Happy New Year! Can you believe it? We have entered 2023. Thank you for supporting Refining Ministry this past year and being a blog follower. We hope it has played a part in your spiritual growth and encouraged you in your relationship with the Lord.
We are pleased to announce a new approach to studying the Bible in 2023. After several years of offering Bible studies entitled “Experiencing the Power of God’s Word” and conducting small focused sessions online, we felt led to go beyond the normal cycle of Bible study. Therefore, we are spending the entire year offering an opportunity to enhance Bible literacy through a chronological view for anyone wanting to join us.
Here are some primary reasons:
Build a relationship with God through His Word, process Scripture and gain personal insight.
Digest the material through weekly online meetings with others.
Engage without a workbook to exercise the belief in knowing only God’s Word can produce spiritual growth and change.
Allow the Lord to meet us everyday exactly where we are as we process the greatest love story of all times.
We will use 2023 as a time to focus upon 14 Biblical Eras through the Tyndale Chronological Study Bible (NLT). This is NOT a promotion nor are we receiving any proceeds. We are simply using this as a resource to guide our journey together.
You are invited to join us on the journey through this amazing chronological study Bible! Grab a copy and jump on board. It is a wonderful opportunity to do life together with a group of ladies across the United States! I know several have expressed a desire to read the Bible in chronological order, but wanted a group to stay accountable and encouraged. The time has come!
Personal message us OR send an email to refining.journey@gmail.com if interested. We will be happy to forward the details and online link.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself this question: How have I drifted so far away from God? I know I have and more than once.
In the book of Jeremiah, we see Judah with a terminal disease-sin. They refuse to turn to the Lord and do everything within their so called “Human-power” to heal themselves only finding it to spread and eventually destroy.
Jeremiah spent forty years trying to convince these people of the consequences of their actions. However, they let their pride get in the way. Killing children, abusing others, having many gods, engaging in false worship, being self-centered, and loving self-indulgence were just the beginning of the many items they placed as a priority over holding true to God’s principles. They refused to listen and seemed to categorize Jeremiah’s messages as nonsense.
How did God’s people end up in this place?
As we studied part two of Jeremiah, I began to ponder this question. What caused them to drift so far away? Why did they refuse to turn back? Could the end results have been different for them?
Then I reflected on my own life. (OUCH! I think the Holy Spirit made me do it!)
Pride-yes that word-the source of my drifting much like the people of Judah. Let’s be honest here: pride, arrogance, haughtiness, fear of man, etc. can decrease our level of honor for God and His Word at times. Pride has a way of clouding our judgment. Therefore, we ignore the warnings, disregard the consequences/truth, and often pretend there isn’t a disconnect with us and the LORD.
In Jeremiah chapter 35, we are introduced to a group of nomads, the Rekabites. They were known as “principled people”-a stark contrast to those in Judah during this time. These tent dwellers were faithful and steadfast. They had an exceptional quality of obedience and remained true to their set principles and values. Regardless of the temptation, they kept their promises. Their word was backed with follow through. WOW! God could count of them-what a beautiful display of a high level of respect. The Rekabites were far from haughty nor filled with self-pride.
Going back to my own assessment- God loves me so much to allow me to be broken and struggling many times over. Why?-because of self-reliance, portions of pride, and “what’s in it for me” approach to life. Oh, how I could easily become like Judah, but my heart cries out for a different life. I want to be a principled person, living as a nomad in this world, with an outstanding level of discipline and obedience for my precious Lord and Savior.
What about you? What about the legacy you are leaving behind? Where do you find yourself in life? What stands in your way of being 100% committed and faithful to God?
The Lord is definitely refining me and sharpening my motives to live a life more reflective of the Rekabites. I know the lie of self-sufficient and believing God’s truth and help isn’t needed 24/7 is directly from the enemy-pure evil. I boldly ask Jesus to be my war club and break the bondage held by the enemy. I crave true rest and complete presence of the LORD in my life.
May we each strive to be heroes of faith as we walk through this LIFE by digesting God’s Word on a personal level. I pray Scripture stirs your heart and opens the door to closeness with the Father. What a humble privilege to be encouraged by the mighty principled people found in God’s Holy Word-even the simple nomads.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Join us on the journey through this amazing chronological study Bible! Grab a copy today and jump on board as we walk together through the 14 eras in 2023. What a wonderful opportunity to do life together with a group of ladies across the United States!
If you have always wanted to read the Bible in chronological order, this is a great way to stay accountable and be encouraged by like-minded individuals just like you.
Personal message us OR send an email to refining.journey@gmail.com if you are interested. We will send you the online link for Monday night gatherings.
(Just FYI-Mardel had the paperback copy for less than $15.00. Shop around-I got a hardback copy online for less than $18.00)
“Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:18-19 (NIV)
We are now in week three of our 2nd series of the Jeremiah study. As we began this week’s meeting, I prayed for God to use His Word to shake us to the core and bring a new light to the book of Jeremiah. I am not quite sure why these words came flowing out so quickly but…God…He answered!
Chapter 35 of Jeremiah is primarily about a group of people known as the Rekabites. This nomadic clan were faithful promise keepers who proved their allegiance over and over. When tempted or presented with a situation to fall back on their pledge, they were steadfast and unwavering. WOW!
We spent some time dissecting the major takeaways from this family. Let me share some of those with you:
The Rekabites were tent dwellers and through this they displayed the understanding that this earth is not our destination in the end. We often get entangled by life and its “stuff”. It can bog us down and even overwhelm. Our material things are here today but gone tomorrow yet we can’t seem to do without, stop wanting more and more, and many times lack the ability to control it all. I am so guilty. I have WAY TOO MUCH and frequently forget that I am only passing through.
This family had made an alliance to set rules and ways of living. They had determined what was best for them and they knew their why when it came to agreeing to these standards. They knew what they were pledging, the reason behind it, and how it was profitable for their living. When was the last time I thought about my values and absolutes?
The Rekabites did not let culture, or the “modern” way of life sway their promises. While the world around them was falling apart and diving deeper and deeper into sin, this family stood firm against conforming to the “in thing to do”. They embraced their values and held tightly to this obedience regarding the established rules for their lives. I often make decisions based on “everyone else”. How am I different from the world in which I live?
The Rekabites were steadfast. When they made their vows to abstain from things not productive for them, they knew how they would answer if temptation ever came. This family was prepared for situation where their faithfulness would be tested. They knew prior to any enticement what they would say and do. They were proactive in being successful when it came to their obedience. Am I steadfast or do I teeter and totter on average?
God honored the Rekabites for their obedience to their word. The Lord desires the same from each of us and craves to see us, His children, committed and unswerving. Our Father has proven His love and faithfulness to us over and over to the point of death. He is loyal, reliable, and constant. What a beautiful Father we have.
I challenge you to study this passage more and listen to a few sermons on the topic. Take some time this week and think about these “principled people”.
Then,
Write down a couple of absolutes for your life. What is one value you have that you will not comprise no matter what?
How is this profitable for God?
What/Who might try to sway you from obedience?
What will it take to be steadfast and faithful in the days ahead?
Once you have decided on a couple of absolutes, take some time to write them down and pray over them. Share them with a friend and ask them to pray for your devotion to be solid in the days ahead. Let God know the desire of your heart when it comes to these values and rules you have set for yourself.
May the witness of the Rekabites touch you in such a way that it also shakes you to the core and causes you to focus on what matters the most…
This is not your home…God’s ways are profitable…culture doesn’t dictate your values…and obedience is possible when you decide to be become a principled person.
Blessing and prayers for you in digesting Jeremiah 35. May you never be the same after reading it.
Photo by Maria Gulyaeva on Pexels.comArticle from the thoughts of: Robin Gonzales
As we continue our study of Jeremiah, we come to chapter 29-that most famous verse which catches most people’s attention: Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC) For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
It is a verse we have heard often and maybe even relied upon. But what was the context in which it was written? Think about what was actually happening when God makes this statement. The Israelites had been captured by the Babylonians and sent into exile for 70 years. Ouch! However, these Israelites escaped death under God’s wrath and were possibly still receptive to the Lord.
In their exile period they needed God assurances that He had not forgotten them, abandoned them, given up on them, and there was still hope for a better outcome than under the Babylonian’s reign.
Can you relate? Think about low periods of your life regardless of the reason. Life captured and imprisoned by circumstances and strife. You crave just a glimmer of better days ahead.
Isn’t it nice to be assured God provides great hope? Yes, His name is Jesus-the Savior who is the final outcome and our true intercessor. He gives us a brighter outlook despite the difficulties we may experience.
But let me take you beyond this verse to the primary purpose of this article. You see, for me, this was not the verse seizing my attention. It was Jeremiah’s instructions in verse 7. Let’s take a look:
Jeremiah 29:7 (AMPC)
And seek (inquire for, require, and request) the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare.
Jeremiah had just finished telling the Israelites they would be in exile for 7 decades so they needed to go forward, build houses, marry, and raise families. In other words, you are not going anywhere anytime soon–so settle in. He continues telling them to help their city to be at peace and prosperous so that they too would be peaceful and prosperous.
What did that mean for them? Live and work as if it was for the Lord. Submit to the authority God had place over them. In doing these things, all would be well. Yes, even humbling themselves under the Babylonian reign. Jeremiah might have even reminded the captives to display Godly behavior such as grace, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, etc. towards the Babylonians!
Let’s take this a step farther. What does this mean for our daily living? Well, if we think about it-we have all been placed in a city by God himself. You are where you are for a reason. The same can be said about your country, place of employment, school, church, etc. The Father places us in specific areas and wants us to carry out our lives with the same principle He instructed the Israelites thousands of years ago.
We find these same sentiments in the New Testament as a reminder to live in peace, govern ourselves with humility, and work as if it were for the Lord.
Colossians 3:17 (AMPC)
And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord.
Colossians 3:23 (AMPC)
Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.
Romans 13:1 (AMPC)
Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction}, and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (AMPC)
First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior.
Let’s reflect:
How often do we pray for our elected leaders to have wisdom, good counsel, good health, strength, rest, peace, protection, help? I know I am lacking in this area. What about you?
I may remember the president or governor or law enforcement or first responders occasionally, but I don’t often think about state representatives, mayors, school board officials, etc. Our entire governing body needs prayer no matter our country, city, workplace, …
I urge you, including myself, as we approach this election in a few days to pray for the candidates, winning or losing, and take a different perspective toward those who are elected-weather or not we chose them. Also, continue to pray for all the leaders in our country all the way down to bosses, pastors, teachers, and parents.
Let’s remember each one of us is responsible for peace and prosperity where we have been placed. (Side note: most of us are responsible for someone else) So with Jeremiah 29:7 in mind, I think we all could use as much prayer and intercession we can get.
Only God can truly say, “For I Know the Plans!” But, it doesn’t let us off the hook to do our part.
Our 2nd series of Jeremiah Bible study is now available! We start Monday, November 7th. We are so excited about the second half of this amazing online Bible study!
If you truly want to experience the power of God’s Word with a small group, this is the place! Each week is filled with wholesome learning in a safe environment surrounded by women desiring God’s lead.
This study is designed to be FLEXIBLE so you can tailor it to the time you have available each day.
WHAT: A seven-week Bible study Jeremiah (Chapters 29-52)
WHEN: November 7th-December 19th (Reading plan starts Nov. 2nd)
WHO: Anyone ready to dive deep into God’s Word through Bible study
WHERE: Online via zoom, Monday nights 6:00-7:00 p.m. (CST)
HOW TO JOIN: Contact us via email to get started. The study packet (pdf) is $10. We will send the Zoom link and study packet after receiving your completed registration. (NOTE: You are welcome to join without purchasing a study packet)
THROUGH THIS ONLINE CHAPER-BY-CHAPTER STUDY YOU WILL
Gain a better understand of the book of Jeremiah
Get a deeper look at God’s character and patience
Receive discernment and direction for your own spiritual life
Enjoy a committed community of women sharing like desires to walk with God and dive deeper into Scripture
If you are interested, email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com prior to November 7th.
Happy October! What a beautiful change this week. Our highest temperature was in the 50s yesterday. I am sure the first freeze is upon us soon, but for now I have enjoyed the cooler weather.
It seems this time of the year makes me really think about food. Pumpkin pie, zucchini bread, homemade soup, quiche, flavored coffee, etc. All things warm and cozy. Comfort! I can feel the fall hunger within me. The question is what will really satisfy my seasonal craving?
As we continue our fall study in Jeremiah, the subject of hunger appeared this past week. Jeremiah introduces a hungry soul and what can satisfy it. In Jeremiah 15:16 he states, “Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name, O Lord.” (Living Bible)
Jesus encouraged followers to feast on God’s Word. (John 8:31-32) He clearly wants us to not only build a relationship with the Trinity but with Scripture as well. Why? Because there is power in the word and He clearly illustrated this with His encounter with the enemy.
I think I can safely say we know an essential element in our spiritual walk is interacting with the Bible. Over and over, we are reminded of the substance it delivers. It gives us insight to the character of God, His desire for our daily living, and a multitude of sweet promises for His children. In chapter 20 of Jeremiah, we find Scripture can even ignite a fire within us to boldly witness without worry of persecution.
Do you crave God’s Word? Is it something you cannot live without? Do the words comfort and satisfying come to mind when thinking about your relationship with Scripture? Does it seems like a lot to take in much like the image above? Is it hard to “take a bite” on your own?
Much like discipleship training, we all need biblical literacy guidance. Often our Bibles are underutilized because we are unsure how to independently interact with God’s Word. I know this was very true for me.
Rick Warren once said, “…hungry Christians need to be taught how to feed themselves from the Word of God.” It takes time and training to grow in proficiency when building a relationship with Scripture. There are tons of strategies and methods, but regardless they are useless if they don’t resonate with you.
The main factor is consistency and commitment. Then read with purpose. Start with three areas of focus:
Who is God?
What does He want me to do or stop doing?
What promises does God make?
These three areas alone can furnish us with a firm foundation to interacting with Scripture. This approach is an open invitation to carry out James 1:22-becoming a doer of the Word and stepping out in faith more and more as you get to know God deeper, discover His commands and cling to His promises.
Challenge yourself to read with intentionality. Spend time digesting books of the Bible by taking it one chapter at a time. I read this week that it is beneficial to read a chapter a week and read it at least five times during the timeframe. WOW! Also, it was suggested to set aside an hour twice a week for deep study. What great advice especially when we take God’s Word bite-by-bite, verse-by-verse.
So, what will you do differently this week as you grow in Scripture proficiency and biblical literacy? What can you add to your daily or weekly routine? How can you incorporate the three areas: Who is God? What are His instructions/reproof? Are there promises made in the passage?
We would love to hear from you. If you are seeking for an online group to assist you in Bible study skills, let us know. We meet online every Monday night via Zoom for one hour starting at 6:00 p.m. (CST). We will be happy to share the group link with you! We would love to have you join us as we learn how to grow in relationship with the Word of God together.
Written by Robin Gonzales Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
If you are like me, you grew up hearing the phrase “Can a leopard change his spots?”
This is something I have even used myself when describing someone who was cheating or being deceitful in some way.
It was not until recently when we were studying Jeremiah that I discovered the phrase actually came from God’s word. Jeremiah 13:23 (NIV).
Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.
What was God trying to say? Is he saying if you are a sinner, you will always be a sinner–there is no hope for you? NO!
We are sinners and will continue to make wrong decisions until the day we leave these fleshly bodies, but Jesus is our source of hope. He paid the price and took on ALL of our sins so we could have a relationship with God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
God is trying to make a point. As humans, because God gave us intelligence and the freedom of choice, we think we have the power and ability to govern our own lives and we are self-sufficient apart from God. When in fact, we are reliant on God for everything. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the sun that rises and sets each day.
Reflect on this quote from A. W. Towzer’s book, The Knowledge of The Holy, “Probably the hardest thought of all of our natural egotism to entertain is that God does not need our help. Commonly, we represent Him as a busy, eager, somewhat frustrated Father hurrying about seeking help to carry out His benevolent plan to bring peace and salvation to the world, but the God who worketh all things needs no help and no helpers.”
Without God we cannot even produce the desire to change our character let alone do anything good for anyone else as Philippians 2:13 (AMPC) tells us.
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Paul puts it like this in Romans 7:15-18 (AMPC)
For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
My intention in this writing is to give you hope. For me, it gives me confidence in knowing God himself is working in me to create the desires. It is God producing the power and making a way for me to live out His plan for my life. Knowing He takes an interest in me at all is pretty amazing!
I am forever grateful He did not leave me where he found me, He sees my heart and knows me better than I know myself. God is not limited by time or space. I love that He can see the finished product of me!
God has provided all that is needed, but the choice is still yours and mine. God can change anything!
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.
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 (NIV)
In all of your earthly relationships, who do you place the most trust in? Do the words loyal and faith describe their character? Do they primarily have remarkable follow through with their promises to you? Have they or will they let you down at some point?
I once was advised by a church leader to never have expectations of humans, then I would never be disappointed by them. Well, as much as this appears logical, how could one ever develop an intimacy and deep friendship with no expectations?
I am of the opinion most people choose their circle of friends, you know-those beyond acquaintances, based on trust and dependability. Why would you ever entertain a close association with someone if you didn’t have some type of faithful expectations? How could you truly believe what they said or promised if there wasn’t some level of trust?
Good news-you never have to question the promises of the LORD. He is forever constant in fulfilling and has proved this over and over. Just compare Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment.
His character is steadfast. God is the only relationship delivering constant, dependable trust. It is His character-loyal, faithful, devoted, and reliable. What a privilege to call Him friend.
When reading Scripture, search for those promises made directly by the father. These guarantees and assurances furnish hope on a big scale. Why? Because you can count on it, my friend! Believe it, trust it, and know it will happen. They are oaths made by the LORD himself.
These promises enter our minds as only information as we read and discover them. But, if we take the time to study each one intimately, God exposes His love for us and declares truth we can certainly hang our hat on. (Oops, that might have come from my Texas upbringing) It provides an insight of eternal hope and builds an even greater scale of confidence in the creator of our soul, Elohim.
As you find the promises of the LORD in your independent reading, decide what your plan will be.
Will you highlight them a different color than everything else in your Bible?
Will you write them in a special journal filled with nothing but God’s promises? (I call this God’s victory file. It comes in handy on those days the enemy is larking and working overtime. It helps call him out for who and what he is, a liar!)
Maybe you are a prayer journal lover. You can write the verse/s of promises directly in your prayer journal book with complete reference. Then pray out the promise/s into your life and those around you.
These three ideas are only the beginning to honoring the promises of the father. Each promise is a revelation you can expect to happen. They embody a powerful force, capable of crushing the attempts of evil. (Think about Jesus’ responds when tempted by the enemy.)
I would encourage you to devise a promise plan right for you. Determine a method of noting these assurances. Highlight them, write them, pray them, use them to encourage others, and cling to them for a lifetime. You may already have a strategy working for you in this area. How could you possibly enhance it?
You can always trust God’s assurances to be prevailing, mighty, effective, impressive, and everlasting! Who else delivers such guarantees?
Oh yeah, one more thing-have expectations of the Father. They will always be fulfilled BEYOND human standards and in accordance with His immaculate plan. Pinkie promise!
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 