LET LOVE LEAD!

…For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. ” 2 Corinthians 6:16b NIV

Hi friends! How is 2026 treating you so far? Can you believe we are already approaching March? Between the “winter” weather we’ve been having and the pace of the weeks, I’m honestly not even sure what season we’re in anymore!

For over a decade, February has served as my “six-month” check-in. Every August since 2013, I have been embracing life through a God Word (based on the book One Word). I take the entire month of August to reflect, listen, and give the Lord margin to direct my next 365 days.

Not all of these words have been “warm and fuzzy.” I remember having “Discipline” two years in a row—not exactly what I was hoping for, but exactly what I needed. This year’s word is FOCUS.

Since I began leaning into this word, I’ve realized something uncomfortable: my natural focus is often self-destructive. It’s easy to let my eyes drift toward the heavy things:

Troubles and hardships
Sleepless nights and opposition
Distorted truths and misunderstandings
Sickness, disappointment, and criticism

My focus can quickly become a downward spiral. However, God has been teaching me to shift my gaze. He is showing me how to FOCUS on what matters most—Him—rather than my circumstances.

Lately, through Refining Ministry, we’ve been walking through 1 and 2 Corinthians chapter by chapter. The Apostle Paul has become a masterclass for me in what “FOCUS” actually looks like.

Paul is the ultimate example of standing strong in hardship. His attention never wavered; he remained God’s active ambassador despite every trial. He is truly the poster child for the idea that your character is who you are on your worst day.

Three Simple (But Difficult) Words

A few weeks ago, I was wrestling with my God Word. I wasn’t quite sure how “FOCUS” was refining me to be more like Jesus. Then, the Holy Spirit laid three simple words on my heart:

LET LOVE LEAD.

I’ve quickly found that while the words are simple, the practice is not.

Paul knew how to let love lead. In 2 Corinthians 6 & 7, he reminds us that this kind of living is only possible through the Holy Spirit, through sincere love, and in the power of God. We cannot do it on our own. It brings to mind Jeremiah 31:33—the Lord has given us His Spirit, enabling us to live under His authority rather than our own impulses.

Where is Your Gaze? Are you struggling right now? Do you feel deflated or worthless? Maybe it’s impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or the voice of the enemy is overshadowing the truth of your purpose.

LET LOVE LEAD.

God loves you beyond measure. The Spirit of God lives within you. Call upon Him! The Lord’s command is simple: Love Him and Love Others. But He knows it isn’t easy.

Remember: Jesus died on the cross out of sincere love for those who mocked, spat upon, and killed Him. He rose again and defeated it all because of that great LOVE.

My six-month check-in has challenged me to a new standard:

When others despise me—love them anyway.
When people mock me—love them anyway.
When my circumstances are heartbreaking—keep an open heart.
When I am miserable in a situation—stay open to loving in the midst of strife.

Lord, help me focus on letting love lead—not just for the next six months of this “God Word,” but for a lifetime. May it change me completely for Your glory.

February 28, 2026 0

The “staring contest” with your Bible ends today. 📖☕️

Photo by Karolina Grabowska http://www.kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

You know the feeling. You’ve carved out the time. You’ve got your favorite pen ready. You open to a random Psalm or maybe that one book in the Old Testament you haven’t touched in years…

And then you just stare.

Five minutes pass. You read a few verses, but your mind is already drifting to your grocery list or that email you forgot to send. You feel a twinge of guilt, sigh, and close the Book—feeling more disconnected than when you started.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have a “lack of faith” problem. You have a “lack of framework” problem.

I have been there. Just me, my Bible, and a blank notebook…I felt lost. I desired the “deep stuff.” I wanted so badly to hear God’s voice. But instead, I found myself reading the same paragraph three times because I couldn’t seem to get anything out of it.

Interacting with God’s Word is a skill that isn’t readily taught. Why? I have asked myself the same question. I have invested in many books, studies, articles, blogs, etc., trying to find the perfect method. What I have discovered is you don’t really need more words to read–you need tools to help you interact with God’s Word.

The Lord wants us to move past the ink on the page and into a personalized approach that connects with Him. It can be as simple as determining what and how you highlight text that gets you beyond the print. You see, much like a carpenter who needs the right equipment for the project, you need a Bible study framework that gives you confidence for a lifetime to carry out the purpose God has assigned you, and enhances your interaction with His Voice-the Bible.

I wrote Beyond Scripture Typography for this exact reason.

I wanted to create something that wasn’t just a “read-along,” but a “how-to.” It’s a 10-week guide designed to take the guesswork out of your daily walk. It covers:

Bible study tips that actually give your reading a purpose.
A personalized approach (because your walk with God shouldn’t look exactly like mine).
Hands-on experience so you aren’t just watching me study—you’re doing it yourself.

BONUS: You don’t have to do this alone. There is a small group aspect-the main areas are separated into a10-week approach with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, making group discussion easy. There are even blog postings for every chapter in the book on this blog platform.

Are there 2-3 women in your life who want more depth in their personal Bible study? Invite them to join you.

Here is a blog posting over Chapter 2 you can view and share with others: https://refiningjourney.video.blog/2024/02/05/book-study-beyond-scriptural-typography-chapter-two/

You don’t need a seminary degree to have a deep, vibrant, and exciting relationship with the Word. You just need personalized tools to go beyond the typography. I can’t wait to hear how your “staring contests” turn into “encounters.”

BOOK LINK

February 7, 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

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Three

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)

What do you think of when you hear the word grow? Plants-Kids-Puppies? Very rarely do I associate this word with God, however the Bible reminds us over and over that we continually develop in our faith.

The Lord has equipped us with tools to embrace an ongoing movement towards spiritual maturity and He has given us a list of qualities He wants us to strive to obtain. 2 Peter 1:8 reminds us that these qualities prevent us from being ineffective and unproductive. What are these attributes you ask? Faith*Goodness*Knowledge*Self-control*Perserverance*Godliness*Mutual Affection*Love (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Scripture also tells us that our faith must go beyond what we believe-faith must be displayed as an action as well. Our life reflects growth or the lack of through our daily way of life. (2 Peter 1:9). Growth requires continual practice and training just like an athlete because the Father wants us to refine our skills and abilities, study His word, and display a deep desire to grow in knowledge. Train and practice-strengthening our spiritual muscles.

As we work towards knowing God intimately and discovering the attributes of Jesus, we become equipped to increase our discernment from what is of him and what is of the enemy. Our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has a way of heightening our senses to acknowledge things of the enemy and it guards us from being quickly deceived by the world around us.

Chapter three clearly presents growth as “a follower’s responsibility to cultivate it, knowing there is a progression to each bonding aspect with God, including communication with Him.” Growth relies on the intimacy with God and the discipline to carry out Proverbs 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

“Your development is continual and dependent upon the power in Christ.” (see Philippians 2:13) Be encouraged my friend “to stay active and tenacious” by making every effort to growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cling to His promises and embrace your growth progression.

Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8 (NIV)

February 13, 2024 0

How to Apply Scripture to My Life

Have you ever wondered how to go from reading Scripture to living it out fully?

This past Sunday our pastor, Darren Dye, provided a great example of how to do just that.

He took us from the life of Job to an illustration of living out God’s directives. It was a powerful experience which moved me to action and forgiveness way beyond my imagination.

I was deeply moved by this message and felt compelled to share it with you. Take some time out of your day and just listen. I pray it touches your heart and allows you to apply God’s Word by extending the grace of the Lord.

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxfCx6i20GDsUmJil9Ea5EIjgE9JgkQ6Wo

BE SURE TO CLICK “Watch Full Video” once you get to the You Tube site.

February 28, 2023 0

Creation Era: God Creates Purpose Out of Chaos by guest writer, Kandi Stewart

Hello everyone! What a wonderful three days to be in the Chronological Study Bible and spiraling deeper into God’s love story. I am always amazed at the new insight the Lord provides as I revisit His Holy Word. So many little details fill my mind as I glean from what I have read.

Today Kandi Stewart, a previous co-worker, has agreed to share her takeaway over the role of the Holy Spirit in the creation from her writing on Courage to Conquer Cancer’s Facebook page. When I read over it, I was truly moved by her insight and immediately asked if I could share it with you. She is a dynamic writer, terrific educator, dedicated encourager, and a tough fighter! I hope you are blessed by her writing as much as I was.

God Creates Purpose Out of Chaos

I’ve began rereading the Bible with a focus this year on the Old Testament. Genesis 1-2 is the story of creation I’m sure most are familiar with the story. As I read this, I began wondering what can I take away from this that will make a difference in my life right now. I got stuck on Genesis 1:2 where it says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

There in the darkness, in the chaos, was the Spirit of God waiting to turn the chaos into purpose. There was a plan. It was good. But before it was good, it was dark, formless, and chaotic. Isn’t this how we view the tough times in our life? We see them as “dark times”, we can’t figure out what’s going on or what the purpose of our lives are so it seems “formless”, or we feel like we’ve lost control and everything is “chaotic”. Yet, there above it all, sits the Spirit of God waiting for us to call out to the Father and have faith that He will create purpose out of the dark, formless and chaotic moments we find ourselves in. Creation didn’t stop in the first week. Creation is ongoing. God is waiting to create a new creation within us by using every dark, formless and chaotic moment in our lives. No, they aren’t good YET, but He has a plan to turn even this (whatever your “this” is) into something amazing!

I’ve read this part of the Bible so many times throughout my life and have never considered once that God’s spirit was hovering over my life just as it hovered over the dark, formless and chaotic universe waiting for me to call out and ask God to create purpose out of all of this!

Kandi’s bio:

Kandi Stewart is a woman who has lived her life at 100 mph with the windows rolled down. She grew up on the Oklahoma/Kansas state line out in the middle of nowhere where one can see for miles and run free like the wild ponies. She is 100% a middle child raised number 3 of 5 children to Cliff and Linda James. The James traits of stubbornness, hard working, and being a fighter run through her core. Her parents raised her in a strong, Christian home, but after the death of her father at the age of 21, Kandi questioned everything she was taught to believe about God and spent the next 20 years in a push and pull relationship with Him.

Kandi married Jonathan Stewart in 1995 and together they have loved and raised 4 children, Chelsye, Tessa, K’Lee, and J.T. From those children have come 6 grandchildren loved deeply by their Nonna and PaPa. Kandi invests a lot of her prayer time on these children and grandchildren as they journey through the mountains and valleys of life.

In 2014, Kandi was diagnosed with breast cancer and would undergo multiple surgeries and chemotherapy in one of the biggest fights for her life. Remarkably, months before her diagnosis her daughter, K’Lee, shared a dream she had of her walk through Heaven. This dream would forever change Kandi’s relationship with God and her understanding of the Word. It would be this dream where Kandi learned what faith is all about leading her to walk through cancer in the light and peace of God Almighty.

Despite being told she no longer showed signs of disease in 2015, her cancer was still running amuck. This past fall in 2022, Kandi’s cancer returned and she stood again at a fork in the road wondering how God would take this mess and turn it into something beautiful. She’s fought cancer with Joshua 1:9 at the forefront of her mind. It is her battle verse.

Kandi believes we were all created by design, no life without purpose, but sometimes it’s hard to understand the whys behind our existence. For many years, Kandi questioned her existence. Now, she knows God has always had a plan for her life, and it is good even when it looks bad on the surface. Beneath the darkness, the light is waiting to burst out with a display like a Panhandle winter sunset. Kandi chooses to live her life today realizing that the smoke from a fire makes that sunset more gorgeous, the fire refines us, and the grass coming up from the ashes is always the greenest for joy always comes in the morning, or the morning after that, but joy comes.

Thank you Kandi for allow Refining Ministry to feature you and your wonderful insight. Our prayers are with you in your fight. Embrace the journey with God’s refinement.

May joy fill your life.

January 4, 2023 1

2023: A New Approach

Happy New Year! Can you believe it? We have entered 2023. Thank you for supporting Refining Ministry this past year and being a blog follower. We hope it has played a part in your spiritual growth and encouraged you in your relationship with the Lord.

We are pleased to announce a new approach to studying the Bible in 2023. After several years of offering Bible studies entitled “Experiencing the Power of God’s Word” and conducting small focused sessions online, we felt led to go beyond the normal cycle of Bible study. Therefore, we are spending the entire year offering an opportunity to enhance Bible literacy through a chronological view for anyone wanting to join us.

Here are some primary reasons:

Build a relationship with God through His Word, process Scripture and gain personal insight.
Digest the material through weekly online meetings with others.
Engage without a workbook to exercise the belief in knowing only God’s Word can produce spiritual growth and change.
Allow the Lord to meet us everyday exactly where we are as we process the greatest love story of all times.

We will use 2023 as a time to focus upon 14 Biblical Eras through the Tyndale Chronological Study Bible (NLT). This is NOT a promotion nor are we receiving any proceeds. We are simply using this as a resource to guide our journey together.

You are invited to join us on the journey through this amazing chronological study Bible! Grab a copy and jump on board. It is a wonderful opportunity to do life together with a group of ladies across the United States! I know several have expressed a desire to read the Bible in chronological order, but wanted a group to stay accountable and encouraged. The time has come!

Personal message us OR send an email to refining.journey@gmail.com if interested. We will be happy to forward the details and online link.

January 1, 2023 0

What’s New in 2023?

Join us on the journey through this amazing chronological study Bible! Grab a copy today and jump on board as we walk together through the 14 eras in 2023. What a wonderful opportunity to do life together with a group of ladies across the United States!

If you have always wanted to read the Bible in chronological order, this is a great way to stay accountable and be encouraged by like-minded individuals just like you.

Personal message us OR send an email to refining.journey@gmail.com if you are interested. We will send you the online link for Monday night gatherings.

(Just FYI-Mardel had the paperback copy for less than $15.00. Shop around-I got a hardback copy online for less than $18.00)

December 24, 2022 0

Shaken to become a Principled Person

^“Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:18-19 (NIV)

We are now in week three of our 2^nd series of the Jeremiah study. As we began this week’s meeting, I prayed for God to use His Word to shake us to the core and bring a new light to the book of Jeremiah. I am not quite sure why these words came flowing out so quickly but…God…He answered!

Chapter 35 of Jeremiah is primarily about a group of people known as the Rekabites. This nomadic clan were faithful promise keepers who proved their allegiance over and over. When tempted or presented with a situation to fall back on their pledge, they were steadfast and unwavering. WOW!

We spent some time dissecting the major takeaways from this family. Let me share some of those with you:

The Rekabites were tent dwellers and through this they displayed the understanding that this earth is not our destination in the end. We often get entangled by life and its “stuff”. It can bog us down and even overwhelm. Our material things are here today but gone tomorrow yet we can’t seem to do without, stop wanting more and more, and many times lack the ability to control it all. I am so guilty. I have WAY TOO MUCH and frequently forget that I am only passing through.
This family had made an alliance to set rules and ways of living. They had determined what was best for them and they knew their why when it came to agreeing to these standards. They knew what they were pledging, the reason behind it, and how it was profitable for their living. When was the last time I thought about my values and absolutes?
The Rekabites did not let culture, or the “modern” way of life sway their promises. While the world around them was falling apart and diving deeper and deeper into sin, this family stood firm against conforming to the “in thing to do”. They embraced their values and held tightly to this obedience regarding the established rules for their lives. I often make decisions based on “everyone else”. How am I different from the world in which I live?
The Rekabites were steadfast. When they made their vows to abstain from things not productive for them, they knew how they would answer if temptation ever came. This family was prepared for situation where their faithfulness would be tested. They knew prior to any enticement what they would say and do. They were proactive in being successful when it came to their obedience. Am I steadfast or do I teeter and totter on average?

God honored the Rekabites for their obedience to their word. The Lord desires the same from each of us and craves to see us, His children, committed and unswerving. Our Father has proven His love and faithfulness to us over and over to the point of death. He is loyal, reliable, and constant. What a beautiful Father we have.

I challenge you to study this passage more and listen to a few sermons on the topic. Take some time this week and think about these “principled people”.

Then,

Write down a couple of absolutes for your life. What is one value you have that you will not comprise no matter what?
How is this profitable for God?
What/Who might try to sway you from obedience?
What will it take to be steadfast and faithful in the days ahead?

Once you have decided on a couple of absolutes, take some time to write them down and pray over them. Share them with a friend and ask them to pray for your devotion to be solid in the days ahead. Let God know the desire of your heart when it comes to these values and rules you have set for yourself.

May the witness of the Rekabites touch you in such a way that it also shakes you to the core and causes you to focus on what matters the most…

This is not your home…God’s ways are profitable…culture doesn’t dictate your values…and obedience is possible when you decide to be become a principled person.

Blessing and prayers for you in digesting Jeremiah 35. May you never be the same after reading it.

November 22, 2022 0

Terminal Illness-We All Have It!

Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.com So you will be my people, and I will be your God. Jeremiah 30:22 (NIV)

Medically, no one wants to hear the word terminal-knowing it leads to death or the end. This word can turn our lives upside down and shake us to the core. It seems to change everything once the effects begin to unravel. Life is never the same.

In Jeremiah we find a portion of Scripture in chapter 30 referencing this very medical language. It clearly states, “Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.” (verse 12b) What? Talk about getting straight to the point-there is no beating around the bush here. And to surprise you even more, let me share 12a, “This is what the Lord says:” Words uttered from God.

So, exactly what is this wound, incurable injury God is referencing? What is the disease within where the Lord clearly conveys a terminal effect? We all have it. There is no human cure and it has the power to spread and completely destroy life as we know it. Deadly.

This three-letter illness is SIN. There is no human remedy and the pain is overwhelming. The guilt and shame will devour. The sting of death is its friend and the disease can easily spiral out of control until we are consumed and unrecognizable. In medical terms some might even say, “They are too far gone! There is nothing more we can do.”

BUT GOD…”But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds”, declares the Lord, …” Jeremiah 30:17a. Only God has the antidote-the true cure-Jesus Christ, the Savior! AMEN!

ALL-yes, all have sinned. The very thing that brings pain and suffering. The wounds are deep from it and it can spread like wildfire within a short period of time. It has a major way of destroying lives and those around it.

Many times, we try to find a cure on our own. We attempt to heal the pain and/or find a remedy without the help of the Lord. We enlist in ways to “humanly” become healthy or even find an “earthly” cure, but nothing can restore and heal us from sin except Christ Himself.

Jesus was sent as the new covenant. A chance for healing, restoration, and life eternal. Our antidote so to speak. He made the sacrifice for the ultimate cure! Through His death and pain, we are offered grace in exchange for our terminal illness-sin.

When was the last time you read the plan of salvation?

How have you been able to share this with the world recently?

What could you do to ensure others know of this miraculous healing?

May you be encouraged to stop and give thanks for what God has done for you.

God’s Word says:

ADMIT we have sinned: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) Sin separates us from the LORD and its outcome is death.

BELIEVE in Christ’s sacrifice: Jesus paid the price for all sins. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf…” (2 Corinthians 5:21a)

ASK for forgiveness & for Christ to enter your life: “…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as LORD, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved:” (Romans 10:9) The gift of the LORD is eternal life and it is only by grace you can be set free from the terminal effects of sin. (Ephesians 2:8)

Now, go beyond and find a way to share it with the world. Remember, the antidote is for ALL!

November 6, 2022 1