Debbra Stephens's Blog

As disciples grow in knowledge of the Lord, faith also grows – because they are ever learning there is more to believe. They do so in fellowship with the Lord… and other disciples. Thomas certainly experienced this! “Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ “But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I...

Have you ever backed yourself into a corner? Experienced a time when inner thoughts pushed you back? And then you just got stuck there? I had to temporarily put a writing project on hold last year because I had to tend to all-consuming personal matters. But when they were taken care of, I started to doubt whether I should resume writing. And I kept thinking about it. Alone. I didn’t share those wrestling thoughts with anyone. And it dragged on and on, steadily pushing me back into a...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;   in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).     Has the new year you touted merely a month ago already grown old?   Has the fire of goals for desired change already grown cold, here in the dead of winter?   Causes certainly can be many. A lot of life can happen in the span of 30 days. In the course of one day, even. Which supports the notion that there isn’t...

Sometimes, like a little lamb nestled by still waters, a good shepherd has to give us a nudge to move along.   I had snuggled into the cozy comfort of my small cocoon. Having settled into its ease, I was quite content. But, if I’m honest, I had become too  comfortable.   I knew when I moved into that apartment that it was meant to be temporary. The Lord had delivered me through a particularly trying season and provided the perfect oasis for respite. But somewhere along the way I turned a...

Are any two Thanksgivings alike?

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:1-3 ESV)      The God who dwells in unapproachable light (1Timothy 6:16) personally encountered...

I’ve known some pretty brave women in my day.   I’m sure you have, too.   The renown of certain women from ancient eras, whose...

Have you ever had a favorite dining spot? But then new management rolled in and leading talents marched out the door, taking all the...

Isn’t it just like our merciful God to deliver good news on the heels of some pretty tough news? His tough words delivered through the...

On a recent day off, I took to the road and headed for the mountains. As I navigated the changing grades peppered with sharp curves, I remin