STIR IT

 

 

Hebrews 10:24

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." ESV

When a fire is built, then left to take it's natural course, it will eventually die out. For a fire to keep burning to produce the warmth, light, and heat to cook our food, it has to be maintained. The fire needs to be tended, wood needs to be collected, the embers need to be stirred for the new wood to catch the flame. So it is with our faith and the fruit it produces. The Body of Christ is a living fire. We are the Body of Christ. Our faith must be maintained by reading of the Word. We are to go about our lives stirring the faith of other believers. The Church lit with the fire of faith, stirred and ready, will produce the Godly readiness to accept new babes in Christ, so that they will catch the flames of faith.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting our own faith as well as the faith of our fellow Christians. Open our hearts to accept the fire of the Holy Spirit so that we will stir the embers of our faith and produce the fruit of love toward our family of God and be ready for those You bring in to the Family. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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WISE GUYS

 

 

Proverbs 3:7

"Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." ESV

If we allow ourselves to be guided by our own human wisdom, we will find ourselves falling short, missing the mark, and headed down the wrong street. If we trust in the Lord's wisdom, even when we don't understand it, we will find peace, strength, and refreshment.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for trying to get through some things in this life guided by our own wisdom. We thank You that You have given us minds that can think, reason, and learn. But we can only do these things through our senses and our senses tell us about what we are experiencing right now. We cannot know what is going to happen tomorrow, or what others are doing today that might affect us. Help us to open up to receive the fullness of Your Holy Spirit so that Your wisdom will guide us, even when we don't understand. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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THE SAME SAME SAME

 

 

Hebrews 13:8

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." ESV

In this world, the only thing that is constant is change. Flowers fade, seasons change, people come and go, and our health takes unpredictable turns. Technology changes so fast, some of us cannot keep up. However, there is One, Jesus Christ our Lord, who has never changed, who is not changing, and who will never change. We can stake our lives on it.

Heavenly Father, it is so hard for us to hold fast in faith because the world around us is so unpredictable. Forgive us when we begin to believe that You are unpredictable too. Increase our faith as we walk through this ever changing world and give us confidence that You will never forsake us and that You will bring us home on that day. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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HOW MUCH ARE YOU SOWING?

 

 

2 Corinthians 9:6

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." ESV

If we buy a field, but do not work it to the fullest, only planting a few rows of corn, we will not harvest but a few rows of corn. The rest of the field would be wasted and useless. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we will grow spiritually only in proportion to the amount of ourselves we turn over to Him.

Heavenly Father, living the Christian life is a great journey. We stand in need of Your grace and mercy to use our talents and abilities, our time and our hearts to the fullest. Let our hearts' desire be to reap an abundant harvest for Your kingdom and be found faithful servants on that day. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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NOWHERE TO HIDE

 

 

Hebrews 4:13

"And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." ESV

We have all been guilty of or know someone who has engaged in secret sins. Many believe they are all right as long as they are not hurting anybody else. Somehow the human mind finds ways to justify sin so it won't seem so bad. It really doesn't matter if someone hides their secret sin from others, because God sees it and He is the one to whom all individuals will give an account. There will be no excuses, no blaming someone else. Our God is the God of love and grace, but He is also the God who judges sin casts it into the outer darkness.

Heavenly Father, search our hearts. Bring on us the spirit of conviction if there is any hidden sin we are harboring in our lives. Give us this opportunity to repent and live clean before You rather than be condemned under Your hand of judgement. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE HERE

1 Peter 2:11   "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." ESV   If we are strangers and aliens in this world that implies we belong to the heavenly realm and not the earthly one. If we allow earthly things to grab our affections, Godly things will fade. Then we are at great risk for again becoming captives to this world. It is crucial to stay away from those things that tempt us, and to remember we are only travelling through this world.   Heavenly Father, the things of this world appeal so much to our senses that we get caught up in these worldly things with barely a thought. Forgive us for our weak flesh. Help us to stir our faith through the Word so that we will be able to say "no" to worldly things and not let them get in the way of our walk with You. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.             ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

ALL IN THE FAMILY

 

 

Titus 3:7

"So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." ESV

When we understand that we ourselves could never justify our own sinfulness, we can begin to understand how much the Father loved us. Jesus Christ came to do what we could not do for ourselves: He paid the price we should have paid for our sin. Not only are we washed white, totally forgiven, but we are adopted as heirs to His kingdom. We are now family members of God Almighty. So amazing it is that all we have to do is believe, repent, and live our lives so that others will have no doubt to whose family we belong.

Heavenly Father, we cannot ever repay the eternal give of love You gave us. Help us to take on all of Your family's ways so that others will see and be drawn to You. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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WHO IS IN FIRST PLACE?

 

 

Matthew 6:24

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." ESV

The center of our beings has been created to hold only one God. There is just one place for the number one within our hearts. Being human, we find ourselves involved in conflict between the number one place in our hearts. The second place always has less status and will lose to number one every time. The serious fact is, we choose who is first in that one and only spot. It is either God, who belongs there, or it is ourselves and our selfish gain.

Heavenly Father, we fail so many times to the age old struggle of the old self trying to take over first place. Forgive us for those times we allow that to happen. Help us to stay in the Word, increasing our faith and spiritual strength to overpower the old self. Be first in our hearts, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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WHY BE SO SURPRISED?

 

 

1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ESV

How often have we been blind sided with a tragedy, illness, or devastating situation? How many of those times have we asked God, "Why?" It has been evident throughout the ages that fiery trials come to the good, the bad, the rich, the poor. If we are walking in the Holy Spirit and in communion with our Lord, we will understand that there will be trials and that we should not be surprised when they come. These trials test our faith. And, we have been divinely given everything we need to withstand the trial with God's joy, understanding that it will be opportunity for our growth and occasion for His glory.

Heavenly Father, we are humbled at our lack of faith when fiery trials come our way and we lose heart in Your sovereignty. You have told us we would have tribulations and trials. We stand in need of Your grace to build up our faith so that we can face these trials with the determination to overcome for Your glory. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SINCERE LOVE

 

 

Romans 12:9

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." ESV

There is no way we can "pretend" to have Godly love. True Godly love will be repelled by and stay far away from evil, seeking out only that which is good. Those who "pretend" to be full of God's love are those who get tangled up in deceit and evil ways. True Godly love overcomes evil.

Heavenly Father, put away from us all pretense of Your love and fill us with Yourself, which is love. Help us to recognize the difference between Your love and imitations of It. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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CARRY EACH OTHERS BURDENS

 

 

Galatians 6:2

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." ESV

Are we supposed to carry each other's problems and issues when we have our own to carry? In a way, yes, but not like we think. If we share with one another the issues and baggage we carry day to day, we are aware of the struggles of each other's burdens, and we are to keep these things in mind when we interact with each other. We will have a better understanding of why others think and act the way they do. We will not become defensive and take things so personally because we have shared and understand their perspective. This is bearing with the burdens of others. And remember, if we share our burdens with others, they are bearing with us.

Heavenly Father, how we seek to fulfill the spirit of the law by sharing and bearing with the burdens of our fellow Christians. Forgive us when we fail to do so. We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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IT WASN'T ANYTHING WE DID

 

 

Ephesians 2:8,9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." ESV

We did not seek to be saved from sin. While we were bankrupt and dead spiritually, God, in His infinite grace, sought us out and provided the way for us to be freed from the strongholds of sin. How then, can anyone believe that being "good" and following rules, and doing any works of kindness, can result in right standing with the Almighty God? Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us is all that we can do. None of us can take any credit for our salvation or our eternal inheritance with God. Was the thief on the cross near Jesus saved because he deserved it? Was the donkey pulled out of the mud pit on the Sabbath because he was special?

Heavenly Father, we confess no other other way to right standing with You but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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OUT OF CONTROL

 

 

Proverbs 25:28

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." ESV

Here in America, we don't see walled cities. However, we are all too familiar with gated communities. It's the same idea spoken in the scripture. Why do these subdivisions have gates around them? It is to keep within the gates, peace, security, protection from harm, and a sense of community. The gates also keep outside of them danger, thieves, or any type of threat and disruption to the daily lives of those within the gates. Self-control serves as a wall around us to keep us from allowing ourselves to be open to all kinds of destructive and evil things. Without self-control, we open ourselves up to the evil one who can deceive us and rob us of all good things.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not staying alert to weaknesses and gaps in our self-control. Search our hearts and give us awareness of those places we have let down our guard. Give us a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit so that we will produce healthy spiritual fruit, among which is self-control. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SEEKING AND WAITING

 

 

Lamentations 3:25

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." ESV

How many times have we asked the Lord for something and we don't get an answer or at least the answer we wanted? Then we begin to question God and His faithfulness and love for us. How many of us seek to receive the blessings, gifts, and healing of God and fail to really seek Him? If we will just wait in faith and focus our minds on His majesty and goodness, He will act on our behalf. It may not be like we thought or even the way we wanted, but it will be for His glory and for our good.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being impatient and expecting You to alter Your eternal purpose to suit our wants and needs. Forgive us for seeking what You can do for us rather than seeking You and the fullness of Your majesty and glory. Help us to be patient and always mindful of what an awesome and glorious God You are. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SEEK AND PURSUE PEACE

 

 

 

Psalm 34:14

"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." ESV

We all naturally seek after those things that satisfy the senses. We have been created that way. However, we have been made new creatures in Christ with authority over our own wills. The Word of God tell us to choose good and stay away from evil. We can no longer put the blame for our sins and wrongdoing on anyone or anything outside of ourselves. Wherever there is strife and turmoil, evil and temptation, we can freely look for the Godly, peaceful solution and go after it.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing our old sinful natures to cause us to fall into the trap of sin and temptation to do those things that are displeasing to You. Give us openness to the Holy Spirit, to stand strong and be fully able and free to turn away from anything evil, and to run after Your peace. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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LET'S KEEP WITH IT

 

 

Philippians 3:16

"Only let us hold true to what we have attained." ESV

Because we live in a world that is so full of sin and deceit, we can easily become entangled with smooth words and actions that seem right, but are contrary to what we have learned about Christ and the Gospel message. As born again believers in Jesus Christ, His Holiness, His death and resurrection, it is our responsibility to hold on securely to the maturity and truth we have already achieved so that it is not stolen from us. We have so much farther to go. This world and the evil one can get us off track at any point. We by no means want to go where that would take us.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit so that we will hold fast to the Gospel message and not get off track with unimportant rules and doubts that get us confused. Keep us on the path, holding on securely to the Truth we know of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DON'T RELY ON THE RICHES OF THIS WORLD

 

 

1 Timothy 6:17

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." ESV

Those who are blessed with finances and the finer things of this world are at greatest risk to put their trust in possessions and material assets. It is important to pay attention to where we put our trust. It is so easy to become reliant on financial and material comfort in a time where economic status is a standard of our achievement and is envied and desired by most people today. However, the only sure, real, and lasting security comes from the Almighty God and He supplies us with the wealth and riches that will never fade away. The riches of God, that have very little to do with things we collect on this earth, are those that He supplies to every one who believes in Him and He pours out these riches to us in abundance and with His pleasure.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for putting our trust and security in the riches of this world. We fail to remember that all of these things are temporary and will pass away. But the riches You give us are spiritual, finer than any precious stone or metal, and are eternal because of Your love for us. Help us to keep our trust in You, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DON'T BE HALF DRESSED

Ephesians 6:11   "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." ESV   What would happen if we went out to work in the sub-zero weather with a swim suit on? What would happen to a soldier who went into the battle zone with no helmet or while wearing flip flops? Living the Christian life and wearing the full armor of God is even more important. Not only is our own eternity at stake, but so is that of those with whom we share the Gospel. Without the full armor of God, we will surely be taken in by the evil one.   Heavenly Father, how we stand in need of Your full armor. Help us to be aware of all parts of the armor and to be sure we are well dressed to meet the fiery darts of this evil world. Without the full armor, we will surely be overcome by evil. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.           ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

ARE YOU STILL IN THE DARKNESS?

 

 

1 John 2:9

"Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in the darkness." ESV

We may claim to be a child of God. We may say we are born again. We might believe we are holy, righteous, and above reproach. However, if we are harboring resentment, ill will, or even hatred toward another, we are not a part of God's Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we pray You will search our hearts and reveal to us any resentment, ill will, and even hatred in us against anyone. While it may be difficult to know we have to confess it and repent, we know that Your children do not have this sin in their hearts. We thank You for Your mercy and grace. In Jesus Christ's name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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NO LOSING WTIH GOD

Psalm 60:12   "With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes." ESV   There is no peace, no overcoming our trials and tribulations in life without the grace and mercy of God. The battle is His. If we let go and allow Him to have charge of our lives, He will destroy every evil that tries to get in the way of our journey toward Him.   Heavenly Father, we confess that we take matters into our own hands when difficult times come our way. We somehow think we can take care of things. Most often, the trials are far greater than we are. Help us to put our faith totally in You, knowing in our hearts that You will lead us to victory in all things. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.           ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

WATCH YOUR MOUTH

 

 

Ephesians 4:29

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." ESV

Words that come out of our mouths may not only be unholy and profane, but the words we say can also tear down and humiliate others. We never know who may be within hearing distance when we speak. God hears, and He will judge us. Others will hear and either be discouraged or be influenced to speak in the same way. We are responsible to watch what we say.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for speaking things that bring dishonor to the name of Christ. Forgive us for saying words that hurt and tear down. Help us to watch our words carefully so that we will build up and encourage, bringing honor to our Lord. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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GOD'S EYES ARE ON YOU

 

 

Hebrews 4:13

"And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." ESV

Every person will have to give an account to the living God, both those who believe and those who don't. All actions, thoughts, and secrets are intimately know by Him. Doesn't it seem like a wise thing to make sure all our actions, thoughts, and secrets are brought to Him and covered by His blood?

Heavenly Father, search our innermost being and whatever You find there that is displeasing to You, help us to confess it, repent, and live our lives as Christ did. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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SO WE CAN BE RICH

 

 

2 Corinthians 8:9

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might became rich." ESV

The riches that Christ left to become a man on this earth were not silver and gold. They were the eternal riches of the mysteries of God. When Christ became a man, his poverty was living in a world of sin, greed, and turmoil. Because He willingly and, with joy, gave up being equal with God, we will be free from this poverty stricken world with all its trials and tribulations. We may not be rich with material things in this world. That was not God's purpose. His purpose was for us to enjoy eternity with Him in all the riches of the mysteries of God.

Heavenly Father, forgive us that we think of material things when we think of riches. We cannot fathom all that Christ gave up to come to this earth so that we could be saved. We praise You that He did give up all for us. Give us hearts that seek the true riches of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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