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. (Jeremiah 24:7)
Happy Monday night! Guess what? We are going to shake up the way we do things this week.
Instead of giving you a recap of Chapter 2 as a blog post, we would like to share the recording from tonight’s study. Most of our studies incorporate more input and insight from participants but tonight we used a couple of resources and displayed the true heart of this ministry.
Come check it out through the link below. It will simply take one hour of your time. See what you think. Is this a place for you each Monday night? We would love for you to join us in this series of discovering Major Wisdom through Minor prophets. Enjoy!
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)
Hello! How are you friends? What fall events have you had a chance to enjoy this month? Football games, harvest festivals, pumpkin patch, homecomings, retreats, craft shows…
I had the sheer pleasure to see Priscilla Shirer this weekend in Amarillo thanks to the encouragement of a sweet friend. As you know, I am still picking up some major pieces of life that recently shattered. My first instinct was to decline because the earthly “to do” list is quite lengthy with a double graveside service to plan, a stack of bills to sort through for my dad and sister, an estate sale to advertise, vehicles and properties to maintain and clean, and oh yeah-the legal stuff to handle. You might say I had a defensive attitude because I was letting worldly distractions hinder my submission to attend. But God said, “GO-sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what I need you to hear through the voice of Priscilla.”
One of the beautiful messages Priscilla so eloquently delivered was that of spiritual maturity. (My passion and desire for all to obtain, including myself.) She brought several things to mind and spurred me on in several ways for my personal growth and for the Refining Ministry in the days ahead.
So, today I would like to give you 3 practical ways to continually mature in your spiritual walk. They will sound so simple but putting it into action routinely can be challenging. (BTW-This is why Refining exists-to keep you and us on track.)
Are you ready?
Read God’s Word. If you want a relationship that will flourish, you have to know Him. There is no better way to become familiar with His attributes than spending time in Scripture.
Find a way to be encouraged by someone on a higher level of spiritual maturity. How you might ask? Get in a Bible study, find a mentor, commit to an accountability partner, read solid Christian author’s work, listen to sermons, follow artists that spur on your worship, etc. You can’t get to the next level without being exposed to what that looks like.
Pray. Make time for it. Don’t really know how–just do it. God only cares about the posture you bring when praying, not some eloquent fluffy words.
Basic-Simple-Foundation! That’s it. Oh yeah, I hear you–but there is so much more!! Yes, you are right but if you overload yourself with “all the good things” which can benefit, you may paralyze yourself from doing the solid foundational things which are detrimental to your continual growth.
Set yourself up for success. Get good at the foundational so they become part of your DNA and you will not depart from them. Then remember, everything else is icing, sprinkles, yummy sauce, cherries, etc.
The Refining Ministry believes in these foundational skills so much that it is why we provide an outlet for you to grow through our weekly online studies. Our format is simple: one chapter once a week with accountability sheets to help you dissect and unpack Scripture based on the personal message God has directly for you. I would encourage you to join us on a Monday night for one hour beginning at 6:00 pm CST. For more details and/or the link, email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com.
Last but not least!!! Here is a TOPPING for you. There is a FREE Bible Journaling conference this week which actually begins in a couple of days. The conference has a multitude of speakers and lots of fun giveaways. Plus, it is from the comfort of your home or wherever you may be. You can pick and choose what to attend. I have enjoyed it over the years and I think you will be blessed as well this year.
But Johan ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he want aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. (Jonah 1:3 NIV)
When was the last time you had a good hardy workout strengthening your heart? God’s Scripture can provide that very thing. There are times when it delivers a warm-up or even a good yoga stretch session, but not the book of Jonah. It is a full-on run which can condition your heart to love God and love others (yes, even the unlovable!) the way the LORD instructs.
During the month of October, the Refining ministry is conducting one-hour online sessions on Monday nights to provide verse-by-verse studies over this minor prophet’s historical account. Each meeting will include a 10-minute video segment from Erin Mason along with application questions to furnish a true heart workout.
Jonah was a runner! He wore his finest athlete sandals proudly and even was in tune to the voice of the LORD. He had been trained in theology and knew the Torah. He identified himself as being on God’s team (Jonah 1:9). Yet, his heart was in poor condition and the challenges the Father instructed revealed his lack of exercising under full authority of the LORD.
Here are a few takeaways from last night’s study:
Verses
GOD
JONAH
Questions to ask yourself
1-3
Coaches Jonah in the direction to run: GO!
Runs fast and furious: the opposite direction
How are you running from God currently?
4-6
Sends a violent storm message to Jonah’s disobedience
Jonah not only endangers those around him, but he doesn’t feel the least amount of guilt instead he sleeps
Are there areas of your life where you have allowed your conscience to be like Teflon to obedience to God?
7-10
God used the situation to demonstrate His ever presence
Jonah claims his identity in God, yet it is the non-believers that have a clear vision of Jonah’s disobedience
As an identified Christian, are you open to the reproof the LORD sends through a non-believer? Have you ever given this any thought?
11-12
God wants Jonah to repent and run the direction He told him
Jonah feels it would be better to die than to go to Nineveh. He could not stand Assyrians and did not want good to come to them. However, Jonah felt it would be better for the sailors to kill him by throwing him overboard than for him to take his own life
Do you harbor feelings or stubbornness against someone who you deem unlovable and undeserving? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to let them stay living in darkness where you feel they belong? (Running from obedience)
13-16
God stands firm. He patiently waits for Jonah to submit and take responsibility for his actions. He even gains the fear of the sailors and becomes a true Lord to them
Jonah realized he could not outrun the Lord. Don’t be fooled though-Jonah did not repent and he still had a heart issue against Nineveh. Despite his heart condition, he was a missionary to the sailor. God used Jonah whether he liked it or not
Are there times when serving God is a duty and not a delight? Have you carried out tasks to the LORD even though you didn’t want to? (running from God within)
17
God’s timing and ways are always planned. 3 days & nights- sound familiar? (Read Matthew 12: 39-41)
Running from God does not bring conditioning and good health. It brings pain and frustration because the effort is fruitless.
What will it take for you to run in the direction God directed? What commitment do you need to make to fully obey His calling?
Jonah really believed running away from God’s calling was the best thing for him. He thought his rebuttal was a good one—I don’t like those wicked underserving people—I am not the person for the job. He knew his heart wasn’t in shape to extend grace and mercy to Nineveh so why bother. Seriously? So, not only did he run to avoid the Father’s calling on his life, but he was willing to sacrifice his life! Why? He was determined to never step a foot onto that foreign soil. Could this be pure hatred?
Whether you are running with God’s calling or away from it-what is the condition of your heart? How deep can you really love God and love others?
“Most of us like what God says, until we are called to action.” – Eric Mason
Join us online next Monday night via Zoom for one hour starting at 6:00 pm (CST). There are so many more fitness lessons in Jonah to be discovered. Message us for the link. Feel free to email us a refiningjourney@gmail.com. You will be blessed by it!
Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” (Haggai 1:5, NIV)
As the Refining ministry continues the series “Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets”, I have found myself reflecting on the book of Haggai. I have been preparing to facilitate the upcoming one-night study by digging deep into various messages and translations on the material. No matter the view or angle, it seems the perspective of God is gently asking me to self-evaluate and answer the question: What am I?
Let me explain. Many of you know I tend to squawk out “Why?” when studying God’s word. Why this, why that, why would God use them, why didn’t the people just obey, why is this so hard, why does God want me doing it this way, why am I going through this valley again, etc. I am sure those around me are busting at the seams to really say, “Stop it with the whys! Just have faith and trust. Not everything is meant to be analyzed.” Yet, for me, my whys seem to be exactly what I need-WHY? Because they generate the real question God needs me to hear.
How true this is when it comes to Haggai. In an outstanding message by Gary Hamrick, he made this all too clear. He simply asked the question of WHY? Why did the Jewish exiles lose their fire and desire to rebuild the Temple of the Lord?
Well in my human, fleshy thinking I could come up with all kinds of reasons. I could even become extremely judgmental and place my thoughts on the situation without even stopping to put myself in their shoes. I might even go so far as to say, “Why in the world would they be released from captivity and not do everything possible to rebuild the Temple as God instructed?” Seriously, He is the one and only Lord who saved them from the enemy.
BUT…Did I ever stop to think about the opposition which discouraged them? Did I even once give thought to hostile neighbors threatening and enforcing legal allegations if they tried to rebuild? Did I take the time to put it into modern day perspective and reflect upon the discouragement around myself which stifles my own efforts in living for God? (I think you know the answer to these questions)
After almost two decades of discouragement, they seemed deflated and unmotivated to carry on any restoration of the Temple. So, they used the materials to build their own homes because this would cause they less stress and opposition. Sound familiar? I know it does for me. The discourager’s taunting pulled their attention away from the simple truth—The truth that we are saved from enemy when we are God’s children! We are released from captivity and the discouragement is straight from the enemy. He does everything in his power to use whoever he can to keep us from having faith and trusting in God.
YET…a turning point happens within the heart of these Jewish exiles. WHY? Because Haggai comes as an encourager. He inspired them to get back to work and put their energies into the things of God. They felt strengthened to step out and put the Father first. They choose to stop denying the Lord because of Haggai’s message. Judah was back on track and within five years they accomplished what the Lord had ask of them two decades before. WHY? Because Haggai encouraged them!!!
We Are BACK! Not only that, but we are offering a ONE NIGHT online study for you and your friends. You don’t want to miss this fall event.
Just respond “SIGN ME UP” and we will send you the link and material for the night. If you would prefer to email us, our email address is: refiningjourney@gmail.com.
The first “5” to sign-up will have an extra ticket in the door prize drawing.
Invite someone new who has never experienced a night with the Refining Ministry. If they sign-up and attend, you will receive another ticket in the drawing.
For those “newbies”, we are offering you two extra door prize tickets right off the bat. We would love to have you.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 ESV
Thank you, sweet friends, for allowing me the time to take care of family matters. Death is never easy-sudden or expected. This journey has been complicated and layered yet simple and straight forward. The bottom line is God has been, is, and will be glorified through each aspect. I want each of you to know your prayers and extension of love is greatly appreciated. There is a lengthy list of people who have gone above and beyond which I will forever be grateful.
Life lessons come in unusual ways. The Lord has been conveying lots of wisdom this past month-some of it I have been willing to receive and some-well let’s just say I am processing it. 😊
Lately, the word DiaGnOsis has been very present. You know that term easily defined as, “the identification of the nature of an illness or problem by examination of the symptoms” according to Webster. Permit me to share:
It is stage 4 cancer, and we need to do more tests.
Their condition from Covid is now fatal.
Good news-we can treat this ailment and restore your health.
The diagnosis 2 ½ years ago was conveyed: Limited lifespan.
It is not a sprain-it is a spiral fracture.
Hey! This is repairable and not as costly as I once predicted.
You have a condition which doesn’t respond to pain medication.
Super-you can ring the bell-the cancer is no longer present!
On closer examination, we have detected serious issues.
Fill in: _______________________________________________
We are continually given a diagnosis for many things in life. Good, bad, or ugly: the choice is to discover GOD in the midst. It is not always easy to see the Lord when receiving devastating and/or unwanted news. On the flipside, many times we forget to realize the Almighty Father is also in the middle of the good analysis as well.
God has allowed occurrences lately to force me to sit quietly. Being the “why bug” that I am, I have tried to identify the reason for the recent events. It seems the answer is basically to “look for Him”. Discover Him in my sorrow, physical pain, blessings, overwhelming joy, worship, conversations, family, interactions, work, commute, travel, cleaning, struggles, laughter, marriage, friendships, etc. WHY? Because I need to remember He is my Commander in Chief and Christ Jesus is my Kinsman Redeemer. No matter the situation or circumstance, God has clearly conveyed the true diagnosis: I AM GREATLY LOVED!
How do you face analysis in your life? Do you search for GOD in the DiaGnOsis?
In Philippians, Paul taught us the importance of seeing GOD in all things. He modeled the posture the Lord wants us to embrace in good times and in bad: count it all as joy. While in prison and before his execution, Paul wrote, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14 ESV).
Our obedience and attitude of faith helps us see GOD in everything regardless of the analysis. This is so evident in the life of Paul. He chose to cling to God’s assignment no matter the cost because he embraced the glorious outcome. Beaten, bruised, and knowing execution was around the corner, Paul continued witnessing and professing how the Lord was using every minute of his life as a testimony and encouragement for others. Regardless of the worldly DiaGnOsis, he saw the hand of the Lord in it all. WOW! Just WOW!
Paul’s life is a challenge for us to see GOD in all things and continue the race before us regardless.
I think I need an attitude of faith adjustment.
What about you?
May GOD be glorified in all that we do so others will know the one true Lord.
Hello sweet friends. I have missed chatting and sharing with you recently. My current life trials and struggles have been trying, yet I know my Father has gone before me and prepared a pathway for His plans. The recent events of losing a biological father and a precious sister have left me with a layered mountain of emotions along with memories of the dark valley lasting five years which began in 2013 when my brother passed.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Those difficult years produced a ministry-Refining! God knew the process I needed to endure to produce a great work in me and through me. He made sure the world would see this ministry as a reflection of His glory and that I could not take credit for any of it. The only part I played was humbling surrendering to His authority and giving up control over my life.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Being refined hurts! Yes, it burns every life dimension. It molds you into something beyond your imagination. And–it doesn’t happen overnight. The days, weeks, and years are grueling. There are times when the overwhelming burdens feel like a life-sucking, unbearable weight you cannot endure. Yet, the Lord promises He is with you and He will carry the load for you.
knowing that the testing of your faithproduces endurance. James 1:3
God knows the exact precision of time in the fire. (Don’t I wish I knew His timeframe!) Although we all wish for this to be a once in a lifetime occurrence, the refining process can happen often. The ebb and flow of the Father’s purification requires great faith in His miraculous outcome. Frankly, it is a personal choice. A decision no matter the pain and cost to remain under His authority.
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 Timothy 3:1
GOD SITS AS A SILVER REFINER AND PURIFIER (Malachi 3:3) The Story
A Bible lover was puzzled by this Bible statement. He called a silversmith and made an appointment with him to watch him at work. He didn’t mention anything about the reason for his interest, beyond his curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As the silversmith, was at his work, he kept holding a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle, of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. For a while, our man thought why God should hold us in such a hot spot; then, he remember again Malachi’s verse that says: ‘God sits as a refiner and purifier of silver, and asked the silversmith whether it was required that he sat there in front of the fire all the time.
The man answered yes and added: “Not only I have to sit here holding the silver in my hands , but I have to keep my eyes on the silver all the time it is in the fire, until is fully purified, If the silver were to be left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed”.
Our Bible lover was silent for a moment. Then, he asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” He smiled and answered, ‘”Oh, that’s easy –when I see my image reflected in it” (Adapted from a story of unknown authorship)
Lessons from the story: * In moments of trial. God holds you in his hands and intently looks at you. * When you feel the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eyes on you. * He keeps watching you until He sees His image reflected in you.
SO, in this season I will cling fast to the fact that God is embracing me from head to toe and intentionally looking upon me as His daughter He loves dearly. When the grief hits, the earthly dealings overwhelm, and there seems to be no end to the mess left behind, I will see God all around me. He sees me and knows my pain. His loving gaze upon my life will fill me with His joy and He will give me strength beyond compare. I will continue to draw close to Him as He shapes me into His image. The Lord has BIG PLANS for His ministry through all of this. I cannot wait to see what is yet to come. But for now—I must endure the flames and understand the purpose of this trial.
Our family would love your prayers during our days ahead. Please know you each play a large role in our grief process and we are extremely grateful for you. If you would like to add to the memorial of my sister, Shawn Colleen Welborn, we would request a donation to be made to the American Cancer Society or your local Breast Cancer Center in her honor.
Big Hugs, lots of Love, and sincere Prayers…until we meet again.
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.
Jack M. Welborn and Shawn C. Welborn (entered eternity 2021)
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to be a little raw with you today. Life happens and it is not always a beautiful season. Death and struggles seem to loom in 2021, but I know they are to refine me, purify my heart, and help me grow to be more like Christ. I mess up-I don’t always make the best decisions-and I am not in control of the world around me!
Yet, two things I know that are inevitable are life and death. What we do in-between is a choice. Today, I choose God above and beyond everything and everyone. He is the only everlasting truth and He loves me beyond measure. He will always be by my side and He allows me to rest in His arms when my heart is broken and I am paralyzed by life.
Here is a glimpse into my conversation with Him today:
Help! I am struggling here oh Lord!
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)
Why does it seem so difficult to surrender everything to You, stay under Your authority, and endure the deep pains?
Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24 (ASV)
The struggles and losses are overwhelming without a clear end insight?
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
What can I do Father God?
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
How can I face this enormous climb?
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, James 1:2 (ESV)
My thoughts seem to not be my own-why can’t my thoughts always align with the fruit of the Spirit? Give mesome advice.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)
I don’t understand other’s actions
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. Romans 14:10-13 (ESV)
Give me one command to learn from this season
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Hello! Have you been watching the Olympics? Crazy to think the athletes have had to endure a longer training period due to the pandemic. And to think the next competition will still be held in 2024.
I love gymnastics and Simone Biles. She is a powerhouse physically and mentally. What a testimony of bravery to stand up for selfcare and protect herself. This will speak volumes for the world!! (If you are unaware of the impact Simone makes outside of gymnastics-I encourage you to do some research.)
What about you? When was the last time you checked on yourself, especially mentally? “I’m fine, everything is good, just doing the best I can”. God wants to be a part of our lives more than surface level and wants us better than “fine”. He wants us exercising healthy self-care and unplugging at various times to listen to His voice and become more in-tune with His will. I cannot think of a better time to mention one way I have found to do this.
For several years I have invested time in receiving a God Word through the help of a little book entitled One Word. I call it my “God Word” because I rely on Him to reveal the word. Yes, there have been times I didn’t want what God had for me, such as the time when the winner was the word discipline! However, I know the Lord always holds my days ahead so I know I can trust Him to lead me and my crazy fleshly ways. (I have tried to live under my own direction–we all know how that turned out!)
The book, One Word, simply describes three stages to receiving a “God Word”; they are look in, look up, look out. After embracing this process for several years, I will be brave enough to state this as an essential process for those wanting to live under the authority of the Lord.
Why? It allows you to take a self-inventory of your life currently, spend some time unplugging from the world, and making the time to listen to the Father for His direction and discernment for your year ahead.
There is one thing I would change about the book if I could. I call the look out stage the “live out” phase because I feel this is where your feet are held to the test. This is really your daily life steps permitting the God Word to guide your steps, connect you to God on a deeper level, and strengthen your reliance and relationship with the Father.
SO…why do this around July/August? Why not do this in January when most of the world makes resolutions? Isn’t this an alternative to doing that? Doesn’t the book even suggest this? True, many people embrace a One Word concept at the beginning of the year. You can go through this process annually at any point you determine. There isn’t a set time. The Refining Ministry has been focusing on this event at the end of summer for many years so that is why we are revisiting it at this time of the year. It shows intentionality apart from the norm of the world.
We will be doing two face-to-face meetings this year for those who want to renew their God Word or join in trying this for a year. One location will be Canyon, TX and the other will be Waco, TX. During these meetings, we will highlight Chapters 1-4 together and provide a short period hanging out with God to individually listen to Him.
Then on August 16th we will host an online event at 6:00 p.m. for those who want to join us for an hour to review Chapters 6-8 and discuss ways to live out the God Word. Incorporating your word into all areas of your life is not always easy. The book highlights six dimensions which we will briefly discuss as well. Also, we will share ways we have found to hold ourselves accountable and keep our focus.
I would encourage you to join us in this journey. The “One Word” concept has helped me rely on the Lord’s perspective, drawn me closer to Him and His ways, and strengthened my relationship with the Lord. I love the simplicity of carrying out His Word in my daily life and learning how to let the Holy Spirit lead. It narrows my “squirrelly” attention to concentrate on living for God and not myself. My God Word aids in being accountable to doing life God’s way, talking to God about my progress, and centering my efforts to glorify the Lord and not myself!
If you would like to plug into God and truly hear the answer from Him to “What do you want to do in me and through me over the next year?”, then we invite you to come along with us through this journey. Maybe you already embrace this process, then come hang out with us on August 16th online and share your experience. We would love your input and knowledge of letting God speak through a One Word process.
Our sweet Father has many “One Words” for us over our lifetime. He is willing and eager to give us a “God Word” for this particular time frame in life. This concept is a tool to embrace sanctification and surrender to the refining God wants to do within us.
Thank you for the opportunity to walk this out with you. I look forward to joining together to allow God to speak into our lives through simplicity, accountability, and simple focus on the “Word” He reveals.
Come join us in an impactful experience through a three step process-One Word. It is simply a time to let God lead. If you want to know more, please email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 