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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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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WHAT'S THE WORD?

 

 

2 Peter 1:20,21

"Know this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 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 skeptics of the Bible use the reasoning that it is merely words written by men and what they believe. That same reasoning was used back in the time of the Apostle's. How can those who are not spiritually alive ever understand the things of the Spirit? How can they understand that the Holy Spirit works and speaks through human beings who are faithful and open to Him? We know that the Word of God is inspired by Him and Him alone. Those who wrote down the words, wrote what the Holy Spirit told them to write. From the world's view, that sounds foolish doesn't it? However, from the eyes of those with the light of Christ, the truth of God's Word is more real than this page displayed before our eyes.

Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your Word given to us through men inspired by Your Holy Spirit. While it is foolish to those in darkness, we revel in the Light Your Word gives us to know You and to walk in this world victoriously. In Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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TOO MUCH TO TELL

 

 

John 21:25

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." NIV

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." KJV

It's such an exciting thing to tell others about our wonderful experiences and travels. We can take pictures and tell of the events surrounding those pictures. We can recall the many things we did and the things we saw. However, we cannot reveal enough about the experiences to include every thing that took place. There is just too much to tell, to many things that took place. We try to hit the highlights, but all things were wonderful to us at the time we were there. The apostle John felt the same way about writing down the things he witnessed while walking with Jesus Christ. Someday we will know all the things our Lord did while here on earth. We will be amazed. But for now, we have all we need to know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Heavenly Father, we give You praise and glory for the awesome God You are. We only have a glimpse at Your power and majesty. Help us to take time each day to enter into the quiet place with You so that we will know You better, until we see You face to face and know all things. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GOD BREATHED

 

2 Timothy 3:16

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." NIV

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." KJV

The authority of scripture is being highly questioned in today's world. Non-Christians and even so called Christians believe the Bible to be a book written by men, in their own words and their own thoughts. This is a dangerous belief that is gaining a foothold in our society. As Christians, we know that the Word of God is true and the God Himself chose men of holy character to reveal His words so they could write them down for us to study, to know Him, and to live holy lives. If we allow any person or thought to allow us to discredit the reality of the Word as God breathed, we will be deceived and begin living in error like the world does. God's Word is true, eternal, and holy. We can stand on it forever.

Heavenly Father, help us to reject the world's idea of Your Holy Word. Increase our faith as we look to the scriptures for answers to this life and how to live. We thank You for giving us Your Word and pray that we hide it deep in our hearts so that we become holy. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

       

©2012

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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GOT GOD?

 

2 John 1:9

 

"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." NIV

 

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." KJV

 

How many of us get so caught up in the things that are happening in our daily lives that we fail to let the Word of God rule our hearts? Instead, we try to help God out or just take matters into our own hands. When we do that we show that we do not trust God, nor are we walking in the Spirit of God. If we get involved wholeheartedly in the Word of God and walk according to it's ways, we will find our lives much more peaceful and encouraged. Knowing God is in control and His timing and ways of working things out are the only way to true communion and peace with Him.

 

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we try to take care of our issues and problems in our own inadequate ways. We long to continue in Your Word and walk in the ways It teaches. Help us to stay in communion with You so that we will stand on Your Word, strong and ready to let You complete Your work in us and for us. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

           

©2011

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

drbobbijo@yahoo.com

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

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ALL SCRIPTURE

The words in the Bible came from the very breathe of God. They are God, Himself, speaking to us. From His words we learn what we are to believe, to know what is the truth, to correct things in our lives that are not God's will, and to teach others about God. The Holy Bible is our life manual.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for giving us your Word, so that we can have a guidebook to help ourselves and others to live our lives here on earth. In Jesus' name.

Read 2 Itmothy 3:16

"All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." (NIV)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (KJV)

     

©2010

RESISTING EVIL

To be able to stand firm against the deceitful enemy and his attacks, we are to hold fast to our faith, which comes from hearing the Word and hiding it in our hearts. We are not alone in resisting evil. All Christians everywhere are experiencing the same struggles.

Read 1 Peter 5:9

"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."



 
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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LOVE SUMS IT UP

If you take all the commands and directives given by the Lord through
His Word, they could be summed up by obeying the command to love.
When you fulfill the command to love, by obedience, you are fulfilling
all that He has required.

Read 2 John 6

"And this is the love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.
As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you
walk in love."



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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BAPTISM

Baptism is the public act by an individual that proclaims the old life of sin and self is now dead, and the new life of faith and obedience is now alive. Just as Jesus died with the whole world's burden of sin and selfishness, through the Father's power, He came alive again to pave the way for new life in Him.

Read Romans 6:4

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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CAPTIVE OF CHRIST OR SIN?

Being in the presence of God is an extremely humbling experience, simply due
to the stark contrast between His perfect holiness and our natural unworthiness. When we are fully aware of this contrast, we can humbly come to God and offer our services, knowing the He makes us worthy by the power of His Son and the Holy Spirit. We become witnesses for Him. What an honor!

Read Isaiah 6:8

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go bfor us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!"



 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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CAPTIVATED

Being a slave to sin is the same as being captivated by it. When we are captivated by something or someone, we are held to it by attraction, attention, or interest. If we allow our captivation to continue, we become slaves to it. If we become captivated by the things of this world, we will be in sin and will reap the consequences of sin. If we become captivated by Christ, we will produce the fruit and likeness of Christ.

Read Romans 6:16

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"




 
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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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WAITING MAKES YOU STRONG

The strongest and most able bodied young men become worn out with earthly toils and trials. But not God! So if you put your trust in Him, you will never get tired or weary. To expect God to move in your life is like a farmer who plows, plants, and waits for the crop. God always comes through. Knowing this puts a strength in us this world can never match or duplicate.

Read Isaiah 40:30,31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

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Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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IN STEP WITH GOD

The Lord always responds to the one who is careful to walk in ways that are pleasing to Him. The Lord is faithful to watch and reward each step by providing security and sure footing. Even if one stumbles, which is sure to happen in this world, the Lord will hold him up with His own hand.

Read Psalm 37:23,24

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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CONFESS

Confessing our sin is to recognize it, admit we are guilty, and then take it to the Lord. He is true to His own nature and His Word. He will not only forgive our guilt, but will also purify our hearts so that we are clean before Him.

Read 1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."



 
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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HOW TO GET THERE

We may have an idea of where we want to go or what we need to become. We will not get there by relying on our own plans and reasoning. We will not get there seeking advice from scholars and books. The only way we will get to the place 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.

Read Proverbs 3:5,6

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



 
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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LET THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD

Our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is just as it was between Him and the disciples. Jesus made sure that this intimate relationship would continue by sending His Holy Spirit. We can fully trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us to the Truth.

Read John 16:13-16

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That
is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."



 
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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WE ARE HIS TEMPLE

Where God is, there is His temple. Where there are two or more believers
gathered together, He is there. All genuine believers are living stones, that together, make up His great temple. And His Holy Spirit dwells there.

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's
Spirit lives in you?"






Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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WALK THE WAY

What the Lord requires of us is that which we cannot do unless we have
come before Him, broken and repentant. He has enabled us to act rightly,
be merciful, and walk in humility because He did these things to us and
for us. He requires us to do the same toward others.

Read Micah 6:8

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require
of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."





Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
drbobbijo@yahoo.com
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DON'T PUT OUT THE FIRE

The Holy Spirit is most often likened to and symbolized by fire. He works to purify us, bring us peace, convict us of sin, lead us into truth, and give us victorious power. The Apostle Paul warns us against putting out that fire by allowing the cares and passions of this world to smother the work of the Holy Spirit.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire;"



Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle
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