Pastor of Jim's home church

Jim Mellis writes with a mixture of thought-provoking insight and warm faith as he opens up the richness of the concept of Father in these meditations on the Scriptures. Each time I have read a new meditation, I have been invariably challenged to think more carefully about some previously held idea - usually based more on my culture or some other preconception - while at the same time pushing me to go deeper in my relationship with God. Mellis reveals to us purposes of our gracious Father as he uncovers truths we often miss in the Scripture—leading to a deeper exploration of the mystery of the Trinity and of what it means to be an intimate disciple of Jesus Christ. And what makes these reflections even more meaningful and trustworthy is the faithful and vibrant relationship that Jim has shared with our congregation for decades and the authentic way in which he and Debbie live their faith. I highly recommend spending time in these spiritually enriching meditations.

- Rev. Geoff Pfaff, Senior Pastor, La Habra Hills Presbyterian Church, California, USA (Home ‘sending’ church of Jim & Debbie Mellis since 1988)

Reader #1

I just wanted to tell you how great your father meditations are. I read them as a part of my quiet time and they helped me a lot to understand much more what it means to have God as our father. I think these meditations will be a big blessing to everybody who reads them. Thanks a lot!

- Michael, Germany

Reader #4

The image of Father I have thought wrongly was corrected by your teaching. Someday, I myself will be a father, and then your lesson will help me immensely.  With the heart of our heavenly Father I will get to North Korea and all nations.

- Stephen, South Korea

Jim's Dutch translator

I have had some good responses from the people I asked for input on my translations of these meditations. And already I am seeing the impact on their lives, mainly that they are growing more confident in who they are before God. God is really using these meditations, and you, to empower his people. By reading your books and these meditations, it is as if my understanding of God and Jesus’ death has become more complete. All the pieces finally have fallen into place. The reality of having an Eldest Brother who will take a stand for me, is especially meaningful to me as an only child. Where before, Jesus was my only friend, who would never leave me nor forsake me, he has now become so much more. And he has brought me into a deeper relationship with my Father, with whom I can feel at home and who wants me to work alongside him. Possessing the same authority that Jesus has is something I am now utterly convinced of; yet I still cannot fully grasp it and put it into practice. It is my desire that these meditations will help me to grow in this authority and help me to walk in it on a daily basis.

- Wilma Siewers-van der Veen, the Netherlands

Reader #2

You mentioned about a father who brought his son into the 'family business'. Well, this Father has sons everywhere, and they are all, one way or another in his Family Business. I was really struck by the notion or vision of how a family business works. No matter what the sons’ actual job, they are always trusted by the Father and are used by him to carry out his wishes and plans… to bring about the reconciling of the world to Himself through Jesus, our elder brother, and through us, his mature sons and daughters.

- Richard, USA

Reader #5

There are few people who I would consider spiritual fathers. You are one of them. I needed to look away so many times because I had tears in my eyes. I never had a father, and talking about the Father’s love always reaches deep down to the roots.

- Simon, Germany

Two former colleagues

May I suggest these devotions to you? Jim has been my teacher and mentor during my time with Youth With A Mission. I appreciate him and his teaching a lot. Jim is very thorough and has the gift and desire to lead others to God the Father. I have benefited a lot and have started to go through the meditations again, now that they are being put online. 

- Regula, Switzerland/USA (on Facebook)

This morning I read over your Coming of Age Meditation on Father/Sonship. I really like the aspects of not being outsiders that God decides to let in, once we "twist his arm" enough. Its a beautiful point. The concept of coming of age is something I find quite important at my age (25). I see the way I view life, relationships, who I am in God (and with him) are changing. Its a slow process, but a constant momentum is there in them. I desire to still fully grasp the idea of God in such an intimate Father way. Thanks for writing them and the others. I have enjoyed them very much.

- Wil, USA

Reader #3

The meditations have really begun to connect "the dots" for me. I wish I could fully say how they have brought a dynamic change to my relationship with our Father. I fairly cried with joy when the Holy Spirit brought that truth to my inward core. Through that, I was able to bring closure to a shadow of an unknown father and begin to respect him. That brought a sense of peace about an unresolved matter in my life. I look forward to each new installment; and I read them over and over.  

- Paul, USA