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 about prayer. We too often think of prayer as casually tossing something to God or maybe even passionately and urgently laying something at His feet, beseeching Him to change a situation. Having pled our case, we stand up, wipe our hands, and walk away. Now, please hear me. I believe in prayer. I have seen some wonderful answers to prayer. (There are always answers to prayer, we usually only consider those answers to be wonderful if the answer is what we want! But that is for another post.) As I was saying, I believe in prayer. Prayer changes things, we should pray. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7

Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is a good thing, an effectual thing. It can bring us peace about the burdens and concerns on our hearts. I think though that too often we drop off our list and walk away and there is no real peace because we have the wrong idea about prayer. Prayer is not meant to align God’s will up with ours but rather to line ours up with God’s. Praying is like throwing a lasso around a mountain. We can pull and pull as hard as we want but we will never pull the mountain closer to us. We can however pull ourselves closer to the mountain. Through prayer, we pull ourselves closer to God and to His will.

I know we get told “let go and let God” and I understand the sentiment behind that expression. But there are some things that we are burdened with that we should not just give to God in prayer and then simply wipe off our hands and walk away. If we do, we will not have the peace that Paul talks about because God placed that burden on our heart so that we might be His instrument affecting the change. God drove us to Him in prayer not so that we could just drop off our burden, wipe our hands, and walk away but so that we might be equipped, encouraged, and inspired to deal with that burden and allow Him to affect the change through us!

It is true. God condescends to use us in this world to reveal His mercy, His comfort, His truth, His love, His goodness, His righteousness, His justice, His grace, and any number of His other marvelous attributes. The Almighty receives great glory by using weak, flawed, mistake prone people like you and me…. people who need and have a Savior.

Burdened about starving children? Yes, pray for them, but how can you directly help them through giving or serving in some worthwhile organization?

Have a heart for single moms? Is there a ministry at your church or in your community where you can help? Is there such an individual in your sphere of influence that you can reach out to?

Worried about a relationship that is on the skids? Have you prayed and asked the Lord to help you have the necessary conversation with that other person? Do you need to seek or offer forgiveness?

Worried about the decline of attendance in your church? Do you call people you haven’t seen in a while, do you embrace, engage and welcome visitors, do you consider yourself to be on mission in your community?

Whatever problems, burdens or worries you have, you should let them drive you to God in prayer. Prayer is how we communicate with our heavenly Father, share our burdens, cast our cares upon Him and line ourselves up with His will. It is also how we receive peace and answers.

Yes, prayer changes things. God still works miracles and yes, sometimes He moves mountains. But perhaps the biggest miracle is that when I pray, He often moves me.

Posted in Christianity, Draw close to God, inspirational, Intercessory Prayer, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:6-7, prayer, Praying for Others | Tagged , , , , , | 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 to some tropical destination. This was definitely a change of scenery and what beautiful scenery it was! I loved spending time just watching the sun rise and set over the ocean. It was amazing to traverse an inlet sea with snowcapped mountains on both sides of the ship. I did not see any whales, moose, or bald eagles. But I did not feel cheated in the least because I did see some of the beauty of God’s creation which I have never been blessed to see before. And it was a blessing. As I considered the power and the purpose that went into all that God has created, I was reminded of the exhortation found in Psalm 95.

Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation… 4 In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. 5 The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker…

The beauty of God’s creation is truly a wonderful thing. He has created all things through His power and for His purpose. That includes us, for we have been created in His image. And that great truth should move us to sing and shout with joy to the Rock of our salvation, and bow down in worship before the Lord, our Maker.

Posted in Christianity, Created in His Image, Draw close to God, faith | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Winning at Life

Posted on August 10, 2024 by pastorpstephens

I have been watching various sports in the summer Olympics in Paris the last couple of weeks. The moments I have enjoyed most are the displays of sportsmanship by some of those who are competing – some of whom won their event and some who fell short of their goal. I was reminded one of my favorite memories of coaching little league baseball. One year, our team of 11 – 12 year olds had a game with a team across town. We were ahead by a couple of runs with two innings left, when one of the opposing players stepped up to the plate. He was not only an opposing player, but he was an imposing player too. He was about a foot taller than any of our kids, he was strong, and he looked like he had already been shaving for a couple of years. At his previous at bat, he took a high fastball and sent it over the fence for a home run.

As he stepped up to the plate again, one of the coaches from another team came up to let me know that since the game was close we should just “walk” this player and put him on first base. I suppose if we were playing in the Little League World series, we might have done just that. I called a time out and went to the mound to talk to the pitcher who came in to close the game. I said, “Our last pitcher gave this guy a high fastball that some kids are still looking for so they can get a snow cone.” He laughed and said, “Yeah, he hit it pretty good.” I nodded my head and said, “We could play it safe and walk him or we can pitch to him. What do you want to do?” Our pitcher said, “I want to pitch to him. I’ll just keep it low and we’ll see what happens.”

Our pitcher kept it low and got the count to two balls and two strikes. The next pitch was low too, but it did not matter. The batter reached down and got it and put it over two fences – the one on our field and one on the field behind us! As the opposing player began his trot around the bases, our pitcher, who was my son Eric, met the other player as he rounded second base and gave him a high five. My son was a very good baseball player and he made several great plays and great hits over the years. But of all the good hits and good plays, that moment stands out as one of my favorites.

I caught a little flak from that coach who told me to “walk” the other player as it could have kept us from winning the game. And in a scoring sense, the other coach was right. But I think that sometimes we put so much focus on the final score and “winning the game” that we forget that coaching kids is about so much more. Learning to challenge ourselves, facing adversity, and handling a less than desired outcome with grace and integrity, that is the most important thing. And that, sounds like winning to me.

Posted in 1 Timothy 4:8, Do Your Best, Encouragement, Give it your best, sportsmanship | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Plans

Posted on August 4, 2024 by pastorpstephens


I have started studying the book of Romans during my devotional time. I have preached on various passages from the book of Romans over the years, but I have never done a complete sermon series on this particularly book. As with the other books of the New Testament attributed to the Apostle Paul, this took the form of a letter that Paul wrote to the church. In this case, it was a letter written to Christians in Rome. Paul desired to go to Rome personally to teach and to preach, but because of active threats to his personal safety, Paul knew that the trip he desired to make, may not come to pass. With that in mind, God led Paul to write this letter to the Christians in Rome. As with Paul’s letters to other churches, Paul’s desire was to glorify God and to instruct, inform, and encourage the readers of this letter. This week as I reflected on Paul’s reason for writing this letter, I was reminded of what the Bible says in Proverbs 16:9:

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Sometimes there are things that we desire to do, things that we want to say, and people that we want to see. And although we may make plans to do and say those things at a later time, we cannot be sure when or if those things will come to pass. As James said, “You never know what life will be like tomorrow. This life is like a vapor, it appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” We never know what tomorrow may bring. If the Lord has placed someone or something on your heart, prayerfully seek God’s direction on the steps He would have you take today in order to begin to fulfill those things which He has placed on your heart.

Posted in Christianity, doing the right thing, God has a plan for you, God will lead you | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

We Have Everything We Need

Posted on July 6, 2024 by pastorpstephens

This week in chapel we looked at a passage from 2 Peter 1:3-4. It is a wonderful passage which speaks to the fact that God, through His divine power, has given us everything we need for godly living. I love that passage. Because of our saving relationship with Jesus Christ, we have everything we need to be able to live a life that honors God and points others to the grace, mercy, and salvation that Jesus offers. The Lord promises to supply us with wisdom, strength, comfort, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control, and any other resource we may need as we seek to love God and love others.

As we talked about all that God offers us, we also acknowledged that we don’t always take advantage of the marvelous resources which are available to us. I can relate to that. I shared with the group that in the past couple of months, I got caught in the rain and got soaking wet while walking around campus. It happened not once, not twice, but three times. Three times I got caught in the rain. And on each of those occasions, I had seen the rain clouds, I knew the forecast, and yet I still walked out the door without taking my umbrella.

I said all that to say this. Don’t neglect all that God so freely offers us in Christ. You know the forecast – in this world you will encounter storms and struggles, you will encounter trials and tribulations. So don’t walk out the door without availing yourself of the Lord’s grace, strength, wisdom, or any of the other wonderful resources He so freely provides.

Posted in faith, God will help you, godly living, Hope in Christ, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day Reflection 2024

Posted on May 25, 2024 by pastorpstephens

On this Memorial Day weekend, it is a good time to reflect on the reason for this holiday. Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May. It provides us with an opportunity to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, having picnics and cookouts, and participating in parades. I am afraid that sometimes we get so busy enjoying our time off that we forget the reason for this particular holiday. Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago as I reflected on the brave men and women whom we honor on Memorial Day.

“21 Gun Salute”

You got a 21 gun salute from rifles
Pointed at the sky,
Taps cut through the silence,
As we came to tell you goodbye.

Now your flag is already folded,
Flowers placed on your grave,
I wish I knew how to thank you,
For the sacrifice you gave.

You loved your life dearly,
But you loved your country more.
You chose to serve her and defend her,
In peacetime and in war.

And I don’t think you knew the price,
That you would have to pay.
But I know it wouldn’t have changed your mind,
Or the oath you took that day.

It seems like there would be more,
That we could do or say,
For ones who gave their lives
To protect the freedoms we have today.

But for now I’ll just say thank you,
You gave all that you could give.
You laid down your life and fought,
So that we can freely live.

And you got a 21 gun salute from rifles
Pointed at the sky,
Taps cut through the silence
As we came to tell you goodbye.

Now your flag is already folded,
Flowers placed on your grave.
And I am deeply grateful,
For the sacrifice you gave.

I hope you have a good weekend and that you are able to enjoy some time with friends and family. I hope that you will take some time to give thanks for the sacrifice of the brave men and women we honor on Memorial Day. May God bless you and the families of those who gave their life in the service of our country.

Posted in Bless those who protect and serve, Christianity, freedom, inspirational, Memorial Day | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I See You

Posted on May 18, 2024 by pastorpstephens

One of my favorite games to play with the grandkids is Hide and Seek. Several years ago, our granddaughters Avery and Haley had their mom bring them to our house just to play that game. Avery, who was 8 years old at the time told me, “Papa, we are ready to play Hide and Seek. And this time we aren’t going to fall for any of your tricks.” Her little sister Haley who was 6 chimed in, “Yeah, none of your tricks work!”

They were referring to times when we have played and I have made the bed and used the blanket to cover pillows so that it looks like I am hiding under there. One time, I even put shoes sticking out of the end of the blanket just to really sell it. The first time I did that trick, Avery ran over to the bed shouting, “I see your shoes!” She pulled the blanket off the bed only to find a pair of shoes and several pillows. I was watching from the closet, and I laughed so loud she found me right away. One time when Avery was just 4 years old, she got on our bed and covered herself with pillows. She thought that nobody saw her. And the truth is, I might not have seen her if her feet weren’t sticking out from under the pillows.

As I was thinking of that the other day, I was reminded that many people have experienced times when they thought that no one saw them. They have felt like they were hidden and that anyone who might pass by would never even notice them. And the sad truth is, many people have experienced times when they were hurting or struggling and someone walked by and looked the other way. And while it is fun to feel “hidden” and “unseen” while you’re playing Hide and Seek, it is not so much fun at other times. That is one reason that Psalm 139 resonates so well within my soul. David speaks of God’s love for him and writes:

Psalm 139:7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

David shares some wonderful truths in this psalm. God always knows where we are. He always knows how we feel. He knows what we are going through. We are never hidden from Him. I find that thought comforting because wherever I am, however I may feel, I only need to reach out to Him and His right hand will hold me fast (Psalm 139:10). I hope you know that is a promise for you as well, wherever you may be, and however you may be feeling today.  May the Lord bless you, strengthen you, and give you peace.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.

Posted in faith, Faith during hard times, God's Peace, grandchildren, psalm 139:7, religion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

If You Only Knew

Posted on May 11, 2024 by pastorpstephens

This morning, I was going through an old folder of songs and poems that I have written over the years. I ran across one from a few years ago and made a few slight revisions.

If You Only Knew

How would you live if you only knew,
The depths of the love God has for you?
Would you start each day wearing a smile?
Would you push through each challenge and go the next mile?
Would you reflect God’s love in all that you do?
How would you live if you only knew?

How would you live if you only knew,
The depth of the grace God has shown to you?
Would you treat everyone you meet with the same kindness and grace?
Would you do your part to bring a smile to everyone’s face?
Would you share the grace that’s been shared with you?
How would you live if you only knew?

How would you live if you only knew,
The depths of the mercy that God offers you?
Would you start each day grateful for the gift of God’s Son?
Would you go into each battle knowing the victory is won?
Would you do things differently than the way that you do?
How would you live if you only knew?

I hope you have a blessed day. I hope that it is a day in which you are able to reflect upon and embrace the love, the grace, and the mercy that God offers to you.  Until next time stay strong in the faith.

Posted in Christianity, Count Your Blessings, God loves you, God will lead you, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Mercy, Poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ready Fire Aim

Posted on April 27, 2024 by pastorpstephens


“Ready. Fire. Aim.”  Those three words are some of the best advice my dad ever gave me.  Typically, that phrase was uttered at some point in a Little League baseball game after I struck out.  My dad was big on reminding me that many times in a game, things are not going to go as we have planned.  In the aftermath of striking out, my dad would encourage me not to become frustrated by what just happened but rather, to see what I could learn from what just happened.  Was I slow in shifting my weight?  Was I too far up or too far back in the batter’s box?  What can I learn that will impact my next attempt at bat?  Ready.  Fire.  Aim.

I have found that piece of advice to be helpful not only in sporting events, but to be helpful in life in general.  When something does not go as planned, we can allow ourselves to be frustrated or educated by what just happened.  And when we choose to learn, when we choose to positively reflect on what has just happened, we are in a better position to influence what happens next.

Posted in can't go on, chaplaincy, Do not dwell on the past, Do Your Best, Don't stop, inspirational | Tagged , , , , | 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 necessary. I’m doing okay.” Somebody who was walking by at the time, stopped, and said, “You can pray for me. I’m doing okay today too, but you never know what’s waiting around the corner!” The person I asked initially then said, “They’re right. Count me in!” So, we had a little prayer meeting right there in the parking lot.

After they both left, another person who heard our prayer came up to me and said, “Thank you for reminding me about the importance and the power of prayer.” This person then went on to share a testimony of a difficult and tragic time they had experienced years ago. They said, “I was in a dark and discouraging place until an old friend called me out of the blue just to say hello and let me know that they had been praying for me. I asked them to keep on praying, and I know they did!” They went on to say how encouraging it was just knowing that someone was praying for them. It strengthened them in the midst of a difficult time and helped them press on.  It was a beautiful and touching testimony. No wonder we are instructed throughout God’s word to pray for one another and encourage one another. It truly makes a difference. I like the exhortation about prayer found in Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…

I hope that you have a great week.   I pray that you and the people you love will experience  God’s peace, grace, mercy, and strength every single day. I pray that you will know how much He loves you.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.

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 , , , , , , | Leave a comment