Don’t Miss the Water

Posted on February 28, 2026 by pastorpstephens

I met a man outside a convenience store the other day. He saw my chaplain badge and struck up a conversation. He spoke about how he had been troubled lately because he had failed to properly appreciate some of the best things in life until they were gone. I think we can all relate to that. Far too often we take for granted the blessings of our family, our friends, and our faith.  This man and I talked for a bit and then we prayed for the Lord to help us to be thankful and grateful for all the good people and good things He has blessed us with. I continued to pray throughout the day, and as I walked and talked with the Lord, He turned my prayer into a song.

“Don’t Miss the Water”

We don’t miss the water
Until the well has run dry.
We don’t say the things we ought to,
Before we say goodbye.
We miss life’s special moments,
And it’s no wonder why,
‘Cause we don’t miss the water
Until the well has run dry.

So, Lord, hear my confession
I need Your help today.
I have missed too many blessings
Because I let them slip away.
I don’t want to take for granted
Your goodness and Your grace,
Help me bloom right where I’m planted
And rejoice in this day You’ve made.

Bless me Lord with wisdom…
And fill my heart with Your love.
Help me see that every good thing
Is a gift from heaven above.
And when I’m walking through life’s valleys,
And the going gets really tough,
Take my hand and remind me
That Your grace is more than enough.

Please fill me with living water
Never let my well run dry.
Help me say the things I ought to
Right up until my last goodbye.
I don’t want to miss life’s moments
That make us laugh until we cry.
Fill me with living water,
Never let my well run dry.
Yes, fill me with living water,
Never let my well run dry.

I hope you have a good day. I hope you know how much God loves you. And I pray that the Lord will bless you and the people you love. Until next time, stay strong in the faith.

Posted in Being Thankful, Draw close to God, Filled with Grace, good advice, John 7:38, Living Water, Poem, Song, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life to the Full

Posted on January 24, 2026 by pastorpstephens

During my devotional time this week, I reflected on the way the Lord desires to bless us and meet all of our needs. I love the verse John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” Other translations say, “…life to the full.” Jesus is indeed the Good Shepherd who can be trusted to take care of us and meet all of our needs. And yet so many times, we look only to the world and the people in it to meet all of our deepest needs. When we do that, we are asking something from the world and from others that they are not designed to do.

I remember many years ago when motion detectors first began to be used on bathroom sinks. I was in a restaurant and I wanted to wash my hands before I ate. So, I went to the restroom to wash my hands. As I stood in front of the sink, I was perplexed. There was just a spigot and there weren’t any handles to turn the water on. I looked at that sink for a minute and scratched my head because I couldn’t figure out how to turn on the water. So, I leaned in to take a closer look thinking I would see a button or something to push or a lever to pull. When I leaned in and put my face real close, I set off the motion detector and the water came on. I jumped back and it stopped. I leaned in again and it started again. I finally figured it out. There was a motion detector on the sink and it was designed to turn on whenever you put your hands near it. Today, sinks with motion detectors are everywhere. A while back I went into a different restaurant to wash my hands and I put my hands under the sink and nothing happened. I started waving my hands in the sink and still nothing happened. So, I moved them faster. Still nothing, so I moved to the next sink. I moved my hands but it didn’t work either! But I kept doing it. I kept waving my hands under that sink thinking that eventually it would give me some water. I finally figured it out. Those sinks didn’t work because there was no motion detector; you had to turn on the handle. I was expecting something from those sinks they were not designed to do.

We do the same thing with the world and the people in it. We look to others to perfectly love us, to perfectly care for us, and to perfectly care about us. And we have been let down because we have looked to this world and the people in it to meet all of our needs, and that is something that they are not designed to do. But still, we keep moving our hands, looking for water. And we move from sink to sink and never get what we need. Jesus, says, “Come to Me, I will meet your needs. Come to Me, I will give you living water. I will give you life and life more abundantly.” It’s true. We can trust the Lord to meet all of our needs. We can trust Him to give us life to the full. We can trust Him to perfectly love us, to perfectly care for us and to perfectly care about us.

I pray that the Lord will bless you and the people you love this week. I pray that you will experience the abundant life that only Christ can give, life to the full.

Posted in Christianity, Draw close to God, faith, God's Love, John 10:10 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Give Your Best

Posted on January 17, 2026 by pastorpstephens

My dad was on my mind the other day; he passed away in 2006. I sure do miss him. A lot of the time we spent together was in the front yard shooting baskets or throwing a baseball. I miss those times and the life lessons he tried to share with me. Like most teenage boys, some of those lessons stuck better than others. And some of those lessons didn’t take hold until I was old enough to recognize that maybe I didn’t know everything.

One lesson my father regularly emphasized was how important it is to do our best. He told me one time, “Son, if you are playing a basketball game and you don’t leave the game with at least three fouls, you probably didn’t push yourself and take enough chances. Work hard when you’re working and play hard when you’re playing. You can’t always be the best, but you can always do your best.” When I think of the level of effort he was describing, I think of Paul’s words in Colossians 3:23 where Paul wrote to the church,

“Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” Colossians 3:23

Paul was encouraging followers of Christ to always do their best. And why wouldn’t we do our best? After all, we have received the best! God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Son so that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. As Christians, we have received the best! We have received the love, the mercy, and the grace of God. We know of His goodness, His kindness, and His provision. We have received the best and we should offer our best in every task, every relationship and in the midst of every circumstance.

Certainly, we will make some mistakes and we will have our “fouls” along the way, but that does not mean we should not try hard, push ourselves and offer our best in everything and every situation. As followers of Christ, we are to represent the Lord and we do not want to provide a poor or inaccurate representation.

I pray that you will be strengthened and encouraged by the Lord this week. I pray that you will let Him help you offer your best in all that you do.

Posted in bear fruit, Christianity, Colossians 3:23, Do Your Best | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are You Properly Dressed for the Day?

Posted on December 27, 2025 by pastorpstephens

In the last couple of weeks, the weather has jumped back and forth from very cold to pretty warm a couple on multiple occasions. I was totally caught by surprise the other week and I left for the office in just a shirt and a pair of slacks. The wind started whipping around a couple of hours later, the air was cold and damp and I felt like I was freezing! Generally, when it’s cold, I like to put on a coat and a hat and maybe even one of my “Mr. Rogers’ sweaters” before I head out the door.

As I was shivering on the way to my car after work, I was reminded by the temperature that I need to be better prepared and put on the right things when I head out in the morning to face the world. Otherwise, it will be a long day. God’s word reminds us that we should also prepare ourselves spiritually every day to face the world. Paul tells Christians in Colossians 3:12

Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

I love Paul’s reminder to the Church. We should never leave our house without a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience. We are to head out the door prepared to help one another, love one another, and forgive one another just as Christ has done for us. Every morning, we should make sure we are appropriately dressed. It makes for a better day.

I hope you know that God loves you.  And I pray that you will have a wonderful week and experience the peace and the presence of the Lord.

Posted in Be Flexible, Be Kind, Be Prepared, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas Santa!

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I hope that you have a Merry Christmas.  I hope you are able to enjoy some time with family and friends and reflect on the reason for the season.  Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago which captures some of my thoughts at this time of year.

Dear Santa, you’ve always been so good to me,
Every Christmas you leave toys underneath the tree.
There have been planes and trains and racing cars,
Cowboy hats and little guitars.

You’ve left baseball bats and balls and gloves,
Lots of presents given with love.
The only complaint I have to say,
Is that you eat my cookies and go away.

Yes I love you Santa but I want to make clear,
I need a friend who is always near.
Though I love the thought behind every toy,
I need the gifts of comfort and joy.

I need things that last longer than a gaming station,
I need some hope; I need salvation.
So, please dear Santa, don’t feel dissed,
But it’s Jesus Christ who’s at the top of my list.

He doesn’t show up just once a year,
He fills my heart, He’s always near!
It’s His birth I celebrate on Christmas Day,
He never just takes the cookies and goes away.

Santa if you don’t know Jesus like I do,
I’d love to introduce my Lord to you.
He has given the greatest gift to me,
He gave His life to set me free!

This Christmas, I hope you know how much God loves you and that He can be trusted to strengthen, comfort, lead, and guide you in and through all situations. May you and yours have a Merry Christmas.

Posted in Being Blessed, Christianity, Christmas, faith, God's Love, Luke 2:11, Poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

Posted on October 25, 2025 by pastorpstephens


A friend of mine and I were talking about music a while back and they suggested writing a song which speaks of the hope and health available to everyone, but especially for someone who may be struggling with a mental health condition. My friend is a very caring and loving person and they thought it would be good to include the phrase, “I see you and I will meet you where you are.” I like that thought. It reminds me of the truth found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Two are better than one, for if we fall, there is someone there who will lift us up. And with that thought in mind, I have been trying to put some words down on paper. I am still working on the melody in my head and toying with some of the verses, but here is what I have so far.

I Will Meet You Where You Are

I hope you know you’re a blessing
Worthy of respect and love,
Unique and beautiful in every way,
You’re a gift from heaven above,
Still, we all have battles we have to fight,
Every person has struggles of their own
But even in the darkest of nights
You don’t have to fight alone.

Chorus:
Oh my friend, I see you
And I will meet you where you are…
You’ve already survived so much,
You’ve already come so far,
So let me walk beside you,
Let me help you stand
And together we’ll move forward,
While God holds both our hands…

In life, we all have seasons
Filled with missteps, mistakes, and falls
Times when we feel all alone
With no one we can call…
And on those days filled with darkness
I will take your hand in mine
And together we’ll keep walking through the rain,
Until the sun begins to shine…

Chorus:
Because, oh my friend I see you!
And I will meet you where you are…
You’ve already survived so much,
You’ve already come so far,
So let me walk beside you,
Let me help you stand
And together we’ll move forward,
While God holds both our hands.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with depression, please know that confidential, professional help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just call or text 988 or start a chat online at 988lifeline.org and connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Hope and help are available for you. There are people who will meet you where you are.  May God bless you and the people you love.

Posted in accountability partners, can't go on, dealing with depression, Dealing with grief, Don't give up, Ecclesiastes 4:9, God works through us, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Not Forget

Posted on September 26, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I was watching a cartoon with the granddaughters a few years ago which explored the question, “Where does night come from?” As the characters began to discuss the possibilities and search out the answer, I asked the girls if they knew the answer. Avery, who as I recall was about eight years old at the time, responded that night and day come because the earth is spinning around the sun. When a side turns away from the sun it becomes night. Haley, who was six years old said, “Oh yeah. I remember that now. I forgot because it has been a long time since we talked about it.” My conversation with the girls and Haley’s comments about forgetting something she learned reminded of a passage in Proverbs 3 that I was reading the other day.

Prov 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

It can be easy to forget things and I must confess it is getting easier and easier for me every year. I find that I have to be intentional about learning new things and just as intentional about remembering and acting on things I have learned in the past. Our Lord desires that we never forget His teachings and His commandments. We are to bind them around our neck, keeping them close, applying them on a daily basis. His ways are to become a way of life for us. The Lord desires that we never forget to demonstrate His kindness and truth. It will be a blessing to us and to others around us.

Posted in Be Kind, God Speaks Through His Word, God's Word, growing in faith, Study God, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Our Words Matter

Posted on August 29, 2025 by pastorpstephens

The preacher of a little country church had just finished hammering a sign into the ground by the side of the road next to the church that read, “Da end is near! Turn around now afore it’s too late!” About that time a city fellow came speeding through town and upon seeing the sign yelled out, “Mind your own business, you religious nut!” Just a few seconds later the preacher heard the screeching of tires and a big splash. The preacher scratched his head and said to himself, “Maybe I should have just made a sign that said ‘Bridge Out’ instead.”

Like the preacher in that story, I have often found myself scratching my head wishing I had used different words to communicate with others. The words we use are so very important and can have such a great impact on others. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

I find the godly principles in that verse to be very challenging at times. There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact others. There are times when I don’t consider how my words will impact my witness. There are times when I don’t even consider how my words will impact me. Oh yes, your words can even impact you. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that “as a man thinketh, so is he.” Your words need to remind you that you are special, you have been created in God’s image and He gave His Only Son so that you might have everlasting life. Your words need to remind you that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you, He will strengthen you and uphold you with His righteous right hand. He will equip you and empower you to do everything He asks you to do. It is true, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Those are beautiful words to know and reflect upon.

If you know Christ, your words need to remind others that the same grace and forgiveness that you have received is also available to them. I am afraid that too often my words don’t properly communicate this wonderful, glorious truth. Too often my conversations never get around to speaking of the goodness and mercy of the Lord. Please pray for me so that my words will be edifying and full of God’s grace. And as you pray for me, please know that I am praying for you and the people you love.

 

Posted in Christianity, Controlling our words, encouraging others, faith, God's Grace | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Taking Time for Yourself

Posted on July 19, 2025 by pastorpstephens

Attached is a picture of my 5-year-old grandson Theo reading a newspaper at the beach. Let me explain. I took this photo during a party at our house. The whole family was there and as you might guess, there was a lot of excitement, a lot of noise, and a lot of people gathered in the living room. I noticed that I had not seen Theo for a while, so I went to check on him. I’ve lost track of grandkids before and found them coloring –  and it wasn’t in a coloring book. But, that’s a story for another day.

I found Theo in an extra living area in our home. He was quietly sitting in a rocking chair, his hands were holding an imaginary newspaper, and he was nodding his head from time to time as he pretended to turn the pages of the newspaper. I watched long enough to take in the scene and snap a couple of pictures before I said, “Hi Theo. I was looking for you. What are you doing?” Theo replied, “Hi Papa. I am sitting in a chair, reading a newspaper at the beach, with my toes in the sand.” I said, “That sounds relaxing.” Theo turned another page and said, “It is. You should try it.” So, I did. We sat there for a while, away from all the hustle and bustle going on in the other room, just relaxing, reading our newspapers at the beach with our toes in the sand. And Theo was right. It was very relaxing. After a few minutes of having our toes in the sand, we were ready to rejoin the party.

Oh, my goodness, I love that boy. I also love the fact that at a very early age, Theo has learned to take some time for himself, to take a break, and get away for a while from situations that may be too loud, too noisy, or overstimulating. That is a good reminder for me. Maybe it is a good reminder for you too. The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

So, don’t hesitate to take a break from time to time. Don’t neglect self-care. Investing in yourself allows you to be able to pour more freely and richly into the lives of others. And let’s face it. We all need some time to relax in a chair, reading a newspaper at the beach with our toes in the sand… even if it is just in the other room.

Posted in busy schedule, family, good advice, Proverbs 4:23, Self Care | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Take Courage

Posted on July 12, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I spent three days this week in Kerrville serving as a chaplain along with some of my fellow chaplains from the state of Texas.  I listened to a lot of stories and lifted up a lot of prayers for people who are still reeling from the recent floods in the Hill Country.  As I reflected on the overwhelming grief that so many expressed, I was reminded of David’s words in Psalm 31:9-10.  David wrote:

“Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.  For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing…”  Psalm 31:9-10

In many other psalms, David expressed the same feeling; one of being overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life.  Yet through it all David never gave up.  David leaned on his faith.  In Psalm 31 David speaks of how, in the midst of his sadness and tough times, he cried to the Lord and the Lord delivered him.  David ends the psalm with an exhortation to all who feel distressed and discouraged.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.”  Psalm 31:24 

My heart aches for the people who experienced such devastating losses in the recent floods.  As I talked with people this week, many were also facing other trials of life and they are indeed feeling overwhelmed.  Maybe you can relate to that today.  Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by grief, despair and the trials and tribulations of life.  Maybe you are not sure if you can go on.  You can.  You can be strong in the Lord.  You can receive courage from the Lord.  You can make it through whatever situation you face through the power that Jesus Christ offers you!  Don’t give up and don’t give in!  His peace is available right here, right now in this earthly realm for all who will trust in Him.  The sun will rise tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.  He will help you face the day!  He will help you to be strong and have courage.

If you or someone you know could use some extra prayers today, just put a note down below.  No details are necessary, the Lord knows what is on your heart.  And you can know that myself and others will be praying for you and with you, asking the Lord to intervene in your situation and bless you with an extra measure of His mercy, His grace, His strength, and His love.

Posted in A refuge, a stronghold, Christianity, Draw close to God, faith, Faith during hard times, God answers prayers, God Cares for You | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment