LOVE AS HE LOVED US

 

John 13:35

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." NIV

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." KJV

God is love. His character is to be love and to love. If we have given our hearts and lives over to Him, we will take on His character and love will naturally flow out from us. This love will be a love that the world finds utterly impossible to exhibit as human beings because it does not take into account wrongs suffered nor does it judge any person. All people will know that we are God's children if we have this love coming from us at all times. Don't we all want to be known as His disciples?

Heavenly Father, how often have we disappointed You by not showing the love that should naturally come out of us that You have placed there. Forgive us Lord for letting you down and keeping others from seeking that love. Help us Lord to stay close to You so that Your character will begin to take over our own earthly and sinful nature and that others will recognize You through 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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OUR SHEPHERD

 

Psalm 23:1

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." NIV

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." KJV

The Shepherd is the caretaker of His flock. His purpose is to tend to all matters that will bring a lamb from it's babyhood through to it's maturity so that it will be healthy to give it's woolly coat, producing useful fibers. During this journey, the Shepherd knows the landscape, where the best pastures are and where the fresh waters flow. He knows by watching His sheep, when they need to stop and rest from moving from feeding ground to feeding ground. The Shepherd is diligent to protect His sheep from predators and from dangerous pathways and cliffs. He uses His rod to keep His sheep moving on the right path. He extends His staff to reach the back legs of a wandering sheep to bring it back to His fold. The Shepherd shows tender love and care to His sheep and they stay near Him. There isn't any thing the Shepherd would not do to guide, nourish, protect, and love His sheep. His sheep have want for nothing.

Heavenly Father, how we praise and thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, our Shepherd. We revel in the fullness of His loving care. Forgive us, Lord, when we become self-centered and try to make this journey on our own. Give us hunger to always follow our Shepherd. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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OUR TIME IS PRECIOUS TO HIM

 

Psalm 90:12

"Teach us to number our days aright; that we may gain a heart of wisdom." NIV

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." KJV

There is no neutral ground, no "time out" in the universe. Every second we live is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, or it is open territory for our enemy, Satan. It is critical that we pray every day about being ready at all times to do His will and to commit our total time to His service. We don't want to leave any split second for Satan to slip in and draw us away from using our time in the perfect plan of God. Many of the evil one's ways seem good, but if we commit and trust every second of our time to our Lord, the devil will not have an opportunity to get us off the righteous and narrow path.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for not taking every second of our lives serious and for allowing the evil one to get us off the true way of righteousness. Help us to be conscious of how precious our time is. Help us to commit each minute and second to You, so that in those moments when we are distracted, we will be under Your loving protection. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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GET RID OF BITTERNESS AND ANGER

 

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, Evan as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." KJV

We all get angry and bitter at some point in our lives. There is a reason God tells us to get rid of that now. Anger and bitterness are like an infection that spreads through our spirit and soul, keeping us from hearing the Holy Spirit. It keeps our prayers hindered and they do not get through to God. He will not answer a heart that holds on to sinful things that He has specifically told us to rid ourselves. Anger and bitterness are a spiritual cancer, a debilitating disease that keeps us from growing in the Lord. It does not have any effect on those at whom we are angry and bitter. But these negative feelings and emotions are toxic and damaging to our own spirits and bodies. Get rid of them now.

Heavenly Father, search our hearts to see if there is any anger or bitterness that lives in our hearts. Give us the desire, strength, and faith to get rid of it as You have commanded us. We long to have all these types of things out of our lives so we can grow and become more like You. Help us each day to rid ourselves of this toxic anger and bitterness. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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JESUS IS WITH US IN OUR DARKEST HOUR

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." NIV "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)" KJV If we have turned our lives over to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we can take comfort and have assurance that no matter what we are facing and experiencing here on this earth, He is faithful to never leave us. He is in control of all our circumstances whether we realize it or not and He will work them out for our good and His glory. Fret not, God is faithful in all things. Heavenly Father, forgive us for feeling that we are left on our own to fend for ourselves in this cruel and difficult world. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may know at all times You are faithful and will see us through any storm this life can bring our way. 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

WE'RE ALL EQUAL AND USEFUL

 

Romans 3:23,24

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." NIV

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." KJV

Isn't it a wonderful thing to know that we don't have to wait until we are mature Christians before the Lord can use us for His kingdom. If we give our hearts to Him, he justifies us by His grace and He begins to use us as living testimonies of His grace and salvation. We are all equal in His sight, now matter how long we have been His children. We can be assured that He will let us be a living testimony and will cause us to grow into Him as we live for Him each day. We were all sinners. Now we are His children and he works through us new children and old ones.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You see all your children the same because we came from this earthly life of sin and our nature was sinful. But You allow each of us the honor to be a part of Your plan of reaching the world for Christ. Help us to honor and cherish that great love You have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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TRIALS ARE THE BEST TEACHERS

 

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." NIV

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." KJV

Most of us complain or "endure the misery" when we are in times of great testing. Remember how the great Bible men looked at their time of trial as a blessing that brought them to the point where God did mighty works through them. God could not have used them if they had not gone through the trials. Like Moses being in the desert for 40 years to prepare him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Or Joseph, who sat forgotten in Potiphar's prison as God prepared him to rule Egypt bringing life saving food to the chosen ones. And the Apostle Paul, who counted it all joy to be imprisoned in Rome before his execution, because that is where he wrote most of his letters that we read today. They build us up and lead us to a deeper walk with God. We don't know what they were thinking at the time, but after it all, they glorified God for using those horrible, painful times to do eternal work for the Lord.

Heavenly Father, most of the time we have no idea why we are going through trials. If we are Your children, we can take comfort and joy in knowing that You will use it to prepare us for great and mighty things. Help us to remember that always. 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 EYES ARE ON US ALWAYS

 

Psalm 33:14

"From His dwelling place he watches all who live on earth." NIV

"From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth." KJV

Our limited minds cannot fathom our God being able to see every person who dwells on this earth. But, His Word tells us He sees every one of us. There is no one so insignificant or poor, or isolated, or hidden that He cannot see them. Isn't that comforting to know that God sees us and cares for us, even though we don't recognize it? We don't ever have to think or believe we are all alone. God is there watching us and He will always take care of us.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You are always watching over us. Forgive us for those times when we wonder where You are and why You aren't answering us or making Yourself known to us. Help us to be aware that You are watching us every second of every day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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BURDEN BEARING

 

Psalm 68:19

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

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

How many of us complain about the burdens we carry in this life? Do we really stop to remember that the heaviest part of the cross is at the top where the cross member is. That is the part our Lord Jesus Christ carried to Calvary's hill. He carries our burdens. We only hold on to the bottom, where the lightest part of the burden is. Of course we will have burdens in this life. But who are we to complain when the largest part of our burdens are being born by our Lord? We are a blessed people with no reason to complain.

Heavenly Father, we ask You to forgive us for complaining when life gets difficult. Where would we be if You were not carrying the heaviest part of our burden? Help us to remember that You are our help in times of trouble and give us hearts of thanksgiving regardless of what's going on around us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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WALK IN LOVE

 

Philippians 1:9

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." NIV

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." KJV

Walking the Christian path is a great exercise of love and forgiveness. If we are walking in Christ's footsteps, then we will accept His love and forgiveness and we will be sharing that same love and forgiveness with our family, our friends, and everyone we meet. That is how our love will grow and abound, bearing fruit for His kingdom. If we hoard love and forgiveness, we will spiritually stagnate. If we give freely as He did, then our love will abound more and more, increasing our knowledge and spiritual insight.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times we have failed to show your love and forgiveness because we felt the other one did not deserve it or because they did not seem sorry. We know that our spiritual life is hindered with selfish love and unforgiveness in our hearts. Give us a burning desire to share the boundless love and mercy You have shown to us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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OUR TIME IS IN HIS HANDS

 

John 16:22

"So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." NIV

"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." KJV

Do we have faith that doesn't complain while waiting? That is easier for some to do than others. But the Lord does expect us to wait for His time with a thankful and expecting heart. Regardless of the conditions in which we wait, we can recognize that our time is in His hands. Remember, those nail scarred hands? He is mediating and orchestrating things for our good so we can rejoice and not complain.

Heavenly Father, we are humbled by the complaining we do from day to day because thing don't seem to be going well for us. Give us hearts of thankfulness and rejoicing as we wait on You to fulfill Your plan for us and for eternity. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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WE BECOME BY BEING WITH HIM

 

Matthew 7:16

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?" NIV

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" KJV

It has been said that the longer a couple is married, the more they take on similar characteristics. We know that our children take on our characteristics and mannerisms and that it is from the close and years of time they spend with us. This same principle applies to the amount of time we spend and the closeness we share with the Lord. The more time we spend with Him, the more like Him we will become. We will take on His characteristics and behaviors. Others cannot help but notice the difference between us and the world.

Heavenly Father, we ask that You would increase our desire to spend time in Your presence. Show us places where we waste time or engage ourselves with people and activities that have no long lasting value. Then we can use that time being in Your presence. 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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HUMBLE SERVANT

 

Matthew 23:11

"The greatest among you will be your servant." NIV

"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." KJV

If you and I were to take a test on how humble we are and how much of a servant we are, how would we score? Let's be honest. Our score would most likely humble us. Our problem is that we look for praise from our family, friends, co-workers, and society. In doing that, our "glory" will be for but a moment and it will vanish. Jesus teaches us that true greatness that will endure for eternity is to be humble servants to others. That is so contradictory to the world's thinking isn't it? But then God's way is the narrow path, the one that few find.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for trying to gauge our spiritual goodness by the praise we receive from others. Help us to grab hold of humility and servanthood so that we stay on the narrow way. We know that is the only way we will get to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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FOREVER THE SAME

 

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

Can we name one earthly thing that has existed from eternity and will exist for eternity? Not one thing. Knowing this alone tells us that we cannot put our faith in anything of this world. In fact, the things of this world are so quick to change we could say they are like drops of water flowing briskly down stream. Jesus Christ is God. He is in eternity, always was, always is, and always will be. He is. How could anyone refuse to put faith in Him? Doesn't it seem foolish to put trust in anything or anyone else? If we put our faith in the Solid Rock that never changes, we will never be disappointed.

Heavenly Father, You know us because You became one of us. Forgive us when we put our trust in shallow things of the world. We acknowledge You as the never changing God of all. Help us to use all the faith You have given us to keep our trust in You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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PAY IT FORWARD

 

Ecclesiastes 11:1

"Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." NIV

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." KJV

The Lord blesses us with many good things in our lives. He does not bless us with material blessings so that we can hoard them and think only of ourselves for their use. If we share the blessings by giving to others, especially those who have very little, we will find that the Lord is using us as a funnel to receive His blessings and to pass blessings on to others. Once we understand this process, there will be no end to the blessings we receive and those we give.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for those times we have held onto the blessings You have lovingly given to us. Please give a double portion to those whom we failed to share our blessings. We thank You for the many blessings You give us each day. Help us to recognize the opportunities to give so that You will be glorified. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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DESERT FLOWER

 

Psalm 91:9,10

"If you make the Most High your dwelling--even the Lord, who is my refuge--then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." NIV

"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." KJV

What do we do when there is chaos and destruction all around us? Do we respond in anger? Do we run in fear? Do we just freeze and do nothing? If we are living in and walking with the Lord, there is no reason to respond to upheaval with anger, fear, or immobility. We can bloom like the desert flower that finds it's way through the cracks in the dry crusty sand and grows healthy and beautiful. It stands in splendor and confidence that it is glorifying its' Creator in spite of the surrounding circumstances. How much more should we do the same?

Heavenly Father, help us to stand firm, in splendor and confidence when the adversities of life come near us. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we will bloom like the desert flower and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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CHRISTIANITY IS A VERB

 

Mark 1:17

"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." NIV

"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." KJV

Being born again is not a single act involving a decision that Christ is who He said He was. Oh, yes that it definitely part of it. But there is no much more than many individuals fail to experience because they stop there. Being born of the Spirit is an active thing. Once we have had an encounter with our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, we will want to live lives before others and speak words of truth that will draw others to Him as we were drawn. We will want to pray and meditate on the goodness of God. Our daily habits will change to include reading and study of God's word. Most of all, we will be witnesses to the wonderful saving grace of God.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for our laziness and complacency as Christians. Give us the Spiritual energy we had in the beginning to be active in our daily walk and witness to others. We desire to bring others to You Lord as You have told us You would make us fishers of men. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WORTH THE WAIT

Isaiah 30:18 "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"NIV "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him."KJV We all want to hear God's voice very clearly so there will be no doubt as to what He wants to do for us or what He wants us to do for Him. If we know He is speaking to us, but we are not sure what He is saying, we can remain in His presence until we are sure of His words. So much can happen while we are waiting for the Lord. Sometimes we receive more than we could ever have thought. Changes in our attitude, desires turned into hunger for Him, and doubts turned into pure faith in Him. Heavenly Father, we praise and magnify Your name for the mighty faithfulness You show us each day. Your patience with us is beyond our ability to grasp. Help us Lord, to wait on You, so that we will hear Your voice and receive Your mercy. 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

WE WORK FOR GOD NOT FOR MAN

Colossians 3:23,24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." NIV "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." KJV Current statistics report that 90+% of employed people do not like their jobs. Add to that, all the people who are dissatisfied with the work they do every day. We may have no control over what our daily responsibilities are but we do have control over our attitude and response to them. If we keep in mind that we are not working for man or company, but for the Lord, we will find our work much more enjoyable and even a blessing for us. Why would we want to view our work in any other way? Heavenly Father, forgive us for having bad attitudes about our work. We have sinned because we look at man and the things going on around us instead of acknowledging it is You for whom we work. Give us hearts of gladness and joy with our work no matter what it might be. We ask 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