When I first enrolled at Grace Christian University as a stay-at-home dad juggling three young children and my music career, I never could have imagined that a simple class assignment would become my first published book. Looking back now, I can clearly see God’s plan at work, with the Father orchestrating every step of this journey, using my time at Grace to shape both my calling as a minister and my identity as a writer.
Finding My Path at Grace
I’ll be honest, I had my heart set on one of the theological schools in Atlanta. But I’ve learned to pray first and ask the Father to lead me where He knows is best. During one of those prayer sessions, I heard a single word: “grace.” That divine whisper completely redirected my search toward Grace Christian University.
What followed was months of thorough research. I came across Grace after a google search and felt this might be the place I was being called to. I studied the mission statement, connected with advisors to create a plan that would work with my family responsibilities, and had lengthy conversations with admissions representatives. After submitting my transcripts and completing all the requirements, I officially became a Grace student. The whole process confirmed that I was exactly where God wanted me to be.
My faith became the foundation for everything that followed. It shaped not just my academic pursuits but my entire personal development, providing a clear framework for my values and sense of purpose. More than that, it led me to discover a community where I truly belonged. The relationships I built and the educational experience I gained were far more fulfilling than anything I could have planned on my own. My faith inspired me to engage more deeply with my learning.
Support in Online Learning
The biggest surprise about studying online at a Christian university? The genuine accessibility of my professors and instructors. Whenever I had concerns or felt unclear about an assignment, there were always plenty of resources available to help me succeed in the online environment. What I initially thought would be the hardest part, staying connected with professors and classmates through a screen, actually became one of the most rewarding aspects. While it did have its challenges at first, I quickly learned that consistent communication with others, both during and after classes, was crucial for positive learning outcomes.
The Assignment That Changed Everything
February 2025 found me sitting in Professor Tom Schwartz’s Theology 454: Knowing God course, staring at what seemed like a straightforward assignment. We were tasked with creating a five-day devotional booklet that would explore various aspects of God through Trinitarian theology. Each day needed to incorporate biblical scriptures and quality source quotes, while leaving space for readers to reflect on how the content inspired them personally.
I won’t lie, the writing process initially made me nervous. However, through prayer and meditation, I found that planning became much easier than I expected. What made this assignment even more meaningful was a prophetic word I’d received the previous year. My spiritual friend, brother, and fellow musician Manuel D. Rodríguez (a gifted trumpet player) had told me that I would soon be writing a five-day devotional. When I saw this exact assignment listed in Professor Schwartz’s syllabus, I immediately called Manuel with excitement. That confirmation launched me into focused preparation, prayer, and research.
The topic practically chose itself: understanding who God truly is. The Trinity sits at the very core of Christian faith, revealing how God chooses to make Himself known to us. This theme allowed me to explore one of Christianity’s most complex yet crucial doctrines, helping believers grasp the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons existing as one divine essence. I knew that correctly understanding the Trinity would be essential for anyone wanting to worship God as He truly is while avoiding common theological misconceptions.
From Assignment to Published Work
Here’s what nobody, including me, saw coming: this classroom assignment was about to become a published book. The whole thing still feels like a divine setup. A few months after I submitted my devotional, Manuel called me with exciting news. He had used my devotional in one of his classes, and the response was overwhelming. “The people were like, ‘Oh WOW!'” he told me. “Man, you need to put this devotional book out there.”
I remember saying “okay” to his suggestion but not really following through at first. The class assignment happened in February 2025, and by May 19th, 2025, the book hit the shelves. The speed of that process still amazes me.
Looking back, I realize that Professor Tom Schwartz played a pivotal role in this journey, even though he didn’t know it at the time. His course didn’t just inspire the devotional that became my book, it provided the academic foundation and spiritual framework that made the whole project possible. That’s exactly why I dedicated the book to both Grace Christian University and Professor Schwartz. His teaching went far beyond educating me about knowing God; it equipped me with the tools and confidence to help others in their own journey of knowing God.
The motivation to actually publish came entirely through Manuel D. Rodriguez, founder of the Worshiping Musician School. While I felt called to share this work, I had absolutely no idea how to navigate the publishing world. During another prayer session, the Father impressed on me to ask Manuel for help with the entire process. His immediate and enthusiastic “yes” opened the door for everything that followed.
The Heart of the Devotional
“A Five-Day Devotional Exploration: The Triune God” guides readers through five carefully crafted aspects of our Triune God, each designed to deepen understanding and inspire worship.
Day 1
The Eternal Dance of the Trinity begins where all of Scripture begins, with the simple yet profound declaration that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This opening statement lays the foundation for understanding the Trinitarian nature of the divine. Through meditation on the Godhead’s creative work, readers can open their hearts and minds to glimpse the eternal dance of perfect love and communion that exists between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Day 2
The Relational God explores how relationality forms the very heart of our Christian understanding of the Triune God. The three Persons of the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, exist in dynamic, interpersonal communion characterized by perfect love and unity. What makes this even more beautiful is that the Triune God’s relational nature isn’t confined to the internal life of the Godhead but extends outward to encompass the entire created order, including each of us.
Day 3
The Self-communicating God delves into the Christian doctrine of divine revelation, emphasizing the truth that the Triune God is inherently self-communicating. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always existed in a dynamic relationship of mutual self-giving and self-expression. The incarnation of the Son, Jesus Christ, represents the absolute pinnacle of God’s self-communication to humanity.
Day 4
The Transcendent and Immanent God addresses one of theology’s most beautiful paradoxes, how the Triune God can be simultaneously transcendent and immanent. He is infinitely exalted above all creation yet chooses to be intimately involved in our world. In the Triune God, we encounter the ultimate mystery: the One who is infinitely transcendent and profoundly “other” yet graciously draws near to each of us personally.
Day 5
The Mysterious and Revealed God concludes by acknowledging that while the Triune God is infinitely mysterious, He has intentionally made Himself known to humanity. The very nature of the Trinity, three Persons, one God, represents a profound mystery that will always exceed our finite understanding. Yet in His infinite wisdom and grace, the Triune God has chosen not to leave us stumbling in the dark but to reveal Himself in ways we can grasp and respond to.
The Impact I Hope to Make
When people ask about the biggest challenge of putting my work into the world, I always come back to one fundamental question that haunted me: “Who really wants to hear what I have to say?” That self-doubt was probably the hardest obstacle to overcome.
But the joy of seeing this project come to life far outweighed any fears I had. Now I have my first published book sitting alongside the music I’ve produced as a working musician. Being chosen as a minister of the Lord feels like an incredible blessing, especially when I consider that God could have used anyone for this work. Instead, He decided to use me to continue His work in the world, shaping and changing lives through this devotional.
The message I hope readers take away goes far beyond just understanding Trinitarian theology on an intellectual level. I want to help people move from purely theoretical knowledge of the Trinity to embracing its transformative and practical implications for their daily lives and relationship with God. My prayer is that this devotional will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Triune God, ultimately empowering readers to live lives that actively reflect His love, unity, and purpose in every aspect of their daily experience.
Grace’s Continuing Impact
My experience at Grace has been instrumental in fostering my development both as a student and as a believer. The university provided me with knowledge and practical skills while simultaneously cultivating a much deeper relationship with God the Father. I now understand my calling through the lens of 2 Peter 1:10, which instructs us to “make your calling and election sure.” This means actively working toward securing the blessings and promises that come with being chosen by the Father, who calls people to salvation. It’s really about embracing spiritual growth while consistently doing good works.
The combination of my personal experiences, the relationships I’ve built, and my dedicated study of His Word during both personal and educational time has equipped me to serve others through writing and teaching. I often paraphrase 2 Timothy 2:15 this way: “Study to show yourself approved unto the Father, a workman who will not be ashamed, by rightly dividing the Word of truth.” This means learning to understand and interpret His Word with precision while applying it correctly in real-life situations. That foundation makes me feel genuinely equipped to serve others through both my writing and educational background.
Currently, I’m in my senior year working toward my B.A. in Criminal Justice degree. As a recent graduate (Class of 2024) with an A.A. in Leadership and Ministry, I’m also a devoted husband, father of three children, and professional musician specializing in bass guitar, composing, and producing. While I still have about nine courses left to complete my bachelor’s degree, I’m seriously considering pursuing my master’s degree afterward.
Words for Future Students
Anyone thinking about returning to school, especially through online programs, should start by getting crystal clear about their purpose for going back. Take time to research schools that truly interest you, and never underestimate the power of prayer in making this decision. Ask all the practical questions that most returning students have, like “Are my credits transferable?” and “How will this fit with my current responsibilities?”
Going back to school online can be an incredibly transformative and rewarding experience. By taking the time to plan thoroughly, prepare mentally and spiritually, and leverage all available resources, you’re setting yourself up for success. One of the most empowering aspects of online education is how it allows you to pick up exactly where you left off and finally fulfill or complete dreams that may have been put on hold for years.
A Testament to God’s Plan
What began as a simple class assignment has become a powerful testament to the Father’s faithfulness in my life. Professor Schwartz didn’t just hand out an assignment that day, he provided an opportunity for each of us to encounter God in a deeper way and then share that encounter with others who need it. Grace Christian University didn’t just offer me an education, it provided a platform for ministry that I never could have imagined.
To God be all the glory. This devotional book, my continuing education, my music career, and my calling as a minister are all interconnected parts of His perfect plan. Grace Christian University and Professor Tom Schwartz served as willing instruments in His hands to help bring this vision to life.
May this work stand as a testimony of faith, and the incredible power of God’s plan working through ordinary people who say yes to His calling. Grace and peace to all who read this.
Check out Willie’s five-day devotional. A Five-Day Devotional Exploration: The Triune God
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