WILL GOD SEND YOU TO HELL?

 

 

Romans 6:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." ESV

God has never and will never send any person to hell. It's pretty clear what the term "wages" are. It is rewards earned by performing some task or work. That's right! People earn themselves right into hell of their own doing. They get paid an eternity in hell for the godless lives they live. No one earns eternal life, there are no wages for getting to heaven. God gives eternal life as a free, unearned gift to those who believe in His saving grace.

Heavenly Father, help us to be wise when we are called on to answer why God would send anyone to hell. Fill us with the Holy Spirit that Your Word will come to mind and we can speak the truth. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GODLY GRIEF VS WORLDY GRIEF

 

 

2 Corinthians 7:10

"For Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." ESV

Grief over a sin, a wrongdoing, is a normal human emotion. However, there is a huge difference in our source of grief. Some people grieve and feel guilty over the fact that they were caught or found out and now they are in trouble. This kind of grief is worldly and lacks moral character. It only makes a person seek different ways to get by with secret sins to keep from getting caught. The sinful heart remains and results in spiritual death. Godly grief, on the other hand, is a grief that brings humility from having sinned against our God and fellowman. We are grieved that we have gone against our Lord. The burden of that guilt leads us to turn away from ever doing that wrong again. It helps us mature and keeps us on the eternal path to God.

Heavenly Father, search our hearts so that we will know where our grief comes from. Give us hearts of Godly grief, the awareness that our sins are against You and give us faith and spiritual strength to repent. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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EVERYONE SINFUL, BELIEVERS JUSTIFIED

 

 

Romans 3:23,24

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." ESV

No matter how hard we try, or how committed to living like Christ, we will never be able to live a sinless life. We have all sinned and we will all sin in the future. It is the nature of being human. The good news is that Jesus Christ provided the way for those who believe in Him to be declared innocent of sin. Without Christ, we have no hope. With faith in Christ, we are not held accountable for the sins we committed. Glory to God.

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross so that we would be considered innocent of sin. Help us to not take this for granted and take liberty to sin whenever we want. Help us to understand that that kind of sinning is not from a purified heart. Give us awareness that we will be held accountable for sin we refuse to confess and of which we refuse to repent. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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SEE JESUS AND YOU'VE SEEN THE FATHER

 

 

Hebrews 1:3

"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." ESV

In early times, God spoke to His people through the prophets, men chosen and anointed to speak His truth. Jesus Christ was far superior to the prophets because He is the perfect representative of God the Father. Our God sent His Son to represent Himself so that we might know Him and become like Him. Jesus Christ successfully and completely accomplished the Father's plan to reconcile us to Himself. We have no excuse for failing to live as Jesus did. The more we know Christ and how He lived, the more we know the Father.

Heavenly Father, how we praise You for giving us the Model of how we are to live our lives here. We thank You for Jesus Christ, who is Your exact likeness. Help us to seek Him so that we will know You. In His name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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SEEING THE WHOLE PICTURE

 

1 Corinthians 13:12

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." ESV

Believing we are spiritually enlightened and learned in the Word of God makes us feel quite satisfied. The truth is, we actually have only a poorly reflected knowledge of God and His Truth. Sin has cause our spiritual eyes to be defective. Let's be of good cheer. The day is coming when our spiritual eyes will look on Him and we will know Him fully, as fully as He knows us. That will be more than feeling satisfied. It will make us complete.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for becoming proud of our spiritual knowledge and our familiarity with the Word. Help us to remember that we are so limited in our ability to see the whole Truth. May we look forward to that day when we will know You fully. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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ITCHY EARS

 

 

2 Timothy 4:3

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." ESV

The Way to eternal life is a straight and narrow path. There is nothing glamorous or attention grabbing about it. It is a challenging path that takes full commitment and total self-sacrifice. Very few people humble themselves and commit to staying on this path. Even those who "call themselves" Christians do not really want to travel this difficult path. They look for an easier way, more appealing way, a less difficult way to feel they are walking in the Truth. The problem is there is no alternate route. There is only One Way. So let's take up our cross and follow Him.

Heavenly Father, we are in great need of discernment to know when the teachers and respected leaders of the church have changed the true message of the Gospel to one that is more compatible with our lives, one that is less of a sacrifice. Help us to keep from watering down the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Help us to teach and live the only Way to eternal life. We pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HIS DESIRE FOR ALL OF US

 

 

1 Timothy 2:4

"Who (God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." ESV

Since God provided the Way and desires that every human accept His provision, it is up to us who already believe to tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. It is not our responsibility to "save" others, but only to tell them the Good News. The Holy Spirit is present to convict and reveal the truth, but it is up to the person who receives this news of Jesus Christ to accept it, believe, and be saved. God wants this for everyone. Even those who believe they have gone too far in their sin. The good news is that the blood of Jesus Christ covers all sin.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for providing the way for us to be reunited with You after sin separated us from You. We thank You that someone obeyed the call to tell us the Gospel so that we believed. Now give us the boldness and unending hunger to spread the Good News on to those who need to hear it and be saved. This is Your desire and we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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BEING PREPARED

 

 

1 Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." ESV

If we are honoring Jesus Christ in our hearts, will we not also be honoring Him in our behavior? And if we are honoring Him with our behavior, will not other people take notice and want to know what it is that makes us so content and full of joy? If we are honoring Christ, people will notice. Are we ready to tell anyone who asks the reason we do what we do and say what we say? Preparation to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes from time spent in communion with Him and His Word.

Heavenly Father, we pray that we honor You before men and that we will hunger for You and Your Word, so that we will be prepared. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11   "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." ESV   It seems we have become a bit idealistic when we think about how our lives should be. The more we think about what could be added, changed, or removed to make it better, the more discontent we become. Haven't we all been guilty of praying and asking God to make our lives more content, making it more like we have think it should be? By doing this, we have lost the blessing of pure contentment in having Christ with no thought of our earthly condition. We are where we are for a purpose, His purpose. And it will all turn out for our good and for His glory. How can we not be content with that? Contentment is a process we learn as we walk with the Lord.   Heavenly Father, we thank You that contentment is freely showered on us for the taking if we will but get our eyes off our selves and on You. Help us to be more Spirit minded so that we will learn to be more content. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.          ©2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

A CALL TO MAGNIFY OUR GOD

Psalm 34:3   "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!" ESV   We all share in the same trials and tribulations of living in this world. We call on our friends and family to talk about the difficulties and challenges we are facing. Wouldn't it make sense that, as Christians, we would call on our brothers and sisters in the Lord to share in the praise and worship of our Lord? Wouldn't it lift all of us out of our own situations and into the presence of our magnificent God? The heart of every child of God is bent toward magnifying the very God who made us and longs to hear our praises.   Heavenly Father, we stand in need of Your forgiveness for getting caught up in the cares of this world; and, for not hearing the call to magnify You, the Almighty, Loving God. Give us hearts of praise and adoration so that we will call on our fellow Christians to praise and magnify You. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.          ©2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

OUR PROVIDER

 

 

Psalm 23:5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." ESV

The Lord is faithful to abundantly provide our needs openly before all to see. This is a testimony of His love and grace for unbelievers to know how loving our God is. Our enemies cannot stop God's provision for His children nor can they deny it. It is proof of God's favor toward those who belong to him.

Heavenly Father, how privileged we are that You would bless us in front of unbelievers. Forgive us for becoming prideful of that. Help us to understand that in blessing us, You are drawing unbelievers to Yourself. Give us hearts of humility and gratefulness so that we will be a testimony to those You are reaching. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME

 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:4

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." ESV

During our stay on earth there will be times when things in our lives will cause us to grieve and weep. Likewise, there will be times when life will bring us joy and laughter. God's love for us is not dependent on what we are going through here on earth. We are experiencing what all humans go through in this world, even as our Lord did. We can take heart with hope that the day is coming when there will be no more grieving and weeping.

Heavenly Father, we confess that at times when we are having troubles, and we are grieving and depressed, we feel You have forgotten us, no longer care, or have not heard us. We know this is not what Your Word tells us. Help us to understand that the bad and difficult things come to all of us just as the good things. You are always with us and watching out for us, ready to bring us to the place You have prepared for us in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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THERE IS UNBELIEF IN ME!

Mark 9:23,24 "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" ESV It is quite an easy thing to fully trust the Lord for the small things and for others who need a touch from Him. The problem comes when we see no way a thing can be accomplished and it appears there is nothing that can be done. That's when we begin to fret and doubt. This doubt is a doorway for the evil one to slowly eat away at our faith and make us ineffective Christians. Never forget that we can be completely reliant on Him to hear us and answer us according to His will and our best interest. Trust Him no matter what things look like around us.   Heavenly Father, we thank You and give You praise for Your power and never changing grace. Forgive us for losing our trust when things don't seem to be going right. Help us trust in You no matter what because You will bring us to victory in all things. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.          ©2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

ARROGANCE

 

Romans 11:18   "Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you." ESV   It is human nature to become overly confident and proud when we learn new things from the Word and we begin to think we have great spiritual insight and maturity. We tend to walk with our heads held higher than others and notice how much less they know about God than we do. What arrogance! We cannot possibly know how mature and close to the Lord another person is. Nor can we think we have advanced far above those Christians in our circle of acquaintances. We are but grafted on branches that are totally dependent on the True Vine and live only by His grace. We cannot compare ourselves to others. If we remember to compare our spiritual status to that of Jesus Christ, the perfect holy One, we will find no reason to proud and arrogant.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for our pride and arrogance. Show us the root of this pride and give us the ability to get it out of our hearts. By Your grace, give us hearts of humility and love for all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Remind us that we cannot compare ourselves to others because that will result in pride. But help us to compare our lives to that of Christ so we will see how we truly are. In His name we pray, Amen.          ©2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC drbobbijo@yahoo.com http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

GET HIM WHILE YOU CAN

 

 

Isaiah 55:6

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." ESV

God's Word is clear that there will be a time when it will be too late to seek His salvation. The Lord will come and gather those who are his and the door to eternal life with Him will be closed. Seek Him now.

Heavenly Father, if we have put off giving our hearts and lives to You because we believe there is plenty of time or there are things we want to do first, set our hearts on fire with the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that we will understand the urgency that today is the day of salvation. Help those of us who have committed our lives to You to be able to lift up Jesus Christ, so that He will draw those to Him who need His salvation. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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BEING MATURE AND EXPERIENCED

 

 

Hebrews 5:14

"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." ESV

By frequent exposure to the Word of God and daily experiencing communion with Christ and other Christians, we become experienced, mature Christians. It is then we are able to comprehend the deep things of God and understand many of the mysteries kept hidden from babes in Christ. We are strongly encouraged to keep ourselves in tune constantly with the Word, the Spirit, and the fellowship of other believers. If we are mature and experienced, we will not only be able to discern the deep things of God's truth, but we will be able to teach and be examples to those who are less experienced or new in Christ. This is not an option for us as Christians to stay satisfied with the basics and never grow. It is our reasonable sacrifice of worship to grow and become mature in Christ.

Heavenly Father, O how we need Your grace to give us hunger for Your Word and the deep things of Your kingdom. Forgive us for being satisfied with the basics that keep us from growing and being capable of casting down falsehoods and attacks of the enemy. Help us to be sincere in growing as Christians and being able to help bring others along in their walk. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HARD HEARTED

 

 

Hebrews 3:7,8

"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'" ESV

Human nature does not change over time. The children of Israel saw the mighty works of God, but still continually grumbled, complained, and strayed from the commands of God. Those are the very things we do today. If we do not let our hearts get hard like they did, we will reap the wonderful promises of God and enter His rest.

Heavenly Father, You have told us that we are to be eager, alert, watching, always praying. Forgive us for being like the Israelites in the wilderness, complaining that things are like they are or that You have not answered in the ways we think You should. Help us to always be open hearted and spiritually awake to Your working and be eager to experience Your mighty deeds that You do at all times. Keep us from complaining and growing cold in our walk. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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HUNGER FOR THE WORD

 

 

1 Peter 2:2

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." ESV

How do you know when a newborn baby is in need of being fed? The baby is putting all of it's energy and strength into crying, thrashing it's little arms and legs, and audibly exercising it's little lungs. Without being fed, the little baby will never grow and mature into a healthy adult. It is the same for us as Christians. If we want to become healthy, mature Christians, we will put all our energies and strength to take in the spiritual milk of God's Word.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that we have not put our all into seeking Your Word. Forgive us for allowing the business of this world to choke out our eagerness and time to get into the Word so that we will grow spiritually. Help us to hunger and move to get into the things of God so that we will grow and become more like Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WATCH OTHERS, WATCH YOURSELF

 

 

Galatians 6:1

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." ESV

We are pretty good at identifying others' wrong doings. So, we are responsible to approach them in love and gentleness, rather than talk about it behind their backs or shame them in a "put down" sort of way. Just as important, if not more so, is to keep watch on our own thoughts and actions. We have a way of excusing the things we do and not allowing others to make any excuses.

Heavenly Father, it is comforting to know that You are full aware of our human weaknesses. Please give us grace and loving hearts when we speak to others about their wrong doings. And have mercy on us that we will guard ourselves from our own wrong doings and not excuse them away. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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WILLING SPIRITS, WEAK FLESH

 

 

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ESV

It requires both watchfulness and prayer to help us resist temptation. Temptation comes in small everyday ways as well as clear and evil ways. It's those small temptations that can just slip into our lives like a seed in the ground and grow until we are in full blown sin.

Heavenly Father, we know You fully understand our weaknesses. Help us to know and understand them so that we can be more watchful and prayerful about them. Show us the small temptations that we fail to resist, but that are dangerous to our spiritual lives. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

        

©2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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