The LAST CLASS for the Major Wisdom through the Minor Prophets series!
Make plans to attend. The dates are: June 6, 13, 27, July 11, 18
Zechariah-Bible Study Online
Personal Study of the Bible: I Don’t Know How!
Have you ever wanted to do something, but didn’t know how? Think about it-roller blading, swimming, driving, etc. For me, I have always dreamed of ice skating. However, I don’t know how! AND I don’t dare try to do so on my own! WHY? I feel incompetent and inadequate.
I would dare to say most of us have to experience some basic type of instruction and training to learn a new skill. Think about this…We attend school most of our childhood to simply become a productive citizen and function in society. Seems as though this alone takes 13 to 17+ years!
So why do we just assume people know how to study the Bible on their own? God’s Word is the #1 life manual, yet there is little emphasis placed on training others how to study the Bible in many churches past and present.
NO matter our level of knowledge or experience, we are forever students of Scripture, growing in relationship with the Father, and strengthening our faith day by day. Therefore, why not come together in unity and share how to study God’s Word? When will we see the importance of teaching others basic Bible study skills? Will it be time consuming? Could it take more than a year? Is it time for a change?
TRANSPARENCY: I have been in church all my life. Never was I taught how to truly study the Bible and utilize it as a helpmate. Even as an adult I struggled with digging deeper, knowing how to go from text to life transformation, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, infusing God’s beautiful guide into my everyday living, and so much more… I didn’t know how! I heard the suggestions from the pulpit, but no one ever got down to the “nitty gritty” and shared their strategies nor took the time to teach the “how to” of personal Bible study.
Out of sheer desperation for half a decade, I searched high and low to teach myself how to study and infuse God’s Word. I watched videos, enrolled in “how to” courses, read a ton of books, and tried a multitude of things! I refused to accept my deficiency and I took full ownership of my training needs.
The realization of my lack of training has placed a fire within me for others who struggle knowing how to study the Bible on their own. I never want anyone to experience my feelings of inadequacy and lack of skills.
Please understand—I am NOT an expert in the field by far!!! I am just an ordinary person with lots of experience-failures & successes, who has a heart to walk alongside others and share some of the tried-and-true methods to studying the Bible on your own. This is how Refining Ministry began.
Refining Ministry strives to bless others by showing them how to go beyond the text. We know the importance of sharing simple Bible study tools and methods to assist in transitioning from accumulating knowledge to living under Biblical authority and encountering a true and lasting transformation the LORD promises!
We would love to hear from you and your thoughts. It is our hope that you will prayerfully approach this subject and ponder its importance regarding growing in relationship with God for all levels.
Does your church offer “How to Study the Bible” classes? Is this something you can facilitate? Would you like to increase your own “how to” knowledge? How can we each take ownership in a change for future generations?
Come join one of our retreats, workshops, or online Bible studies. Reach out to us if you might have an interest in sponsoring a workshop in your area. Let us share with you some of the ways we have found to go beyond the text and keep the spiritual journey fresh and personal.
We believe GOD IS…the most valuable investment along with His Word!
We cannot wait to equip you with ways to enhance your personal Bible study.
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 3
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV)
Welcome back to our FREE & FABULOUS series! I might should have entitled this Part #1/2 so it would line up in number order in which I typically use these tidbits to study. 😊 SOO…with that being said-we hope you enjoy this series of Bible Study tips and use them in any order you like.
Tip #3 (or tip #1/2) is for anyone who wants a general overview to begin a study for an entire book of the Bible. I enjoy having a brief introduction to the author, timeframe, location, original audience, etc. Since the Bible isn’t in chronological order, I tend to need a bit of background information and overview to get started. Thanks to technology and wonderful resources, these things can be available at a click of a button!
Let me introduce BibleProject About BibleProject | BibleProject™
WHAT IS IT? It is a great FREE resource for a quick overview to any book of the Bible by going direct to their website. Also, they are easily assessable through YouTube OR you can experience these animated snapshots through the YouVersion app on a mobile device.
These videos are valuable resources because they are understandable, quick, and engaging. This non-profit organization created a simple way for Scripture to be introduced without any religious denominational twist. The visual storytelling resource has only been around since 2014, but their audience has grown tremendously to over two-million viewers!!! WOW!
WHY I USE IT? I am far from a history buff! As a matter of fact, it is one of my least favorite things. However, once I began my journey of strengthening my relationship with God through the authority of His Word, my outlook on Biblical history changed completely. The quick summary helps me connect with the passage by knowing the purpose of the book, the main message, a short outline, and the writer’s delivery. These animated stories allow me to visualize the Scripture, the theme, and details which I feel I might otherwise miss through just reading through the book on my own.
It sets the tone for me. My mind begins to ask questions and my curiosity delivers motivation to dig deeper. Honestly, it is like a trailer to a new movie for me! It seems to always be action packed with a plot which leads my heart, eyes, ears, mind, and spirit to Jesus.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Click on Watch: Bible Book Overview Videos | BibleProject™
- Choose Old or New Testament
- Select the book of the Bible
- A short-written summary is given for each overview. If the video goes a bit too fast for you. Pause it-replay it-take notes-remember this is a study resource to use the way you need it.
TRY IT: Choose Amos
-Did you picture Amos looking like this?
-Can you feel the complacency from the way Jeroboam was displayed?
-What were your thoughts when the chapters were broke into three categories? Will this help you digest the material?
-Were there unknowns or concerns the video exposed?
This is what you should see:
Now this is just the beginning to Bible Project’s offerings. They have information on how to read the Bible, themes, word studies, visual commentaries, book collection videos, podcasts, bible studies, and so much more!!!
EXAMPLE OF A BIBLE STUDY: Since we have been on a journey in 2022 Discovering God Beyond the Text with our retreats, workshops, and online studies, the bible study concerning God’s attributes captured my attention. Here is the information given on the website, “Would you and your group like to learn more about God’s faithfulness? Download the BibleProject app and explore the Character of God Study, where we dive into five attributes of God that are repeated throughout the story of the Bible.” After reading this introduction, Refining may need to plan a Fall Kick-Off with this study! Would you be interested?
Once again, here is another FREE resource jam packed with a visual type of learning based solely on God’s Word! For me, it is always a welcoming way to gear up for another full book study of the Bible. It has been extremely helpful in our Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets series.
Do you have a consistent group where you strictly study God’s Word chapter by chapter each week? Share these Bible study tips with them.
If you are looking for a group, email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We meet every Monday night via zoom for only one hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. (CST) TOO BUSY to interact-driving home from work during this time-delivering kids to events-cooking dinner-no problem-hop on and listen. The LORD knows life can be demanding, but He loves it when we are creative and intentional in the ways we choose to know Him more.
We are truly here for you. It is our desire to walk alongside you and grow in knowledge and faith with the LORD.
Happy Bible Study journey! We will chat soon.
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 2
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
Hello. Thank you for joining us as we continue our FREE & FABULOUS series! Tip #1 we put into practice immediately with our Amos study group. It was delightful to find various translations of Chapters 1 & 2 as we individually studied the passage prior to Monday night’s meeting. What an amazing time to live—we have a world full of technology at our fingertips and can deepen our knowledge of Scripture at our own convenience. AND-most of these online study tools are FREE!
Tips #2 is for those who want to dig deep into the meaning of God’s Word. If you are like me, I want to consult a commentary mainly when a particular passage captures my attention. However, I don’t particularly want to always consult the set we were given years ago.
Let me introduce Study Light. https://www.studylight.org/commentary.html
WHAT IS IT? It is a verse-by-verse Bible commentary where you can search for specific Scripture and have a large collection of commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and encyclopedias at the click of a button. Some of the Bible commentaries include Clarke, Bridgeway, Coffman, Henry, Barnes, Calvin, Smith, Gill, Kelly, etc. There are over 100 different commentaries used to build this resource. It does have pastoral resources if some of you are leading a Bible study over a particular book of the Bible and need some ideas, sermon illustrations, and the like. There are suggested daily reading plans and daily devotions if this is something you are needing. The site offers solid, foundational material for studying God’s Word.
WHY I USE IT? This online resource has become a new love of mine. In the past I have searched the internet for commentaries, sermons, and videos based on the chapter I was reading/studying. I like this site because I can drill down into the chapter verse-by-verse and receive some of the world’s greatest Bible scholar’s comments all in one location. I have enjoyed finding meaning over a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) It is user friendly and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles to sidetrack my attention. Although I have my favorite commentaries, this site has given me the opportunity to see Scripture through other’s eyes which I probably would not have entertained/found/read on my own.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Click on Bible Study Tools. Then choose your resource (commentary, concordance, dictionary, encyclopedia)
- When choosing Bible Commentary-now click on the book of the Bible, the chapter, and then the verse.
TRY IT: Choose Bible Commentary-New Testament 1 John-Chapter 1-Verse 1
Scroll down and look at Barnes’ Notes. You will the verse is broken down into small parts and each is explained in depth. Most of the commentaries give you cross references as well as other Bible study tools to use. I really like this style of commentary because it reminds me a lot of Verse Mapping.
This is what you should see:
Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible
That which was from the beginning – There can be no doubt that the reference here is to the Lord Jesus Christ, or the “Word” that was made flesh. See the notes at John 1:1. This is such language as John would use respecting him, and indeed the phrase “the beginning,” as applicable to the Lord Jesus, is unique to John in the writings of the New Testament: and the language here may be regarded as one proof that this Epistle was written by him, for it is just such an expression as “he” would use, but not such as one would be likely to adopt who should attempt to palm off his own writings as those of John.
This is one you need to experience. Play around with it a bit and see what commentaries you like best. Like I said, this is a new resource for me! There is a wealth of knowledge on this site. It has been around for over 20 years so I am sure you will find a lot more offered than the small tip I have shared. I will continue tapping into this free resource as I drill down weekly into my Holy Spirit guided Scripture study method.
Let us know what you liked about Study Light.
Happy Bible Study journey!!
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 1
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Happy Friday Friends! Welcome to our FREE & FABULOUS series to help you discover fresh new ways to strengthen your personal Bible Study. Just like you, we are continually searching for tips to assist our personal study of God’s Word. Regardless of the techniques you incorporate during your personal study of God’s Word, it is always fun to discover FREE online study tools to deepen your understanding.
We love FREE! And-what is better than ONLINE & FREE? Just like you-we understand a limited budget and need for convenience. We invite you to walk alongside of us for the next few weeks as we investigate some great resources available to enhance your quiet time in God’s Word.
Let me introduce Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
WHAT IS IT? A website where you can search, read, and/or listen to various translations of the Bible as well as different language offerings. It provides a variety of ways to study and engage with Scripture, reading plans, mobile apps, keyword search, topical index, signup for daily devotionals & newsletters, audio series, blog posts, recent podcasts, and so much more!
WHY I USE IT? This online resource is my first go to when focusing on a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) Bible Gateway gives me a quick way to read/listen to another translation outside of my study Bible. I love the ease of use and how readily available numerous translations are at my fingertips.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Enter your passage location, keyword, or topic AND select the translation.
- You can even select all English translations once the passage is revealed.
TRY IT: type in 1 John 1:1 and select NIV (hit the search button)
You will see the verse and an option to read the entire chapter. Also, you will have the opportunity to view 1 John 1:1 in all English translations. At the click of a button-every English translation is listed on one entire page!
- Use the advanced search option to the left and you will be given cross references and footnotes!
This is what you should see:
1 That which was from the beginning,(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
Cross references
- 1 John 1:1 : S Jn 1:2
- 1 John 1:1 : S Lk 24:48; Jn 1:14; 19:35; Ac 4:20; 2Pe 1:16; 1Jn 4:14
- 1 John 1:1 : Jn 20:27
- Type in keywords and/or topics and choose your translation
This will give you the OT & NT verses which include the word or topic. I will occasional use this feature if a particular word or attribute of God becomes apparent when reading the various translations. I don’t necessarily use this site for word study, but I do use it for cross referencing.
SO, there is your first FREEBIE for our Bible Study tips. Give it a try. See what you like best. I only touched the surface of what the website has to offer. Remember, I am limited in full knowledge of this free resource because I only use it for a quick reference for other translations and cross references when studying a particular Scripture.
Let us hear from you. We would love to know what you find helpful when using Bible Gateway.
Looking forward to sharing more with you soon.
Happy Bible Study journey!!
A Visual of going BEYOND the typography
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
Ponder this if you will…
In a moment’s notice, we can access the Bible on our phone, bookmark passages, and even magnify text if need be. We are blessed with the engagement opportunities afforded to us left and right. It is as painless as downloading an app. Free at that! WOW! Every mode luring each believer to go beyond the typography.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
What more could we desire? A prized prize and adored adornment can be displayed beyond a coffee table. We can showcase it on every device we own and pull up any passage regardless of our location. We can even screenshot verses of interest in the middle of a sermon and share it immediately on social media.
What a welcoming welcome. An opportunity to see past the layout we choose. A chance to experience the life-changing power the words hold. An open invitation to go beyond the charming print. An ability to interact with Scripture through exceeding levels of availability far outweighing anything previously offered. Oh, how attractive, tantalizing, and downright alluring.
Scripture Notebooking can do that for YOU!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8a (NIV)
REDEEMING LOVE found in HOSEA
“Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.” Hosea 1:10-11 (NIV)
The book of Hosea is a love story of a life changing devotion only God can give. Throughout the Bible, the depth, breadth, and width of his sacrificial commitment to us is mind blowing! His love and affection are so evident through Christ Jesus, His Son, who paid the ultimate price for us even while we were still sinners!
Probably much like you, this atonement is not unfamiliar. Most of us have heard the message of salvation throughout our lifetime. However, how many of us really take to heart the redemptive lover of our soul to the point of being completely transformed into His image? As for me, I find myself falling short of the mark as I dig into Hosea.
Recently Francine Rivers’ book, Redeeming Love, has made its debut on the big screen. You may or may not know this, but her writing was inspired by the book of Hosea. This romance novelist was captured by God’s all-consuming admiration Hosea portrays and she developed the plot and characters around her takeaway from this book in the Bible. I read this story many years ago and was mesmerized by her talent. She eloquently delivers a story of fervent, costly love pointing to Christ Jesus and God’s never-waiving, eternal compassion for us.
As I began preparing for this study, the Holy Spirit really caught my attention regarding my relationship with the LORD. Very rarely have I viewed my connection with the father as a marriage, a redemptive one at that! Hosea’s words really brought to light the passion God has for everyone, including me. I found myself spellbound and captivated by this concept in such a riveting way.
In my hypnotic state of mind, I began thinking about my eternal relationship with the LORD. I began asking myself, “How could I fully be in love with God, the way He is with me, if I don’t invest my time in knowing Him the way He knows me? How can I faithfully rely on God if I don’t spend time discovering His attributes? What am I doing to grow our relationship? Is my obedience and devotion on the level the LORD desires? Are there barriers within my life keeping God’s love at bay? Am I allowing Him to captivate every part of my being so He can refine and transform me to be His redemptive bride?”
These questions, along with many others, have led me to seek out God’s never-ending love through focusing on His attributes. I know like most of my deep lasting relationships, it takes time to build a strong bond. It seems crazy to me not to devote time to knowing the LORD more intimately when I reflect upon what He has promised: to love me no matter what, to fully restore me, to want me despite my warts, to give me hope, to always be beside me, to forgive me of my numerous sins, to be in close relationship with me, and to promise me an eternal home through the salvation found from His own Son’s sacrifice. WOW!
Hosea has given me a fresh beginning to press into defining who GOD IS personally for me. To identify those fascinating attributes and deepen my reliance on the LORD. I want to be grounded in Scripture to know the truth of who the father is really like and how I can grow closer through my reliance on His character and promises.
So, what about you? The father craves interaction with us more than we can possibly know, but we let our life rejections, hurts, earthy measure of worth, past sins, other’s opinions, low self-esteem, etc. get in the way of discovering God for who He really is and allowing Him to love us to completion. What is holding you back? What has possibly distorted your perception of God’s great love? Why do you need redemption in your life?
I pray this study will deliver clarity of who the LORD really is and how He wants to restore through His redeeming love. I am excited to see the different levels of discernment and hope God provides as our group on Monday nights draw closer to Him through His Word.
In what ways are you looking to receive Redeeming Love from the LORD? Come join us on Monday nights for one hour (6:00 pm CST) via zoom. We would be delighted to have you. Feel free to email us for the link and handouts at refiningjourney@gmail.com. The study is only for 7 weeks!
HOSEA Study & Scripture Notebooking
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Are you ready to take your Bible intake to a new level? Come join us via Zoom every Monday night for seven weeks. We will show you how to digest Scripture differently through your very own handwriting.
Grab your Bible, your favorite pen, and a small notebook. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. See you soon!
Need a Bible Intake Makeover?
Have you read promising headlines such as “You can be transformed by Scripture” and thought this promise was for anyone else but YOU? I know the feeling all too well.
Honestly, I seem to never get enough of studies and books published by outstanding leaders, pastors, authors, etc. passionate and dedicated to teaching the Bible. I am drawn to writings encouraging others to dig deep into the Word of God and grow in relationship with the LORD. When I finish a study or book, I walk away refreshed and invigorated. Yet, I have still felt deficient in digesting Scripture on my own.
Several years ago, the Holy Spirit pressed upon me to assess my relationship with the LORD. It became evident that I had been more dependent on “close associations” of God’s Word than the Bible itself. I was focusing on “popular” Scriptures based on other’s point of view instead of my Maker’s own voice. (That’s not easy to admit, my friend!)
I truly wanted to be transformed by Scripture and equipped to dig deep into the Bible on my own. I knew the Lord wanted me to advance in spiritual maturity, but I lacked sustainable direction in how to advance my skills after Biblical intake.
My heart desired a very personal relationship with the God. I craved His voice and touch. Nothing excited me more than increasing my knowledge of Him and experiencing Him personally. I wanted to go beyond the text and beyond the writings of someone else. I yearned for authentic intimacy with the LORD.
The time had come to discover a pathway for me. It was time to find a way to know God’s Word up close and personal. Time to go beyond the sermons, small group studies, and daily devotions and get a Scripture intake makeover.
The Holy Spirit led me to Jeremiah 24:7 which states, “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” All I could say was YES, YES LORD, I want YOU to have ALL my heart. So, I prayed for His discernment.
There was an assurance within my soul God would strengthen me to handle Scripture on my own, grow me in knowledge of Him, and deliver intimacy in our relationship. I knew what seemed like a lofty promise before, “You can be transformed by Scripture”, was on the horizon.
I began by simply writing down one verse a week from a sermon or study that stood out to me. I would display it and read it over and over throughout the week. From there, I started reading the entire chapter of each verse and investigating the background and Biblical meaning. I spent time locating cross references and sitting at the feet of my Savior to gain the message for my life.
God had given me the desire of my heart-a method to go beyond my Bible Intake. Trust me-it was better than a miraculous makeover on What Not To Wear! (That reveals my age). My time in Scripture was transforming my heart, mind, and soul. I began knowing the attributes of the LORD on a deeper level and His commands and promises began directing my life in a remarkable way.
The Lord revealed my niche for digesting His Words and my heart was overflowing with gratitude. I went from index cards to a composition book. The gap between those topical studies and sermons AND knowing God’s Word in its entirety was closing. My Biblical intake was becoming a visual legacy of my faith journey with the LORD. Gone were the days where I just relied on Scripture knowledge from listening in small group and church and reading books and daily devotions-then moving on with my life without true saturation and transformation.
Scripture Notebooking was the main part of my entire spiritual makeover. It has been such a treasure-my secret treasure until now.
The time has come to share with others just like you. Time for others to find the confidence, growth, and transformation I have found through writing God’s Word.
This year the Refining Ministry is devoted to empowering others how to actively participate with verses highlighted by the Holy Spirit. We are dedicated to walking out this process with you.
I am living proof that your Bible Intake can be transformed. This journey is so rewarding. Let me be honest-it has been difficult at times and humbling in many ways.
God’s Word has become the helpmate it was designed to be-His voice directing my life according to His plans and not my own. (Thank goodness!) I cannot wait to share this gift with you in the upcoming Bible studies and Scripture Notebooking getaways in 2022!
Are you ready for a makeover?
