First 40 Day Devotional 2018 by Friends University

irst Devotional

Welcome to Friends University! It is our most sincere hope and prayer that as you begin this new season of life, and become a member of the Friends community, you will seek every opportunity to ask big questions, explore what you believe and figure how you will live out these beliefs. As a Christian university, we believe that so much of this is wrapped up in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The college years are some of the most formative of your life. As you transition into this community, you do so without many of the comforts and connections you had back home. There will be times when a step, or even a leap, of faith will be required… and that can be hard especially in a new place. As a way of helping you to find your way and transition well into this new community, we have assembled this 40-day devotional to help serve as a guide of sorts. Whether you have grown up in the church, or come to Friends with little faith to speak of, we hope this guide will serve as a source of encouragement for you. There is nothing magical within these pages, just the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of Friends students and campus leaders who are actively engaged in their pursuit of Christ and living out their faith within the Friends University community. This guide has some suggestions for creating time and space with God, on a daily basis, during this season of transition. Some days you will be encouraged to read Scripture, read the brief devotion, reflect and pray as you seek the heart of God in this place. Other days you will be challenged to dig a little deeper into Scripture and do some reflection, or spend a few moments journaling about how things in your life are going, or you might be encouraged to explore some different place or

experiences within Friends University. Ultimately, this guide is yours to explore and help you acclimate to your new home. We are so glad that you are here! I am grateful to the students and campus leaders who have contributed to this guide! As you see them around campus, I encourage you to say, “Hi!” and introduce yourself. I am also thankful for all of the work that Nicole Ballard has put into assembling this devotional guide. May each day of reflecting on God’s Word, and upon the words of these writers, or engaging in some of the formative activities, help you to grow in your love for God and your love for others—above all else—as you make this place your new home. Grace and peace to you all, my new friends, Guy M. Chmieleski Campus Pastor, Dean of Campus Ministries and Interim Vice President of Student Affairs

A Guide for Daily Devotion Quiet your Heart

Listen for God

As we seek the Lord, it is important that we slow our pace, mind and body, so that we might better “see” and “hear” what the Lord might have for us. A major part of preparing a place for God to speak involves turning down the volume of the noisy world we have become so accustomed to living in. Take a few minutes to focus your mind’s attention, and heart’s affection, on the Lord Jesus.

Before you rush on to the next part of your day, take a few moments to sit with the things you have read and ask God if there is something specific for you to take away for today. If you sense a leading, be willing to follow it. Maybe write it down somewhere where you will be reminded of it. Allow this to orient you and the work, relationships and experiences you have throughout your day.

Opening Prayer

Closing Prayers

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek:

The following are a few suggestions you might pray for during these early days of the new academic year:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. Lord, meet me in this time…

The Reading of Scripture Take time to slowly, and prayerfully, read the Scripture passages assigned for the day. You will notice five key themes repeated throughout this collection of devotionals: faith, community, service, transition and vocation – all key themes to explore and understand as you make the most of your time here at Friends!

The Devotional Reflection Read the devotional reflection for the day. Each day, the devotional reflection will correspond to the theme and Scripture assigned to that day. A current student or campus leader has contributed each reflection – all of whom have been where you are now and want to see you succeed in life.

• Pray for your ongoing transition to Friends. Pray that God would give you a vision for your time as a student and that He would provide you a great community of friends. • Pray for your peers who are also in a season of transition. Despite how it might look, many of your classmates are struggling with all of the change in their lives. • Pray for our campus community. Pray that God will fill this place with His love and Spirit. Pray for peace, unity and love to define how we live life together. • Pray for our campus leaders, and specifically for President Carey, as we seek to lead the university in ways that will honor God and create a rich and Christ-centered educational experience for all who attend Friends.

DAY 1 — FAITH

Exodus 33:14 | Psalm 62:1-2 | Romans 8:28 Moses set up a tent outside of the Israelites’ camp. This was called the “tent of meeting.” Scripture tells us that when Moses would get up to go to the tent of meeting all the Israelites would stand up outside their tents and watch intently as Moses walked outside the camp to the tent. When Moses would enter the tent, a pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and God would speak with Moses. When the Israelites would see this, Scripture tells us that they would bow down at the entrance of the tent. Scripture tells us that “the Lord used to speak to Moses face-to-face, as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 33:11). Moses has just come down from the mountain with stone tablets written by the finger of God Himself to a golden calf made of the Israelites’ earrings. He is angry, frustrated and tired. This is when he turns to meet with God. The conversation goes something like this:

Moses (to the Lord): Look, You tell me, “Lead these

people!” but You haven’t yet told me whom You will send to accompany me. Yet You tell me, “I know you by name, and you have gained My trust and blessing.” If I have gained Your trust and blessing, reveal Your way to me so that I can truly know You and so that I may gain Your favor. Remember that this nation is Your covenant people.

Eternal One: I will do what you have said because you have gained My trust and blessing, and I know you by name (Ex. 33:12-17 The Voice).

Moses experienced God’s presence as a cloud as it passed by him on Mount Sinai just after he had this conversation with God. Elijah experienced it as sheer silence outside the cave. Peter, James and John heard the voice of God with Jesus at the transfiguration in Matthew 17. We also experience the presence of God. He has given us the presence of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The very presence of God is in you. Quakers call this the Inner Light. If we pay close enough attention and turn off the noise around us, we are able to notice it. Sometimes it is in the silence, and sometimes it is in the encouragement from a friend, or a butterfly, or a gust of wind through the trees. I pray that as you begin this new chapter here at Friends you would be encouraged that you are not alone. God’s presence is with you, and you have a community of people around you to encourage you as you make your way through this time. We are here to journey with you as you seek to grow in your faith. If you ever forget that God is with you and that He loves you, let our community remind you.

Eternal One: My presence will travel with you, and I will give you rest.

Moses: If Your presence doesn’t travel with me, then

don’t lead us away from here. How will the people know that I have gained Your trust and blessing if You do not travel with us? Isn’t it the very fact that Your presence travels with us that distinguishes us from every other people on earth?

Haley Alloway Associate Campus Pastor and Outreach Coordinator

DAY 2 — RE/CREATION Attend a campus and/or sporting event

Throughout this devotional, you will encounter RE/CREATION days – days designated to help you learn about and explore some of the places and opportunities you can engage in for renewal and refreshment. We believe that God wants you to be healthy and happy – and a part of that is finding ways to engage in community, build relationships and be active. There are countless events on campus! These events are fun and created to bring students together. Every event is free and open to all students. You will be notified through email, and posters will be hung all around campus advertising these events. Therefore, there is no way you’ll miss them! In addition to attending campus events, get out there and support the Friends athletic teams! The student athletes put a lot of time and effort into their sports and really appreciate your support! Athletic schedules can be found at friendsathletics.com.

DAY 3 — SCRIPTURE READING PSALM 23

Read Psalm 23 aloud. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Now, read it a second time. What words or phrases stand out to you? Highlight or underline them. Once you’ve done that, read the passage a third time – slowly – really taking note of what you marked. Why did those words or phrases stand out to you? What do you think God is trying to communicate to you? Take some time to thank Him for His Word and reflect on your experience.

DAY 4 — TRANSITION

Deuteronomy 33:29 | Psalm 103:2–5 | Romans 8:31-39 As we begin another academic year, may we be firmly rooted in the love of God! God’s calling on our life can take us on an unbelievable journey. This is a journey that asks us to be faithful, to place our full trust in Him, and to use our gifts and talents to further His Kingdom. This semester marks the beginning of my 12th year on staff at Friends University. As time goes by, I tend to reflect on the many life transitions I have experienced. There are many fun and exciting transitions, such as graduating school, getting married, experiencing the birth of a child and starting a new job. However, other life transitions can be less exciting, such as losing a loved one, moving away from family, or receiving an unfavorable diagnosis from the doctor. These experiences often challenge us in many ways. However, we are reminded they can never separate us from the love of God (Read Romans 8:31-39). During college, it seems like every semester is a transition. College is a time where many students move out of the house for the first time and the family dynamics begin to shift. Students experience both demanding schedules as well as times the schedule is very light. These changes also impact whom we spend the most time interacting with. How do these transitions impact the way we view God?

Why do we put ourselves through these transitions? Is all of the work worth it? While these transitions can be difficult to manage, we believe education is a transformational and life-changing process. This process does not occur overnight, during a single lecture or by completing a single course. Rather, it is the compilation of the entire experience that makes a significant impact on our lives – in class and out of class. During college, we are challenged to expand the way we see the world, the way we view people, including those who are different from us, and the way we approach complex challenges. Adjusting to this semester is likely another transition. While approaching this semester, may we lean into God’s love. May we trust that His plan is good and will fulfill us more than any of our earthly desires. It can be challenging to wait for our future to unfold, especially when we can’t see the next steps. However, if we believe God provides and wants the best for us, it can make the wait worth any trial, doubt or fear we might face. Preston Todd Assistant Dean of CBASE

DAY 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JOURNAL Well, your college journey has officially begun. How are you feeling? What are three goals you have for yourself in these first few weeks and months of school?

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DAY 6 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE PRAY

God wants to hear from you. Cultivating an active and consistent prayer life will be essential to you thriving spiritually in this new community. There is no need for prayer to be formal. Jesus taught that we can approach God as our loving Father and talk to Him as we would a best friend. As you pray, express to God whatever is on your heart. Tell Him what you’re thankful for and what you’re anxious about. Pray for those you know are in need, and also voice to Him your own needs. • One idea is to take a prayer walk. Head to a place where you know you can be alone, and as you walk slowly, begin to share your thoughts with God. • Another idea is to write a letter to God. Begin with “Dear God…” and then write whatever bubbles up in your heart. • If you find yourself needing more direction about how and what to pray, then consider personalizing each part of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. Jesus didn’t give us this prayer so that we would mindlessly repeat it from memory. Instead, He gave it as an example and pattern we can follow. That’s why He didn’t say “This is WHAT you should pray,” but rather “This is HOW you should pray” (Matthew 6:9). Making time for prayer every day, especially as course work picks up and schedules fill up, will ensure that you never lose sight of the God who loves and leads you each and every day.

DAY 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RE/CREATION Visit the campus ministries lounge

Have you stopped by the campus ministries lounge yet? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s located in Davis 214. It is a great place to meet new people and engage in great conversation. The environment is positive, and friendly faces are a given each time you walk in. In addition, they offer free coffee and hot chocolate daily! If you are looking for ways to get involved on campus, campus ministries is a great place to start. Guy, the campus pastor and dean of campus ministries, and Haley, the associate campus pastor, would be delighted to talk with you and get you plugged in! Find out about mission trips, retreats, volunteer opportunities, small group opportunities and much more!

DAY 8 — TRANSITION

Joshua 1:9 | Psalm 18:2 | 1 Corinthians 9:2 Transition is hard because it means change; change is hard because it means the unknown; the unknown is hard because it creates a sense of fear.

We see God’s power described in Psalm 18:2. God is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation and stronghold.

Right now, you might be feeling one or all of these things. Yet in Joshua 1:9, we are given powerful words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Can you live into that truth today?

During this time of fear, change and transition, you can be strong and courageous because God is with you wherever you go! Within this verse, it does not say, “be a little less afraid” or “have a tiny bit of courage.” Joshua 1:9 commands us of these things, showing that God means business. God is greater than whatever we might be facing, so we can have full confidence in His presence and power during this time of transition.

If you are experiencing difficulty in this period of transition, grab a piece of paper, write down these descriptors of God and carry them in your pocket. When you begin to feel fearful or discouraged, take out these words to remind yourself that you can be strong and have courage because God is with you. He is your rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of salvation and stronghold. Hold strong to these truths today! Christa Titus Senior / Senior Resident Assistant / Health Sciences and Christian Spiritual Formation

DAY 9 — FAITH

Psalm 9:9-10 | Proverbs 3:5-6 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 Often we view faith as something only the most righteous of the most righteous have, and it looks like it makes everything so easy for them! As Christians, faith should be easy and simple, right? And it should make life easy and simple, right? We often think that in order to have faith, we have to be strong. We have to be able to handle it. We have to be perfect Christians with no problems, but that is the exact opposite of what faith is about. Faith is trusting God when we aren’t strong enough to do things ourselves or even when we are. Faith is a surrender, an acceptance of our shortcomings and a recognition of all God can do. That’s what makes it so scary. We fear our own inadequacies; so instead of acknowledging them (let alone accepting them), we hide them behind our strengths and our pride. We claim this as confidence to mask our fear; and when we fall short, this only builds upon our fear. As that mountain of fear grows, we build a bigger wall to hide it, separating us further from God and others. Faith allows us to tear down this wall. Faith allows us to connect with God and others. Faith is trust that, despite our fears, we can believe God does love us. As we have faith, God is able to take those fears away. God heals us in our weakness.

This wall makes us impersonal because we must keep up the act of being perfect. We must pretend we are fine. We must fake our faith. God doesn’t want that. We don’t want that. Acting is more difficult than being genuine. We’ve grown so used to it that it’s hard to go back. We have to remember who we are. We are imperfect. We make mistakes. We are flawed. Those aren’t bad things, at least not in the way we typically think they are. Our flaws allow God to better us. Our imperfections and shortcomings are made beautiful. Like a broken bowl placed over a lamp, our cracks allow the light to shine through. John Pettyjohn Junior / English

DAY 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JOURNAL Take some time to write down whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in your life at this point. Have you and your roommates been able to bond? What are they like? How are your classes going so far? If you are involved in athletics, fine arts or other clubs, what are your likes and dislikes about those?

DAY 11 — VOCATION

Exodus 3:1-12 | Proverbs 6:6 | Ephesians 4:1-13 “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’” – Exodus 3:11 It is amazing to me how day after day, our world keeps on keeping on. For this reality of sustainability, it must mean that every individual was created by a Master Creator with just the right balance of talents, interests and abilities to compliment those of their fellow human beings.

On holy ground, God told Moses that He would send Moses to speak to Pharaoh on behalf of his people. On holy ground, Moses argued that he was not the right person for the job; and still, on holy ground, God told Moses yet again that He would send him, but He would not send him alone.

This means that every vocation is important. The clerk working at the grocery store is vital to our lives; how else would we have access to grocery items at practically every hour of the day? The care worker at the childhood center is significant; how else would children with extremely diverse home lives be watched so lovingly, day after day?

We are fed so many lies that say our vocational dreams are not good. Lies tell us that there are already too many novelists, nurses, artists, etc. and we shouldn’t add to the market. Lies tell us that we will never be qualified. But if it is in our bones, if we keep on returning to its holy ground, it is ours. As Rob Bell once shared about the idea of ideas, yeah, maybe other people have done whatever your “it” is, but nobody has done it like you.

And although we can recognize that every vocation has a place in keeping our world spinning, we so easily get caught up in worrying about how we are supposed to contribute to society. Sometimes I think we spend too much energy trying to decide what we are supposed to do, and not enough time thinking about who we want to be, because isn’t how we do whatever we do the most important part? You can be the smartest music teacher on the planet, but if you teach out of anger, do the musical concepts you’re trying to share with the students really matter?

You are on holy ground. The Master Creator is pointing to you. Laura Peck Senior / Spiritual Life Assistant / Sociology and Christian Spiritual Formation

DAY 12 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Find a new church “home”

We are designed, by God, as relational beings – created in God’s own image. As followers of Jesus, we are called into regular fellowship with one another, in many places, but most definitely in the Church. Finding a new church “home” or taking intentional steps to be consistently connected to a local church community will be essential to you growing in your faith and making the very most of your formative college years! So have you found a church home here in Wichita? If not, now is a great time to start the process. Here are a few suggestions for starting this process: 1. Pray. Ask God for guidance in finding a place where you can belong, experience Him, and invest your time and talents. 2. Ask around. Ask your Resident Assistant, your Spiritual Life Assistant, your First Year Mentor or one of your professors. In fact, ask as many people you can:

4. Start today. You may only be able to visit a worshiping community on Sunday morning, but you can pray now and begin to ask others about where they attend. You can also get online and do some research from the comfort of your own room. Most churches have a decent website that will include uploaded sermons or worship sets. There is a lot you can learn just from spending some time looking around their sites. Getting involved on campus will be very important. Finding ways to grow in your faith – with your peers and through opportunities provided right here at Friends – will be key as well. But finding a local church to be a part of will be significant to your faith formation during your time here. You need to be a part of a multi-generational worshiping community – and they need you!

a. Where they go b. What they like about it c. If they’d be willing to give you a ride sometime. 3. Shop around. Yes, be willing to take the better part of the fall semester to get to several different local churches. This is likely the first time you’ve gone out looking for a church to belong to – so think through what you’re really looking for. Consider: a. Style of music and speaking b. Proximity to campus/home c. Opportunities to connect with others outside of regular service times d. Opportunities to serve and invest your gifts e. Opportunities for small groups, outreach, etc.

DAY 13 — SCRIPTURE READING COLOSSIANS 3

Read Colossians 3 aloud. 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Now, read it a second time. What words or phrases stood out to you? Highlight or underline them. Once you’ve done that, read the passage a third time – slowly – really taking note of what you marked. Why did those words or phrases stand out to you? What do you think God is trying to communicate to you? Take some time to thank Him for His Word and reflect on your experience.

DAY 14 — RE/CREATION Engage in an outdoor activity

After sitting through classes, studying in the library and working on homework, aren’t you tired of being inside? Doesn’t your brain need a break from the continuous screen time and intense focus required daily? Take a break and get outside this week! Enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Though the Friends campus may be small, it has a lot to offer. Here are a few suggestions to get you outside and active: • The sand volleyball courts are there for your use! Get some new friends together and engage in a friendly game of volleyball, or grab a beach towel and a glass of lemonade and enjoy some time in the sun. Volleyballs can be checked out at the desk located in Lower Casado. You must present your student ID. • Grab a Frisbee or football and play catch on the lawn near Friends Village. • Set up a hammock in front of Davis and relax. • Go on a walk or jog. • Find a friend and explore a nearby park. • Go on a picnic. Take advantage of these early fall days and get outside to enjoy God’s beautiful creation!

DAY 15 — TRANSITION

Genesis 46:3-4 | Matthew 11:28-30 | James 1:5-8 “Phew, that’s over!” Have you ever thought that? Or have you ever finished a chapter and felt somewhat sad it was over? On the other hand, did you start the next chapter thinking, “I can’t wait for this next one!” excited about the unknown adventures awaiting for you in the days ahead! Endings and beginnings tend to bring joy and sorrow, celebrations and mourning. In the midst of endings and beginnings, we remember with our eyes forward to what’s next! At the cusp of a new school year, we embrace transition: saying “goodbye” or “see you later” to old friends, families, homes and carefree days of summer, ready to embrace new friends, new community, new living spaces and days filled with classes, jobs and activities! How do we embrace this transition well? How do we walk through it with grace? Maybe transitions are best made when you remember the past, grateful for all the shaping moments and relationships, while you are hopeful and expectant for what is coming next! Have you taken time to remember what you are leaving behind? To glean all the Lord has for you in those shaping moments? Moreover, have you started to look for the things ready for you to embrace and hope for in a new year?

Today’s scripture passages give us signposts on this journey, as we transition from one season to the next. Each passage points to God as our guide on this journey. When we keep our eyes on Him, He will frame our past experiences and set vision for our future expectations! Some key phrases to remember in this season of transition: “Do not be afraid,” “I will go with you,” “Come to me and I will give you rest,” “learn from me,” and “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” Scripture is full of men and women trusting the Lord in many seasons of uncertainty and trusting in all His good promises for us! As you start a new year, seek the Lord to show you His hand at work in your past experiences and the promises He has for you in this next season. Open hands are best for receiving gifts! “To go back is nothing but death; to go forward is fear of death, and life everlasting beyond it. I will yet go forward.” – John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress Lacey Landenberger Co-director of Residence Life

DAY 16 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Steward your calendar

Do you know one of the best things that you can do for yourself as you navigate these early days of the new academic year? Learn to manage your time well. Become the “keeper of your calendar.” Set out to be a good steward of your days and hours. You might be thinking at this point in your early weeks on campus that you’d really like to see a few more things upon your calendar – and that may be necessary. But if you’re not careful, before you know it, you could find yourself being ruled by an overwhelming schedule of homework and activities. Yes, there are some things that every college student must do (or at least they’re supposed to): eat, sleep, attend class, do your homework. Some of you will also need to allocate some hours each week toward work. Beyond that, however, your time is for you to fill as you desire. Sports, music, dance, clubs, hanging out with friends, etc. So many different things that you might give your time to, so many worthy things worth checking out. The key to making the most of your days (and that doesn’t mean cramming as much as possible into those days), is deciding what things are most important to you – and then giving them sufficient time and devotion. You cannot give anything the kind of attention and effort it deserves if your schedule is packed to overflowing.

So, here is today’s spiritual practice: 1. Take out your calendar and set it before you. Pray and ask God to help you make wise decisions with the time that you have. 2. Take out a piece of paper and begin to make a list of the things that are important to you, the things that you might give your time to and the things you must do. Pray and ask God to help you prioritize your activities. Be sure to leave margin (or space) in your days for rest and recreation. 3. Practice saying “no!” Again, in order to really invest yourself in a few things well, you will have to say “no” to several other opportunities. It’s OK. It’s not the end of the world. And trust me when I say you will enjoy yourself much more if you can learn to say “no” than if you’re spending every day running from one thing to the next and to the next. Becoming a good steward of your calendar is a great thing to learn while you’re in college. Make it a practice to regularly evaluate how you are spending your time, what you’re investing your energy in and how much unscheduled time you’re leaving yourself for rest and recreation.

DAY 17 — COMMUNITY

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 | Proverbs 12:26 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Transitioning to college is full of new and possibly confusing experiences. It’s like starting high school, in the way that you can’t find your classes for the first few days or so, but also includes the aspect of being a stranger to most of the people around you. However, God did not intend for us to live lives of isolation. That is the great thing about college; it offers you the opportunity to make lifelong connections and to grow with others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states that having two people is better than continuing alone. This passage shares how we can accomplish more together than by ourselves and that, if someone were to fall, there would be someone to help them up. However, the last portion of this section declares that we should have pity for those who fall with no one there to help them back up. Considering this, we can look to 1 Thessalonians 5:15, which directs us to seek to do good to everyone around us. Perhaps, if you are to come across someone who has fallen, so to speak, you should be the one to extend your hand and help them up. Making connections in college, which may be daunting, provides you a support system to fall back on.

I can’t tell you enough how valuable my friends were for me during my freshman year. That being said, you must be careful of whom you surround yourself. Proverbs 12:26 proclaims, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” It is easy to fall into bad habits and behaviors. Whom you surround yourself with can and will influence you and your lifestyle, so take the utmost caution in picking who you spend your time with. If you fall, as stated in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, you will need someone trustworthy and good to help you back up. So, take care in whom you surround yourself with and strive to be someone who helps others up, even when it is hard to do so. College is a time to build bridges and connect with others; just make sure your bridges are stable and not prone to collapsing. Build yourself a community full of love and support. Alexa Schlagel Sophomore / Resident Assistant / Elementary Education

DAY 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RE/CREATION Friendship Fields

Friendship Fields is a program associated with Friends University that allows college-age adults with disabilities to experience college life. Friends University students have the opportunity to work with these students with special needs. Approximately 15 students with special needs participate on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year and follow a curriculum that focuses on life skills, people skills and social interaction with college students. The Friendship Fields program is not only helping students with special needs with their desire to experience college life; it is transforming Friends University studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. For more information on Friendship Fields, please contact Valerie Wall, Friendship Fields Director, at wall@friends.edu or 316-619-9633.

DAY 19 — JOURNAL “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Take a few minutes to count your blessings today by making a list of fifteen things you are thankful for.

DAY 20 — TRANSITION

Exodus 12:40-42 | 1 Samuel 2:7-8 | Psalm 4:6-8 “The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” – 1 Samuel 2:6-8 Say there comes a morning when you’re feeling confused and tired and alone. Perhaps you’re wondering how to handle a new and challenging assignment. Or maybe you received a text the night before with some sad news. You’re living with people you’re still getting to know and you aren’t sure about, and you feel burdened, worried, fearful and concerned. And you wonder: I am just one small person in the midst of so many things; does God care about my struggles at all?

So as you go about your day, whether difficult or easy, keep the story of Hannah and her prayer in mind. Your life and world are nothing like hers. Yet the God who attended her in her suffering and her joy was the same God whose grace is with you, and with all of us. That’s an ancient promise, one that on the surface may be strange and hard to understand, but it is one that ties together Hannah in Shiloh and yourself here at Friends University all the same.

Long ago, there was a woman named Hannah, a childless woman who the stories in the first book of Samuel tell us went to the temple at Shiloh, pleading that she might conceive a son. When she did and brought her son to the temple to be raised as a priest, she praised God. For giving her a son? Yes – but also for more than that.

Russell Fox Professor of Political Science, Director of Honors Program and Model UN Sponsor

Hannah’s prayer praises God’s power, a power that was with her as she suffered through childlessness and was with her as she followed through on her promise to offer up her son to the Lord’s work. Her gratitude was a function of her confidence that God attends us through life and death, poverty and wealth, humiliation and triumph. His promises may be fulfilled in our own lifetimes, but whether they are or not, the story of Hannah’s prayer models something for us. It speaks of the wonder and gratitude which a recognition of God’s power brings into our lives – and that is something we can recognize in the midst of any change or challenge we may endure, or through any failure or any success, no matter how large or small.

DAY 21 — FAITH

Psalm 27:1-3 | Proverbs 29:25 | Philippians 4:12-13 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13 In a world revolving around social media and 24/7 news coverage, it is so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself with others and wanting everything “right here, right now.” So when things don’t work out the way you want or expect them to, it’s easy to become frustrated and feel lost. When I was in college, I had everything worked out: I was going to be a journalism major, get an internship in New York, and then work for a bestselling magazine. But once I began my major courses, I began to second-guess everything. Was this the major for me? Why did I feel dissatisfied? What was my purpose? My dad told me I needed to “Let go and let God.” As someone who is very much in control and an organizational fanatic, this was hard to do. But I knew my dad was right. I needed to have faith that God would lead me on the path that I was meant to follow. It didn’t happen overnight, but I soon found my passion was in higher education – a journey that has led me to meet some of my best friends, find incredible mentors and work with some of the most inspirational students.

College can be tough. Everything might not work out exactly according to your 18-year-old self’s plan. Your experiences may not look exactly like your Facebook acquaintances’ experiences. But trust the process and enjoy the journey. Who knows – that class you signed up for just because the one you really wanted was full, the organization you joined on a whim or the random conversation you start up in the cafeteria may lead to a major, a career or a friendship you would have never expected. Let go and have faith in what God has to offer you. Ashley Borniger Director of New Student Transitions

DAY 22 — COMMUNITY

John 15:12-15 | Acts 2:42-47 | Romans 12:16 Today’s scriptural passage from Acts describes the behavior of the early Christian church and gives us a sense of what was important to the first Christians. The two things that stand out from this passage are that the early church was focused on action and on community. In terms of action, the passage suggests that the early Christians were concerned about doing something, not just talking about it. Having spent most of my life in and around churches, I’m sometimes amazed at all of the talking and discussion we do. While it’s important to discuss our faith, tell about our journey and share our struggles, we sometimes miss the point that Christianity is an action-oriented faith. The life of Jesus, the founder of our faith, was a life of action; Jesus spent a lot of time preaching, teaching, healing and developing relationships. His early followers picked up on this and focused on not just believing the right thing (although this is very important and we know from other parts of Scripture that the early church did focus on this at times), but also on living out, in tangible ways, the good news that Jesus came to share. The way the early church lived out Jesus’ good news focused heavily on community. By eating together, praying together, performing miracles together, sharing their possessions and meeting together for worship, the early church modeled Jesus’ teaching regarding the importance of the Kingdom of God. This teaching focused both on bringing individual people into the Kingdom (salvation), and also on the reality of the fact that through Jesus, people were capable of living in the world in a new way. Instead of focusing on themselves, they could learn to live together in the sort of community God originally envisioned in the Garden of Eden.

This is a powerful thought. The original human beings, Adam and Eve, lived together in peace and harmony until sin entered the picture and broke the connections humans shared both with God and with each other. Jesus’ mission was to restore us to the connection with God and with others that was God’s original plan from the beginning. So when the early church devoted itself to a close, intimately-connected life together, it was living out the good news that the power of sin to separate and destroy human connections had been defeated and a new way of living together was possible because of the work of Jesus. Two thousand years later, Christians still have the opportunity to live out this good news. We have a chance to point a divided world in which people are alienated from God and each other toward the type of community that exists in God’s family. My prayer is that you will get a taste of this sort of community during your time at Friends, and that you will take that vision of community with you out into a lost and dying world that desperately needs examples of the new way of life that is possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Kenneth Stoltzfus Dean of CBASE

DAY 23 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Explore God’s Calling

Do you believe that God made you – just as you are?

I do. Do you believe that God has a purpose for your life?

I do. Do you believe that God knows the desires of your heart?

I do.

Do you believe that God wants to use your formative college years to prepare you for something great?

I do! When you allow God to lead you and guide you during this formative season of life, and you are willing to be open to the ways in which God wants to use you – and your gifts and talents and passions – to make a difference in the world, then you set the stage for something magnificent to happen during these years. What is it? You surrender your career plans for God’s calling on your life. What’s the difference you may wonder… Well, that all depends on what’s been driving your decisions about your major and future work up to now. When we leave God out of this conversation, our career plans tend to focus more on what we want, what we think we might like, what we think we might be good at, and ultimately, the kind of job that sounds good and interesting to us. However, when we invite God into this conversation, and allow him to lead us and guide us, well, that changes things. We begin by looking at our lives – and the things that make us, well, us. What are you good at? What are your gifts and talents? What are you passionate about? What keeps you up at night? What are the needs in the world that break your heart?

I believe God wants to use you – your gifts, talents, passions, time and energy – to make a difference in the world. It may not come with a fancy title or big payday, but it will ultimately provide you with the kind of fulfillment and sense of purpose that neither title nor six-figure income could ever do. So, your challenge today is to prayerfully consider: • What am I good at? What are my gifts and talents? • What am I passionate about? What stirs me up on the inside? • What is the need in the world that I can help with? The more time you spend praying about, and reflecting upon these things, the more clarity God will provide to you about your future. And OH, what a future it will be!

DAY 24 — SERVICE

1 Samuel 12:24 | Matthew 20:28 | 1 Peter 4:10-11 The idea of service can seem strangely foreign to many millennials. I mean, let’s be honest; we’ve been trained by societal norms to live into a consumeristic idea of “As long as I’m happy, everything is okay.” Most of us were brought up in a culture of selfsatisfaction and instant gratification. While living into the things that bring you joy can be great and healthy, it is also good to dwell in a spirit of service, not only because the Bible says to, but also because serving others, for the glory of God, can bring incomprehensible joy. The God we love is a faithful God. As it says in 1 Peter 4, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.” He has prepared you to serve. He has equipped you to give of yourselves and love others the ways in which you so deeply desire to be loved. He has created us as brothers and sisters in Him; and our service not only to God but also to each other is a reflection of His great love. He rewards those who serve Him, and He has set apart this image of the fullest life for us to delve into and live out.

You have so much matter and weight in the Kingdom of God. And God is inviting you to use “the wonderful things He has done for you” in conjunction with your spiritual gifts from Him to enter into a joyfilled place of selflessness. Be challenged to live beyond expectations this year. Be an example of Christ’s love and service everywhere you go, and you will be taking a brave step into (what I believe is) the fullest life: a life far from blandness, a life far from emptiness. Let the Lord of all creation fill you with His love, His joy and His spirit this year as you give of yourself to build community and bring glory to Him who truly deserves it. Aubrey VandenHoek Junior / Spiritual Life Assistant / English

As you walk into this new school year and this new season of life, remember that you’re cared for and have been blessed by an indescribable God. He is divinely obsessed with you, and with your inherent desire to be in community with Him and with each other. He has given each of you a gift with which you can serve each other and serve His Kingdom.

DAY 25 — RE/CREATION Budgeting

College is a critical time in many young people’s lives – a time to learn how to live independently. With this independence comes the responsibility of developing healthy financial habits. If you’re new to financial independence, establishing a responsible budget is essential. Setting up a monthly budget will require time and effort, but it will be well worth it. Here’s how you can begin: 1. Set realistic goals. Before you create a plan to manage your money, you need to identify your goals, both short-term and long-term. Don’t just make a mental note of them, actually write them down. Short-term goals may include things like setting aside $50 each paycheck for fall tuition or only stopping by Starbucks once a week rather than four or five times. Frequent small purchases add up quickly. Graduating with minimal student loans or helping pay for your children’s college someday may be included on your list of long-term financial goals. Whatever you choose, make your goals reasonable and attainable. 2. Identify your incomes and expenses. Keep a list of incomes and a list of expenses. What are you spending your money on? Is your entire income already spent before it’s even in your hands? It’s important to keep track of what you’re making, what you’re spending AND what you are spending it on. Identifying these things will allow you to become a smarter spender and a smarter saver. 3. Separate needs and wants. Financial needs are expenses that are essential for you to be able to live and work. They’re the recurring expenses that more than likely eat up a large sum of your paycheck – food, gas, school textbooks, etc. Wants, on the other hand, are expenses that help you live more comfortably. You can survive without them, but you enjoy your life more when you have them – Starbucks coffee, a Netflix subscription, name brand clothing.

Look back at your list of expenses and label each one a need or a want. Now that you’ve identified those, it’s time for you to create a budget. 4. Design your budget. Evaluate your needs and wants list. Do the wants outweigh the needs or is there a good balance? “Wants” spending doesn’t have to be eliminated altogether, but it may need to be downsized a bit. If you tithe, take this out of your paycheck first. After that, you can deal with the remaining portion. Create different categories – food, wants, transportation and gifts to name a few - and assign every cent a place. By doing this, all of your money has a specific place, which will hopefully help limit impulse buying. You can adjust as needed, but try and stick to your budget as much as possible! Here are some simple ways to decrease spending and increase savings during your college years: • Take advantage of the free coffee and tea on campus (Campus Ministries Lounge, Library). • Use your Casado meal plan rather than eating out. • If you’re going somewhere you’ll be tempted to spend money, leave your wallet at home or hidden in the car. • Buy those off-brands!

DAY 26 — FAITH

Psalm 34:4 | Jeremiah 32:17 | 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3 As we tackle this topic of faith, let’s take a look at what faith is. Faith is defined as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” The act of being faithful means being constant, steadfast and loyal. As you begin your college journey, dear friend, remember these characteristics of God. He is constant. He is steadfast. He is loyal. He will never leave you. He walks beside you in the darkest valley and rejoices with you on the mountaintop. When your faith is shaky and your heart seems far from Him, know that He never stops loving you and pursuing you.

Now, if you are like me, coming in with the next four years of your life completely planned out, I challenge you to take this advice: Change is okay. Change is good. Some of your plans will be different than God’s plans, and that’s where faith comes into play for you. Have faith that when something changes or doesn’t go as planned, God is trying to get your attention. He’s calling out your name, saying, “Do you trust me?” If your answer is yes, have confidence that He is about to use you in ways far greater than you could ever imagine.

As someone who relies heavily on routines and set schedules, having faith can be tough for me. Oftentimes, I have to make the decision to trust the Lord’s leading without knowing all of the details. My prayer for you is that you will be able to do the same this coming year.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

You are never alone, friend.

Nicole Ballard Sophomore / First Year Mentor / Chemistry

If you are coming in undecided and it’s causing you stress and anxiety, take heart, because there are so many others in your same situation. It’s okay to not have your whole life planned out the minute you step foot on campus. That’s where faith comes in. Trust that the Lord will provide and that He has something amazing for you. Take it one day at a time.

DAY 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JOURNAL Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Or is there a verse that God has been placing on your heart often? Take some time and write this verse down. Why did you choose this verse? What does say it say about the character of God?

DAY 28 — VOCATION

Ruth 1:15-18 | Matthew 28:16-20 | Romans 12:9-21 What is your vocation? Vocation is the calling felt toward a specific occupation or profession. As high schoolers I am sure that you were constantly asked what you were doing after graduation. It’s overwhelming to feel like you need to know what you want to do and decide your profession. Maybe you don’t know what your vocation is or even how to figure it out. I am here to tell you God has a plan for your life worth waiting for! God will lead you in the direction you should go in many ways. His leading is not like how your mom, boss or teacher will lead you; it’s quiet and at the perfect time. Spend time in prayer and in the Word daily, listening for the leading of the Lord. Romans 12:9-12 says, keep serving the Lord with fervor and never losing your zeal. I urge you today to continue to do this even when it gets busy. To follow your calling doesn’t mean your profession needs to be a missionary, pastor or worship leader. You can follow the calling of the Lord in your everyday lives as students, teachers or any other profession. In other words, “Bloom where you are planted.” Share the love of Christ with the world through serving and doing good. Everything we do as Christians should be for the glory of God. As a student here at Friends, you may see others putting in as little effort as possible to get a good grade, trying to get out of work or simply not doing the work. Rely on the Lord to help you persevere and do the hard work! Just doing the next thing to the best of your ability may be your vocation right now. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23

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Samantha Camden Sophomore / Resident Assistant / Business Administration and Marketing

DAY 29 — VOCATION

1 Samuel 3:1-10 | Jeremiah 1:4-19 | Acts 8:26-40 Wow! It’s hard to believe that we are at the start of another school year – another year of adjustments each of us, including both returners and new students, will encounter. The adjustment for all students is challenging and exciting at the same time. That period of adjustment deals with figuring out where you fit at the university and working toward being successful. You are going to have teachers, staff, administrators, coaches and fellow students that will give you the keys to success. The important thing to remember is to listen and take all the information in before making decisions. Listening is an important part of helping to build your surrounding community, continuing to develop your faith and helping transition into the next opportunity of life. All those opportunities to listen as classes start and especially when teachers provide you with information will make the semester easier. Listening can also be aided by your faith; an example is when you get that first quiz back or when your coach gets upset about something you did in practice. These are the times that praying and actually listening can be a great way to get back on the right path. This is an important point for us to remember – if we listen when God speaks, we can overcome any tough opportunity. So let’s fast forward 40 days into your next semester at Friends; can we ask you a question? How great a listener were you? Did you listen to every bit of information that was passed your way by your teachers, coaches, administrators, friends and God? If so, you will not only be successful in the transition into another year of education, you will also be surrounded by a great community, and most importantly your faith will be as strong as ever! Allen Eberwein Director of Casado Campus Center

DAY 30 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Serve someone

Do you know that the college years can be some of the most self-centered years of your life? It’s true! Your major responsibilities are simply taking care of yourself – eating and sleeping and doing your homework. Outside of classes, you can choose to be involved in this activity or not, that social group or not, take that job or not, stay up late or not, sleep in and skip all of your classes or not. You get the idea. You have many choices to make, and you are at the center of how and why you will choose what you do. This self-centered way of life is what is promoted by our North American culture. Consider just about any ad. The ad appeals to you based on how its designer believes you will make most of your decisions – with you at the center. But Jesus seems to challenge this way of thinking consistently throughout the Gospels. Jesus, time and time again, encourages His followers to think of others, to serve one another and to do what’s right or best for the community – over and above the individual. The college years are one of the most developmental seasons of life you will ever go through. NOW is the time for you to incorporate consistent service into your life – so that it might take root and become a normalized part of who you are and how you see yourself in this world.

Here are a few ideas for getting started: • Look for some ways to clean up or help out around your dorm. It could involve cleaning up around your apartment to helping to set up or tear down for a dorm activity. • Keep an eye out for trash as you walk around campus. Be willing to reach over, pick it up and put it in the garbage. • How about the caf? Next time you’re finishing up a meal with your friends, why not offer to take all the dishes (assuming that you can do that without them all falling and making a mess). • Do you excel in a particular class? Do you know of anyone struggling in that same class? Why not offer to help them out. In addition, there are numerous locations around Wichita for you to use your time and energy to make a difference. Stop by the Campus Ministries office on campus, and we will help you find something that fits with your gifts and passions. The key here, as is true in so much of life, is to be intentional. Make a decision to take action – and then DO IT!

DAY 31 — FAITH

Psalm 37:3-7 | Matthew 6:8-34 | 2 Timothy 1:7 Christians have disagreed upon and uniquely perceived religion, as well as how it should be done, all throughout history. While some may emphasize the traditional aspect and importance of the sacred structure of the church, others view it simply as a pursued relationship between the Creator and the created. As each Christian church falls on some point of a spectrum, and with so many shared views, independent views and everything in between, I’ve always found it hard to know what way is the right way. This frantic need to be correct made my spiritual life fill with unnecessary anxiety and panic when in fact it should be my source of peace and joy. With all these unknown answers and confusion, however, I’ve found the true and important root for anyone who is seeking the Father to be one thing – Faith. When we focus too much on correctly labeling and organizing our spirituality, we lose sight of what Christianity means and become focused on what we humans (not God) believe to be right. It amazes me how much we believe we should know and should worry about on our own in this earthly life. Is it not true that God has never expected you to understand or do anything alone, but simply to have this one aspect of faith in Him and allow Him to guide you and provide for you? When man worried about what to eat, drink and wear, God guided us in Mathew 6:33, saying, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In this simple and single verse, God tells us all we need to find Him, His Kingdom and what our hearts desire. Therefore, to obtain a relationship with our God, you don’t require more knowledge or more structure, but an active and relentless faith.

Faith is defined as the complete trust in something or someone. All Christians should definitely ask questions, be curious and be skeptical, but we should know we are within this common ground of complete trust in our God. So do not plant worry where peace should be, but allow your faith to remind you that you are not going to have all the answers. Faith is not always knowing how, but believing God can and will always find a way for His people. Kara Zahariades Sophomore / Health Sciences

DAY 32 — RE/CREATION Check out Casado Campus Center

The Casado Campus Center houses televisions, a ping pong table, a pool table, an Apple TV and the McKay Gymnasium, all of which are open to student use. Paddles and balls can be checked out at the front desk. Jazzman’s and Sandella’s are also located in Lower Casado. DCB can be used for all purchases. If you and a friend are looking for a quieter place to grab lunch or your family wants to join you for coffee, this is your place. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, smoothies, coffee and so much more. They are open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., so go give them a try!

DAY 33 — JOURNAL Are you finding your “college groove” yet? What are two things you have learned so far – either in a class or maybe about life in general? Is there anything new you’ve learned about yourself since you’ve arrived at Friends? Whom do you hang out with? What characteristics draw you to those people?

DAY 34 — FAITH

Psalm 34:4 | Jeremiah 32:17 | 2 Thessalonians 3:3 When I first came to Friends, I don’t think I understood what the commonly used biblical word “faith” meant. Not to say that I fully understand it now, but I have learned a lot. You see, I knew that faith wasn’t simply a statement of “I believe in God” because the Bible made it quite clear that faith was a constant action. Believers were supposed to have faith in every moment, not just once. I had heard that the word “faith” could be replaced with the word “trust,” but even then, I didn’t understand what it was to “have trust in God.” I recently read a book by A.W. Tozer called “The Pursuit of God.” In it, Tozer provides one of the most enlightening discussions of faith I have ever read. He explains that the Bible makes it quite clear that faith is “all-important to the life of the soul.” He also states that it is not as important to define what faith is in essence, but more so what it is in operation. After all, a very popular scripture (James 2:17) says, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Psalm 34:4-5 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Whenever you read Scripture, keep your eyes out for passages that talk about looking at or listening to God, and use those to help you understand faith. It’s a very rewarding practice. Lastly, when you come across trouble and hardship during school, seek the Lord. Call out to Him, and He will save you from all your fears. I know this because He’s done the same for me. Nathaniel Filer Junior / Computer Science, Music and Christian Spiritual Formation

But what are the works? Tozer defines faith in operation in this way: “faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.” All we must do is turn our eyes upon Jesus. If we shift our focus off ourselves and onto Christ, we will see and be able to accept the fact that he is constantly saving us every moment, not just once. When we become Christ-centered instead of self-centered, our sins will vanish. What better way to become Christ-centered than to gaze steadily upon Him?

DAY 35 — COMMUNITY

Proverbs 17:17 | Matthew 18:15 | 1 John 1:3, 7 Hello, friends. Welcome to Friends University! I hope your transition into the school year is going well. It is always a little hectic when you enter into a new community, but this time of year is always exciting because we have the ability to create an amazing community! “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 As you have probably noticed, you may be very different from those you are now living with. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, you may notice that you are actually very similar to those that surround you. Either way you have entered into a new living space, with new people. As you get to know your roommates, teammates, classmates, teachers and soon-to-be best friends, you will realize that each person has different adversities. Soon those adversities will make up your community. We are believers of the Word, and God never intended for us to believe His Word alone. We are the Body of Christ, and each person is needed in the Body of Christ. That means you are essential to the Body. You are needed in the Kingdom’s work.

Although it may be scary or uncomfortable, it is essential that you step into an active community. These next years of your life will be the most transformational years, and through the transitions, community is essential. Without the sharing of your experiences and without the encouragement or understanding you have to offer the community and the community has to offer you, the Body of Christ is missing something important. You are important to the Body of Christ. For many friends will love through the impact you have had on them and you will love many through the impact the community has had on you. When Christ is the center of your community, love radiates. Christ is our friend who loves at all times, for Christ is love. And “what is love without the body” – Gungor. I encourage you to seek out a community this week, whether that is within your dorm, classes, sports, fine arts, etc. Community is a gift God has given us. It helps us to love, to receive love and to do so much more. Why should we do anything but seek and accept this gift of community? Miranda Tenove Junior / Resident Assistant / Christian Spiritual Formation

DAY 36 — SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 6

Read the following passage from Ephesians 6 aloud. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Now, read it a second time. What words or phrases stand out to you? Highlight or underline them. Once you’ve done that, read the passage a third time – slowly – really taking note of what you marked. Why did those words or phrases stand out to you? What do you think God is trying to communicate to you? Take some time to thank Him for His Word and reflect on your experience.

DAY 37 — SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Give Thanks!

How are you doing? Are you feeling connected? Welltransitioned to your new life at Friends? For some of you the answer will be a resounding “YES!” while others of you may still be hoping and praying for God to provide more of a sense of connectedness to your new community. The fact of the matter is that we all have days when we feel like life is going our way, and other days when we wonder why we ever got out of bed. And don’t be fooled my friends – EVERYONE has their fair share of good days and bad. That’s life. Finding ways to give thanks, no matter our circumstances, is a way of living with an openness to God and God’s provision amidst anything that might come our way. Yes, of course, it is so much easier to find things to give thanks for when life is going well. So give thanks! But even when you find yourself in the midst of a challenging season, or a particularly difficult struggle, finding ways to give thanks in all honesty and sincerity will create a way of experiencing God – and life – in ways that will grow and bless you.

So regardless of the kind of day you’re having, what can you give thanks for? Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 1. Who are the people in your life, be them near or far, who love you? Give thanks. 2. Is there a recent experience you’ve had that has opened you up to new ideas or people or opportunities? Give thanks. 3. Have you recently had a meaningful conversation with someone? Give thanks. 4. As you walk around campus, how do you experience the beauty and creativity of God through creation? Give thanks. 5. Is there a class you’re enjoying? Give thanks. 6. Are you sleeping well? Eating well? Getting some exercise? Give thanks. We can tend to be overly focused on the things in life that are not going our way. This can cause us to miss out on the ways in which God is working all around us – even in the midst of some of the struggles. So, how can we live into the Scripture that proclaims, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!”? Becoming the kind of person that lives with an attitude of gratitude doesn’t just happen, nor is it cultivated overnight. But as we practice consistently finding ways to give thanks for the things that are happening in our lives, God will change our hearts and minds in ways that only He can!

DAY 38 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JOURNAL You have almost completed this devotional! Way to stick with it! Write down three ways you have seen God since coming to Friends. How has He been working in your life? Maybe you got to experience a beautiful sunset the other day, or a friend did something kind for you. Whether God is working in big ways or small ways, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we acknowledge Him and give thanks to Him for both.

DAY 39 — RE/CREATION Go somewhere new with a friend

Maybe you’re new to the Wichita area, or maybe you’ve lived here your whole life. Whichever may be the case, find somewhere new and try it out! Whether you’re in the mood for coffee, ice cream or maybe some donuts, there are plenty of great places for you to check out. And what a great way to get to know your new roommate/ suitemates! Below is a list of some nearby favorites: • Coffee Shops – Ecclesia, Reverie • Ice Cream – Milkfloat, College Hill Creamery, Churn & Burn, 8° Below • Donuts – Donut Whole, Hurts Donuts, Paradise Donuts, Krispy Kreme

DAY 40 — TRANSITION Isaiah 62:2 | Nahum 1:7 | John 14:6

Here you are! You have made it. Day 40 of our 40-day devotional. Are you feeling settled? Is your transition into your new community here at Friends feeling complete? I would imagine that your answer is a good mix of both yes and no. Has the newness of Friends and Wichita worn off? Yes, probably to a degree. Has the newness of classes worn off? Yes, probably so. Have you made some new friends? Yes (well, we hope so!). Are you feeling more comfortable, even confident, in your decision to be here and the ways you are getting plugged in? Again, we hope the answer is yes! These are some important indicators that you are, indeed, transitioning well in your “home away from home.” Now, do you have it all figured out yet? No, probably not. Have you identified the people that will become some of your lifelong friends? It is possible, but only time will tell at this point. Have you settled into the major you will graduate with? Again, it is possible, but statistics suggest that many will change their major – many times. And how about what you will do with your life? Have you figured that out yet? Once again, the answer is likely no. And that is all OK. The college years are often marked with numerous transitions – not just at the beginning and end, but riddled throughout your academic career. If you are not a fan of change, that can be a hard reality to deal with. But it’s true, so maybe we can learn to embrace it!

Our Scripture verses for today give us some good insight into how we might learn to live lives more open to transition (and transformation). John makes clear for us the reality of Jesus as the Christ, and the only way to God. This is where life begins and ends. This shapes us at our core. This shapes the way we see, and live into, the world around us. The prophet Nahum reminds us that we will face challenges and struggles in this life – often leading to transitions of one kind or another. But God is faithful to walk with us, and protect, as we learn to lean into Him during these times. And the prophet Isaiah reminds us that a life devoted to God will lead to transformation (“he will give you a new name”). My hope and prayer for you is that you will make God first in your life, that you will be open to His leading, that you will press into Him – in good times and bad, and that you will prayerfully engage your faith in ways that lead to transformation as a significant member of the Friends community. Grace and peace to you all, my friends! Guy Chmieleski Campus Pastor, Dean of Campus Ministries and Interim Vice President of Student Affairs

Notes

Campus Ministries at Friends University Chapel

Retreats

Join the Friends University community as we gather to worship, to pray and to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Thursdays at 11 a.m. | Alumni Auditorium

Recharge away from campus with a fun time of learning and resting while growing in your faith. Be on the lookout for opportunities over the fall and spring breaks.

Vespers

Prayer

What’s the best way to end your weekend and start your week? Join other members of the Friends community for an intimate time of worship through song, prayer, scripture, silence and space. All are welcome!

Have a prayer request? Our Campus Ministries staff is committed to praying for the needs of the campus, and we invite you to share your requests with us by emailing prayerrequest@friends.edu.

Individual Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction

1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 9 p.m. | Location: TBD

Our full-time Campus Ministries staff members provide a safe and supportive environment to help you navigate life’s challenges. Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, our doors are open to meet with you to explore and expand your understanding of who God is, who you are, and what you and God are doing together in the world.

Small Group Communities There will be numerous ways for you to connect with others through intentional small group communities on campus. If you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, please visit with one of our campus pastors, and they’ll help you get connected.

Local Service Projects Love where you live! Impact the community by volunteering! Have an idea? Come tell us about it. Looking for a place to serve? We can help you find a great place to get plugged in!

Mission Trips Work with a team over Christmas break, summer break or both to explore important issues in our world and serve alongside churches and organizations that are making a difference.

Friends

University

2100 W. University Ave. | Wichita, KS 67213 friends.edu/campus-ministries 48