PEACE ISN'T THE ABSENCE OF ANYTHING!!

 

Colossians 3:15

 

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." ESV 

 

Peace is not a lack of war or clamor. Peace is not a lack of anything. It is a strong, silent state. It is an active condition of the heart. Peace conquers war, confusion, and unrest. If we are living true to the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be filled with His everlasting peace.

 

Lord, we thank You for the peace that only You can give to us. Help us to understand that peace is not the absence of war, but that it is a powerful, active condition that passes all of our understanding. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

BOOT CAMP

 

Hebrews 12:11

 

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." ESV 

 

Living the Christian life is one of constant discipline because we are in a perpetual state of staving off temptations and struggling with our own natural  desires.  At times, we give in to ourselves and to the ways of the world. Then, we feel conviction and remorse. It is rough travelling through this life, but if we stay on course and allow the Lord to discipline us, we will win the prize of Christ's righteousness and peace. That's worth it all.

 

Lord, forgive us when we stumble and fall. Even though we may not like being disciplined, we know it is for our good and that You discipline us because You love us. We thank You and praise You for that. In Your name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

SAFE, PROTECTED, AND FREE

 

Psalm 91:1

 

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." ESV 

 

A shelter is a place of protection and safety from danger. God gave His Word to shelter those who live within the boundaries of His will. This is not being confined to a particular set of laws or rules. Living in the bounds of His shelter, we are given rest and safety that knows no limits. We are free to live in total abandon for Him.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for making a place of protection and peace for us. Help us to learn the boundaries of Your shelter so that we can live there in total freedom and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

 

Romans 8:6

 

"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." ESV 

 

In this world of today, it is so very hard to stay focused on the things of God. We can commit to keeping our minds on Him and to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If we really want to know His will, He will reveal it to us and will help us stay focused on it. That is when we will find real life and peace.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for getting distracted by the noise and clamor of this world. Forgive us for following our own desires. We are hungry to know Your will for us and believe You will show us. Help us to be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

FOR TRADE: WILL TAKE ANXIETY FOR LOTS OF PEACE AND JOY!

 

 

Psalm 94:19

 

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." ESV 

 

We all know what it's like to be anxious. It's a human condition we experience when we face something new and uncertain. There is a sure remedy for this nervous apprehension. It is consciously allowing God to comfort, support, and encourage us. He does this in many ways, often times unique to each of us. God always stands ready with compassion to console us and give us peace. We can reach out to Him anytime and allow Him to take away the anxiety and worry, replacing it with His joy and peace.

 

Heavenly Father, so often we get tangled up in our worries and anxieties, forgetting to just call on You for help. Help us to make it our first plan of action to turn to you in these times of uncertainty and worry. We praise You and give You thanks for the comfort, peace, and joy that You give us when we seek You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

DON'T GO THE WRONG WAY!

 

Matthew 5:1,2

 

"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them saying...." ESV 

 

We are all looking for contentment. The problem is, few look in the right place. What we seek cannot be found in this world. If we want true contentment, the place to look is at the life and teachings of Jesus. But we have to follow Him and listen.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for seeking contentment from this world. We know that true contentment comes only from You. We praise You for giving us Your Word and Your Holy Spirit so that we can follow and listen, bringing us joy and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

WHO DID IT?

 

Isaiah 26:12

 

"O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works." ESV 

 

Isn't it gratifying to think back on some of the things we accomplished in our lives and they have been really good things. There's nothing wrong with remembering and feeling good about those things. The problem sneaks in when we fail to remember that it is the Lord who has done those things through us. He gave us the talent, the time, the strength, the gifts, and the very breath to complete the work. Without Him, we wouldn't have done anything.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us because we have, at times, failed to remember that You have done all things through us and for us. Help us to always give You glory for the good things You chose to do through us. Without You, we know we are helpless. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

TIME TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." ESV

 

Because we are mere humans, only God can do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. By way of His grace, He will separate us out from the world and make us holy. He will give us a clean conscience. He will give us a body that is His temple worthy of housing His Holy Spirit. He will give us a hunger to seek Him and obey Him. Then, when He comes back for His Church, we will be ready, without spot or wrinkle.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your grace to set us apart and make us holy through and through so we will be found ready when you come for us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

PEACE IS NOT AN ABSENCE, BUT A PRESENCE

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

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

 

Peace is not an absence of conflict and unrest. Peace is the presence of harmony and unity when each of us aligns himself with Christ and we are all in one accord.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your peace. Help us to get into alignment with You and Your Word. Give us unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep us aware that Your peace is what we need to live in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

 

Hebrews 12:14

 

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." ESV

 

We are commanded to fight against sin and evil. We are not to fight against each other or anyone who opposes us. We are to exert our greatest effort to keep a peaceful attitude and gentle behavior toward everyone. This is not always an easy thing to do. But, if we keep ourselves clothed with holiness, which means being detached from worldliness and attached to Godliness, we will have access to the same attitude God has.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to walk in holiness as Jesus did. Give us the Spirit of Peace so that we will be at peace You and all those we encounter. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

PRINCE OF PEACE IS HERE

Isaiah 9:6

 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ESV

 

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, slipped into this part of eternity called time so that we would have the Way to have peace with God. Now we will be able to slip out of time and into eternity with Him forever.

 

Heavenly Father, how we praise You for Your perfect love that You became flesh and brought us Peace that will last throughout eternity. Help us to accept that Peace so that we will be with You forever. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

DECISION MAKING 101

 

Jeremiah 6:16

 

"Thus says the Lord; 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" ESV

 

There will be times when we come to crossroads or major decisions that will have far reaching impact on our lives and the lives of others. The Lord tell us look at the way the followers of God in the Bible made decisions. They got on their faces before God until they heard from Him, and by doing so, they have worn a proven path that leads to peace and rest for the soul. Jesus, Himself, took that road. So walk as He did.

 

Heavenly Father, so often we look at earthly consequences of decisions we have to make. We try to get the best deal for ourselves in the choices we make. Forgive us for our selfish ways. Help us to live like Christ and those who walked in His footsteps. We thank You for the peace and rest that will give us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

 

SLEEPING PEACEFUL

 

 

Psalm 4:8

 

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." ESV

 

 

We can all identify with those nights of lying there in bed with thoughts of this and that repeating themselves in our heads and sleep seems far away. When this happens, we can examine our faith to see if we have let the cares of this world creep in and rob us of our peace. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and His power and plan for our lives, we will not only get into our beds, but we will sleep with wonderful peace, because we know Who is taking care of us.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing the cares of this world to rob us of the peace You long for us to have. Give us determination to focus on You and Your Word so that the Holy Spirit will reign in our hearts with Your peace that passes all understanding. 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

GOD BLESS THE OTHER GUY

 

 

Numbers 6:24-26

 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." ESV

 

It is a sacrificial gesture of love to ask for God to bless others. When we do this, it shows our own right relationship with the Lord and our desire to see Him bless and protect others. Ask the Lord to keep His face toward others, smiling on them in His never ending grace and mercy. Pray for the blessing of peace on them that is so rare in our times. What a beautiful way to bless and pray for each other.

 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for always seeking Your blessings for ourselves. We confess that we are more self-centered that we want to admit. Give us Your Spirit of loving others so that we will pray Your blessings on them continually, knowing that You are already pouring out Your blessings on us. 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

WANNA SEE GOD?

 

 

Hebrews 12:14

 

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." ESV

 

The watered down gospel today tells us that since God is a god of love, He would never send anyone to hell. Unfortunately this is a lie direct from Satan that deceives many each day. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and if we have truly put our faith in Him we will bear His fruit. These are not works we do on our own. The fruit is a natural expression of the life of Christ in us. Peace and holiness will pour from those of us who have true faith in Him and we are those who will see our Lord for eternity. God never sends anyone to hell. They choose it rather than let God control their lives.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times we do not show peace and holiness because we have let our faith grow complacent and cold. Give us the urgency of the danger of being in this state. Help us grow in Your grace that we will have the faith in You that will produce the fruit of peace, and the holiness like Christ had when He walked this earth. 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

SEEK AND PURSUE PEACE

 

 

 

Psalm 34:14

"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." ESV

We all naturally seek after those things that satisfy the senses. We have been created that way. However, we have been made new creatures in Christ with authority over our own wills. The Word of God tell us to choose good and stay away from evil. We can no longer put the blame for our sins and wrongdoing on anyone or anything outside of ourselves. Wherever there is strife and turmoil, evil and temptation, we can freely look for the Godly, peaceful solution and go after it.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing our old sinful natures to cause us to fall into the trap of sin and temptation to do those things that are displeasing to You. Give us openness to the Holy Spirit, to stand strong and be fully able and free to turn away from anything evil, and to run after Your peace. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

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/

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

STEADFAST MIND, PERFECT PEACE

Isaiah 26:3   "You will keep in perfect peace him who mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." NIV   "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." KJV   To be kept by God during difficult times and good times is such a comfort. In His grace and mercy, He keeps us with more than adequate peace, it is with perfect peace. His peace is for all who allow their thoughts to build confidence and trust in Him at all times.   Heavenly Father, we stand guilty of lacking Your peace because we let the things of this world grab our thoughts and attention. Help us, O Lord, to keep our minds on You and Your faithfulness, so that You will be glorified and we will know Your perfect peace. We ask 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

CELEBRATE

 

 

Luke 2:13,14

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" NIV

 

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." KJV

Do we really get the significance of what took place in that humble stable? It was so significant that a great multitude of angels came celebrating, rejoicing and praising God. How much more should we celebrate, rejoice, and praise God. Jesus did not come to save the angels, He came to save us!

Heavenly Father, how we rejoice that Jesus Christ left His glory in heaven and came to earth so that we can be freed from the bonds of sin and live in freedom for eternity with You. Help us to understand the magnificence of this wonderful gift. Let us think about how the sky must have lit up in glorious brightness at the host of angels who celebrated His birth. We praise You and thank You for His birth. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

FOOLS LOVE TO ARGUE

 

 

Proverbs 20:3

 

 

"It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to argue." NIV

 

 

"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling." KJV

 

 

The evil one comes to divide, confuse, and create contention in any kind of relationship. Furthermore, it's very easy to get caught up in arguments and divisions because it is in our human natures and we usually think we can help. Jesus avoided strife because He spoke the Word of God and shut the mouths of those who tried to create contention and to make Him look like a fraud. Sometimes He said nothing, shook the dust off His feet and walked away. If we follow in His footsteps, we will do the same and leave the arguing and strife to the fools who refuse to walk with the Lord.

 

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing ourselves to get caught in the trap of arguing and strife. Help us to be discerning and know when to speak and when to walk away. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only