Are you Intense-Red Hot-Ever Present?

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Hello friends. For all of those out there experiencing true summer heat, fall should be here in about 65 days. Yes, that does seem so far away when the average temperature is around 105 or higher! Global warming has become front and center for many this year.

Intense-red hot-ever present

Refining ministry just completed the series entitled “Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets” this past Monday night. We have been on a journey studying each minor prophet for quite some time and would like to thank every person who joined us throughout this timeframe. The depth of understanding, sharing, and growth has been outstanding on many levels. (And to think we only meet online for one hour each Monday night!)

Our last study was over the book of Zechariah. The Read Scripture overview describes it as a roller coaster ride. It is filled with visions, prophecy, harsh judgment, and direct commands to name a few. Yet, Zechariah is intense-red hot-ever present in all that he delivers. He is known as the most apocalyptic and messianic of all minor prophets.

For me, Zechariah was a book which had to be digested one bite at a time. Symbolism, terminology, customs, prophetic aspects of the second coming of Christ, interpretations of visions, rituals, and the list goes on. There were times when even the commentaries and study resources were overwhelming. However, I am so thankful for Zechariah on many levels. It made me reflect on my life with the main question:

Are you intense-red hot-ever present for the LORD?

Zechariah presented his audience with hope, encouragement, warning, instructions, and the glimpse of a future King. Over the past seven weeks, I went chapter by chapter looking for direct instructions of how I could increase my spiritual walk and intensify my relationship with God. Zechariah allowed me to reevaluate my spiritual priorities and take a closer look at my daily habits.

Today, I would like to share the list with you. As you read over each item, let it wash over you and encourage you in your personal walk. Allow the Holy Spirit to highlight a couple of areas where you can crank up the heat for the LORD then take it to God in prayer. Enjoy!

Exercise the listening muscle
Be still to hear God’s voice
Watch out for worldliness (externally & internally)
Learn from your mistakes
Return to God quickly when you stray
Embrace the fire (life trials)
Rely on the Holy Spirit
Stay in God’s Word
Encourage others to invest in Scripture
Recognize sinning religion (a state of spiritual disobedience)
Only God is holy to judge
Have diligent obedience
Worship is more important than performing a religious ritual
Have a sincere desire to know God
Fully surrender your heart to the LORD
Carry out His commands with a joyful spirit
Speak truth
Live peacefully
Exercise justice
Love God’s ways
Seek only the approval of the LORD
Do not be afraid because God is your defender
Deal with sin barriers
Stay under the LORD’s authority
Intentional spend time with the father
Find your identity in God
Connect with like-minded Christians
Carry out God’s work at all costs
Stay dependent upon the LORD

Thank you, Zechariah! I loved the summer message:

God is intense-red hot-ever present for each of us!

July 19, 2022 3

What am I – An Encourager or A Discourager?

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!!!

What Am I? An Encourager or A Discourager?

What about you?

September 24, 2021 0

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Friends! We look forward to walking through 2021 with you. As intentional partners, we are here to supply encouragement with your spiritual growth posture. Our main goal is to support your personal relationship with God and strengthen your reliance on Scripture. We are preparing for great times ahead in the upcoming months.

Prayers and best wishes from our ministry team and partners! We love you!!

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 (NIV)

January 1, 2021 0

Behold

Somedays…it is not a long post.

Somedays…the words seem few.

Somedays…God tells me to just listen.

Today…He had me hear you!

To all our friends and family who experienced any type of loss this year…You are not alone. Behold the only hope. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May you know God hears you and loves you beyond belief.

December 24, 2020 0

Overwhelmed? Conquer it with God and His Word

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? I have had the pleasure of being there! I have lost count of the number of episodes. However, I can attest to the fact those zany feelings are genuine and definitely stop me in my tracks. It has taken me years to finally address it, call it out, and deal with it.

Two years ago, God was restoring me from an intense pit which lasted half a decade. As He began reconditioning my heart and repairing my life, the Lord had me face one of the largest elephants in the room. (Yes, there were more than one!) This creature had overpowered me several times and left me devastated in handling my very own existence. I even identified myself as one who was best at doing nothing when not knowing what to do. It was time to deal with the paralyzing effects of being overwhelmed.

My dark valley was a discipline gorge delivering many unforgettable lessons. However, the most impactful discovery was the importance of staying in His Word and paying close attention to His directives. My desperation allowed me to cling to The Spirit of truth, God’s Holy Word, and find hope in His promises.

As I began digging deeper into Scripture, the Holy Spirit began prompting me to apply it to my circumstances. God was basically saying, “It is time to put skin on Scripture my daughter”. The Lord started with my feelings of being overwhelmed and spotlighted the root of the issue. ME! My out-of-control desperation episodes where nothing more than lacking the ability to let go and allow God to drive.

The fight is still real and can be powerful at times. However, I have learned to face the devasting lie from the enemy by humbly surrendering to the directives and promises of God’s sweet words- Scripture. I am getting better at calling out those overwhelming thoughts and placing them under God’s authority than I use to be. And somehow along the way, I found freedom by living life as a passenger and giving up control of the keys.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Allow me to share three ways I learned to combat the struggle:

1. Surrendered to God: I had to accept the fact life is not about me. As I discovered my purpose through God, it became clear-I had been living according to my plans. I had created blueprints I could not humanly achieve because the truth is: I am a powerless being. God is in control and I am not.

So, as I began humbly surrendering my life to the Lord, those overwhelming moments arose less and less. It became easier to handle the pressures of daily living. Why? Because I was no longer the manager of my life, God was. It still amazes me how giving up the steering wheel allowed my life to be in better working order.

2. Connected with God: Hindsight is definitely 20/20. My overwhelming episodes could have been lessened had I been in full relationship with the Almighty Lord. God showed me His desire-for me to participate in an environment focused upon Him 24/7.

After admitting to my lack of engagement with God and Scripture, I began making Him top priority. I ran to Him about everything in life-good or bad. He became a power source of strength above anything I had experienced. His connection seemed to block out the enemy’s ability to overwhelm my mind. God gave me peace, security, and satisfaction. I began following His discernment and letting Him lead.

3. Submitted to the Lord’s text: Putting skin on Scripture started with drenching my life with God’s Holy Word. For years, I had viewed the Bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. My viewpoint had to change.

God extended His invitation to infuse my life and He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living through His Word. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority. I began inserting my name in His Word and fighting off those fickle feelings through declaring Scripture.

Now when overwhelming emotions creep up, I go straight to those commanding verses and claim them. I submit to the power of the Father and ask for His help in fighting off the persuading lies. Slowly, I have learned to let Scripture conquer the battle of my mind. I have found the Lord’s text to be a true defensive sword worthy to be called highly effective.

So, now when I begin to experience the feelings of being overwhelmed, I am no longer paralyzed and do nothing. God has given me an action plan and a helpmate: His Holy Word. I am now able to keep moving forward thanks to God’s provision.

My “Go To” Scriptures when feeling overwhelmed:

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30 (NIV)

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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12a (NIV)

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

How do you overcome paralyzing emotions? Share your suggestions and thoughts below. We would love to hear from you!

December 12, 2020 4

How to Handle Delays

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Hi friends! I am delighted you have stopped by today. Refining has been an amazing journey over the past sixteen months. It went from simple reflection on paper to small groups, retreats, online classes, Zoom meetings, one-on-one mentoring, Facebook, Instagram, and a blog. WOW! I am still in awe from God’s amazing work without delay.

As I reflect upon the journey, I can’t help but think about God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven”. The Lord’s timetable is perfect yet I often find myself existing elsewhere. I frequently have to remind myself of Isaiah 55:8, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

Timing is a tricky issue. There are times we need to speed it up, slow it down, or even just wait. WAIT? Yes, that is a word I don’t like to hear either, especially in regards to my personal agenda. How often do you like to hear the words, “Sorry friend, there has been a delay in your plans” or “You will have to exhibit patience because this is impossible currently”? Urgh! My initial response-Are you serious?

What about you? How do you respond to delays? Is patience your strong suit? Are you the poster child for waiting? Most people try to avoid delays. They take a different pathway to work to avoid a school zone or travel outside of peak hours to avoid traffic. I am guilty of taking matters into my own hands when I believe my time waiting is deemed as wasteful.

2 Ways to Respond to Delays

Remain faithful and rely on God’s timing: What would you say if I told you our delays could be part of God’s plans? The Bible is filled with examples. Remember when David was anointed as a king? He had to wait 13 years before he was truly anointed. How did he respond? David remained faithful and loyal to the Lord. He trusted God’s timing.

The Lord has great plans. In our journey, He will expect us to exercise endurance and perseverance when our agenda is delayed. We can allow waiting to build our character. God has devised a reason for the postponement. Although the time lag may seem a waste, the Father will continue to stand beside us. It is up to us to permit God to continue in the driver seat and direct our pathway. Delays are a test of faith. They quickly reveal the ruling authority over our lives.

Take matters into your own hands: Although God doesn’t expect us to sit back and do nothing, He does want us to remain committed to His ways. For generations, we seem to struggle to be compliant. Think about Abraham. He decided he should get ahead of God to have a child.

We live in an instantaneous world where things come quickly-fast food, 2-day shipping, messaging, texting, quick pay, and the list continues. Why would we tolerate delays? They are a nuisance and we have been conditioned to believe we are better off taking matters into our own hands than waiting. So, jump on a solution and avoid waiting. Life is too short.

But God quickly reminds us of the test-the delay exam-Who do you truly honor? Are you more loyal to man’s ways or God’s direction? Do you fear being seen as a failure in the world’s eyes or do you really rely on God and His timing? Can you find joy in waiting? Do you have what it takes to be dedicated and constant in your faith when God seems to be dragging His feet? Are you devoted to fighting back those selfish agendas and committed to resist the enemy’s schemes?

Just food for thought…How do you handle delays? Better yet, how will you handle it the next time it rears its ugly head?

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

October 24, 2020 0

Psalm 91

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:15-17

Happy Friday Friends! I pray your week has been a time to draw closer to the Lord and even a chance to stop and smell the flowers. The fragrance of God’s goodness is always a pleasing aroma.

In a recent post I encouraged you to meditate and pray over Psalm 91. Many have referenced this passage as an encouragement during this time. It seems to be the “go to” area of God’s word this week for many searching for comfort and a way to cope.

I just wanted to share my approach with you today and let you know I held myself accountable to the task as well.

As you can see, I clarified meaning (words in bold print) as I meditated on the verses. Then I wrote my takeaway throughout the scripture as a means to apply it to my personal life and current circumstances.

May it provide insight to your methods of digesting God Word and assist you in your spiritual walk.

Whoever lives in the protection of the one and only God will take comfort in pursuit of the omnipotent/omnipresent. I will continue to draw near to the Lord and seek His will for my life. I am grateful that He is ever-present and available.

I will declare of the LORD, “He is my safe haven and my stronghold, my Abba Father, in whom I confide and depend.” I am not ashamed to claim Him as my Lord. I choose His truth and love as my substance. I bring my life under His authority. Help me Lord to be obedient to your word.

Without question he will rescue you from the enemy’s trap and from the terminal virus/pandemic/disease. Through His son, Jesus Christ I have been given life saving grace. The gift of the Holy Spirit has directed my pathway and made me aware of satan’s schemes. His Holy Word provides truth to fight against the poisonous lies and equips me with his freeing power.

God will guard you with his armor, and under his loving arms will find a safe haven; his dependability will be your shield and barrier. The Lord is my barricade from earthly ways when I seek Him as my protection. He has proven over and over that He is worthy of praise and His word will withstand. His promises are true and will never change.

You will not have concern or anxiety about the fright of the dark world, nor the direct targeted trials that come by day, nor the pestilence that haunts and prowls in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. I will strive to put my trust in God and stay focused upon His goodness regardless. I will recognize the fear and try to remain calm in the storm of life and the panic of the world.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will be kept at a distance from you. You will only watch the punishment of the immoral. The Father will take care of His children who humbly surrender to His ways and keep His commandments. Lord, I need you. Strengthen me and let me flea from all unrighteous. Let me pray for my enemies and not fall prey to their evil.

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Lord of Lords your heart, mind, and soul’s residence, no harm will take you by surprise and engulf you, no disaster will come near your tent. The Lord will not let you endure more than you can stand. Draw strength from His protection and claim it.

For he will instruct his heavenly bodies concerning you to protect you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. I will cry out to my Father for His control and the protection from the spiritual war that rages all around me.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. In God’s timing will the trouble end and His goodness will reign.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will free him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in difficulty, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” The Father knows my true love and dedication for Him. He is my security and defense because I call upon Him in good times and in bad. Although the pain and suffering on earth may continue, He is always with me. I will embrace His pathway and find security under His authority. I will trust in His timing and wait upon Him for His answers. His promises will remain and He has assured me of an eternal life for His glory.

March 27, 2020 1