ENERGY OF THE CROSS

 

Romans 1:16

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..."NIV

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..."KJV

The world is full of beliefs about power and energy, spiritual energy that is. Exactly what is energy? It is defined as "the capacity for vigorous activity from available power" or "forcefulness of expression." If we are not alert, we will act from the wrong source of energy. For the children of God, the cross of Christ is the only source of energy. This same power, or energy, parted the Red Sea, kept the three Hebrews from burning in the fiery furnace, turned a small sack lunch into enough to feed 5000 with baskets left over, brought Jesus Christ out of the grave to the right hand of the Father in heaven. There is no energy greater than that! If we plug ourselves into that source of power, it costs us our own control of our lives, but the benefits are indescribable. The cross of Christ is what gives us energy to draw others to Him.

Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves before You and give You control of our lives, by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. We pray for that power that will draw others to the foot of the cross of Christ, that they may have eternal life and take Your power to others. 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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CONSIDER OTHERS FIRST

Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves." NIV "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves." KJV In our world as it is now, there is nothing that will set apart the children of God more than humbleness and treating others as though they are better than we are. It doesn't take long for our humility to be tested once we have pulled out into traffic. Likewise, our human nature just fights to dominate when we are in a crowded shopping place and people are pushing and inconsiderate. If we as Christians cannot control our human natures in such places, we should not place ourselves there where we likely become overwhelmed and become like the world. If we take the time to be in the presence of the Lord and hide His Word in our hearts, we will be equipped with the proper armor to be victorious in times like these. Heavenly Father, You know what the prevailing spirit of this world has become and that it is difficult for even the most dedicated Christian to live among such depravity. Help us, Lord, to stay close to Your side, protected by Your Word, in the shadow of Your hands. We need to be in places of strife, pride, and entitlement so that we can shine as lights to guide those who are lost there. Help us be lights in this dark world, 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

WHAT IS BEING JUST?

 

Read Psalm 37:28

"For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever." (NIV)

"For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they

are preserved for ever." (KJV)

So, who are the just? What is it the Lord loves about judgment? To be a just person is to be guided by truth, justice, and fairness. The judgment the Lord loves is discernment guided by truth, justice, and fairness. Not everyone is just. Some may think they are but they are guided by their own beliefs and prejudices. There are many so called "judges," but again, they are not guided by Godly discernment. The just are those who have an honest and pure intentioned heart. The Lord always and ever favors and protects those who are just because they have His heart.

Heavenly Father, O how we desire to be considered as Your people who are just. Search our hearts and reveal to us if we are truly just or if we are guided by the world or our own beliefs. We long to be a people after Your heart and we know we can only do that with Your guidance. Help 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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TASTE AND SEE

 

Psalm 34:8

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." NIV

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." KJV

We can all remember times we went swimming and hesitated to even put our foot in the water because we knew the shock of the cold water. We have missed out on many things because our senses have given in to our fears. The Word of God tells us to taste the Lord. We are being encouraged to try the Lord and see if what has been said in the Word is true. We don't have to miss out on the goodness and glory of God because of fear. We can step out in faith and be nourished in His safekeeping.

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness that we have let our fears keep us from fully giving ourselves to You. We know fear comes from the enemy. Help us step out in faith to overpower that fear and enjoy being safe in Your arms. 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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HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

 

2 Corinthians 9:15

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" NIV

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." KJV

If we took the time to sit and write out a list of all the things we are thankful for and the many things the Lord has just given us out of His love and faithfulness, we would have a never ending list. There is one gift for which we cannot thank Him enough. That is the gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Just making our human attempts to thank Him for that would take an eternity.

Heavenly Father, the only way we can thank You for providing the way for us to be reconciled to You through Your Son is to give our lives totally over to You. That is all we have to give. We do thank You and praise You for Your unspeakable Gift. In His Holy name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HONORING HIM WITH THANKSGIVING

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." NIV "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." KJV Some days are better than others. In fact, there are some days we might wish we had stayed home with the covers over our heads. But, as children of God, we have another choice we can make that will bring honor and praise to our Lord. That is to give thanks for the many things He does every day, big things, and small things. If we can't think of something that the Lord has blessed us with today, we better get on our knees and let Him have a talk with us. Heavenly Father, please forgive us for allowing the stress and troubles of each day overpower our God given ability to rise above them by giving thanks for Your daily blessings. Help us to daily choose to thank You rather than complain and be defeated by this world. 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

THE GREATEST BLESSING

 

1 Chronicles 16:34

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." NIV

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." KJV

We've all attended a Thanksgiving gathering with family, co-workers, or friends and everyone takes a turn sharing about things for which they are thankful. More often than not, the "things" that are mentioned are family, home, health, or job. Of course those are things that we should be thankful to have and they are all blessings from God. However, too often the more important blessings go unmentioned or even unremembered. The greatest blessing of all is salvation through Jesus Christ because without that, all the other things will be gone with time. Out of this greatest blessing flows all blessings that are ours if we accept the greatest One. These blessing are eternal.

Heavenly Father, we can't thank You enough for the greatest blessing You have freely given us. Help us keep our minds on the Cross and the gift of salvation Jesus Christ made possible for all of us. Increase our boldness to share with others so they will know this blessing is for them too. Fill our hearts with true thanksgiving for all Your wonderful blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GOD SEES IT DIFFERENTLY

1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" NIV "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." KJV Even though we know that God is the only one who can destroy our soul, it is a comforting thing to know that God will look at our hearts and will judge us with fairness and mercy according to His nature. To be judged my man is such a shallow thing. It can be humiliating to be wrongly judged publicly, but it is nothing compared to standing before God Almighty with an impure heart. Heavenly Father, we always bask in the precious abundance of Your love and acceptance. But we do realize that You are also Judge of creation. The judgment of men comes from limited knowledge and biased opinions, things seen only on the outside. Help us to examine our hearts so that when we stand before You, our hearts will be clean and will reflect the cleansing blood of Your Son. In His 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

IDENTIFIED TOGETHER

Matthew 3:15 "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." NIV "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him." KJV Jesus had no need to repent. Why then, did He insist that John baptize Him? He knew it was right to be identified with sinners, those who were in desperate need of repentance. He is righteous and is our righteousness. So through His baptism, He identified with us and through our baptism, we are identified with Him. Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that Jesus Christ willingly gave Himself and identified Himself with mankind by obedience through baptism. Help us to realize that through our baptism, we are fully identified with Him and we are free to walk in righteousness as He did. 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

GOD KNOWS

Romans 11:33 "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!" NIV "O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" KJV We have all come to the place in which we have prayed and sought out God for direction when we did not know which way to go. As humans, we expect to receive the complete itinerary of the path we are to take and how things will progress as we go along. That may work in this world of instant knowledge, but in the kingdom of God we walk by faith. When we come up on these times of uncertainty about what to do, we understand that we do not need to know the plan. We only need to know that God is leading us and as we seek Him in faith, He will get us where we need to be. Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we have walked ahead because we did not get a complete set of directions from You. Help us to remember that these are the times You want us to trust You and we are to walk in faith knowing You are taking care of the situation and we will be where You want us to be. 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

TIME TO SAY THANKS

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." NIV

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God inChrist Jesus concerning you." KJV

Do we realize that God has given us 1,440 minutes in each day? How many of these minutes are spent in productive time and how many are wasted on things that will never be remembered after today? We know there is no excuse for us to let a day go by without taking a few minutes at least, to thank our Lord for His wonderful and merciful blessings to us.

Heavenly Father, may we have open hearts to hear the Holy Spirit remind us that our God has been far more gracious and giving to us than we can possibly imagine. Give us the Spirit of praise and thanksgiving 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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THANK HIM OR COMPLAIN

Ephesians 5:20 "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." NIV "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." KJV The key to a life of contentment is an attitude of giving thanks to God for His blessings no matter what may be going wrong in our lives. If we focus on the negative things, we miss out on the true blessings of God and we are left in a state of discontent and complaining. Heavenly Father, when we find ourselves focusing on the things that are going wrong, stop us and help us to know that they are a part of living in this world and that basking in Your blessings will bring us comfort and will bring You glory. 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

THANKFUL FOR ALL

 

Psalm 75:1

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." NIV

"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare." KJV

When we think of giving thanks, we give praise to God for the particular blessings He has shown us in our own lives. God is pleased with our thankful hearts for these things. However, our thanksgiving goes so much beyond our own blessings to give Him thanks for the blessings He has poured out on the whole world and all of mankind. He gave all. If we think on that for a while, we will be so engulfed in His great loving kindness, the blessings He has showered on us all.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You have given all blessings and love to us. Forgive us for our narrow thinking and only focusing on those blessings You have showered on just ourselves. Open our eyes that we might see Your gracious and merciful blessing to all of mankind. 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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WHO DOES HE SATISFY?

Psalm 107:9 "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." NIV "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." KJV If we believe every hungry person and every person who searches for peace finds it, we will become confused about all the hungry and confused people in the world. Those who receive Godly satisfaction and fulfillment for the soul are those who long after Him and hunger for more of Him. Heavenly Father, we ask with humble hearts that You would increase our hunger and longing for You. Not for our own satisfaction, but that You will be glorified. 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

THANKFUL ATTITUDE

Psalm 100:4 "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise: give thanks to Him and praise His name." NIV "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." KJV How could we possibly get into the presence of God with critical, angry, resentful hearts? We cannot, because it is impossible. With this kind of attitude, there is only a sense of entitlement, superiority, and self-centeredness. If we search our hearts and let the Lord take all these things from our hearts, we can approach the throne of grace with a pure heart and total peace. The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of this kind of praise and worship. Heavenly Father, we ask for forgiveness for coming to You in prayer and worship when we have resentments and anger in our hearts. Help us to have clean hearts and let go of these things that separate us from You. 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

GIVE THANKS FOR WHAT?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." NIV "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." KJV We are not told to give thanks for all things. We are told to give thanks in all things. We are giving thanks to our Lord no matter what circumstance surrounds us because He is right there with us. If the situation is good, we thank Him for His blessing and rejoice in the blessing. If we are in very difficult times, we thank Him that He is going through the storm with us and that He is working in us spiritual maturity, faith, and peace. We thank Him because He is working all things out for our good and His glory. Heavenly Father, forgive us when we complain and become overwhelmed during trials and difficult circumstances. We ask that Your Holy Spirit would bring to our minds that You are with us and we can give thanks to You for the mighty work You are doing through our struggles. We pray 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

THE REASON HE CAME

Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." NIV "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." KJV Jesus Christ did not come to earth only to be seen as an example of Godly living. He came on a mission. A mission that compelled Him to seek out and to set right what had been lost. What was it that was lost? Yes the souls of all the people. But most of all, it was the pure relationship between God the Father and His created human race. Jesus Christ came to provide the way through His earthly life and death for all to be reconciled to God. He accomplished what He came to do. It is up to each of us to accept His sacrifice. If we do, we will be restored to the pure relationship with our God. Heavenly Father, how we praise Your name for loving us so much You sent Your only Son to reconcile us back to You. Help us to always take time to praise You Lord for providing the way to bring us back into right relationship with You. We pray in Jesus precious 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

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

1 Peter 4:1 "Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." NIV "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." KJV The Word of God does not tell us to wait until God gives us the right attitude so that we will stop sinning. The Word gives us the direct order to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ. That means we are in control of our own attitudes. There are no excuses such as "it's just the way I am" or "I had a rough childhood" or "You just don't know how bad my life has been." We are either the masters of our attitudes or we are slaves to them. Where we are with our attitudes makes the difference in whether we give in to sin or not. Let's examine ourselves to get our attitudes like Christ's. Heavenly Father, we magnify You Lord, that You would give us the freedom of choice over our own attitudes. Give us a deep longing to have the same attitude that Jesus our Saviour had when He walked this earth so that we will stand against sin. We pray 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

GOD'S LEADERS

Daniel 12:3 "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." NIV "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." KJV There are many who want to be used by God, but they sit back and wait for God to show Himself, to prove that He is God. Some may bargain with God and tell God they will serve Him completely if He will but do some wonderful thing through them. God chooses whomever he pleases. There are times when He chooses someone before they are ready or willing. When God wants a true leader, He chooses those who are committed to Him. He makes spiritual leaders of those who are dedicated to giving all for the Glory of God. Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal to us whether or not we stand as potential spiritual leaders for God. Prepare us and guide us to the place of total commitment to the Lord and His kingdom. Choose us to be spiritual leaders for Your glory, in the name of Jesus 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