ANGER IN ITS RIGHT PLACE

 

Psalm 86:15

 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, show to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." ESV 

 

If every person in the world responded to difficult people and circumstances like we do, what kind of world would we have? If we all responded like our Lord does, how would this world be? We are so blessed that He is compassionate and slow to get angry. Where would we be if He weren't?

 

 

Lord, thank You for being patient and gracious toward us, although we know we don't deserve it. Help us to be more like You when we interact with others in this world. Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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DID YOU ACCEPT YOUR GIFT YET?

 

1 Peter 4:10

 

"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." ESV 

 

So many Christians are oblivious of the gifts God has given them. God has given very one of us a spiritual gift to serve others and to glorify Him. If we don't know what our gift is, we can pray and ask the Lord to reveal it to us. He will do it.

 

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are for the spiritual gifts You shower on Your Church. Forgive us for our laxity in using our gift. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and hunger to be used by You and to use our gifts to glorify Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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SPIRITUAL LAZINESS

 2 Peter 3:17,18 

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and in the day of eternity. Amen." ESV 

 

Some Christians believe that once they accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they can merely walk along in this life and the Lord will do everything else. If things don't go right, they believe God is unhappy with them or has forgotten them. This is totally opposite of what the Bible teaches us. It is our responsibility to exercise our faith in obedience to the things He has told us to do. Being a Christian is not a spectator sport or a just be glad you're saved and not going to hell concept. We have been commissioned by Jesus, Himself, to go out into the world telling the Good News wherever we go. We are to be on guard to stay victorious over the enemy. We are to seek Him through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. Growing in grace and knowledge of God is not an option if we want to stay in the will of God.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being lazy Christians and expecting You to do what You have told us we are to do ourselves. Help us Lord to do our part in seeking and knowing You so that we will stand strong and grow in Your grace. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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WHAT MORE DO WE NEED?

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ESV 

 

How often do we pray earnestly for the Lord to take our trials and tribulations away? Do we ask God why He isn't answering our prayers while letting Him know we don't know how long we can keep going on with these burdens? No matter what our problem is, the answer to our prayers is His all sufficient grace. In the midst of trials and turmoil, the power of the Lord will burst through us when we accept His grace by praising Him.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness when we fail to acknowledge Your all sufficient grace. Help us to be willing to step aside and allow Your power to shine in our lives in spite of our trials. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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ROYAL PASS

 

Hebrews 4:16

 

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ESV

 

 

Jesus Christ was God who became a human, lived among us, and faced the same trials and temptations we face. Unlike us, He lived His life here without sinning. He knew why He came. Because He resisted the human nature, we can come right to the throne of the Father with confidence, not fear. We can receive mercy and grace whenever we ask for it.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son, who knows what it's like to live in this world and did it without sin. We are in awe of the grace and mercy You pour out so that we can come directly to Your throne. Help us to always remember it is because of what Jesus Christ did for us that allows us to come. In His name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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SAYING NO BECAUSE WE CHOOSE TO DO SO

 

Titus 2:11,12

 

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." ESV

 

Jesus Christ is the Grace of God sent to provide salvation for everyone, everywhere, at all times. No one is excluded except those who choose not to receive His free gift. If we accept this gracious, free gift of salvation, we are free to say no to sin, impurity, immorality, and ungodliness, the ways of the world. It's not that we are bound by a set of rules to stay away from these things. We are set free to choose to stay away from these things. Without salvation, we are imprisoned to be caught up in them.

 

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for Your grace that gives us eternal life and freedom to live Godly lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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BLESSED

 

2 Corinthians 9:8

 

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." ESV

 

What is God's grace? It is God lavishly giving us what we could never earn, deserve, or request. Grace is God's gift fulfilling our needs and desires because His love is so infinite and over flowing. He is always lavishing His grace on His children so that they will give praise to Him and be witnesses to His power and glory.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to accept Your gift of grace with humility and joy, never taking it for granted. Give us wisdom to walk in your grace so that we will always be giving honor to You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

 

©2008-2014

 

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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EQUAL AMOUNTS OF GRACE

 

 

Romans 3:22-24

 

"The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." ESV

 

The same saving grace that comes from faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ is the same for every person who believes. We are all sinners in need of God's grace to rescue us. All sin will be punished the same. All who believe in Christ will receive the same grace. The rescue for us is free. It cost God a very great price, His only Son.

 

Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves before You as we accept the free gift of eternal life through Your grace, by our faith. Help us to recognize that every one who believes receives exactly the same grace, and that we have no more of Your grace than anyone else. 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'S THAT COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH?

 

 

Ephesians 4:29

 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." ESV

 

These days it seems we are all critics of others. Maybe we think so highly of ourselves, the flaws in others stand out so clearly. Perhaps we think so lowly of ourselves, we speak of the faults in others so we don't look so bad in comparison. Then it could just be that our minds are set toward a negative perspective about most things. Negativity steals our joy and eager anticipation of the future. Worse yet, it does the same thing to those who hear us spew our negativity. Just like a corrupted file on a computer, our corrupt talk stops the flow of God from coming through our lives.

 

Heavenly Father, please search our hearts and allow us to identify any negative thought that might come out of our mouths in words. Guard our minds and our lips so that what we speak will encourage and lift up those who hear 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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THE PRIDE SYNDROME

 

 

Romans 12:3

 

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." ESV

 

We can have pride and joy in those we love and cherish. This is a love great enough that we want others to share it with us. There is another kind of pride that God warns us about and it can destroy us. This sinful pride is an unrealistic, high opinion of one's own importance and superiority, whether it begins in one's own mind or in one's actions seen and known by others. If we have the fullness of the Spirit of the Lord within us, directing our thoughts and actions, we will never take credit for any good we do. But by faith, we will let it be known that without Him, we can do nothing.

 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for allowing pride to enter our minds. Keep us from judging our worth on what we think we are and what we do. Help us to always compare ourselves to Jesus Christ and we will become friends with humility. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, 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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GOT MERCY?

Colossians 3:13   "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also much forgive." ESV   Are we really honest about the resentment, anger, or bitterness we are holding toward others? Do we realize that we are not only capable, but most likely guilty of doing the same kinds of things they did to hurt us? If we choose to hold on to resentment and anger, we are nothing more than hypocrites throwing stones. If we forgive with mercy and grace, we are walking in Christ's footsteps. We will receive the same mercy we have given.   Heavenly Father, forgiving those who have wronged and hurt us is such a hard thing to do. It humbles us to say we don't have to have You search our hearts very far to find the resentment and anger we have held fast in our hearts. Help us to hold fast to the abundant stream of mercy and grace that constantly flows from Your heart so that we will have peace and joy in forgiving those we have not allowed ourselves to forgive. 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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

 

 

Titus 3:7

"So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." ESV

When we understand that we ourselves could never justify our own sinfulness, we can begin to understand how much the Father loved us. Jesus Christ came to do what we could not do for ourselves: He paid the price we should have paid for our sin. Not only are we washed white, totally forgiven, but we are adopted as heirs to His kingdom. We are now family members of God Almighty. So amazing it is that all we have to do is believe, repent, and live our lives so that others will have no doubt to whose family we belong.

Heavenly Father, we cannot ever repay the eternal give of love You gave us. Help us to take on all of Your family's ways so that others will see and be drawn to You. 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 WASN'T ANYTHING WE DID

 

 

Ephesians 2:8,9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." ESV

We did not seek to be saved from sin. While we were bankrupt and dead spiritually, God, in His infinite grace, sought us out and provided the way for us to be freed from the strongholds of sin. How then, can anyone believe that being "good" and following rules, and doing any works of kindness, can result in right standing with the Almighty God? Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us is all that we can do. None of us can take any credit for our salvation or our eternal inheritance with God. Was the thief on the cross near Jesus saved because he deserved it? Was the donkey pulled out of the mud pit on the Sabbath because he was special?

Heavenly Father, we confess no other other way to right standing with You but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SO WE CAN BE RICH

 

 

2 Corinthians 8:9

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might became rich." ESV

The riches that Christ left to become a man on this earth were not silver and gold. They were the eternal riches of the mysteries of God. When Christ became a man, his poverty was living in a world of sin, greed, and turmoil. Because He willingly and, with joy, gave up being equal with God, we will be free from this poverty stricken world with all its trials and tribulations. We may not be rich with material things in this world. That was not God's purpose. His purpose was for us to enjoy eternity with Him in all the riches of the mysteries of God.

Heavenly Father, forgive us that we think of material things when we think of riches. We cannot fathom all that Christ gave up to come to this earth so that we could be saved. We praise You that He did give up all for us. Give us hearts that seek the true riches of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SEE TO IT!

 

 

Hebrews 12:15

"See to it that so one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it man become defiled." ESV

We are to be diligent to watch out for those who fail to walk in God's grace, since we are all easily tempted and vulnerable to our fleshly desires. Being a bad example, poisoned with bitterness spreads it to those around us and results in damaged testimonies and in contaminated witnesses of God's truth. One bitter person, who is walking by his/her own reasoning, not God's, can lead others away from the truth of God and destroy them spiritually. This is not an argument for the possibility of losing one's salvation or not. But this is a warning for us to watch for those who come around us that are evil hypocrites who can weaken immature Christians and prevent sinners from coming to Christ.

Heavenly Father, how we stand in need of You to search our hearts, that we are free of any hypocrisy and evil so that we will not spread poison to the Body of Christ. Help us to be alert to those who are false Christians so that we can stop them from spreading evil among us. 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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FREEDOM IN GRACE

 

Romans 6:1

"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" ESV

We know that the grace God gives us includes total freedom in Christ. There are some who are deceived into believing that once we are saved by grace through faith, we are then free to live as we want and it will all be forgiven because we are living under grace. The Word says, this is not so. If we have truly received the grace of God by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we will not be able to live in sin. Oh, yes, we may sin and fall into temptation, but the Holy Spirit will convict us and we will repent and turn from the sin. If we are living a sinful lifestyle or persisting in any sin, we are not alive in the Spirit, but are still dead spiritually because of sin residing in us.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You and praise You for Your amazing grace. Show us our hearts and lives that we may examine ourselves to see if we are dead to sin and alive in our spirit. Help us to remember that Your grace sets us free to say no to sin and to freely resist temptation. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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IT WAS NOT ME

Deuteronomy 8:17,18     "You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." NIV   "And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." KJV   Self satisfaction and pride in our abilities and accomplishments are an open door to rob and dethrone God of the honor He deserves. After we have worked hard, gotten ahead financially, and feel more secure financially, of course we have a human tendency to feel we have achieved this through our hard work and perseverance. When we admire our selves for these accomplishments, we create an idol in God's place. Remember, all we are and all we have is from Him. And He will hold us accountable for how we use these blessings.   Heavenly Father, how we thank You and praise You for Your abundant blessings to us. Forgive us if we have taken any credit for these blessings and forgive us if we use them for our own pleasure. Give us open hearts to hear Your voice as to how You want us to use these blessings. Thank You for allowing us to enjoy them but also to bless others with them and glorify You as King of Kings. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.         ©2012 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

THIS IS ALL WE NEED

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

"And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." KJV

Isn't it embarrassing when others can see our inadequacies? When it comes to the things of God and His way of working in our lives, it is an honor that our inadequacies show fully and completely. Then, when an awesome event occurs and an answer to prayer is openly revealed, everyone will know that it was God Almighty who completed the work and not ourselves. All of the glory and praise will be given to Him, because such things that He does cannot possibly come from us, but only His power through us.

Heavenly Father, forgive us if and when we have ever taken credit for the work You have done through us. Give us what we need to revel in our own inadequacies so that Your power will be displayed and You will receive every trace of the glory that only You deserve. How great are You Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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Ephesians 2:8,9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." NIV

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast." KJV

In our world, we work to make money so we can pay our bills and buy things we need and want. There are some things that money just can't buy. The greatest of those things is salvation through Jesus Christ. This cannot be earned in any way nor can we be good enough to received it based on our good morals and beliefs. Salvation is a gift paid for by Christ's giving of Himself on the cross for our sins so that we would not have to pay the price ourselves. This free gift is for everyone who recognizes their need to be set free from being separated from God. If we could receive eternal life based on our own efforts, we would be able to brag to others that we had worked our way to salvation and they haven't. Because of God's unending grace, no one can take pride in earning their salvation. We can only rejoice that our God loved us so much that He gave us this precious free gift through our faith, believing.

Heavenly Father, how we praise You and thank You for the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ's blood shed on the cross. We thank You that we don't have to work for it or earn it, because we would never be able to pay off the debt of sin we owe. Give us boldness to share this good news with those around us so that they, too, can accept this free gift of salvation. In Jesus Christ our Saviour's name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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