HIS WAY IS EASIER

 

 

Matthew 11:29

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." ESV

In contrast to the religiosity of the Scribes and Pharisees, the way of the spiritual life Jesus lived and taught us is much less cumbersome and bound by traditions. His way is mild and gentle. Jesus showed us by His life that He was not stern, overbearing, or oppressive. It is in freedom that we walk as He did, not in obligation and oppression.

Heavenly Father, how thankful we are that Jesus walked this earth and showed us how to live. We praise You for the work at the cross that freed us from sin and the law. Help us to live in the freedom of Jesus Christ, without obligation, but with open hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

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DON'T BE SO SURE

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:12

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

It is just human nature to become a bit too relaxed when we think we are doing good. The problem is, for those who are Christians, we have put off the old nature and have new natures like Christ. But, we still can become content and assured in our own strength when we are not up against trials and tribulations. Any time we feel we are standing firm, that is the time we should be most cautious of falling into sin and deceit.

Heavenly Father, how we bow in need of Your forgiveness for our pride and complacency in how strong we are spiritually. Bring to our mind that our strength lies only in You when we begin to think we are standing strong. Protect us from falling into sin and deception by the leading of Your Holy Spirit. 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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HONESTY

 

 

Proverbs 11:1

"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." ESV

It is one thing to be openly and unashamedly dishonest and unfair. But is is far worse to pretend to be honest while hiding and disguising the face of dishonesty. God detests the intention to deceive by those cunningly trying to make themselves look truthful and innocent. They are wolves in sheep's clothing. It is no wonder our Great Shepherd detests them. And it is necessary that we pray for discernment to recognize them and expose them.

Heavenly Father, please search our hearts to reveal any dishonesty in us so that we can repent of it. We pray for discernment to recognize dishonesty wherever it appears. Help us to be consistent with honesty and honest living so that we will be productive witnesses for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

         

©2008-2013

Daily Grace

Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC

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

No Copyright Infringement Intended

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RUNNING AWAY: A RESURRECTION DAY REMINDER

Mark 14:50   "And they all left him and fled." ESV   Jesus Christ knew they would come for Him, that He would be murdered, and that all would forsake Him. We are all just like the disciples aren't we? When things get surprisingly scary, we run with fear and worry, and wonder why this thing is happening. We often times blame God for letting such things happen. It is time for us to be more like Jesus Christ, than like the disciples that terrible evening. They ran from the very thing that would crush Satan and death, the very act that would set us all free to live for Christ throughout eternity. If any of us is suffering, or worried, or questioning God about a great difficulty, be encouraged! Our Lord is working. His grace will raise you above the circumstance and He will be glorified. Look at the agony Jesus went through in Gethsemane and the victory of His resurrection.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for questioning You when things go wrong in our lives. How we praise You for the agony and victory Jesus Christ went through at Calvary. Help us to be open to the Holy Spirit to remind us that all things will result in our own good and for Your glory. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.           ©2008-2013 Daily Grace Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

WHERE TO RUN

Psalm 11:1   "In the Lord I take refuge: how can you say to my soul, 'Flee like a bird to your mountain." ESV   Seeking refuge in the Lord in troubled times is wise. This doesn't mean we are running away from our problems and troubles, or we are using God as a 'crutch.' It means we are in His hands where He can lift our spirits above our problems and troubles so they do not overcome us. No one can tell us to run from our enemies when we are in His hands.   Heavenly Father, how we give You glory and honor for Your unconditional love and protection. What strength and courage You provide when we come to You and are able to rise above the storms that beat down on us. Help us to always seek You and run to You, whether it is in times of trouble or times of great joy. 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/ No Copyright Infringement Intended Personal Use Only

GUARDING EACH OTHER'S REPAYMENT

1 Thessalonians 5:15   "See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." ESV   How can I monitor what my brothers and sisters in the Lord are doing when I have to keep my own life on track? Whether we like it or not, we are given the charge to be a positive force and admonishment to our fellow Christians. If we see that a follower of Christ is repaying evil for evil, we are to remind them of God's Word, and most of all, live the Word in our own lives. If we are doing good to one another and to everyone we encounter, we will be used by God in marvelous ways to release the Holy Spirit to work in those who need to change in this area.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we repay evil for evil. Cleanse our hearts of the desire for revenge and replace it with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Help us to be living witnesses to the Way to live, so that others will follow and grow in grace and mercy, like our Lord. In His 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

CAN WE REALLY BE CONTENT?

 

 

Isaiah 55:2

"Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food." ESV

Why do we insist on spending our money, time, and energy on things that leave us just as empty inside as we were before we had them? Sure, we are "happy" and distracted for a short period of time, then we are back where we were feeling we need something more. There is a void, an empty place in all of us that can only be filled by our Creator God. Any attempt to satisfy this void is pointless and at best fleeting. God provides us the way to fill that void with Him and the marvelous wonders of His kingdom. He is what will fill that void forever and supply lasting peace and full contentment.

Heavenly Father, You know that we are but dust and that we are constantly seeking things from this world to make us happy. Help us to understand that happiness is a temporary state of emotion that happens when we experience something in this world that is pleasing. Show us that true contentment comes from filling the void in our lives with You and that will result in everlasting joy and contentment. 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