TRAINING FOR THE PRIZE

 

1 Corinthians 9:25

 

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." ESV 

Olympic hopefuls spend hours every day perfecting the necessary physical moves and sharpening their concentration to perfection. Like all other things in this world, their bodies will deteriorate and their gold medals will perish. As Christians, how much more should we be training for that eternal reward in heaven. We will win the everlasting prize of sitting forever at His feet.

 

Lord, thank You for giving us all we need to win the prize of eternal life. Help us to be diligent as we go through this life so that when we stand before You on that day we will hear You say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Your eternal name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2015

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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JOY ALL THE TIME?

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

"Rejoice always." ESV 

 

How can we possibly be joyful all the time? This world is so stressful and full of trials and testing. For the natural man, it is impossible. For the spiritual man, joy is a deep, abiding understanding that we live in a temporary world and we wait for eternal life. There we will have perfect fellowship with our Savior. How joyful is that?

 

Lord, so often we let the things of this world rob us of our joy. Help us to remember this world is temporary, You are with us right now, and we will be with You forever. We thank You for this eternal joy we can have right now. In Your name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WITHERED WORLD, ETERNAL WORD

 

Isaiah 40:8

 

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." ESV 

 

We, too, like the flowers will wither and fade away. All created things are temporary, but are useful in time and space. God is eternal. His Word is eternal. All that He spoke, and all that He promised will come to be. All the things of this world will be no more. But we will not weep, because perfection, completeness is waiting for us in eternity with Him.

 

Lord, help us to remember that our own agendas and possessions are but fleeting blooms that wilt and wither after a short time. We magnify You Lord, that You never change and Your Word is forever and ever. 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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PROTECTION OUR SECURITY

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:8

 

"(our God), who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." ESV

 

What a comforting fact. He will give us all that we need to come into His presence with clean hearts. With God, there is always that one requirement that is repeated over and over in His Word. If we endure, faint not, don't give up, keep running the race, stand strong, overcome, endure, stay alert, do not be deceived, and keep, stir up, and guard our faith.

 

Heavenly Father, what an awesome God You are to give this eternal security to the likes of us. Help us to remember that our part is to keep the faith and endure in a world that keeps battering our faith and to stand strong against the enemy who seeks to devour our souls. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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IT JUST DOESN'T STOP

 

 

Romans 11:33

 

"Oh, the depth of his riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"

 

Eternity cannot be measured. Nor can the wisdom and knowledge of God, because it is eternal.

We cannot begin to even search for it because it is to vast for our limited minds. The ways of God are beyond any ability for us to understand with our physical senses or our human knowledge. That makes us want to trust Him more and cast all our cares on Him, because He can make it all come out in a beautiful and glorious way.

 

Heavenly Father, how we praise and magnify Your name and Your unsearchable greatness. Help us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to be able to discern just a foretaste of how magnificent You really are. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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NO PASSING AWAY

 

 

Mark 13:31

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." ESV

In the beginning God said, "Let there be light." No one will argue that there is still light shining, the sun, moon, and stars. There will be no need for those created lights in eternity, because Christ will be the bright and shining light for ever and ever. Those words God spoke in the beginning will never pass away. Every word spoken by Him throughout time, the living Word of God will continue on and on, never ending.

Heavenly Father, how we praise and honor You for the Word You have given us. We thank You that we can stand on every Word uttered by You. Help us to be open and willing to accept Your Word that never passes away. Increase our hunger to be lights in this world and bow in the light of Your presence for eternity. In Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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MINDSET

Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." ESV   We are part of the ultimate reality of God's eternal plan that works without interruption or hesitation. However, we are part of this world and all it's activity that easily grabs our attention. We tend to lose sight of God's ways, which are for our good and His glory. Instead, we focus on the things in this world that keep us struggling spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The things of this world are temporary. The things of God are eternal. If we keep our minds fixed on God's eternal plan, we will have peace and balance in our souls, now in this world and forever.   Heavenly Father, we are so weary of all the stress and troubles that plague us day after day. We find ourselves wrapped up in the worry and attention to our lives and the world around us. Help us to feed on Your Word and worship freely and frequently, so that our minds will be fastened to those things that are above, where You are. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.             ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

WE DON'T LOSE HEART

 

 

2 Corinthians 4:16

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." ESV

Day by day, year by year, we see our bodies aging. We seek out ways to stay younger looking, younger feeling, younger acting. These ways are all temporary fixes. Our bodies are giving over to the wear and tear of time. We can be of good cheer in spite of this. Our spirits are ageless and becoming more alive and vibrant day by day, year by year, and for all eternity. Time has no effect on our spirits made alive by faith in Christ.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help us to stay focused on Your eternal plan for us so we don't lose heart. 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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OUR FOCAL POINT

 

Colossians 3:2,3

"Set you minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." NIV

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." KJV

When we live in the material world, it is naturally human to allow the things of this material world to distract us, discourage us, or even tempt us. The Lord knows this about us. That is why He has charged us with the responsibility to mindfully keep our focus on Him and the eternal things of God. Yes, it is difficult, but we have the Holy Spirit within us to remind us that we have gotten our eyes of our God and have allowed the things of this world to capture our hearts and minds.

Heavenly Father, we give You praise that You know us intimately and the world we live in that comes at us from every side. Help us to be open to the Holy Spirit so that we can refocus our hearts and minds on You and Your kingdom. Let us remember that we are hidden in You and this world cannot control us or harm 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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ONLY ONE

 

Micah 5:2

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." NIV

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." KJV

In our times, there are so many polluted beliefs about the way to God. Many religions have joined together believing there are many roads but they all lead to the same place. Dear brothers and sisters, this is a lie from Satan himself. There is only one. There is only one way. It is He who was born in Bethlehem of Judea; He is from eternity and He is God. He will rule all of creation and He is the only way to salvation and eternal life. Don't let the world's logic and reasoning seep in and contaminate our souls.

Heavenly Father, how we praise You for giving Your only begotten Son to save us and bring us to Yourself. Help us to guard our hearts and minds from the subtle poison this world is so ready to give us. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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OUR STUFF, HERE TODAY GONE TOMORROW

 

Proverbs 27:24

"For riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." NIV

"For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?" KJV

We live in a time when our status in society is measured by how much material wealth we have. This creates a driving force for all of us to work as hard as we can, in one way or another, to get more and more. This is a deceiving plan of Satan. He knows as humans we will become attached to our "things" and will want more. Then we will get our eyes off of what really matters, the things of God. Material wealth is only for a little while. The life of God through Christ Jesus and His will for our lives is forever.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for getting caught up in the things of this world. Give us discernment to know it is a trick of Satan. Give us the right perspective about the possessions with which You have blessed us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HIS ETERNAL WORD

 

Matthew 24:35

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." NIV

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." KJV

It's pretty well understood that the things of this world are temporary. But we do get involved with people and people make promises. We deal with businesses who guarantee their products. But there are always betrayals and change of plans that disappoint and create mistrust. There is one sure thing we can count on even when we feel all is lost. It is the Word of God. What He said will never betray us, or change in any way, or leave us. We can forever have hope and trust that His Word stands forevermore.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for Your eternal Word. There is nothing in this world we can count on. Give us a greater hunger for Your Word, so that it will abide in us while we are waiting for Your return. In His name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GOD'S PEACE

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict or unrest. Peace for
God's people comes when we are all in one accord, each of us
aligning ourselves with Him. Peace comes to us in knowing that
God is with us always and evermore.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your peace and eternal presence
with us. Help us to stay attuned to you so that we will be at peace
with you and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and
in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (NIV)

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.
The Lord be with you all." (KJV)

     
©2010

GOD'S GREATNESS THEN AND NOW

We read and listen to the way God moved by His mighty power and miracles in Bible times. Knowing our God has done these incredible things brings us such awe and inspiration. It can also give us a strong desire to see God move in that same way today in our time. The way the world has become more and more evil, we are pressed to ask God for His mercy and to intervene in the glorious ways He did in times past.

Heavenly Father, we ask for your mercy as you look on the condition of this world. We ask that you would show your mighty strength and power in our time. In Jesus' name.

Read Habakkuk 3:2

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (NIV)

"O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy
work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in
wrath remember mercy." (KJV)

    
©2010

SPIRITUAL WORKOUT

To be concerned about one's physical health is beneficial for living here in this life. To be concerned about one's spiritual life is beneficial for this life and crucial for eternal life. Take care of your body, God's temple, but make your spiritual life with God your priority.

Read 1 Itmothy 4:8

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (NIV)

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (KJV)

GREATNESS OF GOD

God has revealed to us in His Word that He is omnipotent, and we
stand in awe and recognize the fact that He is all powerful. There
is no force in existence more powerful than He is. God also revealed
to us in His Word that He is eternal. He has always been, He is, and
He always will be. If anyone is searching for happiness, security, and
peace, all these things can be found in trusting and following God.

Read Isaiah 43:13

"Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my
hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" (NIV)

"Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver
out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?" (KJV)

LOOK UP

We are a part of the ultimate reality of God's eternal plan that is working
without interruption or hesitation. There are also the workings of life and living in this world, of which we are a part. The things of this world seem to easily grab our attention. We tend to lose sight of God's ways, which are for our good and His glory, and focus on happenings in this world that keep us struggling spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The things of this world are temporary. The things of God are eternal. Focus on the eternal, then we will have peace and balance in our soul in this world and forever.

Read Colossians 3:2

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (NIV)

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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