God is good.

It is amazing to me how time after time God provides for our needs. Yet when I find myself in a situation where I can’t see any solution, I panic. Then, at the last minute, God comes through again!

Lisa and I began this semester at DTS on an uncertain note. We had just moved into our new apartment, using the last of our money to put down the deposit and the first couple of months rent. I hadn’t bought any of my school books for the semester, nor had I paid my tuition.

Shortly after the semester started, a good friend called out of the blue, and bought the majority of the school books that I needed from my Amazon Wish List! This was a huge relief, as I had no idea how we would get these books in time.

When classes began, I still hadn’t put down a dime towards tuition. The financial aid office allowed me to start attending classes as I had several pending scholarships. Lisa and I watched with amazement as our nearly $8,000 tuition bill slowly shrank as scholarships came in. Then, we reached the end. $2,040 was left on my tab, and we had no idea how we would meet this obligation.

Once again, God provided in an unexpected way! On Friday I received an email from the accounting office. Someone had called in, found out what was owed for Fall tuition, and paid my bill in full! They requested to remain anonymous.

I was speechless. Often as we struggle through the weeks I ask myself, “Are we doing the right thing?  Is this really what God is wanting us to do at this time?” Having 100% of our tuition covered this fall by scholarship and anonymous gift certainly seems to be a confirmation that we are in the right place at this time!

We continue to live by faith. Rent is due in two weeks, and we have less than $400 left in the bank to meet our needs. Part of me wants to panic. But how can I, when time after time God steps in and shows me that He is in control. He is ultimately the one providing for my family. I have a strange sense of peace as I look into an uncertain future, knowing that it is out of my hands. This is a good thing - if it were in my hands, I would be sure to mess it up!

Am I supposed to be here? Everyday I am amazed by what I am learning, and everyday I see God’s hand on our lives. He is guiding our steps, and providing for our needs. That is the only place I want to be - in His hands.

Thanks for your prayers!

Our chapel speaker this past Thursday was Richard Allen Farmer. I was amazed by both his musical ability and his ability to communicate God’s word.

Instead of attempting to explain the chapel service, I’ve embedded it below. Watch the whole thing - it will be time well spent. The video starts with a 30 second DTS commercial - stay tuned. The actual chapel service will start shortly!

Today was a great day. I started the morning with a great conversation/devotional with Lisa and the girls around the breakfast table. We talked about God as an artist, and how we have an amazing opportunity to have an intimate relationship with this artist. The conversation turned towards why God created things of such beauty, like a colorful sunset. We also talked about the pleasures of biting into a crisp, cool apple on a hot day. God didn’t have to use the sky as canvas when the sun sets - He didn’t have to make that apple simply explode into flavor when we bite into it…Why did He do that? For our pleasure… But why our pleasure? So that we might give Him glory for the beauty of His creation!

It was so much fun to have all three girls (and Lisa) all focusing this morning on how we can give God glory throughout the day by simply opening our eyes and reveling in the way He provides for us, and does so with such style.

Little did I know that this mornings devotional was a pre-cursor to my class later in the day with Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost. I am taking a class with Dr. P. entitled, “The Christian Experience in the Epistles”.

God has gifted Dr. P. with an amazingly sharp mind, and the ability to recall and present appropriate scripture at a moments notice. At 94 years of age, his mind is sharper than mine even on my best days.

All creation reveals things about God. And when it speaks, it doesn’t speak in a whisper - it shouts! ~ Dr. P.

The primary focus of our conversation in class today was the glory of God. This morning my family discussed our need to learn more about the Artist each and every day, and to give Him glory for all He has done. In class today we talked about the different ways God’s glory is revealed. Through creation, we can learn of the existence of God, and of His great power. Through the Son we learn of His mercy, love and justice. God delights in revealing Himself and His glory to us.

The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him. He is glorified when we reveal Him to this lost and hurting world. Jesus revealed the Father in everything he did, and in everything he said.

How can I live in such a way that those who watch me will come to understand what God is like? That is my challenge and my call.

Have you revealed the glory of God to the world today through your words and your deeds? I pray that we would all be able to get out of the way, and allow the Spirit that dwells within us to point this world to a God of inconceivable glory!

Our experience at Pine Cove Family Camp was like nothing we have ever experienced before. We left our apartment after an intense season of Greek, a move across town into a place that is smaller than half the size of our previous home, and complete and total stress. God in His sovereignty definitely had a hand in bringing us to Pine Cove when He did! Continue reading ‘Pine Cove Experience’