Friends University First 40 Days Devotional

FIRST 40 DAYS DEVOTIONAL

Fall 2017 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 accordingly. 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. And as you transition into this community, you do so without many of the comforts and connections that you had back home. There will be times when a step, or even a leap, of faith is 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 leadership, 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. You are encouraged to read Scripture, read the brief devotion, reflect and pray each day as you seek the heart of God in this place.

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.

May each day of reflecting on God’s Word, and upon the words of these writers, 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 friends,

Guy M. Chmieleski Campus Pastor and Dean of Campus Ministries

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A Guide for Daily Devotion Quiet Your Heart As we seek the Lord, it is important that we slow our paces, our minds and our bodies, 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.

Open with Prayer One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: 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.

Listen for God 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.

Closing Prayers The following are a few suggestions you might pray for during these early days of the new academic year: • Pray for your ongoing transition to Friends University. 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 may look, many of your classmates are struggling with all of the changes 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 they 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.

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Day 1 – FAITH Psalm 46:1–3 | John 15:4–10 | James 1:5–6 Two years ago at the Global Leadership Summit here in Wichita, I became introduced to a song that has become very special to me.

It’s a worship song written by Jonathan and Melissa Helser from Bethel Redding called “No Longer Slaves.” I listen to the song when I’m feeling a great deal of challenge, some anxiety, or just worried about the future (and my kids’ future). Being a far distance from our children sometimes it seems like we worry about them more often than if they were close by. I believe that the enemy, Satan, is most effective when he encourages us to fear the future, or fear our children’s future, or doubt our faith.

The lyrics of this song by the Helsers reflect the words of today’s reading in Psalm 46:1-3, that the all-powerful, Almighty, sovereign God is our refuge and strength, and an ever-present help in times of trouble. When we put our faith and trust in the Lord God we are not just His children, we are the redeemed children of God. When we back away from our dependence and trust in God we are not living by faith, rather we are allowing all the challenges of this world to take over.

It’s much easier to have faith when things are going well. But, when challenges come our way we often question if God really loves us.

That’s when we have to cling to our faith even more.

“No Longer Slaves” refers to the deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea, proclaiming, “You (God) split the sea so I could walk right through it, You rescued me so I can say, I am a child of God.” The song continues, and I love the promise of these words, “I am surrounded by the arms of the Father, by songs of deliverance. We are the sons and daughters of freedom.” Through faith we are no longer slaves to the desperation of this world; we are free in Christ.

I praise the Lord that I am His child, that we are His children. I praise the Lord that even though the evil one is working diligently in this world, and we see his nasty effects, God is our rescuer and our deliverer, and in Him we can have great faith. Some days, just to bolster my faith, I sing the chorus of the song over and over again, “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.” Prayer for today: Thank You that You are the God of the impossible, our deliverer. You can do anything. Help me to have faith to focus on You and Your power. I declare my faith, Your love for me, and the promise that I am Your child.

Amy Bragg Carey President

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Day 2 – COMMUNITY

Proverbs 22:24–25 | Galatians 6:2, 10 | 1 John 1:7 The group(s) of people that surrounds you is one of the most influential things in your life. The reason for this is that, to some degree, you pick up the habits, attitudes and thought patterns of those human beings that are closest to you. This can have a beneficial or harmful effect. In some cases, you get to decide who these individuals are; and other times, the choice is out of your control. In either situation, there is one thing that you can control: your response to these people.

Now that you have decided to attend Friends University, you have also made a decision to transition away from wherever you call home and with it, a community that knows you well. This may create feelings of loss in you, for change is often perceived as loss.

However, there is much to be excited about as you now have the opportunity to “do life” with a new group of people in your college years.

Community is a wonderful God-given gift. He has shown us how good community can be through the Trinitarian relationship amongst God the Father, Son and Spirit. However, He did not stop there.

God has also spoken to us, through other humans, in the Bible with specific instructions about the purposes and gifts of community. In today’s passages we learn that communities exist in order to help us “bear each other’s burdens” and to “walk in the light as he is in the light” among other reasons.

One of the greatest gifts of having a community is that the people in a community can help take you to places that you have not been on your own yet. This is especially true in your spiritual life. As you witness others and their relationship with God, it can have an inspiring and encouraging effect. You may see what life with God can actually look like, through others’ lives, and it will awaken you to the goodness of God in a new way. You might even get to see what it looks like to live the abundant life that Jesus made available for us.

Make the most of this opportunity during your time in college. Enjoy the gift of community as an avenue to walk in the light with Christ.

Austin Schmidt Senior / Religion and Philosophy

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Day 3 – SERVICE

I Samuel 12:24 | Matthew 20:28 | I 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 self-satisfaction 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 to not only God but also 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.

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.

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 joy-filled 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 Sophomore / Spiritual Life Assistant / English

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Day 4 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Slow Walk Today’s spiritual practice is to get outside and take a slow walk around campus.

There are many things that this practice will likely assist you with, like: • Removing yourself from the consistent noise of the residence hall • Stepping away from any number of screens • Enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair • Being reminded of the beauty in God’s creation all around you • Gaining a familiarity and comfort with the campus squirrels • Becoming more aware of the vast number of activities taking place around campus at any given point in time • Etc. However, the primary purpose of this particular walk – this slow walk – is for the sake of slowing down.

We live in a very hurried culture. We too often feel compelled to live life at such a fast pace, that we fail to enjoy any given moment, or even more, to recognize God in our midst.

By frequently taking slow walks, we are retraining our brains to resist the urge to fly through our days and weeks without paying much attention to what we’re doing, who we’re doing it with or even how we’re doing.

As you walk, pray that God will help your mind to slow down. Pray that God will help you to become more aware of what’s going on around you – and what’s going on within you. Take deep breaths.

Be willing to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the ducks, or watch the wind whirl about in the trees and the clouds.

This practice may feel awkward and challenging the first few times you attempt it, but keep practicing! The more you engage in this practice, the more you will be awakened to the world all around you – and how to live more intentionally within it.

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Day 5 – TRANSITION

Exodus 12:40–42 | 1 Samuel 2:2 | Psalm 31:3 One summer while I was in seminary I took a class called Wilderness Spirituality. This class took place at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, which is nestled down in a canyon right outside of Abiquiu, New Mexico. It is my favorite place in the world. It is a Benedictine monastery; so outside of necessary communication, mass and prayer, it is completely silent. The monks of the monastery have eight times of community prayer each day. Prayer begins each morning at 4 a.m. with vigils. I was not too excited about waking up that early to go chant with the monks; but after a couple of days, it became the thing that I looked forward to the most.

Most of us do not wake in the early hours of the morning to chant the psalms in our daily life, but there are times when we can experience vigils. When a parent is up in the middle of the night with a newborn baby or a sick child. When a student wakes up in the middle of the night because of stress about a test the next day. When a child or grandchild sits up in the hospital room waiting for the test results of their sick parent. When we are just too overwhelmed to let our bodies rest, and we lie awake with relentless anxiety that just will not go away. These are times when we find ourselves in waiting. These are the times when we experience vigils.

It is times like these that we are able to wait on God and trust that He is good. In these times, we remember Psalm 31:3: “You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.” So when you find yourself awake in the middle of the night for whatever reason, keep vigil. Wait upon the Lord. We might not be monks in the desert who wake up each morning at 4 a.m. for vigils, but we can make sacred the ordinary moments of our lives when we sit in the silence and wait on God to show up. We sit and surrender in complete trust to a God who loves us. Amen.

Haley Alloway Associate Campus Pastor and Outreach Coordinator

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Day 6 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Dig Into Scripture Have you read the Bible before? Many of us have.

Now, have you ever engaged with God’s Word in ways other than just a casual reading? Many of us have not.

Today I want to challenge you to dig into Scripture in a couple of different ways: 1. Study it. Pick out a good-sized passage and spend some time doing some research – much like you would for a paper. What is the book? Who wrote it? Why? When was it written? What was going on in the world during this time? What were the people of God experiencing?

What was the message that God was trying to communicate to His people through this passage. Ask questions. Ask more questions. See where your study leads you. Study is meant to give us a fuller context for understanding what was being said and why.

2. Meditate on it. Meditation is quite different from study. Meditation often involves a much smaller portion of Scripture – possibly just a verse or two. Take some time to read through the passage several times over. Read slowly.

Give some time and space between each reading. Listen for the words or phrases that stand out to you. Be willing to sit with these words or phrases for a while. Ask God why these words stood out to you. Consider how God might want to speak into your life as it relates to your text.

God’s Word is a gift to us. We would be wise to spend time in it daily. We would also be wise to approach God’s Word in different ways so that we don’t allow ourselves to slip into routines that become ruts.

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Day 7 – VOCATION

Ester 4:9–17 | John 4:1–30 | 1 Timothy 4:6–16 Today’s Scripture passage tells the story of Esther, a young Jewish girl who rose from obscurity to become Queen of Persia and save her people from certain destruction. As you begin your time at Friends University, I want to suggest that you consider reflecting on two aspects of Esther’s story. The first involves the idea of vocation.

Put simply, vocation is another word for the thing that you are called to do with your life. When Mordecai suggests that God caused Esther to become the Queen of Persia “for such a time as this,” he was telling her that saving her people was the thing God had created her to do, her vocation.

It can be very difficult to figure out your vocation. The modern world sends a lot of conflicting signals about what is important. It’s much more common for modern people to focus on having good careers than on discerning and fulfilling their vocations. I encourage you to use your time at Friends to determine what it is God has called you to do and to devote yourself to preparing to fulfill that vocation.

If you accept the challenge of using your college years to discern and prepare for your vocation, there’s a second aspect of Esther’s story that will be vital to your success: the support of a community.

Although it’s tempting to see Esther as an individual heroine who single-handedly saves her people, that’s not really true. Esther is influenced and supported throughout her adventure by her community. She receives an initial nudge from Mordecai, who suggests that saving her people might be Esther’s vocation. A bit later, she also receives the support of her fellow Jews, who agree to fast and pray for her prior to her approaching the king for help.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to discern your vocation by yourself.

We all need people who will nudge us to use the gifts and skills God’s given us, even when we are initially hesitant to do so (as Esther was). And we need people who will support us as we work to fulfill our vocation once we’ve discovered it.

I pray that during your time at Friends University, you’ll discover the thing God has called you to do and a community that helps you to do it. May God bless you as you begin this important journey.

Ken Stoltzfus Dean of the College of Business, Arts, Sciences and Education

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Day 8 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Get Alone The University is a unique place. Nowhere else will you ever be surrounded by so many people your own age – all experiencing many of the same things that you are. You go to class, and there they are. You go to the cafeteria, and there they are. You go back to your room, and again, there they are. And of course, pull out your phone and you find yourself connected with others in an entirely different way.

Although we’ve been created by God to be in community with God and with others, I believe that we see Jesus model for us with great regularity a need to withdraw to a quiet place – to get alone.

German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book titled “Life Together,” stresses the need for Christians to regularly spend time alone (with God); so when we are around others, we are healthy contributors to those relationships and community.

What makes this time alone (with God) so powerful? As we withdraw from the normal rhythms and routines of our lives – the noise and hurry and crowds of our days – and place ourselves before God alone, we are re-oriented toward what is most important, toward what defines us at our core, toward the One that is worthy of our time, attention and affection.

We look to God in these moments of solitude and find ourselves (the more we engage in the practice) with thoughts and priorities and actions that are more aligned with God’s. We find ourselves filled and fulfilled in ways that only God can do for us, no matter how great our community and relationships are. And then, as we re-enter our community and relationships from a more healthy and centered place, we are able to contribute to those people in ways that are beautiful and beneficial.

So, our practice today is to get alone. You might be able to close your door and draw the shade to make it look like no one is home.

You may need to go for a walk. You may try going to a local coffee shop or park – where you are less likely to encounter people you know – and simply focus your attention on God (through prayer, reading the Scriptures, reflecting on what God is up to in your life and the world).

There’s no one right way to do this. The key is to find ways to regularly practice getting alone – and focusing on God.

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Day 9 – FAITH

Exodus 33:14 | Psalm 62:1–2 | Romans 8:28 College. What an experience full of little mini experiences ranging from delightful and sometimes all the way down to dreadful. I don’t know about you, but coming into Friends I had expectations out the wazoo. These expectations related to my roommates, classes, friends and social involvement.

These expectations were built on a very unstable basis. As college continued to chug on, these ideas I had in my head were constantly challenged by the reality around me. I had conflicts with roommates, my classes were difficult, making friends took commitment, and learning how to both say yes to adventure and no to over extending myself proved to be far more difficult than I anticipated.

As I look back, I see where my faith was placed. I so boldly held onto the truths of the world. I sought out friendship in unhealthy ways. I wanted to be significant, noticed and loved. This mindset inevitably led to periods of disappointment and loneliness due to unmet (high) expectations for myself and for those around me. At that point in time, the most stable thing in my life, my relationship with Christ, received the least attention.

There is no harm in thinking through what you expect in regard to college; in fact, I highly recommend it! The important thing that I encourage you, and myself, to consider is the foundation on which we build our expectations. Are we building them on the truth that no matter where we stand in life, God is with us? Or are we holding on to the false reality that we have to continue to strive to be better, live better and look better in order to meet those set college expectations?

I encourage you to find hope in these transformational times in the following verses: Psalm 62:1-2 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

Exodus 33:14 He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Allow the foundation of your experiences to be rooted in the ultimate truth, peace and joy found in our amazing God. Profound beauty is ahead of you!

Anna Lindholm Senior / Resident Assistant / Psychology and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 10 – COMMUNITY

Proverbs 13:20 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 | Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30 Today’s passages give us some powerful directives about what it means to live in community. First, we get the advice to become wise because consorting with fools leads to unspecified harm. Then, in the context of telling us to be careful and live as wise, not unwise, people, we are told to speak to each other “with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. … and always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Finally, the apostle Paul instructs us to be “perfectly united in mind and thought.” Pulling these passages out of context may not be good practice but they’re a reassuring combination of thoughts consistent, I believe, with the broader message of the Bible.

What does this mean for community at Friends University, our theme for today?

Friends University is a learning community. We can take the word “learning” as an adjective in this context. However, it could also be a verb in the sense that we might be learning English. We are always learning to be a community. Both uses would be accurate.

I find these passages encouraging. It’s God’s world. Don’t forget to give thanks. Feel free to seek wisdom. In fact, make sure you seek wisdom. However, don’t seek wisdom outside or apart from your relationship with God. Wisdom without understanding who created and continues to sustain the world is foolishness in God’s eyes.

I also find this understanding of wisdom liberating. Now we are free, not obligated, to seek wisdom without having to deny our basic beliefs. It gives us the freedom to explore God’s world. It gives us a mandate to be wise about that exploration. It reassures us that whatever we discover can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s world. It gives us confidence that what others discover about God’s world will not obviate our belief that it is God’s world.

This is what our learning community is about. There is no separate world for Christians to discover apart from what others discover. We may not see all the connections between our acts of worship and our academic work. We can have confidence that what we discover will honor the God we worship. In one sense, our academic work is an act of worship. We have an opportunity to learn together as we explore God’s world.

Jasper Lesage Vice President of Academic Affairs

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Day 11 – SERVICE

Proverbs 31:8–9 | Luke 6:38 | Acts 20:35 “A man there was, though some did count him mad, the more he gave away the more he had.” –”Pilgrim’s Progress” The world tends to tell us that the more we get, the happier we will be; however, Jesus turns this upside down and states, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When our hands are open to give and serve, then they are also open to receive, and God always gives better and more.

As the school year begins, you may be anticipating all that you are going to get out of the college experience. You are receiving an education, you are working to receive a degree, you get to play on an athletic team, you get to sing in an esteemed choir, you get awesome roommates and friends, and the list goes on … .

However, what if we reversed our thinking from what we are going to get out of this year and instead asked, “What can I give this year?

How can I serve this year?”

Instead of focusing on ourselves and what we’re getting out of this year, what if we looked out to see what we can give and where we can serve? How can I give and serve my professors? How can I serve my teammates and coach? How can I serve those who stand next to me in choir? How can I serve my roommates and friends? How can I give my gifts and abilities to better serve this whole university?

Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

It may seem a little “mad” to focus this year on serving and giving rather than receiving; however, Jesus can be trusted to give us more than we can ever give. As we learn to serve those in our everyday life, we can begin to change our small part of the world and in turn change the greater world we live in!

Lord, help us to serve those we see every day with our time, energy, resources, thoughtfulness and gifts! That You would be glorified in our giving and serving, so that we may receive all You have for us!

Lacey Landenberger Green Residence Hall and Falcon Flats Coordinator

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Day 12 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE 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 getting started: 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: a. Where they go b. What they like about it c. And 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 looked 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.

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 on 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!

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Day 13 – 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.

Right now, you might be feeling one or all 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.”

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.

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

Can you live into that truth today?

If you are experiencing difficulty in this period of transition, grab a piece of paper and 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 Follette Junior/ Resident Assistant / Health Science and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 14 – 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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

You are on holy ground. The Master Creator is pointing to you.

Laura Peck Junior / Spiritual Life Assistant / Sociology and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 15 – 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 that 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 Sophomore / Spiritual Life Assistant / English

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Day 16 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Steward Your Calender 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 that at this point in your early weeks on campus you’d really like to see a few more things on 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 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 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 that 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 you’re time, what you’re investing your energy into, and how much unscheduled time you’re leaving yourself for rest and recreation.

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Day 17 – COMMUNITY

Proverbs 27:5–6 | Philippians 2:1–2 | Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 This verse has been something that I think about often when I ponder what intentional community looks like. It reminds me of the battle from Exodus 17. Moses sent Joshua to fight against the Amalekites while he went up on the mountainside and held up the staff of God. While Moses held the staff above his head, Israel would push ahead; but when he would start to lower his arms, Amalek and his army would prevail. Moses held up the staff for a very long time and then grew weary. His brothers Aaron and Hur came alongside of him, one on each side, and held his arms up for him. Joshua’s army ended up defeating Amalek, and Moses and all of Israel made an alter and called it, “The Lord is my Banner.”

You see, even Moses, a strong and mighty man of faith needed help to hold up the weight of God’s staff. We as followers of Christ grow weary holding up our arms in faith that the Lord will provide refuge and renew our strength. The Lord gave Moses Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms when he was weak. Likewise, we are to surround ourselves with people who can hold up our arms and carry our burdens when our arms have grown tired; and in turn, we are to hold up our brother’s and sister’s arms when they grow weak and tired.

When we bear each other’s burdens, we proclaim the Lord as our banner. A banner is something that identifies and unifies a particular group of people, like a flag. When the Israelites said, “The Lord is my Banner,” they were identifying themselves as the unified followers of the Lord God. In Philippians 2:2 it says, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

I believe this is what the Israelites were doing, being unified, of one mind and one God. The Lord is our Banner when we are able to come alongside of His people and bear their burdens, hold up their arms, and encourage them along. We are able to complete the Lord’s joy when we are able to suffer with one another. This is what it means to fulfill the law of Christ. So I ask you whose arms is the Lord calling you to hold up? Who is your Aaron and Hur to hold up your arms?

Jenna Easley Senior / Campus Ministry Specialist / Religion and Philosophy and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 18 – SERVICE

Luke 6:27–45 | Ephesians 2:10 | Philippians 2:1–11 As followers of Christ, we are called to love; however, as God’s people we live in a world that idolizes love, specifically eros love, which in Greek means “romantic love.” This form of love is idolized in society through media, television, books, dating apps, and on and on the list goes! This search for love is based on feelings and selfgratification that, if achieved, will somehow magically bring meaning and happiness into one’s life. Despite society’s standards, or our own intentions, there is still a greater love than the rest, a love God intends for us to experience in relationship with Him, agape love.

Agape love is a type of self-sacrificing love displayed on the cross by Jesus Christ.

In order to experience this form of love, we must continue to be in relationship with and align ourselves with God’s will. In true obedience to God, faith must lead our hearts rather than our feelings. Some questions to ponder: How do I recognize my heart issues? Is my heart proud? How do I reconfigure my attention and devotion back to God and His love?

Luke 6:45 states, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

This verse gives us a true standard to evaluate our hearts. Many times, it is said, our actions speak louder than our words, but rarely can our works or good deeds reveal the true intentions of our hearts.

The words that escape our mouths expose our intentions to both others and ourselves.

To recognize our hearts’ issues, we need to start becoming aware of the words leaving our mouths. Have you ever just stopped and listened to the words you are speaking? Are you listening to another’s dialogue just to respond? A proud heart will manipulate the conversation back toward itself.

Our speech will always betray us. In order to foster a better community and relationship with God, we must evaluate every word that escapes through our lips. Even in speaking with God, our heart’s condition is transparent.

Identifying our hearts’ issues, and what our hearts truly desire, allows us to recalibrate our walk with the Lord. A healthy measure to consider are the people and conversations we surround ourselves with each day. Listen to the other’s words, and choose wisely, whom you surround yourself with. Are we surrounding ourselves in godly conversations and people who put God first in their speech and lives? For when God and His Kingdom are upon our lips, He is prominent in our lives. As we approach our hearts’ issues and their desires for love, measure what comes from our lips. Let us evaluate and journey to understand God’s agape love and His desire for us to show it to others.

Eileen Price Senior / Resident Assistant / Music Education and Vocal Performance

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Day 19 – TRANSITION Genesis 12:1–3 | Psalm 62:6 | James 1:17

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” –James 1:17, NLT This isn’t what you thought it would be. Everyone has always talked about college and how amazing it is. You can hear the voices in the back of your head: It’s the best four years of your life! You will make lifelong friends! But here you are, maybe missing home, maybe feeling alone, maybe wondering where those lifelong friends are. It doesn’t feel how you expected it to.

Know this, friends: You are not alone in this, and just because it is hard does not mean it is not good.

A professor here at Friends once taught me this: If it’s good, it’s of God. College is so, so good. It is fun, challenging and – like your crazy aunt said – some of the best years of your life. God is here with you. That will not change. His presence, providence and love will not waiver, no matter how hard this semester gets. No matter what comes your way, you will always be able to count on Him. Find the good things throughout your days. Maybe someone that you don’t know smiled and said “hello” this morning. Maybe the cookies in Casado were still warm at lunch. Maybe your roommate is awesome. Find the good things and dwell on those. I promise they are there, and I promise they will ease the loneliness a bit and they might open the door for new friendships. If it’s good, it’s of God. So look to find Him in this hard transition, even if it’s just in the beautiful green grass.

Shawntel Shirkey Senior / First-Year Mentor / Music Education and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 20 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Keep It Simple Life can be complicated. Too often, we add to the complexity of life with the things we say, do or fail to do. There are many reasons for this, but what if we could make life more enjoyable by making it less cluttered, less difficult and quite simply, more simple?

Many Christians have long engaged in the practice of simplicity.

Simplicity is one way to accomplish our desire to live a more honest, and less complicated, existence.

Simplicity can take on many different forms, in many different areas of life.

So what might it look like for you to engage in the practice of simplicity today? It could entail: • Choosing to talk less and listen more. When you do speak, be intentional and concise with your words.

• Choosing to reduce the number of things you are committed to. Imagine a bonfire that has so many sticks and logs piled upon it that it doesn’t have sufficient air to burn as it’s supposed to – and appears to be on its way to burning out. Only after taking off several of the logs can the fire reach its full potential – burning powerfully and radiating great light and heat. Your life responds the same way to the number of commitments you attempt to keep.

• Finding ways to share what you have with others. Get out of the mindset of needing to consume more or acquire the newest or latest this or that. Practice being content with what you have.

If you begin to incorporate even a couple of these ideas (and there are so many more possibilities out there), imagine how different your days (and your life) will start to be.

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Day 21 – VOCATION

Ruth 1:15–18 | Matthew 28:16–20 | Romans 12:4-8 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” –Romans 12:4-8 How many times in the last few months has someone asked what you plan to major in while in college? Maybe you do not remember the exact number of times, but you do remember it was too many times. What if your answer is “I don’t know”? Does that mean you should not be going to college? Does that mean something else? No, it just means you are searching for direction. You may be searching to discover God’s will for you.

Some people do lack a sense of purpose. This can create feelings of emptiness and aimlessness. We all want to have a reason for what we do each day; and by being actively involved in our personal spiritual journey, God will walk beside us each step of the way. The key is to be active in that journey.

Does that mean hours of prayer, attending church and Sunday school and studying the Bible? Of course, those are all great practices in the spiritual journey. However, probably the most important strategy, especially for students just getting started in college, is to be proactive and not procrastinate. Some college students tend to take a break from the spiritual journey. Your families are not as involved in making sure you stay with the activities that help guide your day-to-day thoughts and actions.

Instead some college students will worry so much about other things that they end up feeling alone and afraid. What if I can’t do college?

What if I am not smart enough? Maybe I should not even try this thing called college.

This is when it is important to trust that God has a plan and let Him walk with you and guide you through these questions and fears.

Make sure each day to get up, get moving, engage in this new community, meet people, talk about things you may not know much about. It is through such activities we learn about the spiritual gifts God has provided. These gifts will help lead you in the path God has prepared.

Carole Obermeyer Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics

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Day 22 – FAITH

Psalm 16:8 | Proverbs 18:10 | Philippians 4:6–8 “Historians will probably call our era ‘the age of anxiety.’ Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us.” –Billy Graham True faith in the Lord is sometimes easier said than shown. In this life, we often let ourselves become overwhelmed with anxiety and fears. Forgetting that God is all-knowing and always waiting for our prayerful hearts to call upon Him. As this new academic year begins, it is important to note that in life you tend to go where you look. If you want to have a maturing relationship with God and avoid having your faith shaken, you need to always look to God no matter if in times of happiness, worry or sorrow.

As you keep your eyes on God, I hope you find that you are not swayed by relationships, grades or anything else that might steal your peace and joy. Challenge yourself to not get distracted by looking at all the stuff going on around you. Choose instead to keep focused on God and His goodness and pay attention to the big and small ways He is moving in your life.

We are in an intimate union with Him; and to get to us, anxiety must go through God. What He promises isn’t a quick fix, where prayer is a technique that will bring you calm until you get through the crisis.

Instead, these Scriptures refer to our ongoing relationship with the God of peace, where we seek to please Him with all our thoughts, words and deeds.

Know that God is guarding your whole being and trust that He listens to your requests. He is an awesome God that not only alleviates worry but also grants us peace when we come to Him with a thankful heart. We can trust Him because He loves us. He walks with us and nothing is beyond His grasp.

Dear God, may we look to You in this new season, and may we work to glorify You in all that we do. Remind us that You have promised to guard us, to keep us secure, to bring us through all hardship and to grant us peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ashley Rivers Director of Campus Life and New Student Orientation

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Day 23 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE 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, 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 sixfigure 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!

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Day 24 – COMMUNITY

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 | Proverbs 12:26 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 C- Care. Care for everyone around you. Care for yourself. Care for the Earth. Care for the things you do. Care about your schoolwork.

Care.

O- Open up. Find the people you can trust, and be willing to be vulnerable. Love and trust them, and let them do the same for you.

M- Meet people. Learn how to initiate conversation and introduce yourself. Join clubs and go to events. Say hello to people, and be willing to get to know them. You never know who might become your best friend.

M- Mean it. Be honest. Learn to listen. Be present. Don’t be afraid to put down your phone, turn off the video games and go live in the world more and more. You’ll be amazed at what you find. Live fully, don’t be apathetic, and dive in and embrace everything you do – from your schoolwork to your hobbies.

U- Understand. Know that everyone is different: We all have our own stories. Be willing to listen and hear others and realize that it’s not just okay to be different: It’s amazing.

N- Nice. Be nice. Just be kind to everyone you meet. Everyone has struggles they’re going through; don’t make it worse. Learn to love the people around you.

I- Invest. Find close friends, and invest in them. Find the groups/ teams/jobs on campus that you love, and invest. Be willing to give your time and your effort. It’s worth it.

T- Trust God. God is amazing. It’s completely incomprehensible. God is huge. God is everything. Trust that God knows what’s going on in your life, that there are things happening that are beyond your control or comprehension, and that it is good.

Y- Yes. Say yes. But in moderation. Take advantage of some of the amazing opportunities life offers. Face your fears. Take risks. It’s never too late to start living.

And as a bonus tip: Don’t forget to love. Love is the key to all of this.

Love of self, neighbor, the world, God, school, work, etc. Love is the answer. Love is the key. Love is. Love.

Kerrick van Asselt Senior / Resident Assistant / Visual Communications and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 25 – SERVICE

Proverbs 11:25 | Matthew 25:35–40 | Galatians 5:13–14 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” –Galatians 5:13-14 When I hear the word “service,” my mind automatically thinks of community service, volunteering at a local shelter, etc. But I often forget about the act of service toward my family, my friends and others around me. I get so caught up in my schedule and what I’m doing that I forget I can still perform simple acts of service throughout the day to shine the light of God toward others.

God calls us to love one another with all that we have and to exemplify His love through us. This can be done in so many ways – whether it’s picking up coffee for a friend on the way to class or saying hello to the guy you see sitting alone at lunch every day. Little things that say, “Hey, I was thinking about you, and I think you’re a great person,” are surefire ways to put a smile on anyone’s face and simple ways to shine the light of God. There are times when I realize that I am failing at serving others.

I look back on my days and can’t think of a single thing I did for someone else to show God’s love. With this, I challenge myself for the following day. I pick three people that I feel need to be shown God’s love, and I go out of my way to make them smile because that’s what I’m here to do. I am here to show God’s love through all that I do and to do it without seeking recognition. We are called to bring the love of the Kingdom of God to those who need it.

And who needs it? Everyone. But I also don’t let the realization of my “failure” discourage me. My friend Laura once told me, “On days you don’t serve others, you’re not failing. We are all working together; and when one of us stops and takes a breath, the others fill in.”

Therefore, as the new school year begins and everyone is trying to find their places, I challenge you to choose three people that you feel you can serve. Whether that’s three people a day or week or even month. Serve them; make them smile; and most importantly, open your heart and make them feel the love of God through everything you do.

Rachel Boaz Senior / Resident Assistant / Psychology

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Day 26 – TRANSITION

Numbers 23:19 | 2 Samuel 22:31 | Acts 8:26 Transitioning from a high school to college to further your education is a big movement. There will be many decisions you will have to make along the way. Many things can go through your mind.

For example, you won’t have your parents around to tell you when and where to go to church; you will have to make that decision all on your own. There will be many on a different path than you are on, but you must stay on track.

In this process of change, you will have to trust God. He has created us as freethinking. He decides to respond dynamically to our choices and actions, moving with us and in spite of us. God is the ultimate and only judge in all that we do. You must not make your decisions in life depending on what other college students do or want. Just because your friend jumps off a bridge doesn’t mean you have to jump off a bridge.

Even when following the path of God, there will be rough times, there will be deep valleys to travel through and there will be mountains to climb. But He will always lead you to where you should be. Your life may seem really rough and tough while following God, but you will always reach your destination. God has a plan for every person.

Although you may find yourself tempted to stray from the path… stay focused, and follow God’s lead. As you do, you’ll find that life becomes an adventure you never could have planned out for yourself.

Nicholas Franklin Senior / Resident Assistant / Field Biology and Zoo Science

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Day 27 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Hush the Noise We live in a loud and audibly cluttered world.

There is noise all around us.

There is noise within us.

No wonder we struggle to hear from God. What would happen if we began to take steps to reduce some of the “noise” in our personal world?

Here’s an idea for today’s practice: • Instead of turning on the TV, radio, phone or computer, choose to go “unplugged” for the day and create for yourself more space for silence, reflection and meaningful conversations.

The thought of this might sound downright crazy, but are you willing to give it a try?

What do you think would happen if you engaged in this practice on a weekly basis?

I think you will find yourself amazed by what you experience and what you learn about yourself, others and God if you’re willing to take control of the volume of your life.

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Day 28 – VOCATION

Genesis 2:15 | Proverbs 12:11 | Colossians 3:23 Today’s passages have special meaning to me.

When working on my devotional, I considered what comes with the start of school for students: new surroundings, new friends, new classes, new responsibilities, nerves and challenges. With all of this “new” in our lives, it will be important to stay within our faith, stay within ourselves and remember what is important to us.

One of the most important transitions will be getting adjusted to your new surroundings. This includes getting comfortable with your roommates, making new friends on campus and finding your niche here in Wichita. Danny Kaye once said, “Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can.” Being open to new experiences and broadening your horizons can help with getting comfortable within the Friends community. This community is a great resource for all of us during great times and especially important in those challenging times.

Another important transition will be developing high standards and living out a strong work ethic. These two traits will help your transition from your old support system and community to your new community here at Friends. Holding yourself to a higher standard helps make classes, jobs, activities and everything that you participate in more likely to succeed.

Last but not least, remember to keep your faith central in your life, and let it guide you in all that you do. You will undoubtedly have challenging times and/or struggles with new friends as you adjust to this new community; in those times, remember to let your faith guide you and assist you in deciding which path or solution to pursue. If you keep your faith as a priority, you can overcome anything that jumps in your path to success.

Please remember that the start of school can be both fun and lifegiving, while at the same time stressful and lonely. So remember to lean into your faith and the Friends community, and I can assure you that you will be blown away by how God moves in your life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Allen Eberwein Director of Casado Campus Center

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Day 29 – FAITH

Psalm 34:4 | Jeremiah 32:17 | 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Last year, 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.”

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? 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 any 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 hardships 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 Sophomore / First-Year Mentor and Spiritual Life Assistant / Computer Science, Music and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 30 – 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!

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

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. Although we consider ourselves individuals, we are created for community, and each adversity is needed in a 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 on them, and you will love many through the impact community has had on you. When Christ is the center of your community, love radiates. Christ is our friend that 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 Sophomore / Spiritual Life Assistant / Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 31 – SERVICE

Mark 9:35 | Romans 12:9–13 | 1 Corinthians 9:19 Without fail, we as human beings are selfish. We are constantly plotting out our lives to where the benefits fall directly into our back pocket.

“How can this make my life better?”

In Mark 9:35, Jesus called the twelve disciples and said to them, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

We often think of ways to get us to the top, to make us the best, only rubbing shoulders with the great to boost our own egos. Jesus calls us to humble ourselves and to experience true humility so that we can reach the true way to greatness.

One form of humility is welcoming those whom the world considers insignificant. What the world thinks has no impact on Jesus Christ.

Jesus calls us to be loving, patient and hospitable to all. These actions can take many different forms in your day-to-day life. Walking the halls of the dorms and inviting someone over for a game night, sitting by someone at lunch who does not usually sit by people, and even simply smiling around campus could brighten the day of a fellow peer.

We are called to reach out to those in need and to be a friend to our neighbors (even the neighbors we are not too fond of). This love, affection and service is the exact service Jesus Christ showed and continues to show us every day.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19 Paul says this, “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”

By serving your neighbors, shining your light for God and being an example, you can impact someone’s life more than you know. You could bring another child back to God. Olivia Naccarato Junior / Spiritual Life Assistant / Elementary Education

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Day 32 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Serve Someone Do you know that the college years can be some of the most selfcentered 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, participate in 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. They appeal to you based on how they believe 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!

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Day 33 – COMMUNITY

Proverbs 27:17 | James 4:11 | Colossians 3:16 You’ve been here at Friends for a little over a month, which means you should be fairly situated by now. I’m sure you’ve started to make some friends and are trying to decide where you fit in.

College is a time to decide who you want to be as a person, a chance to start over. These are some of the most formative years of your life, which is why it’s very important to be wise about the people you surround yourself with. The most valuable friends you can find are friends who are going to push you toward growth in your faith and yourself as a person – people who are going to tell you what you need to hear even if you don’t want to hear it. Finally, you need people who you can have fun with and can make tons of memories with that you will cherish forever.

Proverbs 27:17 tell us that “Iron sharpens iron, as one man sharpens another,” reminding us that the ancient truth of finding others that are fellow God followers and that will push us in our faith is exactly what God wants for us. It is so important to have this type of fellowship. It’s my experience and belief that community is God’s primary plan for our growth.

There is a saying that says who you surround yourself with is who you become, and I find that to be true. It’s essential to find the friends who can support you in your walk with God, but remember to be that kind of friend for them too.

Paul tell us in Colossians 3:16 to let God’s message fill our lives and counsel each other in His wisdom, all while giving thanks to God. Paul believed that Christ-centered community was crucial for growth in faith, and I have found that to be true.

God has a purpose for you here at Friends, so use this opportunity to be His light and help others, all while allowing them to help you.

Brooke Wheeler Junior / Resident Assistant / English Education

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Day 34 – TRANSITION

Lamentations 3:21-23 | Matthew 7:13–14 | Ephesians 2:10 “This one thing I remember, and it is why I have hope: The love of God for His people never ever ceases; His mercies never come to an end, They are renewed each and every day!”

–Lamentations 3:21-23 This passage was written during extreme physical, mental and spiritual suffering. Yet the author recalls truths about God that are absolutes: that He is good, that He loves His people and that He is merciful.

These absolutes formed the mental framework that were needed in order for Jeremiah to find hope and comfort even while everything around him seemed hopeless and chaotic.

Things rarely go as we had planned. Times of transition can be unsettling and frustrating. When we experience difficulties, or when we simply don’t understand why things are going the way they are, we need something to hold onto.

As you settle into a new life at Friends, remember that every one of us needs something outside of ourselves to fall back on when our own strength is not enough. Remember the truths of Lamentations that God is loving and merciful. He has a purpose for every difficult event that enters our lives.

“Great is His faithfulness!”

Ken Faffler Vice President of Enrollment Management

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Day 35 – FAITH

Deuteronomy 33:27 | Psalm 103:2–5 | Romans 8:31-39 Faith. What is faith? What does it mean? I believe that the word faith can have multiple meanings. The dictionary definition of faith states that faith is having a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

While I do agree with the stated definition, I do not agree that it is the definite definition of faith. If someone believes in God, does that mean the person automatically has faith? Is faith the same as believing? Can someone believe in God but not have faith in God? I believe that faith is a deeper concept of believing. I believe that having faith involves the act of trusting that God will take care of your needs. Trusting God with everything you have. Trusting God in your decision to come to Friends University. Trusting God with your tuition. Trusting God with everything you do.

A wise friend told me that even if I miss my target or even if I make the wrong decision, I must have faith that God is still with me with every step. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” If God is for me, can a wrong decision or mistake lessen God’s love for me? Throughout my college years, I learned faith is also about knowing that for every wrong decision I made, for every test I failed and for every performance I blundered, I have had faith that God is still with me.

Romans 8:36-39 says, “As it is written, ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Faith believes that God is always with you wherever you go. Faith believes that you are more than a conqueror. Faith believes that there is absolutely nothing that can separate you from the love of God. Faith believes that your future is in God’s hands.

Persis Lugalia Senior / First-Year Mentor / Music Education

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Day 36 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Go Without Are you familiar with the idea of fasting? It’s a not-so-regularlypracticed spiritual practice of the Christian faith. The Bible is full of calls to fast, occasions for fasting, and impressions that regularly fasting or abstaining from food for a period of time – for the purpose of becoming more in tune with what God was up to – was a common part of life.

Well, we don’t hear much about fasting today.

Why do you think that is? Personally, I think it’s because it makes us uncomfortable – and we like to be comfortable. We don’t like the feeling of being hungry, or denying ourselves our normal meals and snacks and treats – not even for the sake of creating more space for God in our lives.

But if we desire to take our relationship with Jesus to a new level, why not give this a shot?

While fasting has most often been associated with giving up a meal, or a day’s worth of meals (and pursuing God during those times, as well as the times we feel the hunger pains kicking in), it could also entail a fast from things like: • Social media • Caffeine • Chocolate • Sugar • Electronics • Or really anything that is going to be somewhat “painful” if we give it up for a day And it’s more than just giving up these things for a pre-determined period of time. It’s about replacing our focus on any one of those things with God and being reminded that it is God that sustains us, defines us, and gives us our sense of self-worth and purpose in life.

So, what might you be willing to go without today? How can you make different forms of fasting a more regular part of your life here at Friends?

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Day 37 – COMMUNITY Proverbs 18:24 | John 17:23 | 1 Peter 4:9

College is a weird transition because it seems that every year you are transitioning from one thing to another. For incoming freshmen, it’s leaving behind their hometown maybe or leaving high school friends. For some, it is transitioning into new living places or new jobs; but no matter what we are about to go into, there will always be a new group of people we have to interact with and be around.

Community, whether we are aware of it or not, is around us every single day.

And community isn’t just about the number of people around us, it is about the people who begin shaping our lives into who we will become. Much of the Bible focuses on community as it shapes other people. In John 17:23, Jesus talks to the Father about being in Him, and Him in us so that: 1) we are one in Him and 2) the world may know that and that the Father loves them as much as He loves Jesus.

It is within a unified community that God’s love can be shown and is shown. There seems to be a sort of transition in this passage as well. When we as a community are unified, we can accomplish great things, such as spreading the news of God’s love to the world.

The essence of community is very strong in the Bible as well, for better or for worse. In the book of Acts, it is the first church that brings “The Way” to other people groups and communities. Other communities, such as the tribes of Israel in the book of Judges, lead many people away from God’s law and the judges’ warnings. It is a community that tries and ultimately succeeds to have Jesus arrested, tried and killed. But it is also a community in Philippi which brings Paul great joy as he writes to them from a prison cell in Rome.

These and many more communities illustrated in the Bible show that community shapes and changes people, for better or for worse. So this fall, be intentional in the communities you plug into, and in the relationships you invest in, as you seek to grow into the person you want to be.

Thes Kascsak Senior / Chapel Intern / Religion and Philosophy

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Day 38 – FAITH

Psalm 37:3–5, 7a | Matthew 6:8b, 31–34 | 2 Timothy 1:7 We are more than a month into school now and starting to get into the tougher stuff.

We are past the first month of adjusting to a new school or getting back into the swing of things or even just shaking off the summer vibes. Now is about the time we realize how hard some of our classes are or when we run into stress about finances or when we run into other types of stress.

Whether you are a new student or returning or even staff, the worries of life and school can easily overwhelm us. After a month, we are getting into the swing of things, and for most of us, it doesn’t take much to stress us or scare us. But if we put our faith and trust in God, He will provide.

Psalm 37:3 tells us, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” This looks good, but what do faith and trust even mean? The dictionary defines trust as “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.” Firm is defined as “strongly felt and unlikely to change.” So trust in God is defined as “a strong belief in the reliability, truth, ability and strength of God that is unlikely to change.” It defines faith as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.”

If you put the definition of trust into the definition of faith, then having faith in God translates into having a complete and unwavering belief in His truth, ability and strength. So when stress or worries arises, we know our God can handle it because our faith is unwavering.

Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew is telling us here to have faith and seek God. So as you go further into the school year, put your complete and unwavering belief in His truth, ability and strength; and He will provide for you.

Jarod Daniel Sophomore / Spiritual Life Assistant / Music Education and Christian Spiritual Formation

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Day 39 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Give Thanks!

How are you doing? Are you feeling connected? Well-transitioned 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 they 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!

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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 and Dean of Campus Ministries

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Campus Ministries at Friends University Chapel Join the Friends University community as we gather for worship, for prayer and to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. | Alumni Auditorium Vespers 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!

2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 9 p.m. | Location: TBD 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 fall break, spring break or both to explore important issues in our world and serve alongside churches and organizations that are making a difference.

Retreats Recharge away from campus with a fun time of learning and resting while growing in your faith.

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

Individual Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction Our campus pastors 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.

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2017 2100 W. University Ave. Wichita, KS 67213 www.friends.edu/campus-ministries