That's What You Get - A Guest Post by Jessica Patch

Hey everyone! Happy New Year! I'm in the craziness of moving, so my dear friend, Jessica Patch is taking over to start off 2016. This woman has a HUGE heart for Jesus, and I've learned so much through her. Plus, she's got a crazy sense of humor and is known for sending texts that make you snort...a true gift that you'll find in her writing--because she has another story coming out this month! But we'll chat about that on Friday. For now, Jess is doing the devotion for today, linking together a Truth woven not only into that story, but throughout the Bible and in our lives. So, here she is:)

Ever hear that phrase? “If he rides that bike without the helmet, that’s what he gets if he wrecks. I’ve told him a hundred times to wear it.” “If you don’t listen to me and you (fill in the blank) then that’s what you get.”

In Fatal Reunion, my heroine Piper Kennedy believes everything that is happening is because “that’s what she gets” for her past mistakes. Yes, she got into a lot of trouble at fourteen. Yes, she made some major mistakes. And yes, we all have to deal with the consequences. But I’m thankful for a merciful God who isn’t looking at us shaking His head and thinking, “Well, that’s what you get!”

When David, a man after God’s own heart, failed miserably and sinned, God gave him three choices as consequences. David chose falling into God’s hands over man’s hands. He knew God was (and is) merciful, fair, and just. That God disciplines those He loves. Not punishment in the sense of “that’s what you get!” but to teach us to live according to His word.

We get mercy. We get grace to go through those consequences. God loves us. Enough to make sure we don’t get away with things.

God gives second chances. He’s not sitting on the edge of his seat waiting to punish us for making a mistake. He’s the God of second and a billion chances. The truth is we all deserve eternal death. The wages of sin is death. God however gives us forgiveness and eternal life with Him. I’d say that’s a loving God. That’s what we get!

AMEN! I, for one, am SO happy God gives "second and a billion chances" because I've needed them!

Here's a little about Jess and how to connect with her, and come back on Friday to hear about her debut and a chance to win a copy!

Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she's not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she'll probably never cook. Her novel, Fatal Reunion, releases with Love Inspired Suspense in January, 2016. She is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

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