STUCK IN THIS WORLD

 

John 17:15

 

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." ESV 

 

Make this world go away! Get us out of here! As we watch the evil and disasters all around us, we wonder how we can ever escape without getting hit by the harsh, unrelenting torture this world brings. Jesus didn't pray that we would be spared the agonies of this world, but that the evil one would never destroy our soul. This way we would never be overcome by the evil in this world. Seeing God at work in this way will increase our faith and trust in Him.

 

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You never leave us while we are here in this world. We know bad things happen and we get hit hard by the evils of this world, but we know that You are right here with us, protecting our souls. You prayed to the Father about that, and He listened. Help us to always remember this. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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OUR SUFFERING HAS A PURPOSE

 

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 may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." ESV

 

 

Any trial or suffering we might experience in this life is never in vain. God will put us in a place where we will find someone dealing with the same kind of experience. God gave us the grace and comfort we needed to get through that time of suffering. And, He lavishes us with the ability to understand and give comfort to someone else who needs it.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the comfort You give us when we need it. We are amazed and honored that You bring meaning to our suffering by giving us opportunities to pass comfort and caring to those who go through similar trials. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

 



©2008-2014

Daily Grace



Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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A CROWN FOR PASSING THE TEST

James 1:12

 

 

 

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." ESV

 

It's getting harder and harder to stay strong and to cope with the trials and temptations we face today. When we know the final outcome of everything we go through, although we may not know the purpose, we will have the strength and understanding to face whatever trial comes our way.

 

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your mighty promise to us that we will receive the crown of life if we endure to the end. Forgive us for our weaknesses and complaining when things are going badly and we see no purpose in them. You know the reasons and You have promised us the crown of life if we stay strong. That's all we need to know. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WE CAN DO THIS

 

1 Peter 1:6,7

 

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ESV

 

How can anyone be joyful when they are going through suffering, pain, and despair. We can do it. We know that trials and suffering will purify our faith and make us strong in the Lord. He will honor and reward us who remain faithful through the trials and suffering of this life. And He will welcome us with open arms. Knowing this gives us that deep joy of the Lord that this world cannot touch.

 

Heavenly Father, You know we are weak, but You know that we have the gift of faith to believe that we will suffer in this life, but You will reward us if we persevere and stand strong. Put within our hearts, the commitment to stand strong and endure because this life is temporary. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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HE KNOWS US

 

 

 

Job 23:10

 

"But he know the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." ESV

 

We do not understand the ways of God, but He knows our ways. We have the wonderful gift of choice. Sometimes we take the wrong way. Others may fail to understand our ways, but when we choose God's way, He honors us. He will examine all the choices we have made, and when we pass the test of true faith, we will emerge with the reward of everlasting life.

 

Heavenly Father, even though we know that Your ways are higher than our ways, we still choose to do things our way. Forgive us and help us to put our total trust in You, so that we will walk in Your way. It may not make sense to us or those around us, but we will pass the test of faith. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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LOOK WHAT HE DID!

 

 

Hebrews 12:3

 

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." ESV

 

We certainly live in difficult times. Much of the time we get our eyes off the eternal realm and onto the earthly things going on around us. Most of us are struggling with trials of one kind or another. Let's just stop for a moment and consider what Jesus Christ experienced as He walked on this earth. He suffered to the point of death for being righteous and showing us the Father. If we will just remember this, it will cause us to keep our lives in the right perspective and to remember that we have not been required to suffer as He did.

 

Heavenly Father, how weak we are! We allow problems of all kinds to make us feel defeated. While there are times when tragedy strikes that we can barely stand, even then, Lord, You suffered far more than that. Help us to always look to what You went through for us when we feel attacked and afraid, that we might be strengthened in our faith. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WE AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET

 

 

Romans 8:18

 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." ESV

 

 

Suffering comes to all at one time or another. Some go through much more suffering than others. Some believe they are suffering horribly until they see others much worse off than themselves. Then there are some that suffer and live above the suffering so that others have no idea. Whatever the type or intensity of the suffering, it will fade away into nothing and be forgotten forever when we see the wonderful things God has for us who believe.

 

 

Heavenly Father, we confess that we complain and grumble when we are suffering in one way or another. Forgive us for focusing on the suffering, that will totally pass away, and help us to stay fixed on the glory You have waiting for us with You in heaven. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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I'M HURTING, HOW CAN I HAVE JOY?

 

 

 

 

James 1:2,3

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." ESV

If we ask anyone we see if they have a simple, trouble-free life, we will get a unanimous answer of "no." We are told in the Word that we will have troubles while we are here on earth in enemy territory. Some of our problems we bring on ourselves. Some things happen that we do not understand at all. Regardless, we can have that deep, abiding joy during any difficulty because we know we will be made stronger. Our strengthened faith and endurance will keep us growing spiritually.

Heavenly Father, give us joy in the times of trouble, reminding us that these trials will make us stronger and more spiritually mature. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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YOUR SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS SHOWING!

 

Proverbs 24:10

"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." ESV

A famous quote by Dwight Thompson states, "A crisis does not build your character. It only reveals it." So many of us are able to exemplify the life of Christ in our lives when things are going fairly well. It is when great adversity comes to us that our real Christian character is seen. Our responses in times of difficulty is a direct indicator of the true faith we have gained in our Christian walk.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of forgiveness for the times we respond to tragedy as if You were powerless. Give us an unceasing hunger to be more Christlike, having on Your armor, so that we will rise above any adversity. Help us to be vessels of Your almighty power no matter what happens in our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING IT

1 Peter 5:9   "Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." ESV   There are times when very difficult things come to us. Some people have extreme tragedy. But these attacks in life come to everyone in some way or another. Yet, we groan and complain, we ask God why He is doing this to us. After all didn't He allow it? Jesus Himself told us that we would have tribulation in this world. The Word tells us it is the devil that just prowls around looking for someone to attack. His hope is that we will get mad at God, continue on in our misery, and be ineffective witnesses. As Christians, it is not our duty to pray for escape from Satan's attacks. It is our responsibility to resist the devil's scheme to get us to give up our faith. We are all in this battle and we may get wounded, but the battle is the Lord's. He will take care of us and all those Christians around the world who are going through the same things.   Heavenly Father, the consequences of sin and living in a cursed world is such that we allow ourselves to forget that we are not of this world, and we will incur wounds and scars here. Forgive us for self pity and groaning. Help us remember that all our Christian brothers and sisters are going through the same things. We know what lies ahead for us, help us to think about that. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.           ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

WHY BE SO SURPRISED?

 

 

1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ESV

How often have we been blind sided with a tragedy, illness, or devastating situation? How many of those times have we asked God, "Why?" It has been evident throughout the ages that fiery trials come to the good, the bad, the rich, the poor. If we are walking in the Holy Spirit and in communion with our Lord, we will understand that there will be trials and that we should not be surprised when they come. These trials test our faith. And, we have been divinely given everything we need to withstand the trial with God's joy, understanding that it will be opportunity for our growth and occasion for His glory.

Heavenly Father, we are humbled at our lack of faith when fiery trials come our way and we lose heart in Your sovereignty. You have told us we would have tribulations and trials. We stand in need of Your grace to build up our faith so that we can face these trials with the determination to overcome for Your glory. 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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DON'T BE SURPRISED

 

 

1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ESV

Haven't we all found ourselves asking why the trouble in our lives is happening? It's like we believe trials and tribulations shouldn't be happening to us, but perhaps to others far away that we don't know. If our Lord encountered horrible injustices, rejection, abuse, and even death by murder, why should we expect a trouble free life?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for questioning You when things go wrong in our lives. Help us to remember Your Word that tells us we will have trouble in this world. Give us an ever present awareness that You are with us and will see us through it all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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FOR OUR OWN GOOD

 

 

Romans 8:28

 

 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." NIV

 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." KJV

There are definitely things in this world that are not good for us as believers. We still experience trials and sufferings. But our Lord does make the things that we experience work together for our ultimate good. What is that ultimate good? That He will bring us to Himself a holy and righteous people.

Heavenly Father, help us to remember when things get really rough, that You will take the circumstances and cause them to turn out for our good. Forgive us for fretting when trials come. Bring to our remembrance that these times are a part of the process that You have planned to make us holy and righteous. 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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THE BIGGEST TEST EVER

 

 

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." NIV

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." KJV

Most of us don't really care for taking tests. It requires time and energy to prepare and make sure we make a passing grade. Actually, our lives on this earth are tests of faith and obedience to God and resistance to the sin of this world. This kind of testing not only requires time and energy, but also commitment and the power of the Holy Spirit to make it through to the end. It is a life long test. If we stand firm and endure the hardships and trials of this world, we will pass the test and receive God's promise of the crown of life.

Heavenly Father, how we thank and praise You for the precious promise of the crown of life. Sometimes the test is difficult and we want to give up. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we will have the power to persevere through the difficulties of this world. Fill our hearts with hunger and desire to pass this test so that we will spend eternity with You. 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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HOLDING UP UNDER PRESSURE

 

Revelation 2:3

"You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary." NIV

"And has borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." KJV

Too often, we get burdened down under the load of this world's tribulations and they makes us incapable of carrying on the way the Lord has directed us. The true test of commitment to the Lord God is that even when our whole world seems to be crashing down around us, we stand strong, with patience and continue to follow the leading of the Lord. Nothing can distract us for our service to Him. While we are about His business, He is steadily working out our problems and we will find it was worth doing His will rather than worrying and becoming dormant for His kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we ask Your forgiveness for allowing our problems and tribulations to overpower us to the point of stopping our progress in our Christian walk. Help us to understand that if we continue to seek You and Your will for our lives, patiently working as You lead us, You will take care of all our problems. We thank You and praise You for that. 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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