LET GO

 

 

Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...." NIV

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..." KJV

If we are honest with ourselves, we can identify people, activities, and things in our lives that hinder us, worry us, or get us tangled up in distraction. Our walk with the Lord is the most strongly affected by these things. Rather than make New Year's resolutions that will generally last about a week, this is a good time to let go of people and things that have a negative pull on our lives and hinder our walk with God. If we do so, we can run the race set before us with patience and endurance so that we will win the prize of a God-lived life with crowns to lay at His feet.

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for the lives You have given us. Help us to search our own lives and to let go of people, activities, and other things that hinder our walk with You. Help us to look toward Your Son, Jesus Christ so that we will run the course right into His arms. In His name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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THE SOUL LIVES FOREVER

 

 

2 Samuel 14:14

"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him." NIV

"For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him." KJV

Physical death is inescapable for all of us. But, thanks be to God, He does not allow our soul to die. He provides the Way for all to be united with Him forever.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You and praise You for not only making us eternal beings, but also for providing the way for us to spend eternity in the beautiful presence of Your majesty and grandeur. Help us to tell others of Your wonderful gift that is for everyone who will believe. In Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HOPE, PEACE, JOY

 

 

Romans 15:13

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

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

According to God's Word, the fullness of our joy and peace is directly dependent on how much we trust in the Lord. If we find ourselves ridden with anxiety and unrest, we can examine our faith. We can only trust the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. So, if we pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit and to exercise the measure of faith given to us by God, we will begin to overflow with hope of a life eternal and perfect with Him.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not putting our total trust in You. Help us to recognize that You offer us all joy and peace as we put our trust in You. Show us where we get off track in our faith and trust so that we can experience Your wonderful peace and joy with overflowing hope. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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SHARING AND PRAYING

 

 

James 5:16

 

"Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." NIV

 

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." KJV

When we admit our faults and shortcomings to each other, it clears our minds and strengthens us to trust in the Lord for grace to be more like Him. Praying for one another promotes Godly love, empathy, and accountability. Even more, it promotes healing as God always responds to the powerful and earnest prayers of His righteous ones.

Heavenly Father, we do not do a very good job of admitting our sins to ourselves, much less to confess them to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Stir our hearts to make us aware of the sin in our lives and give us courage to share with those who will pray earnestly with us so that we may be healed of the damage of sin in our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HIDING HIS FACE

 

Isaiah 8:17

"I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him." NIV

"And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him." KJV

There are times when things go on in this world and it seems as though God is hiding His face. We question that He does not intervene in terrible situations. We blame Him for allowing tragedies to occur. If we truly trust in our sovereign God, we will understand that God's plan belongs to a much bigger purpose than what occurs in time. He is not hiding, but waiting for the unsaved to come to repentance. The tragedies occur because of sin that is increasing at a rapid pace.

Heavenly Father, how our hearts grieve at the horrible things that go on in our world. Forgive us for questioning Your plan and purpose. Help us to understand that You are not hiding or ignoring these terrible things, but that You desire for all people to come to You for salvation. Help us to tell all we meet about Your great salvation plan so that You can come back to demolish this sinful world for ever. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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STEADFAST MIND, PERFECT PEACE

Isaiah 26:3   "You will keep in perfect peace him who mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." NIV   "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." KJV   To be kept by God during difficult times and good times is such a comfort. In His grace and mercy, He keeps us with more than adequate peace, it is with perfect peace. His peace is for all who allow their thoughts to build confidence and trust in Him at all times.   Heavenly Father, we stand guilty of lacking Your peace because we let the things of this world grab our thoughts and attention. Help us, O Lord, to keep our minds on You and Your faithfulness, so that You will be glorified and we will know Your perfect peace. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.         ©2012 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

TO US

 

 

Luke 2:11

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." NIV

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." KJV

Those many years ago, our Saviour was born, just as the prophets spoke and wrote down for us. The birth of Jesus, the Christ, brought to us joy, peace, and eternal life. And, He will reign and rule forever. Praise the Lord!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest Gift of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ. And thank You for this Plan to bring us back into full relationship with You. We thank You for the joy, peace, and eternal life this brings to us. In His name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GLORIOUS MESSAGE

Luke 2:9-12   "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" NIV   "And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." KJV   The announcement of the Saviour's birth by the Angel of the Lord was a most exquisite, majestic and glorious appearance. But it was presented to some lowly shepherds tending to their sheep on a hillside, on what seemed to be an ordinary night. Why would God choose to have this heavenly host appear to lowly shepherds? They were the ones who raised the sheep to have lambs that were taken to the city for sacrifice. Those lambs who were without blemish were wrapped in swaddling blankets and put into mangers or other small spaces to keep them from thrashing around and hurting themselves. It was a normal thing for shepherds to approach a manger and see a new born lamb there. The sign spoken by the Angel was that there would be no lamb lying in the manger, but instead, the baby, the perfect lamb without blemish, the One who had been promised to be the ultimate sacrifice for the whole world.   Heavenly Father, we can't imagine our reaction to the awesome appearance of myriads of angels and the angel that announced Christ's birth. You work in the most awesome ways, that we often don't understand. But Lord, You always bring about Your plan in the best ways and always for us to be reconciled to You. Help us to keep this close to our hearts and to live our lives reflecting Your love. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.         ©2012 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

THE VOICE

 

 

Luke 1:80

"And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel." NIV
 

"And the child (John) grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel." KJV

Our God has always given us His voice to let us know His plan for us. Just before the open ministry of our Lord Jesus, God gave us His voice through John the Baptist. John grew up, staying in the desert to prepare for his ministry. When God set the time, John attracted crowds with his message, because the Spirit of God was in him. When Jesus Christ began His ministry after being baptized by John, then John willingly and obediently decreased, so the the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ could increase. Jesus was the voice that told us the way to eternal life. So, now, by the Holy Spirit, we lift our voice in praise and witness to the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, we decrease so that the Holy Spirit can be the voice to convict others of sin and do the work that brings souls to Christ.

Heavenly Father, what a wonderful God You are, that You would provide Your voice for us to know the Way to go in this world. Thank You for the greatest Voice of all, our Lord Jesus. Through the ages You have provided Your voice. Help us to hear and listen so that we will walk in the Way You designed us to walk. In the name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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REASON HE CAME

 

 

John 6:38,39

 

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day." NIV

 

"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that all of which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." KJV

Christmas is a joyous celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. However, this time is not just about the birth of Christ our Saviour. His birth was the hallmark of God's plan, a truly remarkable plan that unfolded as Jesus walked among men. Christmas is also about His exemplary life and the reason He came: To reconcile us to God.

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow in gratitude at the marvelous part of Your plan that took place that night at the stable in Bethlehem. Give us that joy and reverence that the shepherds experienced that night, but let it grow in our hearts throughout the years. We pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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CELEBRATE

 

 

Luke 2:13,14

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" NIV

 

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." KJV

Do we really get the significance of what took place in that humble stable? It was so significant that a great multitude of angels came celebrating, rejoicing and praising God. How much more should we celebrate, rejoice, and praise God. Jesus did not come to save the angels, He came to save us!

Heavenly Father, how we rejoice that Jesus Christ left His glory in heaven and came to earth so that we can be freed from the bonds of sin and live in freedom for eternity with You. Help us to understand the magnificence of this wonderful gift. Let us think about how the sky must have lit up in glorious brightness at the host of angels who celebrated His birth. We praise You and thank You for His birth. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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NOT INSIGNIFICANT

 

Psalm 144:3

 

"Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?" NIV

 

"Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!" KJV

 

Our God is the One who put the awesome and seemingly endless universe in place. Our God holds all of the galaxies and systems in their place, bringing order. Our God spoke everything into existence and He is eternal, He was, He is, and He will be. Why would such a majestic, magnificent, and eternal God keep His mind focused on us, mere flesh and blood, sinful, and self-centered beings. Why did He consider our lost state and send His Son to die for us? Why is He concerned about us at all? Because He loves us. He created us to love Him and to love each other. If He loves us this much, how much more should we think of others? How much more should we love others, even those who are unlovely?

Heavenly Father, how gracious and awesome is Your love. We cannot thank You enough for You mindfulness of us. How we pray that You would put that same love and thoughtfulness within our hearts so that we might be more like You and change this world through love. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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HUMBLE ENTRY

 

1 Corinthians 1:28,29

 

"He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one could boast before Him." NIV

 

"And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." KJV

 

It was God's plan to have His Son enter humanity in a lowly and humble way. The lesson to learn here is that royalty and riches in the Kingdom of God have nothing to do with material things.

Heavenly Father, we confess that we are a people who think of material things, not just necessities, but things for comfort, pleasure, and status. Forgive us for being selfish and worldly. Search our hearts and place a hunger for the things of God rather than the things of this world. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

HIS TIME NOT OURS

 

 

2 Peter 3:9

 

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

NIV

 

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." KJV

 

God is not confined to space and time. Neither does He move or act in our system of time. Unfortunately, we are confined to time and space. Because that's all we know, we expect Him to work and act within the boundary of our limits. Actually, God moves and acts from the unfolding of His eternal plan that gives you, me, and all who walk the earth, an opportunity to change our ways and commit our lives to Him. If we trust Him, how can we question the way He does things?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for expecting You to work things out in our time frames and in our ways. Help us to trust You and remember that You are working all things out for our good and Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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THE LIGHT IS!

 

 

Genesis 1:3

"And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light." NIV

"And God said, Let there be light; and there was light." KJV

When God spoke those first words, the words obeyed Him and what He said came into being. We know from the Bible, God's Holy Word, that His Word is eternal. The light continues to "be" all the way into eternity. God always has a purpose and when He spoke the light into existence, He was introducing creation to His Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. From the time those words were first spoken until the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, this Light was a mystery. But now, we can know this Light through faith in Him, the Light that shines out of darkness.

Heavenly Father, we glorify You and honor You as the Creator of all things. Your Word is eternal and true. Thank You for revealing the mystery of the One True Light. Help us to walk in the Light and turn from all darkness. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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TOO MUCH TO TELL

 

 

John 21:25

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." NIV

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." KJV

It's such an exciting thing to tell others about our wonderful experiences and travels. We can take pictures and tell of the events surrounding those pictures. We can recall the many things we did and the things we saw. However, we cannot reveal enough about the experiences to include every thing that took place. There is just too much to tell, to many things that took place. We try to hit the highlights, but all things were wonderful to us at the time we were there. The apostle John felt the same way about writing down the things he witnessed while walking with Jesus Christ. Someday we will know all the things our Lord did while here on earth. We will be amazed. But for now, we have all we need to know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Heavenly Father, we give You praise and glory for the awesome God You are. We only have a glimpse at Your power and majesty. Help us to take time each day to enter into the quiet place with You so that we will know You better, until we see You face to face and know all things. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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DON'T GET STUCK IN THE MUD AGAIN

 

 

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

Without the truth of the light of Christ, we are totally unaware that we are chained to sin, slaves of the evils of this world. Christ died to set us free to live holy lives that gives us clean hearts and peaceful minds. If we fail to keep our faith strong or let down our guard, the enemy will pull us back into the same chains of slavery.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the sacrifice You made for us to be free from the strongholds of this world. Help us to stay alert and strong in faith so that we don't drift back into bondage. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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ZEALOUS

Titus 2:14   ". . .who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." NIV   ". . .who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." KJV   How would we respond to someone who pulled us from a burning vehicle seconds before it blew up, engulfed in flames? Would we simply and nonchalantly thank this person and go on our way? Would we offer money in payment for this heroic deed? Or would we be so grateful to this person that we would be eager, zealous to show our gratitude in some meaningful way? Jesus Christ not only saved us from eternal death, but He sacrificed His own life for ours. How much more zealous should we be in serving Him and doing the works He did when He was here on earth?   Heavenly Father, forgive us for becoming complacent in our Christian walk. Get us to the place where our hearts are stirred and the fires of our faith are reaching for the heavens. Let our works be zealous and reflect the gratitude we have for the sacrifice Christ made for us at the cross. In His name we pray, Amen.         ©2012 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

GOD ONLY

Job 12:13,14   To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released." NIV   "With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again; he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening." KJV   God has all wisdom to design and create perfectly, and all power and strength to bring it about without flaw. Anyone who believes he can bypass or escape from God is a fool. If God destroys something, it cannot be rebuilt without His will to do so. If a person is bound up or imprisoned, only God can set him free.   Heavenly Father, we recognize You as the great I AM who is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere. Help us to be more reverent of Your awesome grandeur and supremacy. Help us to decrease as You increase in our lives. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.         ©2012 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only