WATCHING ME BECAUSE OTHERS DO

 

1 Timothy 4:16

 

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." ESV 

 

How many times have we witnessed people who say one thing and do another? We will fall into that hypocritical lifestyle if we do not watch and keep watching ourselves. It is no secret that the goal of Satan is to discredit us as children of God. If he can do that, our walk with God is severely hindered and it could keep others from accepting Jesus Christ as their savior. We have to watch what we say and how we live. Our salvation and that of everyone around us counting on it.

 

Lord, forgive us for being complacent in our Christian walk. If we have caused anyone to stumble because we have not been consistent, we ask for Your forgiveness. We pray that those we have affected by our sins will not be lost, but will come in contact with a consistent Christian, a watcher of his ways. In Your name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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LIVING ON AUTO PILOT

 

Haggai 1:7

 

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways." ESV 

 

Living in a non-stop, hectic lifestyle, we find ourselves getting into a fixed pattern of daily living that requires little thought to those things we do day after day. We go on "auto pilot." In a way, we go through the motions of driving back and forth to work or school. We have our minds on a thousand other things while we go through our morning routine. What about our personal time with the Lord? Do we get into that auto pilot mode when we pray and read His Word? If so, we are not getting connected to the Lord at all. Consequently, we lack spiritual renewal and growth. Being deliberate in our time with God, or considering our ways, results in our growing in Christ and being effective in our witness for Him.

 

Lord, forgive us for mindlessly hurrying through our prayers and devotions. Put a strong desire in our hearts to give careful thought to the important things that cannot be accomplished when we are on "auto pilot." We ask this in Your name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WE ARE BEING WATCHED

2 Chronicles 16:9   "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." ESV   Nothing escapes the eyes of God. He is intently scanning back and forth from the things that are in plain sight all the way to things tucked away in the most remote places. When His eyes catch sight of a righteous person, one with an honorable intent to please him, God will strengthen that one by His mighty power and love.   Heavenly Father, we know that everything we do is within the field of Your vision. We pray for forgiveness and mercy for those things we do that are not honorable to You. We desire to be found intent on pleasing You so that we will be strengthened in our faith walk. 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

USE A MAGNFYING GLASS

 

 

1 Timothy 4:16

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." ESV

It is way too easy to let up our guard and when we do, we become vulnerable, opening ourselves up to worldly thoughts and ways. This way of the world seems so right at the time, but it definitely isn't. It weakens our spiritual lives, making us ineffective in our testimony, and losing that anointing that drew others to Christ through us. That's why we are strongly warned to keep a close watch, using our spiritual magnifying glasses, so we will stay strong, persistent, and influencing others to do the same.

Heavenly Father, You know we are but dust. We sleep when You tell us to be alert. Forgive us for letting down our guard and letting ourselves become open to the evils of this world. We ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and the hunger to stay focused on the things that are eternal. 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 BE SO SURE

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:12

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

It is just human nature to become a bit too relaxed when we think we are doing good. The problem is, for those who are Christians, we have put off the old nature and have new natures like Christ. But, we still can become content and assured in our own strength when we are not up against trials and tribulations. Any time we feel we are standing firm, that is the time we should be most cautious of falling into sin and deceit.

Heavenly Father, how we bow in need of Your forgiveness for our pride and complacency in how strong we are spiritually. Bring to our mind that our strength lies only in You when we begin to think we are standing strong. Protect us from falling into sin and deception by the leading of Your Holy Spirit. 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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WATCH OTHERS, WATCH YOURSELF

 

 

Galatians 6:1

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." ESV

We are pretty good at identifying others' wrong doings. So, we are responsible to approach them in love and gentleness, rather than talk about it behind their backs or shame them in a "put down" sort of way. Just as important, if not more so, is to keep watch on our own thoughts and actions. We have a way of excusing the things we do and not allowing others to make any excuses.

Heavenly Father, it is comforting to know that You are full aware of our human weaknesses. Please give us grace and loving hearts when we speak to others about their wrong doings. And have mercy on us that we will guard ourselves from our own wrong doings and not excuse them away. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WILLING SPIRITS, WEAK FLESH

 

 

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ESV

It requires both watchfulness and prayer to help us resist temptation. Temptation comes in small everyday ways as well as clear and evil ways. It's those small temptations that can just slip into our lives like a seed in the ground and grow until we are in full blown sin.

Heavenly Father, we know You fully understand our weaknesses. Help us to know and understand them so that we can be more watchful and prayerful about them. Show us the small temptations that we fail to resist, but that are dangerous to our spiritual lives. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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INTENTIONS ARE WORTHLESS

 

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)

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 made real through the Holy Spirit by 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.

Heavenly Father, search our hearts and help us recognize the intentions within us that sit dormant and useless. Pour out Your Spirit in our hearts so that we will commit ourselves to doing Your will instead of intending to do it. Forgive us for our spiritual laziness and make us more like our Lord. We pray in His name, Amen.

  

            

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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BE WATCHERS

 

Mark 13:37

"What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch'."

"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

One of the first things we are taught when learning to drive a car is to watch out for other traffic because we don't always know what another driver is suddenly going to do. How much more important is it for us to watch for the coming of our Lord? The signs are all around us and the road is getting rougher and rougher as He foretold us. This is no time to get relaxed and comfortable in our little everyday lives. If we stay alert, awake, and watch, we will be found waiting patiently for Him to come for us. If we do not allow the noise and business of this world to overpower our spiritual watchfulness, we will be good and faithful servants.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for allowing ourselves to get too comfortable in this world. Help us, by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, to override the things of this world in joyful anticipation of Your return. Make us fruitful while we are here on earth so that others will be able to share in Your precious promises. We pray in Jesus' name.

 

           

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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LOOK AND WAIT

 

Micah 7:7

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." NIV

"Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." KJV

What does the average person do when trouble strikes unexpectedly, or life seems to throw a curve ball? There are a number of responses for the average person to calamity. But for the Christian, we have a sure hope that whatever we are going through, our Lord is with us, leading us along, and working all things out for our good. The waiting part is difficult, but it is worth it when we arrive at the place the Lord has taken us.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for never changing and for being the source of hope that never disappoints. Help us to wait for Your timing and enjoy our walk with You to where You are taking us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WHAT ARE WE DOING?

 

Haggai 1:7

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways.'"NIV

"Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways."KJV

Our daily schedules are so busy we have organized our tasks by doing things by mindless routine. Unfortunately, it is easy to get into a mindless routine of daily Bible reading and prayer, if we have worked that into our day at all. When we are going along on auto pilot through our day, the enemy has a perfect playground in our minds and lives to set us up for temptation and sin. Take heed of what the Word tells us to do.

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness for going through our day without giving thought to what we say or do, but live in mindless routines. We pray for mindfulness of all that we think, say, and do so that we will bring honor and glory to Your name. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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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

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)