RULES OF COMPETITION

 

2 Timothy 2:5

 

"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules." ESV 

 

Living the Christian life is much like the life of an athlete. There are certain things required of an athlete who expects to finish first in competition. If these requirements are followed half heartedly, skipped, side stepped, or ignored, there will be no prize. There will be disqualification. The same is true for a Christian. The world may be foolish, and a person can fool himself, but when the real test comes, the winner will be the one who did things God's way.

 

Lord, we need Your help to live our lives according to the Way You have set before us. Forgive us for being lax, taking shortcuts, or simply doing things our own way. Give us hearts of obedience and fervor to do things according to Your will for us. In Your great name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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ROYAL CROWN

Revelation 2:10

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." ESV

A crown symbolizes one who reigns in royalty. Jesus gives His Word that He will give the crown of life to those who sacrifice, show faithfulness to Him, and endure the conflict and persecution of this world. He will place that crown on the head of the overcomer and nothing will be able to remove it. The overcomer will reign and rule with Christ forever and ever.

Heavenly Father, we know we cannot be faithful to You in our own strength. But we know by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in our lives, we can be overcomers. Have mercy on us to overcome this world. In the name of Jesus Christ 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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ROYAL CROWN COMMITMENT

 

2 Timothy 2:5

"Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules." NIV

"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." KJV

We are aware of many well known champion athletes who have been disqualified from their rewards because they chose to go against the rules and use performing enhancement drugs. It is so tempting to take the shortcuts, the quickest, easiest way, the way of least resistance. In our journey through this world as Christians, there are no shortcuts. Yet, the enemy places so many "easy way" tactics in front of us, like a street vendor frantically trying to sell us his wares. There is a royal crown of victory waiting for us in our Master's hands, if we keep on our journey, going along the narrow path that He has laid out for us.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for trying to find ways to appear Christlike and make others believe we are mature Christians when we are not. Have mercy on us when we allow ourselves to be deceived by the evil one and follow side paths off the one You chose for us. Keep us focused on the finish line - being in the eternal presence of our Lord and Saviour. In His 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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