Yesterday morning I had the wonderful privilege speaking to the woman of Williamson Chapel UMC, in my hometown of Mooresville, NC These gals are amazing and their hearts are so tender towards the Lord. They made me feel right at home!
A quick note: If you’re viewing this post from your phone, click on the title above <A Peaceful Shout-Out>, so that you can see the pictures and leave a comment.
I saw so many familiar faces and made a lot of new friends. My girlfriends were so sweet and decorated a special table right up front so we could all sit together. I love these gals. They are some of the most amazing women in this world!
Each table was beautifully decorated with lavished centerpieces, Christmas place settings, and glowing candles. One gal used her mother’s china while another had this darling whimsical reminder of Christmas morning goodies.
This beautiful nativity set was placed on the table right behind me. Admiring it from a distance made me want to pull out my own Christmas nativity and set it up once I got home.
I was able to share a message on God’s peace and how it is a gift that He gives each of us when we say “yes” to Jesus and become part of His family of believers.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I now give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid. John 14:27
Jesus also promises that we can experience His peace working through us in every situation and at all times.
Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every situation. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I’m so thankful God’s peace is available to every believer. But, oftentimes we just don’t know how to activate it. God tells us how to activate His gift of peace in our lives. It’s through trusting Him.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isaiah 26:3
Can I ask you something personal? Are you experiencing God’s peace in your life today?
If you are a believer but you’re not experiencing God’s peace today, I want to lovingly challenge you to trust Him in the midst of whatever you are going through right now.
I know it can be scary and make us feel out of control but when we truly trust God and surrender our moment-by-moment, day-by-day, situation-by-situation, relationships-and-all to Him…we WILL experience His peace.
It’s a promise He’s made to us and God doesn’t go back on His promises. Never. Ever.
I created a special gift for you which is located on my “giveaways” page. It’s called “Pursuing Peace in God’s Presence” and includes several scripture verses on the topic of God’s peace.
Feel free to download and print out this pdf for your personal use. It can be a great resource on those days when you’re feeling not-so-peaceful inside. And that might be today.
I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know how I can be praying for you this coming week.
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Photo Credit: Mary Bruin (Thanks Mary!)
Jill Beran says
Leah, I love this post!! And the verses you shared on your freebie page. I truly believe I opened this post when it was first posted, but only got it read today. Anyway God’s timing is perfect!! Peace has been the topic on my heart these last few days and God is leading me to share about it at our Dec. Titus24U time. Feel like He led me to the gold mine here and just love how He spoke to my heart through all of this…brought some peace actually.
Last week I had a hard conversation with a friend, one God clearly led me to. I walked away feeling I’d been obedient and was experiencing peace, but the last couple of days Satan has been on the attack. So my prayer request? Peace and that in a couple of weeks I can share what I learn with my T24U girls so we can all walk into the Christmas season with more peace and experience it in a powerful way.
Thank you for this Leah!! At Thanksgiving I am thankful for you!! Pray you have a wonderful day tomorrow giving thanks for and with the ones you love!!
Leah says
Jill, I’m so grateful that God lead you to this post so that He could provide these verses as you prepare for your Titus24U group. His timing is ALWAYS perfect and His Word…profound!
The enemy would love nothing more than to steal your peace , making you feel ineffective and unsure. The Prince of Peace lives within you keeping your heart, mind, and emotions closely tucked within Christ Jesus. I’m praying for you and the Titus24U gals as you share God’s truths of peace during the Christmas season.
Jill Beran says
Thank you Leah!!
Grace says
God’s Peace is at the top of my thankful list! So grateful that at ALL times and in ALL things and in EVERY way, we CAN have peace. What an incredible gift!! So grateful for The Prince of Peace in my life!
Ann Marie Peterson says
Wish I could have heard you speak. Did they record it?
Kim says
What a message Leah!!! Thank you so much for saying yes! Thanks too for the gift of the peace scriptures- I have already printed them and am so grateful to have them close by in the upcoming busy weeks! I’m promising myself to try to not let others “bump into my happy” 😉 I esp love 1 Thess 3:16! God loves you and so do I
Michele S says
Leah, I needed to hear your words and God’s scripture about peace Wednesday morning. I was even praying for peace on my way to our brunch. Thank you for sharing your light with us! God bless you!
leah says
Thank you, Michelle. I’m praying for you today and asking God to flood your heart with His peace, joy, hope and assurance. Remember to use the key of trust to activate God’s gift of peace in your life. It’s when we truly surrender our circumstances to Him that we experience His abundant peace. You are securely held in God’s embrace – He’s got you covered, sweet friend! Hugs,Leah
Michele S says
Leah, I needed to hear your words and God’s scripture about peace Wednesday morning. I was even praying for peace on my way to our brunch. Thank you for sharing your light with us! God bless you!
Crystal Stevenson says
First I love the nativity set you have posted. I will someday have that one!
I pray that I can be filled with peace as we are going through some touch financial issues. I have been married 12 years (on Sunday) and we have four beautiful children. I am trying to become a stay at home mom but I still have to have some income. We are praying and working hard to make this happen, but some prayers for peace and patience would be much appreciated. Thanks so much and I love your site!!
leah says
Crystal, I remember being in that same situation when my boys were little. We were a 2-income family but I was longing to be a stay-at-home mom. We worried and stressed over how we would survive on my husband’s income but God was so faithful. As we stepped out in faith, God provided abundantly and we have lacked nothing ever since. Crystal, trust in God with all your heart and He will direct your path. It’s one of His promises. Proverbs 3:5-6 Blessings, Leah
Mary B says
Leah, such beautiful words you spoke yesterday. His love shined through you!
leah says
Thank you, Mary. You are God’s gift of encouragement to me! Much love, Leah