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)
Ponder this if you will…
In a moment’s notice, we can access the Bible on our phone, bookmark passages, and even magnify text if need be. We are blessed with the engagement opportunities afforded to us left and right. It is as painless as downloading an app. Free at that! WOW! Every mode luring each believer to go beyond the typography.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
What more could we desire? A prized prize and adored adornment can be displayed beyond a coffee table. We can showcase it on every device we own and pull up any passage regardless of our location. We can even screenshot verses of interest in the middle of a sermon and share it immediately on social media.
What a welcoming welcome. An opportunity to see past the layout we choose. A chance to experience the life-changing power the words hold. An open invitation to go beyond the charming print. An ability to interact with Scripture through exceeding levels of availability far outweighing anything previously offered. Oh, how attractive, tantalizing, and downright alluring.
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
Yada! A term I equate with true success in my life. This word ranks high on my favorite list yet, it has not always been this way.
Yada is a Hebrew word meaning “to know”. I love learning! So, it probably doesn’t come as a shock for those who know me to hear me state my deep feeling for this term. However, there is more to this four-letter word in my life than the surface level.
Visually, the world sees me craving information and textual knowledge. There is no denying it-I do. I would even go so far as to say it has opened the door to a deeper meaning of Yada in my life. This “to know” has placed me on a journey to go beyond textual knowledge of the LORD and really “know” Him for who He is. But remember, I said it hasn’t always been this way.
For many years, my “to know” was for my success. Then my intellectual knowledge of the LORD began transforming my heart and allowing me to redefine what it means to really “know”. Also, I began pursing my definition of “yada” for God’s glory and not my own.
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3 (NIV)
Due to failures in life and finding myself at rock bottom, spiritual wisdom was gained. I realized that the most important thing in my life was a growing relationship with the LORD. The life change I had to make was to go beyond periodically meeting with God to walking with Him 24/7. Although I still fall short at times, I have set a goal to live with the LORD right beside every moment-because He is.
So, what did this require of me? I have had to learn to say good morning every day, turn to Him first in all circumstances good or bad, trust in His promises, have faith in His attributes, and love Him on a level of complete obedience and count it as an honor. Let me just say-this is a struggle within my flesh, and I continually fight against “gods” taking the LORD’s place.
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.1 John 4:8 (NIV)
Making God my firm foundation has been a journey. My desperation caused me to begin taking my relationship with the LORD to new heights and to realize it is an ongoing process. I had to learn to live my life with an open Bible, feed on His Word, and let the Holy Spirit lead. (Boy, that sounds easy when I see those words on paper!)
The difference between “to know” and “TO KNOW!” has been eye opening. My new “yada” has taken me from meeting with God periodically to walking with the lover of my soul continually. The LORD wants this for everyone. He loves us exponentially and craves for us to walk closely with Him in a relationship different from all others. This takes us beyond intellectual textbook knowledge to a deep personal commitment that transforms our heart, mind, and soul.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 (NIV)
Refinement Ministry exist because of this life changing concept. The goal of the Bible studies, retreats, workshops, etc. is to support spiritual maturity. Hey, we are just ordinary, everyday people just like you who want to seek out this journey with like-minded Christians. We believe in community and the importance of sharing experiences, wisdom, and perspective with each other.
What is your definition of yada? Are you looking for ways to know God on a more intimate level? If so, we invite you to be a part of one of our Bible studies online, upcoming getaways, or weekend workshops. 2022 is dedicated to helping others go beyond text knowledge to intimate knowledge of who GOD IS and experience this through Scripture Notebooking!
We are so excited to share this beautiful “yada” definition with you. Trust me when I say, it is life changing!
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 1 John 4:2 (NIV)
I am not a scientist by any shape or form but I long to have
a constant current surging with the Lord. God’s Word permits me to remain
connected and energized. The Bible is a living and active source if I am
willing to be conducive with the authority of my heavenly Father. Through
studying, meditating, praying, and infusing scripture into situations of life,
I have strengthened my faith and knowledge. God’s Word has intensified my
understanding of a steadfast existence and taught me not to be reliant on those
wavering emotions and reactions.
There are numerous approaches to studying scripture. Like
some of you, I enjoy orderliness when digesting God’s Word. However, I
appreciate and embrace change at times because it often eliminates my tendency
to become stagnate. Sometimes a new perception or concept stimulates deeper
thinking or a different viewpoint.
Be encouraged to sample various techniques and methods while
growing in and through scripture. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 reminds us that the
Bible is the actual word of God and it is at work within each of us who believe
in Him by faith. 2 Timothy 2:15 also encourages us to do our best in handling
the word of truth. When reading and applying scripture, I think about
Philippians 4:6. For me, I am convicted to surrender my perception and pray to
receive God’s stance. I know His heavenly mindset will far outweigh my meager
worldly thoughts.
Recently, while revamping a scripture presentation, I began
thinking about the most impactful parts of studying scripture for me. I am
aware that I need to be careful not to use scripture out of context and not to
rely on my own viewpoint. My main concern is how the word of truth applies to
me currently and how I need to live it out under God’s ruling.
Below is a Bible study process I call AMPS. I know an amp is
short for ampere which is a unit of constant electrical current. (Please don’t
expect me to explain any further because this alone is pushing the limits.) So,
I knew this acronym would stick in my brain because of my desire to stay
connect with God. Let me know what you think and if it works for you. Blessings
to all.
AMPS:
Attention
Meaning
Perspective of God
Saturation
Attention:
There are passages of scripture or certain verses which capture our
attention when reading God’s Word. The Spirit of truth prompts us to dig deeper
to fully digest the message. Write down the scripture. As you write, take a
closer look at each word and think about why God had the writer craft these
words in such a manner.
Meaning:
God’s Word is truth and our sword. However, as mature followers, the real
meaning of His Word comes from focusing on the entire context. Read the entire book/chapter
over and over. Consult various versions and commentaries. Study with like
believers. Be firm in your knowledge to prevent deception or twisted thinking.
Perspective
of God: Through prayer God gives us a heavenly perspective unlike our own.
His ideas and thoughts are often foreign and take time to comprehend. He longs
for a relationship with us and will reveal His thoughts as we talk with Him in
prayer. Ask God to give you clarity of His Word. Then listen in faith to God’s angle
and direction.
Saturation:
God desires us to put into practice what His Word declares. Infuse the passage
into life circumstances and immerse life with His truth. Instill the meaning of
God’s promises in ALL areas of life: despair, peace, turmoil, joy, etc. Permeate
your thinking and let His truth refine your heart by surrendering it all to His
authority.
Embrace
your spiritual growth journey under the refinement of a God who loves you
immensely!
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 