3 Ways Jesus Lights Our Lives

3 Ways Jesus Lights Our Lives

By Melissa McLaughlin Rain pounded on the roof. The storm winds rattled our windows. A low rumble brought a shiver through the house. Lightning flashed. Thunder roared, piercing our ears with a blasting boom. Then everything went dark. I blinked and looked around. The power had gone out in our entire neighborhood, leaving us in … Read more

3 Ways Jesus Gives Us Clearer Vision

3 Ways Jesus Gives Us Clearer Vision

By Melissa McLaughlin I squinted through my smudged glasses. A tiny splinter had lodged in my index finger. In a rush, I grabbed a needle and tweezers. Dust, streaks, and fingerprints coated my lenses and clouded my vision. Titling my head to get the best view, I poked and prodded. In my impatience, I suppressed … Read more

Peace, Be Still

Peace Be Still

By Melissa McLaughlin Ding! A sign lit up at the front of the plane—“Fasten Your Seatbelts.” The airplane rattled and jiggled our bodies. I leaned back. My head vibrated and shook against the headrest. My fingers clenched the armrest cushion. A quick prayer slipped through my lips, “Jesus, help us.” Soon, the pilot’s soothing voice … Read more

What does “The life is in the Blood” mean?

What does "The life is in the Blood" mean?

By Melissa McLaughlin Following recent routine bloodwork, the lab’s extensive reports astonished me. I clicked through the long list of elements tested. I wondered at the miracle of blood and its seemingly endless contents. Have you ever wondered about the life-bearing qualities found in our blood? Fascinatingly, just one drop of blood contains thousands of … Read more

What We Leave Behind

What We Leave Behind

By Melissa McLaughlin The wind gusted. Branches on the tree near our house bounced a sprightly spring dance. Lavender-pink petals fluttered down, dropping like confetti tossed from a tall building at a grand parade. The petals piled around the base of the tree, wrapping it in a blush blanket. I breathed in the floral scent … Read more

A Holy Week Remembrance

A Holy Week Remembrance

By Melissa McLaughlin As children, we anticipated each holiday with barely contained joy. We asked “how much longer” and counted the days. We reminisced about previous years’ events and dreamed of once-a-year foods, family gatherings, gifts, and celebrations and music at church. Now that I am an adult (with the passing of many years), holidays—or … Read more

Lessons from the Beginning of Holy Week

Lessons from the Beginning of Holy Week

By Melissa McLaughlin When I consider the Scripture accounts of Holy Week, I envision a spiritual rollercoaster evoking profound highs and lows. Our hearts soar with the crowds during Christ’s celebratory triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). Yet, all too soon, different voices cut through the cheers. On Monday, following the triumphal … Read more

Jesus Loved Them to the End

Jesus Loved Them to the End

By Melissa McLaughlin The church chimes echoed. A tender melody rang out over the traffic’s hum and the neighborhood’s hubbub. After parents returned home from work, children came in from play, and families finished their meals. The evening sky dimmed as lights turned on in the homes. The hour had come. Church bells tolled for … Read more

Don’t Give Up! Keep Walking With the Lord

Don't Give Up Keep Walking With the Lord

By Melissa McLaughlin Fatigue wrapped around me like a weighted blanket. A ball and chain tugged each movement. Unrelenting deadlines and an aging body reminded me. I felt exhausted. Catching a nap here and there wasn’t enough. I needed restoration from the inside out. Exerting all my strength, I forced my body outside for an … Read more

How Dark Was the Night Jesus Endured

How Dark Was the Night Jesus Endured

By Melissa McLaughlin Darkness descended. Lightning streaked like flames across the sky. Thunder shook the house. The wind whipped in fury. Soon golf ball-sized hail pelted the house. So, my husband and I gathered our newborn daughter and rushed to the basement. We had never experienced a tornado in our region, but knew the telltale … Read more

What does it mean that Satan has no claim on me?

What does it mean that Satan has no claim on me?

By Melissa McLaughlin “It’s mine!” he claimed. “No, it’s mine!” she retorted. With hands pulling, muscles straining, and teeth clenching, a tug of war ensued. As an elementary school teacher, recess often included resolving ownership disputes. With a little detective work, I would determine the rightful owner, request apologies, and redirect students to neutral playground … Read more

What does Aaron’s rod that budded represent?

What does Aaron's Rod that budded represent? Numbers 17

By Melissa McLaughlin As frigid winter temperatures released their grip on the earth, my young eyes scanned our yard for springtime buds. Among the first signs of the new season were pussy willows. Each year in March, my mom cut branches to create a spriggy springtime bouquet for our table. My small fingers stroked the … Read more

A House Built by the Lord

A House Built by the Lord

By Melissa McLaughlin Little fingers gripped chunky crayons and bright markers. Their eyes sparkled and their arms whooshed. Young voices echoed with excitement. When my kids were young, one of their favorite summertime activities was decorating boxes. Not just any box, however. Each year, my parents visited local stores to pick up discarded refrigerator boxes. … Read more

Trees of Righteousness

Trees of Righteousness

By Melissa McLaughlin The sun beat on my back. Beads of sweat streamed down my forehead. My parched mouth and wilted body longed for relief. I had planned to stretch my legs that summer afternoon and enjoy a little exercise with a quick stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the sweltering heat made walking and even … Read more

A Garment of Praise

A Garment of Praise

By Melissa McLaughlin Squish, squish, squish. The mud suctioned our feet as we trudged up the mountainside. We had taken a spring camping trip, expecting a few days of fresh mountain air. Unfortunately, torrential rains soaked everything that year. Our clothes clung to us like wet Saran Wrap. Even our sleeping bags felt soggy. Despite … Read more

A Preview of My New Book!

The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible. By Melissa A. McLaughlin

I’m excited to share this announcement about my new book from my publisher, CLC Publications! Read more below. Have You Ever Struggled to Read the Bible? Read through the whole Bible with Melissa McLaughlin. Melissa McLaughlin is making the Bible more accessible than ever in her new devotional from CLC Publications. The Whole Bible Devotional: … Read more

The Oil of Joy for Mourning

The Oil of Joy for Mourning

By Melissa McLaughlin The antique table glistened in the morning light. The sun beamed through the living room window, spotlighting this treasured piece of furniture in golden radiance. The old kidney-shaped table rests near the picture window in my parents’ home. The gently curving legs and warm wood finish bring a simple grace to the … Read more

Listening to God in the New Year

Listening to God in the New Year

By Melissa McLaughlin Crunch, crunch, crunch. My boots stomped the icy snow as I trudged to the car. With unplowed roads, a snowy stillness blanketed the earth. The sound of crispy footsteps tingled in my ears. I stopped to listen. The snowstorm painted a white canvas for the eyes and enfolded the world in frosty … Read more

A Year of Healing and Revival

A Year of Healing and Revival

By Melissa McLaughlin The knife thudded firmly against the cutting board. My hands moved rhythmically as I sliced raw carrots and tossed them into the bowl. The bright orange carrots accented the vibrant salad greens and juicy red tomatoes already prepared. My mouth watered as I imagined the fresh garden flavors we would enjoy for … Read more

What Does “Prince of Peace” Mean?

What does Prince of Peace mean

By Melissa McLaughlin Horns honked as traffic piled up at the red light. Drivers glared at one another through clenched teeth. As I rolled into the parking lot, another car sped toward the nearest empty parking space. A sigh slipped through my lips. Upon entering the store, shoppers rushed about picking up items and studying … Read more

What Does “Everlasting Father” Mean?

What does Everlasting Father mean

By Melissa McLaughlin Her fingers gripped the handlebars, and her feet thrust down on the pedals. With eyes focused in deep concentration, she poured her full strength into the task. It seems like yesterday our children learned to ride a two-wheeled bike. When each child was ready, my husband removed the training wheels. With one … Read more

What Does “Wonderful Counselor” Mean?

What does Wonderful Counselor mean?

By Melissa McLaughlin Their soft faces glowed, and small fingers pointed. Delighted squeals echoed in our car as we drove through the night. “Look at that house!” “Over here’s another one!” I remember the awe our children expressed each year as lights twinkled in the windows, and Christmas carols hummed over the hustle and bustle. … Read more

4 Elements of Contentment in Christ

4 Elements of Contentment in Christ

By Melissa McLaughlin My stomach lurched as I listened. My friend, Cindy, had called with an update. Her voice trembled. She faltered, “The doctors discovered I have stage 4 cancer. I am stunned. I had no red flags. No early symptoms.” Hot tears streamed down my cheeks. I choked out the few words I could … Read more

Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times

Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times

By Melissa McLaughlin Miss Anna’s face glistened. Each Sunday, this faithful saint pressed down the aisle, muscles straining at every step. Her face lit with triumph as she propelled her walker into the sanctuary and took her seat. The sunlight beamed through the church’s stained-glass windows. Vivid colors illuminated the pews like a heavenly kaleidoscope. … Read more

Trusting God With Our Nation

In God We Trust

By Melissa McLaughlin Autumn leaves twirl to the ground signaling the curtain call. In that final moment before taking a bow, the withering foliage announces the close of one season. By God’s wondrous design, the fall leaves also prepare for the next as they release nourishment into the earth for future growth. If you live … Read more

Poem: Undiminished

Poem Undiminished

By Melissa McLaughlin God of eternity, Brilliance of heaven, Blazing shimmers of transcendent spark, Unrestrained flashes, swirling flames, eclipsing Northern lights. For time immemorial, Generation upon generation, Basked in celestial wonders of endless rippling, Yesterday, today, and a thousand tomorrows. You are untouched, Unmarred, Untarnished, By creaking bones, rusty corrosion, or decay’s malodorous stench. Undiminished … Read more

Holding On To Jesus in the Storm

Holding on to Jesus in the storm

By Melissa McLaughlin My gut wrenched. Tears spilled from my eyes. I was overcome as I scanned pictures of recent hurricane damage in the southeast U.S. Piles of rubble and jagged tree roots dotted the landscape where homes once stood. Roads had collapsed as the earth gave way underneath. The devastation looked surreal. Further, the … Read more

The Government Will Be Upon His Shoulder

The Government Will Be Upon His Shoulder

By Melissa McLaughlin “That’s not how we play the game! You broke the rules,” he chided. “Who made you boss?” she glared back. As an elementary teacher, I witnessed countless arguments on the playground. Many of these clashes resulted from one child striving to rule over another or someone breaking an agreed-upon boundary. All too … Read more