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!

January 24, 2022 7

HOSEA Study & Scripture Notebooking

**1 Thessalonians 2:13**
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!

January 21, 2022 0

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?

January 10, 2022 1

DISCOVERING GOD beyond the text-April 2022

January 8, 2022 0

Engaging with Scripture through handwriting

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 NIV)

I recently read a quote by Shannon Leibold which stated, “Handwriting Scripture…a meaningful way for us to dive deeper into God’s Word. As we imprint God’s truth on the page, the Holy Spirit imprints His truth on our hearts, which leads us to respond in prayer and worship.”

Boy, have I found this to be true! Handwriting portions of God’s Word into a composition book began a journey of absorbing Scripture, unlike anything I had ever experienced. As I continued to embark on the adventure, Scripture began penetrating my life beyond my wildest imagination. Yes, merely inscribing verses word for word.

Although Scripture writing was only a portion of my note booking when I began my visual legacy, words cannot express the restoration in my soul from the modest habit of writing out Scripture. I am sure those who knew what I was doing thought I was nuts! Why would anyone fill pages of a composition book with verses already printed? At the time, I could not explain my why but I knew it was what the LORD was instructing.

After several months, I noticed a change within me. It was as though a transformation was taking place as each page became adorned with God’s Word in my handwriting. The routine practice of Scripture writing was refining my heart. What I loved most was the way the Holy Spirit began revealing a deeper understanding of God.

Why was this working? How could such an uncomplicated convention pour out remarkable gains? What was it about this section of my notebook that made me crave further knowledge of God?

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

Get ready-give me the grace to be honest-it wasn’t until a stopped the practice that the answers came. Hindsight on steroids might I add. When another life tsunami hit, the benefits of Scripture writing became very evident. Let me share four gains I found with you.

1. Visual intentionality. Have you ever had good intentions but? – well you understand. When engaged in church, bible study, small group, or personal Scripture reading, I always “intend” to revisit a verse capturing my attention. You know the Scripture where you felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. However, my follow-through usually fell limp as a noodle.

“Copy-writing” gave me the outlet to carry out those intended plans and illustrate my purposeful actions. It was a way to get beyond the distractions of life and press inward to God. I had a plan of action I could maintain after being in the Word. Simply copying an “attention verse” opened the door to engaging with the Bible on a new level. It brought the gift of meditation.

2. Focused concentration. Diversions-interruptions-distractions: call them what you wish. I refer to them as squirrels. Truth is when it comes to absorbing Scripture, they are mental strategies directly from the enemy. My wandering mind always wants to know God more as it drifts to the next distraction. Would you agree?

Penning Scripture centers my attention. I can slay those pesky disruptions when concentrating word from word. My focused attentiveness gives way to the time needed to ponder the message of Scripture. It is exactly what I need to reflect on God’s Word and find Him on a more profound level. Handwriting verses gave me a red light from the world and a green light to a deeper relationship with the father.

3. Improved knowledge. Read it, write it, read it again. There is something to this I promise! We all have methods of comprehension and preservation. God created us all with unique methods yet what better way for everyone than copying text.

Why? First, writing verses brings to life details and words we might otherwise miss. It decelerates the speed at which we read and allows us to absorb the meaning. Next, it opens the door to remembering because the text is being digested at a rate which can sanction retention. The mind begins to place itself in the words. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is able to reveal a greater awareness of who God is and an understanding of the Bible.

4. Applied faith. For a good part of my spiritual journey, I struggled with the application aspect. You know the area where the rubber meets the road in your faith and it is up to you to apply Scripture to life circumstances. Basically, it is placing yourself in the text, clinging to the promises, obeying the commands, and growing in faith by relying solely on the attributes of God.

Writing out Scripture allowed me the time to mentally place myself into God’s Word. It imparted time to sit still and allow the Holy Spirit to convey a direct message for me. I began seeing myself in the words of the Lord and realizing how I could carry out this beautiful life manual offered. The wisdom from the father was shaping me and molding my prayers. I began releasing the reigns of my dash on earth and started infusing His truth into my life.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. (Proverbs 8:17 NIV)

Yes, this all came from simply slowing down and concentrating on the text word by word. The reward of handwriting Scripture gave way to a deeper understanding and personalized faith I needed and desired. I began to know God on a more intimate level and our relationship remarkably heightened.

I went beyond typography and discovered a way to grow in my spiritual journey. Each handwritten verse became a present received from the ultimate giver of life. As I scribe His Words, a sense of gratitude always shows up and I cannot help but thank Him for Scripture.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34 NIV)

So, I now have a composition book solely devoted to handwriting Scripture. It has proven be a means to focus in on those highlighted verses and allow the Holy Spirit to articulate precise instructions from God. Letter by letter the formation of the Lord’s Words onto the lines have not only saturated the blank pages but have inundated my heart, mind, and soul in such a way I cannot help but share with YOU!

In 2022, the Refining ministry will be hosting Bible studies, workshops, and retreats to walk alongside you as we embark on handwriting Scripture together. There are many creative ways we have to aid you in capturing a visual legacy and infusing God’s Word into your life. It is astonishing how this simple task can intensify your relationship with the LORD. We cannot wait to share this with you.

We are super excited for the days ahead and the time together with each of you. See you soon!!!!

More information will follow in the New Year.

December 31, 2021 1

MERRY CHRISTMAS

*Painting by Jesus Lugo*
***For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.*** (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

Merry Christmas friends! What a glorious time to reflect on the beautiful gift of eternal life given to us through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I encourage you to schedule intentional reflection time within the next few days and simply thank the LORD for His glorious love. As I began my scheduling, one question kept coming to mind, “Where would I be without this gift?” That statement really humbled my heart and encouraged me to carve out a special time with our Heavenly father over the next week. I hope it inspires you as well.

**Refining Leader: Robin and her husband, Edward**

Count down to 2022 is upon us! What is your vision for your spiritual journey in the year ahead? Now is the perfect time to ponder the new year growth steps for you. It is so important to be purposeful and deliberate when wanting to mature in Christ. What are your aspirations? What are God’s goals for you? What are some actions and commitments that it will require in 2022?

***Refining Leader: Mandi and her spouse, Lee***

As you begin thinking about the next steps in your spiritual growth, we want to help you discover practical and authentic ways to deepen your relationship with God. Here are a few of our commitments to you in 2022:

We will continue offering discussion study sessions over books of the Bible because we are committed to deepening the knowledge of the LORD with you.
You direct our serving ministry! Thank you for your encouragement to invest in a social media format to better serve you. Your following on Facebook and this blog is appreciated.
We realize everyone may not be in a season to attend our online Bible studies, and that’s ok! Therefore, we plan to offer other avenues. Just like you, we are pondering, praying, and planning for 2022.
SO, let me be the first to let you in on part of our plans…(drum roll please)…Refining is thrilled to introduce a “Notable Faith” focus AND our BIG kick-off will begin with a Note Booking RETREAT!

We are inviting you to participate April 21-23 for a getaway in Glen Rose, TX. This intentional time will be extremely laid-back. I promise this is less compact than any other retreat we have held. The setting alone will be a chance to get away, enjoy nature, and carry out some growth intentionality.

If you love Bible journaling, scrapbooking, visual art, or simply want to leave an illustrated legacy of a life in relationship with GOD this is the retreat for you. Listen, you don’t have to be crafty at all! We will share very practical steps, tips, and tricks to creating an illustration of “Notable Faith” from your Scripture intake.

Be on the lookout for more information soon!!!

***Refining Founder: Genna (that’s me!), husband Shawn, and son Ryan***

***My other twin son, Kyle, his wife Shayla, and our adorable grandchildren: Jude & Sydney***

Until then-MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Much love,

The Refining Ministry

December 23, 2021 0

Joy found in a Savior

Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? You know the type of thing that happens out of the ordinary for no reason. Maybe someone left you flowers, a cupcake, and a devotional on your porch which you while away. What a wonderful display of tenderness and unselfish love. We might go as far as to call it “counter cultural”.

Jesus’ life is a perfect example of someone who did the unexpected. He loved the unlovable, accepted the rejects, forgave sinners, and the list continues.

Derwin Gray refers to the Messiah as “the counter-cultural king” who brought “a holy disruption.” Jesus was our perfect example to go beyond all worldly barriers and extend hope, peace, and love and in doing so we would experience pure joy of the LORD!

Paul wanted the world to fully know the Joy found in Jesus. He spoke directly to the Philippians and clearly stated ways to adjust one’s state of mind. We find this in the reading of Philippians 4:4-9:

Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul knew the joy that would come from living counter-culturally. He also knew the sacrifice it would take and the worldly consequences that would come. Yet, if Paul were among us today, I think he would bear witness to the extreme happiness within a believer when carrying out the father’s will.

Scripture reminds us in Romans 15:13 that we cannot produce joy that comes from God. He alone fills us with unexplainable joy-the kind of happiness that cannot be shaken by circumstances or the horrific events of this world.

In John 16:22, we read about the lasting joy given by God. Scripture promises us that no one can take away this special joy.

I have heard it said like this: “Jesus’s love brings peace even in difficult circumstances, contentment regardless of comfort, and joy in our eternal hope.” WOW! What a powerful statement very applicable to Advent.

This 3^rd week of Advent, as we light the Joy candle, may we take time to reflect on the happiness from the birth of Jesus. May we remember-we don’t have to despair in our present world-WHY? – because Christ will come again. AMEN!

Heavenly Father,

This third week of Advent, let our hearts be flooded with your Joy and let us be overwhelmed with rejoicing. We are so grateful for the abundant joy you offer through the gift of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

May we always remember our joy doesn’t come from this world and it is a gift from you-a present that first Christmas to the world to extend a counter culturally love beyond our imaginations. Help us extend Your joy to those around us.

In Your precious name we pray. Amen

May you be encouraged to focus on the Joy of the Lord and carry out Philippians 4:8:

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”

December 12, 2021 0

Peace found in a Savior

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Has there ever been a time in life where you lacked peace?

This past week has been a whirlwind-some over the top experiences, amazing memories, stressful busyness, and one big jab to the heart. As things have settled a bit, I realized the unexpected news and what the future holds did not give me peace of mind. There is no doubt I left God’s peace out of the equation. I dare to say you might have been in my shoes a time or two yourself where your life lacked peace.

Somewhere this week I ran across a short analogy that hit home. It simply stated: “During the rush of angry weather, a bird sat on her nest with peace.” (Clearly that wasn’t me this week!) The story went on to define peace as truly having a calmness of heart amid the stressful chaos and trouble. What really caught my attention was the fact that peace was described as a state of mind, not a state of surroundings. This really went against my thinking: peace means to be in a place where there is no noise or trouble-NOT! Why would I need peace if there wasn’t a need for it?

If real peace is a state of mind, not the state of the surroundings, how can it be obtained? Listen, there was no way I could have produced the peace I needed a couple of days ago. However, my mindset was different when I settled down and called on the Holy Spirit’s power living within me. There is no doubt the peace and hope I received were a precious gift from the Father. A complete comfort washed over me when I stopped, focused, and relied on the LORD.

In John 15:13 we read, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” What peace comes when you know someone has your back, especially God. He is always with us, even when chaos is all around.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

There is music in these words, spoken by Jesus in John 14.

I realized this week that I must practice the peace of God. I have to condition my mind to live in the father’s peace. It is essential for me to claim God’s peace within my body and practice what I preach: getting the body into a quiet state and breathing in the peace of God and exhaling the tension.

As you walk through the second week of Advent, I encourage you to allow the Almighty God to touch the depths of your soul with His peace. Ask Him to fully disclose the meaning of what He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Please know His presence alone can deliver peace over any issues in your life. May He empower you with His peace and fill you to overflowing.

December 6, 2021 0

Hope found in a Savior

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT)

Welcome to Advent season. The Refining Ministry is excited to offer an online study this year to devote intentional time focusing on the hope, joy, peace, and love found in Christ Jesus. Our kickoff began last night. We will continue this study for the next three weeks on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. (CST).

Have you ever had a time in life when you felt hopeless? Maybe after a loss, accident, broken relationship, or completely spent because of life. During these times, we desperately search for a sustaining solution. We cry out for something beyond encouragement-we need hope within our soul to give us a glimpse of better days ahead.

Not much has changed in over 20 centuries-humans continue to have problems. In fact, I would dare to say the advancement of technology has increased the numerous issues for society. However, regardless of the challenges we face or not, each one of us need hope-a hope beyond what the world can supply.

Prior to the birth of Christ, the world waited expectantly for a redemptive King, one who would impart a resolution for their craving of nourishing hope. They never imagined Emmanuel would enter the world during a wintry darkness let alone as a baby in a humble manager. BUT GOD-He fulfilled all needs and delivered an enduring gift which would rescue everyone from sin and unrighteousness.

The Messiah came to provide hope, joy, peace, and love through His redemptive gift of salvation. God’s exceedingly great love embodied in Christ Jesus extended a way for us to be with God now and forever if we so choose. Emmanuel, being fully God, became fully human, to live among us, and die in a humiliating fashion as a sacrifice of love. Wow-what amazing hope we have because of the price Jesus paid.

Derwin Gray describes Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the greatest gift—God’s presence on the tree. I cannot think of a grander act in all the world that can truly supply enduring hope than what was displayed by our sacrificial King. For all who believe, Christ is a vivid ray of hopefulness. We have so much to look forward to-the second coming-eternal life with God.

May your confidence in the Lord grow this Christmas season. Through His presence and promises, may you find great expectations for better days ahead. Let the hope found through the gift of Jesus deliver strength to face any issues at hand. Together, we pray for God to fill our hearts with optimism and encouragement as we journey through daily life.

Let us end with a prayer of Hope:

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our living hope. As the Advent season begins, we come to you in need of hope. Lord, we need your endless hope for many areas in our lives. Lord, we have feelings of sorrow, depression, anxiety, fear, health concerns, and so much more, but today, we intentional pause and lay these issues at your feet. Help us to cling to your unfailing love.

Father God, empower us with your hope. Fill us to overflowing so we may reflect Your hope for the world to see. We are so grateful for you being our only hope. May we always remember You are our hope-yesterday-today-and forever. We love you LORD. Amen.

November 30, 2021 0

How Visual Bible Intake Changed My Life

Wow! What an amazing fall day we are experiencing here. Crisp air, warm sun, slight breeze, and brilliant colors. It is days like these I want to capture and relive over and over because of the peace it seems to stir within my soul. The calmness of the weather washes over me in such a way that it fills me with tranquility despite any of life’s storms fulminating around me or within. Funny how quickly days like these can be wiped away when the 50 mph winds begin to blow and the temperatures drop into the single digits. This glorious day becomes an extreme distant memory I can barely revive.

When I encounter days like today, it brings me back to a time in my life where I desperately needed to encounter God and His Word differently. I longed to find true peace, joy, harmony, and calmness. I wanted it so infused into my veins that it would never leave my thoughts. There was a deep desire to seize the goodness of the LORD in such a way that I could seriously retain what the Father revealed to me through His Word.

That was three years ago! In 2018, God opened the doors to many things and the Holy Spirit revealed a way for me to go beyond my stagnant spiritual intake. It took me getting really honest with the LORD and confessing my issues. (I had a lot & still do, my friend) Permit me to share one of the biggest issues.

Have you ever attended a Bible study, sermon series, or studied a book of the Bible and in the midst of it been blessed beyond measure? I know I have over and over. That feeling is like experiencing the most impeccable day. You feel empowered and encouraged. It always fired me up for the next book, sermon, bible study, etc.

However, for me, months down the road I could only say, “Yes, that was a good study.” I could not truly verbalize my take away or seem to pinpoint the personal message for me. The only recollect was “it was good while it lasted”-much like a triple chocolate ice cream cone with a dark chocolate shell on a hot summer’s day. I felt like I was just going through the motions and then forgetting the goodness of God and His promises.

Now let me be very transparent, this journey hasn’t been easy but God answered my request. He has gently and ever so patiently been revealing ways for me to visualize my relationship with Him. The LORD has shown me methods to remember beyond the sermon, book study, etc. and how to hold myself accountable. He has given me a beautiful gift beyond my wildest imagination. I am slowly learning to infuse more of Him into my daily living while leaving a visual legacy of my relationship with the LORD for generations to come.

The Refining Ministry will be sharing these simple, creative techniques through workshops and retreats in 2022. We are super excited about the new year and what God has in store. Let us show you how your individual Bible intake can be memorable through fresh and creative means. Be on the lookout for details coming your way in January.

November 11, 2021 0