Category Archives: Draw close to God

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in A refuge, a stronghold, Christianity, Draw close to God, faith, Faith during hard times, God answers prayers, God Cares for You | Tagged Christianity, don't give up, faith, Faith during hard times, God Answers Prayer, God's Peace, God's Strength, ministry work | Leave a comment

The God of All Comfort

Posted on June 28, 2025 by pastorpstephens

This week in our chapel service, we talked about the fact that everyone experiences difficult times in life; times of sadness and sorrow. As a chaplain I have sat with many people who are hurting and listened as they shared … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3 - 4, Christianity, Dealing with grief, Draw close to God, encouraging others, Encouraging words, faith | Tagged 2 Corinthians 1:3 - 4, Christianity, don't give up, encouraging others, faith, God's comfort | Leave a comment

Look to the Cross

Posted on June 7, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I spent some time visiting with some young people last week and we covered some topics which included acceptance, belonging, and love. We had a good and lively discussion about how much God loves us and how our earthly relationships … Continue reading →

Posted in Draw close to God, faith, God loves you, Poem, poetry | Tagged Draw close to God, faith, God loves you, Poem, poetry, Romans 5:8 | Leave a comment

A Bold Proclamation

Posted on February 2, 2025 by pastorpstephens

I saw a haircut place a few years back that had a sign that instead of advertising bald fades had a sign that said “Bad Fades – $8.” I wanted to stop and go in and ask them how much … Continue reading →

Posted in busy schedule, Christianity, Draw close to God, faith, God's Word, John 15:5, Let Your Light Shine, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 188:1, trust in the Lord | Tagged Christianity, faith, God will help you, never forsaken | Leave a comment

The Lord Who Knows

Posted on September 27, 2024 by pastorpstephens

This week, I attended a chaplains’ conference at a camp near Kerrville. It was a great time of fellowship, worship, and discipleship. One morning we focused on Psalm 139:19-24 with an emphasis on the “search me” verses. I like that … Continue reading →

Posted in Draw close to God, following Christ, godly living, good choices, Poem, Psalm 139:23, Psalm 139:24 | Tagged Christianity, Church, faith, God will lead you, good advice, Poem, religion | Leave a comment

Prayer Can Bring You Peace

Posted on September 7, 2024 by pastorpstephens

I heard someone bemoaning certain issues the other day and after a while they concluded “All we can do is pray.” Over the years I have heard that phrase a lot and I think that there is a general misunderstanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Draw close to God, inspirational, Intercessory Prayer, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:6-7, prayer, Praying for Others | Tagged Christianity, faith, God will help you, God's Peace, Prayer changes things, Praying for Others | Leave a comment

Created with Power and for Purpose

Posted on August 31, 2024 by pastorpstephens

Marta and I just got back from an Alaskan cruise. We took a four-hour flight to Seattle, Washington and then got on a big boat for seven days. All of the other cruises we have been on before have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Created in His Image, Draw close to God, faith | Tagged Alaska cruise, Christianity, created with power and purpose, faith, God has a plan for you, In His Image, Psalm 95 | Leave a comment

Pray for Me

Posted on March 2, 2024 by pastorpstephens

I was chatting with someone in a parking lot the other day, just exchanging pleasantries about the weather. As we wrapped up our casual conversation, I asked them if I could pray for them. This person replied, “No, that’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Colossians 4:2, Don't give up, Draw close to God, faith, Faith during hard times, God loves you, God will help you, prayer, Praying for Others | Tagged Christianity, Colossians 4:2, don't give up, Faith during hard times, God will help you, prayer, Praying for Others | Leave a comment

Walking in Unity

Posted on February 16, 2024 by pastorpstephens

This week I am preaching on the last part of the High Priestly Prayer in John 17; the part in which Jesus prays for you and me. I am always amazed that on the night that He would be betrayed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Draw close to God, Encouraging words, family, John 17:20-21, Psalm 133:1, walk in unity | Tagged Christianity, Church, John 17:20-21, prayer, Psalm 133:1, religion, the High Priestly prayer, Walk in Love, walk in truth, walk in unity | Leave a comment

The Right Perspective

Posted on January 19, 2024 by pastorpstephens

This week in our chapel group we talked about dealing with the stresses and struggles that we all encounter in life. Our discussion centered around Bible passages that people find helpful during such times. Whenever I have stressful times or … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Count Your Blessings, Don't give up, Draw close to God, Faith during hard times, the right perspective | Tagged Christianity, Faith during hard times, God's Strength, Patience, Psalm 123:1, religion, spiritual growth | Leave a comment