CALL TO ACTION: Colossians 4:7-18

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You’ve got to move it, move it!! Your action matters!

Have you ever read Scripture, pondered the meaning, then closed God’s Word without an action plan or a way to saturate your life with God’s way of living? I know I have – over and over, time after time. Often I ask God to create in me a pure heart, yet I do nothing on my part. OUCH!

Refining Ministry has been leading others in how to deep dive into their Bible for seven years. Each study has revealed wisdom and discernment in how to allow God’s Word to transform hearts and minds. One thing we have found to be true always: Christ alone is the sole source and substance of spiritual maturity regardless of our religious beliefs, education, or special giftings. Our intimacy with Him is more important than anything else.

This summer we engaged in a slow walk through Colossians by approaching each verse with a vision of action. Together, we have been watchful for the LORD and held ourselves accountable to seek God through an act of obedience based on the Scriptures we studied. It has not always been easy, but it has been very rewarding.

The slight mindset change and the intentionality allowed each of us to embrace humility and obedience as a method of worshiping the Father. It has forever changed how I get dressed every morning…clothe yourself in compassion, gentleness, humility, kindness, and patience…Colossians 3:12. (The verse is hanging in my closet and has allowed me to stay under God’s authority when life gets hard!)

It has been a privilege to lead like-minded women each Monday night this summer through the book of Colossians. Paul’s words have pierced my heart along with the sweet love and devotion of each lady who participated in this Bible study. I can say I have experienced the true meaning of walking hand in hand with my beautiful sisters in Christ. I am forever grateful.

As we close out Chapter 4, here is an example of how we have studied and digested Paul’s words verse-by-verse. I pray it encourages you to action as well.

Be an Encourager and Restorer (Verses 7–11)

Paul highlights ordinary people who brought him comfort. Notice Mark here—the same Mark who had previously deserted Paul, now restored and useful.
Action: Lift up fellow workers and offer grace. Think of someone serving in ministry, a leader, or a friend who is weary or recovering from a setback. Send them a voice text, card, or message of genuine encouragement this week.

Labor Ferociously in Prayer for Others (Verses 12–13)

Epaphras, who is described as “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Prayer isn’t a passive sideline activity; it is active spiritual work for the maturity of others.
Action: Pray for spiritual endurance, not just physical comfort. This week, pray for the ladies in your church/small group to be able to stand firm, mature, and fully assured in God’s will.

Build Community Around God’s Word (Verses 14–16)

Faith grows in community, rooted in Scripture. Nympha offered her home space; Paul urged them to share God’s written truth.
Action: Open your life and anchor your relationships in truth. Intentionally invite someone into your life for spiritual community this month—opening your home, inviting someone to your next bible study, sharing how Scripture has impacted you.

Complete the Mission God Gave You (Verses 17–18)

Finishing well requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace during hard times.
Action: Don’t quit on the assignment God placed in front of you. Name the specific assignment God has called you to right now (raising children, a tough workplace, a church role, a hard marriage) and commit to seeing it through.

July 27, 2026 0

GALATIANS: 12 Weeks Through Grace and Freedom

Unfiltered Truth. Real Freedom. Deep Grace. 12-Week Study of Galatians starting September 7th!

If I had to pick one writer in the New Testament whose voice cuts right through the noise, it’s the Apostle Paul. His passion is contagious. He’s bold, straightforward, and isn’t afraid to throw in a bit of holy sarcasm when defending the truth. Paul is definitely not a fence-sitter—he makes it crystal clear where he stands.

That’s why we are so excited for what’s next. Galatians is Paul’s passionate letter defending justification by faith alone, breaking down religious legalism, and defining what it truly means to live led by the Holy Spirit.

Over 12 weeks, we’ll walk verse by verse through all six chapters together. We’ll be using our Sit, Soak, and Saturate study method—a rhythm that teaches us how to slow down, ask deep questions, pray Scripture, and apply God’s Word to daily life in a completely fresh way.

Whether you’ve never opened a Bible before or you’ve been studying for decades, you belong here. We’ll simply open our Bibles together, one day at a time, and let God’s Word do what it always does: refine us.

Class Details:

Start Date: Monday, September 7^th, 6:00 pm CST
Length: 12 Weeks (Six chapters, verse-by-verse)
Location: Online via Zoom (with digital resources provided)

If you’ve been wanting to build a consistent Bible habit, or if you’re longing to deeply understand your identity in Christ, this is your invitation.

Ready to jump in? Send us a message (refiningjourney@gmail.com) or comment below to get your Zoom link, class schedule, and study resources!

July 26, 2026 0

Stepping into a New Season: Why Embracing a “God-Word” Changes Everything

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:7-8 NIV

Hello, Friends!

Have you ever experienced a season where God handed you a single word—and that one word began to reshape how you viewed your circumstances, your mindset, and your daily walk with Him?

A few years ago, I shared a post here on Refining titled “3 Reasons for Embracing a God-Word.” I talked about how stepping away from human resolutions and leaning into a Spirit-led focus gives us a framework for true spiritual growth. It anchors us when life’s storms rage and reminds us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).

Today, I want to extend a personal invitation to you to step deeper into this journey with us.

Why Focus on a God-Word? When we allow God to speak a specific word into our lives for a season—whether it’s FOCUS, SURRENDER, ABIDE, or COURAGE—three powerful shifts begin to happen:

It Shifts Our Mindset (Romans 12:2): A God-Word isn’t a temporary trend; it’s an ongoing, daily transformation that aligns our thoughts with His truth.
It Anchors Us in the Storm: Circumstances fluctuate, but a word grounded in God’s promises becomes a weapon of faith (a sword!) when life feels heavy or uncertain.
It Refines Our Daily Walk: It moves our faith from theory to practical application, guiding how we pray, act, and love others every single day.

You Are Invited to Join the Journey. Spiritual refinement was never meant to be walked alone. Whether you’ve been seeking clarity in a deep valley or you’re eager to deepen your reliance on Scripture and the Holy Spirit, there is a place for you here. We are gathering a community of believers who are ready to stop being caught off-guard by life and start standing firm as mighty warriors in faith.

Here is how you can jump in today:

Email us: Come be a part of our upcoming online session for four weeks in August. Email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com before August if you are interested.
Virtual Class: Monday nights at 6:00 pm via Zoom. We will send you the link and workbook.
Book: It is optional to purchase the book, ONE WORD, by Jon Gordon. You may check your local library or buy a used copy.

Let’s Walk Together. You matter, and your journey matters to God. I look forward to watching how He moves in your life as we surrender our plans and embrace His authority together!

In Grace & Truth,

Genna

Refining [Spiritual Growth]

“Embracing a journey of refinement under God’s authority with an eternity mindset.” — Jeremiah 24:7

July 26, 2026 0

KEEP GOING! Colossians 3:15-25

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

Hello friends. Have you ever had those days when the enemy tries to fill your head with lies? You know the feeling—especially right after you’ve done something big for the Lord or intentionally pressed deeper into your relationship with Him. Let’s just be honest: IT IS FRUSTRATING!

The good news is that this pushback is only temporary. We already know the end of the story, and the enemy loses. In the name of Jesus, we can absolutely remind him of his future! But if I’m being completely transparent, those attacks can still take the wind out of my sails at times. What about you?

Recently, Refining Ministry hosted a prayer retreat for a group of women. God has been planting the seeds for this event for a couple of years now. We have been pressing into the content He provided and faithfully following His lead. It was a beautiful experience, perfectly orchestrated by Him on so many levels. For me personally, it was a true spiritual high.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

But slowly, the enemy began to creep in with his usual attacks. I knew I had to fight back by firmly defending what Refining Ministry stands for and the purpose behind everything we do. This time, my battle strategy looked a little different—I sat down and wrote an affirmation.

So… here it is:

Our Affirmation of Authority

Satan, you have absolutely zero authority over Refining Ministry because it is built by and for the Lord. We walk the pathway God paved for us all the way back in 2019. In the name of Jesus, we cast you out of the impact this ministry has—and will continue to have—on lives in the past, present, and future.

Our hearts are completely dedicated to guiding people past surface-level faith and equipping them to live a deeply rooted, Word-fed life. Whether we are leading notebooking retreats, teaching scripture engagement, hosting online classes, or helping believers “crown the sword,” we will continue to do the essential work of spiritual maturity.

We know the legacy of a ministry like Refining isn’t built on flash—it’s built on the deep, lasting transformation of the people we walk alongside. It is our mission to encourage others in their daily walk, provide resources and skills to assist them, and spark a genuine, sold-out love for Him and His Word.

On this day, we affirm that we will keep refining, keep equipping, and keep pointing people to the Father. May the Kingdom of heaven shine upon our efforts by leading, guiding, and directing us to impact every single life we touch. Satan, intimacy with God will be accomplished through this ministry because we stand solely under His authority!

Where in your life do you need that exact kind of encouragement today? Do you need to hear the words “KEEP GOING!” whispered loudly in your ear?

My friend, lean hard into God. Write out your own affirmation for what it looks like to live your life for the Lord, and speak directly to the enemy. In the name of Jesus, tell him exactly where he stands.

And then? KEEP GOING-with God’s peace and a grateful heart!

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:15-16 NIV

July 15, 2026 0

Set Your Sight-FOCUS: Colossians 3:1-14

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

By definition, to focus means concentrating your attention or energy on a specific task, or to center your interest on a singular point.

When the Apostle Paul penned the third chapter of Colossians, he had this exact definition in mind. He didn’t just suggest a casual glance toward heaven; he commanded an intentional alignment of our internal compass when he wrote: “Set your hearts… set your minds…”

It’s been said that the way we think molds the way we live. Paul challenges all believers to arrest our human thoughts and bring them under God’s absolute authority. He urges us to place our emphasis on “things above” rather than the fleeting, exhausting ways of this world. In fact, by verse five, Paul gets incredibly practical, essentially telling us that everything earthly and sinful within us needs to be kicked to the curb.

My 11-Month Journey with a God Word: FOCUS

For the past eleven months, God has given me a single word: FOCUS.

While I thought I had a pretty good grasp on why He assigned this word to me, it wasn’t until I deeply studied this passage in Colossians that its full meaning finally clicked for my heart and mind. God didn’t just give me a word; He gave me a framework.

Two supporting scriptures completely solidified this for me:

1. The Mind Shift (Romans 12:2) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

This verse helped me realize that focus isn’t a temporary New Year’s resolution or a 365-day challenge to be completed and forgotten. It is an intentional, ongoing lifestyle. God is inviting me—and all of us—into a lifetime journey of nurturing His plan through daily prayer, deep study, and the active application of His Word until eternity calls us home. It is a daily, moment-by-moment choice to focus on Him alone.

2. The Thought Filter (Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Talk about a divine checklist for our focus! God lays it out perfectly: we are called to fixate on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable according to His standards.

Practically, this means actively choosing to ignore the office gossip, silencing the worst-case scenario thinking, and rejecting the falsehoods of our culture. It means clinging tightly to biblical reality. I have to intentionally spend my mental energy on things that carry dignity, respect, and integrity. Anything else is just wasted energy—and if I’m honest, I have wasted tons of it over the years.

Philippians continues to convict my heart, reminding me to act in accordance with high moral principles and to value people by treating them with genuine fairness.

To take this a step further, I’ve had to learn to let go of malicious or unwholesome thinking. The minute a toxic, fearful, or bitter thought enters my mind, I have to recognize it, speak directly to it, and reject it in the authority of Christ.

My Prayer: I pray that over time, God will create in me a clean heart as I intentionally strive to direct my mind toward wholesome motives, stepping entirely outside of my fleshy desires.

Finally, focusing on what is lovely and admirable goes hand in hand with what 1 Corinthians teaches us: Let love lead! When we focus on things that draw out the fruit of the Spirit, we naturally begin to dwell on things that are praiseworthy, reputable, and inspiring.

Wow. Thank You, Lord, for sanctification—this beautiful, lifelong journey of refining. I truly need God’s help to fix my mind on the Holy Spirit and to stop relying on my own fragile human nature. As I continue to surrender my mind to Him and allow Him to renew it, my prayer is that I can better understand, accept, and boldly walk out His perfect will for my life.

Over to You…

What about you? When you read Colossians 3:1-2, what is the Holy Spirit stirring in your own heart and mind today? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

July 6, 2026 0