Bible Study-A Slow Simmer

Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Ezekiel 3:10 NLT

The Art of the Slow Simmer:

Quality Over Quantity and Ditching the Divine Checklist

Most of us treat Bible reading like a sprint, trying to get through it so we can check the box and feel like a Good Christian. At Refining Ministry, we prefer the slow-cooker method.

Here’s how we roll:

1. The One-Chapter Challenge-Instead of racing through the whole Bible in a month, we hang out in one chapter for an entire week.

Why? Because speed-reading the Word is like inhaling a five-course meal in thirty seconds—you might get the calories, but you’ll miss the flavor (and probably get spiritual indigestion).
The Goal: Depth, not distance. Give the Word time to settle into your soul.

2. The Holy Spirit’s Highlighter-As you sit with that chapter all week, pay attention. Usually, the Holy Spirit will pull a “neon sign” move and bring one specific verse to light.

The Pivot: When that verse hits you, stop. Don’t rush to the next chapter.
The Conversation: That verse is your open door. It’s God saying, “Hey, let’s talk about this one specifically.” It becomes the anchor for your prayer and your focus.

3. Relationship vs. Ritual-If you’ve been carrying spiritual guilt because you didn’t do the daily devotional, the private reading, the 5:00 AM prayer closet, and the Greek word study—drop the baggage.

The Truth: God doesn’t want to be a task on your To-Do list; He wants to be the person you’re doing life with.
The Shift: We aren’t checking boxes; we’re walking hand-in-hand. It’s a dialogue and all about the relationship.

The Method: SIT • SOAK • SATURATE

*Phase*	*What it Looks Like*
*SIT*	Stop the hustle. Give God your undivided attention for a moment, even if it’s just five minutes of quiet.
*SOAK*	Let that one highlighted verse marinate in your mind. Think about it while you drive, fold laundry, or answer emails.
*SATURATE*	Let that verse change your flavor. When you’re saturated with a Word from God, it starts to leak out into how you treat people and how you see the world.

The Bottom Line: The LORD isn’t looking for a marathon runner; He’s looking for a friend who stays for coffee. One verse, one prayer, one conversation at a time.

March 29, 2026 0

Scripture: From Reading to Rhythm

Have you ever sat down with your Bible, read a chapter, and realized five minutes later that you couldn’t remember a single word?

I’ve been there. For a long time, my personal reading time felt like surfing the waves—moving fast across the surface without ever knowing what was truly swimming underneath. I wanted a deeper connection, but if I’m being honest, I often sat down and thought, “Where do I even start?”

I didn’t need more information; I needed a framework. I longed for a way to reduce the friction of “study” and create a space where Scripture felt less like a textbook and more like a conversation.

Introducing the A.M.P.S. Method

That’s why I created the A.M.P.S. Bible Study Method. A.M.P.S. isn’t just an acronym; it’s a way to “crank up” your engagement with the Word. It’s designed to mirror the way we naturally learn and internalize truth—moving from initial attention to deep, life-altering saturation.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or picking up the Bible for the first time, this method provides the structure to move you from “skimming” to “dwelling.”

The Four Pillars of A.M.P.S.

A – Attention: We begin by pausing and preparing the soil of the heart. We read with purpose, noticing what the Holy Spirit highlights.
M – Meaning: We dive into the “meat”—the history, the original Greek and Hebrew terminology, and the full counsel of Scripture.
P – Perspective of God: This is the bridge to intimacy. We present our confusion and thoughts to the Father and ask for His clarity.
S – Saturation: We don’t just close the book and walk away. We ask for help to live it out, infusing His instructions into our daily lives.

More Than a Notebook: A Daily Ritual

The A.M.P.S. Bible Study Journal was built to be your companion in this process. In a world saturated with digital noise, there is something powerful about a physical space for dialogue and clarity.

A lined journal isn’t merely a notebook; it’s a personal space where your spiritual journey evolves. By using this framework, you remove the “decision fatigue” of study. You no longer have to wonder how to study; you simply step into the rhythm.

Are You Ready to Dive Deeper?

Stop surfing the surface and start exploring the depths. If you’re looking for a Bible study method that honors the original context while speaking directly to your heart, I invite you to start your A.M.P.S. journey today.

Grab your A.M.P.S. Journal

February 13, 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

Why “One Size Fits All” may be failing Your Faith?

Have you ever tried a “one-size-fits-all” version of something? Whether it’s a “universal” hat size or a generic meal plan, it rarely produces a five-star experience.

The same is true for our time with God. Many people argue that there is one “right” way to study the Bible. But God made each of us uniquely different—and that includes how we read, digest, and interact with text.

What is your Bible Study “Soul Style”?

We all connect differently. When you understand your “Soul Style,” Bible study stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like an encounter. Look at the options below—which one feels most like YOU?

Style	The Description	The “Vibe”
Option A: The Researcher	You love digging into original Greek/Hebrew roots, cross-references, and historical context.	A desk full of Lexicons and colored highlighters.
Option B: The Reflector	You love dwelling on who God is. You’d rather sit with one verse for an hour than read three chapters.	A peaceful nature scene and a quiet heart.
Option C: The Writer	You process your walk best when the pen hits the paper. If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t “stick.”	A beautiful open journal and a favorite pen.

Tell me in the comments: Are you an A, B, or C? (Or a mix of all three?) 👇

(I’m primarily a Reflector, but I’ve learned to embrace the depth of Researching and the clarity of Writing!)

Think about this: If you are a Researcher by nature, a 2-minute superficial devotional will feel like a tiny snack when your soul actually needs a five-course meal. If you are a Writer, trying to “just read” without a pen in hand will make you feel disconnected and distracted.

One of the biggest reasons we get stuck in our spiritual walk is that we are trying to use someone else’s roadmap. We try to copy a mentor or a friend, and when it doesn’t work for us, we feel like “bad Christians.” The truth? You aren’t a bad Christian. You just haven’t found your framework yet, and the enemy is trying to fight against you!

The Father created you with a specific purpose and a unique soul style. He wants you to find your own niche in connecting with Scripture.

It took me years to move away from the “one-size-fits-all” checklist that left me feeling flat and defeated. I had to learn how to build a method that fits who He made me to be.

In my study, Beyond Scripture Typography, I help you identify YOUR specific framework. I want to give you the discovery tools you need to stop guessing and start growing.

Ready to dive deeper? If you feel a tugging in your heart to find your own “Soul Style,” here is a sneak peek into Chapter 1: Beyond Scripture Typography: Chapter One Preview. It is a pathway to your personalized method of interacting with God’s Word.

Until we meet again…

February 6, 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

JAMES-Chapter 3, Part B

Lower Seymour Campground on Wisdom by U.S. Department of Agriculture is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Wisdom shows us how-to do-good works. How do you receive wisdom? Does it come easily? Why or why not? Dig deep into these last verses found in James 3. Spend some time listening to the videos provided. You have a couple new faces today to shake things up a bit. Don’t forget to write out at least one verse from James Chapter 3 and display it. Pray it into existence for your living faith action. Ask God for His heavenly wisdom to apply it.

Cross-References:

1 Peter 2:12

Ecclesiastes 1:2

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Luke 22:25-26

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Are you praying for wisdom?

Do you need wisdom in your marriage, job, relationship with others, reading Scripture, handling life, making decisions,etc.?

Think about this piece by piece: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Pure – Similar to without hypocrisy. Full of integrity, sincere. Proper motivation.
Peaceable and gentle – The opposite of aggressive and assertive. Jesus is the prime example.
Reasonable – Bible teacher John MacArthur says, “The original term described someone who was teachable, compliant, easily persuaded, and who willingly submitted to military discipline or moral and legal standards. For believers, it defines obedience to God’s standards.”
Full of mercy – James already discussed that those with true religion will look after orphans and widows in their distress.
Good fruits – The faithful person will bear fruit.
Unwavering – We won’t give in when we face trials.
Without hypocrisy – Being a hearer but not a doer, or blessing God and cursing man with the same mouth.

Application: In what area do you need more wisdom from above?

May 3, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 3, Part A

Can you do anything fun with your tongue? What about touching your nose with it? Can you roll it? Could you swallow without it? Try talking without moving it. Yep-I hear you laughing at yourself about now.

Scripture reminds us to tame the tongue due to the power it holds. It can destroy lives and relationships. However, James tells us that man alone cannot tame the tongue. So, how can we keep our words under God’s authority?

What about your witness? We are all teachers in some form or fashion and Scripture warns us to be careful about the words we say. As we witness and encourage others, we should rely on God’s Word. Remember, it is truth and reliable. Aligning our words with God’s very speech will always produce a tamed tongue.

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

How can you change your speech?

What steps can you take to stop the tongue from acting before the Holy Spirit can guide the delivery?

How can you apply “If you don’t have anything good to say, say nothing at all.”? When might this NOT be appropriate? Silence can be deadly too!

What is the root of our sharp tongue, quick speech, and downgrading tone?

Who is the primary target of your ill “word” behavior?

Stop and pray about it. Ask God to give you direction and alternatives that will exhibit His love, grace, and mercy regardless of the message you may need to convey.

Do you have a “go to word” when trouble happens-you stump your toe-someone make you mad? How can you better prepare for these moments?

April 30, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 2, Part B

You gotta have faith, faith, faith, baby. Name that artist and the year the song was written. Wonder what the musician meant? You might google the lyrics.

How do you define your faith? Do your works display the fruit of the Spirit? Can your works standalone without God and truly display your faith? Why would someone believe their works will save them?

Why do you do good deeds? What keeps you from doing bad ones?

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:8-10

Luke 3:11

Proverbs 3:27

Luke 6:44-46

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Read Matthew 7:17 and reflect.

What is the warning here?

Read Matthew 7:21. What is your initial reaction? What does this do to your head and heart?

What is an example of dead faith in your life?

Why cannot a living faith be separated from works?

Name your personal takeaway from Chapter 2. What is the primary verse tugging at your heart strings? What is one way over the next week you can demonstrate living faith differently in your life?

April 26, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 2, Part A

Do you favor chocolate or vanilla ice cream? What about a resplendent color you are partial to than all others? Ever favor a person in a group more than the others?

The Bible speaks about favoritism and makes it clear that loving your neighbor means ALL people. Let’s be real-that is not always easy-think about a few of those sandpaper people in your life. YIKES! However, partiality towards others is a breeding ground for sin and trouble.

Read Galatians 3:28 and ponder your thoughts about favoritism of people. Do you have any biases? Does your environment influence your attitude and thinking about others who are different than you?

VIDEOS:

REFLECTIONS & THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

Who do you have a hard time loving well?

How can we see people with God’s eyes rather than our own?

Have you ever been judged because of something in your outward appearance?

How did these verses challenge your thinking? HEAD

Did the passages make you examine how you feel about certain people? HEART

Are you compelled to act differently towards someone or a group of people? HANDS

How can you safeguard your thinking when surrounded by others with strong favoritism? EARS/EYES

April 23, 2024 0

JAMES-Chapter 1, Part B

Yikes! Temptation-how do you define this in your life? Exactly where does it come from? Why is it often hard to resist? What does Scripture say?

CROSS REFERENCES:

1 Peter 5:10

1 Peter 1:7

1 Corinthians 10:13

Proverbs 4:23

Mark 7:21-22

VIDEOS:

James 1:9-20 https://youtu.be/Jdm_mrmFJy4?si=X0308VcZOm2pE9vD

James 1:12-27 https://youtu.be/P-7CubqtvcM?si=0cupNGloUiXnfduC

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

What steps can we take to protect ourselves against ourselves?

Surround yourselves with other believers who can keep you accountable.
Get an accountability partner that will check up on you from time to time and ask the tough questions.
Avoid places or things we know will tempt us.
Pray immediately and make it a habit to ask for help in the moment of temptation.
Fill our minds with Scripture.

REFLECTIONS:

What tempts you the most in life?

List the gifts in your life directly from God?

Stop and thank Him for three.

Does the world see you as “set apart”? Why or why not?

What is one way you can be more of a “doer” of God’s Word this week?

Reflect on one verse that stood out the most in Chapter 1.

Read it/Write it/Post it/Dissect it/Pray it out/Live it

April 19, 2024 0