Spiritual Growth

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers, and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, and infuse passion in your prayers.

You are God's Masterpiece

By Melissa McLaughlin   My eyes squinted and watered. I tried to focus. Moving in closer, I studied the artwork. Bizarre brushstrokes dotted the canvas in a crazed pattern. I struggled to discern what the painting represented. It felt ... read more

Let the Wind of God's Spirit Sweep Over You

By Melissa McLaughlin   Another heavy snow blanketed our region in billows of white. My husband and I awoke and hurried to the windows for a closer look. I turned on the coffeemaker, and the smell of hazelnut roast wafted toward us. Our ... read more

How Does the Light of Christ Change Your Heart?

By Melissa McLaughlin   Our backyard looked like a tundra. A winter storm had dumped a foot of snow. The final few inches of precipitation turned to sleet, leaving a layer of ice that froze everything in place.   The next ... read more

3 Ways to Set Your Affections on Things Above

By Melissa McLaughlin Setting Our Sights on the Goal   With bright smiles, full water bottles, and tightly laced sneakers, our family set off for our destination, “Buttermilk Falls.” The state park listed the trail as ... read more

3 Ways to Shine Christ's Light in the New Year

By Melissa McLaughlin   An Unmistakable Light   Crisp winter wind brushed my cheek. I tugged on my fuzzy scarf and pulled my coat closer. My husband and I picked up the pace. Gravel crunched under our feet as we headed to the ... read more

Half a Walk is Better Than No Walk

By Melissa McLaughlin   With a to-do list in hand, I hurried around town. My grocery cart glided through the aisles at the supermarket as I grabbed a few missing ingredients for dinner. Next, I headed to the pharmacy drive-through to pick ... read more

You May Be the One

By Melissa McLaughlin   We cruised through the store. We needed only one item—a pack of batteries. Thankfully, this small errand took on unexpected joy.   Our eyes darted about, gazing at the flurry of activity. Busy ... read more

How is God's Spirit Like the Wind?

By Melissa McLaughlin   Power of the Wind   The breeze brushed our faces with soft gusts. Our heads leaned back against the patio chairs while we rested our bodies from the day’s chores. We gazed out from our front porch. ... read more

Are You Stretching for More of God?

By Melissa McLaughlin Feeling Cramped My new sneakers blazed with crisp whiteness. I had set out for a walk in my neighborhood with a bounce in my step. My heart smiled. Mostly because of the price I paid for my new shoes. Who doesn’t ... read more

Turn On the Light of Christ

By Melissa McLaughlin   Turn On the Light   The sun ducked below the horizon. Evening stars twinkled in the darkening sky. Our house grew dim. My husband turned on the light that hangs over our kitchen table. The room ... read more

Where is God Planting You?

By Melissa McLaughlin   Planted By God   I rushed outside to grab the mail. A long to-do list occupied my mind. My feet scurried down the sidewalk, attempting to keep up with my racing thoughts. As I approached the mailbox, an ... read more

Are You Seeking the City That is to Come?

By Melissa McLaughlin   Memories flooded my mind as I drove through the streets of my childhood hometown. Where the old feed mill store once stood, an ice cream shop waved colorful flags advertising unique flavors.   My heart ... read more