IT JUST MAKES SENSE

 

Proverbs 16:25

 

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." ESV 

 

Common sense is so practical and logical that it seems like the only way, the right way. Have we made a habit of following our common sense? The Word tells us that this is destructive thinking in the kingdom of God. Actually, living by common sense is the opposite of walking by faith. The way of faith may not make sense at all, but it will keep us on the narrow path that leads to life.

 

Lord, forgive us for trying to rely on our own limited thinking, common sense, to make our decisions and to live our lives. Help us to keep our eyes on You and to keep walking by faith so that we will be grounded in the Truth. In Your infinite name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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WHAT KIND OF ROCK IS THAT?

 

Matthew 16:18

 

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build by church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." ESV 

 

What is this rock on which Jesus Christ builds His Church? It wasn't on the man Peter, but on what Peter responded to Jesus' question to him, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." v.16. If we have this same faith Peter had, we have the knowledge of the power of the sovereignty of God. We will conquer death, hell, and the grave as Jesus did. And together, united as one on the Rock, we will bring others to this saving grace and we will trample down the very gates of hell.

 

Lord, we worship You and give You praise for coming to this earth so that we would know the Truth. Oh, how we need Your grace to live in this power and victory as Your Church. Help us to stand on the rock, make our every conscious thought remember who we are in You, and give us victory over the attacks of evil. In Your gracious name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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HAVE A PIECE OF HUMBLE PIE

 

Psalm 25:9

 

"He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." ESV 

 

Without humility, we are choosing to make decisions and live by our own abilities. Because we are so limited in our knowledge and understanding of the Truth as a whole, we have no hope of staying on the path of Truth. We acceptingly stumble around in the darkness with the rest of the crowd. If we put on true humility, we give up our right to follow what we think is right, and we walk by faith with our Lord leading our every step.

 

Lord, we know we cannot know You and have true relationship with You if we do not have humility. We ask that You show us when we are not wearing our cloak of humility so we can get back to Your will for our lives. In Your name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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THE REAL THING

 

Romans 7:5

 

"For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death." ESV 

 

As Christians, we are no longer under the control of our human natures, which endlessly gravitate to things forbidden, things that feel good, things that bring pleasure. Please understand, God never intended for His children to have lives devoid of good feelings and pleasure. However, He does intend for us to hand control of our human natures to take on His nature. This is a whole different life, living with His nature. It brings a life overflowing with deep riches, treasures, and joy that the things of this world cannot give us. In fact, doing things our own way and going along with the ways of the world grow unattractive, dark, and meaningless in comparison.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask that You help us to take on Your nature so that we will know the true pleasure and riches instead of being confined in the shallow, temporary, and unfulfilling ways of the world. We thank You for giving us access to Your nature. We praise You for the blessings we receive as we take on Your nature as our own. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT DID YOU SAY?

 

 

2 Peter 1:21

 

"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." ESV 

 

So many prophets out there, we know that some of them are true prophets of God and some are false prophets. The false prophets are beautiful people, who say lovely things that make us feel good. People flock to them, paying money and driving long distances to hear what they have to say. True prophets of God speak only those words the Holy Spirit puts within them. Some of their words will bring joy and comfort. Some of them will sting our hearts and convict us. Those who don't really want to know the truth will close their ears and walk away. That's what they did to Jesus when He spoke the truth He heard from the Father.

 

 

Heavenly Father, we live in a world that craves feeling good and being self-satisfied. Help us to recognize those people who say they are proclaiming Your Word, but are only trying to win the approval of others. We long for Your Truth. Give us willing ears. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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IN THE KNOW

 

1 John 5:20

 

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." ESV 

 

We all know the feel of a soft warm bed when our tired and aching bodies are nestled there. It's a peaceful, familiar place of comfort and rest. Do we know what it is like to be in Christ? So vastly far above anything we can experience in this world, being in Christ places us in full access to the Son, who reveals all things about the Father. It is in Him we find Truth. If we are already there, we can bask in it. If we need to be there, we can ask for it.

 

Heavenly Father, we desire to be in You, where there is peace, comfort, rest, and most of all Truth. Transform our hearts and minds so that we will be surrounded by You, and so that we will work to bring others into Your Truth. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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POINTLESS QUIBBLING

 

 2 Timothy 2:23  

 

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." ESV 

 

It is pretty easy to lose sight of the main message of God's Word. We tend to get caught up in little side roads that become more important than they should. We begin to argue and debate about these things and most of the time we really have insufficient knowledge to debate them anyway. It's much better to stay focused on the main message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, please help us to keep focused on what really matters, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ our Lord. In His name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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NO STINKIN' THINKIN' ALOUD!

 

Philippians 4:8

 

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, it there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." ESV

 

We all know about the 'power of positive thinking." Don't forget there is also power in negative thinking. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are determined for the most part by the kinds of thoughts we allow to occupy our minds. If we choose to let the positive thoughts dominate our thinking, we will have thoughts that produce the power of God in our lifestyle and our attitude.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to choose our thinking so that we will be focused on positive things. Allow our thoughts to radiate Your mind and our actions to show Your great power and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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GUIDE FOR THE BLIND

 

 

John 16:13

 

 

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." ESV

 

 

When we get tired of stumbling around trying to be good enough, attempting to do things on our own, we can give the control we thought we had to the Holy Spirit. He quietly and patiently waits for us to allow Him to show us how to live, how to speak, how to think, and which way to go. We can fully trust the Holy Spirit to lead us into the Truth, the way to total internal peace in this world, and an unfathomable life eternally with our Lord.

 

Heavenly Father, how we praise You and thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to us as our guide, our comforter, our power to run this race with boldness and confidence. Forgive us for trying to live by our own thoughts and emotions. We fall so short. Help us to turn complete control over to the Holy Spirit, who will give us sight and guide us to the Truth. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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NO DISAPPOINTMENT HERE

 



Psalm 43:3

 

"Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!" ESV

 

As Christians, our prayer is that the Lord will light the path of truth so that we can follow it, no matter how difficult so that we can be with Him. This path is rough, narrow, and lonely. But those who follow it will never be disappointed.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we see the path, but our selfish nature goes another way. Give us overcoming desire to follow the path on which You have graciously shed Your light. 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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DON'T YOU SNICKER

1 Corinthians 13:6 "(Love) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." ESV   Are we finding ourselves with a little feeling of delight and satisfaction when someone gets caught doing something wrong? If so, we are actually rejoicing in evil--happy at someone's failing, enjoying the details of the acts they have committed. This is not love. Shouldn't we be grieving that someone was caught in the devil's snare, even if it was someone who hurt us? Likewise, love will fill us with happiness when truth and goodness is manifested, even if it is happening to someone with whom we are having conflict.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for being happy when others fall into Satan's traps. Fill us afresh with Your love so that we will weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice, no matter who they are. 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

TRUTH IN SKILLED HANDS

 

 

2 Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." ESV

How can we rightly handle the Word of Truth? Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is the starting point. Then it's just like becoming skilled with anything else. We make ourselves so familiar with the Word that it becomes a part of us. We read and study and pray over and over, day by day. Then just like a finely tuned instrument, we can stand before God, approved and ready to work in the harvest.

Heavenly Father, we bow in humility that we don't read and study the Word like we should. Give us an unquenchable hunger for Your Word so that we will be equipped to use the Word in our lives and teach others to do the same. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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LET'S KEEP WITH IT

 

 

Philippians 3:16

"Only let us hold true to what we have attained." ESV

Because we live in a world that is so full of sin and deceit, we can easily become entangled with smooth words and actions that seem right, but are contrary to what we have learned about Christ and the Gospel message. As born again believers in Jesus Christ, His Holiness, His death and resurrection, it is our responsibility to hold on securely to the maturity and truth we have already achieved so that it is not stolen from us. We have so much farther to go. This world and the evil one can get us off track at any point. We by no means want to go where that would take us.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit so that we will hold fast to the Gospel message and not get off track with unimportant rules and doubts that get us confused. Keep us on the path, holding on securely to the Truth we know of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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KEEP IT AND THINK ABOUT IT

 

Luke 2:19

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." NIV

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." KJV

There are many times we hear discussion about spiritual things and the things of God. We watch and listen to the Word being interpreted by different sources and sects. When we are learned in the Word of God and we are full of the Holy Spirit, we will take in the ideas and words we hear, and after thinking about them, we will discern that which is truth and that which is false. When we become spiritually aware of the truth of God, we will hold it in our hearts and think deeply on it. This is the way we grow and mature in our walk with God.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You that You allow us access to Your Truth. Help us to be discerning and to ponder Your Truth so that we will grow in faith and in wisdom of You and the plan You have for our lives. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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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.

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©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GOD IS SPIRIT

 

John 4:24

"God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." NIV

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." KJV

Of course God is spirit. We know He is not confined to a physical body or any other kind of containment. He is omnipresent (everywhere). How then, can we call ourselves true worshippers if we are merely going through motions, following a program, mindlessly singing a hymn or repeating a memorized or written prayer. That is not true worship. That is going through the motions of worship. True worship is bringing ourselves into the very presence of God with humble hearts of thanksgiving and praise. It is drawing near to Him with our hearts and minds totally focused on Him and His awesomeness. When we leave the scene of true worship, we are changed and know we have been in the very presence of the Lord God almighty.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our complacency and failure to give You our hearts and minds in worship. Put a burning desire within us to worship You in spirit and truth so that we will know the joy of being in Your presence and that we will become more like You. 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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INSIDE AND OUT

Circumcision was the outward, physical act representing the covenant
between God Almighty and His children. Unfortunately, for many, they
failed to circumcise their hearts. Today, we can be church members,
church workers, talk the Christian lingo, know the Bible inside and out,
and never have given our hearts to Him. If that is the case, then we are
merely ungodly people masquerading as Christians. Let's examine
ourselves. Are we true Christians, inside and out?

Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal to us the true condition
of our hearts. We want to have pure hearts that are in your hands, in
Jesus' name.

Read Jeremiah 9:25

"The days are coming declares the Lord, when I will punish all who are
circumcised only in the flesh." (NIV)

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised." (KJV)



     
©2010

HIS LIGHT AND TRUTH

As Christians, our prayer is that the Lord will light the path of truth
so that we can follow it, no matter how difficult so that we can be
with Him. This path is rough, narrow, and lonely. But those who
follow it will never be disappointed.

Read Psalm 43:3

"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them
bring me to your holy mountain to the place where you dwell." (NIV)

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring
me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." (KJV)

DANGERS OF ILL WILL

God has made it very clear that He abhors lying, deceit, slander,
dishonesty, and evil scheming. Those who are guilty of these
things mock the love of God and love for our fellow human beings.
It's a dangerous place to be and a terrible price to pay for insisting
on harboring ill will toward others.

Read Zechariah 8:16,17

"These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and
render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against
your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares
the Lord." (NIV)

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth
to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD." (KJV)

REJOICE IN TRUTH

If we find ourselves with a little feeling of delight and satisfaction
when someone gets caught in a sinful act, we are actually rejoicing
in evil--happy at someone's failing, enjoying the details of the acts
they committed. This is not love. We should be grieving that someone
was caught in the devil's snare, even if it was an enemy or someone
who hurt us. Likewise, love will cause us to be glad when truth and
goodness is manifested, even if it is through one with whom we have
conflict.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:6

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (NIV)

" [Love] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." (KJV)


  
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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