WHO SHOULD WE FEAR?

 

Matthew 10:28

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both the soul and body in hell."NIV

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."KJV

It's common knowledge that our human bodies are temporary and have limited time on this earth. On the other hand, our souls are eternal and will carry on throughout eternity. Our bodies are truly insignificant when compared to our souls. Death of our human bodies merely means we are separated from this world, no longer existing here in our bodies. More importantly, the death of our souls means we are eternally separated from God. How much more should we fear God, who is able to destroy our souls than men who can only destroy our bodies?

Heavenly Father, help us to have our priorities straight. Keep us focused on the things that really matter, those things that are eternal. Help us to maintain reverence for Your almighty power and grace, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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GOD BREATHED

 

2 Timothy 3:16,17

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."NIV

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."KJV

Let's think just a few moments about the Scriptures being God-breathed. The Words of Life are directly from the Creator of the universe. The same breath that gave life to Adam, gave the living Holy Spirit to those who believe, gave inspiration to men to write His words down. His Words are alive and they communicate God's instructions and plan for us to restore a right relationship with Him. Living by the inspired Word of God will lead us to being more like Christ and to eternal life.

Heavenly Father, we ask Your forgiveness for taking Your Word, the Scriptures for granted. Forgive us for allowing our Bibles to lie unread for days or weeks at a time. Forgive us for reading it with wandering minds and complacent attitudes. We ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us and light the flame of hunger for the Word of God, so that we will make it a part of our very souls. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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GOOD TRUMPS EVIL

 

Romans 12:21

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."NIV

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."KJV

We've all heard the saying: "two wrongs don't make a right." Jesus Christ nullified the old law of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Revenge belongs to God. It is never our privilege to take revenge by stooping to the same damaging evil that was done to us or the ones we love. If we follow the unique law of love in the Word that tells us to love those who injure us and do evil to us, we will disarm them of their ungodly ways. They will expect us to retaliate, but we will stun them by loving them instead. In the process, they may be persuaded to abandon their evil ways. Love is greater than any existing force.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking matters into our own hands by trying to overcome evil with revenge and ill will. Help us to hide this Word in our hearts, to overcome evil with good. Give us hearts of love in the face of any evil in this world. We know it will make us more like Christ. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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COUNT OUR DAYS

 

Psalm 90:12

"Teach us to number our days, 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

Why would the Bible tell us to number our days? It is because we need to be reminded that we are but humans confined to this world of time and space. Life is fleeting, a collection of days. If we count our days, we will stay aware of this fact. We will acquire wisdom as we increase our reverence for God. For it is He who will take us out of this place of time and space into eternity with Him. Let's make every day count and count every day as a blessing.

Heavenly Father, we ask for forgiveness for wasting our days with the cares and worries of this life. Help us to wake up each day recognizing it is an opportunity to gain wisdom of Your salvation plan and pass it along to others. We know the time is short, and we ask that we keep our hearts and minds counting the days as significant for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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VICTORIOUS FAITH

 

1 John 5:4

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."NIV

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."KJV

Do we sometimes use the word 'faith' so often that we have begun to lose sense of the power and serious necessity of it? How is it that we are saved from our sins into eternal life? By our faith in Christ's death and resurrection. How is it we can pray and have hope that God will hear us? By our faith in His love for us. How can we stand strong against the evils of this world so that we overcome? It is by our faith in God. If we want our faith to take us to the end of this world and the eternal life waiting for us, we will nourish our faith with filling our hearts and minds with the things of God. We will be reading and studying the Bible, be in fellowship with other believers, and be in constant communion with the Lord.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our lack of faith. Forgive us for taking faith for granted and not nurturing it as we should. Give us hunger to use our faith and strengthen it so that we will be ready when tribulation comes and when You come for us. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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OUR FAITH

 

1 Corinthians 2:4,5

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power."NIV

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."KJV

There are many Christian preachers, teachers, and writers that take the Word of God and work to help others understand and apply the Word to their lives. Some of these Christian leaders are held is such high esteem, most do not question anything they say. The Word tells us to discern the Word of God. That is to know what is the Word of God and what is words that come from the wisdom of man. If we take everything we hear back to the Word of God of God, we will be able to know the truth. The Holy Spirit will allow us to know.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of the power of the Holy Spirit to know when we are hearing the wisdom of men and Your true Wisdom. Help us to use the gift of discernment so that we may stay on the path of righteousness and Truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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ABANDONING THE FAITH

 

1 Timothy 4:1

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." NIV

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."KJV

Most of us believe that we would never be a part of the "falling away" from the faith. If we really wake up and open our eyes, we will see that it is not a sudden change of mind that will cause this abandoning of the faith. It is a long subtle process that began really close to the truth, but gradually veers of course, making it seem right, reasonable, and true. Remember the story of putting a frog in hot water, he jumps out. Put him in cool water and gradually heat it up. He remains and boils to death because he didn't realize the water was getting hotter. That's how it will be. If we do not stand strong in our faith, immersed in the Word of God, and being in communion with our Lord daily, we just might be one of those who become deceived.

Heavenly Father, Oh how we pray for hunger to stand firm in our faith, in the Truth, the Word of God, full of the Holy Spirit, so that we do not get seduced by Satan and his evil schemes. Help us to understand how real the dangers of falling away from the faith can be. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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FIRM FAITH

 

1 Corinthians 16:13

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."NIV

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."KJV

Would any of us invest in a home, move in, and never do anything to keep the home in good shape, free of the wearing of time? Of course not. Why, then, would we allow our faith to function on its' own without feeding it with the Word of God, exercising it, and guarding it with our very being? Some Christians neglect their faith and refer to having it as just a matter of fact. Faith is the very essence of our salvation. It is our hope. It is the connection we have with our Lord and Saviour. Our faith is our priority, according to the Word, and standing firm in our faith is the Word's direction.

Heavenly Father, if we have failed to take our faith seriously, and have only used it in a matter of fact way, because we are supposed to be Christians, forgive us. Put in us a hunger, a fire, to stir up our faith, keeping it strong through the Word and prayer, so that we will be able to stand. 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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WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?

 

James 1:26

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."NIV

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."KJV

Anyone can be religious. To be religious is to act out external religious behaviors and traditions. Those behaviors are totally worthless unless there is the internal living Spirit of God that keeps us in control of our sinful nature. Our speech is the most difficult thing for us to control. It can only be done with the help of God's Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us if we have only acted religious on the outside. Give us willing hearts to open up to the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit so that we will live true spiritual lives. Help us to be aware that our speech is what will give us the most trouble our self-control. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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SOMETHING NEW

 

Isaiah 43:18,19

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."NIV

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."KJV

The Word of God tells us that we should not think about the way things were in the past; how He worked, how we did things, all the things that took place. Our God is doing something new, something more spectacular than we can ever imagine. He performed mighty miracles time after time for His people. God did those things then and he is doing them in our day. He is doing new and great things in your lives and mine.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for focusing on the past and expecting You to do the same things for us now. Help us to forget the way we have always done things. Give us awareness of the mighty new things You are doing for us each and every day. We pray that we do not miss the wonderful miracles You are doing in our lives every day. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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GOD IS GREATER

 

1 John 4:4

"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."NIV

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."KJV

As born again Christians, we have God the Holy Spirit within us. Do we realize that because God lives within us, we have the power to overcome every spirit that is against Christ. If we remember this when we are facing difficulties at our work, we will overcome. If we remember this when we are in the middle of conflict within our homes, we will overcome. If we remember this when tragedy strikes, we will overcome. Our God is greater than any force in the universe.

Heavenly Father, what an awesome God You are that You would take up residence in Your children. Give us awareness of the power that is within us when we come up against trials and tribulations so that we will overcome. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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PALED SUFFERING

 

Roman 8:18

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."NIV

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."KJV

A part of our sharing in Christ's glory throughout eternity is sharing now in the sufferings He endured when He walked on this earth. The good news is, sharing in His glory is so magnificent that our sufferings in this life are insignificant in comparison. We really are blessed and this promise in the Word of God brings us such peace. Remember, the words of this scripture were written at a time when the early Christians were enduring severe persecution. Surely we can endure the sufferings we experience now.

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that our sufferings will pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us in eternity. Help us to remember these words of comfort when we go through trials and difficult times. 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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A MAP TO SHOW THE WAY

 

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."NIV

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."KJV

Would any of us take off on a long, cross country road trip and never take the time to get a map and study the routes? So many people are doing that very same thing with their lives. These people go through life taking things as they come with no plan or preparation for life's detours, washed out bridges, or heavy road construction. There is no life map that will light the way for us that comes from this world. The Word of God is the only map that shows us the way we are to go. If we rely on the Word of God we will arrive at our destination safe and ready for eternity.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your Word that lights the way we are to live our lives. Help us to be more hungry for Your Word and to hide it in our hearts. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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DESTRUCTIVE ANGER

 

Proverbs 29:22

"An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins."NIV

"An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression."KJV

Anger is an emotion that all of us have and we exhibit at times. Most of us keep our anger under control and don't let it cause disruption when it arises. It is the person who is given to anger, the one who has an angry temperament that causes conflict and resulting sinful actions. It seems for these angry people, the anger takes control. They yell, verbally attack, dominate, and create anger or fear in others. An angry person will always sin against God and man by belittling, criticizing, cursing, being aggressive, destroying items, and ultimately murder. An angry person needs Christ in order to get rid of this destructive anger and become a new person who is Christlike. Without the fullness of Christ, there is no hope for the angry person.

Heavenly Father, forgive us if we are given to anger and have angry temperaments. Help us to seek the fullness of Jesus Christ so that our destructive anger will be abolished and we will become like Him and handle our human anger as He did. We ask in His precious name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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LOVE GOD WITH ALL THAT WE ARE

 

Deuteronomy 6:5

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."NIV

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."KJV

To love God, who loves us with an everlasting love, is the ultimate privilege available to every man, woman, and child. Because of His great love, He is worthy of more than nonchalant, half hearted love. We are to love our God with love that involves the total person. We are to love Him with our emotions, our eternal souls, and our physical bodies. Our God is the one true God. We are free to love Him with our total being.

Heavenly Father, how great is Your love for us. How undeserving we are! Help us to love You with all of our being so that we will walk in unity with You and be Your light in this world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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MAKE SUBMISSION POPULAR

 

James 4:7

Submit yourselves the, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."NIV

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."KJV

What does it mean to submit? It is an action word that means turning over all our own power and authority to another. The Word instructs us to submit to God. There is all wisdom in taking this action if we take a moment to think about the consequences of doing so. The devil is totally powerless under the authority of the almighty God. If we are submitted to God, we are resisting the devil, because he cannot deceive us or lead us astray with his subtle tactics. We are protected under the total authority of God. If we insist on being our own authority, we leave ourselves open targets for the enemy.

Heavenly Father, it is not an easy thing to turn over all our own power and authority. As humans we want to have control over ourselves. It is so comforting and secure to know that giving You all authority and power over us keeps the devil and his tactics away from us. For this we thank You and give You all the praise. Help us to submit ourselves to You, in the name of Jesus' we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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FREE TO SAY NO TO SIN

 

Galatians 5:1

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, the, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." NIV

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."KJV

All of us desire freedom. We live in a world that ties us down to things that close us in and keep us from enjoying true freedom. Some people make changes in their lives or manipulate the world around them to make themselves more free. It isn't long before they are again entangled again, far from freedom. We cannot free ourselves. It is only the blood of Christ that can truly set us free. But it is up to us to stay in the cleansing power of His blood to stay free, so that we don't get caught up in the bondage of this world again.

Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for the freedom we have through the cross of Jesus Christ. Help us to always stay in Your loving grace so that we don't get caught up in the snares of this world. Show us how to stay free, truly free in You. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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PURIFY

 

2 Corinthians 7:1

"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." NIV

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."KJV

Our God promises that He will accept us, even though we are weak and easily taken in by sin. He has told us He is our Father and we are His children, even though we are stubborn and rebellious. Because of our God's unconditional love and sacrifice for us, the least we can do is dedicate our very lives and soul to Him. This will mean a commitment to get rid of our selfish desires, our bad attitudes, and anything that would stand in the way of total obedience to Him. This will be a life long process out of respectful awe of God Almighty. He will help us to accomplish it.

Heavenly Father, it is such an awesome reality that You would love us in spite of our sinful natures. We ask for Your grace to purify ourselves so that we will be living examples of what Your love will do for those who accept Your Son. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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THE COMFORT OF A MOTHER

 

Isaiah 66:13

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."NIV

"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."KJV

What an honor it is to mothers everywhere that God would promise His people the same comfort that a mother would give her child. God built into mothers a special love that creates a bond between her and her child that nothing can come between. There is no hesitation on a mother's part to get to her child when he is in trouble so that she can get him to safety, take care of his needs, and comfort him. Every mother knows this strong giving love. All children know who they can go to in times of joy and sorrow. Our Lord stands ready at all times to show that same comfort to us, just like a mother does.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for mothers love that You planted within them. We thank You for mothers who sacrifice and give, not thinking of themselves. We praise You for patterning a mother's love after Your own. Help us to always honor our mothers and give them the honor they deserve. 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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GUARANTEED SUFFERING

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 If we are suffering from troubles and problems because of our own choices, doing things our own way, we have no one to blame but ourselves. When we suffer because of our faithful service to the Lord, He is there right along side of us. If we will remember this: the more trouble we experience here just means we are in the harder parts of the spiritual battle. Our Lord knows where we are and the battle we are fighting. He has a glorious reward waiting for us that He already won for us at the cross. Heavenly Father, how we praise You and give You glory for overcoming the world and the trouble it contains. Help us to be strong and not give up when the battle gets hard, because we know You are with us and will bring us to glory with You. 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