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

Scripture Notebooking Getaway!

January 7, 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

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

Relationship Advice from Jesus

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

We all have various relationships-those which we inherited, those which we chose, those which were chosen for us, or simply those which just happened by chance. I dare to say, we all probably have one or two which we might still fantasize over because the connection never blossomed the way we hoped. But oh, the joy that comes from those precious relationships we hold near and dear. And how do they become the side of the coin where we say “Heads-I win”? Time-Conversations-Togetherness-Listening-Etc… What are your thoughts?

The Lord’s Prayer was given to us by Jesus as a roadmap to building the best relationship we could ever have-a connection with God. Our Savior did not set out for this to be a recited prayer as we know it today. In Matthew chapter 6, we find the building blocks to establishing a strong connection. It is His directives for us to carry out when seeking the most fulfilling relationship we could ever have – a personal connection with God.

Jesus wanted us to know how to start a quality relationship. As with anyone, it begins with sturdy framework. The LORD shows us over and over that relationships incorporate things like a desire to love unconditionally, to give of one’s self, and to be committed regardless of what comes. Jesus conveyed the elements of this foundation through the main concepts we find in the Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus tells us -like every conversation we have- we must recognize who we are in conversation with. When we call 1-800-heaven let us remember we are talking with the Creator of the universe who cares for each one of us. This is no ordinary person. This is GOD! But in all relationships, we need to really know who we are connecting with and that takes dedication.

Relationships require intimacy and genuine care for each other (even the junk which comes with it-good days & bad). Remember, not everyone wants to get into the nitty gritty depth so they will only want a surface level connection. However, unlike some of our earthly relationships, God wants to be intimately involved in every part of our life. He cares for each one of us. He truly listens to us. Yes, even in our ranting and raging moments or when we are caught up in sin, God hears us, sees us, and loves us. That’s why Jesus advices us to pray for God’s plans will be worked out in our life (“your will be done”), and to bring even the most mundane matters of everyday living into our conversation with Him (“give us today our daily bread”).

Next, we want our relationships to be free of any barriers or miscommunication. Same with our LORD. That is why Jesus directs us to look at our sin. This three letter word is a roadblock between us and God and between us and others. Our Father wants us to have a heart willing to confess and repent our sins (“forgive us our debts”) and to forgive those who have wronged us (“as we also have forgiven our debtors”). In Matthew 6:14-15, the Bible highlights the significance of forgiveness and how important it is to extend mercy to those who have hurt us.

Finally, God wants us to live free from the painful consequences of sinful choices. We pray “lead us not into temptation” because we need His strength and assistance to keep us from temptation. Is it nice to know He has our back and promises to never leave us nor forsake us. God cares about us and wants us to live in community with one another. We are all His children and He is our ultimate Father. Yes, He wants us to live as one big happy family.

There is great value in relationships and may I dare to say abundant knowledge in all: precious or a struggle. Listen, our Lord didn’t intend for us to walk this pathway alone. That is why He is always with us and is open to hear what we have to say. But He wants us to live in relationship with others.

So take a moment and think about all the relationships in your life. How does God want your half of all relationships to look?

Let us be encouraged to embrace God’s method and be devoted for a lifetime to extend mercy, forgiveness, understanding, gentleness, kindness, hope, encouragement, joy, and most of all love to every relationship we have been gifted. May we be encouraged to not only make our time on earth matter, but chose for our lives to be a radiant beam of outstanding love so those after us will be encouraged to do the same.

November 1, 2021 1

Offensives Can Blur Our View-Part 3 (Guest Writer: Sheyanne Brown)

“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

How can we prevent the hurt we experience from turning into the sin of offense?

When you’re hurting, you need to talk about it with the person who hurt you. Most importantly, the intent of the conversation must be reconciliation. As we see in Matthew 5, God cares more about the state of our hearts than the sacrifices we bring to the altar. He cares less about my faithful church attendance and more about what’s in my heart while I’m in the pew.

It’s not enough to do all the “Christian” things. If it were, the Pharisees and Sadducees would have been pleasing to Jesus because they literally did everything “right.” Jesus chunked a grenade in the middle of their theology when He started calling attention to the condition of their hearts.

Instead of withdrawing when we are hurt, we must go to the person who hurt us and do everything we can to reconcile. It takes a lot of humility to admit you’re hurting. Pride will keep you from “going to your brother,” and that same pride will keep you in sin and outside the presence of God.

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6.

But… what happens if you go to your brother, and he refuses to reconcile with you? What if your brother does not see how he has hurt you, and instead inflicts more pain with his prideful resistance of your humble attempt to reconcile? What if you leave the attempt at reconciliation more wounded than when you came in? (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt).

You forgive. (notice the period)

Forgiveness is a God-created concept, which means you do not have the power to do it on your own without God’s empowering grace. So, rest in knowing He doesn’t expect you to do this by yourself.

Your emotions will never desire to forgive, but that’s ok, because forgiveness doesn’t begin in your emotions anyway. Forgiveness begins with obedience. Forgiveness is required of every believer, because as we have received unmerited forgiveness from God, so we must give the same undeserved forgiveness to others.

Forgiveness does not mean that what they did wasn’t wrong. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you swing wide the doors of your heart and life to them again. Forgiveness simply means that you release someone of the debt they owe you, and you bless them even when they don’t deserve it.

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28

The key to forgiveness is blessing your enemy. If you find yourself on the same hamster wheel of trying to forgive but not feeling like you’re getting anywhere, begin to bless your enemy. Pray God would bless their hearts, their minds, and their bodies. Pray God would heal them and give them favor with Him and man. Pray over them what you would want someone to pray over you.

As you begin to obey the Word, you’ll find your heart will begin to release the hurt… the wounds will begin to heal… and your heart will be kept pure.

This “honeymoon” period at my new church may end and one day I might find myself knee deep in the messiness of life with people and new opportunities for hurt and offense. I’ll find out the Ark of the Covenant is not in the basement after all, and the reality that I am part of a family of imperfect believers will set in.

However, I have come to the place in my life where the most valuable thing I possess is access to the presence of God. I don’t want to go one moment without feeling Him near me and hearing Him speak.

There’s no wound or offense worth keeping compared to fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

I pray you will allow Him to begin softening your heart to His voice, and allow Him to heal the wounds you’ve been protecting. I pray in this place of healing, you’ll experience Him like you never have before.

October 26, 2021 0

Offensives Can Blur Our View-Part 2 (Guest Writer-Sheyanne Brown)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

Jonah had answered a call, preached the Word, and watched the glory fall. Can you imagine watching as everyone in your city falls to their knees in repentance and worship? Can you imagine watching the Holy Spirit blow through and cleanse the land, healing, restoring, and delivering right before your eyes? Jonah saw this very thing. He saw an entire people group turn wholeheartedly to the Lord.

But instead of riding the waves of glory, he found himself alone and angry outside the gates. How was it possible for him to physically be in a place where the glory of God was so overwhelming, yet not experience Him at all?

I can’t really pick on Jonah because I am Jonah. Jonah was offended at the people God had called Him to minister to, and as a result, he missed out on revival. He missed out on what God was doing in the land. He missed out on the healing, the refreshment, the growth. He missed out on the most valuable thing in the world… the tangible presence of Almighty God.

In every church service that I’ve ever attended, God has been there. Whether or not I experienced Him had nothing to do with the location, leadership, or style of worship, but had everything to do with the condition of my heart. What I discovered through that early morning conversation with Jesus was that I have a responsibility to keep my heart pure, and I’m the only one who can do it.

When we experience wounds, our initial tendency is to withdraw. Withdraw from the people who hurt us, from people who could potentially hurt us, even withdraw from God. The pain makes our head spin, makes us question everything and everyone, causes us to retreat. At the end of the day, it’s just a survival response.

God isn’t mad at us for experiencing or acknowledging pain. Hurt is not your fault, hurt is a natural result of living in a fallen world. Good Christians are going to hurt you. People who love you are going to hurt you, even though they don’t want to. Hurt is going to happen. It’s ok to not be ok, it’s just not ok to stay that way.

If we allow our hearts to stay in a place of hurt, eventually the wound is going to turn into an offense.

A better description of offense is bitterness or a grudge. An offended heart holds on to the hurt and refuses to heal. An offended heart finds every reason why its bitterness is justified, and doesn’t mind telling other people about it. An offended heart is heavily guarded against anyone who reminds it of the person who hurt it. An offended heart nurses and rehearses what happened and uses its pain as an excuse. An offended heart cannot grow past the place of its pain.

When I gave Jesus permission to see into my heart, I realized that I had both hurt and offense living inside. My fresh hurts were beginning to scab over and turn into offenses because I had turned to isolation instead of intimacy. Instead of drawing near to God and his people for healing, I had turned inward into my own feelings and had been nursing my wounds on my own. And if we’re going to be honest… I didn’t want my hurt to heal because if it did then it felt the same as me saying that what “they” did was ok.

My hurts had morphed into offenses, my offenses were sin, and that sin was preventing me from experiencing the presence of God.

In my previous church, I was offended at some of the people in the room. I didn’t expect to experience God because I didn’t expect that God would move through the people I didn’t like. (Does this sound like Jonah?)

I would enter church with an impure heart, and my experience would then further justify my feelings. I wasn’t feeling God’s presence, and I thought it was because He wasn’t there.

When I came to Freedom Fellowship and began experiencing the Lord, it was because no one in the room had hurt me and I was not offended at anyone. I expected to experience God, and I did.

My heart breaks at the realization that all that time I spent not feeling or hearing God could have been prevented if I had just kept my heart pure.

I would like to propose that God desires to manifest Himself to His people. I would like to propose that God is always speaking, is never silent, and is always present where two or more are gathered in His name. I would like to propose that the lack of revival in American churches has much to do with the offended state of the hearts of the people that fill the pews. When we turn on the switch of offense, we create a block in the current of the Holy Spirit. But when we repent and forgive, we remove the block and allow the Holy Spirit to move in and through us.

As we well know, hurt is unavoidable.

There is no perfect church because there are no perfect people.

TO BE CONTINUED…

October 19, 2021 1