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.
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.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com 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.
Hello friends! How are you today? I hope you are wrapped in a warm blanket and enjoying a beautiful fire. Our current 10 degrees, snow, and 25 mph winds are a brutal combination.
I thought I would start by sharing this week’s unique icebreaker during our weekly online class. Several had the opportunity to introduce themselves like this, “Hi, my name is Genna (first name) Corolla (model of your car) and I am being exiled to the land of parmesan cheese (last thing you ate).” It was fun hearing each person add their introduction line as we began our evening.
But why focus on exile? Good question-over and over we see this word, especially in our minor prophet studies. Hosea is no different. As we approached chapter 4, we found charges God had against the Northern Kingdom because of their rebellious lifestyle. The LORD found them guilty of no loyalty, trust, or acknowledgment of Him. Therefore, exile was upon them in the days ahead.
Webster defines exile as “the state or period of forced or voluntary absence from one’s country or home”. In our minor prophet series, we have seen God using exile to capture the attention of those who refused to follow His instructions.
Often than not, exile continues for generations to come. Why? Maybe because of the power of long-lasting consequences. When exile happened, the people would find themselves in a foreign land and sometimes without a temple. It isn’t until then that the people would reflect on their wicked ways. Once they repented the LORD would forgive them but, the exile would normally continue for a period of time.
So, how can this Old Testament prophesy and state of exile apply today?
Could we possibly experience exile?
I cannot answer this for everyone but, let me share my thoughts when reflecting on these two questions:
Does the LORD ever have charges against me and my behavior? Do I ever found myself partaking in sinful actions and turning my back on living under Biblical authority? (Unfortunately, I could write a book!)
Are there times when certain Scriptures, sermons, bible studies, devotions, etc. prick my heart and warn me of the consequences if I continue my disobedience?
As I ponder these questions, I think about reproof. When reproof comes, the Lord wants me to repent and turn from my lawless ways. He knew I would struggle with fleshy desires so He equipped me with two helpmates: the Holy Spirit and His Word. The Lord desires a harmonious relationship with me but, He also allows me to make my own decisions. (My freewill is a thorn at times)
However, when I ignore the LORD’s instructions and continue to sin it is truly spiritual adultery. (Ouch-those words sting!) Therefore, exile will probably come. My sin has separated me from the LORD and He will seem far away because of my own doing. My failed faith might even leave me feeling deserted or isolated from the closeness I once felt with God. This is my “foreign land” time to reflect on my behavior and an opportunity to repent and turn back to the LORD.
My exile-separated from the one who loves me the most-the lover of my soul. This leaves me with another question: How can I avoid exile and stay on track to be successful in my faith?
What are your thoughts?
How would you answer these questions:
How can Old Testament prophesy and exile apply today?
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
Yada! A term I equate with true success in my life. This word ranks high on my favorite list yet, it has not always been this way.
Yada is a Hebrew word meaning “to know”. I love learning! So, it probably doesn’t come as a shock for those who know me to hear me state my deep feeling for this term. However, there is more to this four-letter word in my life than the surface level.
Visually, the world sees me craving information and textual knowledge. There is no denying it-I do. I would even go so far as to say it has opened the door to a deeper meaning of Yada in my life. This “to know” has placed me on a journey to go beyond textual knowledge of the LORD and really “know” Him for who He is. But remember, I said it hasn’t always been this way.
For many years, my “to know” was for my success. Then my intellectual knowledge of the LORD began transforming my heart and allowing me to redefine what it means to really “know”. Also, I began pursing my definition of “yada” for God’s glory and not my own.
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3 (NIV)
Due to failures in life and finding myself at rock bottom, spiritual wisdom was gained. I realized that the most important thing in my life was a growing relationship with the LORD. The life change I had to make was to go beyond periodically meeting with God to walking with Him 24/7. Although I still fall short at times, I have set a goal to live with the LORD right beside every moment-because He is.
So, what did this require of me? I have had to learn to say good morning every day, turn to Him first in all circumstances good or bad, trust in His promises, have faith in His attributes, and love Him on a level of complete obedience and count it as an honor. Let me just say-this is a struggle within my flesh, and I continually fight against “gods” taking the LORD’s place.
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.1 John 4:8 (NIV)
Making God my firm foundation has been a journey. My desperation caused me to begin taking my relationship with the LORD to new heights and to realize it is an ongoing process. I had to learn to live my life with an open Bible, feed on His Word, and let the Holy Spirit lead. (Boy, that sounds easy when I see those words on paper!)
The difference between “to know” and “TO KNOW!” has been eye opening. My new “yada” has taken me from meeting with God periodically to walking with the lover of my soul continually. The LORD wants this for everyone. He loves us exponentially and craves for us to walk closely with Him in a relationship different from all others. This takes us beyond intellectual textbook knowledge to a deep personal commitment that transforms our heart, mind, and soul.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 (NIV)
Refinement Ministry exist because of this life changing concept. The goal of the Bible studies, retreats, workshops, etc. is to support spiritual maturity. Hey, we are just ordinary, everyday people just like you who want to seek out this journey with like-minded Christians. We believe in community and the importance of sharing experiences, wisdom, and perspective with each other.
What is your definition of yada? Are you looking for ways to know God on a more intimate level? If so, we invite you to be a part of one of our Bible studies online, upcoming getaways, or weekend workshops. 2022 is dedicated to helping others go beyond text knowledge to intimate knowledge of who GOD IS and experience this through Scripture Notebooking!
We are so excited to share this beautiful “yada” definition with you. Trust me when I say, it is life changing!
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 1 John 4:2 (NIV)
“Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.” Hosea 1:10-11 (NIV)
The book of Hosea is a love story of a life changing devotion only God can give. Throughout the Bible, the depth, breadth, and width of his sacrificial commitment to us is mind blowing! His love and affection are so evident through Christ Jesus, His Son, who paid the ultimate price for us even while we were still sinners!
Probably much like you, this atonement is not unfamiliar. Most of us have heard the message of salvation throughout our lifetime. However, how many of us really take to heart the redemptive lover of our soul to the point of being completely transformed into His image? As for me, I find myself falling short of the mark as I dig into Hosea.
Recently Francine Rivers’ book, Redeeming Love, has made its debut on the big screen. You may or may not know this, but her writing was inspired by the book of Hosea. This romance novelist was captured by God’s all-consuming admiration Hosea portrays and she developed the plot and characters around her takeaway from this book in the Bible. I read this story many years ago and was mesmerized by her talent. She eloquently delivers a story of fervent, costly love pointing to Christ Jesus and God’s never-waiving, eternal compassion for us.
As I began preparing for this study, the Holy Spirit really caught my attention regarding my relationship with the LORD. Very rarely have I viewed my connection with the father as a marriage, a redemptive one at that! Hosea’s words really brought to light the passion God has for everyone, including me. I found myself spellbound and captivated by this concept in such a riveting way.
In my hypnotic state of mind, I began thinking about my eternal relationship with the LORD. I began asking myself, “How could I fully be in love with God, the way He is with me, if I don’t invest my time in knowing Him the way He knows me? How can I faithfully rely on God if I don’t spend time discovering His attributes? What am I doing to grow our relationship? Is my obedience and devotion on the level the LORD desires? Are there barriers within my life keeping God’s love at bay? Am I allowing Him to captivate every part of my being so He can refine and transform me to be His redemptive bride?”
These questions, along with many others, have led me to seek out God’s never-ending love through focusing on His attributes. I know like most of my deep lasting relationships, it takes time to build a strong bond. It seems crazy to me not to devote time to knowing the LORD more intimately when I reflect upon what He has promised: to love me no matter what, to fully restore me, to want me despite my warts, to give me hope, to always be beside me, to forgive me of my numerous sins, to be in close relationship with me, and to promise me an eternal home through the salvation found from His own Son’s sacrifice. WOW!
Hosea has given me a fresh beginning to press into defining who GOD IS personally for me. To identify those fascinating attributes and deepen my reliance on the LORD. I want to be grounded in Scripture to know the truth of who the father is really like and how I can grow closer through my reliance on His character and promises.
So, what about you? The father craves interaction with us more than we can possibly know, but we let our life rejections, hurts, earthy measure of worth, past sins, other’s opinions, low self-esteem, etc. get in the way of discovering God for who He really is and allowing Him to love us to completion. What is holding you back? What has possibly distorted your perception of God’s great love? Why do you need redemption in your life?
I pray this study will deliver clarity of who the LORD really is and how He wants to restore through His redeeming love. I am excited to see the different levels of discernment and hope God provides as our group on Monday nights draw closer to Him through His Word.
In what ways are you looking to receive Redeeming Love from the LORD? Come join us on Monday nights for one hour (6:00 pm CST) via zoom. We would be delighted to have you. Feel free to email us for the link and handouts at refiningjourney@gmail.com. The study is only for 7 weeks!
1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Are you ready to take your Bible intake to a new level? Come join us via Zoom every Monday night for seven weeks. We will show you how to digest Scripture differently through your very own handwriting.
Grab your Bible, your favorite pen, and a small notebook. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. See you soon!
Have you read promising headlines such as “You can be transformed by Scripture” and thought this promise was for anyone else but YOU? I know the feeling all too well.
Honestly, I seem to never get enough of studies and books published by outstanding leaders, pastors, authors, etc. passionate and dedicated to teaching the Bible. I am drawn to writings encouraging others to dig deep into the Word of God and grow in relationship with the LORD. When I finish a study or book, I walk away refreshed and invigorated. Yet, I have still felt deficient in digesting Scripture on my own.
Several years ago, the Holy Spirit pressed upon me to assess my relationship with the LORD. It became evident that I had been more dependent on “close associations” of God’s Word than the Bible itself. I was focusing on “popular” Scriptures based on other’s point of view instead of my Maker’s own voice. (That’s not easy to admit, my friend!)
I truly wanted to be transformed by Scripture and equipped to dig deep into the Bible on my own. I knew the Lord wanted me to advance in spiritual maturity, but I lacked sustainable direction in how to advance my skills after Biblical intake.
My heart desired a very personal relationship with the God. I craved His voice and touch. Nothing excited me more than increasing my knowledge of Him and experiencing Him personally. I wanted to go beyond the text and beyond the writings of someone else. I yearned for authentic intimacy with the LORD.
The time had come to discover a pathway for me. It was time to find a way to know God’s Word up close and personal. Time to go beyond the sermons, small group studies, and daily devotions and get a Scripture intake makeover.
The Holy Spirit led me to Jeremiah 24:7 which states, “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” All I could say was YES, YES LORD, I want YOU to have ALL my heart. So, I prayed for His discernment.
Going Beyond the Text
There was an assurance within my soul God would strengthen me to handle Scripture on my own, grow me in knowledge of Him, and deliver intimacy in our relationship. I knew what seemed like a lofty promise before, “You can be transformed by Scripture”, was on the horizon.
I began by simply writing down one verse a week from a sermon or study that stood out to me. I would display it and read it over and over throughout the week. From there, I started reading the entire chapter of each verse and investigating the background and Biblical meaning. I spent time locating cross references and sitting at the feet of my Savior to gain the message for my life.
God had given me the desire of my heart-a method to go beyond my Bible Intake. Trust me-it was better than a miraculous makeover on What Not To Wear! (That reveals my age). My time in Scripture was transforming my heart, mind, and soul. I began knowing the attributes of the LORD on a deeper level and His commands and promises began directing my life in a remarkable way.
The Lord revealed my niche for digesting His Words and my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I went from index cards to a composition book. The gap between those topical studies and sermons AND knowing God’s Word in its entirety was closing. My Biblical intake was becoming a visual legacy of my faith journey with the LORD. Gone were the days where I just relied on Scripture knowledge from listening in small group and church and reading books and daily devotions-then moving on with my life without true saturation and transformation.
Scripture Notebooking was the main part of my entire spiritual makeover. It has been such a treasure-my secret treasure until now.
The time has come to share with others just like you. Time for others to find the confidence, growth, and transformation I have found through writing God’s Word.
This year the Refining Ministry is devoted to empowering others how to actively participate with verses highlighted by the Holy Spirit. We are dedicated to walking out this process with you.
I am living proof that your Bible Intake can be transformed. This journey is so rewarding. Let me be honest-it has been difficult at times and humbling in many ways.
God’s Word has become the helpmate it was designed to be-His voice directing my life according to His plans and not my own. (Thank goodness!) I cannot wait to share this gift with you in the upcoming Bible studies and Scripture Notebooking getaways in 2022!
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 