Paul Knew!

 During my personal devotions this morning, I found myself reading the last three verses of 2 Thessalonians over and over. Paul penned, may the Lord of peace Himself always give you His peace no matter what happens. No matter what happens. Hmmm. Paul wrote most of his letters from a prison cell. When someone has blood on their testimony, it gives their words just a little more weight.

Paul wasn't sitting in a plush palace and singing about God's provision and prosperity - although there's nothing wrong with that. It does have a disconnect with those who struggle, though. Where Paul was and what he was going through put a little more punch behind his words. If anyone could have said that God's grace and peace had run out, was insufficient, or lacked in any way - it could have been Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul goes through a long list of stuff he'd endured. He was beaten, jailed unjustly, shipwrecked, and stoned only to be left for dead. That's what I mean by "blood on his testimony." He had certainly walked through difficult times, more than most of us will ever endure. Yet here he is telling the new believers about God's peace for no matter what happens.

I love the truth that God's peace reaches into any and every situation life can throw at us. It never expires. Never runs out and absolutely nothing is off limits. God's got us covered in His peace no matter what. He won't withdraw His peace and tell us we're entering a "no peace allowed" zone. Lol. We can trust that His peace is with us in the middle of the storm, during the hottest fiery trials, and even caregiving. He's got us covered.

Today, I'll remind myself that Jesus gave us peace - he "left" it here. (John 14:27) No place does the Word mention that He took it back or withdrew it. We must still have it available today! My thoughts will be on how Jesus walked out to His disciples in the middle of the storm instead of waiting for it to subside. He's not afraid of the tall, violent emotional waves of my life either! I know I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

___________________________________________________________

New Release! Peace Out!

I just released the 31-day devotional Peace Out! It's in the Bible. Each day's scripture has something to do with peace - and how we can continue to enjoy it and walk in it - no matter what! It's available on Kindle and print in my Amazon bookstore. 

___________________________________________________________

Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. Here is an example from Day 16:

Day 16: I Am Embraced

Affirmation: I will find grace to help me in my time of need today. I will bring my cares, concerns, weaknesses, and needs to the throne of grace. I have an open invitation. God will meet me there with the grace I need for today. He is not afraid of my weaknesses, He embraces them and strengthens me by His grace.

                                Write an invitation to God inviting Him into your day. Then, write an invitation

                                from God inviting you to trust His strength and grace.

                            Read Hebrews 4:14-16