OUR ONE AND ONLY SACRIFICE

 

Hebrews 9:12

"But by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."NIV

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." KJV

Why would the only Son of God: Lower Himself to our level? Walk this difficult earth? Why would He give His own blood so that we, being imprisoned by our own sinfulness could be released and set free without paying for our own sins? Would any of us, being innocent of a crime, set out to take the penalty for a guilty man and let him walk out of his cell free to go? Why did Jesus do that for us? Because He loved us that much. Do we need any more reason to love one another?

Heavenly Father, help us to accept the love You have for us so that we can overflow with love toward our fellow men. That is the least we can do for the omnipotent love You have freely given 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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POWER IN FOCUSING

 

Hebrews 12:2

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, for who the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." NIV

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."KJV

How do we keep staring at something and keep from stumbling over something in our pathway? God tells us in His Word that if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we will never stumble or be led astray. There is power in keeping our eyes on Him. How can that be? He has led the way for us to get to the Father and He will always lead us in the right way. If we take our eyes off Him and try to stay on the path with our own senses, we will certainly shipwreck somewhere along the way. Jesus Christ is our Leader who became one of us and He made it back to the right hand of the Father. Why would we not keep our eyes on Him so we can get there too?

Heavenly Father, so many times we let our eyes wander off to different ideas and beliefs of what is right and wrong. We take a path that seems easier or quicker, and we find ourselves in trouble. Forgive us Lord, because we have not obeyed Your Word. Help us keep our eyes on our Lord and Saviour so that we will share in His joy and victory. 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 WE MIGHT HAVE HOPE

Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." NIV "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." KJV Hope is all that some people need just to keep on living. For the rest of us, hope is necessary for us to look forward to something far better than this present life. Hope keeps us running the race with endurance. Hope comes from involving ourselves in the Scriptures, the Word of God. If you feel hopeless, or that your hope is fading, get into the Word of God. Before long, you will feel strengthened, learning the truth, and being comforted. God's Word brings hope. We can count on it. Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting to read and study Your Word as we should. You have told us we will be equipped to live this life with endurance, strength, comfort and with hope, if we read Your Scriptures. Give us a burning desire to set aside time each day, to commune with You through the Word and prayer. We ask this 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

HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE HIS?

 

Colossians 3:12,13

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." NIV

"Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." KJV

When someone hurts us, our natural inclination is to draw back, feel resentful, and rehearse the hurt when that person comes to mind. We harbor the hurt because we feel if we let it go, it will be as though that 'someone' did no wrong. So we carry the hurt and resentment and wonder why we do not sense the presence of the Lord as we used to, or why we are not fully at peace. Whether or not that person deserves to be forgiven or not is totally irrelevant. Did we deserve the forgiveness Christ gave us at the cross? Not hardly. But He gave it freely. That's the way we should live. It may take humbling ourselves, but oh, the sweet peace and communion with God that will come if we forgive those who have hurt us.

Heavenly Father, it is so hard to let go of hurts. In our own strength, we seem to just keep holding on to it. We humbly ask for Your divine strength and humility to forgive as You have forgiven us. We ask this 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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FAITH NOT SIGHT

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

"We live by faith, not by sight." NIV

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." KJV

As humans, God has designed us to live and survive this world with five senses. They let us know how to interpret our world around us and what we need to do that is best for our lives here. As Christians, we are free to use our senses second and our Spirit given faith first. To use our physical senses is wise in some ways and could be spiritually deadly in others. There is always a way that "seems" right, but the outcome would be disastrous if we do not listen to the Holy Spirit and follow in faith that He knows what is best for us. Remember, as Christians, we have turned authority of our lives over to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the many times we rely on our own human senses instead of our faith in You. Show us Lord, when we fail to use our faith so that we can repent and do what is right in Your eyes. 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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GOOD WILL

 

Ephesians 4:31,32

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." NIV

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender hearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." KJV

If our hearts are so full of the desire to do good to others, there won't be any room left to hold ill will, grudges, or resentments against others. If we ask the Lord to search our hearts, He will show us if we are harboring any ill will toward another. No matter how difficult, we can let that resentment go and ask our loving Father to fill us with love and good will.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us if we have held on to ill will toward anyone. Help us to rid ourselves of any resentments so that our hearts will be filled with the desire to love and do good to everyone. We ask 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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DO NOT FEAR

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." NIV "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God." KJV Have we really hidden this Word in our hearts? We do not need to fear when the winds of change beat against our lives. We do not need to fear when we feel we have lost our foothold and we are falling. We do not need to fear that we are inadequate to defeat the forces that come against us. Our God is with us. He is our strength, our security, and our protector. Heavenly Father, help us to remember whose we are when the storms of life come against us. Give us the ability to conquer our fears by just knowing You are our God. 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

TROUBLE IS TEMPORARY

 

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

Are we in a situation right now that makes us feel hopeless, alone, stuck, injured, or afraid? Remember that a seed lies buried in dirt for a period of time before it springs forth and grows into what it was intended to be. A butterfly is held captive in a tiny prison until it struggles to free itself and fly. A baby in the process of birth passes through the most traumatic experience of its' life getting through the small birth canal and into the arms of loving parents. Whatever it is we are struggling with now, remember it is temporary and it will result in something wonderful.

Heavenly Father, You know we are human and we get discouraged many times. Help us to remember that difficult times are always temporary and that the wonderful things You have planned for us will far outweigh any anguish we experience here. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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REAL FAITH

 

Colossians 1:22,23

"But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation--if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel." NIV

"Yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." KJV

Faith is not the coin we put in the heavenly slot of God's answer machine. Neither is it the magic ingredient to getting His answers to those things we seek. Faith is that living gift from Him that allows us to pour our hearts out to Him and then wait for what He wants us to have. Faith is what Jesus' showed us in the garden when He prayed for the cup to pass from Him. It was not a prayer for what he wanted. It was a prayer for what God wanted for Him.

Heavenly Father, we ask You to forgive us for asking and then expecting the things we want. Help us to understand that Your will is to make us holy and blameless and that is how we should pray. Give us more understanding of faith and the desire to use all that You have given 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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SELF CONTROL

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." NIV "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." KJV Isn't it just like us to purpose within ourselves to be better Christians and set out trying to make that happen by our own willpower? Self-control is not something we can produce on our own. We are spiritually willing but our flesh is weak. Relying on our own willpower leaves us so vulnerable, like sheep surrounded by wolves. Inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us and supply us will give us the fruit of self-control that will get us where God wants us. Heavenly Father, we ask Your forgiveness for trying to live Godly lives in our own strength. We pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit to give us the self-control we need to safely walk the true path of righteousness. 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

HIS PLAN GIVES US HOPE

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." KJV For all of us, there are times when we feel God has abandoned us, when we cannot see how our circumstances are going to be resolved. We begin to lose hope that anything good will come to us in this life. Take heart! God has not abandoned us nor has He failed to keep us in His loving arms. Whatever we are going through right now is a part of the great plan God has to bring us total peace and to bring Him glory. Wait on Him and see the great things He will do. Heavenly Father, forgive us for losing heart and giving up hope that we will ever know joy and peace in this world. Help us to open our hearts that we might hear the Holy Spirit urging us on and leading us along the path that is Your plan for our lives. 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

ONLY ONE WAY

John 14:6

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me.'" NIV

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but buy me." KJV

There is a fast growing cancer in the Christian community today. Some Christians are accepting the teachings of Chrislam, a belief system that teaches Christianity and Islam can be combined together in harmony. This is an impossibility. According to Islam, Jesus Christ is not believed to be the Son of God or the Messiah, the Christ. We as Christians are called to keep to the Gospel as preached in the Word and that is what we must do. If anyone tries to preach another Gospel or change the Gospel as it is stated in the Word of God, flee from them.

Heavenly Father, You have told us to hold fast to Your Word. And You have told us that anyone or any creed that denies Jesus Christ as Lord and came in the flesh is of the antichrist. Give us discernment and wisdom to cast down these attempts to deceive us. We pray earnestly 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 WAIT

 

Philippians 4:13

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." NIV

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." KJV

As Christians, we maintain that we can accomplish anything with God's help. The problem is, we don't put that belief into action. Somehow we are waiting for God to make the situation just right, or to take the first move, or to get everything set in order so all we have to is go in and claim victory. We don't have to wait for the Lord to accomplish what He has given us the strength to do. He expects us to step out in faith and trust Him for the victory.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for believing in our mind only and not in our actions. Help us to accept the power You freely give us to accomplish Your will in our own lives. Give us courage to step out and trust in the power You have given 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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UPHELD AND ENABLED

Isaiah 46:3,4 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." NIV "Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." KJV God can accomplish anything He chooses to do. Whatever this life brings our way, He will be there to accomplish His purpose for our lives. No matter where we are, He will be with us and will never leave us. If He ever asks us to do something, He will enable us to do it. Our God will see us through from beginning to eternity. Heavenly Father, how we praise You for being God. We know in our hearts that You are in control of our lives at all times, but at times our minds wander and we begin to fret and worry. Forgive us for not using the faith You have given us. Help us draw closer so that our faith will grow. 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

FREE GIFTS

Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." NIV "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." KJV Grace comes from the heart of our gracious God, who wants to totally shower us with gifts we certainly do not deserve. He provided salvation from the punishment of sin by sending His Son to take our place. He adopted us as His own children to inherit eternal life in His kingdom. He sent His Holy Spirit to us to guide us into truth and give us power to resist the enemy. He gave us other believers who share the amazing gifts. He graces us with His presence and the promise to never leave us. He lavishes His love on us so that we can let the people of the world know they can have these gifts if they accept Christ. God's grace is never ending. Heavenly Father, there is no way we can repay You for Your precious gift of grace. We can only give You our lives to serve You and glorify You. Help us to be living examples of the loving and gracious God You are. 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

CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES

 

Galatians 6:7

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." NIV

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." KJV

Here in the real world, our choices have consequences. Some of our choices are good and will result in good consequences. Some of our choices are unwise and disobedient to God. The decisions we make now and the results of those decisions determine the quality of our lives now and for eternity. It is as simple as that.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we will have hunger for Your Word and for prayer so that we will gain knowledge and wisdom. Then, we will be able to make good decisions. We pray for the fullness of Your Spirit so that we will resist making wrong choices that are tempting to 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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LOVE IS A CHOICE

John 15:17 "This is my command: Love each other." NIV "These things I command you, that ye love one another." KJV Love is a command to all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. But, it is our choice to obey that command or not. We can choose to be loving toward others or not. We can choose to do nothing, but this is still disobedience to God's command. And, we will never know the loving fellowship of others. Real love requires choice and effort. Heavenly Father, show us if there is a lack of love in our hearts. Help us Lord, to be obedient to Your command to love even the unlovely. Fill us with the desire to love as You have loved us. 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

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." NIV "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." KJV It is amazing how often we allow our circumstances to control our emotions. If things are going well, we tend to be happy and satisfied. If things are going wrong and difficult things come our way, we become fearful, discouraged, and down. As long as we let things that are happening to us and around us affect how we feel, our lives will be like a roller coaster. If we want true abiding joy that nothing can take from us, we will keep our minds on the good things of God. It's the things we think about that determine how we feel. Heavenly Father, forgive us for letting the events in our lives determine how we will feel. We know the world is watching how we respond to difficult things in our lives. Help us to always put our burdens in Your hands and think on Your goodness. 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

WHY GOD?

 

1 Peter 4:12,13

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." NIV

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." KJV

Why do we question God when difficult trials come our way? Why do we find ourselves asking God why He is allowing these dreadful circumstances in our lives? Why do we become resentful when others seem to be receiving blessings and we're not? Our thinking is wrong when we ask these questions. As Christians, we will all suffer trials and tribulations during our lives. If we look forward to the promise He gave us and dwell on that, our present situations will be much easier to bear.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for questioning You when things are dark and difficult for us. You have told us we would suffer in this world. You have also told us we would receive joy and share in Your glory. Help us to think on that and learn to rejoice now, even though we suffer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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BE STRONG, BE PERSISTENT

 

2 Chronicles 15:7

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." NIV

"Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded." KJV

We don't need to be told that our lives are not an easy, straight stretch of highway leading uneventfully to eternal glory. But maybe we need to be reminded to enjoy the good things, accept and conquer the difficult things along the journey. Perhaps we should be reminded to accept the courage and endurance our Lord so graciously provides us. However, if our work is to be rewarded, we have to work. If we are leaving seeds of righteousness and God's Word, we will have quite a harvest and the journey will have been worth it all. Don't give up!

Heavenly Father, You know we are limited in our vision of what You have planned for our lives. We don't know what lies ahead, but we know You are with us and have provided us with all we need to make the journey. Forgive us for wanting to give up. Renew us, Lord, with courage and persistence so that we will have an abundant harvest to lay at Your feet. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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