ODORLESS POISON

 

 

Psalm 119:133

"Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me." ESV

Many believe today that quick and unexpected temptation or tragedy will sweep us away into the depths of sin without our being able to get control over it. The problem is, sin is always slow, creeping, tiny little steps that all seem just fine. There is no awareness that we are moving farther along the road to destruction, until we are stuck deep in it's ruts. Just like carbon monoxide, an odorless poison, can take our lives without any fanfare, sin works the same way. We are warned repeatedly in the Scriptures to be alert, watchful, and aware. Sin can get dominion over us in ways we are unaware if we do not keep watch.

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of Your grace so that our minds will be focused on You and Your repeated instruction for us to be alert and watchful. Give us more hunger for Your Word so that we will better recognize the odorless poison of sin and turn from 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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HARMONY CHOICE

 

 

Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, and what is good and acceptable and perfect." ESV

To conform is an action word that implies we have a choice. We can choose to come into harmony with God and His Word or with the world and its' mindset and practices. God's Word says that we are not to conform to this world. Any transformations that take place in us, as Christians, are to come from the Holy Spirit within us by changing our thinking to conform to the Word. Only then, will the knowledge and mysteries of our God be revealed to us.

Heavenly Father, show us where in our lives we have not yet allowed our minds to choose changes that bring us into full harmony with You. Help us to stir our faith so that we will be strong and become more like 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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DIRTY BATH WATER

 

 

2 Kings 5:9-12

"So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.' But Naaman was angry and went away saying, 'Behold, I thought he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?' So he turned and went away in a rage." ESV

We all have our pride and dignity don't we? Whatever our station in life, there will be a time, if not already, when the Lord will tell us to do something that is so beneath what we ever thought He would. After all, there are more "acceptable" ways God could have chosen to answer our prayers. Many Christians react the same way Naaman did. Obedience to God is what gives Him pleasure and causes Him to lavish us with His blessings. Often times obedience requires humility.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our human pride and believing we are above doing the things we need to do in order to obey Your Word. Open our spiritual eyes to see ourselves compared to Christ so that we will eagerly put on the cloak of humility. In Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DON'T YOU SNICKER

1 Corinthians 13:6 "(Love) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." ESV   Are we finding ourselves with a little feeling of delight and satisfaction when someone gets caught doing something wrong? If so, we are actually rejoicing in evil--happy at someone's failing, enjoying the details of the acts they have committed. This is not love. Shouldn't we be grieving that someone was caught in the devil's snare, even if it was someone who hurt us? Likewise, love will fill us with happiness when truth and goodness is manifested, even if it is happening to someone with whom we are having conflict.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for being happy when others fall into Satan's traps. Fill us afresh with Your love so that we will weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice, no matter who they are. 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

WAIT WAIT WAIT

 

 

Psalm 27:14

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord." ESV

Waiting is not one of our favorite things to do is it? If God's Word tells us many times to wait on Him, there is a reason. He is working His plan for our lives, the Church, and the world. God wants us to grow up and learn to be patient adults, content to delay the gratification of our prayers. He has provided the ways for us to be strong and has revealed them to us through the Word. We are responsible to fill our hearts with the things of God that give us courage and strength. There are many things we can be doing for the Kingdom of God while we wait on the Lord.

Heavenly Father, how short we fall of waiting with strength and courage. Forgive us our weakness. Give us Your grace that helps us develop determination to be strengthened and courageous while we wait on You to unfold Your plan. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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KEEP ON KEEPING ON

 

 

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ESV

Exerting time and energy to do God's work can be very tiresome, especially if we never get acknowledged or rewarded for our efforts. When snags get in our way, we use even more time and energy that wears on us. If we are feeling tired and weary, we can take heart. Refreshing ourselves in His promises will give us new energy to keep going and reap the harvest.

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your unending grace to keep going in this battle against evil. Show us how to be refreshed from the promises in Your Word. Let the harvest be plentiful. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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NEVER HALF NAKED

 

 

Ephesians 6:11

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." ESV

The apostle Paul did not write this letter to an individual. He wrote it to the Church in Ephesus. The Lord did not intend for us to fight the schemes of the devil on our own. As members of His Body, the Church, we are to all put on the full armor, working together, praying together, standing firm together, and tearing down Satan's strongholds together. The Lord will take care of our personal problems if we live in that armor, praying in faith to Him.

Heavenly Father, how we pray for Your grace to help us do our part in making sure the Church is fully dressed. We believe You will take care of us in all our struggles if we put the Body of Christ, Your Church first by keeping the full armor on at all times. In Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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HONESTLY

 

 

Psalm 25:21

"May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you." ESV

Living a clean and upright life serves to keep us on the narrow path and guards us against temptation and deceit. This is our desire, to live in this way, because we trust that God will take care of us for all eternity as He promised.

Heavenly Father, we know that we cannot live upright, lives of integrity without You in our hearts. Search our hearts and show us those things that keep us from letting You be the Lord and Master of our lives. Give us a steadfast Spirit that we will repent and live upright before You, while we wait for Your return. 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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LOVE GROWN UP

 

 

Philippians 1:9,10

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." ESV

All that we do, all that we learn, and all our understanding is to be filled, rich to overflowing with love. Then we can know those things that are true and Godly. Then we will know God, for God is love.

Heavenly Father, living in enemy territory surrounds us with so much that lacks warmth and caring. Fill us to overflowing with Your love as we reach out to You. Help us to leave mounds of love everywhere we go and to everyone we see. We long to know You and to share Your love with this world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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MINDSET

Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." ESV   We are part of the ultimate reality of God's eternal plan that works without interruption or hesitation. However, we are part of this world and all it's activity that easily grabs our attention. We tend to lose sight of God's ways, which are for our good and His glory. Instead, we focus on the things in this world that keep us struggling spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The things of this world are temporary. The things of God are eternal. If we keep our minds fixed on God's eternal plan, we will have peace and balance in our souls, now in this world and forever.   Heavenly Father, we are so weary of all the stress and troubles that plague us day after day. We find ourselves wrapped up in the worry and attention to our lives and the world around us. Help us to feed on Your Word and worship freely and frequently, so that our minds will be fastened to those things that are above, where You are. In Jesus' 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

USE A MAGNFYING GLASS

 

 

1 Timothy 4:16

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." ESV

It is way too easy to let up our guard and when we do, we become vulnerable, opening ourselves up to worldly thoughts and ways. This way of the world seems so right at the time, but it definitely isn't. It weakens our spiritual lives, making us ineffective in our testimony, and losing that anointing that drew others to Christ through us. That's why we are strongly warned to keep a close watch, using our spiritual magnifying glasses, so we will stay strong, persistent, and influencing others to do the same.

Heavenly Father, You know we are but dust. We sleep when You tell us to be alert. Forgive us for letting down our guard and letting ourselves become open to the evils of this world. We ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and the hunger to stay focused on the things that are eternal. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DO IT OR GOD WILL

 

 

James 4:10

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." ESV

To humble ourselves is to see others as more important. Being humble is thinking about ourselves less and about others more. If we refuse to humble ourselves, God will do it for us, because He loves us and desires for us to walk in humility as He did. If we walk in humility, He will lift us up.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our self-pride. Help us to see ourselves as we really are so that we will walk in humility and thereby be pleasing 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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CRITICAL PARTNERS

 

 

Job 28:28

"And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'" ESV

Sin came because doing things our way was more desirable than God's wisdom. The consequence was our separation from God. Being in reverent awe and respect of God is the doorway to wisdom. It is then, we will be listening and being obedient to Him. Then we will become more and more separated from evil and closer to the place where we can see and understand the Truth.

Heavenly Father, we recognize that we are born in sin. Give us an increased hunger to follow You in Your wisdom rather than our own way of thinking. Fill us with the Holy Spirit who will lead us to understanding of the Truth and far away from evil. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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TRUTH IN SKILLED HANDS

 

 

2 Timothy 2:15

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." ESV

How can we rightly handle the Word of Truth? Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is the starting point. Then it's just like becoming skilled with anything else. We make ourselves so familiar with the Word that it becomes a part of us. We read and study and pray over and over, day by day. Then just like a finely tuned instrument, we can stand before God, approved and ready to work in the harvest.

Heavenly Father, we bow in humility that we don't read and study the Word like we should. Give us an unquenchable hunger for Your Word so that we will be equipped to use the Word in our lives and teach others to do the same. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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A PACKAGE DEAL

Proverbs 3:11,12   "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." ESV   The Lord teaches us through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and mature Christians. He is faithful to get us back on the right path when we stray. He works with us through discipline until we are obedient to Him. Sometimes this is not a pleasant thing, but it tells us that He loves us and cares about us as a loving parent with a child.   Heavenly Father, how we thank You that You love us enough to discipline us so that we stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Help us to learn those things we need in order to keep walking with You. 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

CHANGE YOUR DIRTY CLOTHES

 

 

Ephesians 4:22

"..to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of this life and is corrupt through deceitful desires." ESV

If we were to spend time in a pig pen, would we be just fine keeping on the clothes we were wearing? No, indeed! We wouldn't be able to wait until we could get cleaned up and put on fresh clothes. Some of us are spiritually running around with our pig pen lifestyles and ways. We fail to get the stench of sin off of us and put on the clothes of righteousness. Maybe we are still attached to the filth. Regardless, we should be just as eager to put on the mind of Christ by renewing the spirit of our minds.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not getting all the worldly filth out of us. Help us to renew the spirit of our minds so that we will be more like 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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DON'T LET THAT FIRE GO OUT!

2 Timothy 1:6   "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." ESV   We have all been given a gift from God to be used for His glory and purpose. It is up to us to maintain the fire, freshness and readiness of our gift by feeding it through close communion with Him and other believers. That way, when God presents the opportunity for us to use our gift, we will be ready and useful.   Heavenly Father, we thank You that You give so freely the gifts that testify of Your great love and mercy. Help us to keep our gifts burning brightly, ready and waiting to let them do the work You intended. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.           ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

STICK TO THE POINT

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you may be united in the same mind and the same judgment." ESV

Isn't it odd that the Body of Christ, the Church, is divided by differing doctrines, traditions, and interpretations of the Scriptures? If local churches everywhere are preaching Christ crucified and resurrected as our Saviour from sin, why would the Church sacrifice unity for the insistence on a particular doctrine, tradition, or interpretation of Scripture? Think about it. Shouldn't we stick to the point, that is Christ?

Heavenly Father, please help us to get our priorities right and be united in the real purpose of Your Church. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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I'M HURTING, HOW CAN I HAVE JOY?

 

 

 

 

James 1:2,3

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." ESV

If we ask anyone we see if they have a simple, trouble-free life, we will get a unanimous answer of "no." We are told in the Word that we will have troubles while we are here on earth in enemy territory. Some of our problems we bring on ourselves. Some things happen that we do not understand at all. Regardless, we can have that deep, abiding joy during any difficulty because we know we will be made stronger. Our strengthened faith and endurance will keep us growing spiritually.

Heavenly Father, give us joy in the times of trouble, reminding us that these trials will make us stronger and more spiritually mature. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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WOULD YOU GET THE DOOR PLEASE

 

 

Revelation 3:20

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." ESV

Haven't we all wondered at times where our peace and closeness with God has gone? After all, He is right at our heart's door waiting for us to answer. This seems to be the place we have gotten off track. Obviously, we have let the things of this world get in the way of our peace and communion with Him. If we acknowledge we have done this, confess this sin, and open our hearts, we will again have the perfect peace and communion with our God we seek.

Heavenly Father, we know that You never change and that You are always right at our heart's door. We confess that we are the ones who constantly change and allow the things of this world to rob us of our peace and communion with You. We pray for the hunger for more of You to be the focus of our lives and that we will dwell in Your peace. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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CHOKING ON WORRY

 

 

Matthew 13:22

"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." ESV

When unbelievers hear the Gospel, the evil one stands ready to keep it from taking root and becoming productive. This happens to Christians more often than we think. We know the Word, but when a serious problem comes our way, we focus on the problem and choke out the Word that brings us faith and courage. Worrying and fretting only chokes the precious Word of God in us and allows us to be fearful and overwhelmed. If we do as the Bible tells us and we hide the Word in our hearts, we will not be overtaken by our problems.

Heavenly Father, forgive us allowing our problems to choke out the Word in our hearts. Help us to hide Your Word in our hearts where we will be ready for trying times and will not choke on worry and fear. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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