Author Archives: Melissa J

Creative Discipline

Posted on by

Each child is a masterpiece from God. Aside from some guidelines we’ve been given in the Bible, there is really no one-hundred percent reliable manual for raising these little ones. I believe every child requires creative parenting. Prior to having children of my own, I worked in a preschool. I really felt it was great preparation for my children. While my husband and I were waiting to be parents, we read books, and took classes. We were determined to be prepared for whatever came our way. I chuckle now because once our first son was placed with us, we were … Continue reading →

Spanking: Sparing the Rod and Spoiling the Child

Posted on by

This is one of the most controversial topics out there and by request I’ve decided to brave it. I would like to first make note that I do not believe any good parent intends to place their child in harm’s way with discipline. I am not here to condone or condemn spanking, rather to share what I’ve come to learn based on what the Bible has to say on it. One of the arguments I’ve heard against spanking is in reference to Proverbs 13:24: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” … Continue reading →

Trinity vs. Oneness

Posted on by

The awesomeness of God is so great I believe most of us have a difficult time wrapping our puny minds around it all. In looking at who God is, there are two main views; one being that He is a trinity (three persons in one Godhead), and the other is referred to as “oneness” (believing He is one being). The Webster’s Dictionary defines “trinity” as: 1. The cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one. 2. The union of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost in one Godhead. 3. Three people considered as a unit. … Continue reading →

Name It and Claim It a.k.a. Prosperity Gospel

Posted on by

The faith movement can be seen throughout some of the Pentecostal denominations. Followers adhere to a belief that God wants all His children to be prosperous and things like sickness and poverty are curses. Granted, sickness and poverty may be curses for some, it is so important not to confuse a lack with a “curse” rather than lowliness which is justified biblically. “For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth, But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from … Continue reading →

Reflecting on Palm Sunday

Posted on by

“Rejoice, greatly O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zachariah 9:9, NKJV Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate the fulfillment of this prophecy foretold in the book of Zachariah. The story of this fulfillment can be found in Luke chapter 19 starting in verse 28, as well as Mark chapter 11, Matthew chapter 21, and John chapter 12 beginning with verse 12. The fulfillment of prophesy goes a bit like this: … Continue reading →

The Lighthouse

Posted on by

I was browsing eBay today and came across some certified prints from one of my favorite artists, Thomas Kinkade. One in particular of a lighthouse really inspired me to write. Well, actually, what it did was remind me of a song sung by the Christian band Audio Adrenaline called “Lighthouse” (lyrics provided at the bottom of this article). I began to think of my life and what it was like when I was drifting aimlessly while my eyes were shut. I can recall the spiritual battle for my soul; one side encouraging me to open my eyes and fix them … Continue reading →

What is Saint Patrick’s Day Really About?

Posted on by

I realize St. Patrick’s Day has passed but I was eager to share this anyway… When I think about St. Patrick’s Day, I think about four leaf clovers, leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold. The purpose behind Saint Patrick’s Day has little to do with most of this. As a teen in the early 400’s Patrick was captured and brought over from what is now Scotland to be a slave in Ireland. No, he wasn’t the first missionary and no, he didn’t literally drive any snakes away as some legends proclaim. He was the grandson of a priest and the … Continue reading →

21 Things I’ve Learned about My Christian Walk at the Gym

Posted on by

If you go to a gym, it might be fun to seek out a correlation of your faith and your workout. The following are some things I’ve come up with: 1. Doing the right thing might take some sacrifice but is worth it at the end of the day. 2. My Christian walk is like being on a moving treadmill; when I’m not walking forward, I’m back-sliding. 3. I don’t make it very far if I haven’t eaten a good meal or drank enough water. 4. Just when I don’t think I can take another step, I learn that I … Continue reading →

Setting Goals for Your Christian Journey

Posted on by

The following is a personal scoring chart for you to use for yourself to mark your own progress in your Christian walk. Just circle between 0 to 10 depending where you fall on this spectrum; 0 being not at all, 10 being always. Perhaps set some goals for yourself based on the answers you give today and check back again in six months or so. This isn’t to make anyone feel inadequate in any way. None of us have “arrived” at complete holiness but we should all desire to grow in our faith. My church attendance is regular. 0 1 … Continue reading →

Dealing with Consequences of Poor Choices

Posted on by

Have you ever done anything stupid financially or hurt someone and felt tremendous regret over your actions? Maybe it felt like a bad dream you’d hoped to wake up from but couldn’t. I imagine all of us at one point or another have done something stupid that we couldn’t undo. When we make poor choices it might feel like God is angry with us. As a result, we may pull away from Him because our shame is so great. I had a lot of regret one weekend after having a custom ring made. I liked the design. I was forced … Continue reading →