WALKING ALONG WITH SUFFERING

 

1 Peter 4:19

 

"Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." ESV 

 

Christians are suffering all over the world for their faith in Jesus Christ. We, too, will suffer in time. The fact is, we do not choose the suffering. We choose God's will. And then, we go wherever His will takes us. If His will takes us through suffering, then we go, knowing He is faithful to walk with us and get us through it all.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your grace to do Your will no matter where it takes us. If it should be by way of suffering, help us to remember, You are with us. 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

BEAUTIFUL PRISON TRANSFER

 

Psalm 37:5,6

 

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." ESV 

 

Commitment has become a word that very few people of today truly understand. Originally, commitment is defined as: mittimus - a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned. Is this what committing ourselves to the Lord means? Yes! We freely become prisoners of His. This sounds like we are giving up all our freedom, but actually we are set free from the prison of sin, and become imprisoned with freedom to live in boundless love and grace, serving the Lord. Would we see living with a clean conscience, peace, and joy as something equal to being confined in a small prison cell. Of course not! As prisoners of the Lord, we are free to say no to sin, that once held us in that small prison cell, and we are under the loving protection and everlasting peace of our Lord.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness when we lack trust to fully commit our ways to You. Give us assurance and courage to know that committing our ways to You will bring such freedom to us we will rejoice for eternity. 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

NO DIY HERE (DO IT YOURSELF)

 

 

Proverbs 3:5,6

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." ESV 

 

We may have an idea of where we want to go, but we will not get there by relying on our own plans. Neither will we get there by seeking advice from people or books. The only way we will get to where we need to be is by fully trusting in the Lord. He is faithful to get us to the right place at the right time in the right way.

 

Heavenly Father, we are guilty of taking life matters into our own hands. Somehow we feel safer and more in control if we just do it ourselves. Help us to be aware when we think like this. Help us to use our faith to trust You fully to take us in the right direction. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

IN GOD WE TRUST

 

 

Psalm 56:4

 

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 

 

God's Word is truth whether we believe it is or not. Those who trust in God, also trust in His Word. His Word tells us that He will never leave us and that He watches over us always. With our God, and His unfailing love, we have no reason to fear men. Who are they to stand up against the Almighty Eternal God.

 

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You because of who You are. We know by putting our faith in You we will never be disappointed. Help us to use our faith and to share the good news to those we meet. 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

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

 

 

Psalm 9:10

 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." ESV 

 

What's in a name? Searching and studying the names of God, it is amazing how many names man has given to God to describe Him. When God revealed Himself, He was given the name that reflected His action at that time. God revealed His true name to Moses at the burning bush: I AM. The more we know God and His attributes that are revealed in His names, the more we will trust Him. The greatest power of faith is knowing Him as I AM!

 

Heavenly Father, we praise You because You are the true God, the great I AM. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your mighty works of long ago, today, and everyday. We ask that You would give us the desire to know You more so that our trust in You will increase. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

PERFECT NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Isaiah 30:21 "And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." ESV 

 

If we are trusting the Lord in spite of trials and bitter circumstances, He will let us recognize His voice. If may be through His Word, or through those who are wise in His Word. If might be through that still small voice within or through our circumstances. No matter where we are, we will be able to hear God's voice directing our steps.

 

Heavenly Father, give us the grace we need to trust and wait for Your direction. Help us to hear Your voice whenever and however You speak. 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

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

 

Micah 7:7

 

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." ESV

 

Jesus Christ knows everything that's in us and how our human nature is. We understand that putting our trust in any human or group of humans instead of our God, will lead to certain disappointment. So, our only hope is to put our trust in the Lord God as we watch and wait for Him to move on our behalf in every aspect of our lives. He will hear us and always be with us. Trusting only in Him, we will never be disappointed.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to be aware of where we are putting our trust. Help us keep all of our trust in You alone and none in people or things. We pray this 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



IT'S NOT OUR PROBLEM

2 Chronicles 20:17

 

"You will not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." ESV

 

As humans, we seem to fret and worry about how we are going to get through this trial, over this loss, or free of this bondage. As true Christians, we don't have to worry and fret at all. The Lord has told us to stop worrying and just give all of it over to Him and He will take care of it perfectly. He takes on our struggles as His own, while asking us to just trust Him to work it out for us.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for using so much of our time and energy worrying and fretting about things. Open our spiritual eyes to see that these things are not our battles, but Yours. Show us how to let go of them so that You can take care of them like You told us You would. We praise You for that. 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

GOT SALVATION? GOT STRENGTH?

 

 

Isaiah 30:15

 

 

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." ESV

 

 

We all want the benefits God has promised to those who trust and obey Him. Sadly, many of us are not willing to do the thing that will guarantee that happening. We don't want to let go of our own control of things, our possessions, our own ways. There is only one way we will have eternal life and the strength to get through this earthly life. It is by repenting and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It's the only way.

 

 

Heavenly Father, search our hearts and show us those places we have not allowed You full control. It may not be what we want to see, but help us to see beyond that to the great eternal reward that waits for 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



CLOSE TO THE WATER

 

 

Jeremiah 17:7,8

 

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." ESV

 

Water is the vital source of life for every living thing. A tree planted by water, near the banks, is made strong and enduring from the nutrients and refreshment. The tree will stand strong with healthy roots through any type of weather, mild or harsh. Likewise, the Lord is absolutely trustworthy as our source of life and renewal through any circumstances we might encounter. We can plant ourselves close to Him.

 

Heavenly Father, we give You praise and glory for the bountiful richness You supply to us. Help us to draw nearer to You so that we will be stronger and more fruitful by Your presence. 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

WHAT'S FEAR GOT TO DO WITH IT?

 

 

Psalm 56:11

"In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" ESV

The greatest hindrance and disabling factor of our success in the Christian walk is fear. Fear can so overpower our faith and keep us from being effective witnesses and from growing spiritually. This fear can be as simple as a rejection by family and friends if we bring up spiritual matters. We have brothers and sisters around the world who suffer much worse than peer rejection for their faith. They lose more than their pride. Anyone who would reject, ridicule, injure, or even kill us for our faith only touch the temporary. God is the Guardian of our soul, which is eternal. What is there to fear from man?

Heavenly Father, some of us have no idea what our fellow Christians over the world have suffered in Your name. Yet we fear even being rejected or humiliated for our faith. We ask for the fullness of the Holy Spirit to lead us into the truth of our total protection against anything man can do to us. Help us develop the courage and perseverance to do Your will in any circumstance. Help us overcome our fear, 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

DON'T RELY ON THE RICHES OF THIS WORLD

 

 

1 Timothy 6:17

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." ESV

Those who are blessed with finances and the finer things of this world are at greatest risk to put their trust in possessions and material assets. It is important to pay attention to where we put our trust. It is so easy to become reliant on financial and material comfort in a time where economic status is a standard of our achievement and is envied and desired by most people today. However, the only sure, real, and lasting security comes from the Almighty God and He supplies us with the wealth and riches that will never fade away. The riches of God, that have very little to do with things we collect on this earth, are those that He supplies to every one who believes in Him and He pours out these riches to us in abundance and with His pleasure.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for putting our trust and security in the riches of this world. We fail to remember that all of these things are temporary and will pass away. But the riches You give us are spiritual, finer than any precious stone or metal, and are eternal because of Your love for us. Help us to keep our trust in You, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

PERILOUS TIMES

 

 

2 Timothy 3:1

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty." ESV

This warning cannot be stressed enough. In these end times, all events are unfolding unleashed evil, dangers, tribulations, and devastation. But still, we witness and hear of the devastating things that happen and we ask "why?" The Word tells us these things will happen. Terrible things. Things that are unfair, shocking, and very difficult to understand. Be alert! Be prepared by seeking close communion with the Lord. Continue to trust in God and walk by faith, not by sight.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for questioning the things that go on around us and wonder if You are aware of them at all or if You even care. Help us to understand that these things are taking place in a cursed world of sin and rebellion against You and that the evil one is the ruler of this world. Help us to see that our disdain is to be directed at him. Give us a stronger desire to stay in close communion with You, to trust You, and to walk by faith. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

HIDING HIS FACE

 

Isaiah 8:17

"I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." NIV

"And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him." KJV

There are times when things go on in this world and it seems as though God is hiding His face. We question that He does not intervene in terrible situations. We blame Him for allowing tragedies to occur. If we truly trust in our sovereign God, we will understand that God's plan belongs to a much bigger purpose than what occurs in time. He is not hiding, but waiting for the unsaved to come to repentance. The tragedies occur because of sin that is increasing at a rapid pace.

Heavenly Father, how our hearts grieve at the horrible things that go on in our world. Forgive us for questioning Your plan and purpose. Help us to understand that You are not hiding or ignoring these terrible things, but that You desire for all people to come to You for salvation. Help us to tell all we meet about Your great salvation plan so that You can come back to demolish this sinful world for ever. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING

 

 

Psalm 130:5

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV)

"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope." (KJV)

Patience is a natural product of faith. It is much easier to wait when we are confident God will not disappoint us. So many things test our faith every day. But true faith will stay strong under the heaviest of burdens and trials. If we remember how long the Lord waited for us, and still waits for us, we will gladly wait patiently for Him.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not allowing our faith to mature so that it produces the patience we need to wait on You. Help us Lord, to stand strong in our faith so that nothing in this world can cause us to waiver and lose hope. Thank you for hearing us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

     

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

NO WATERED DOWN GOSPEL

 

1 Thessalonians 2:4

"On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." NIV

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." KJV

If we are making a purchase, a large, important purchase, we don't want the salesperson to give us incomplete, biased, and faulty information about our selected item. In fact, it would be unfair to us if someone trusted by their company gave us only what we wanted to hear about our selection. More important than that, we are God's spokespersons to tell the good news to those who need it. He has given us the responsibility to tell it all and tell it with truth. Most people, even Christians, don't want to hear about commitment, giving up of self, and suffering for the gospel. They would rather listen to how many blessings are just waiting for us to collect and how chosen we are to partake in the good things of God. Fellow believers, that is watered down truth. The death of Christ is not a warm fuzzy story. The persecution experienced by Christians from the early church till now is not a pleasant thing to behold. Walking the narrow path is not always a mountain top experience. It is up to us to share the whole truth and in so doing we will be pleasing God, not men.

Heavenly Father, we are humbled by Your words that tell us we are trusted with the Gospel. Forgive us for trying to persuade others with a watered down rendition of the true Gospel message. Give us boldness to present the Gospel, the things of Your Kingdom, with boldness and completeness, not worrying if we are offending. The Holy Spirit will witness to the hearts of the hearers that the Truth is being told. 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

BORROWING WORRY

 

Mathew 6:34

 

 

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." NIV

 

 

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." KJV

 

 

Are we fretting over something that cannot be resolved today? Do we become anxious about how things are going to turn out in the future or if things will turn out at all? If we will stay focused on the things we need to take care of today, the things over which we have control, God will take care of tomorrow. He wants us to keep looking to Him and growing in Him while He takes care of the things in our lives that might otherwise keep us in a state of worry.

 

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You that Your are the God who holds tomorrow in His loving hands. Forgive us for doubting and forgetting that. Show us what we need to be doing today and help us take care of those things. Help us leave the rest to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

Personal Use Only

KNOW IN WHOM YOU BELIEVE

The Lord told us that if we are Christians, there will be suffering because of our faith. There is no shame in this suffering, only joy in suffering for Him. The suffering is temporary. We trust that the Lord will keep us in His hands until that day when we are with Him in eternity.

Read 2 Itmothy 1:12

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (NIV)

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (KJV)

PLANTED CLOSE TO THE SOURCE

Water is the vital source of life for a tree planted near its' banks where
nutrients and refreshment are available through any type of weather, mild or harsh. Likewise, the Lord is absolutely trustworthy as our source of life and renewal through any circumstances we might encounter. Plant yourself close to Him.

Read Jeremiah 17:7,8

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in
Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots
by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always
green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (NIV)

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." (KJV)

GOD IS THERE WHEN OUR ROPE ENDS

When we come to the end of our rope and realize we are helpless
to do anything about our situation, is when we can get out of the way,
and God can do His mighty work in our lives.

Read Job 6:11

"What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects,
that I should be patient?" (NIV)

"What is my strength, that I should hope? And what is mine end,
that I should prolong my life?" (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only