FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 3

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV)

Welcome back to our FREE & FABULOUS series! I might should have entitled this Part #1/2 so it would line up in number order in which I typically use these tidbits to study. 😊 SOO…with that being said-we hope you enjoy this series of Bible Study tips and use them in any order you like.

Tip #3 (or tip #1/2) is for anyone who wants a general overview to begin a study for an entire book of the Bible. I enjoy having a brief introduction to the author, timeframe, location, original audience, etc. Since the Bible isn’t in chronological order, I tend to need a bit of background information and overview to get started. Thanks to technology and wonderful resources, these things can be available at a click of a button!

Let me introduce BibleProject About BibleProject | BibleProject™

WHAT IS IT? It is a great FREE resource for a quick overview to any book of the Bible by going direct to their website. Also, they are easily assessable through YouTube OR you can experience these animated snapshots through the YouVersion app on a mobile device.

These videos are valuable resources because they are understandable, quick, and engaging. This non-profit organization created a simple way for Scripture to be introduced without any religious denominational twist. The visual storytelling resource has only been around since 2014, but their audience has grown tremendously to over two-million viewers!!! WOW!

WHY I USE IT? I am far from a history buff! As a matter of fact, it is one of my least favorite things. However, once I began my journey of strengthening my relationship with God through the authority of His Word, my outlook on Biblical history changed completely. The quick summary helps me connect with the passage by knowing the purpose of the book, the main message, a short outline, and the writer’s delivery. These animated stories allow me to visualize the Scripture, the theme, and details which I feel I might otherwise miss through just reading through the book on my own.

It sets the tone for me. My mind begins to ask questions and my curiosity delivers motivation to dig deeper. Honestly, it is like a trailer to a new movie for me! It seems to always be action packed with a plot which leads my heart, eyes, ears, mind, and spirit to Jesus.

HOW TO USE IT?

Click on Watch: Bible Book Overview Videos | BibleProject™
Choose Old or New Testament
Select the book of the Bible
A short-written summary is given for each overview. If the video goes a bit too fast for you. Pause it-replay it-take notes-remember this is a study resource to use the way you need it.

TRY IT: Choose Amos

-Did you picture Amos looking like this?

-Can you feel the complacency from the way Jeroboam was displayed?

-What were your thoughts when the chapters were broke into three categories? Will this help you digest the material?

-Were there unknowns or concerns the video exposed?

This is what you should see:

Now this is just the beginning to Bible Project’s offerings. They have information on how to read the Bible, themes, word studies, visual commentaries, book collection videos, podcasts, bible studies, and so much more!!!

EXAMPLE OF A BIBLE STUDY: Since we have been on a journey in 2022 Discovering God Beyond the Text with our retreats, workshops, and online studies, the bible study concerning God’s attributes captured my attention. Here is the information given on the website, “Would you and your group like to learn more about God’s faithfulness? Download the BibleProject app and explore the Character of God Study, where we dive into five attributes of God that are repeated throughout the story of the Bible.” After reading this introduction, Refining may need to plan a Fall Kick-Off with this study! Would you be interested?

Once again, here is another FREE resource jam packed with a visual type of learning based solely on God’s Word! For me, it is always a welcoming way to gear up for another full book study of the Bible. It has been extremely helpful in our Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets series.

Do you have a consistent group where you strictly study God’s Word chapter by chapter each week? Share these Bible study tips with them.

If you are looking for a group, email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We meet every Monday night via zoom for only one hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. (CST) TOO BUSY to interact-driving home from work during this time-delivering kids to events-cooking dinner-no problem-hop on and listen. The LORD knows life can be demanding, but He loves it when we are creative and intentional in the ways we choose to know Him more.

We are truly here for you. It is our desire to walk alongside you and grow in knowledge and faith with the LORD.

Happy Bible Study journey! We will chat soon.

May 10, 2022 1

FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 2

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 ESV

Hello. Thank you for joining us as we continue our FREE & FABULOUS series! Tip #1 we put into practice immediately with our Amos study group. It was delightful to find various translations of Chapters 1 & 2 as we individually studied the passage prior to Monday night’s meeting. What an amazing time to live—we have a world full of technology at our fingertips and can deepen our knowledge of Scripture at our own convenience. AND-most of these online study tools are FREE!

Tips #2 is for those who want to dig deep into the meaning of God’s Word. If you are like me, I want to consult a commentary mainly when a particular passage captures my attention. However, I don’t particularly want to always consult the set we were given years ago.

Let me introduce Study Light. https://www.studylight.org/commentary.html

WHAT IS IT? It is a verse-by-verse Bible commentary where you can search for specific Scripture and have a large collection of commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and encyclopedias at the click of a button. Some of the Bible commentaries include Clarke, Bridgeway, Coffman, Henry, Barnes, Calvin, Smith, Gill, Kelly, etc. There are over 100 different commentaries used to build this resource. It does have pastoral resources if some of you are leading a Bible study over a particular book of the Bible and need some ideas, sermon illustrations, and the like. There are suggested daily reading plans and daily devotions if this is something you are needing. The site offers solid, foundational material for studying God’s Word.

WHY I USE IT? This online resource has become a new love of mine. In the past I have searched the internet for commentaries, sermons, and videos based on the chapter I was reading/studying. I like this site because I can drill down into the chapter verse-by-verse and receive some of the world’s greatest Bible scholar’s comments all in one location. I have enjoyed finding meaning over a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) It is user friendly and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles to sidetrack my attention. Although I have my favorite commentaries, this site has given me the opportunity to see Scripture through other’s eyes which I probably would not have entertained/found/read on my own.

HOW TO USE IT?

Click on Bible Study Tools. Then choose your resource (commentary, concordance, dictionary, encyclopedia)
When choosing Bible Commentary-now click on the book of the Bible, the chapter, and then the verse.

TRY IT: Choose Bible Commentary-New Testament 1 John-Chapter 1-Verse 1

Scroll down and look at Barnes’ Notes. You will the verse is broken down into small parts and each is explained in depth. Most of the commentaries give you cross references as well as other Bible study tools to use. I really like this style of commentary because it reminds me a lot of Verse Mapping.

This is what you should see:

Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible

That which was from the beginning – There can be no doubt that the reference here is to the Lord Jesus Christ, or the “Word” that was made flesh. See the notes at John 1:1. This is such language as John would use respecting him, and indeed the phrase “the beginning,” as applicable to the Lord Jesus, is unique to John in the writings of the New Testament: and the language here may be regarded as one proof that this Epistle was written by him, for it is just such an expression as “he” would use, but not such as one would be likely to adopt who should attempt to palm off his own writings as those of John.

This is one you need to experience. Play around with it a bit and see what commentaries you like best. Like I said, this is a new resource for me! There is a wealth of knowledge on this site. It has been around for over 20 years so I am sure you will find a lot more offered than the small tip I have shared. I will continue tapping into this free resource as I drill down weekly into my Holy Spirit guided Scripture study method.

Let us know what you liked about Study Light.

Happy Bible Study journey!!

May 4, 2022 0

FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 1

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*Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15*

Happy Friday Friends! Welcome to our FREE & FABULOUS series to help you discover fresh new ways to strengthen your personal Bible Study. Just like you, we are continually searching for tips to assist our personal study of God’s Word. Regardless of the techniques you incorporate during your personal study of God’s Word, it is always fun to discover FREE online study tools to deepen your understanding.

We love FREE! And-what is better than ONLINE & FREE? Just like you-we understand a limited budget and need for convenience. We invite you to walk alongside of us for the next few weeks as we investigate some great resources available to enhance your quiet time in God’s Word.

Let me introduce Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/

WHAT IS IT? A website where you can search, read, and/or listen to various translations of the Bible as well as different language offerings. It provides a variety of ways to study and engage with Scripture, reading plans, mobile apps, keyword search, topical index, signup for daily devotionals & newsletters, audio series, blog posts, recent podcasts, and so much more!

WHY I USE IT? This online resource is my first go to when focusing on a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) Bible Gateway gives me a quick way to read/listen to another translation outside of my study Bible. I love the ease of use and how readily available numerous translations are at my fingertips.

HOW TO USE IT?

Enter your passage location, keyword, or topic AND select the translation.
You can even select all English translations once the passage is revealed.

TRY IT: type in 1 John 1:1 and select NIV (hit the search button)

You will see the verse and an option to read the entire chapter. Also, you will have the opportunity to view 1 John 1:1 in all English translations. At the click of a button-every English translation is listed on one entire page!

Use the advanced search option to the left and you will be given cross references and footnotes!

This is what you should see:

1 That which was from the beginning,^(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,^(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched^(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.

Read full chapter

Cross references

Type in keywords and/or topics and choose your translation

This will give you the OT & NT verses which include the word or topic. I will occasional use this feature if a particular word or attribute of God becomes apparent when reading the various translations. I don’t necessarily use this site for word study, but I do use it for cross referencing.

SO, there is your first FREEBIE for our Bible Study tips. Give it a try. See what you like best. I only touched the surface of what the website has to offer. Remember, I am limited in full knowledge of this free resource because I only use it for a quick reference for other translations and cross references when studying a particular Scripture.

Let us hear from you. We would love to know what you find helpful when using Bible Gateway.

Looking forward to sharing more with you soon.

Happy Bible Study journey!!

April 29, 2022 0

3 Major Steps in Maintaining Spiritual Growth

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Joy, peace, faith, hope — these spiritual blessings are ours if Christ lives in us. These spiritual qualities are indestructible because they have their source in Christ, who is always with us. Because we cannot lose Christ, our spiritual blessings are secure. -Ephesians 1:3

In many of Paul’s letters, such as Thessalonians, he encourages believers to strive for spiritual maturity. His words are always precisely written, and his message has a way of spurring others to embrace sanctification.

As I reflect on Apostle Paul’s writings, I find myself measuring my own pathway and process of being purified by Christ. I wonder what Paul’s message would be if he penned a letter to me. What areas would he address? What clarifications would he need to include? Where would he need to reveal reproof?

Have you ever wondered what your letter might include? What comes to mind when you think about your spiritual growth?

Transparency moment: There was once a time in my life where sanctification seemed like a long list of what to do and not to do. The process felt heavy even though I knew God was the one purifying my life.

I didn’t have a problem embracing the deliberate action on my part, but I became overwhelmed with all the to dos. It was paralyzing. (Remember, I am the queen of doing nothing when I don’t know precisely what to do or how to begin!)

Over the years I have learned that God is more concerned about my relationship with Him and the intentionality of my heart than all those to dos and not to dos. He wants me to focus on who He truly is and direct all my efforts towards His purpose.

Let me share with you three major areas I have found essential in maintaining spiritual growth:

Continually seeking a more accurate view of God. The more I get to know the LORD’s attributes and characteristics, the less I depend on myself. My view of God is so skewed by my human mind’s eye. However, as I intentionally strive to see Him more clearly and grow to understand His holiness, power, and love, I find myself surrendering more and more to Him. WHY? Because a deeper level of trust, intimacy, and worship develops. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. -1 Peter 1:3-4
Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. The LORD gave each of us a helpmate living within once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. However, it takes a conscience effort to listen the quiet voice and humble our steps, thoughts, actions, etc. to the discernment of the Holy Spirit. For me, this is essential in my spiritual maturity. I must daily lay down my fleshy desires and permit the Holy Spirit to guide my entire being. This is an ongoing process just like getting to know the LORD intimately. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. -Galatians 5:16,17
Spending time in God’s Word. The LORD gave the gift of His words. Throughout Scripture, He reveals Himself to us and provides a life manual for us. Our sanctification progress depends on our deliberate action to read, study, seek understanding, pray, and apply the Bible. …yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. -Colossians 1:22

If you feel overwhelmed by all the “to dos”, understand God never wanted your relationship with Him to be complicated. He is a relational father who is gracious and loving. Take it minute by minute. Get to know Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal who the LORD really is and your role in God’s plans. Stay in His Word and let it transform your life.

If we were to receive a letter from Paul today, I think his main message would be:

Stay consistent-

know God, rely on Him, and live under His biblical authority.

April 11, 2022 0

Scripture Praying-Could it be the secret to a Healthy Mind?

HELLO! It has been a hot minute since I have written. Why? March came in like a lion in many ways-family, friends, health, ministry, etc. BUT GOD! He continues to shine through regardless of the outcome. God is working, directing, pruning, and so much more.

The LORD has been prompting me for quite some time to dig deeper in my intentionality. (that sounds like a token phrase!) Let me jump right to what God has been saying-“You value my word and you know the power of it-why don’t you pray it more? If you believe My word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path-why aren’t you learning how to truly rely on it and allow it to direct your prayers?”

Transparency Moment: When I feel reproof and the Holy Spirit nudging I will do one of two things: 1) Nothing because when I don’t know what to do or how to do it so I tend to do nothing at all, or 2) Jump Right In and give it my all! I know-the two are polar opposite, but this is how I typically respond.

So, in order for me to go forward and keep my YES posture before the LORD, I flat out asked God-WHY? Why now oh LORD when so much has flooded life recently? The only response I kept receiving was WHY NOT?

Today, I want to share with you what God revealed. As I began typing out the words flooding my mind, I thought about the Bible and prayer individually.

Scripture

The Bible is a helpmate given by the LORD. It is a significant resource and assurance of God’s promises. As you grow in scriptural knowledge and explore biblical methods for real life application, these affirmations help build a foundation for your faith and hope in the LORD.

In Isaiah 55:11, we are reminded that God’s words were sent with a purpose and should be highly valued. These assurances are to remind you of the transformational power found in Him and to guide you in building an everlasting relationship through trusting in His word.

Prayer

What a privilege to talk directly to God 24/7. Think about it…total and complete access to the creator of the universe! Not only that, but He desires to be in full conversation with you. WOW!

Then, I placed them together:

As I began to ponder praying Scripture, God said, “Imagine the joy and peace of mind you could have you if you would press into My word and allow Scripture to direct your prayer life. This is a gift, another door to open. I have designed the very words in the Bible to help you learn how to submit to My will in a way you have not intentionally done before. I want you to experience disciplined prayer. I desire for you to display your faith and confidence in Me by praying My Word. Also, I need you to use Scripture to keep your requests in alignment with My plans, not your will. Come learn how to pray Scripture my child. Let it guide your thoughts with My perspective and strengthen your reliance on Me. WHY? Because I love you and want to give your mind peace beyond your current understanding.”

And so, I am on a journey allowing the LORD to direct my focus when I pray. I am reading Scripture with a different viewpoint. As I spend time in the Bible, I am learning to let the Holy Spirit lead and allowing God’s Word to determine the subject of my prayers. I am embracing the growth mindset in the father and trying to learn a strong biblical means to deepen my personal relationship with the lover of my soul.

The peace of mind has been freeing. WHY? Because I am learning how to give up control-but that’s another story!

March 31, 2022 7

SIGN UP DEADLINE is July 8th! GOD IS…Retreat in North Carolina

Come to the beautiful North Carolina mountain town of Burnsville for a unique experience deepening your personal discovery of who GOD IS. What better way to expand your spiritual connection with the LORD than to spend a weekend encountering Him in a variety of ways. Your time will be filled with fun, laughter, learning, Scripture, prayer, and so much more. This is your opportunity to getaway, grow in relationship with the Father, and clearly define who GOD IS for you.

Speakers: Kris Swiatocho, Genna Stotts and Robin Gonzales

Dates: July 29th-31st, 2022

Cost: $210 for the weekend; includes 4 meals; Daily attendee option of $75 plus extra cost for meals.

Go to www.GodIsRetreat.org for all the details.

March 31, 2022 0

Scripture Praying-Daily Guide Included!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Together, Scripture, prayer, and fasting is a concentrated emphasis to center your life around the true lover of your soul. This 21-day study is your time to focus on what is important, pray truth with confidence, and keep your prayers wholesome. Although fasting is designed to be temporary, the overall goal for this study is to become secure in praying God’s Word for a lifetime.

Your are invited to spend these 21 days together with us seeking the miraculous power of the LORD and a strong biblical method applicable to every season of life. This is unlike any study I have experienced!

The study will reference a variety of Scripture promises on an assortment of topics (healthy mind, pure heart, bodily restoration, faith, salvation, peace, hope, & fellowship with God) to provide you an opportunity to pray for various people and/or life circumstances. This guide is not limited to one specific category such as a spouse or job like most. Why? Because the person and/or situation for your daily prayer is intended to be led by the Holy Spirit.

The design: As you read the daily passage, allow the LORD to direct your focus. It is a fluid mode meant to provide practice in allowing Scripture to determine the subject of your prayers. This may seem a little foreign at first, but this is a chance embrace a growth mindset in God

We will meet online weekly to encourage one another in the journey and discuss questions, concerns, experiences, etc. as like-minded Christians coming together in unity.

March 21, 28, April 4, & 11 will be the meeting dates at 6:00 pm (CST) via Zoom.

Please email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com if you are interested. We will be happy to send you the online link information along with a PDF guide.

March 8, 2022 0

Takeaways from group members: Hosea 11 & 12

March 2, 2022 0

Does your money defile you?

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**The threshing floor and the wine press will no longer feed them, And the new wine will fail them [because they failed to honor the God who provides].** *Hosea 9:2 (Amplified Bible)*

Hello friends. How are you on 02/22/22? Did you do anything fun at 2:22 p.m.? I remember 11-11-11 at 11:11 a.m. I was at a conference with my boss, Diane Reid, and she loved numbers! She had me step out of the large conference hall and take her picture as a memory. Today, as a reflect upon that moment, I am grateful for the photograph. You see, at the time I thought it was silly, but I now cherish the snapshot because she was taken to glory September 2014.

Reading verse one of Hosea chapter 9 reminds me of many conversations with Diane. She was a true believer of rejoicing because of the internal joy that she experienced from living in God’s will. Her life reflected the fact that if a person pursues happiness by satisfying their God given purpose they will reap the joy of the LORD. It wasn’t money or fame that drove her. It was taking life moment by moment and making good choices in those steps. In her cancer battle, Jesus came to her and ask her to simply live. She said it seemed like every time after that when she tried to type love in her text messages-live would appear. One of the last deep conversations I had with her, she advised me to live each moment honoring the LORD in ALL things-easy and hard, good times or in bad. If only she knew where her advice has landed me seven years later.

As I continued to read Hosea chapter 9, verse two just would not leave my thoughts. “Threshing floors and winepresses will not feed the people; the new wine will fail them.” Well, I camped out on this verse for quite awhile this past week.

So, be forewarned, the remainder of this posting is a snapshot of my mental trail as I tried to unfold the message God had for me to grasp.

Threshing floor? What is this? It is a flat area where the harvesters would beat the wheat to separate the straw from the chaff.

Why is this event so important? This only happens 1X annually. There was great value in this timeframe because they depended on the wheat for food substance over the next 365 days. Therefore, the men would stay overnight at the threshing floor to ensure thieves did not take their grain.

What was the desired outcome from the threshing floor? Harvesters always desired a rich harvest. This was their hope each year.

Who provided the crop? God made their provisions. Now, He would discipline through a famine and God was going to supernaturally intervene to cause the crops to fail.

Where does the credit need to go? The LORD is always working and all blessings big or small come from Him. It is often hard to understand because we mainly see the natural order of sowing and harvesting, but God is who decides if it is a success or failure.

So, what could be our threshing floor today? What is the main substance needed to supply our existence? MONEY

What is the main things we do to obtain it? WORK

And when the harvest is ripe–We receive our crop-PAYCHECK

Then we go to our threshing floor and separate out the provisions. As we pound out the bills and budget the income-what normally comes to mind? Will there be enough? Just like the harvesters, our future days depends upon it: shelter, water, food, clothing, etc.

How do we protect it and value it? Maybe this is a personal choice. Do we spend it all or save for a rainy day? Do we stick with the budget? Do we thank God for it each and every time we receive it? Is our first thought to tithe? Oh yeah-IT IS ALL GOD’S provision.

Do we do anything to try to produce a rich harvest? WOW-all that comes to mind is worldly ways-fighting for a promotion, taking short cuts, scheming, etc. Wait-yes I can intentionally give it back to God and ask for every penny to be used for His glory. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over the new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10.

Then Diane’s words came to me again through God’s Word: “Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.'” Haggai 1:5 (NIV) And my study Bible extended her advise-“Caring only for your comfort and pleasure while ignoring your relationship with God will lead to ruin.”

My discovered concern: When have I ever prayed over a payday or paycheck? When have I ever given it totally over to the LORD and asked for His hand of direction for every penny? When have I stopped and thanked Him for His glorious provisions on those once a month occasion? Do I solely depend on my “major crop” as security and neglect worshiping God when the harvest is ripe?

Will you let your money defile you? What will it take to get your attention? Will God send a drought to destroy your livelihood as a means to call you back to himself?

WOW-just-WOW…

Payday just happened for me.

I have to stop writing now.

I have some business with God I need to take care of.

February 23, 2022 0

A Visual of going BEYOND the typography

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Ponder this if you will…

In a moment’s notice, we can access the Bible on our phone, bookmark passages, and even magnify text if need be. We are blessed with the engagement opportunities afforded to us left and right. It is as painless as downloading an app. Free at that! WOW! Every mode luring each believer to go beyond the typography.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

What more could we desire? A prized prize and adored adornment can be displayed beyond a coffee table. We can showcase it on every device we own and pull up any passage regardless of our location. We can even screenshot verses of interest in the middle of a sermon and share it immediately on social media.

What a welcoming welcome. An opportunity to see past the layout we choose. A chance to experience the life-changing power the words hold. An open invitation to go beyond the charming print. An ability to interact with Scripture through exceeding levels of availability far outweighing anything previously offered. Oh, how attractive, tantalizing, and downright alluring.

Scripture Notebooking can do that for YOU!

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8a (NIV)

February 10, 2022 3