Comments for Dr. Chris Stephens

Comment on Wilderness Living is Unacceptable! by Shyista Leslie

Shyista Leslie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:57:17 +0000

I just want you to know I do read your blogs. I am not a member of your church, but I am a member of the body of Christ. I believe that each believer will have to go through some dark situations, because in those times it preps us up for the kingdom and also allows us to seek the God of the universe. Now even in the dark situations we have a light in us that will never die or dim. We have to be encouraged through the word of God. God is awesome and when we really cast out every thought that the enemy places in our mind we will truly be renewed. I thank God that I am processing. I know that I am on my way home. Talking about heaven. I just have to pass through this unknown land. Thanks for encouraging us. And you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Comment on Ever Think About Your Thoughts? by Emily

Emily — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:32:59 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot on how we, through Christ, break strongholds in the mind and how scripture describes us as weapons when we do. There’s something about being a weapon for God, love being a warrior, but a weapon, WOW!! Began to write about it last week but seemed the words wouldn’t flow. The Holy Spirit was holding me from it, now I see why. THANK YOU Pastor Chris! This is a blessing!!

LOVE THIS!! “You cannot help what thought enters your mind but you can control what thought stays there.” -PC

2 Cor 10:4-6

Comment on Are You Full of Joy? by Roger Gard

Roger Gard — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:56:56 +0000

Chris,

It is amazing how many spiritual truths are paralleled in parenting. So many examples could be given, but just to pick one, my children often complain of being bored and having nothing to do. The truth is that they have many options. What they really want is the interaction of having someone to play with them. Even in spite of the list of things we provide that they could do at the very moment, it isn’t enough. The parallel starts to fall apart in that as parents, we lack the omnipresence necessary to give each of our children the undivided attention they desire. “I can spend time with you when,” is what we tell our children. The necessity of those things we do before the “when” we can spend time with our children is real, but they don’t wait, do they? Instead, they seek our attention by doing the wrong things.

That starts to describe the path we take in giving our Joy away. We seek the relationship with God that will mold us in his image, but when get impatient, we start to lean on human nature to find happiness, so we start to do the wrong things. It’s a slow process, but when we are completely off the target, that’s when it happens, BAM!! The suckerpunch. Satan doesn’t just want to see us without Joy, he seeks to crack our foundation.

Satan can do a lot to us when he’s allowed to sneak in with a suckerpunch, and I believe it starts when we give our Joy away. Even Job maintained his Joy and praised God, when the news that he had lost his children was delivered. Satan didn’t quit there, he is allowed to steal Job’s health and soon Job is chided by his friends, and his wife. The story ends well, and Satan fails in his attempt to get Job to denounce God. Job is restored.

Right after my wife and I lost our firstborn son, my father placed a quote on the refridgerator, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” (A. W. Tozer)

Yes God allows tragic events in our lives, and it is not without reason. The problem is that we fail to maintain our Joy. My worldview is far more compassionate now than before.

Despite the revelation, I did loose my Joy in the midst of the storm and for quite some time after. Thinking back, I lost out on so much because of the state I allowed myself to become. I lost out on building relationships because I came in less than a lamb. It was more like a scolded dog with his tail between his legs. Despite retaining my foundation in Christ, I became disenchanted with the church, mostly because of fear, fear of the experience that Job had with his friends.

It was a very short time ago that I realized the obvious, that I had lost my Joy, and I wanted it back. Since then, doors have began to open, and the fear that I couldn’t step through it because of what I would be leaving behind. I can joyfully say that God has allowed the door behind me to close.

Comment on Are You Full of Joy? by Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:46:14 +0000

I just love reading your blog! It is always full of inspiration and encouragement, and I learn so much from it! Thank you!! And thank you for this blog in particular, it really made my day(s). I have read it over and over and have shared it with some friends. Now, I keep singing, “I got the Joy Joy Joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay!”

Have a blessed weekend, Pastor!

Comment on Have You Settled? by Pastor Chris

Pastor Chris — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:06:04 +0000

Amen Shyista

Comment on Have You Settled? by Shyista Leslie

Shyista Leslie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:06:19 +0000

Wow, that is so true.We have all we need, but we give satan our power that lives in us- which God gave it to us for His glory. I refuse to give it to him. Today I have confessed that I deny myself and pick my cross up for Jesus. I will serve Him with joy. And what ever situation comes my way I will still bless His holy name. Nothing can seperate me from His love. And love conquers it all. You bless me daily and I would love to meet with you.

Comment on Change the Channel by Mike Biddle

Mike Biddle — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:39:16 +0000

In the past year I have met some amazingly talented and successful people. It has been a real encouragement. I still can’t believe that I am going to be on a show on TV! No way I would have ever tried something like that without encouragment from new people in my life that are positive.

Comment on Lucifer Loathes Laughter by Emily

Emily — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:05:05 +0000

That’s the ticket!! I am thankful for laughter, even when milk comes out of my nose.

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” – Milton Berle

“Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” – Mark Twain

“He who has laughter on his side has no need of proof.” – Theodor Adorno

Comment on Lucifer Loathes Laughter by Mike Biddle

Mike Biddle — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:35:21 +0000

Have you every noticed that people have pretty distinct and unique laughter? For example, if I hear you laughing I would recognize it. Just a little side thought. Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Accuser or Encourager? by Patti White

Patti White — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:24:43 +0000

I find it easy to be an encourager out in the world and inside the workplace. Maybe it’s the unstated accountability or the true compassion God has put inside of us to be the light. The bigger challenge is being an encourager at home. There is such a fine line between being an encourager and holding your kids accountable. It’s hard to mask your dissappointment with your family. My children tell me that I am always on them to do things better. I want them to strive to be the best that they can be but I clearly see I am being an accuser. Praying for wisdom in knowing when I cross the line to far!