KEEP GOING! Colossians 3:15-25

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

Hello friends. Have you ever had those days when the enemy tries to fill your head with lies? You know the feeling—especially right after you’ve done something big for the Lord or intentionally pressed deeper into your relationship with Him. Let’s just be honest: IT IS FRUSTRATING!

The good news is that this pushback is only temporary. We already know the end of the story, and the enemy loses. In the name of Jesus, we can absolutely remind him of his future! But if I’m being completely transparent, those attacks can still take the wind out of my sails at times. What about you?

Recently, Refining Ministry hosted a prayer retreat for a group of women. God has been planting the seeds for this event for a couple of years now. We have been pressing into the content He provided and faithfully following His lead. It was a beautiful experience, perfectly orchestrated by Him on so many levels. For me personally, it was a true spiritual high.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

But slowly, the enemy began to creep in with his usual attacks. I knew I had to fight back by firmly defending what Refining Ministry stands for and the purpose behind everything we do. This time, my battle strategy looked a little different—I sat down and wrote an affirmation.

So… here it is:

Our Affirmation of Authority

Satan, you have absolutely zero authority over Refining Ministry because it is built by and for the Lord. We walk the pathway God paved for us all the way back in 2019. In the name of Jesus, we cast you out of the impact this ministry has—and will continue to have—on lives in the past, present, and future.

Our hearts are completely dedicated to guiding people past surface-level faith and equipping them to live a deeply rooted, Word-fed life. Whether we are leading notebooking retreats, teaching scripture engagement, hosting online classes, or helping believers “crown the sword,” we will continue to do the essential work of spiritual maturity.

We know the legacy of a ministry like Refining isn’t built on flash—it’s built on the deep, lasting transformation of the people we walk alongside. It is our mission to encourage others in their daily walk, provide resources and skills to assist them, and spark a genuine, sold-out love for Him and His Word.

On this day, we affirm that we will keep refining, keep equipping, and keep pointing people to the Father. May the Kingdom of heaven shine upon our efforts by leading, guiding, and directing us to impact every single life we touch. Satan, intimacy with God will be accomplished through this ministry because we stand solely under His authority!

Where in your life do you need that exact kind of encouragement today? Do you need to hear the words “KEEP GOING!” whispered loudly in your ear?

My friend, lean hard into God. Write out your own affirmation for what it looks like to live your life for the Lord, and speak directly to the enemy. In the name of Jesus, tell him exactly where he stands.

And then? KEEP GOING-with God’s peace and a grateful heart!

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:15-16 NIV

July 15, 2026 0

Set Your Sight-FOCUS: Colossians 3:1-14

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

By definition, to focus means concentrating your attention or energy on a specific task, or to center your interest on a singular point.

When the Apostle Paul penned the third chapter of Colossians, he had this exact definition in mind. He didn’t just suggest a casual glance toward heaven; he commanded an intentional alignment of our internal compass when he wrote: “Set your hearts… set your minds…”

It’s been said that the way we think molds the way we live. Paul challenges all believers to arrest our human thoughts and bring them under God’s absolute authority. He urges us to place our emphasis on “things above” rather than the fleeting, exhausting ways of this world. In fact, by verse five, Paul gets incredibly practical, essentially telling us that everything earthly and sinful within us needs to be kicked to the curb.

My 11-Month Journey with a God Word: FOCUS

For the past eleven months, God has given me a single word: FOCUS.

While I thought I had a pretty good grasp on why He assigned this word to me, it wasn’t until I deeply studied this passage in Colossians that its full meaning finally clicked for my heart and mind. God didn’t just give me a word; He gave me a framework.

Two supporting scriptures completely solidified this for me:

1. The Mind Shift (Romans 12:2) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

This verse helped me realize that focus isn’t a temporary New Year’s resolution or a 365-day challenge to be completed and forgotten. It is an intentional, ongoing lifestyle. God is inviting me—and all of us—into a lifetime journey of nurturing His plan through daily prayer, deep study, and the active application of His Word until eternity calls us home. It is a daily, moment-by-moment choice to focus on Him alone.

2. The Thought Filter (Philippians 4:8) “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.”

Talk about a divine checklist for our focus! God lays it out perfectly: we are called to fixate on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable according to His standards.

Practically, this means actively choosing to ignore the office gossip, silencing the worst-case scenario thinking, and rejecting the falsehoods of our culture. It means clinging tightly to biblical reality. I have to intentionally spend my mental energy on things that carry dignity, respect, and integrity. Anything else is just wasted energy—and if I’m honest, I have wasted tons of it over the years.

Philippians continues to convict my heart, reminding me to act in accordance with high moral principles and to value people by treating them with genuine fairness.

To take this a step further, I’ve had to learn to let go of malicious or unwholesome thinking. The minute a toxic, fearful, or bitter thought enters my mind, I have to recognize it, speak directly to it, and reject it in the authority of Christ.

My Prayer: I pray that over time, God will create in me a clean heart as I intentionally strive to direct my mind toward wholesome motives, stepping entirely outside of my fleshy desires.

Finally, focusing on what is lovely and admirable goes hand in hand with what 1 Corinthians teaches us: Let love lead! When we focus on things that draw out the fruit of the Spirit, we naturally begin to dwell on things that are praiseworthy, reputable, and inspiring.

Wow. Thank You, Lord, for sanctification—this beautiful, lifelong journey of refining. I truly need God’s help to fix my mind on the Holy Spirit and to stop relying on my own fragile human nature. As I continue to surrender my mind to Him and allow Him to renew it, my prayer is that I can better understand, accept, and boldly walk out His perfect will for my life.

Over to You…

What about you? When you read Colossians 3:1-2, what is the Holy Spirit stirring in your own heart and mind today? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

July 6, 2026 0

Shell or Contents? Colossians 2:16-23

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 NIV

The Lord created each of us unique in so many ways. Educators see this every day in their classrooms with the different learning styles. Even Jesus taught through parables to ensure those who heard His message could truly connect with it; He knew that a story has a unique way of bypassing our intellectual walls and hitting our hearts.

Analogies, much like parables, are incredible tools that drive home a profound point. This concept came to mind recently as I was reflecting on Colossians 2:16-23, particularly verses 16 and 17.

In this passage, Paul is writing to the church in Colossae out of deep concern. False teachings had slowly crept into the community, causing believers to get off track. They were being persuaded to adopt Old Covenant mentalities, believing it was necessary to follow strict rituals and human regulations to be saved.

To understand what Paul is correcting, let’s look at the analogy of an egg.

The Shell: The Shadow of External Control-Our first encounter with an egg is its outer surface: the shell. Scientifically, the shell is designed as a protective shield to keep harmful bacteria out. It protects what is inside while still allowing essential communication with the outside world through thousands of microscopic pores.

In our spiritual lives, this shell represents external control. The false teachers in Colossae believed that righteousness was achieved from the outside in. They insisted that humans should try harder to be better through rituals, strict behaviors, and rigid sacrifices. Eat this, don’t eat that; drink this, don’t drink that; participate in these festivals and strictly observe those holidays. Paul explains to the church that this is Old Covenant living. Before the arrival of Christ, these outward acts were a temporary shield—a mere shadow of things to come. But under the New Covenant, Christ fulfilled the law and became the ultimate sacrifice for all.

The shell has been broken!

Through Jesus Christ, the external barriers between God and us have been shattered forever. We no longer have to live under the crushing weight of legalism, self-empowerment, or a worldly “YOU got this!” mentality. Christ is all-sufficient. God wants us to live under the authority and achievement of Jesus, not reliant on our own fragile power.

The Incubation Period: The Season of Hidden Growth-With the rigid shell of legalism removed, we are brought to the contents. But before we look at the interior, we have to ask: How do those contents actually change? They change during the incubation period.

An egg cannot develop in the cold; it requires the constant, steady warmth of the parent bird. From the outside, an incubating egg looks completely still and unchanged. Yet, in the quiet darkness, a miracle is unfolding.

This is the process of sanctification. Once we are freed from the shell of legalism, God places us in a season of spiritual incubation. He invites us to rest under the warmth of His presence. You might pray, seek Him, and feel like nothing is changing on the outside. But do not mistake the quiet for absence. God uses the incubation periods of our lives to form our character, develop our faith, and shape our calling from the inside out.

The Albumen: Absorbing His Grace-This brings us directly to the internal design of the egg, which is divided into distinct parts meant to nourish and protect. Let’s start with the albumen, the white of the egg.

This clear fluid makes up about two-thirds of the egg’s internal weight. Its biological purpose is to cushion the center from physical damage, provide hydration, and destroy invading bacteria.

But here is the miraculous part: when the chick cracks through the shell, the albumen is completely gone. It doesn’t leak out, and it isn’t left behind as sticky waste. Instead, during the incubation period, it is entirely swallowed, absorbed, and transformed into the chick itself. The cushion becomes the chick’s actual muscles, bones, and feathers.

What a beautiful picture of the New Covenant! Christ removed the barrier of the law and invited us into His grace. We don’t just float in His love; we are meant to internalize it. Through His Holy Spirit, our sins are consumed, His love is absorbed, and our very lives are transformed. The heavy ritual cushions of the world are no longer required because His grace has become the very structure of who we are.

The Yolk: Embracing Your Core Sufficiency-Finally, we are left with the yolk—the center where the nutrient powerhouse is found. You can think of this as the spark of potential. This is the core place where the Lord gives us the free-will choice to surrender to Him.

When we choose the Lord as our Savior, we accept the truth that Christ is our sole sufficiency. Growth will only happen in Him and through Him. Paul was incredibly clear about this in his letter to the Colossians: Christ is all you need! Any outward acts the world sees from us now should not be rules we are trying to keep, but rather a natural reflection of the inward work Christ has done at our very core.

The Choice is Yours– Paul warns us not to get legalistic about what we think we “MUST” do daily to earn God’s favor. God doesn’t want your rigid rule-following; He wants your heart. He wants you to sit under His authority, follow His will, draw closer to Him, and embrace your sanctification during the quiet incubation seasons of life.

The choice is ours. Will you stay trapped in a shell of legalism, trying to survive by your own power? Or will you accept the fact that the shell is broken, Jesus has made a way, and He wants to grow your faith from the inside out?

Stop trying to rebuild the shell.

Embrace the yolk!

June 30, 2026 0

From Theory to Asphalt: 4 Actionable Ways to Live Out Colossians 2:1-15

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15

It’s easy for the Christian life to stay locked in our heads. We read our Bibles, nod along during the sermon, and agree with the theology. But if we aren’t careful, our faith can start to feel like a theory we study rather than a life we actually live.

In Colossians 2:1–15, the Apostle Paul isn’t just giving a lecture on abstract theology. He’s handing us a survival guide for our spiritual lives. He’s showing us how to stay grounded when the world tries to pull us in a thousand different directions.

If you’re ready to move your faith from the words to the asphalt, here are four highly actionable steps straight out of the first half of Colossians 2 that you can start practicing today.

1. Do a “Root System” Check

The Verse: “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him…” — Colossians 2:6–7

Plants survive storms because of their roots, not because of their leaves, fruit, blossoms, etc. In a world that demands we constantly show off our “leaves” (our accomplishments, our curated images, our busy schedules), Paul tells us to focus on what’s happening underground.

The Action Step:

Pick one daily habit to deliberately anchor yourself before the day gets loud.

The 5-Minute Rule: Spend the first five minutes of your morning in quiet reflection or prayer before you open your phone or look at notifications.
The Single Chapter: Read just one chapter of Scripture slowly, focusing on quality over speed.
The Evening Review: Close your day by writing down three specific things you are genuinely thankful for.

Don’t fly solo: Root systems in nature interlock to keep the whole forest standing. Ask yourself: How am I doing this alongside other brothers and sisters in Christ? Reach out to a friend this week and share what you’re doing to stay anchored.

2. Filter Out the Deceptive Cultural Noise

The Verse: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition…” — Colossians 2:8

We are constantly being captured by our culture. Social media algorithms, news cycles, and podcasts are constantly telling us how to think, what to value, who to vote for, and who to hate. If we aren’t careful, we get taken captive by narratives that look smart but are utterly empty.

The Action Step:

Run a media audit and pay close attention to your internal dashboard while consuming content.

Notice the Triggers: Which voices, accounts, or news outlets leave you feeling anxious, inadequate, angry, or cynical?
The “Unfollow” Cure: Intentionally unfollow, mute, or pause the inputs that pull you away from peace, truth, and love. Replace them with things that build you up.

3. Quit Chasing Validation (Embrace Your Completeness)

The Verse: “…and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” — Colossians 2:10

Most of us carry a nagging, low-grade sense that we aren’t doing enough, earning enough, or being good enough. We hustle for approval, chase perfectionism, and rely on validation from bosses, spouses, or internet strangers to prove we matter. But Paul drops a truth bomb: You are already complete in Christ.

The Action Step:

Practice a reset this week.

When you catch yourself striving for perfectionism, overworking to prove your worth, or desperately seeking someone’s approval, pause.
Take a deep breath and mentally reset. Remind yourself: My worth is already secured. I don’t need to earn what has already been given.
Turn that pause into a quick prayer of relief: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that I am already enough in You.

4. Leave Canceled Debt in the Past

The Verse: “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness… he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” — Colossians 2:13–14

Imagine someone paying off your massive credit card debt, and you still stay up all night crying over the statements. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, many of us keep digging up past failures, old regrets, and mistakes God has already dealt with.

The Action Step:

Stop trying to pay a debt that has a balance of zero.

Identify the one past failure or regret you keep punishing yourself for.
Consciously choose to accept that the debt is settled.
Visualize it: The next time guilt creeps back into your mind to accuse you, mentally picture that exact mistake nailed to the cross. See it covered by Jesus, and choose to step forward into the freedom He bought for you.

Which of these four steps hits closest to home for you today?

Don’t try to change everything at once—pick just one, commit to it for the week, and watch how Scripture changes the way you walk.

June 23, 2026 0

Yes Lord, Yes Lord, YES-YES-LORD: Colossians Chapter 1

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

Through our Sit, Soak, and Saturate summer series over Colossians, we are taking each chapter in small bits through the lens of actionable steps. Our Monday night study is focusing on digesting each verse by allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal what God may be asking us to do. We are also working on humbling ourselves under the Lord’s authority, striving to become what He needs us to be.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been studying chapter one. It is another powerful letter written by Paul, where we can glean from his advice. The letter opens with deep gratitude and prayer, then changes into one of the most detailed declarations of who Jesus is.

I would like to share a bit of what we discovered in the first half of chapter one. In verses 1-14, we found many actionable steps for our daily walk with the Lord. If you are like me, some days my walk is worthy to be counted, but then there are days…!!! Paul gently tells us what God desires of us daily.

The first is to pray without ceasing for spiritual growth, not only for us but also for those we know. It is to be in tune with His will through spiritual wisdom and understanding. This is not a common prayer I pray. It is such a powerful request and life-changing action when we live for Him and not ourselves.

The second item in verse 10 is living a life fully pleasing to God. Again, I am a work in progress, aligning my daily choices and attitudes with the Father’s character. It does remind me of the importance of knowing God and His attributes through Scripture study, so I know what to model my life upon. What about you?

Verse 10 also reminds us that as we grow in intimacy and knowledge of God, action is a component. The more I know Him, the more I love Him, and the more I desire to grow and bear fruit. It seems to go hand in hand.

Next is hardship! Yes, your word for this might be life! However, God does not expect us to white-knuckle our way through these valleys. He promises to strengthen us with His glorious power so we can have great endurance and patience, accompanied by joy. Paul is a prime example of perseverance with great joy. I cannot imagine going through what He did and still claiming it all joy. What an actionable step for us to continue to work on. Several of us have challenged ourselves to rely on His power and not our own.

Finally, within this first set of verses, verses 12-14 prompt us to constantly thank the Father for delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His Son. This is the Savior aspect of Christ Jesus. However, let us not forget to embrace Him daily by allowing Him to be LORD over our lives.

Yes Lord, Yes Lord, YES-YES-LORD! It sounds so easy and simple to just say YES. As we all know, it is a battle between our flesh and spirit.

My best analogy for this action is a strong, sturdy tree versus bamboo. When the strong storms come, and the wind blows, the tree fights against the force. It refuses to allow the circumstances to change its direction, and many times it SNAPS! However, bamboo is flexible and can bend and sway with the wind. It can endure the storms and the winds because it goes with the flow and authority of nature. It embraces change and adjusts accordingly because it knows it is best to surrender to a higher authority than its own desires. Therefore, it builds endurance and knowledge in how to survive what comes its way.

Here are some takeaways for these first fourteen verses:

The Action God Asks of Us	Verse Reference	What It Looks Like Today
Intentional Intercession	vv. 3, 9	Praying for the spiritual wisdom and discernment of your friends and family.
Fruitful Living	v. 10	Doing good works while actively studying to know God better.
Joyful Endurance	v. 11	Relying on God’s strength to stay patient and positive during trials.

How do you approach Scripture study? Have you ever thought about an actionable lens view? We are finding that God is speaking to each of us through His Word by giving Him margin to reveal what He desires. Sitting, soaking, and saturating. What a beautiful concept to truly digest Scripture and allow it to transform our lives.

Every lady has been walking away each week with one actionable step to carry out. I love the accountability and the full reliance on God’s Word to guide daily life. He truly does hold all things together for His glory if only I will humble myself under His authority second by second.

We encourage you to give it a try. Give yourself a week to study and reflect on Colossians 1:15-29. Read it, study it, listen to sermons, and find other translations. Find an actionable step and try carrying it out for a week. It is a rewarding challenge.

Here is a jumpstart view for you:

Christ-First Focus vv. 15–18 Evaluating your life to ensure Jesus holds the #1 priority, not your own ambitions.

Spiritual Steadfastness v. 23 Anchoring yourself in the truth of the Gospel so you aren’t easily swayed by changing cultural tides.

Active Discipleship vv. 28–29 Investing time to mentor, teach, or encourage someone else toward spiritual maturity.

Let us know what you think and how it went. We would love to hear from you!

June 22, 2026 0

Colossians: Why We Are Slowing Down Our Bible Study This Summer

…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11-14 NIV

Welcome to our summer series! This June and July, we are doing something a little unconventional: we are hosting an online class on Monday nights covering the book of Colossians.

Yes, you read that right. We are spending several weeks on a book that is only four chapters long.

Why take so much time for such a short book? Because this summer, we are completely rejecting the rush-through mentality. Instead, we are approaching God’s Word through a Sit, Soak, and Saturate mindset.

The Danger of the Check-the-Box Quiet Time

Oftentimes, we find ourselves reading through Scripture just to check it off a list. We follow a daily reading plan, skim a quick devotional, or review notes from a Sunday sermon. While God’s Word is always inspiring in the moment, if we don’t stop to marinate in the goodness of His truth, we easily toss the Bible aside, move on to the next task on our to-do list, and walk away completely unchanged.

Ask me how I know… because this was my exact lifestyle for years.

But the Lord wants so much more for us. He wants us to embrace sanctification—the lifelong journey of becoming more and more like Jesus. He desires for us to sit with His message, soak it in, and let it prompt us into action. That is what it truly means to live under His authority.

The catch? Change takes time. We are creatures of habit, and retraining our minds to override our naturally rushed, fleshly desires doesn’t happen overnight.

Studying for Action, Verse by Verse

This summer, a group of incredible women is walking together to study Scripture differently. As we read and digest Colossians, we aren’t just looking for information—we are looking for action. We are intentionally slowing down to hear the small promptings of the Holy Spirit, taking an in-depth look at each verse, one by one.

This past week, our challenge was to find and carry out at least one action step from verses 1–14.

For some, that meant holding ourselves accountable to relying on God’s strength instead of our own self-sufficiency.
For others, it was praying daily for the fundamental spiritual needs of our families.

On Monday night, we gathered online to share how the Holy Spirit prompted us to meditate on these truths until they began to reshape our very nature.

Trading Exhaustion for Divine Fuel

Let me give you a beautiful example of how this looks in practice. Colossians 1:11 opens the door to reflect on the exact areas of your life where you feel the weakest right now:

In your parenting (When patience is wearing thin)
In your career (When burnout feels inevitable)
In your relationships (When friction causes distance)
In your health (When physical exhaustion takes over)

This verse is a direct invitation to let God’s glorious might step into those exact spaces. It’s an opportunity to pray for the unique spiritual fuel that only He can provide.

The SSS Process in Action:

SIT: Write out the verse and post it prominently where you can see it throughout the day.

SOAK: Let the goodness of the Word rest deep within your soul without rushing to the next task.

SATURATE: Allow the Lord to flood the specific area of your life that has been gnawing at your heart and robbing you of joy.

Without intentionally handing these heavy areas over to the Father, we experience a slow depletion of hope that eventually drains us completely dry. Imagine the immense strength and relief you could gain after an entire week of simply sitting, soaking, and saturating just one verse!

Moving Into the Week Ahead

Our homework for this coming week is to reread the second half of Colossians chapter one with a fresh vision. We are taking these verses and looking for potential areas where God wants to work in us and through us.

It makes me wonder: Did the Apostle Paul have this exact concept of deep meditation in mind when he penned these words centuries ago?

What About You?

Have you ever stopped to analyze your reflection time with Scripture? Do you find yourself rushing through chapters, or are you resting in them? Could the Sit, Soak, and Saturate method be exactly what your soul needs this season?

Jump right in and give it a try this week! If you do, leave us a comment below—we would absolutely love to hear how the Holy Spirit is prompting you.

Check back with us throughout the summer for updates on our journey. The Lord has amazing blessings in store for us as we intentionally marinate in His Word, verse by verse.

June 14, 2026 1

The Bible: An Invitation to Pray

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As we reflect on our relationship with the Lord, we might ask, ‘How do I grow? How do I get closer to the heart of God?’ And we all know the common response, don’t we? Read your Bible and pray.

It’s a good answer. It’s a true answer. But if we are honest with ourselves… sometimes those two things feel like chores on a to-do list. We read the Word, then we close the book. Then we move to prayer, and sometimes… we stall.

Have you ever sat down to pray and felt—just for a second—a sense of ‘spiritual writer’s block’?

Have you ever felt like your prayers were repetitive, or dull, or wondered if you were doing it wrong? Maybe they feel like short-circuit prayers.

Have you ever felt like you were speaking into the air, reaching for words that just wouldn’t come?

What else comes to mind?

What if I told you that you don’t have to find the words? What if the words are already waiting for you? How would you feel if we said, “There is a sure way to pray in step with God?”

Dr. Phil Collins suggests that when we separate Bible reading and prayer, we miss a spark. But when we combine them—when we pray the Scriptures—our Bible reading becomes a conversation, and our prayer becomes an echo of God’s own voice.

Think of it this way: To pray the Scriptures is to anchor your heart to a specific text and let it navigate your conversation with the Father. You aren’t just reading history; you are breathing in His words and breathing them back out as your own.”

The Bible offers Prayer Invitations:

The Invitation to Echo: The Bible is a prayer book. From the raw, honest cries of the Psalms to the perfect structure of the Lord’s Prayer, these are your ‘tutors.’ When you don’t have the words, use theirs. Let David’s cry be your cry. Let Paul’s joy be your joy. This is the simplest way to let Scripture navigate your conversation with the LORD.

The Invitation to Converse: When reading a story or a parable, we often look for the lesson or main takeaway. Another thing we can add is looking for a person. Often, this is where you can make a connection. If a verse touches a wound, turn that thought into a petition. If a verse shows you God’s glory, turn it into worship. If a verse calls you to action, ask for the LORD to help you bring it to fruition. Let it be a cycle—He speaks, you respond.

The Invitation to Focus: God’s Word can help identify what to talk to Him about. Time reading and digesting Scripture is an opportunity to let the Bible work through you and direct your prayers. The passage may bring to light a specific weight on your heart for yourself, others, or the world. (health, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, finances, spiritual battles, and emotional matters.) It might shed a brighter light on an annoying sin you can’t seem to shake. God’s Word can ignite a spirit of thankfulness and a need to worship. When you let Scripture define the topic as you discover His promises, this is the perfect breeding ground for your prayer.

These three invitations are open doors to help us with our prayer life. They present ways to push through, not knowing what to say or feeling like our prayers are flat. Scripture allows us to echo God’s Words, invites us to spend time talking to the LORD, and directs our focus so our prayers aren’t squirrely.

Let God’s Word be your prayer guide.

March 25, 2026 1

Scripture: From Reading to Rhythm

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

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

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

Introducing the A.M.P.S. Method

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

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

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

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

More Than a Notebook: A Daily Ritual

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

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

Are You Ready to Dive Deeper?

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

Grab your A.M.P.S. Journal

February 13, 2026 0

Can Scripture Shape My Prayers?

Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself repeating the same three sentences? We’ve all been there. While God honors every sincere word, our prayer lives can sometimes feel like a dry well.

The remedy isn’t necessarily to “try harder,” but to change the source of our language. By letting Scripture guide our prayers, we move from a monologue of our own worries to a dialogue with the Living God. Drawing from insights in 1 Corinthians, here are three steps to help you transform your prayer life from the inside out.

1. Let Scripture Influence Your Prayer Life

Prayer is a dialogue with the Lord. Often, we bring our own agenda and forget the will of God when talking with the Father. Scripture provides the vocabulary, focus, and depth that our natural minds often lack.

As you read, don’t just look for information; look for a bridge to God.

Seek Illumination: Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to “turn the lights on” in the text.
Dig Deeper: Pay attention to the context. Why was Paul writing this to the Corinthians? Use different translations or cross-references to see how one truth connects to another.
The Golden Question: Ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here that should become my prayer?” If you read about God’s faithfulness in a trial, let your prayer be: “Lord, I thank You that You are faithful even when I am anxious.”

2. Read with Intentionality to Pray

It’s easy to read the Bible for study and pray for needs as two separate activities. The power happens when you merge them. Approach every passage ready to “pray it into action.”

For Yourself: If a verse mentions the “wisdom of God,” pray for that wisdom to navigate your specific work conflict or parenting struggle.
For Others: Instead of just praying “Lord, help my friend,” use the text. If you’re reading about the unity of the Body in 1 Corinthians 12, pray that your friend would feel their unique value in their local church.
For the World: Use the promises of God’s Kingdom to intercede for global issues. Pray that God’s will—as revealed in the Word—would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to Lead

At the end of the day, praying Scripture is an act of submission to a relationship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your conversation with the Lord as you digest Scripture. Allow your Bible reading to spur your prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul reminds us that true power doesn’t come from “persuasive words of wisdom,” but from a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” Let this resonate with your prayer life. God is not longing for elaborate wording, but a simple, pure heart coming to Him to talk.

SO WHAT DOES THIS REALLY LOOK LIKE?

Practical Example: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 talks about growing in love. As you are reading this passage, you may feel a tugging at your heart for someone in your life that you may view as a “sandpaper person”. Immediately go to the Lord in prayer and use this verse to begin your conversation.

“Lord God, Your Word says love is patient and kind. I don’t always have this mindset. Transform my heart so I can show this same Christ-like love to (NAME). Help me see them the way you do, your child. Allow my heart to be filled with Your love so I can extend kindness and a patient spirit towards them…”

Moving From Page to Prayer

Learning to pray Scripture isn’t about mastering a new spiritual “skill”—it’s about deepening a relationship. You don’t need to be a scholar to start. All you need is an open Bible and a heart willing to say, “Lord, teach me to pray.”

As you begin to shift your prayers around Scripture, I pray you will find that your conversations with the Lord become more grounded in the Word and your spirit becomes more attuned to the voice of the Father.

February 10, 2026 0

From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

Did you know that nearly 90% of American households own a Bible, yet less than 15% of people actually read it daily? (Source: American Bible Society, 2021).

That is a staggering gap. It leads to a question we don’t always want to answer out loud: How many Bibles are in your home right now… and how many are actually being opened?

Let’s be honest—for a long time, my Bible reading felt like “just looking at ink on paper.” Those letters (the typography) were there, but the intimate connection with God that I craved was missing. I was reading words, but I wasn’t hearing a Voice.

If we aren’t careful, Bible reading becomes just another box to check on a “to-do” list. We see the history, but we miss the Heart, His Heart.

It took me years to distinguish the difference between reading words and experiencing the Word. I wrote my latest study, Beyond Scripture Typography, so it doesn’t have to take you years. I want to help you move past the “ink on the page” and into a framework where you feel confident, capable, and connected every time you open your Bible.

CLICK HERE

Tell me in the comments:

What is the biggest thing that keeps you from opening your Bible daily? (No judgment here—we’re in this together!) 👇

February 3, 2026 0