When the “Devotional Checklist” Stops Working…

I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17

Have you ever followed a 365-day devotional? I love them!

They are wonderful “icebreakers” for the day. They give me that immediate pickup and a quick moment of encouragement that I might share with a friend later that day, on rare occasions.

My intention is always pure: I plan to grab my Bible later, full of sincere desire. I plan to read the entire chapter surrounding that daily verse. But if I’m being honest? My follow-through is often as limp as a soggy noodle.

The Hidden Guilt of the “Shallow Walk”: For a long time, I carried a hidden guilt. I was checking the box on my daily devotional, but I was just going through the motions. I was “doing” my quiet time, but it wasn’t “doing” anything to me.

Have you ever felt like that?

The root of my frustration was simple: I didn’t know how to study on my own. I would read a chapter of Scripture and—yikes!—immediately forget what I just read. How can that be? This is the living, breathing Word of God! Why wasn’t it sticking?

I had a deep, dark valley that changed everything!

I wanted to go BEYOND the short daily devotional. I wanted to move past empty reading and into what I can finally call “spiritual maturity.”

But that shift didn’t happen in a mountaintop moment. It took a rocky season in a deep valley—one that lasted over half a decade—for God to break my “checklist” habit and teach me how to truly feast on His Word.

So why am I writing this? What is my point? I’m sharing this because I want you to know that God sees your heart. He knows the frustration of the “shallow walk,” and He knows you crave more.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to keep reading the upcoming posts. I want to share more of my story and walk you through the transition from “mere daily moments” to full intimacy with the Lord. It’s about studying His Word with a different perspective and a new intentionality.

Come walk with me.

Dig Deeper: If you want to read more about moving past the “ink on the page,” check out this early post: Exceeding Text Elevation: More than Typography

Let’s Connect: I want to hear from you today. What is one word that describes your current spiritual season? (e.g., “Busy,” “Fulfilling,” “Dry,” “Lonely”) Drop your word in the comments. I’m reading every single one. 👇

February 4, 2026 0

From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

Did you know that nearly 90% of American households own a Bible, yet less than 15% of people actually read it daily? (Source: American Bible Society, 2021).

That is a staggering gap. It leads to a question we don’t always want to answer out loud: How many Bibles are in your home right now… and how many are actually being opened?

Let’s be honest—for a long time, my Bible reading felt like “just looking at ink on paper.” Those letters (the typography) were there, but the intimate connection with God that I craved was missing. I was reading words, but I wasn’t hearing a Voice.

If we aren’t careful, Bible reading becomes just another box to check on a “to-do” list. We see the history, but we miss the Heart, His Heart.

It took me years to distinguish the difference between reading words and experiencing the Word. I wrote my latest study, Beyond Scripture Typography, so it doesn’t have to take you years. I want to help you move past the “ink on the page” and into a framework where you feel confident, capable, and connected every time you open your Bible.

CLICK HERE

Tell me in the comments:

What is the biggest thing that keeps you from opening your Bible daily? (No judgment here—we’re in this together!) 👇

February 3, 2026 0

JAMES-Chapter 3, Part B

Lower Seymour Campground on Wisdom by U.S. Department of Agriculture is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Wisdom shows us how-to do-good works. How do you receive wisdom? Does it come easily? Why or why not? Dig deep into these last verses found in James 3. Spend some time listening to the videos provided. You have a couple new faces today to shake things up a bit. Don’t forget to write out at least one verse from James Chapter 3 and display it. Pray it into existence for your living faith action. Ask God for His heavenly wisdom to apply it.

Cross-References:

1 Peter 2:12

Ecclesiastes 1:2

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Luke 22:25-26

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Are you praying for wisdom?

Do you need wisdom in your marriage, job, relationship with others, reading Scripture, handling life, making decisions,etc.?

Think about this piece by piece: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Pure – Similar to without hypocrisy. Full of integrity, sincere. Proper motivation.
Peaceable and gentle – The opposite of aggressive and assertive. Jesus is the prime example.
Reasonable – Bible teacher John MacArthur says, “The original term described someone who was teachable, compliant, easily persuaded, and who willingly submitted to military discipline or moral and legal standards. For believers, it defines obedience to God’s standards.”
Full of mercy – James already discussed that those with true religion will look after orphans and widows in their distress.
Good fruits – The faithful person will bear fruit.
Unwavering – We won’t give in when we face trials.
Without hypocrisy – Being a hearer but not a doer, or blessing God and cursing man with the same mouth.

Application: In what area do you need more wisdom from above?

May 3, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 3, Part A

Can you do anything fun with your tongue? What about touching your nose with it? Can you roll it? Could you swallow without it? Try talking without moving it. Yep-I hear you laughing at yourself about now.

Scripture reminds us to tame the tongue due to the power it holds. It can destroy lives and relationships. However, James tells us that man alone cannot tame the tongue. So, how can we keep our words under God’s authority?

What about your witness? We are all teachers in some form or fashion and Scripture warns us to be careful about the words we say. As we witness and encourage others, we should rely on God’s Word. Remember, it is truth and reliable. Aligning our words with God’s very speech will always produce a tamed tongue.

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

How can you change your speech?

What steps can you take to stop the tongue from acting before the Holy Spirit can guide the delivery?

How can you apply “If you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all.”? When might this NOT be appropriate? Silence can be deadly too!

What is the root of our sharp tongue, quick speech, and downgrading tone?

Who is the primary target of your ill “word” behavior?

Stop and pray about it. Ask God to give you direction and alternatives that will exhibit His love, grace, and mercy regardless of the message you may need to convey.

Do you have a “go to word” when trouble happens-you stump your toe-someone make you mad? How can you better prepare for these moments?

April 30, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 2, Part B

You gotta have faith, faith, faith, baby. Name that artist and the year the song was written. Wonder what the musician meant? You might google the lyrics.

How do you define your faith? Do your works display the fruit of the Spirit? Can your works standalone without God and truly display your faith? Why would someone believe their works will save them?

Why do you do good deeds? What keeps you from doing bad ones?

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8-10

Luke 3:11

Proverbs 3:27

Luke 6:44-46

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Read Matthew 7:17 and reflect.

What is the warning here?

Read Matthew 7:21. What is your initial reaction? What does this do to your head and heart?

What is an example of dead faith in your life?

Why cannot a living faith be separated from works?

Name your personal takeaway from Chapter 2. What is the primary verse tugging at your heart strings? What is one way over the next week you can demonstrate living faith differently in your life?

April 26, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 2, Part A

Do you favor chocolate or vanilla ice cream? What about a resplendent color you are partial to than all others? Ever favor a person in a group more than the others?

The Bible speaks about favoritism and makes it clear that loving your neighbor means ALL people. Let’s be real-that is not always easy-think about a few of those sandpaper people in your life. YIKES! However, partiality towards others is a breeding ground for sin and trouble.

Read Galatians 3:28 and ponder your thoughts about favoritism of people. Do you have any biases? Does your environment influence your attitude and thinking about others who are different than you?

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Who do you have a hard time loving well?

How can we see people with God’s eyes rather than our own?

Have you ever been judged because of something in your outward appearance?

How did these verses challenge your thinking? HEAD

Did the passages make you examine how you feel about certain people? HEART

Are you compelled to act differently towards someone or a group of people? HANDS

How can you safeguard your thinking when surrounded by others with strong favoritism? EARS/EYES

April 23, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 1, Part B

Yikes! Temptation-how do you define this in your life? Exactly where does it come from? Why is it often hard to resist? What does Scripture say?

CROSS REFERENCES:

1 Peter 5:10

1 Peter 1:7

1 Corinthians 10:13

Proverbs 4:23

Mark 7:21-22

VIDEOS:

James 1:9-20 https://youtu.be/Jdm_mrmFJy4?si=X0308VcZOm2pE9vD

James 1:12-27 https://youtu.be/P-7CubqtvcM?si=0cupNGloUiXnfduC

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

What steps can we take to protect ourselves against ourselves?

Surround yourselves with other believers who can keep you accountable.
Get an accountability partner that will check up on you from time to time and ask the tough questions.
Avoid places or things we know will tempt us.
Pray immediately and make it a habit to ask for help in the moment of temptation.
Fill our minds with Scripture.

REFLECTIONS:

What tempts you the most in life?

List the gifts in your life directly from God?

Stop and thank Him for three.

Does the world see you as “set apart”? Why or why not?

What is one way you can be more of a “doer” of God’s Word this week?

Reflect on one verse that stood out the most in Chapter 1.

Read it/Write it/Post it/Dissect it/Pray it out/Live it

April 19, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 1, Part A

Welcome to the first week of study on the book of James. Over the years we have focused on empowering believers in their personal interaction with God’s Word. For the next five weeks, we are supporting our online Monday night class through a variety of resources bi-weekly. Below you will find information, questions, videos, etc. to guide your steps in reading, understanding, and applying the Scriptures.

Refining Ministry is committed to help strengthen individualized study skills in practical ways that can become lifetime habits. With each study, we want to empower you to feel confident in spending personal time in God’s Word. As we dive into the book of James, we will share a variety of techniques and tips based on the recent released Beyond Scripture Typography when coming together during the Monday night meetings. If you would like to join our James study, leave us a comment or email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We will be happy to send you the Zoom link.

JAMES Study: April 22-May 27, Monday nights from 6:00-7:00 pm (CST)

BACKGROUND:

Audience: Mainly the scattered Jewish believers.

Topic: Practical day-to-day Christian living and how to live a Godly life.

Author:

Compelled to Write: The author might have felt compelled to write this message to . . .

Timeframe:

Why Jewish believers might listen to James: The Jewish believers might listen to James because he is one of them and has authority and understanding of their culture and faith.

VIDEOS:

Overview of James https://youtu.be/qn-hLHWwRYY?si=nLDDirT3XsHxgZyN

James 1:1-8 https://youtu.be/Ta1FEkgxlmQ?si=VCW15Q2zbOVef41O

James 1:1-11 https://youtu.be/cEO8XjVABmQ?si=H-U9pTTjuJy4g8aY

REFLECTIONS:

April 16, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Eight

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Proverbs 8:33 (NIV)

Is perception everything? Psychologists would probably say it plays a large part in how we process information, yet it does not mean personal interpretation is always accurate. Remember, it is based on how we perceive. As we process information whether sensory and/or mentally, there are lots of factors that can sway our thinking.

For me, this word tends to be the root of many of my rubs in life. When the vision of any situation is one-sided and then forced upon another individual (who of course has a different point of view) it can ignite a problem. It is not always easy to see a different viewpoint because you do not have the same experiences, surroundings, background, processing mechanisms, etc. as the other person. However, we do have the option of humbling our self-centered thinking and opening our hearts to try and understand a different perception.

Now, let us turn our thoughts to Bible intake. El Shaddai, one attaining greater wisdom, wrote Scripture. He has an all-knowing angle with sincere-unflawed character and love. When we are reading, studying, and digging for meaning, it is normal to interpret based on personal perception. We naturally surrender to our insight or the thoughts of those we surround ourselves with daily. It takes intentionality and time to posture ourselves under the foreign mindset of the Lord.

Thoughts on gaining God’s Perspective:

Humble yourself under His authority every time you encounter His Word.
Rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom over your own understanding.
Place your thinking at the feet of the Father and seek His perception.
Take time to truly listen to His voice above all others.
Be open to see, hear, feel, and comprehend on a level beyond earthly life.
Pray, submit, ask, and expect wisdom.
Present yourself to the Lord with reverence, obedience, and gratitude.
Allow the Holy Spirit to revitalize your philosophies, customs, opinions, and beliefs.

Change is not easy and comprehending the Lord’s perception is a challenge because His character is far removed from our own innate being. Present your questions and thoughts to Him. Consider His ways and purposefully seek the perception of our great Father.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

March 25, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Seven

If you need wisdom, ask your generous God, and he will give it to you. He will note rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT)

Where would you claim is “your hang out” spot? In front of the TV, behind the wheel, on the beach, with a fishing pole, next to those you love, painting a canvas, cooking and baking, crafting a new creation, cutting and sewing, shopping till you drop, exploring the world, hiking the mountains, alone with God, learning new things, dancing, helping others, gardening, etc. We all have them and they are often what keeps us sane in life. It is a comfortable area affirming the joy within us and a place where inner peace may be found. Many allow it to deliver meaning to life and even permit it to define a portion of who they are.

The Lord longs for us to truly love to hang out in the Bible. He would love nothing more than us cherishing His voice by praying, studying, examining, rereading, asking, researching, wrestling, and taking Scripture bite by bite. “God is Jehovah, a relational Father, who longs for us to know Him intensely” much like we know our favorite hang out in life.

Discovering the full meaning of a portion of the Bible is time consuming to say the least. It is not always appealing to hang out in a chapter for an extended period when there are thousands of verses still out there to explore. For most of my life, I skimmed through God’s Word and was just hoping for some miraculous life-changing wisdom to transform my life. It was much like driving by the gym or track but never engaging fully yet thinking I was going to achieve that ripped bikini body. (Go ahead-laugh-I sure am!)

We must search for techniques and methods to dive into the Bible on a deeper level. It requires us to throw out the checklist approach and spend our time in a chapter longer than usual. I call this residing-where deep meaning and understanding blossom. You might see this as a way to study intensely.

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

Much like a scientific method, gaining wisdom takes certain steps and approaches. Where does one begin? Well, that is a great question. Maybe the best way to answer is to provide you a list of choices and encourage you to try a few each time you intentionally hang out in God’s Word.

Here are a few from this chapter:

Background check-dig into the original meaning of the text. Determine the author, timeline, and location. Discover the original audience and the culture of the day. Read several reliable summaries and outlines to affirm the main message. Apply the 5Ws and an H: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Identify-Highlight any assurances and promises God has made in the passage. Reflect on the instructions and commands that are present. Cling to the attributes and characteristics of the Lord as they are revealed in Scripture.
Investigate-Find the Hebrew meaning of the main focused terminology. Consult the Greek meaning for New Testament reading since it was the primarily language of the time but rely on Hebrew as well. Read different translations to bring clarity and exact meaning.
See the big picture-When a verse tugs at your heart strings, read the entire context. Find the original meaning and audience rather than “making it fit” for your life. Consult commentaries and investigate the full counsel of God through cross-references.

The primarily take away is to find God in the story and discover His wisdom by hanging out in a chapter. “It is a chance to uncover the biblical sustenance you might need to infuse in your life on a grander scale. Remember, God’s Word can nourish every aspect of your life. What a nutritional diet!” Who knows it might even bring greater peace to your favorite hangout spot in the future.

Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scripture. Luke 24:45

March 13, 2024 1