KEEP ON KEEPING ON

 

 

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ESV

Exerting time and energy to do God's work can be very tiresome, especially if we never get acknowledged or rewarded for our efforts. When snags get in our way, we use even more time and energy that wears on us. If we are feeling tired and weary, we can take heart. Refreshing ourselves in His promises will give us new energy to keep going and reap the harvest.

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your unending grace to keep going in this battle against evil. Show us how to be refreshed from the promises in Your Word. Let the harvest be plentiful. 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

JUST KEEP GOING

 

 

Hebrews 10:35,36

"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have the the will of God you may receive what is promised." ESV

Life in our world today can be so difficult and wearisome. It's no wonder many Christians, become complacent and weak in their walk. Rather than focusing on how bad things are for us and questioning God, it would be to our advantage to keep ourselves in God's hands and to trust fully in Him to be with us. Perseverance will insure that we are victorious and that we receive the reward God has reserved in heaven for us.

Heavenly Father, how we stand in need of Your forgiveness for letting this world get to us and for allowing ourselves to become weak and vulnerable to the evil one. Fill us with the power and anticipation to persevere until that day You bring us home. 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

RISING AND FALLING

 

 

Proverbs 24:16

"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity." ESV

Just because a person is righteous before God does not mean there will never be times of failure and defeat. The difference between the righteous children of God and the ungodly is the faith of the righteous will cause them to get up, repent, and keep running the race. Those who do not know that faith will crumble under the strain of defeat.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being so quick to give up, to be defeated when we fail. We pray that You will help us to use the faith and perseverance You have so freely given us so that we will get up and try again no matter how many times we fail. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

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/

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

TURN FROM THE FAITH?

 

Matthew 24:10

"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other."NIV

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another."KJV

What time is Jesus talking about here? He is talking about the last days just prior to His second coming. All of us are sure that we will not be one of those that fall away and betray fellow Christians. But Jesus said it would happen and He said many would do so. How can this happen? The falling away is not an abrupt waking up one morning and deciding not to follow Christ anymore. It is a slow subtle veering away from the Truth led by smooth talking men and women who call themselves Christians. They will teach enough of the truth to keep us listening while throwing in little bits of Satan's lies that don't seem to be harmful at all. If we stay in the Word of God and prayer, the Holy Spirit will let us know when deception is present. Be on guard. Turning from the faith can happen to any of us who aren't alert.

Heavenly Father, oh how we need discernment and dedication to Your Word. Give us more hunger for Your Word and prayer so that we will be equipped to stand strong and not fall away when the time draws near. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

PERSEVERENCE

Trials and tribulations test and strengthen our faith. The measure of our faith determines how much patience we have, how much we can persevere. If we are able to persevere through all trials and tribulations, we will be mature and complete in Christ.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that you give each of us

a measure of faith. We pray you will help of persevere through

the trials and tribulations we face in this world so that we may

be complete in Christ. In Jesus' name.

Read James 1:4

"Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature

and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV)

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing." (KJV)

     

©2010

GOODNESS & SEVERITY OF GOD

The love of God is boundless and glorious. However, we fail to understand that the severity of God also exists when it is needed. Those who fall from or refuse His salvation will know His severity which is eternal death and darkness. Those who turn from unbelief and rebellion to God will bask in His love forever and ever.

Read Romans 11:22

"Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to
those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His
kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. (NIV)

"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell,
severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." (KJV)

STANDING THE TEST

It is truly difficult to stay strong and to cope with trials and temptations
in these times. Understanding the good that can come from these trials
makes it easier to endure them. If we cannot see the purpose of our trial,
we can ask the Lord for wisdom and understanding. He will give it to us.
If we remain true to the Lord no matter what trial we face, we will know
God's blessings and abundant life now and forever.

Read James 1:12

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has
stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God 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)

LOVE GROWING COLD

The evil and deception that is present in these last days will have
a profound effect on lukewarm and weak Christians. They will fear
dying and will be deceived by false teachers. They will compromise
their love for God and let it fade. Those who stand strong and remain
faithful to the very end are safe and have no reason to worry or fear
God's judgement.

Read Matthew 24:12,13

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow
cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (NIV)

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (KJV)

CONSIDER HIM

We are certainly living in difficult times. Often we get our eyes
off the eternal realm and on the earthly things that are going on
around us. Most of us are struggling with the trials and tribulations
common to humanity. Just stop for a moment and consider what
our Lord endured as He walked this earth. He suffered to the point
of death for being righteous and showing us the Father. If we keep
this in mind, it will help us keep the right perspective and remember
that we have not been required to suffer as He did.

Read Hebrews 12:3

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that
you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (KJV)

SUFFERING IN GOD'S WILL

There are times when we suffer because we have sinned and failed to
act in the way God has chosen for us. That suffering we must accept
and gain wisdom from it. When we suffer after having obeyed God's
Word to us, we can be sure that keeping our trust in Him will result in
His keeping us close to Him in communion and peace.

Read 1 Peter 4:19

"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit
themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (NIV)

"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit
the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator." (KJV)

KEEP GOING

Exerting time and energy to do Godly things can become tiresome if
we are never acknowledged or rewarded for our efforts. Likewise, it
can be wearisome if we meet with difficulties and snags that create
more time and energy to get God's work done. If you are feeling tired
and weary, take Heart! Refresh yourself in His promises. The fruits
of your labor will surely appear if you just keep going and don't quit.

Read Galatians 6:9

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will
reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

WEAR ALL THE ARMOR

As Christians, we all have spiritual battles to fight against the subtle traps, deceiving temptations, and outright devastating attacks of Satan. We can't be without the full protection God has provided for us or neglect to maintain and wear any part of His armor. We are to be alert and prepared for anything the enemy may use to hinder or destroy our Christian walk.

Read Ephesians 6:11

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (NIV)

"Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

WATCH & PERSEVERE

We are often vulnerable to opening ourselves up to worldly ideas
and actions that seem right at the time, but they are not all right.
They weaken our spiritual holiness and faith. If that happens, we
become ineffective in our testimony, losing that anointing that drew
others to Christ through us. That's why we are strongly warned to be
alert and persevere in our faith.

Read 1 Timothy 4:16

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because
if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (NIV)

"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them:
for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear
thee." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

TRIALS BRING PERSEVERANCE

Ask anyone you see if they have a simple, trouble-free life. The
answer will be a unanimous "no!" We are told in the Word that we
will have trials and tribulations while we are in this world. Some
of our problems we bring on ourselves. Some things happen that
we do not understand at all. Regardless, we can have that deep
and abiding joy during any difficulty because we know that we are
made stronger in our faith and endurance to keep growing spiritually.

Read James 1:2,3

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance." (NIV)

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

PERSEVERE

Because living in this world is difficult, hurtful, and wearisome, it
is easy for us to become lax, complacent, or weak in our Christian
walk. Rather than focusing on how bad things are and questioning
God, it will be to our advantage to keep ourselves in God's hands,
trusting Him. Perseverance will insure that we receive the rewards
God has for us.

Read Hebrews 10:35,36

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised." (NIV)

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence
of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the
will of God, ye might receive the promise." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

DON'T GET COMFORTABLE HERE

If we are strangers and aliens in this world that implies we belong
to the heavenly realm and not the earthly one. If we allow earthly
things to grab our affections, Godly things will fade. Then we are at
risk for becoming captives to this world. It is crucial to stay away
from those things that tempt us.

Read 1 Peter 2:11

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to
abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (NIV)

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (NIV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

LORD OUR REFUGE

Seeking refuge in the Lord in troubled times is wise. This does not
mean we are running away from our problems and troubles. It means
we are in His hands where He can lift our spirit above our problems
and troubles so they do not overcome us. No one can tell us to run
from our enemies when we are in His hands.

Read Psalm 11:1

"In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a
bird to your Mountain.'" (NIV)

"In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird
to your mountain?" (KJV)

Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only

RIGHTEOUS PERSEVERENCE

Just because a person is righteous before God does not mean there will never be times of failure and defeat. The difference between the righteous children of God and the ungodly is the faith of the righteous will cause them to get up, repent, and keep running the race. Those who do not know that faith will crumble under the strain of defeat.

Read Proverbs 24:16

". . . .for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." (NIV)

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only