TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME

 

Matthew 7:13,14

 

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." ESV

 

 

Our human natures draw us to the wide road, where it is easy, popular, wide enough to allow us to be spiritually comfortable. It gives us space to believe what seems right to us and to decide for ourselves how we should live. In contrast, with God's nature in us, we choose to take the narrow road where it is lonely, difficult, and costly. Very few are attracted to this road and even fewer choose to take it. But it is the Way, the only Way to eternal life with God.

 

Heavenly Father, we have travelled on the wide road and it is truly easy. But we have learned that it leads to death. We thank You and praise You for providing the Way for us to become new creatures with Your nature so that we have the power to travel this narrow road, this difficult road, that leads us to eternal life with You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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I WANT MY PRAYER ANSWERED NOW

 

Luke 24:21

 

"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things have happened." ESV 

 

Most of us are guilty of praying, then immediately looking for the answers. Then, we get disappointed and lose faith because, after all, it has been plenty of time for Him to have answered and He hasn't. Are we praying for answers or are we praying for the Lord to work in our daily lives and looking for Him? When we get our eyes off Him and just look for evidence that He is answering our prayers, we have lost the purpose of prayer. The purpose of prayer is to seek Him, be with Him, and find Him.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for seeking answers rather than trusting You and seeking Your face. We believe that You will take care of our needs when we ask. Inspire our hearts to seek You and worship You, while knowing You are accomplishing great things in our lives. 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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WORRIED FLOWERS

 

Matthew 6:30

 

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" ESV 

 

Most of us are familiar with this scripture about the lilies of the field not worrying about anything. We could argue and say they merely survive by the programmed laws of nature and survival. However, when we put our total faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, all we have to do is follow the law of the Spirit of Christ, who leads us toward life. Like the lilies, all we need to do is take root in Christ and grow where we are planted.

 

Heavenly Father, we confess that we worry about all kinds of things in this world and how they affect our lives. We fail to put total trust in You. Help us Lord, to look at the flowers of the field and remember that You are taking care of us too. Help us to grow contentedly where You have planted us. 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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NO HOLY DOGS OR PEARLY PIGS

 

Matthew 7:6

 

"Do not give to dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn and attack you." ESV 

 

We are cautioned as Christians about sharing the deeper, more precious truths of the Kingdom of God with those who are incapable of respecting and appreciating their priceless value. These people will mock it, twist it, and use it in a profane way in an attempt to tear down our testimony. If we merely share the powerful, but simple Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, their hearts will be convicted. If they accept it, they will grow in Christ and begin to understand the deeper things of God.

 

Heavenly Father, we stand guilty before You because we have made attempts to let others know how learned we are in Your Word and the Truth of Your kingdom. Forgive us Lord. We realize how unproductive that is. Prompt us by Your Holy Spirit to speak the Gospel message that will penetrate the hearts and lives of all who hear, and bring a great harvest for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WHERE ARE WE GOING?

 

Hebrews 11:8

 

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." ESV 

 

Walking by faith can be a very perplexing journey. There are many times we find that we can't figure out what God is doing and why we are in the place we are. Our first response it to ask Him what He is doing, where He is. God knows what He is doing and as long as we know that He does, it doesn't matter that we know what He is doing. He seldom reveals to us what He is doing. Rather, He wants us know who He is.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we lack faith to trust in Your powerful, all knowing greatness. Help us to keep going forward without insisting that we understand what You are doing. We ask for contentment in learning more about who You are. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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DON'T SLAP BACK

 

Matthew 5:39

 

"But I say to you, 'Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.'" ESV 

 

How many times do we think, "It isn't fair!" No one likes being treated unfairly. At times like these, it is hardest to let the light of Christ shine thought us. Our first reaction is to get even, an eye for an eye. We believe turning the other cheek is a weak cop out from having to stand up for ourselves. We need to think again. Jesus told us not to fight evil with evil, but to fight evil with good. We are always left disappointed because we expect fairness and justice in this cursed and perverted world. Having the true heart of Christ finds us constantly seeking to be Christ-like and just. When we turn the other cheek, just like Christ, we are saying, "I don't expect fairness from this world, but I will never be unfair. I will be like Christ."

 

Heavenly Father, You know our human hearts and how natural it is for us to even the score. We ask that You forgive us for these times and give us strength and courage to be like Christ, not seeking fairness, but always showing it to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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OUR MINDS START THE SIN

 

 

Matthew 5:27,28

 

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." ESV 

 

We would most likely never commit a terrible and forbidden act in the open for everyone to see. Somehow, we don't have that same awareness of such terrible acts being entertained in our minds where no one sees but God. If we feed these thoughts and desires, we are just as guilty as if we actually did them. Jesus said to get as far away as possible from anything that feeds or stimulates those thoughts and desires.

 

Heavenly Father, we bow before You with repentant hearts for allowing our minds to think about things that are evil in Your sight. Give us determination to wear the armor and the fullness of Your Spirit to extinguish those sinful thoughts when they creep into our minds. We can only to this by Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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HOW TO NOT BE A HIPPOCRITE

 

 

Matthew 5:17

 

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." ESV 

 

 

Jesus stated that He came to complete the Law in living form. The only thing that His life destroyed was Satan's works. The Law speaks of the outward man's obedience to God. Jesus' life and teachings demonstrated how the Law must first live in the inner heart. He taught us that we could practice all the rules successfully in our behaviors, while our inner spiritual lives were dead. If the fulfilled Law that Jesus Christ brought us by life, death, and resurrection lives within us, we will by that nature be living it on the outside.

 

Heavenly Father, we give You praise for sending Your only Son to show us the fullness of how our lives should be. Forgive us for being spiritually lazy, and merely doing the outward things that others expect or that make us look spiritual. Help us examine our hearts and open them to the fulfillment of living the life in our spirit. Then our outer lives will be genuine reflections of the new spiritual nature inside us. 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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PASS THE SALT

 

Matthew 5:13

 

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." ESV 

 

We are all aware that salt is used primarily to enhance the flavor of food. It's more important use is to prevent spoilage and rotting. Pure salt has abundant flavor and preserving properties. As Christians, we are the salt here on earth. We have been touched by God and made pure by the blood of Christ. Just like salt, we have to have contact with an intended source in order to be effective. Our lives should be lived so that the rotting and decaying of this world will be delayed until all hear the Gospel.

 

Heavenly Father, oh how we fail to stay focused on the crucial principle of living so that the world will hold together until everyone has heard the Gospel. Help us to restore our flavor and effectiveness so that we will be useful for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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NOURISHMENT

 

Matthew 5:6

 

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." ESV 

 

Do we have a deep, urgent craving to be right with God? Do we realize that in order to live, we need daily, fresh supplies from Him, much like we need food and water on a regular basis. If we understand this daily spiritual need, we will not only have what we so deeply desire, but we will have it in abundance.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our complacency in our spiritual lives. Increase our hunger and desire for Your Word and to know You more. Then we will know what true nourishment is. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WE RUN ON EMPTY AND DON'T KNOW IT

 

Matthew 5:3

 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." ESV 

 

Being poor in spirit is an attitude toward ourselves that keeps us aware of our total need of God's grace and mercy. Without this attitude, we have no access to the riches of Christ. With it, we have the fullness of the kingdom of heaven right now.

 

Heavenly Father, this world has so many things that keep us with attitudes that are far from where You have taught us they should be. Help us to keep the mind of Christ so that our lives will be examples of Your love and mercy. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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DON'T GO THE WRONG WAY!

 

Matthew 5:1,2

 

"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them saying...." ESV 

 

We are all looking for contentment. The problem is, few look in the right place. What we seek cannot be found in this world. If we want true contentment, the place to look is at the life and teachings of Jesus. But we have to follow Him and listen.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for seeking contentment from this world. We know that true contentment comes only from You. We praise You for giving us Your Word and Your Holy Spirit so that we can follow and listen, bringing us joy and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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THE INTERNAL BATTLE

 

 

Romans 7:22,23

 

"For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members." ESV 

 

Are we consciously aware of the conflict inside of us? This conflict is between the desire to do those things that are good and pleasing to the Lord and the desire to do those things that are good and pleasing to ourselves. As Christians, we have put to death our old nature and it's desires, but temptation and spiritual weaknesses cause that old nature to creep back into our lives. Walking close to our Lord, filled with His Spirit, we can be conquerors of sin and powerful to live our lives pleasing to the Lord.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us for listening to our old fleshly natures and displeasing You. We pray for discernment and courage to continually put to death our old natures and to live by the new nature You gave us when we put our faith in You. 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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NO DIY HERE (DO IT YOURSELF)

 

 

Proverbs 3:5,6

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." ESV 

 

We may have an idea of where we want to go, but we will not get there by relying on our own plans. Neither will we get there by seeking advice from people or books. The only way we will get to where we need to be is by fully trusting in the Lord. He is faithful to get us to the right place at the right time in the right way.

 

Heavenly Father, we are guilty of taking life matters into our own hands. Somehow we feel safer and more in control if we just do it ourselves. Help us to be aware when we think like this. Help us to use our faith to trust You fully to take us in the right direction. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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ROYAL CROWN

Revelation 2:10

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." ESV

A crown symbolizes one who reigns in royalty. Jesus gives His Word that He will give the crown of life to those who sacrifice, show faithfulness to Him, and endure the conflict and persecution of this world. He will place that crown on the head of the overcomer and nothing will be able to remove it. The overcomer will reign and rule with Christ forever and ever.

Heavenly Father, we know we cannot be faithful to You in our own strength. But we know by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule in our lives, we can be overcomers. Have mercy on us to overcome this world. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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WATCH OUT FOR THAT HOLE!

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:12

 

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." ESV 

 

We can easily become overly confident in our abilities to rise above temptation. We are never above the reach of deception and stumbling blocks. It is human nature to be faced with temptation and to look for ways to justify our giving in to it. The Lord will never allow us to get to a place in the face of temptation that we have no choice but to sin. There are no excuses like, "I couldn't help it" or "That's just the way I am." The Lord will always provide a way for us overcome the temptation.

 

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ, who prays and intercedes for us when we are tempted. Please help us to take the way out You always provide for us so that we don't sin against You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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EXTREME MAKE OVER

 

 

Romans 12:1,2

 

"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. 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, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ESV 

 

What exactly is a "living sacrifice?" It is dedication of our total selves to God. This includes giving our physical bodies. Just as Jesus gave His body for us through death, we willingly give our living bodies for His service. We give our minds to Him so that He will transform our thinking through prayer and study of the Word. We give Him our wills so that by obedience and faith, He changes us into victorious Christians. This is true worship.

 

Heavenly Father, we cannot offer ourselves as total living sacrifices without the help of the Holy Spirit. We ask that You help us to be open, ready, and willing to give ourselves totally to You. 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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BEEN LOGGING AGAIN?

 

 

Matthew 7:3

 

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ESV 

 

 Why is it we can see others' shortcomings and sins, and we perceive them like we are looking through a magnifying glass? When we look at our own downfalls, we tend to minimize and rationalize them until we see them as practically no big deal. Being spiritually in tune with the Lord gives us the ability to see that we have logs in our eyes and are in need of major spiritual surgery. When we allow the Lord to perform that spiritually surgery on us, only then can we humbly and lovingly help our fellow Christians get the splinters out of their eyes.

 

Heavenly Father, we ask for Your grace when we come across others that we feel need to be corrected. Help us to first examine ourselves so that we can get the logs our of our own eyes. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

 

Matthew 5:3

 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." ESV 

 

Being poor in spirit is an attitude of humility toward ourselves that keeps us aware of our total need of God's grace and mercy. Without this attitude, we have no access to the riches of Christ. With it, we have the fullness of the kingdom of heaven right now.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we become prideful and forget that humility is the cloak we wear that reflects Your glory. Be glorified in us we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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FORWARD, MARCH

 

 

Hebrews 11:39,40

 

"And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should be made perfect." ESV

 

 

All of the great men and women of the Bible lived their lives looking forward to the Savior who would redeem them and bring eternal life. They did not see the promise in their lifetime. We live our lives looking back at the cross of our promised Savior. We all, ancient and present, look forward to the rest of the promise, when we will enter into His presence together. Let's keep looking ahead. The promise is about to be finalized.

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your great and precious promises. Even though we may not see it all come to pass in our lifetime, we know the fulfillment of Your promise is coming. Help us to remember that and keep looking ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

©2008-2014

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

 

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

 

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PAT ON THE BACK

 

 

 

Philemon 1:7

 

"For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you." ESV 

 

We all need and seek encouragement. It energizes us to keep going forward. We can be encouraged by encouraging others. It's like a boomerang. We give it out and watch its positive effect, and we are encouraged by it. Encourage someone today and see what happens.

 

Heavenly Father, we know that it pleases You when we show love and appreciation for each other. Help us to recognize the opportunities each day to encourage those around us. 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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GENTLE, GENTLE, GENTLE

 

 

Philippians 4:5

 

"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." ESV 

 

The turmoil and unrest in this world creates in people anything but a feeling of gentleness. Our goal is to be like Christ, who taught us how to walk in the spirit of gentleness. Jesus walked on this earth with such gentleness that his passing by would not even blow out the tiny flame burned down to the end of the wick. Can we strive to show that kind of gentleness in this world?

 

Heavenly Father, as we walk day to day and encounter the world around us, we need Your grace to remain gentle as Christ was gentle. Please give us the spirit of gentleness so that You 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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