Something in the works…

*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)

Maybe the title should say…something in the words once you hear what is coming!

Let me begin by saying, this book illustrates an imperfect writer striving to point others to the one and only perfect author, God!

After writing Crown the Sword, I honestly never dreamed of writing another book. I know, I know the book ends with the words “until we meet again”. Maybe I thought God would have me writing short devotion books or something of that nature.

I have started this book several times and then stopped. It didn’t feel just right or the direction was off somehow. He kept drawing me to it though. I knew God wanted me to write about being intentional with Scripture and tips on increasing a relationship with Him and infusing of His Word. Are you kidding God? I am not an expert on anything, especially this!

All I can share is my experience and discovery. I can witness to my own journey in reading, studying, and applying the Bible. It turned my life upside down. I went from being a surface level believer to a God fearing, sold-out lover of Him and His Word. When I finally surrendered to His authority, the living resource I found through Biblical text changed everything. It even birthed the Refining ministry!

I have accepted the fact that God has called me out and asked me to step into a spiritual maturity ministry helping others go BEYOND, to the best of my imperfect ability. Look, I do not have all the answers, but I am willing to share my experiences and gained knowledge. The LORD has impressed upon me the importance of helping others discover effective ways to read, comprehend, pray, and infuse Scripture on an individual level. He wants every believer to be fully equipped, including YOU!

The book is in its rough draft form currently. I would ask you to pray for the days ahead and its revision. Pray that each word within this writing will encourage others to go BEYOND their current Scripture intake level whether it be an occasional visitor or daily reader. May it be an invitation to go BEYOND what people say about the Bible to letting GOD speak a personal message directly to readers through His Word.

If you on own a quest to find an individualized plan to in-depth Bible study and desire to sit at the feet of Jesus absorbing His perspective above and BEYOND all else, this might be the book for you.

May the journey from rough draft to full publication be directed by the hands of the Almighty Father only. Please pray for a hedge of protection in the process because this will impact someone’s life in the days ahead.

Until we meet again…

September 11, 2022 0

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

Crown The Sword: Introduction

What a pleasure to walk with you through Refining’s first book study, Crown The Sword! It is exciting to hear people are engaging through an online group, individual study, face-to-face meetings, and even individual couples journeying together.

This is the first of many blog gatherings focused on this new release. It’s not too late to head over to Amazon where you will find a Kindle edition as well as the paperback. The book encourages interaction, note taking, and personal reflection writings for each chapter so if you are a Kindle lover, grab yourself a small notepad.

In a recent survey I discovered out of 331 million Americans today, only 9% read a Bible daily. Yet, almost one third of the population believe it is a complete guide to living a fulfilled life. It is the one book which has sold more copies and been translated into more languages than any other book in the history of the entire world.

God established His very words as nourishment to sustain every human. Why? Because life can be downright difficult. Think about some of those piercing painful valleys in your personal life. They can drain us to the point of hopelessness and place us in a position of overload before we know what hit us! The introduction to the book addresses this daunting challenge immediately.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)

Let’s reflect on a few encouraging quotes addressing life struggles in the Introduction…

Prepared

“How can anyone ever be fully prepared for a season of tragedy and major disappointments? What about disruptions and setbacks to those well-laid-out plans you made?”

Invited

“God is anxiously awaiting to afford you the supernatural ability to flourish in life by engaging in His good and perfect gift, Scripture.”

Equipped

“…embrace a Word-fed life beyond mere Scripture reading—a lifestyle…for living. My dear warrior, your sword awaits.”

WOW! A treasured gift from the Lord-a sword of defense not only for hard times but for every second of every minute. And-God calls each of us a warrior. What food for thought and an invitation to personally assess the value, love, and use of Scripture.

What is hitting home for you?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Meet the author: Genna is an outstanding Christian writer of non-fiction works. Her writings encourage others to assess their walk with the Lord and stimulate growth. This native Texan is an educator by trait and author of Refining, a foundational study assessing one’s spiritual maturity which has stimulated many since 2019. She aspires to teach others world-wide how to sanction God’s supremacy and biblical authority as executor over their day-to-day lives.

She evolved into a passionate advocate for God and His Word after enduring half a decade of painful life circumstances. Being transparent with her life journey, Genna strives to instill the importance of surrendering ALL to the Lord. As an everyday woman, her main message to her audience is if God can penetrate her heart, downgrade her controlling human nature, and bring her life under the authoritative counsel of scripture, He can do miraculous things for anyone willing to know Him.

Come follow the Refining team on social media. You will be blessed by the words God has placed on their hearts. They love hearing from readers like you so do not hesitate to email them at refiningjourney@gmail.com.

“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)
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January 23, 2021 2