DON'T TAKE THE BAIT

 

James 1:14

 

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." ESV 

 

We all have a weakness in our spiritual armor. It's our own responsibility to know what our weakness is, to be alert, and to keep on the whole armor of God. If we will faithfully do this, we will not be like the fish who get reeled in because they swallowed the hook with bait that looked really good to them.

 

Lord, we do recognize that we are vulnerable to being tempted. Please show us our weaknesses and help us to keep our faith strong through prayer, Your Word, and spending time with Godly people. In Your wonderful name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

 

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." ESV 

 

None of us are exempt from temptation. The good new is, we will never be in a situation of temptation where we have no alternative but to give in to the sin. God has guaranteed 100%, a way out so we are not forced to sin. Of course, we still have the choice to go ahead and let the temptation overtake us. If that happens, we are totally responsible for our decision. Sin is a human choice. Resisting sin is a human choice provided by our God in every temptation.

 

Heavenly Father, we are so aware of the subtlety of sin and how easy it is to fall into its' trap. We ask that You help us to stay alert and stand firm so that we will choose to take the way out You always provide for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WATCH OUT FOR THAT HOLE!

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:12

 

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." ESV 

 

We can easily become overly confident in our abilities to rise above temptation. We are never above the reach of deception and stumbling blocks. It is human nature to be faced with temptation and to look for ways to justify our giving in to it. The Lord will never allow us to get to a place in the face of temptation that we have no choice but to sin. There are no excuses like, "I couldn't help it" or "That's just the way I am." The Lord will always provide a way for us overcome the temptation.

 

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ, who prays and intercedes for us when we are tempted. Please help us to take the way out You always provide for us so that we don't sin against You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE DEVIL DIDN'T MAKE US DO IT

 

 

James 1:13,14

 

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." ESV

 

It seems we have this natural inclination to make excuses for our wrongdoings. We may even go so far as to blame God for not intervening or for allowing us to get into such a situation. The truth is, we sin because we get subtly enticed and deceived; then we convince ourselves it won't hurt just this once. To keep this from happening, the Word tells us to walk in the Holy Spirit so we won't give in to our natural desires.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing our own desires to allow deception and false satisfaction to draw us into sin. Give us discernment and awareness of the tactics the enemy uses to draw us away from You. Help us to be holy as You are holy. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THERE'S ALWAYS A WAY OUT

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

 

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." ESV

 

Temptation is universal. It comes to every human being. Giving in or not giving in to the temptation is always a choice. God says He will never allow us to be tempted to the point that we can do nothing but sin. There will always be an option to get through the temptation without sinning. It is our choice and we will be held accountable for the choices we make when temptation comes.

 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have made excuses for giving in to temptations large and small. There are no excuses. Let our hearts be filled with Your Word so that we will be able to make the choice that allows us to escape the temptation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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NO ROOM FOR EXCUSES

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

 

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." ESV

 

When we sin, we can never say we couldn't help it. We can never blame someone or something other than ourselves. When we are tempted, there is a point where we are able to make the choice to refrain from sinning. Yes, there is that point, because God said He won't let us be tempted to the point we have no choice but to sin. He always makes a way for us to escape.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for making excuses for our sins. We ask for a greater hunger for the gift of discernment so that we will be aware of that way of escape You have made for us. Thank You that we can choose not to sin. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE DEVIL DID NOT MAKE YOU DO IT

James 1:14   "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires." ESV   We've all been carried away with one thing or another is our lives. To be tempted is to be exposed to something we really want and have a deep longing for but we know it is wrong and should not have it. To be carried away is to be literally picked up by something and taken away by it. It is our own desires that cause us to sin. We lose our watchfulness and give in to our human senses so that we will feel pleasure. That is definitely from Satan, but it is our own weakness that causes us to give in to it.   Heavenly Father, we are in need of Your forgiveness for allowing our selfish desires to carry us away, so that we lose that wonderful intimacy with You. Help us to take responsibility for our sins and to remain in watchfulness so we don't get carried away by them. 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

WATCH OUT FOR THAT DROP OFF!!!

 

2 Corinthians 10:12

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" NIV

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." KJV

Don't we all get a good sense of ourselves when we think we are doing well and our spiritual walk is strong? Actually, that is one of the most dangerous times for us as Christians. At those times, we tend to lose our humility and the reality that we have no strength at all, but the Lord's. The enemy loves to take advantage of these moments when we get off guard with thinking we are doing right well. We get a little too relaxed. Before we know it, we find ourselves at the edge of a cliff, the verge of temptation. If that doesn't get our attention, we will fall right off the edge. The Word warns us about this. If we remember that we only stand firm because our God is holding us up, we will be aware of just where the edge of the cliff is.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times we get proud of our spiritual walk and think we have it all together. Help us to keep on the cloak of humility, knowing You are our strength. Give us ongoing awareness of the cliff edges so that we can walk on solid ground by Your grace. We thank You for watching over us and we pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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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)

GOD DOES NOT TEMPT US

It seems we have this natural inclination to make excuses for our wrong
doings. We may even go so far as to blame God for not intervening or for
allowing us to get into the situation. The truth is, we sin because we get
subtly enticed and deceived; then we convince ourselves it's all right to
do it. To keep this from happening, the Word tells us to forsake even the
very appearance of evil and hold on to whatever is holy.

Read James 1:13,14

"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." (NIV)

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." (KJV)

JOY IN SUFFERING

How can we be joyful when we are going through trials and suffering? The answer is: We know that the trials and suffering will purify our faith just as gold is purified by great heat. Our Lord will honor and reward those who remain faithful through trials and suffering and welcome them with open arms. Knowing this gives us the deep joy of the Lord that this world cannot touch.

Read 1 Peter 1:6,7

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (NIV)

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." (KJV)

INTENTIONS ARE WORTHLESS

We all have good and noble intentions. The problem is that intentions
are seldom accompanied by constant awareness, prayer, and action.
Intentions have no power. Our power to overcome and accomplish is
through prayer and being on guard against the enemy. We need
commitment rather than intentions to allow the Lord to give our
spirit the power to overcome our weaknesses.

Read Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit
is willing, but the body is weak." (NIV)

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak." (KJV)

YOUR CHOICE

Temptation is universal. It comes to every human being. Giving in
or not giving in to the temptation is always a choice. God will never
allow us to be tempted to the point that we can do nothing but sin.
There will always be an option to get through the temptation without
sinning. It's our choice and we will be held responsible for the choice
we make.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can
bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can stand up under it."(NIV)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye
may be able to bear it." (KJV)

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

The Gospel message and the Words that Christ gave us are of such
infinite importance to our eternal future and our walk through this
world. This should be foremost in our hearts and minds and of the
deepest concern to us. There are many, many things in this world
to distract us from this most important message. Consider the glory
and dignity of the One who has spoken these words and gave all for
us, and of the eternal importance of the message. Don't allow your
mind and heart to get side tracked.

Read Hebrews 2:1

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have
heard, so that we do not drift away." (NIV)

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things
which we have heard, lest at any itme we should let them slip." (KJV)

DON'T BE HARD HEARTED

Human nature does not change over time. The children of Israel saw the mighty works of God, but still continually grumbled, complained, and strayed from the commands of God. If we do not let our hearts
get hard like they did, we will reap the wonderful promises of God and enter His rest.

Read Hebrews 3:7,8

"So, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert.'" (NIV)

"Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, 'Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness'" (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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LOOK UP

Because we live in the now and there are many things that grab our attention, it is easy to lose sight of the things that will matter for all eternity. If we keep our minds on eternal things, the distractions of this temporary world will not only pale in comparison, but will take their rightful place in God's eternal plan. This will give us peace and tolerance as we walk through this life.

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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DANGER IN SEEKING RICHES

Those who seek only after material things are most vulnerable to giving in to temptations to gain more. They become trapped in their search for riches, making unwise decisions that eventually destroy their souls. Loving to be rich is the source from which many evil things come.

Read 1 Timothy 6:9,10

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (KJV)



  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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As Christians we are to always be watchful and on the alert to the deception that surrounds us with well hidden traps. The deceiver is the evil one and seeks to get us off the true path in these ways: Subtly, through our senses and thoughts; Masquerading as the truth with logical spiritual and religious philosophies; and, Forcefully, through tribulations and trials that discourage us and cause us to
question our Lord. Watch out for these traps, they are everywhere.

Read 1 Peter 5:8

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."



 
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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TEMPTATION

Watch that you don't become overly confident in your ability to rise above
temptation. We are never above the reach of temptation and the possibility
of a fall. It is human nature to be faced with temptation and to look for ways
to justify our giving in to it. All of us are tempted in one way or another. The
Lord will never allow us to get to a place in the face of temptation that we
have no choice but to sin. There is no excuse like, "I couldn't help it" "That's
just the way I am." He always provides a way out.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:12,13

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No
temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But
when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can
stand up under it."





Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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