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

YADA: How do you define “to know” God?

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)

January 27, 2022 4

HOSEA Study & Scripture Notebooking

**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!

January 21, 2022 0

Need a Bible Intake Makeover?

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.

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!

Are you ready for a makeover?

January 10, 2022 1

Engaging with Scripture through handwriting

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

I recently read a quote by Shannon Leibold which stated, “Handwriting Scripture…a meaningful way for us to dive deeper into God’s Word. As we imprint God’s truth on the page, the Holy Spirit imprints His truth on our hearts, which leads us to respond in prayer and worship.”

Boy, have I found this to be true! Handwriting portions of God’s Word into a composition book began a journey of absorbing Scripture, unlike anything I had ever experienced. As I continued to embark on the adventure, Scripture began penetrating my life beyond my wildest imagination. Yes, merely inscribing verses word for word.

Although Scripture writing was only a portion of my note booking when I began my visual legacy, words cannot express the restoration in my soul from the modest habit of writing out Scripture. I am sure those who knew what I was doing thought I was nuts! Why would anyone fill pages of a composition book with verses already printed? At the time, I could not explain my why but I knew it was what the LORD was instructing.

After several months, I noticed a change within me. It was as though a transformation was taking place as each page became adorned with God’s Word in my handwriting. The routine practice of Scripture writing was refining my heart. What I loved most was the way the Holy Spirit began revealing a deeper understanding of God.

Why was this working? How could such an uncomplicated convention pour out remarkable gains? What was it about this section of my notebook that made me crave further knowledge of God?

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

Get ready-give me the grace to be honest-it wasn’t until a stopped the practice that the answers came. Hindsight on steroids might I add. When another life tsunami hit, the benefits of Scripture writing became very evident. Let me share four gains I found with you.

1. Visual intentionality. Have you ever had good intentions but? – well you understand. When engaged in church, bible study, small group, or personal Scripture reading, I always “intend” to revisit a verse capturing my attention. You know the Scripture where you felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. However, my follow-through usually fell limp as a noodle.

“Copy-writing” gave me the outlet to carry out those intended plans and illustrate my purposeful actions. It was a way to get beyond the distractions of life and press inward to God. I had a plan of action I could maintain after being in the Word. Simply copying an “attention verse” opened the door to engaging with the Bible on a new level. It brought the gift of meditation.

2. Focused concentration. Diversions-interruptions-distractions: call them what you wish. I refer to them as squirrels. Truth is when it comes to absorbing Scripture, they are mental strategies directly from the enemy. My wandering mind always wants to know God more as it drifts to the next distraction. Would you agree?

Penning Scripture centers my attention. I can slay those pesky disruptions when concentrating word from word. My focused attentiveness gives way to the time needed to ponder the message of Scripture. It is exactly what I need to reflect on God’s Word and find Him on a more profound level. Handwriting verses gave me a red light from the world and a green light to a deeper relationship with the father.

3. Improved knowledge. Read it, write it, read it again. There is something to this I promise! We all have methods of comprehension and preservation. God created us all with unique methods yet what better way for everyone than copying text.

Why? First, writing verses brings to life details and words we might otherwise miss. It decelerates the speed at which we read and allows us to absorb the meaning. Next, it opens the door to remembering because the text is being digested at a rate which can sanction retention. The mind begins to place itself in the words. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is able to reveal a greater awareness of who God is and an understanding of the Bible.

4. Applied faith. For a good part of my spiritual journey, I struggled with the application aspect. You know the area where the rubber meets the road in your faith and it is up to you to apply Scripture to life circumstances. Basically, it is placing yourself in the text, clinging to the promises, obeying the commands, and growing in faith by relying solely on the attributes of God.

Writing out Scripture allowed me the time to mentally place myself into God’s Word. It imparted time to sit still and allow the Holy Spirit to convey a direct message for me. I began seeing myself in the words of the Lord and realizing how I could carry out this beautiful life manual offered. The wisdom from the father was shaping me and molding my prayers. I began releasing the reigns of my dash on earth and started infusing His truth into my life.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. (Proverbs 8:17 NIV)

Yes, this all came from simply slowing down and concentrating on the text word by word. The reward of handwriting Scripture gave way to a deeper understanding and personalized faith I needed and desired. I began to know God on a more intimate level and our relationship remarkably heightened.

I went beyond typography and discovered a way to grow in my spiritual journey. Each handwritten verse became a present received from the ultimate giver of life. As I scribe His Words, a sense of gratitude always shows up and I cannot help but thank Him for Scripture.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34 NIV)

So, I now have a composition book solely devoted to handwriting Scripture. It has proven be a means to focus in on those highlighted verses and allow the Holy Spirit to articulate precise instructions from God. Letter by letter the formation of the Lord’s Words onto the lines have not only saturated the blank pages but have inundated my heart, mind, and soul in such a way I cannot help but share with YOU!

In 2022, the Refining ministry will be hosting Bible studies, workshops, and retreats to walk alongside you as we embark on handwriting Scripture together. There are many creative ways we have to aid you in capturing a visual legacy and infusing God’s Word into your life. It is astonishing how this simple task can intensify your relationship with the LORD. We cannot wait to share this with you.

We are super excited for the days ahead and the time together with each of you. See you soon!!!!

More information will follow in the New Year.

December 31, 2021 1