Galatians 3:23

 

"Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed." ESV

 

So many people who have not accepted Christ as their Savior continue to see Christianity as a large list of do's and don'ts. Even some Christians are still under the teaching of this same concept. The good news came as Jesus Christ, who showed us a new way. We are no longer bound by the laws of do this and don't do that. We have been set free to live by the Spirit of the living God who leads us by His Spirit. It is by His Spirit that we know what is pleasing and right in God's eyes. We no longer need a list of rules to follow. If we are walking in the Spirit of God, we will never be breaking any laws. There are no laws against the things God would lead us to do.

 

Heavenly Father, how can we ever show our gratitude for the freedom You gave us through Christ. Help us to always walk in Your Holy Spirit so that we will be beyond the law, being full of Your living Spirit. We will no longer need a list of rules, but we will be living right and just before You and before our fellow men. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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MERCY PLEASE

 

 

Hosea 6:6

 

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." ESV

 

God's mercy moved Him to bring Himself to us through Jesus Christ. If we desire mercy, we will come to Christ and allow Him to make us like Himself. Without mercy, any religious act or Christian work is useless. They are only empty acts with a religious appearance. God would rather we show mercy to the poor, needy, and lost than to give all our time, talents, and gifts to a religious cause.

 

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow in Your presence because we have engaged in religious activities and have neglected showing mercy those who are in need. Mercy is Your great desire for us to give out just as You give to us. Help us to show mercy each day and bring You glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

 

 

1 Corinthians 16:14

 

"Let all that you do be done in love." ESV

 

Just think of the many reasons we do things for others. It can be very difficult to just cast away our own plans for the day and lovingly give of our time to others who have requested it. Sometimes, though, it is for love that we say 'no' to others because they have need to do things for themselves. When we walk in love, the Holy Spirit will help us discern the way of Love. After all, God is love.

 

Heavenly Father, what great love You have for us, that You would give all for us. In our limited human capacity, we can show Your love to others by allowing Your Spirit to guide us and fill us with Your love. Please fill us now, so that we can do all things You ordain for us with love that draws others to You. 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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WHAT ABOUT MY ANGER?

 

 

Psalm 4:4

 

"Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." ESV

 

It is so easy to act and speak when we are angry and emotional. This is part of our fallen nature. It is far better for us to give ourselves time to think about why we are feeling angry and then listen to the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He will counsel us to do the right and honorable thing if we are serving Christ. Many sins and heartaches have been avoided by heeding this wisdom.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing our emotions to take control of our speech and actions. Give us the fullness of Your Holy Spirit so that we will stop and listen to the right way to respond and bring You honor and glory. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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IT JUST DOESN'T STOP

 

 

Romans 11:33

 

"Oh, the depth of his riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"

 

Eternity cannot be measured. Nor can the wisdom and knowledge of God, because it is eternal.

We cannot begin to even search for it because it is to vast for our limited minds. The ways of God are beyond any ability for us to understand with our physical senses or our human knowledge. That makes us want to trust Him more and cast all our cares on Him, because He can make it all come out in a beautiful and glorious way.

 

Heavenly Father, how we praise and magnify Your name and Your unsearchable greatness. Help us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to be able to discern just a foretaste of how magnificent You really are. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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LISTEN UP!

 

 

1 Peter 4:7

 

"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers." ESV

 

These times of the end are so chaotic and difficult. It requires very deliberate effort to stay focused on the things that are really important, that are of eternal consequence. Let's make every effort to keep our attention on God's unfolding plan so that our prayers will be in harmony with His will, not ours.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for getting so distracted by this chaotic world that we fail to remember You are unfolding Your plan. Forgive us for continuing to ask for our wants and fretting when things seem to be going against us. Put the fullness of the Holy Spirit within us so that we will be self-controlled and attentive of the working of Your mighty hand in our world today. We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

 

 

Proverbs 27:19

 

"As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man." ESV

 

Whether we like it or not, when we look into a mirror, we see the actual reflection of how we truly look on the outside. We cannot see the heart of others, nor can they see our hearts. Whether we like it or not, the reflection of our hearts is seen in the things we think, say, and do.

 

Heavenly Father, search out hearts and let us see those things we hide there that are not pleasing to you. Get us to a place where our hearts reflect the love and light of Christ. We pray in His precious name, Amen.

 

 

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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TOOTING OUR OWN HORNS

 

 

2 Corinthians 10:18

 

"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." ESV

 

It is human nature to want others to know about our special gifts and abilities. This thing is, human nature is infected with pride. Calling attention to our abilities does nothing for the kingdom of God, or to draw others to Him. Just living for the moments and opportunities to use our gifts, being obedient, practicing them without fanfare, is when the Lord will acknowledge us. Then others will know we have gifts and abilities and that they are God given.

 

Heavenly Father, search our hearts for the pride that hides here, so that we will not lift ourselves up, but rather give us humble and obedient hearts. Then, if it is Your will to lift us up, You will be glorified and others will be brought into Your kingdom. We praise You and pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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SPIRIT VS LAW

 

 

2 Corinthians 3:5,6

 

" . . .but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." ESV

 

Jesus angered the religious leaders of His time because He chose to live by the Spirit of the Living God rather than the law, given to Moses before the Holy Spirit came to fill all those who seek after Jesus Christ. If a child fell into a sink hole on the Sabbath, and we adhered strictly to the law, we would have to let the child lay in that sink hole until the Sabbath was over. Where is the mercy in that? Where is the love and concern for a child in desperate need, even on the Sabbath? This is what Jesus was trying to teach those rigid religious leaders. The Spirit would lead us to immediately come to the rescue of that child. Would we be profaning the Sabbath? No. God desires mercy rather than sacrifice.

 

Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that You have given us a day of rest, to honor and glorify You and refrain from our every day tasks. We are equally as grateful that You have supplied mercy to us and allow us to extend mercy to others even on the Sabbath. Give us a fuller understanding of living in the life giving Spirit. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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KNOW HIM, NOT KNOW ABOUT HIM

 

 

Luke 9:23

 

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." ESV

 

If we truly want to follow Christ, there is a great sacrifice of self that must be offered. It is no longer what we want, but what He wants. It is to walk out actively each day the kind of life Christ lived. In doing this, we have a living, inspired relationship with the Lord God. Today, many so called Christians believe they are living that close relationship with the Lord, but they are only filling their minds with knowledge about the things of God and exchanging their ideas with others who do the same. Knowing the Lord personally is the way, not knowing about Him.

 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for wanting to know more about You than wanting to know You. Show us when we get off on this path and lead us back to the real meaning of loving You with all our hearts, souls, and minds. 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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LIKE A BUNGEE CORD

 

 

Psalm 37:23,24

 

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." ESV

 

Picture a parent and small child walking hand in hand. The toddler stumbles and begins to fall. Though his little body may go to the ground, the parent's hand is holding on to lift him back to his feet. The parent knows the toddler is not yet expert in the art of walking upright. The same is true for our Lord Jesus. When we desire to walk with Him, His hand is always in ours. Yes, we will stumble and fall. Regardless of the fall, our Lord is holding onto us, and with a gentle pull of His hand in ours, He gets us back on our feet. His love and faithfulness never changes. He knows we haven't been spiritually perfected yet.

 

Heavenly Father, what a great comfort it is to know You have hold of our hands and when we fall, You are there to get us back on our feet. Keep us from pulling our hands from Yours, because then we will fall and not be able to get back up. Lead us to the waters of Your wisdom and Spiritual maturity, so that our stumbling will not keep us as infants. We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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LOOK WHAT HE DID!

 

 

Hebrews 12:3

 

"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." ESV

 

We certainly live in difficult times. Much of the time we get our eyes off the eternal realm and onto the earthly things going on around us. Most of us are struggling with trials of one kind or another. Let's just stop for a moment and consider what Jesus Christ experienced as He walked on this earth. He suffered to the point of death for being righteous and showing us the Father. If we will just remember this, it will cause us to keep our lives in the right perspective and to remember that we have not been required to suffer as He did.

 

Heavenly Father, how weak we are! We allow problems of all kinds to make us feel defeated. While there are times when tragedy strikes that we can barely stand, even then, Lord, You suffered far more than that. Help us to always look to what You went through for us when we feel attacked and afraid, that we might be strengthened in our faith. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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GET YOUR PITCHING ARM READY

 

 

Psalm 55:22

 

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." ESV

 

We can literally throw our worries and concerns on the Lord with full confidence that He will protect us. He is ever faithful to those who have a heart of obedience and desire to please Him. As long as we live in the world, we will have trials and sufferings. But, we don't have to carry the burdens and fall under the pressure. We have total access to give them all over to the Lord and be free of the burden of worry.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for always opening Your arms to carry our worries and burdens for us. We give you honor for this freedom You give us to worship and glorify You before all people. May they be drawn to You as they see us rejoicing in You though we are plagued with troubles. 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 PRIDE SYNDROME

 

 

Romans 12:3

 

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." ESV

 

We can have pride and joy in those we love and cherish. This is a love great enough that we want others to share it with us. There is another kind of pride that God warns us about and it can destroy us. This sinful pride is an unrealistic, high opinion of one's own importance and superiority, whether it begins in one's own mind or in one's actions seen and known by others. If we have the fullness of the Spirit of the Lord within us, directing our thoughts and actions, we will never take credit for any good we do. But by faith, we will let it be known that without Him, we can do nothing.

 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for allowing pride to enter our minds. Keep us from judging our worth on what we think we are and what we do. Help us to always compare ourselves to Jesus Christ and we will become friends with humility. 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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IS THERE TRUE RELIGION?

 

James 1:27

 

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." ESV

 

The original Latin meaning of the word religion is to tie, fasten, or bind, like a ligament functions in the muscle structure of the human body. When our religion consists of being tied to tradition and rituals, it makes us rigid and susceptible to breaking apart. When our religion consists of mercy and giving to the needs of others, we become living ties between the flowing love of the Lord and others around us. That is true religion.

 

Heavenly Father, examine our hearts to see if we have held on to old traditions and patterns that have taken the place of the true Spirit of love and giving. Help us to turn from these old rigid ways so that we will be free to pour out Your love and mercy on those who are needing to receive it. 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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IF . . . . .THEN

 

 

John 14:15

 

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." ESV

 

If a baby is truly hungry, it will cry. If a man and woman truly seek companionship, then they will spend time together. If we want to drive our car, then we will put gasoline in it. Are we getting the picture here? If we really love our Lord, then we will do what He tells us in His Word.

 

Heavenly Father, we confess and repent of our failures to keep Your commandments. Forgive us and cleanse us by Your precious blood. Increase our love for You as You lead us to the refreshing delights of Your Word, quiet times with You, and worship with our fellow Christians. Help us to love You with all our hearts so that we will keep Your commandments. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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LOSE EVERYTHING BUT FAITH

 

 

Job 13:15

 

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him;. . . " ESV

 

How big is our faith? Is it such that we can be stripped of every good thing; be abandoned by all; and be passing through the threshold of death, yet still fully trust that He is faithful, just, and worthy of all honor and praise? That is true committed faith. Oh, that He would find this faith in us!

 

Heavenly Father, how short we fall of the kind of faith that doesn't waver in difficult times. Forgive us for our weaknesses. Help us to build our faith by listening to Your Word and applying it in our lives. Give us boldness to share Your Word with others so that their faith will be strengthened. We pray You find us faithful when You come for us. 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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SLEEPING PEACEFUL

 

 

Psalm 4:8

 

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." ESV

 

 

We can all identify with those nights of lying there in bed with thoughts of this and that repeating themselves in our heads and sleep seems far away. When this happens, we can examine our faith to see if we have let the cares of this world creep in and rob us of our peace. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and His power and plan for our lives, we will not only get into our beds, but we will sleep with wonderful peace, because we know Who is taking care of us.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing the cares of this world to rob us of the peace You long for us to have. Give us determination to focus on You and Your Word so that the Holy Spirit will reign in our hearts with Your peace that passes all understanding. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT IS OUR FOCUS?

 

 

1 Peter 1:13

 

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded , set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ESV

 

We have control of the readiness of our minds to meet with whatever this world brings our way. The things we do now in coping with this world's trials are to be with our minds focused on the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can hold on to the promise of God's grace no matter what happens to us now. His promises are sure. We can trust Him completely and never be disappointed.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us allowing our minds to get caught up in the busyness of this life and the problems we face. Help us to keep our minds focused on the return of Christ and let this be reflected in the way we respond to the world around us. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WE ARE BEING WATCHED

2 Chronicles 16:9   "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." ESV   Nothing escapes the eyes of God. He is intently scanning back and forth from the things that are in plain sight all the way to things tucked away in the most remote places. When His eyes catch sight of a righteous person, one with an honorable intent to please him, God will strengthen that one by His mighty power and love.   Heavenly Father, we know that everything we do is within the field of Your vision. We pray for forgiveness and mercy for those things we do that are not honorable to You. We desire to be found intent on pleasing You so that we will be strengthened in our faith walk. 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

 

 

Romans 8:22

 

"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." ESV

 

We can understand by looking into the Word of God, reading historical records, and looking at the world around us now and see that it is a grieving, sorrowful world. The whole earth and all creation were put under a curse when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden. No one born on this earth is immune to this curse. We all wait for that day when Christ returns and the curse is lifted. Then, there will be no more sorrow, suffering, crying, or pain.

 

Heavenly Father, increase our understanding of why the world is the way it is. Give us hunger for Your Word so we can receive knowledge of what sin has done to all of Your creation. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can have hope of eternal life and share that hope with a lost and dying world. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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YOU ARE IN CONTROL GOD

 

 

 

 

2 Samuel 22:21

 

"The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me." ESV

 

There are times when it seems that our whole world is falling down around us and there is nothing we can do. We can't understand why this is happening to us, since we are following the Lord and doing right. At times like these, it is so easy to blame God, blame others, and become so discouraged. As Christians, we have a hope within us the world can't give us. We can fully rely on God's grace and mercy when we stand firm on His Word, even though there are devastating and terrible things happening all around us. These difficult times can be blessings when we stay close to Him.

 

Heavenly Father, You know we are but dust and when troubled times come our way, we fall into discouragement and fear. Help us to stir up our faith in good times so that when the difficult times come we can be ready to unleash the abundant faith You have given us to use these bad times as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus' Christ, Amen.

 

          

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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