JOYFUL, PATIENT, AND PRAYERFUL

 

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." NIV

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer." KJV

There are many references in the Word of God about staying focused on God and His eternal kingdom. It must be critically important for us to rise above this earth life that is filled with problems and pain. If we remain joyfully hopeful no matter what we are going through here on earth, we will be at peace as we wait for His kingdom to come.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not being patient and faithful with joy and for letting the trials of this world consume our attention. Help us to focus on Your kingdom patiently and with joy, praying daily for Your return. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

KEEP YOUR EYES ON HIM

 

Read Matthew 14: 22-33

Matthew 14:30

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out,'Lord, save me!'" NIV

"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." KJV

When we keep our eyes on the Lord, we are better able to overcome the adversities of this life. With our eyes on Him, we stay strong in faith and assurance that He is with us and will take care of us. But, we have a tendency to take our eyes off Him and look at the problems that are around us and we become overwhelmed. Then we lose heart and cry out for God to help us. He is always right here for us. We just need to focus on His, not the battles and challenges going on in our lives.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for letting our faith falter so that we focus on the problems and battles going on in our lives. Help us to use the faith You have so graciously given each of us so that we can keep our eyes on You and experience the peace of knowing You have everything in control and You will always be right here with us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

KEPT FROM HARM AND DISASTER

 

Psalm 91:10

"Then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." NIV

"There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." KJV

If we are eager and frequent about claiming the promises of God, we are also willing to put aside our own wants and needs so that the Lord God is first in our lives. God's promises are real and they are sure, but there is always a prerequisite on our part. If we put God first in our lives, we can be assured no harm will come to our souls and calamity will not come near where our spirits dwell.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are for Your precious promises to us. Help us to exercise our faith to turn over all our own wants and problems to You so that we can put You on the throne of our lives. And we will rejoice in claiming your wonderful promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

WISE ABOUT GOOD, INNOCENT ABOUT EVIL

 

Romans 16:19b

". . .but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." NIV

". . .but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." KJV

It is a very difficult thing to be living in a world of deceit that can fool the very elect of God's people. If we are wise to that which is good, we will be clinging to the things of God and praying for discernment and seeking ways to please Him. To be simple and innocent of evil is to never think on things that are contrary to God's ways, fleeing from that which temps us, and always keep ourselves from displaying a poor testimony that brings dishonor to our Lord.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for allowing our minds to wander away to things that are not pleasing to You and that are sinful. Guard our hearts and minds that we will be wise about the things of Your kingdom and innocent of being drawn toward sinful things. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

JOY, PEACE, AND HOPE

 

Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." NIV

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." KJV

Although we may be facing the most challenging time in our lives, we have a God who is eager to fill us with joy and peace, if we will only believe and trust in Him. Let's get our eyes off our situation and look to Him. In doing so, the Holy Spirit will be able to deliver God's blessings to us and we will no longer despair, but we will have hope. Our God is so gracious that He gives us added blessings of peace and joy.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for continually taking our eyes off You and looking at our circumstances that seem so hopeless. Help us to use the faith You have given us to keep our eyes on You and Your great power and love so that we may have this hope You have promised to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

CORRECTION WITHOUT ANGER

 

Jeremiah 10:24

"Correct me, Lord, but only with justice--not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing." NIV

"O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing." KJV

The Lord does not discipline His children in anger as He did before Christ. We are living under grace. But we still correct each other in anger and seek revenge for wrongs against us. Do we realize how much damage that does to our Christian testimony and our relationships? We can praise our merciful Lord that He does not do this to us.

Heavenly Father, when we become angry at another person, please bring to our hearts and minds that we are to show mercy just as You have shown mercy to us. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

ACTIVE WORSHIP

 

Psalm 95:6

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." NIV

"O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the Lord our maker." KJV

Have you watched the way a crowd shouts and waves as a popular singer or actor appears on the stage? Watch the crowds at a sports game waving banners, jumping up and screaming for their team. Is it too difficult for some of us to to demonstrate our love and adoration for the Lord by openly worshipping and kneeling in open praise? If people can get that excited over a rock star or football player, how much more should we be excited about the God who made us and provided a way for us to live with HIm in eternal perfection?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our lack of boldness to openly worship and praise You. Give us the Spirit of overflowing praise so that our lives continually reflect the honor and worship of which only You are worthy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

ARE WE LIVING IN THE TRUTH?

 

1 John 1:6

"If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth." NIV

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." KJV

A recent statistic claims that 76% of Americans claim to be Christian. If we subtract from that percentage those who believe it is all right to view pornography, commit adultery, cheat on their income taxes, let anger control them, are selfish and greedy, and simply live an irreligious life with unholy behavior, I wonder what that percentage would really be. If we examine ourselves to make sure we are walking in the light of obedience to the Lord, we can repent of ungodliness and be in true fellowship with Him.

Heavenly Father, we realize there are people who say they are Christian but their lives do not show it and they do not bear fruit. Their lives have sin in them and this separates them from You. Please help us to examine ourselves to see if there is any sin we are holding onto so that we can repent and walk in Your true light. In Jesus' name, Amen.

            

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

VINE AND BRANCHES

 

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." NIV

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." KJV

Jesus used the analogy of the vine and branches to help us understand we cannot survive spiritually unless we are connected to Him. We can use the analogy of a pregnant mother carrying her unborn child. As long as the umbilical cord is attached, the mother and baby are connected. The baby will be nourished, will grow and develop in a completed human who will survive outside the mother's body and continue to grow. If the umbilical cord is detached, the baby will die and deteriorate with no future. Let's stay attached to Jesus Christ, the Vine.

Heavenly Father, we recognize that You are the vine and we understand that if we are not connected to You we will not survive, now and eternally. Help us Lord, to be branches that are strongly attached to You, so that we will produce fruit for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

            

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

NO THING GREATER THAN GOD

 

Proverbs 21:30

"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." NIV

"There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord." KJV

This world is filled with various philosophies, theories, belief systems, religions, and thoughts. Many seem logical or at best, interesting. Too many of them draw in those who are looking for answers or are immature Christians. None of this world's wisdom can come close to the vast, endless wisdom of God and none can reveal or explain the Truth except God our Creator.

Heavenly Father, we praise You that You are Truth and You never change. Give us discernment to know when the world's philosophies are sneaking into our minds in subtle and seemingly harmless ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

THE LORD IS NEAR

 

Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." NIV

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." KJV

It is no rare thing these days to be or know someone who is crushed and brokenhearted. If we share with them that God is near them and brings them through the troubled time, it will be a refreshment to those who are downcast. And, if we are broken and crushed, we must believe that our God is bigger than our problems, He is with us, and we will rejoice once again.

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You that You are with us always, and that You are near and comforting to the brokenhearted. Help us, Lord, to be open so that You can use us to life up others who are in despair. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

LOSE TO SAVE

 

Matthew 16:25

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." NIV

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." KJV

If we honestly examine ourselves, we may find there are things we hold onto that we just can't release or that we deceive ourselves into thinking it won't matter in our Christian walk. Since we identified with Christ and were buried in death and risen to new life through baptism, we are no longer the master over our own lives. The Lord God is now the Master, Lord, and Savior. If we insist on any thing but His will, we will lose whatever we have. It will hinder our spiritual growth and our spiritual relationship with God. Let's examine ourselves now.

Heavenly Father, we earnestly seek to give you Lordship over every part of our lives. Help us to examine ourselves to see if there is any place at which we are holding back. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

GOD'S BATTLE

 

2 Chronicles 20:15b

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." NIV

"Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's." KJV

How often do we look at all the things that are against us and become overwhelmed? Or anxious? Doesn't the Lord tell us to keep our eyes on Him? He is already working on those troubling situations and has His plan to take care of us. Let God do what He intends to do. We can keep our eyes on Him and let His joy be our strength.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for getting our eyes on the vast array of problems and troublesome situations that surround us and our loved ones. We do understand that in this world we will have tribulation. Give us grace to keep our eyes on You and to let You take care of the battle, it is Yours, not ours. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

CHANGE OUR PERSPECTIVE

 

Colossians 3:1

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." NIV

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." KJV

When we accept Jesus Christ, identifying with His death and resurrection, we are raised up with Him. If we will look at all things through the eyes of Christ, from His perspective sitting at the right hand of the Father, we won't get so bogged down with the trials and tribulations going on daily in our lives. We will understand God is in control and His plan is unfolding. It will all make sense on that Day.

Heavenly Father, please help us to leave our own perspective that focuses on the problems we face here and help us to look at things from our Savior's perspective. Give us understanding that our problems are only temporary and are a part of God's great plan. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

GOD IS WORKING OUT HIS PLAN

 

Proverbs 16:4

"The Lord works out every thing for His own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster." NIV

"The Lord hath made all things for himself: Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." KJV

Everything that is made and all things that happen are a part of God's great plan He established before the beginning of time. Every thing has a purpose, will glorify God, and will bring great eternal blessings for those of us who have made Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. God's plan includes the unsaved, but their end is destruction.

Heavenly Father, we need Your Holy Spirit to help us understand the things that happen in our lives and how they are a part of the great Master plan. We ask this in the name of Jesus', Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

HE ALWAYS CARRIES US

 

Psalm 68:19

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." NIV

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." KJV

Our God is such an amazing and glorious God. Every day, He carries us through all of our circumstances, good and bad. Do we realize He is right here with us when we are having trouble and when we are content? If He is bearing our burdens, carrying us through, we have no need to fret and be anxious. We can praise Him and rejoice because of His goodness and faithfulness to us.

Heavenly Father, how we praise and magnify Your name for Your everlasting mercy, grace, and love. Help us to always keep these words in our hearts so that we won't faint and become discouraged. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

HIS WILL BE DONE

 

Matthew 6:10

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

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

When we pray, do we pray for God's will in our situations, or do we pray for what we want and hope God's will aligns with it? Asking for God's will may mean no healing, no job, or not what we really wanted. Why? Because God's ways are still a mystery to us. He will be glorified in all our circumstances, good or bad. When we pray for God's will to be done, we will also be praying for grace to accept whatever His will is.

Heavenly Father, we stand in great need of Your grace to even be able to pray that Your will be done, because we fear that it will not be what we wanted it to be. Forgive us, Lord, and give us grace to pray boldly with confidence and faith that Your will is the best way. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

NO CHANGE

 

Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." NIV

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." KJV

There is no question that our world is in stress and chaos. The chances are great that our very own lives and families are in some kind of crisis. Many ask, "Where is God?" "How could God let this happen?" We may be in such an emotional state that we feel God has forgotten us, or He has stopped caring. True, things may seem disastrous and hopeless, but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is still in control. He told us these things would happen. He told us to stand firm, hope in Him, and not to give up. He told us He would be with us to the end. Hold on and stand firm.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we allow ourselves to get overcome with the chaos and problems in the world. We recognize Your Word is true and You are the same from the beginning. Help us to recall this to mind when we begin to worry and help us to trust all these things to You. In Your name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

JUSTIFIED AND SAVED

 

Romans 5:9

"Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" NIV

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." KJV

If we were found guilty of a terrible crime, we would be tried, found guilty, and sent to prison for life. Our spiritual walk is much the same way with one tremendous difference. We were born sinful and have sinned since then. Jesus Christ shed His blood and took our place in the trial. And on the cross, He took the sentence of death for us. He came to earth justified and pure, but became guilty and condemned with your sin and mine. Now, we have no guilt between us and our Heavenly Father if we believe in what His Son did for us.

Heavenly Father, we praise Your wonderful name for giving Your only Son to take the guilt of sin and the sentence of death for us so that we will be clean in Your eyes. Help us tell this good news to everyone we see so that they may be saved from the wrath of God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

Proverbs 15:1

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." NIV

"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." KJV

We have all been the target of someone who is angry and letting us know it by what they are saying and how they are saying it. We can defend ourselves by responding in the same tone and attitude. But the Lord expects us to use wisdom in these situations. Our response is to be Godly, soft in tone and attitude, so that the anger will be overcome and peace will follow.

Heavenly Father, it is so difficult to respond kindly to someone who is being angry and saying unkind things in a loud and heated voice. Help us, Lord, to respond in these situations with a soft heart and voice so that the anger will be turned away. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

WE ARE GOD'S WORKMANSHIP

 

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." NIV

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." KJV

As Christians, we no longer have any say over our selves. We have given the Lord full ownership. He has been handcrafting us so that we will be able to join with Him and all other saints to finish the plan He made long before time began. Our steps are designed by Him. We can rejoice in knowing He will be glorified.

Heavenly Father, to the world it seems that we are restricted to a small boundary of do's and don'ts because we don't participate in the things of the world. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we go about doing the work You have purposed for us to do, so that Your will is accomplished and the unsaved will be drawn to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

DO NOT BE ENVIOUS OR FEARFUL

 

Psalm 37:1

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong." NIV

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against workers of iniquity." KJV

As time passes it appears men who are wicked and scheming just get worse and worse. It begins to affect our own lives in negative ways. Our God says do not fear them or worry about them. Likewise, we see dishonest people getting by with all kinds of illegal and dishonest things, and they don't even get caught. They go right on enjoying what is not rightfully theirs. The Lord tells us not to envy them because they will get their just consequences from God.

Heavenly Father, we seem to be fighting worry and envy so much of the time. Help us to remember that those who are evil and dishonest will come to a bitter and horrible end. Give us the right attitude and the strength to keep on doing what is right in Your eyes. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

SEEK GOOD FOR OTHERS

 

1 Corinthians 10:24

"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." NIV

"Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." KJV

In our world today, even as Christians, we work hard to have all the conveniences and things that make us look successful. Our Lord tells us not to worry about those things, we will have all we need and many blessings besides. We are to be more concerned about making sure others have all they need and blessing besides.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for making it our priority to have the things that make us like those around us and provide us with convenience. We know these things are not in themselves sinful, but help us to put the needs of others first. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

FAVOR ME? HIDE FROM ME?

 

Psalm 30:7

"O Lord when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm, but when you hid your face , I was dismayed." NIV

"Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled." KJV

When our lives are going well, we seem to be confident and strong in our faith. But when trouble comes, we get fearful and discouraged. It is time we learn that our faith in God is not dependent on our circumstances, but by knowing the great I AM, who never changes.

Heavenly Father, we ask Your forgiveness for allowing our faith to waiver when things are not going well for us. Help us to mature in our faith so that we remain strong no matter what is going on around us. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

IF......THEN

 

John 15:7

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." NIV

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." KJV

When we pray and there doesn't seem to be an answer, there may not be. Are we staying true to our Lord and Savior? Are we obeying His Word? If we are, we will be asking according to His will and He will give us whatever we ask. Let's check our relationship with he Lord and review our motives for asking.

Heavenly Father, please help us to examine ourselves so that we may be found abiding in You and holding fast to your Word. Not only that our prayers will be answered, but we ask this so that we may become more like you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

RISE AND SHINE

 

Isaiah 60:1

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." NIV

"Arise, shine; for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." KJV

Do people out in the world look at us and say,'What an exuberant people, we want whatever it is that makes them so joyous.' If not, where is our first love? What has darkened our spirit? If people are envious of our radiance and joy, we have kindled our faith and allowed the Holy Spirit to flow though us.

Heavenly Father, forgive us if we have allowed our joy to slowly drain from us since the day You saved us. Refresh us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so that we may walk in joy and excitement each day. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

WHEN MY FOOT SLIPS

 

Psalm 94:18

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your love, O Lord, supported me." NIV

"When I said, 'My foot slippeth,' Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up." KJV

Haven't we all come to a place where we just didn't feel we could go any further? We were certain that we were at the end of the line. But God, in His infinite love and mercy, picked us up where we gave out and carried us through to victory. It is so joyous to know we will never fall down and be left to be overtaken by sin and evil.

Heavenly Father, how can we thank you enough for Your everlasting arms that hold us up when we fall. Give us peace and comfort during difficult times knowing You will be right there lifting us up above the storm. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC