The Unseen will Be Revealed

*The great Day of the Lord is near, near and rapidly approaching. Listen, the Day of the Lord—there the warrior’s cry is bitter. Zephaniah 1:14*

Happy Friday friends! I pray this day finds you filled with God’s joy regardless of the circumstances and issues you are facing in life. Today, I feel the need to remind you, as well as myself, that we are all properly prepared to handle life through our belief in Christ Jesus. We are welcome to approach the throne of God and can boldly lay our burdens at His feet.

This gives me HOPE! What about you?

Scripture clears backs up these thoughts in Hebrews 4:14-16, Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-Jesus the Son of God-let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

PAUSE—God knows and He will come through!

Thank you for your grace to allow me to “squirrel” prior to this posting. Just felt it necessary to share my own inward struggle and thoughts before I wrote the main segment.

The Refining ministry is continuing their Monday night online studies of Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets for the remainder of 2021. We recently started Zephaniah and boy, Chapter 1 was a dozy! There were a few who stated it seemed like a scene from a horror show. However, the valued learning and deep discussion shared during the hour was, once again, an overwhelming blessing to my heart. I am blown away each time we meet—this week God revealed hope and compassion even in a difficult passage.

Our ministry believes in infusing Scripture into daily living. Each week, we are challenged to allow the Lord to guide us and press into the message He has individually-based on our Bible intake.

Thinking about Chapter 1 of Zephaniah, I approached the garden to see if we had any new produce to harvest. I took my phone with me because I wanted to capture the beauty and growth.

SIDENOTE: WOW! If you could only see our garden. It is the most remarkable, overgrown jungle ever because we have received more rain in the past few weeks than we normally receive in a year. Yes, we live in Texas, but we are in the “desert” for the most part. We have never had a garden this abundant.

Once I had a chance to review the photos, the carrot picture caught my attention. I began thinking about Zephaniah. The people of Judah seemed to be flourishing just like the tops of our carrots. Everyone seemed to have what they needed to survive. They believed in God and worshiped Him. However, they also paid homage to other “gods” with their daily acts and rituals. Their hearts were receiving a fatal cocktail.

Zephaniah came as the last warning to Judah. He wanted them to take an inward look and focus on their roots and fruit-the unseen! Just like the roots and carrots growing underground in our garden. Their hearts-a place where fruit can wither or grow.

Our heart generates our thoughts which then produces our words, actions, viewpoints, etc. When we are filling our lives with proper nutrition, God, the fruit we produce can be pleasing to the Lord. However, Zephaniah Chapter 1 clearly states that we cannot partially serve God and partially serve “gods” with the expectation that we will not experience harm to the fruit we produce. We will eventually wither and die! OUCH! It distorts our thinking of ourselves as well as others.

Our carrots will not produce an abundant harvest in the fall if we occasionally expose them to contaminated water. They want pure, clean goodness overflowing with all the necessary nutrients. No matter how beautiful they seem above ground, the measure of their true work is revealed once their “roots” are exposed.

This made me take an inward inventory is so many ways. What do I fill my heart with daily? What do my actions, words, and thoughts reveal? Am I guilty of syncretism-mixing true worship with false? Do I fall into a complacent state when it comes to praying, worshiping, studying, reading, witnessing, etc.? Are there times when I limit my intake of God and allow worldly “junk” to enter His vessel?

Yes-all that from Zephaniah Chapter 1-plus so much more.

Listen, I am but a simple woman trying to do my best to love and serve God with all that I am. I mess up more than succeed-trust me! However, in this spiritual pathway, this I know for sure: God loves us beyond measure, and He will not give up on us.

So, with an earnest heart I cry, Father God fill me with your goodness, weed out the junk I have allowed, let my fruit reveal You, Oh Lord, help me lay my burdens down, and heal me from within so all that I do is pleasing unto You. I am sorry Lord for my disobedience and my unclean heart. I need You, Oh I need You! Reveal the unseen with compassion and help me stay under your authority regardless. I love you Father God!

July 16, 2021 2

Are you looking for a refreshing study for you or your life group in 2021?

Are you looking for a way to live out Scripture and grow closer to the Lord? Beginning in February, a new study will be launched. You can establish your own study group where you live, join a virtual group, or walk through it independently. You will be supported weekly through postings on Facebook and the Refining blog.

In our instantaneous world, embracing anything for a lifetime may seem farfetched and impossible. But to achieve an enriched existence withstanding the test of time, our interaction with God and His Word requires day to day intentionality. Crown the Sword is the doorway to examining personal reliance on biblical truth and learning how to infuse Scripture in your life with an eternal mindset. In this self-reflective study, you will go beyond a surface level walk with the Lord and learn ways to build an intimate relationship with God and His Word.

Make no mistake, the path Stotts lays out is simple, but not easy, because your success depends upon the posture you are willing to adopt under God’s authority. If you feel living more authentically through God’s very words is a laudable investment, this 12 week study is for you. Come discover how to incorporate a treasured gift meant for the duration of life and beyond.

If you are interested in the details, please register below. https://form.jotform.com/203534400943145

We will email you the details in 2021!

December 19, 2020 0

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April 16, 2020 0

Refining’s Purpose in 2020

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds **James 1:2**

Hello Friends!

I would like to take this time to identify the primary purpose of the Refining blog. This blog is designed to gently support your personal relationship with God by strengthening your reliance on scripture and the Holy Spirit. Through each posting, it is fundamentally intended to be a loving and encouraging place where your spiritual growth can be nurtured and your eternal journey can be strengthened.

Life struggles are real and often reveal a deeper need beyond the surface level of our human flesh. They are often opportunities to grow in Christ. It can entail a few key aspects of spiritual maturity – to learn how to fully surrender, to accept a growth voyage of the entire measure of our God-given purpose, to foster a Godly perspective, and to discover unexplainable joy.

Refining arose from a couple of topics: from my own experience with years of unfulfilled joy, direction, and purpose, and from bearing witness to an intense, dismal gorge for half a decade. Although I loved God and considered myself a Christ follower, I was caught off-guard and found myself inadequately prepared when raging storms prevailed continually for five solid years. The struggle unearthed a deeper revelation in my personal story where essential elements were missing: infusion of scripture in my daily walk, Godly living 24/7 for His purpose, and personal identification in the Lord Most High.

Life dispenses mountain top and low valley occurrences for each of us as a chance to cultivate our spiritual development. Refining was birthed as a provision to strengthen your adaptation to the ebb and flow of life and nurture your competence to embrace a lifetime of refinement under God’s authority. God furnished me an effective message and now I want to ensure you are never caught off-guard nor poorly-equipped in the spiritual battle of life.

Let’s walk together and become mighty warriors. Reach out and share your life in this space designed to Glorify the King. Come open your hearts to God’s perspective and share this resource with other Christians in order continue the growth for God. You matter! Your experiences and life circumstances contain valuable information for others to gain knowledge and wisdom. Refining would love to share your writings and thoughts in the days ahead. There are readers out there needing your story to encourage them in their walk as well.

May your heart be filled with God’s goodness and nourishment through Refining in 2020. Come follow Refining on Facebook and see what is happening in our face-to-face sessions as well as additional spiritual support. Invite others to become followers of the Refining blog. Share what you have learned. God has some exciting plans in the future. I look forward to His provisions and callings. We give Him all the praise for the lives impacted as we walk out our faith together.

Happy 2020 my friends.

January 4, 2020 4

BOOK REVIEW: The Will of God

Stanley, Charles F. (2019). The Will of God. Howard Books, New York:NY.

SUMMARY: In this writing, Stanley conveys the belief that God has a plan for every individual and wants each person to know it fully. The writer has developed means of discernment to assist readers in identifying their purpose and calling in God’s determined and desired will. All main points are backed by an abundance of scripture and examples from the Bible.

In the first few chapters, Stanley addresses God’s ultimate goal and His sovereignty. Readers are reminded that God wants a personal relationship more than anything else. The Father is said to communicate in an individual manner according to each person’s way of hearing. However, Stanley does recognize the barriers which block out God’s voice and the issue of free will.

The writer gently reminds believers that the key to knowing God’s will is a complete surrender of themselves. He identifies this subject as “staying on the altar” to be fully invested and remain connected to God’s will. He also tackles the importance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit by focusing on the role each plays. Stanley pinpoints eight elements in acquiring God’s will and reason for not hearing God. The final chapter is designed to assist readers in their dedication and commitment to fulfilling God’s plan for their lives.

MY $.02: This book was recommended by a friend and they even loaned me their book. My heart honestly skipped a beat as I began reading. Each page is filled with scripture reference and encouragement to knowing and living God’s will. It perfectly aligns with Refining because it focuses on the importance of attaining God’s purpose for your life, the significance of having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and the need to continually rely on Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

I appreciated how Stanley shared personal experiences and biblical stories to help solidify some of his points throughout the book. The book highlights key points and uses bold print to catch the readers attention to main thoughts or steps written. One example is “God’s desired will is that we serve Him—and that we do so wholeheartedly. Whether we do and to the extent that we do is up to us.”

If you are struggling to hear God’s voice, know your life purpose, identify your calling, or just want a deeper walk with the Lord, I would suggest this book. For me, it is a great personal resource to reference and is a perfect support when delivering some main topics in the Refining study. I love the fact that the appendix is filled with “promise verses about God’s will”.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://tinyurl.com/rquf8gs

December 8, 2019 1

BOOK REVIEW: gods at War

Idleman, K. (2013). gods at War. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

SUMMARY: gods at War is a book about idolatry applicable to all readers. Idleman plainly addresses several false gods which separate us from fully worshipping God. The writer furnishes relevant testimonies to illustrate how honor is given to things like success, food, personal pleasure, and money. The writing is crafted to engage the reader through insightful questions in order to personally identify the “little gods” within the heart and mind. The author distinctly concentrates on the inner war and focuses on its effect-prohibiting a close, pure relationship with the Lord.

My $.02: Before reading this book, I would have probably said I did not have a concern with false gods in my life. Idleman’s writing was a pleasant wake-up call. The situations shared were touching. Idleman was gentle in his method of revealing items we idolize and how they prevent us from experiencing an intimate relationship with our Savior. I found myself evaluating my own actions and thoughts to discerning the false gods I had approved to takeover. I utilized this book with an adult small group for thirteen weeks and paired it with the 13 chapters of Hebrews. The book is an eye-opening read geared for adults. My copy is out on loan currently because I feel it is a good recommended read for those wanting to enhance their relationship with the Lord.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16182595-gods-at-war

September 24, 2019 0

Capitalize

Have you ever owned your own business and wrestled with calculating profit? The major factor is the expense endured. When costs outweigh revenue…well we all know the rest of the story. It is not exactly a vibrant illustration of success nor a flourishing picture of a booming lemonade stand. (Sorry, Charlie Brown!)

Profit is acknowledged as a gain. In society today, most will jump at a chance to obtain an advantage in life and/or over someone else. We see this in businesses and sports daily. Having leverage over the competition is all the rage in order to be ranked #1. Just look at what the NFL is willing to pay.

We experience this type of opposition in life every second. The enemy makes every attempt to capitalize on your pain, failures, disappointments, -wait for it- as well as your successes, happiness, and prized moments. Of course, the list goes on and on. The adversary will do whatever it takes to achieve favor for selfish profit. I Peter 5:8 warns us of the schemes and advises us to be on guard.

In Galatians 2, Paul calls Peter out on his toxic actions which were rooted in Peter’s own selfish concern of personal profit. Peter refused to dine with the Gentiles because he feared it could jeopardize his religious standing in Jerusalem once the influential Jewish believers arrived. What a perfect example of the enemy weaseling his way into a situation to cause division. However, what the adversary planned actually failed and unity was achieved.

God has a mysterious way of working. It requires us to follow Him blindly, aka faith. Our trust is a firm investment in Him without selfish fear or personal gain concerns. We must surrender and release control over our life regardless of the advantage point we think we might have. Let us not forget-God has already won. Our Lord is ruler over all! (Proverbs 22:2)

I once heard it said, “If we really did profit from our mistakes, I’d be extremely rich by now”. Unfortunately, I think whoever wrote this pun must have been spying on me through the years. My past could be viewed as a Personal Alertness, Spiritual Trial from God. Wake up child and get your act together! I have wasted time by not glorifying the Father in numerous ways and I have grieved the Holy Spirit on many occasions. Father, I am so sorry. As God continues to refine me, I pray that my obedience increases and that my actions reflect a pure heart sold out at all costs for the Lord.

Below are some of my take-a-ways where God capitalized. The opposition tried to hinder my life from being under God’s authority but the enemy lost everything when I tallied the profit.

Thank you, Father for using these things to glorify your name.

Enemy	God’s touch	Refining
Shocking results	Unexplainable healing	I truly believe in miracles.
Sudden departure	Time awareness	I am mindful of each moment.
Breathless life	Lasting love	I appreciate the heavenly spirits and realm.
Worldly passion	Purpose awakened	I was created for so much more.
Lying tongues	Embracing truth	I seek God’s word above all else.
Innocence destroyed	Knowing evil	I know there is spiritual warfare.
Caught off-guard	Be ready	I desire to be steadfast only in the Lord.

September 23, 2019 0

BOOK REVIEW: Grace is Greater

Idleman, K. (2017). Grace is Greater. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

SUMMARY: Grace is Greater is an engaging writing with a straightforward message about the capability of God’s grace. The writer furnishes significant stories and profound personal experiences based on Hebrews 12:15. Grace is exhibited as a two-fold approach; first, understanding what grace is and then, experiencing its true potential on a personal degree. Idleman distinctly expresses, “God’s grace is compelling when explained but irresistible when experienced”. Three applications of grace comprise the narrative’s main sections: your past mistakes, your hurts from others, and your life circumstances. The writer crafts his delivery throughout the book with the main message being, “Grace is only grace if it goes both ways. Receiving it from God but refusing to give it to others isn’t an option.” A powerful ending awaits readers showcasing the immense depth of grace when applied.

My $.02: On many occasions, my prayer has been for God to establish in me a pure heart as in Psalm 51:10 in order to acquire a steadfast spirit. This is a struggle for me because of my own shame and guilt from situations I see in the rearview mirror as well as hurts and broken relationships I can’t seem to shake.

There are a few people from the past that I find it hard not to say, “Go get’um Lord!”. Yet, selfishly, I want grace extended to me. Call it what it is-unforgiveness. This book allowed me to take ownership for my actions and extend grace to others because of God’s unsurpassable love. Honestly, this book revealed how to supernaturally love others through the power of God’s grace given.

If you wrestle with regret and/or unforgiveness on any level, I would recommend reading this narrative. For those of you that have been able to overcome such adversities, the book offers great insight for everyone as life brings disappointments, weakness, and despair.

You will find the book in my library!

Don’t just take my word for it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30259187-grace-is-greater

September 19, 2019 0

Who are you?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Her daughter, his wife, their mother, her aunt, his granddaughter, their employee, a participant of a church, and the list continues. The world gives us many titles as we assume roles in our lifetime. But who are you really? If everything was stripped away including all worldly labels, who would you declare you are? I wonder what Job would have renounced after all was lost and his wife told him to curse God and die.

In Galatians chapter 1, Paul demonstrates complete confidence in stating who he was. It is evident within the first few verses that Paul distinguishes himself as a follower called by Christ. He even denotes his face-to-face conversion on the Damascus road. (Acts 7:54-8:3 and 9:1-31) Paul never wavers in his beliefs and continually exhibits a bold, whole-hearted following.

Growing up I had several identities: her daughter, their granddaughter, his stepchild, their cousin, her niece, faithful church attender, student, but never HIS daughter. The question always occurred, “Why is your last name different than everyone else in your family?” To my child mind, it echoed “misfit”. I not only struggled with self-identity but even wrestled with who God said I was. The enemy’s lie incessantly resonated and he tried to convince me that I was “unwanted”.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are all part of God’s divine design. He has revealed His love for us through Christ Jesus and extended grace to all. The Lord validates each of us as His creation numerous times in scripture. However, the Father allows His children to decide if they will follow Him. If Paul were alive today, I truly believe he would urge everyone to accept the life changing power of God’s grace and testify to the eternal blessing it brings.

Today, I know I am HIS DAUGHTER! I look forward to the day to receive my first warm embrace face-to-face with a Daddy who has never left me. It brings tears to my eyes every time I reflect on who I am in Him. The overwhelming love is moving.

So, who do you say you are? Make note of the scriptures listed below and use them to refute the enemy’s deceptions. Pull out the Sword and fight back the fabrication. You are God’s child!

Deuteronomy 28:13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

2 Timothy 1:7-9 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our LORD or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Colossians 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

You might enjoy this devotional about how God delights in you. https://tinyurl.com/yxgahzhn

September 10, 2019 1

BOOK REVIEW: The Promise Principle

Hunter, P. (2017). The Promise Principle: A New Way to Encounter the Bible. Southlake, TX: Gateway Press.

Summary:

The book is based on a technique to use when reading and studying God’s Word. Hunter shares the strategy as a steadfast method to grow spiritually and rely solely on faith. The author shares numerous stories where the struggles in life seem to overwhelm individuals and control their everyday emotions. Readers are urged to study scripture through the lens of discovering God’s promises and deciding if the verse is a truth or a commandment. Then, Hunter encourages participants to apply the promise to a current circumstance and carry through with a prayer of thanksgiving or a request in faith.

My $.02:

We have been using the promise principle in our small group for about a year now. This technique reminds me of what I began doing as I learned how to effectively pray scripture into my circumstances. During the dark valley I was walking out life with scripture and guarding my heart from the circumstances by relying on God’s Word. The Promise Principle confirms what I was doing during this time:

a. not being tossed around emotionally by circumstances

b. using scripture to become steadfast

c. applying scripture to life by using the sword. (the weapon to fight)

I would recommend this book to those who desire infusion of God’s promises into their everyday life. The prayer format given is based on “me” language and not just a general overall covering. It requires each individual to make it personal. Application was the greatest take-away for me.

It did seem to be a struggle to implement the “I, me, my” language for some in our mixed adult group but like anything new, we all improved with practice. (Just keeping it real)

For more info: https://www.amazon.com/Promise-Principle-New-Encounter-Bible/dp/1945529148

September 6, 2019 0