By Eric Watkins (above), pastor of Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church in San Marcos, California (from November 2023 Christianity Today) ——————————————–    I was born outside the church—very far outside. Neither of my parents were Christians when I was a kid. We were a military family, my dad a Marine, and we bounced around several […]
3270) Meeting Jesus on a Greyhound Bus Read More »
From the Standing Strong Through the Storm daily devotion at: http://www.opendoorsusa.org ———————————   Satan subtly promotes the attitude that says money, property, possessions, physical comforts, as well as worldly fame and honor are the most important things in life. While God created all things and is the source of all we have, He does
3261) A Great Temptation Read More »
    In a congregation I was serving years ago, there was a retired couple who was very active in the church. They volunteered for everything, and they always did what they said they would do, and more. They never missed a worship service, potluck supper, guest speaker, funeral, or anything else at church. If the
3246) “I’m Not One to Complain, But…” Read More »
    When I was preaching every Sunday, I often struggled with what to say on Mother’s Day. Of course, I would say “Happy Mother’s Day” during the announcements, and then, in the prayers I would give thanks to God for our mothers. But beyond that, I wasn’t sure what else I should do. Many people
3240) Mother’s Day, Guilt, and Mephibosheth Read More »
An old folktale. Â Â Â Once upon a time a man decided to sneak into his neighbor’s fields and steal some wheat. Â “If I take just a little from each field, no one will notice,” he told himself, “but it will all add up to a nice pile of wheat for me. ” Â So he
3215) Someone Sees You Read More »
           A while back I came across a nice little illustration of the grace of God. The writer referred to it as an old familiar illustration, but I had never heard it before, and maybe you haven’t either. (This is an illustration, not a joke… so don’t be waiting for the punch line). Here it
3199) Earning Points Read More »
   Pictured above is the Karna Lutheran church in Malmslatt, Sweden.  Like many of the churches in Europe, this church is very old. The present structure is no doubt the result of several expansions and remodelings of the old church, but the original part of the building is believed to go back over 800
My good friend Chris Brekke does a thrice-weekly on-line meditation, similar to these EmailMeditations. His blog is called “Seasoned Hope” and can be seen at: https://pcbrek2020.wordpress.com/ . Today’s meditation is a repost of his March 2 posting. Thanks, Chris! —————————————–    Hypothetically, in some dark reality, if you were a villain out to ruin
3174) How to Ruin the World Read More »
Psalm 32:1-5: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as
3140) Prayers of Confession Read More »
Pictured above: Philip and Janet Yancey —————————————    My favorite living author is Philip Yancey. He has written dozens of books and I have read every one at least once. His first book was published when I was in seminary, I read each of his new books throughout my ministry, and since I have
3119) Sin, Shame, Repentance, Forgiveness Read More »
