In this episode of the iRefresh Podcast, host Sheryl Kloehr sits down with photographer, editor, and prayer team member Deana Spyres to talk about how Scripture moved from a source of guilt and legalism to the most life-giving part of her day.
Deana shares her journey from growing up in church "knowing about God" to truly encountering Him in His Word — reading through the New Testament for the first time, discovering surprising details in the Old Testament, and learning that following Jesus is about relationship, not rule-keeping. They also break down eye-opening research from the Center for Bible Engagement showing how consistent Scripture reading impacts loneliness, anger, addiction, and even how boldly we share our faith.
Whether you've never opened a Bible or you've read it cover to cover, this conversation offers practical, encouraging tools to help you build a real, daily connection with God's Word.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of God's Living Word
00:24 Meet Dina: From Church Girl to Bible Reader
02:30 The Crisis Question: Why Am I Here?
02:50 Starting in the New Testament: Meeting Jesus
04:52 Breaking Free from Shame and Performance
07:21 From Rules to Relationship: Understanding Redemption
09:11 Reading Genesis: God Walked the Earth
11:30 New Revelations Every Time You Read
12:36 The Call to Radical Obedience
13:42 The Mathematical Miracle of Scripture
15:53 Revival Among Young Men: Generation Statistics
22:43 The Four-Day Breakthrough: Life-Changing Statistics
18:16 Overcoming Distractions and Busyness
20:44 The Sacrifice of Time: Worship Through Priorities
28:39 Tools and Translations: Finding Your Bible
35:01 Practical Ways to Get Started
35:25 The 21-Day Challenge: Join the Movement
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