GUILT TO THE HILT

 

Psalm 25:11

 

"For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great." ESV

 

 

How could we expect to break laws without ever having to take responsibility and accept consequences. We have all committed wrong against God and our fellowmen. If we were to be call into account for them now, we would be in the most desperate of places. But God in His infinite wisdom knew we would be strong in intentions and weak in spirit. So, He sent Jesus Christ to settle all those bad accounts for us. It is in His name we are made righteous.

 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us our weaknesses and our transgressions. We are unworthy of Your grace and mercy, but You are the God who gives us the way to be worthy in Your eyes. Thank you for sending Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE BIG EXAM

 

Lamentations 3:40

 

"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord." ESV 

 

Who enjoys taking tests or being examined. It's hard to learn things about ourselves that aren't very desirable. But, the only way we can find out if there is something wrong is to test or examine. The Word of God tells us to examine ourselves to see if there is anything in us that needs to be gone. When our self examination exposes these things, we can confess them, repent, and get back into perfect harmony with our Lord.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting to examine ourselves for things in our lives that should not be there. Help us to make it a regular practice so that we can be clean before You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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WHAT MORE DO WE NEED?

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ESV 

 

How often do we pray earnestly for the Lord to take our trials and tribulations away? Do we ask God why He isn't answering our prayers while letting Him know we don't know how long we can keep going on with these burdens? No matter what our problem is, the answer to our prayers is His all sufficient grace. In the midst of trials and turmoil, the power of the Lord will burst through us when we accept His grace by praising Him.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness when we fail to acknowledge Your all sufficient grace. Help us to be willing to step aside and allow Your power to shine in our lives in spite of our trials. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHO DID IT?

 

Isaiah 26:12

 

"O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works." ESV 

 

Isn't it gratifying to think back on some of the things we accomplished in our lives and they have been really good things. There's nothing wrong with remembering and feeling good about those things. The problem sneaks in when we fail to remember that it is the Lord who has done those things through us. He gave us the talent, the time, the strength, the gifts, and the very breath to complete the work. Without Him, we wouldn't have done anything.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us because we have, at times, failed to remember that You have done all things through us and for us. Help us to always give You glory for the good things You chose to do through us. Without You, we know we are helpless. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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FIRM NOT FLABBY

1 Corinthians 15:8

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." ESV

More often than not, there are things in this world that catch us off guard, sort of knock us off our feet. That's the way the world is. But while we live in this world, we are not of this world. We are free to choose how we think, feel, and act when our world goes crazy. We can stand strong and confident, knowing that Jesus Christ has already won this battle a long time ago. All we have to do is believe that and trust that He will work all things for our good and His glory. He has promised us that our faith and trust will never go unrewarded.

Heavenly Father, we can't thank You enough for the victory of Jesus Christ at the cross. Help us to use our faith and trust so that we can stand strong and not be shaken by the things of this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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HUSH!

 

Proverbs 15:1

 

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." ESV 

 

We've all had someone get really angry at us and yell angry words. Our first reaction is to just give it right back, with a really loud angry response. We want to show them we aren't going to stand back and be treated that way. We want them to know how it feels. That's the way of our human natures. As children of God, we are no longer bound to our human natures. We can freely respond to such anger from another person with gentleness. It is amazing how doing this drives away anger. God's way works best.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we have gotten caught up in the anger of the moment, following our old human natures. Help us to remember we are not bound to that way anymore and that we can reply to an angry person with the gentleness of Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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HERE WE ARE, LORD

 

Romans 12:1

 

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." ESV 

 

If we want to worship our Lord in the way that is the most pleasing to Him, what would we be doing? Would we be spending hours a day in deep prayer? That is certainly a noble service. Would we be reading and studying our Bibles with great focus and thought? Of course that would be very good for our spiritual growth. But what would be the most pleasing thing to Him? It is giving our daily lives, our everyday living to Him to use as He sees fit. It is laying ourselves out before Him without any agenda but to be used by Him. That is the way we worship Him!

 

Heavenly Father, we are so blessed by Your mercy to us. We know that in ourselves we have nothing we can give You that would repay what You have done for us. We come before You, giving You all we have, our daily lives, for Your pleasure. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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FILL 'ER UP!

 

Psalm 51:12

 

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." ESV 

 

Can we say with all honesty that the joy we experienced at the time of our salvation is as fresh and strong now as it was then? In this battle we wage against our human natures and the trials of this world, we tend to become tired and weary. The good news is, we can ask God to give back to us that first energizing love and joy of our salvation. If we really want it and want to keep it, we can go to the Lord each day, remembering what He did to save us, giving Him praise for who He is.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask You to forgive us for letting the things of this world rob us of the powerful joy You gave us when we became Your children. Please give us the desire to accept back this joy and to keep it through daily thanksgiving and praise for giving Your all for us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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PURE LIVING

 

Ephesians 5:3

 

"But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints." ESV 

 

A hint is a very slight or hardly noticeable amount. It is very easy to have a hint of something that hardly anyone notices. God plainly tell us in His Word that we are not to even have a hint, a very slight or hardly noticeable amount of immorality, impurity, or greed in our lives. These are things that swallow up ungodly people and destroy the testimony of many Christians.

 

Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal to us if there is a hint of anything that is displeasing to You and unbecoming of us as Christians. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT'S IN YOUR GARDEN?

 

Galatians 6:7

 

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." ESV 

 

Most of us understand the concept of sowing and reaping. If we plant corn, we get corn. If we plant potatoes, we get potatoes. Sometimes we behave as if we don't understand the concept of sowing and reaping at all. We tell ourselves it's all right to do this or that, it's not that bad, it's not going to hurt anyone, it's just this once, no one will know. This is like planting corn and not understanding why we got potatoes. Kind of foolish of us, isn't it? Sowing and reaping is a law of nature. More importantly, it is the law of God Almighty. There is a consequence for every thing we do.

 

Heavenly Father, please give us wisdom and vigilance to be careful when we act. May You always be pleased with what we sow and rejoice with our harvest. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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CRACKED POT TREASURES

 

2 Corinthians 4:7

 

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." ESV 

 

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are gifted with treasure inside of us? It is a treasure given to us by God. This treasure is a light shining in the darkness. This light reflects the face of Christ. From His face we can see the knowledge of God. From our hearts, where the treasure dwells, the darkened world can see Him. It is evident, by its power and majesty that it is not a treasure from us, but from the Almighty God Himself.

 

Heavenly Father, how wonderful is Your grace and mercy that You would put such a treasure in us. We pray that we will reverence this great treasure so that You will receive glory and honor in this world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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MY MOTIVES ARE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

1 Corinthians 4:5

 

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." ESV 

 

We all have reasons why we do things. Sometimes our motives are honorable and Godly. However, at other times, we have our own agenda. We want to look good in from of others. We seek favor from someone or desire personal gain. Aren't we always so quick to judge someone else's motives, but we feel justified in our own. The truth is, whatever our motive is, God will expose it for what it is. Some of us will stand embarrassed and ashamed, while others of us will be honored by our God.

 

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that You will help us to search ourselves and truly know our motives before we speak or act. If our motives are displeasing to You, we ask that You reveal it to us so that we can align ourselves with Your heart and have no reason to be ashamed. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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IT'S JUST ONE TIME

 Romans 5:18 "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men." ESV 

 

Haven't there been times we have done something that we thought would make no real difference, but that one act changed our whole lives. This is what happened that day in the garden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God with one act of disobedience. The result was a cursed world and death for all humans that would ever be born. The good news is, God provided a one time act that would bring freedom and hope from this curse of sin. He sent His son Jesus Christ, who died once on the cross. Now the whole course of those who accept Him is changed back into right relationship with Him. Just that one act.

 

Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that You gave Your Son to bring us back into right relationship with You. Help us to be aware that all we do affects something or someone. Let our acts be ones of furthering Your kingdom and bringing glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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STUCK IN THIS WORLD

 

John 17:15

 

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." ESV 

 

Make this world go away! Get us out of here! As we watch the evil and disasters all around us, we wonder how we can ever escape without getting hit by the harsh, unrelenting torture this world brings. Jesus didn't pray that we would be spared the agonies of this world, but that the evil one would never destroy our soul. This way we would never be overcome by the evil in this world. Seeing God at work in this way will increase our faith and trust in Him.

 

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that You never leave us while we are here in this world. We know bad things happen and we get hit hard by the evils of this world, but we know that You are right here with us, protecting our souls. You prayed to the Father about that, and He listened. Help us to always remember this. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHICH WAY SHOULD I GO?

Isaiah 30:21

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." ESV

Now which way do we go? Here we are at a crossroad and there is no sign to point the way. Sometimes we will just choose a direction, hoping it was the right one. If it wasn't, we find a different road to try. This happens so often in our Christian walk. We wonder what way we should go, which way is the best? We don't have to worry when we are in tune with the Holy Spirit, in close relationship with our Lord. The still small voice will tell us which way we should be going. Our Lord will never leave us guessing. Keep the fire of faith burning and we will hear Him tell us, "Go this way."

Heavenly Father, how wonderful You are that You love us so much. Forgive us for forgetting that. We trust that You will keep us on the right path and that we will hear Your voice if we keep our relationship with You as it should be. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE!

 

Proverbs 13:10

 

"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom." ESV 

 

If we insist that we have the answers, that we need no further information, that we know all there is to know, we are close minded and full of pride. We can have our own beliefs, but if we listen to those that we know to be full of Godly wisdom, we will gain more than we ever thought or imagined. We are never so wise that we don't need more of God's wisdom.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being full of pride and believing we have all the answers. Help us to surround ourselves with Godly people who are full of Your wisdom, and to have the humility to accept the Truth You so long to reveal to us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE DEVIL DIDN'T MAKE ME DO IT!

 

James 4:17

 

"So whoever knows the right think to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." ESV 

 

If we know the speed limit is 40 mph and we are in a hurry and drive 45 mph, we are guilty of breaking the law. If we know there is no fishing allowed in a particular area of a lake and we ignore the sign and fish there anyway, we are trespassing and breaking the rules. If we know how God wants us to live and we don't do it, we are sinning against God.

 

Heavenly Father, we know we are responsible for the way we live our lives, because Your Word is in our hearts. We pray for discernment, insight, and conviction to confess and repent, so that we will be living in Your will and Your name will be glorified. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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DO WHAT?

 

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

 

 

Think for a moment how much thought we put into what we will say to someone we are going to meet for the first time. How much effort do we put into making ourselves presentable to others? Are we putting that much thought and effort into our prayers, knowing Jesus Christ is coming back very soon?

 

Heavenly Father, we earnestly ask You to help us stay focused and aware of the coming of Christ. Give us hearts of prayer for the lost. Help us to always be about Your business, that You may find us faithful servants. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

 

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MOTHERS' CALMING

 

Psalm 131:2

 

"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." ESV

 

 

This is a most tough and challenging world in which we live. We are not citizens here, we are passing through. Our minds have great need of calming and comforting. Just like a mother holds her baby close to the once nurturing breasts, knowing the baby is comforted, but sad, wondering where such nurturing will come again.

 

 

Heavenly Father, we stand in need of quieting and comforting of our souls. We thank You for all the mothers who know how to quiet and comfort when things seem lost and far away. We thank You for Your Holy Spirit that takes us through this life with that same tender love and care. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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IN GOD WE TRUST

 

 

Psalm 56:4

 

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 

 

God's Word is truth whether we believe it is or not. Those who trust in God, also trust in His Word. His Word tells us that He will never leave us and that He watches over us always. With our God, and His unfailing love, we have no reason to fear men. Who are they to stand up against the Almighty Eternal God.

 

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You because of who You are. We know by putting our faith in You we will never be disappointed. Help us to use our faith and to share the good news to those we meet. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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WHAT DID YOU SAY?

 

 

2 Peter 1:21

 

"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." ESV 

 

So many prophets out there, we know that some of them are true prophets of God and some are false prophets. The false prophets are beautiful people, who say lovely things that make us feel good. People flock to them, paying money and driving long distances to hear what they have to say. True prophets of God speak only those words the Holy Spirit puts within them. Some of their words will bring joy and comfort. Some of them will sting our hearts and convict us. Those who don't really want to know the truth will close their ears and walk away. That's what they did to Jesus when He spoke the truth He heard from the Father.

 

 

Heavenly Father, we live in a world that craves feeling good and being self-satisfied. Help us to recognize those people who say they are proclaiming Your Word, but are only trying to win the approval of others. We long for Your Truth. Give us willing ears. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHAT'S IN A NAME?

 

 

Psalm 9:10

 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." ESV 

 

What's in a name? Searching and studying the names of God, it is amazing how many names man has given to God to describe Him. When God revealed Himself, He was given the name that reflected His action at that time. God revealed His true name to Moses at the burning bush: I AM. The more we know God and His attributes that are revealed in His names, the more we will trust Him. The greatest power of faith is knowing Him as I AM!

 

Heavenly Father, we praise You because You are the true God, the great I AM. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your mighty works of long ago, today, and everyday. We ask that You would give us the desire to know You more so that our trust in You will increase. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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