Category: Uncategorized

CALL TO ACTION: Colossians 4:7-18

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You’ve got to move it, move it!! Your action matters!

Have you ever read Scripture, pondered the meaning, then closed God’s Word without an action plan or a way to saturate your life with God’s way of living? I know I have – over and over, time after time. Often I ask God to create in me a pure heart, yet I do nothing on my part. OUCH!

Refining Ministry has been leading others in how to deep dive into their Bible for seven years. Each study has revealed wisdom and discernment in how to allow God’s Word to transform hearts and minds. One thing we have found to be true always: Christ alone is the sole source and substance of spiritual maturity regardless of our religious beliefs, education, or special giftings. Our intimacy with Him is more important than anything else.

This summer we engaged in a slow walk through Colossians by approaching each verse with a vision of action. Together, we have been watchful for the LORD and held ourselves accountable to seek God through an act of obedience based on the Scriptures we studied. It has not always been easy, but it has been very rewarding.

The slight mindset change and the intentionality allowed each of us to embrace humility and obedience as a method of worshiping the Father. It has forever changed how I get dressed every morning…clothe yourself in compassion, gentleness, humility, kindness, and patience…Colossians 3:12. (The verse is hanging in my closet and has allowed me to stay under God’s authority when life gets hard!)

It has been a privilege to lead like-minded women each Monday night this summer through the book of Colossians. Paul’s words have pierced my heart along with the sweet love and devotion of each lady who participated in this Bible study. I can say I have experienced the true meaning of walking hand in hand with my beautiful sisters in Christ. I am forever grateful.

As we close out Chapter 4, here is an example of how we have studied and digested Paul’s words verse-by-verse. I pray it encourages you to action as well.

Be an Encourager and Restorer (Verses 7–11)

  • Paul highlights ordinary people who brought him comfort. Notice Mark here—the same Mark who had previously deserted Paul, now restored and useful.
  • Action: Lift up fellow workers and offer grace. Think of someone serving in ministry, a leader, or a friend who is weary or recovering from a setback. Send them a voice text, card, or message of genuine encouragement this week.

Labor Ferociously in Prayer for Others (Verses 12–13)

  • Epaphras, who is described as “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”  Prayer isn’t a passive sideline activity; it is active spiritual work for the maturity of others.
  • Action: Pray for spiritual endurance, not just physical comfort. This week, pray for the ladies in your church/small group to be able to stand firm, mature, and fully assured in God’s will.

Build Community Around God’s Word (Verses 14–16)

  • Faith grows in community, rooted in Scripture. Nympha offered her home space; Paul urged them to share God’s written truth.
  • Action: Open your life and anchor your relationships in truth. Intentionally invite someone into your life for spiritual community this month—opening your home, inviting someone to your next bible study, sharing how Scripture has impacted you.

Complete the Mission God Gave You (Verses 17–18)

  • Finishing well requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace during hard times.
  • Action: Don’t quit on the assignment God placed in front of you. Name the specific assignment God has called you to right now (raising children, a tough workplace, a church role, a hard marriage) and commit to seeing it through.

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GALATIANS: 12 Weeks Through Grace and Freedom

Unfiltered Truth. Real Freedom. Deep Grace. 12-Week Study of Galatians starting September 7th!

If I had to pick one writer in the New Testament whose voice cuts right through the noise, it’s the Apostle Paul. His passion is contagious. He’s bold, straightforward, and isn’t afraid to throw in a bit of holy sarcasm when defending the truth. Paul is definitely not a fence-sitter—he makes it crystal clear where he stands.

That’s why we are so excited for what’s next. Galatians is Paul’s passionate letter defending justification by faith alone, breaking down religious legalism, and defining what it truly means to live led by the Holy Spirit.

Over 12 weeks, we’ll walk verse by verse through all six chapters together. We’ll be using our Sit, Soak, and Saturate study method—a rhythm that teaches us how to slow down, ask deep questions, pray Scripture, and apply God’s Word to daily life in a completely fresh way.

Whether you’ve never opened a Bible before or you’ve been studying for decades, you belong here. We’ll simply open our Bibles together, one day at a time, and let God’s Word do what it always does: refine us.

Class Details:

  • Start Date: Monday, September 7th, 6:00 pm CST
  • Length: 12 Weeks (Six chapters, verse-by-verse)
  • Location: Online via Zoom (with digital resources provided)

If you’ve been wanting to build a consistent Bible habit, or if you’re longing to deeply understand your identity in Christ, this is your invitation.

Ready to jump in? Send us a message (refiningjourney@gmail.com) or comment below to get your Zoom link, class schedule, and study resources!

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Stepping into a New Season: Why Embracing a “God-Word” Changes Everything

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:7-8 NIV

Hello, Friends!

Have you ever experienced a season where God handed you a single word—and that one word began to reshape how you viewed your circumstances, your mindset, and your daily walk with Him?

A few years ago, I shared a post here on Refining titled “3 Reasons for Embracing a God-Word.” I talked about how stepping away from human resolutions and leaning into a Spirit-led focus gives us a framework for true spiritual growth. It anchors us when life’s storms rage and reminds us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).

Today, I want to extend a personal invitation to you to step deeper into this journey with us.

Why Focus on a God-Word? When we allow God to speak a specific word into our lives for a season—whether it’s FOCUS, SURRENDER, ABIDE, or COURAGE—three powerful shifts begin to happen:

  1. It Shifts Our Mindset (Romans 12:2): A God-Word isn’t a temporary trend; it’s an ongoing, daily transformation that aligns our thoughts with His truth.
  2. It Anchors Us in the Storm: Circumstances fluctuate, but a word grounded in God’s promises becomes a weapon of faith (a sword!) when life feels heavy or uncertain.
  3. It Refines Our Daily Walk: It moves our faith from theory to practical application, guiding how we pray, act, and love others every single day.

You Are Invited to Join the Journey. Spiritual refinement was never meant to be walked alone. Whether you’ve been seeking clarity in a deep valley or you’re eager to deepen your reliance on Scripture and the Holy Spirit, there is a place for you here. We are gathering a community of believers who are ready to stop being caught off-guard by life and start standing firm as mighty warriors in faith.

Here is how you can jump in today:

  • Email us: Come be a part of our upcoming online session for four weeks in August. Email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com before August if you are interested.
  • Virtual Class: Monday nights at 6:00 pm via Zoom. We will send you the link and workbook.
  • Book: It is optional to purchase the book, ONE WORD, by Jon Gordon. You may check your local library or buy a used copy.

Let’s Walk Together. You matter, and your journey matters to God. I look forward to watching how He moves in your life as we surrender our plans and embrace His authority together!

In Grace & Truth,

Genna

Refining [Spiritual Growth]

“Embracing a journey of refinement under God’s authority with an eternity mindset.” — Jeremiah 24:7

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Set Your Sight-FOCUS: Colossians 3:1-14

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

By definition, to focus means concentrating your attention or energy on a specific task, or to center your interest on a singular point.

When the Apostle Paul penned the third chapter of Colossians, he had this exact definition in mind. He didn’t just suggest a casual glance toward heaven; he commanded an intentional alignment of our internal compass when he wrote: “Set your hearts… set your minds…”

It’s been said that the way we think molds the way we live. Paul challenges all believers to arrest our human thoughts and bring them under God’s absolute authority. He urges us to place our emphasis on “things above” rather than the fleeting, exhausting ways of this world. In fact, by verse five, Paul gets incredibly practical, essentially telling us that everything earthly and sinful within us needs to be kicked to the curb.

My 11-Month Journey with a God Word: FOCUS

For the past eleven months, God has given me a single word: FOCUS.

While I thought I had a pretty good grasp on why He assigned this word to me, it wasn’t until I deeply studied this passage in Colossians that its full meaning finally clicked for my heart and mind. God didn’t just give me a word; He gave me a framework.

Two supporting scriptures completely solidified this for me:

1. The Mind Shift (Romans 12:2) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

This verse helped me realize that focus isn’t a temporary New Year’s resolution or a 365-day challenge to be completed and forgotten. It is an intentional, ongoing lifestyle. God is inviting me—and all of us—into a lifetime journey of nurturing His plan through daily prayer, deep study, and the active application of His Word until eternity calls us home. It is a daily, moment-by-moment choice to focus on Him alone.

2. The Thought Filter (Philippians 4:8) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Talk about a divine checklist for our focus! God lays it out perfectly: we are called to fixate on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable according to His standards.

Practically, this means actively choosing to ignore the office gossip, silencing the worst-case scenario thinking, and rejecting the falsehoods of our culture. It means clinging tightly to biblical reality. I have to intentionally spend my mental energy on things that carry dignity, respect, and integrity. Anything else is just wasted energy—and if I’m honest, I have wasted tons of it over the years.

Philippians continues to convict my heart, reminding me to act in accordance with high moral principles and to value people by treating them with genuine fairness.

To take this a step further, I’ve had to learn to let go of malicious or unwholesome thinking. The minute a toxic, fearful, or bitter thought enters my mind, I have to recognize it, speak directly to it, and reject it in the authority of Christ.

My Prayer: I pray that over time, God will create in me a clean heart as I intentionally strive to direct my mind toward wholesome motives, stepping entirely outside of my fleshy desires.

Finally, focusing on what is lovely and admirable goes hand in hand with what 1 Corinthians teaches us: Let love lead! When we focus on things that draw out the fruit of the Spirit, we naturally begin to dwell on things that are praiseworthy, reputable, and inspiring.

Wow. Thank You, Lord, for sanctification—this beautiful, lifelong journey of refining. I truly need God’s help to fix my mind on the Holy Spirit and to stop relying on my own fragile human nature. As I continue to surrender my mind to Him and allow Him to renew it, my prayer is that I can better understand, accept, and boldly walk out His perfect will for my life.

Over to You…

What about you? When you read Colossians 3:1-2, what is the Holy Spirit stirring in your own heart and mind today? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

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PRAYER RETREAT: June 26-28, 2026

PRAYER IS… | An Intimate Weekend of Prayer Renewal

June 26–28, 2026 • Medicine Park, OK

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James4:8a

Escape to Medicine Park, Oklahoma, for a weekend dedicated to deepening your conversation with the Lord. Whether you are looking to refresh your spirit or completely redefine your prayer life, this is your invitation to encounter Him in renewed, creative ways alongside a community of women. Expect a weekend filled with:

  • Deep Connection: Growth in your relationship with the Father.
  • Creative Worship: Encountering Scripture and prayer in new formats.
  • Joyful Community: Plenty of fun and laughter.

Registration is open!

  • Price: $210 per person (includes 4 meals) IF YOU WANT TO STAY OFF-SITE: $185 per person
  • Space is limited. This small-group setting ensures a personalized, deep experience where every voice is heard and every soul is seen.
  • Begins Friday at 5:30 and ends Sunday at 11:30. (Canyon/Amarillo participants: Carpooling is available)

All-Inclusive Registration: $210 Registration

Your retreat experience includes:

  • Two nights of peaceful lodging in the Wichita Mountains. (2-4 to a room)
  • Four meals on-site.
  • All retreat materials and creative resources.

Note: Due to limited space, full payment is required to secure your spot. Registration is non-refundable after June 6th, but is fully transferable.

Meals: We will gather around the table for four shared meals:

  • Friday: Dinner
  • Saturday: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on your own)
  • Sunday: Breakfast

Bottled water and coffee are provided throughout the weekend. Refrigerator space is cozy, so please bring a small cooler for any personal perishables.

Packing List: Pack light, dress comfortably (casual is the rule), and don’t forget:

  • A Physical Bible (Let’s turn real pages together!)
  • A Small Gift: Something with spiritual or prayerful significance to you. (Think meaningful, not costly! Wrapping is optional.)
  • Personal Favorites: Your go-to snacks, specialty tea, or that specific coffee creamer you love. Snacks are not provided, but encouraged to bring and share.

Registration is open! Please use the QR code below to register:

Let’s refresh, relate, and redefine—together.

Questions? Send us an email: refiningjourney@gmail.com

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LET LOVE LEAD!

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…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.

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

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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

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From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

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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!) 👇

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Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Three

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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)

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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.

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