ONLY ONE JUDGE

Matthew 7:1,2

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." NIV"

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." KJV

When we have truly seen ourselves as God sees us, we will never again judge anyone else by our own lame standards. We will be spending all our time making every effort to seek humility and purity. Who are we to "play God" by judging and criticizing others? Do we consider the fact that God will one day judge us with the same measuring stick that we use to judge others? If we submit to God as the one and only Judge, we won't have to worry about how He will judge us. Neither will we be inclined to judge others.

Heavenly Father, so many times we let our own ideas of how others live get in the way of our knowledge that You are the only, righteous Judge. Forgive us for not seeing our own faults and exaggerating the faults of others. Help us to search our hearts for our own actions that are displeasing to You so that You will have mercy on us when You judge us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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OUR DAILY NEEDS

 

Matthew 6:11

"Give us today our daily bread." NIV

"Give us this day our daily bread." KJV

We are aware that our physical bodies need nourishment every day to stay healthy. Jesus taught us to ask the Father for this nourishment every day. What about our souls? We know the Source of supply for everything we need to nourish and protect our bodies, our souls and our spirits. It is our Heavenly Father. We are to go to Him each and every day requesting whatever is sufficient for our day. In doing so, we acknowledge our total dependence on Him for our daily needs and we witness His faithfulness to supply.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking our daily necessities for granted. Pardon us for neglecting to seek You for our spiritual nourishment every day. Help us to stay daily connected in prayer, requesting our needs for both body and soul. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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MAKE THINGS RIGHT

 

Matthew 5:23,24

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift." NIV

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." KJV

Before we can give of ourselves to God in any way, be it service, time, talents, or finances, we are to carefully search our hearts to know if there is anyone in our lives we have wronged or hurt in any way. Surprisingly, any hurts or wrongs held against us may not have been intentional on our part, but we have the knowledge that we are being held responsible for the hurt and wrong. For whatever reason, as obedient children of God, we are to wait before giving to God, and seek to mend the hurt and wrong held against us. The Lord finds favor in this action. He says to make peace as much as is in our power to do. Then we can freely give Him our gifts and they will be a sweet aroma to Him.

Heavenly Father, help us to reach out in love to those we have hurt and wronged, intentionally or unintentionally. Give us hearts of humility as we ask for forgiveness and prepare the hearts of those we have wronged to accept and forgive. We know You are the God who unites those who love You. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HIS KINGDOM COME

Matthew 6:10

"Your kingdom come, your will be done in earth as it is in heaven." NIV

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." KJV

Do we really understand when we pray this prayer that we are asking for the kingdom of this world (the kingdom of darkness that now rules earth and the hearts of men, that hinders us from truly knowing God) to become His kingdom. We are asking for heaven on earth! For the earth to be saved! When that happens, His perfect will is accomplished and His kingdom will reign everywhere.

Heavenly Father, help us to understand when we pray. Keep us from repeating prayers until they have no real meaning for us. Give us fresh prayer lives to commune with You in a fresh way every day. And help us to listen when You speak to us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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PREPARING AND DEVELOPING

Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." NIV "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." KJV Preparation was the main content of Jesus' years of youth. God already knew all things, and He would work through His Son to unfold and complete His eternal plan. There was just something different about the young boy Jesus that caused Mary to intently watch him and know in her heart that he was the very Son of God. Mary and Joseph could only love him more as they watched him grow and his spiritual wisdom deepen; the grace with which he developed manly qualities; steadily becoming vibrant and masterful; containing his mastery with perfect respect for all men; learning to use his power, not to control others but only himself. Heavenly Father, how we thank You that Jesus set the example for us to grow spiritually no matter what age we are. Help us to recognize when we become complacent and fail to seek more of You. Put a fire in our hearts to grow into mature men and women in Your kingdom. 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

WE ALL SHARE IN HIS BIRTH

Matthew 2:10,11

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their gifts of gold, incense and of myrrh." NIV

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." KJV

The only requirement needed to come to Jesus Christ is the desire to find Him. Just like those who came to worship Him at his birth and early childhood, people from all walks of life can come freely: The poor and the rich; The wise and the simple; and The old and the young. The gift of God's only Son and the sacrifice of the cross makes eternal life free to all who call on His name.

Heavenly Father, forgive us that our human minds cannot grasp the fullness of love and gift of our Saviour, just what that cost. Even more amazing, for us it is free. Help us to let others know just what has been done for them as well. Give us loving hearts for everyone, no matter who they are, because You gave for everyone. In Jesus our Saviour's name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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HIS SON OUR SAVIOUR

 

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." KJV

God did not anoint a human baby to be the saviour of the world. God did not make a sudden decision to redeem His people by sending Jesus. The child that was born in Nazareth 2000 years ago was the Son of the Most High God. His birth was planned from eternity, His life was in every way exemplary of the Father. His death was the reason God sent Him, so that you and I could be reconciled to God and live in eternity. We celebrate His birth because for us, this was the long awaited promise that death was not our enemy and we are safe in His kingdom forever, if we believe.

Heavenly Father, we praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ and for the love You have for us that made that happen. Forgive us for taking that for granted. Forgive us for getting caught up in the worldly ideas and practices of this season. Give us boldness to live and speak the true meaning of Christmas. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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WE WILL FIND HIM

 

Proverbs 8:17

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." NIV

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." KJV

The lowly shepherds kept the hope of the Messiah in their hearts. The Magi were diligent in their desire to see the promised Saviour. Their station in life was of no consideration to God who promises that anyone who loves and desires to find Him will find Him. We may not see multitudes of angels overhead or a bright star shining in the sky, but if we truly love Him and seek Him, He will see that we find Him. Our God is faithful and wants all of us to seek Him.

Heavenly Father, how wonderful was the event at a small cattle stall where the Saviour of the world was born. Those who diligently awaited His coming were privileged to be led there to that humble place. Help us to remember how much You love us, that You put the desire in our hearts to seek You and You make sure we find You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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TAKE HEART!

 

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." NIV

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." KJV

We hear it said many times that God will never put more trouble on us than we are able to bear. For the natural man, this is not the case. It is for those who are in Christ. And even for God's own children, there will be trials and tribulations. But Jesus said that our being in Him, having given ourselves over to Him, we will have peace through all the trouble we go through in this world. Jesus, Himself, will be with us in our difficult times and He will keep us from falling and give us the grace we need to get through. So, we may think we are enduring all the suffering we can, but with Jesus at our sides, even with more suffering coming our way, we can walk through it with Him.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for focusing on the hardships we have, wondering how much more we can take. It's natural for us to do that, but we know that You take care of Your children. We know that whatever happens in our lives, You are there walking with us and taking care of everything. Help us to remember this when trouble comes our way so that we will be witnesses of You and glorify You here on earth. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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PERSPECTIVE ON PRAYER

 

Matthew 6:6

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." NIV

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." KJV

The root of the tree produces the large and fruitful branches of the tree that is seen by all, but the root is unseen. That is how our prayer life should be. The deeper and more wide spread the root, the more elegant and fruitful the tree. How can we get our unseen root of prayer deeper and more widespread? Do it by not praying from the lips and memory, but from the soul.

Heavenly Father, we just bow before You humbly because our prayer life is not what it should be. Forgive us, Lord, for not spending time communing with You as we should. Help us to pray from the depths of our hearts and souls so that our prayers will be fruitful for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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OUR SITUATIONS ARE IN HIS CONTROL

 

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." NIV

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." KJV

When we are facing difficult situations and seemingly impossible circumstances, we react as though these things were designed by other people or random occurrences. We can rest assured that our God is in control of all our happenings, and He uses each circumstance to work in our lives for our own good and for His glory. It may be hard to accept at times, but knowing God is in control brings peace and assurance that everything will work out.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for complaining and blaming others for things that are going on in our lives that make it hard to face. Remind us of Your Word that tells us all things are working out for our good. Help us to rest on this wisdom and to glorify You in all our circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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SECRET ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Matthew 6:1

"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." NIV

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." KJV

Our natures cause us to want appreciation from others for the good deeds we do. The Lord tell us to not even discuss our good deeds with anyone, so avoiding spiritual pride. We know God will see the works that we do. The secret will remain with Him and He will give us our reward. We can choose our reward for doing good deeds. Reward from the Lord our God, in His time, or applause from men right now. We can't have both.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for letting others know of a good deed we did that You placed on our hearts. Forgive us for wanting that spiritual blessing now, from others. Help us to so trust You that we find it a blessing to wait on the reward You have for us. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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THAT YOU WON'T FALL AWAY

 

2 Peter 3:17

"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position." NIV

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." KJV

Why would the Apostle Paul warn committed Christians to be on guard against being deceived by the world and its' ways? He knew how subtle the enemy is, and how the truth is easily twisted into a believable idea. If we stay on guard, stay in the Word of God, and stay in prayer, we will be able to discern the truth and any falsehood that tries to creep in unnoticed. In these last days, that will be more difficult than ever before.

Heavenly Father, help us to stay on guard and give us discernment so that we don't get snared by the lies that sound good but will lead us away from the truth. Increase our hunger for the Word and prayer so that we stay close to You and the truth. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GIVING IT ALL UP

 

Philippians 2:5-8

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient in death--even death on a cross." NIV

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." KJV

Would we be willing to walk away from everything we own, all our families, our careers, and our very identity, to go far away and become a humble servant? God does not usually make that requirement of us. It was not a requirement for Jesus Christ either, but He willingly did it because of His love for us. What the Lord does require of us is to give up our right to ourselves and give Him full rights to use us as He sees fit. If Jesus Christ gave up the glory of the eternal Godhead and became one of us, we should be able to fully trust Him with control of our lives.

Heavenly Father, we are such selfish creatures that we hold on to the little empires we have built for ourselves. We reserve the right to be in control of our own lives. Forgive us, Lord. Fill our hearts and minds with the wisdom that assures us You will take care of our lives and show us things too amazing for words. Help us to have the attitude that Jesus had. We pray 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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IT'S THE STATE OF THE HEART

 

Matthew 5:21,22

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Racca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." NIV

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Racca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." KJV

Jesus' fulfillment of the Law makes us more accountable than the teaching of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law. He told us that we have committed murder in our hearts if we have an angry attitude toward another. What's more, He didn't stop there. If we assume a position of superiority over another and curse him, we have a murderous heart. Jesus' fulfillment of the Law not only prohibits sinful acts, but also the sinful thoughts that surround them.

Heavenly Father, please search our hearts and minds and reveal to us if we have any thoughts of anger or resentment toward anyone. Help us to confess it, and repent. Fill our hearts with love, even toward our enemies and those who hate us and hurt us. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WHO CALLED?

 

Psalm 145:18

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." NIV

"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."KJV

Everyone calls on God at some time or another. Even those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. They may be in a critical situation and don't know where to turn. Or, they may be facing a life or death situation. The Word of God says he is near those who call on Him in truth. What does that mean? Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to His Father but by Him. The Lord is near to those that are His through Jesus Christ. Just like it does no good to make a call to get house insurance after the house has burned down, it is just as unfortunate to think God will treat us as His own when we have not let Him into our hearts.

Heavenly Father, how we praise You for always being near to us that call on You in truth. We have full assurance that You are with us. We ask that Your Holy Spirit will draw those who need Your Salvation, whether it is before a tragedy or after. Speak to their hearts today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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ARE WE PEACEMAKERS?

 

Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." NIV

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." KJV

God's children are peacemakers, full of wisdom, and not easily offended. If they are offended, they are quick to reconcile with their offenders. Children of God will make the effort to promote harmony between those who are in conflict with each other. Most of all, they will work to bring others in tune with God. The natural result of doing these things is the honor of being called His children. Are we peacemakers? If we are, then we are His children.

Heavenly Father, You know we live in a world where there is strife, resentment, turmoil, and hatred. We need your mercy for our part in these things and we need your grace to promote harmony and bring other to You. Help us to glorify You by being Your children. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

 

Matthew 6:13

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." NIV

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." KJV

We have to ask God to keep us from temptation because we know ourselves. We know how weak we are and how effortless it is to be overcome by those things that appeal to our senses or that come between us and our Lord. The enemy makes sure those things are strewn across our paths.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You give us Spiritual armor to defend ourselves against the evil one. Please forgive us for getting too comfortable in our daily lives that we get taken in by the temptations around 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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SELF DENIAL

 

Luke 9:23

"Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." NIV

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." KJV

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we begin to focus on getting sin out of our lives. When we do that, we miss the point of being servants of the living God. We must give up our right to ourselves, hand over the ownership of our lives to God. Then, we walk as new creatures in complete obedience to Him. Yes, this is a very difficult thing to do. That's why Jesus told us to take up this cross 'daily.' We have to work out our salvation every day because there is a natural struggle between our right to our own lives and walking in total obedience to the Him. He will get sin out of our lives.

Heavenly Father, it is so hard to give up our own thoughts, feelings, and desires. But You have told us we must die to self and live unto You. Help us to take up this cross and follow You so that we will glorify You as Your holy people. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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DON'T MAKE OATHS

 

Matthew 5:34, 37

"But I tell you, Do not swear at all...Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.'" NIV

"But I say unto you, Swear not at all.....But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay." KJV

An oath is swearing that something is true. It is using God, His name, or things that belong to Him to back up what you are saying. "By God," "For heaven's sake," "On my mother's grave," "As God is my judge," are just a few examples. It is actually taking the Lord's name in vain because we are more concerned with being believed than we are with honoring God. Our lives should be lived with such integrity that we do not need to use anything else to back up what we say.

Heavenly Father, we don't even realize that words we say can be dishonoring to You. Forgive us for using oaths to make what we are saying more believable. Help us to live lives with such integrity that all we have to do is say what we need to say and stop there. Let the words of our mouths be pleasing to You, 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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