Truthful Grace
Renew your heart with these inspiring articles about the Holy Spirit by author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin~ Truthful Grace. The Spirit of God is moving. God’s indwelling Spirit.
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
By Melissa McLaughlin Fearsome Power Is there anything that keeps you awake at night? One thing that will awaken me from a dead sleep and keep me wide awake is wind. When the wind howls and swirls at high intensity, our windows rattle and our house rocks. At times like this, I remember my smallness … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Have you ever felt the innermost part of your soul drying up and withering away? Like a plant left too long in the sweltering summer sun. Like a streambed gone too long with no replenishing rain. Like a person walking miles in the desert with a parched mouth and no water bottle … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin In a world of lies and questionable news, it’s hard to know what to believe. Like any other child, when I was young, I peppered my parents with all kinds of questions. I never wondered if they were telling me the truth. If they knew the answer, they told me, and it … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Breath of God Lift me in the winds of heaven ‘Til arias of angels Float through my frame Refresh my gasping soul With the oxygen of Life Your Spirit Your Breath Your Word As I wait For that Great Day When I see You At last Coming on the Clouds To bear … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin We had just arrived home after visiting my parents for a home-cooked dinner. Mom packed us a hefty bag of leftovers, our very own “goodie bag”. My mom’s special recipe crispy chicken, homemade apple sauce, mashed potatoes and creamed corn. Mmm, mmm, good! But the crowning touch was her chocolate cake. Oh … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Getting to Know You I will always remember the day I first met my husband. During my final year of college, I decided to visit an area church at the recommendation of a friend. Following the worship service, cookies and juice were served in the fellowship hall downstairs. As I reached for … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Ever wonder about the Holy Spirit? Who is He? What does He do? As Christians, our core beliefs include the Trinity. The names Father, Son and Holy Spirit effortlessly roll off our tongues when we communicate about our Christian faith. We understand God and we understand Jesus, but how much do we … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin When Life Slows You Down Have you ever been driving along the highway, cruising at a nice steady speed, not a care in the world, smooth sailing, commuter’s bliss, when all of a sudden the traffic slows to a crawl and then to a stop? The frustration sets in almost immediately. Looking … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Faith. With sun scorched thirst Bending over the rushing stream My eyes light with joy Knowing my feverishly parched soul will soon be satiated I cup my hands Carefully scooping every slosh I gather with all the strength of my force Every drop of You But as I lift my hands I … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin Holy Spirit, breathe through me Fill my lungs with your heavenly freshness Rush through me, mighty River, with cleansing force Routing any debris left behind by squandered living Open wide the doors of my heart Preparing the way for the King of Glory Whip open my windows with your windy fury Sweeping … Read more
By Melissa McLaughlin I walked one day where the water flows Gently bubbling joy Singing peaceful melodies Unheard by most who passed by Giggling splashing over rocks Fresh and crystal clear Rushing free Full of life On and on and on If you listen carefully You can hear its song The Living Water plays on … Read more
The world can sometimes feel cold and dark. How quickly a day that began in sunshine and warmth can evaporate like mist in the wind. How can you rekindle the embers of your soul and keep your heart glowing? During the darkest times of my life, it was the heart and words of Jesus that … Read more