In the Thick of the School of Biblical Studies

How long has it been? I can barely tell. Time has gotten away from me, so much is happening.
I am deep into studying the word of God with a fine group of fellow students. and we are learning so much.

So far we have studied Philemon, Titus, Galatians, Mark, Philippians, Luke and now we are about to start a week in the book of Acts. it has been a wild ride. It has been really hard at times, nerve racking at moments for this procrastinator when homework is due. One of the biggest lessons I am learning is to be disciplined in sticking to a task until it is done. When it comes to studying, I will admit, it's not easy for me. But thank you all so much for your prayers, they have been a huge help. When the homework is stacked up and the deadline date is drawing near, I have come up with a saying, "I should really be freaking out right now... but I just don't have time."

In Philipians 4:6-7 it says, 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

There are many times I am tempted to wonder and worry about my future, about where finances will come from or if I will know what to do in several months time, but then I am reminded to just give those concerns to God. He has been faithful in the past to give me guidance and provide, so I have no fear that He will continue to do so.

In the Book of Galatians when Paul is telling the Galatians that circumcision is not the way to be saved he says in Gal. 3:2

Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 

Class time!

How wonderful is the grace of God that he would give us salvation and his Spirit by hearing with faith only. Do you see that? What is it that man does? Hears with Faith.
In other word all a person does is hear the Gospel and say in his heart "yeah that's it!"
So many times we feel like we have to perform for God or make sure we check off a list a things to do to be accepted by him, pray a certain pray, work in the church etc. but that is NOT IT AT ALL! Those are things we get to do, but should not feel pressured to do them to be considered a child of God.
But now also...

In Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Charting the Bible 

 The work that we do is not to earn salvation but it is God himself in us now that propels and gives us the desire to do his will and draw closer to him.

So that is just a itty bitty piece of what I have been learning and studying lately.

To some that may seem simple, but I have been a Christian almost all my life and now I am looking at the Word of God with fresh eyes and seeing wonders as I press on page after page.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. May the Grace of God be with you all.

Oh and if you get a chance send me note, It really encourages me to hear from people, but I understand completely now more than ever if you are busy. Just don't ever be to busy to wonder and contemplate the Love and Grace of your Father in heaven.

Learning to Color code fast and efficiently.

For two hours each weekday I stop studying
and help our YWAM community by doing work duty.
This chicken tractor we just finish is
one of many projects we get to work on.
Photo credit to Moriah, one of our fine DTS students.

We get one day off in the SBS
and I have found many ways to spend that time.
Crow hunting and blog updating at the same time,
My multi-tasking at it's finest.