause us to waiver and lose hope. Thank You for hearing us. In Your name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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THROW IN MY ANCHOR NOW

 

Hebrews 6:19

 

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain." ESV 

 

An anchor is a device made to hold a ship firmly in place so it does not move the place it is intended to be. Hope in the Lord is our anchor to keep us firmly in God's hands. This anchor allows us to go directly to the throne of grace because we have been kept safe from wandering off into unknown waters. What a marvelous anchor, hope, He gives us.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our fear and refusal to put our anchor in Your hands. Give us spiritual insight to see that we are not restricted by the anchor of hope, but that it sets us free to look up, where You are and where we can receive all that You have for us. We pray this in Your name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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I WANT MY PRAYER ANSWERED NOW

 

Luke 24:21

 

"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things have happened." ESV 

 

Most of us are guilty of praying, then immediately looking for the answers. Then, we get disappointed and lose faith because, after all, it has been plenty of time for Him to have answered and He hasn't. Are we praying for answers or are we praying for the Lord to work in our daily lives and looking for Him? When we get our eyes off Him and just look for evidence that He is answering our prayers, we have lost the purpose of prayer. The purpose of prayer is to seek Him, be with Him, and find Him.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for seeking answers rather than trusting You and seeking Your face. We believe that You will take care of our needs when we ask. Inspire our hearts to seek You and worship You, while knowing You are accomplishing great things in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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ULTIMATE POWER IS OURS

 

Ephesians 1:18-20

 

". . .having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might." ESV

 

We cannot understand the things of God without His Holy Spirit revealing them to us. With the Holy Spirit in us we can actually know and experience the mighty power of God! Yes, this is the very same power that brought Jesus Christ up from the grave! Our God longs to share this power with His children.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Holy Spirit. We praise You that You desire to let us experience Your great power so that we can be useful to Your kingdom. Give us increasing hunger to know You more and give room for Your Holy Spirit to work in us in this marvelous way. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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LOSE EVERYTHING BUT FAITH

 

 

Job 13:15

 

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him;. . . " ESV

 

How big is our faith? Is it such that we can be stripped of every good thing; be abandoned by all; and be passing through the threshold of death, yet still fully trust that He is faithful, just, and worthy of all honor and praise? That is true committed faith. Oh, that He would find this faith in us!

 

Heavenly Father, how short we fall of the kind of faith that doesn't waver in difficult times. Forgive us for our weaknesses. Help us to build our faith by listening to Your Word and applying it in our lives. Give us boldness to share Your Word with others so that their faith will be strengthened. We pray You find us faithful when You come for us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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WHAT IS OUR FOCUS?

 

 

1 Peter 1:13

 

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded , set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ESV

 

We have control of the readiness of our minds to meet with whatever this world brings our way. The things we do now in coping with this world's trials are to be with our minds focused on the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can hold on to the promise of God's grace no matter what happens to us now. His promises are sure. We can trust Him completely and never be disappointed.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us allowing our minds to get caught up in the busyness of this life and the problems we face. Help us to keep our minds focused on the return of Christ and let this be reflected in the way we respond to the world around us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

 

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DON'T SWERVE OFF THE ROAD

 

 

Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." ESV

Many times we are guilty of expecting the Lord to respond to our prayers the way we think He should and in the amount of time we think it should take. When God does not respond in the way we have asked Him, we become discouraged. We begin to think God isn't listening or doesn't care. The truth is, our God has given us the responsibility of being stable and patient in our faith, knowing He will keep His Word.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of learning how to pray. Help us to know that prayer is an interchange of communion with You, not a list of things we need You to do for us. Give us that unwavering faith that keeps us strong until Your answer comes. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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DON'T RELY ON THE RICHES OF THIS WORLD

 

 

1 Timothy 6:17

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." ESV

Those who are blessed with finances and the finer things of this world are at greatest risk to put their trust in possessions and material assets. It is important to pay attention to where we put our trust. It is so easy to become reliant on financial and material comfort in a time where economic status is a standard of our achievement and is envied and desired by most people today. However, the only sure, real, and lasting security comes from the Almighty God and He supplies us with the wealth and riches that will never fade away. The riches of God, that have very little to do with things we collect on this earth, are those that He supplies to every one who believes in Him and He pours out these riches to us in abundance and with His pleasure.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for putting our trust and security in the riches of this world. We fail to remember that all of these things are temporary and will pass away. But the riches You give us are spiritual, finer than any precious stone or metal, and are eternal because of Your love for us. Help us to keep our trust in You, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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BEING PREPARED

 

 

1 Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." ESV

If we are honoring Jesus Christ in our hearts, will we not also be honoring Him in our behavior? And if we are honoring Him with our behavior, will not other people take notice and want to know what it is that makes us so content and full of joy? If we are honoring Christ, people will notice. Are we ready to tell anyone who asks the reason we do what we do and say what we say? Preparation to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes from time spent in communion with Him and His Word.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we honor You before men and that we will hunger for You and Your Word, so that we will be prepared. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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HOPE, PEACE, JOY

 

 

Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." NIV

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." KJV

According to God's Word, the fullness of our joy and peace is directly dependent on how much we trust in the Lord. If we find ourselves ridden with anxiety and unrest, we can examine our faith. We can only trust the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. So, if we pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit and to exercise the measure of faith given to us by God, we will begin to overflow with hope of a life eternal and perfect with Him.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not putting our total trust in You. Help us to recognize that You offer us all joy and peace as we put our trust in You. Show us where we get off track in our faith and trust so that we can experience Your wonderful peace and joy with overflowing hope. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING

 

 

Psalm 130:5

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV)

"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope." (KJV)

Patience is a natural product of faith. It is much easier to wait when we are confident God will not disappoint us. So many things test our faith every day. But true faith will stay strong under the heaviest of burdens and trials. If we remember how long the Lord waited for us, and still waits for us, we will gladly wait patiently for Him.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not allowing our faith to mature so that it produces the patience we need to wait on You. Help us Lord, to stand strong in our faith so that nothing in this world can cause us to waiver and lose hope. Thank you for hearing us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

     

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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THE HOPE WHICH HE HAS PLANNED FOR US

 

Ephesians 1:18

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." NIV

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." KJV

How do the eyes of our hearts get enlightened? God tells us in His Word that if we ask believing, He will give us that which we ask for. If we sincerely pray for eyes of understanding, God will not only remove the veil that keeps us from seeing His mighty deeds, but He will show us the magnificence of the eternal future He has made for those of us who love Him and live according to His Word.

Heavenly Father, we praise You and magnify Your name for the wonderful gift of grace You have given so that we will live and reign with You in your glorious presence and the richness of You eternal love. Give us eyes of understanding so that we will stay on the path of righteousness and know this wonderful future You have for us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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ANSWER FOR OUR HOPE

 

1 Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts revere 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." NIV

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." KJV

It is so easy to complain and talk to others about the troubles we are having and the way the world is going. It's even easier when those around us are sharing their woes and we tend to jump right in and get swept away in the negativity. However, if we honor Christ as Lord of our hearts, we will not be groaning and complaining about the way things are. We will be positive and thanking God for His many blessings. We will have hope in our hearts and smiles on our faces because we know our Lord is in control. When others ask why we can be so calm and happy in such hard times, we can to be ready to let them know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and He has all things in His control. He works all things out for His glory and for our good. When we lift up Christ, others will be drawn to Him.

Heavenly Father, how we need your mercy and forgiveness for letting this world get the best of us, and for not putting Christ first in our hearts. Give us the desire to keep the Lord Jesus Christ first in our hearts so that we might respond to this world so differently than those who don't. And when they want to know why we can be so at peace in times of turmoil, help us lift up the Lord as our refuge and Saviour so that others will be drawn to Him. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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WAITING WITH HOPE

 

Psalm 119:114

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." NIV

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." KJV

Where do we go when life has dealt us a terrible blow? How do we cope with the trial that is set before us? What are we to do, when we don't know what to do? We wait. We wait under the wings of our God, our strong tower, our refuge. We wait there for the promise He has given us through His Word. His Word is sure and will never fail us. We wait with praise and thanksgiving for what He is doing and for what He will do for us.

Heavenly Father, we confess that we become distraught and discouraged when we cannot fix the problems facing us in our lives. We try to run ahead and take care of them ourselves only to find dead ends. Help us to rest in Your shadow, in Your loving arms, waiting for You to accomplish Your purpose in Your time. Give us assurance that it will be well with our souls and unending joy and peace are coming. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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LOOK AND WAIT

 

Micah 7:7

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." NIV

"Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." KJV

What does the average person do when trouble strikes unexpectedly, or life seems to throw a curve ball? There are a number of responses for the average person to calamity. But for the Christian, we have a sure hope that whatever we are going through, our Lord is with us, leading us along, and working all things out for our good. The waiting part is difficult, but it is worth it when we arrive at the place the Lord has taken us.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for never changing and for being the source of hope that never disappoints. Help us to wait for Your timing and enjoy our walk with You to where You are taking us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/

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ENLIGHTENED HEARTS

Do we really understand that our hearts are still not grasping the magnitude of God's glory? Our prayer should daily be that our hearts are opened to receive the knowledge and understanding of Him and what He has prepared for us. What God has waiting for us is totally sharing in His power and glory! It surpasses what Adam and Eve knew in the garden. Perhaps it would help if we think about and

understand what was lost when sin entered the world.

Heavenly Father, we pray for open hearts to know you more and to understand more fully what you have made ready for us. In Jesus' name.

Read Ephesians 1:18

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." (NIV)

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (KJV)

     

©2010

KNOWING HIS MIGHTY POWER

We cannot understand the things of God without His Holy Spirit revealing them to us. With Holy Spirit revelation we will know the anticipation of eternal life and the rewards that wait us in eternity. Can we even begin to understand that by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we can know God's mighty power? The same power that brought Jesus Christ up from death. Who would think that God would long to share these things with His children? And that He would give us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us to these truths and experience of His power.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit and that you desire to share your great rewards and power with us. Give us the hunger to know you more and give room for your Holy Spirit to work in us in this marvelous way. In Jesus' name.

Read Ephesians 1:18-20

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly realms." (NIV)

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." (KJV)

     
©2010

WAIT PATIENTLY

We all face enormous trials and struggles. Sometimes we wonder where
God is. We need to stop wondering and start seeking Him. It is a most
satisfying exercise that will give us strength to wait. God delights in and
blesses those who hope in, seek Him, and wait with peaceful trust that He will deliver.

Father in Heaven, we are in need of your grace and mercy to help us wait for you and trust you. Give us this strength today; In Jesus name.

Read Lamentations 3:25,26

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (NIV)

"The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." (KJV)

   
©2010

LIVE FOR HIS RETURN

It is in our own control to keep our minds ready to meet with whatever
this world brings our way. What we do now should be with the future of
Christ's return in mind. Hold on to the promise of God's grace no matter
what happens in your life now. His promise is sure. Trust Him and you
will not be disappointed.

Read 1 Peter 1:13

"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."
(NIV)

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (KJV)