Freshmen First 40 Days - 2015

2015

FRESHMAN FIRST

days

A devotional to help you find God in your new community.

Fall 2015 Welcome to Belmont!

It is our most sincere hope and prayer that as you begin this new season of your life, and become a member of the Belmont community, that you will seek every opportunity to grow and mature in your faith in Jesus Christ.

The college years are some of the most formative of your life. As you transition into this community, you do so without many of the comforts and connections 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.

There’s nothing magical within these pages, just the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of Belmont faculty, staff and students who are actively engaged in their pursuit of Christ and living out their faith within the BU community.

This guide has instructions for daily devotions during this season of transition. You are encouraged to read scripture, the brief devotion and pray each day as you seek the heart of God in this place.

I am grateful to the students, staff and faculty who have contributed to this guide!

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,

Dr. Guy M. Chmieleski DR. GUY M. CHMIELESKI University Minister, Office of University Ministries

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Guide to Daily Prayer Opening Prayer Gracious God, thank you for this new day.

Give light to my path for the day before me.

Lead me into meaningful relationship­­—with You and with others.

Help me to find ways to give, and receive, as a new member of this community.

And if I should find myself up against something that seems too BIG to handle—help me to remember that you are BIGGER and that I do not walk alone!

Scripture Lessons Take time to read, and reflect, on the assigned scripture for the day.

Daily Meditation Read the assigned devotional for the day.

Prayers The following is a suggested guide to prayer during this season of transition.

■ Pray that God would be your rock and your guide as you continue to transition into this new place.

■ Pray for your fellow first-year students who may be struggling with their transition into this new community.

■ Pray for Belmont University, that God would move in a mighty way on our campus this year, and that we would partner with God in the work that God desires to see done.

■ P ray that the peace of Christ would cover our campus at the start of this new academic year. Pray that students would strive to do their best, but would never allow themselves to be defined by the grades they achieve.

■ P ray for your new neighbors—here on campus, in greater Nashville and around the world. Pray that God would give you a vision for how you can be a “good neighbor” in each of these contexts.

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DAY 1 — FAITH Exodus 33:14 | Psalm 62:1–2 | Romans 8:28 Faith in Christ is the common bond that unites us as followers of Jesus. We may believe different things about specific theologies or expressions of one’s faith tradition, but we unite in what we believe about Jesus as the Christ—the Holy Son of God. And as new members of this community, I can assure you that there will be nothing more important than this very faith during your formative college years.

This faith defines who you are in ways that nothing else can or should.

This faith is what will help bring shape to who you are, whose you are and how you are to be—both on campus and everywhere you go.

It will help you discern what to major in and how God might want to use you to make a difference in the world—even now, as a college student.

When life seems uncertain and unsettled, this faith will be the solid foundation on which you lean and regain your perspective. This same faith is where you will find refuge and reorientation when the rest of life doesn’t make sense.

This faith will help you to know when to work and when to play and when to rest.

This faith will even help to make your messes in life something redemptive and usable by God. On one level, having this kind of faith is quite easy. But on other levels it can be much more challenging.

This kind of faith speaks to a growing and dynamic relationship that we can have with the One True God. It is a relationship meant to bring life and bear fruit. It is not meant to be a burden or hinder our joy. And it is a relationship which you must now make a priority for yourself.

God’s invitation to you is the same that it’s always been, “Come, follow me.” It’s an offer to see that the God we put our faith in is for us and wants to take us on an incredible adventure.

Dear friends, I encourage you to take seriously Jesus invitation to, “Come, follow me,” each and every day. No one can accept this invitation for you. It is yours—to accept or not. And this one invitation is the key to an incredible four years at college—and life-long journey with God. Come, follow me.

GUY CHMIELESKI University Minister

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DAY 2 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 18:24 | John 17:23 | 1 Peter 4:9 When we seek to integrate ourselves into a new community, we can become anxious and unsettled. Surrounded by so many new things, how do we find the path that is right for us? Back home, we felt familiar in long-established relationships and a personal identity developed over time. What happens now that we are on our own? As someone who found them self in the same situation not too long ago: something beautiful. Something truly beautiful happens when we are given the freedom to start fresh in a new place, surrounded by new people. Our community shapes us, and just as your hometown roots made you into the person you are today, the Belmont community you are joining has the propensity to grow you in ways beyond imagination.

We begin with the knowledge that we are not alone. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and here in the college environment, we all understand what it feels like to be new. As a freshman class, you are experiencing this altogether. You may come from different states, different circumstances, even from different faiths. But you have more in common than you know. Hold onto each other and lift each other up as you strive to find yourselves a home in Belmont’s community. Use love to guide your interactions, and allow people to surprise and inspire you with their story. 1 Peter 4:9 tells us to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” In doing so, you will build yourself a support system out of those you develop hospitable relationships with. Better yet, you will become a support system for those that you come to care the most about. Alone we are weak, but together, we are a force to be reckoned with. As you embark on this first year journey, I encourage you to embody that maxim.

Be confident in your faithful identity and what that means to you as you begin your grand college adventure. You shape your community as much as it shapes you.

SAMANTHA HUBNER RA, Senior Political Science Major with Minors in Chinese and French in the Honors Program

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DAY 3 — SERVICE I Samuel 12:24 | Matthew 20:28 | I Peter 4:10–11 How would you feel if you were given something you did not deserve or expect? Probably surprised, but then joyful or delighted? Simple acts of service can spread these emotions to others. When you put the needs of others before your own, there is an outpouring of love and joy given to both the giver and receiver. It can be as simple as bringing someone food or giving someone a ride to the grocery store. Humbling your needs for the sake of another will make a difference in the world.

But it is also important to remember that service comes from the heart, it has nothing to do with quantity or quality. Bob Goff puts it plainly and profoundly stating, “love does.” Love is an action not just a thought. Jesus gives us a great example of service. He died on the cross for us to have life. We did not deserve or expect this overwhelming act of service. “For even the son of man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

If our goal is to be more like Jesus, we must be willing to serve others with a servant’s heart. Don’t worry he has equipped us with the ability to do so. We all have unique talents, so we may serve each other in many ways. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). It can be difficult to be a faithful steward. Serving can easily drop off of your daily priorities, especially with all of the things the college experience has to offer. “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24). There is encouragement to remain faithful. Take a moment and reflect on all the wonderful things the Lord has done for you. You are here at Belmont University with a new beginning ahead of you! Spread the grace and love that Jesus gave to us—through choosing to serve others.

AMY SCHUH SLA, Junior Multimedia Production major

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DAY 4 — VOCATION Genesis 2:15 | Proverbs 12:11 | Colossians 3:23 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV) I often pray that we, the Belmont faculty and staff, can steward our students to take what they’re learning in the classroom and unconditionally give it away within the campus, Nashville, and even the broader national and international communities—for no other reason than to be an “expression of thanks to God” and an extension of His love, grace and mercy. More and more I am encouraged and humbled to witness so many of our students utilizing their professional and academic development to teach and mentor the homeless, refugees and other disenfranchised people in our community—often allowing one’s focus on building a resume to take a back seat to a commitment to growing as a servant leader.

When I entered college in 1985, serving someone other my own self was the furthest thing from my mind. I simply viewed a college education as a stepping stone to a stronger resume, a first job, and professional opportunities with economic benefits.

There were times when I would serve in a soup kitchen for the homeless, but those opportunities were usually motivated by strengthening my reputation or future job prospects. Not until after graduate school did I experience the incomparable joy of using my vocational aptitudes to serve—simply motivated by my thanksgiving to the Lord.

It was then, and continues to this day, that I am constantly reminded how blessed I am to have the intellectual and physical capacity to vocationally engage in service for Christ. Whether helping refugees find employment or teaching a struggling metro school student how to read, I pray that I can continue to compliment my vocation with service “because of the surpassing grace God has given…and for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).” I also pray that we, the Belmont community of students, faculty, and staff, will continue to embrace occasions to share God’s love through service—out of thanksgiving for all He has given us. To me, that’s what is special about Belmont and its Christian community that always seems to seek opportunities to use its resources and energies to “engage and transform the world.”

JOHN GONAS Associate Professor of Finance

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DAY 5 — TRANSITION Joshua 1:9 | Psalm 18:2 | 1 Cor. 9:2 The first month of college can be wonderful, fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting, lonely, alienating and challenging.

You may already be struggling to get along with your roommate. You may have met hundreds of people but still feel friendless.

You may miss home. You may long for your high school friends. You came to Belmont thinking you were beginning the best four years of your life, when the reality has been much more difficult than you imagined.

It’s going to be okay.

No matter what you are feeling right now, there are dozens—probably hundreds—of other new students feeling the exact same way. You are not alone. Your experience is totally normal.

In Joshua, chapter 1, God tells Joshua that he is now the leader of the Israelites and that the promises God originally made to Moses are still true for Joshua. He tells Joshua three times, “Be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) Joshua must have been terrified, anxious and overwhelmed with the prospect of taking over Moses’ leadership. If he wasn’t, God wouldn’t have had to tell him repeatedly to be strong and courageous!

Just like God’s promises to Moses were still true for Joshua, God’s promises to Joshua still hold true for you. He is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5) In Joshua 1:7–8, God gives Joshua the keys to success: If you know God’s word and are careful to obey it, you will be successful. Therefore, you can be strong and courageous; you have nothing to fear!

So the next time you feel overwhelmed or discouraged that your transition into college isn’t going as smoothly as you had hoped, be strong and courageous. Know that God is with you and He’s got you. Dig into His Word and find comfort knowing that He is in control.

Feeling really strong and courageous? Consider asking some of your new friends how the transition is really going for them.

You’ll find that if you are open and honest about your own struggles transitioning, others will follow suit. Help create a culture of authenticity where we aren’t all just faking it until we make it, but rather, being open and real about the challenges we face.

HANNA EASLEY Coordinator of Student Enrichment for Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

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DAY 6 — FAITH Deuteronomy 33:27 | Psalm 103:2–5 | Romans 8:31b, 35, 37–39 You have chosen Belmont for this new chapter of your life, and you are confident that you are exactly where you are supposed to be—and yet you still may feel afraid and anxious. Afraid of leaving home. Afraid of not making friends. Afraid of college in general. Maybe even afraid of doing your own laundry.

Not all fears are a result of sin. Some occur to rock our boats in order for us to remember that our eyes must always be fixed on the faith we have in our Lord and Savior—the One who “has a plan for your life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”

Just as Christ commanded His disciples to step out of the boat and into the turbulent waters so that they could find peace in the midst of the storm, God also calls you each day to step out in faith—no matter what the circumstances.

Your freshman year will be filled with many exciting and wonderful experiences, but will also inevitably bring difficulty and trying times. I encourage you to step boldly out of your boat (or dorm room) each day in confidence and faith, knowing your life is in the hands of the One who, when needed, will calm the storms and will never leave you nor forsake you. Find Him first each day and boldly walk in faith!

AMY COLES Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development

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DAY 7 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 22:24–25 | Galatians 6:2, 10 | 1 John 1:7

“I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.”

–Bob Goff, Love Does

College provides the unique opportunity to regularly meet new people and form genuine relationships with them. I can confidently say that sincere friendships and authentic fellowship abounds in the Belmont community if you pursue them.

In the midst of the hectic and overloaded schedules that keep us busy as college students, it is necessary to be intentional about developing and maintaining those close relationships with the people you are surrounded by. When stressful, difficult times come, and they will, we are called to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We won’t be able to help another carry their burdens if we are not present in their life. Being present is more than just showing up; it is about being sacrificial of your time, energy and resources. When we allow ourselves to be fully present in the lives of those in the community around us, we become more aware of their needs and how we may be able to help meet those needs.

More importantly than trying to fix people or their problems, I think Bob Goff was right: we just need to be with people. Being present with someone speaks volumes sometimes more than our words could ever say. As it says in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” I think the key word in that verse is ‘do’. Making yourself available to someone is one way to do good to that person. God is working in us to compel us to action—to share His love and compassion and point others to Him through the ways we love and the way we live.

As you have probably already experienced, people in college constantly surround you. The potential for real community comes when we are deliberately present in one another’s lives and are quick to meet another’s needs and do good to those around us. Let’s be vessels of His love as we live in community with one another LIBBY LIGON SLA, Junior Chemistry major

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DAY 8 — SERVICE Proverbs 31:8–9 | Luke 6:38 | Acts 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 (ESV) You have finally begun your college career, which can be quite overwhelming at times. After all, there is so much to think about. What will my major be? What organizations should I be involved in? How will I make true friends?

One thought that may or may not have crossed your mind is how are you going to serve during this time. It is a question that too often gets overlooked, but it is very important to think about now.

It is easy to set that question aside and say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” The truth, however, is if you put it off now, there is a good chance you will never get around to doing it.

Like it says in Acts 20:35, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” It is hard to think about what you can give during a time that seems to be all about receiving: receiving a degree, receiving friendships, receiving recognition. However, giving can be the most rewarding thing you do during college, even more so than that precious degree.

In college, we are given more of a voice than we have ever had. We can create movements and raise awareness for causes we believe in. In Proverbs 31:8 it says we are supposed to speak for those who cannot. So as a college student, raise your voice by serving those who need it most. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter, raise awareness of a cause through social media or tutor under-privileged kids.

There are so many opportunities to serve during college. It is a wonderful time in life to start serving, because if you start now, you are more likely to continue to serve throughout your life.

When you look back on your college career, you won’t care about who did what for you, but what you did for someone else.

ASHLEY HEYEN Alumna 2014

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DAY 9 — VOCATION Deuteronomy 15:10 | Proverbs 22:26, 27, 29 | Matthew 3:13–4:25 You’ve been here a little more than a week. Are you still finding your way around? You will have found all your classrooms and had many first encounters with a new roommate, new professors, strangers in your class and crowds of people all around you.

There is a lot of new going on around here for you.

Have you eaten at all the stations in the snazzy new cafeteria? Climbed the wall in the Beaman? Bought coffee at Bongo Java?

Heard someone singing a new tune in a dorm room or on the quad?

Have you already noticed that for the first time in your life you are on your own? Sure, there is an RA hanging around but mostly you are coming and going, getting up and going to bed, and eating pretty much when you want to do all those things.

No one is reminding you to do homework or to shut off the TV or to stop playing video games.

This is your time. What will you do with it?

These four years of your life start now and they are some of the most important “becoming you” years you will ever have.

Check out the scripture verses listed above. The Deuteronomy passage talks about living generously. The Proverbs one reminds us to be careful about to whom we are indebted and to prepare well for a career. They offer good advice.

It is the passage in Matthew that can be really helpful for you at this time in your life.

Jesus is starting out just like you are. He gets baptized, faces down the devil in the desert, picks some guys to follow him, and then starts teaching and healing.

As you make this new life for yourself you will face many decisions that will help you become who you will be. Where ever you are in your relationship to religion or God or Jesus, I want to encourage you to read about the kind of life Jesus lived.

Read the gospels. Watch how people responded to Jesus. See how people followed him.

If you want to become whoever you are supposed to be then Jesus is a really good person to help you find who you are.

DARRELL GWALTNEY Dean, College of Theology & Christian Ministry

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DAY 10 — TRANSITION Genesis 12:1–3 | Psalm 62:6 | James 1:17 Psalm 62:6 says, “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” At times I have found the power of scripture through what is not being said. Put another way, do you find yourself assuming a message that is not really there? This verse does not suggest that when we are shaken, we will survive with God’s help.

It says we will not be shaken. Period.

Stop for a moment and consider the subtle, yet profound implication. A well-constructed building may feel the force of high winds during a storm, but still not sway (or be shaken). Feeling the external pressures of college and all that comes with this stage of life should be expected. But being shaken needn’t be the automatic result of life’s unexpected turns.

There is a catch…

Psalm 62:6 begins with the assertion that when you acknowledge God as your rock and your salvation, you will not be shaken. It is the God-designed consequence (or better put, benefit!) of a total surrender to Him. There is a perfect order in God’s plan. In the business world, we might think of this as advance preparation for what may come ahead. And even in our daily routine, we take proactive steps all the time: we wear a seat belt, we look before we cross the road, and so on. We do this because we understand the natural order of events.

If we make a practice of re-reading a scripture verse (even when the message seems quite obvious), we may find that subtleties of God’s word only magnifies the message. Expect to feel the winds of life’s challenges. But if you will trust in Him, these winds needn’t cause you to be shaken. And that’s great news.

DAVID MEE Associate Provost and Dean of Enrollment Services

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DAY 11 — FAITH Psalm 9:9–10 | Proverbs 3:5–6 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 Growing up in the church, I always heard people talking about these great people of faith in the Bible. Abraham left his family to follow God and was made a great nation; Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land; Esther saved the Jews from destruction by risking her own life and confronting the king; Paul transformed from being one of the biggest antagonists of the Church to the man who wrote over half of the New Testament. I would hear these stories and chalked it up to them having something I didn’t. There was something about their faith that was superior to mine, something God loved about them that was out of my reach. And so I felt whenever we talked about these people, we spoke as if they were above us and somehow more worthy of God’s love than us. But as I started to read more of what they had to say I learned something that I thought was extraordinary: they were just as broken as I am.

These men and women were ordinary people going about their daily lives when God showed up and offered them an engaging opportunity. The only thing different between them and others is that they chose to believe God and follow Him. They had faith that God was going to do what He promised to do. In Bob Goff’s book Love Does, he says “I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.” The beauty of the Gospel is that we don’t have to be extraordinary to be a part of God’s kingdom. All He needs is for us to trust Him so that he can make our lives into something incredible. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” We have the ability to become extraordinary, not because there is something about us but because of everything about God. So today, take a chance and start small. Pray with one of your friends, join the club you’ve always wanted to or even just start to read your Bible. God sees our effort and is more than happy to meet us where we are. All you need is a little faith.

JOSHUA STARK SLA, Junior Computer Science major

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DAY 12 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 27:5–6 | Philippians 2:1–2 | Galatians 6:2 If you are reading this, then congratulations! You have officially been a Belmont Bruin for 12 days—and that is an accomplishment. I know that sounds incredibly silly, but it’s the truth! If your experience has been anything like mine was (back in 2011), then you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. If you are anything like me, you may be panicked that you’ve already cycled through every single cereal flavor in the caf…twice. You may be wondering how you are going to survive that 8 a.m. class for an entire semester (why is getting up early so much harder in college anyway?). You’ve probably even asked yourself, “How many more awkward ‘what’s your major?’ conversations is it going to take before I find my people?” You know the “people” I’m talking about. The “people” described in Philippians 2:1–2—the ones who share the same heart and mind!

The summer before I came to Belmont, I heard a piece of advice that I’ll never forget from my high school mentor. She told me to hold my gaze upward, toward my creator! She assured me that if I could manage to keep my focus on the One who doesn’t change in the midst of a season that seems to be changing constantly, that everything else would fall into place at just the right time.

Man was she right! Somewhere around day 12 of my Belmont journey, I remembered this advice and decided it was time to give up all efforts to build my community in my own strength and start trusting my loving Father to do it for me! Now, I don’t mean we should sit around with our fingers crossed and wait for friends to magically appear—not at all! Instead, lets seek the One who gives perfect direction first and trust that he will point us where we need to go! While God will provide a Christcentered community, He invites us to participate! Galatians 6:2 tells us that we are fulfilling the law of Christ when we bear one another’s burdens. If you are feeling burdened by the desire for a life-giving community today, you are so not alone! Chances are, there are at least one or two people living on the same floor as you that are hungry for the same exact thing.

MEREDITH REITEN TT, Senior Social Entrepreneurship major

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DAY 13 — SERVICE Proverbs 11:25 | Matthew 25:35–40 | Galatians 5:13–14 As part of the educational experience in America at an early age we are taught that sharing is a wonderful thing. Share your toys and snacks and friendships will blossom. Somewhere somehow something changes all of that education. Competition kicks in and it becomes a situation of every person for themselves. Long, long ago (1993) there was even a song in which the chorus was ‘I gotta get mine, you gotta get yours.” This mentality goes against the grain of what we are told biblically. Service to our fellow man is a call to duty as Christians. Whenever there is an opportunity to assist someone in need; we should provide that assistance. Understand service comes in many forms, but is quite often defined in different ways. From the lips of Jesus the Christ in Matthew 25:35–40 the provision of comfort is being of service. Something I believe we have lost in society is encouraging one another on a regular basis. Assistance or encouragement in a time of need is definitely welcomed, but to offer a kind word of encouragement when the need is invisible can be very powerful.

In my infancy phase of Christian life, I battled against offering change or not offering change to those who asked me for it while walking down the street. I got to a point where I realized if I had it to give, I needed to do so. I could not judge a circumstance I knew nothing about. I now know the Christ who lives in me calls for me to not only assist, but to hold genuine conversations about His grace and mercy. I have found these conversations to be more of a blessing than the pain of parting with change as I used to believe (Proverbs 11:25).

While you are in college you will have ample opportunities for service, so take advantage of them.

As you go through this experience in the academy learn what it means to be altruistic. Learn from the perfect example Christ has given us. Most importantly, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).

JEFFREY BURGIN Associate Provost and Dean of Students

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DAY 14 — VOCATION Exodus 23:12 | Proverbs 12:11 | Matthew 28:1–10 John Neafsey writes that “our sense of vocation is intimately linked to the people and things that move us to passion and compassion.” When considering our opportunities as college students and our future endeavors in the workforce and beyond, the idea of vocation plays a huge part in guiding our steps. The Lord has equipped each and every one of us with specific gifts, talents and aspirations so that we can live out His calling for our lives.

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” Proverbs 12:11 (ESV) The first year of your college journey holds extraordinary potential! This is such a precious time where you will be able to discover new passions, cultivate your talents, build meaningful relationships and learn more about yourself and your own values. Yet, at the same time, it’s so easy to get caught up in “worthless pursuits” as the verse above warns us.

While trying to balance schoolwork, extracurricular involvements and a social life, we are all vulnerable to getting caught up in busyness and losing sight of our vocation and the things that truly matter. In order to keep our eyes fixed on the incredible purpose that God has for us, it’s important to be intentional with our time and our talents. Instead of choosing an extra activity to bolster your resume, invest yourself wholeheartedly into the classes and activities that you care about. Chase after what brings you joy and gets you excited about the future. Search purposefully for friends and maybe even a mentor who can encourage you to pursue Him in the difficulties of the day-to-day.

There are times where each of us will miss home, doubt our own capability or lose faith that what we are doing really matters.

Thankfully, we can rest in the fact that we have been created by a God who loves us furiously and has instilled special desires into each of our hearts. This year and throughout your college journey, I challenge you to live meaningfully and soak up all that Belmont has to offer!

EMILY FALVEY RA, Sophomore Songwriting & Music Business double major

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DAY 15 — TRANSITION Genesis 46:3–4 | Matthew 11:28 | James 1:7 Transition. Dictionary.com defines transition as “movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.”

College is the perfect example of transition. For many freshmen, Nashville is a new city and college is the first time that you have lived on your own. No one can tell you when to go to bed or that you can’t eat Krispy Kreme for four straight meals.

Living fifteen feet from someone you hardly know can also be a big transition. It may not seem like it now, but by next spring, college will be the norm and going home will be another transition.

This is a crazy time trying to balance class, new friendships, keeping up with friends back home and making sure you still get a decent bit of sleep. I know firsthand that it is a challenging time. As the weeks go by, I hope that you will begin to feel more and more at home. These times of transition are not always easy, but there are words of hope and truth in the Bible.

Genesis 46:3 states, “‘I am God, the God of your father,’” he said. ‘Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.’”

God calls Jacob and tells him to go to Egypt. Jacob is scared and unsure of the journey ahead of him, but he trusts that the Lord will be with him.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’”

Jesus calls His followers to find rest and restoration from Him. He is able to renew us in a ways that only He can.

Like the transition into college, there have been times where people have been unsure of where they are going or just worn down and tired. These are feelings that have been experienced throughout history. The only way to handle these feelings and emotions is to lean into Jesus.

Know that there are people here on campus to help you with your transition, like your TT Leader, your SLA RA or even someone else on your floor.

There are many other people on campus who are going through the same thing you are. Know that you are not alone in this.

LUKE LEPAGE Alumnus 2014

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DAY 16 — FAITH Psalm 16:8 | Proverbs 18:10 | Philippians 4:6–8 It is interesting how things can change so quickly. Many times we choose the change, but sometimes all we can do is watch it happen. Days come where everything can feel and seem so uncertain or unknown. Psalm 16:8 states, “I have set the Lord continually before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” All else in life may be molding and moving, but have faith that He is our constant. With Him, we don’t have to be shaken!

He has a wildly good plan and knows just what we need to go through to put us right where we need to be in order that we learn. God is intentional. Keep the faith. Trust that He hears your requests and will be your strength, hiding place and safe house through every twist and plot change in your life. Philippians 4:6-8 says to “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” It is amazing how we are encouraged not to worry because our God is a God who hears His people. He is using every point in our journey to mold us. If you have true faith in Him, He will continue to use you for His own glory. When we are humbled before Him, relying solely on faith is when He becomes our strength. Stand firm in the faith.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10) I encourage you to find a quiet place and write or simply speak to God. Pour out your heart. He hears you. What can you praise Him for right now in your life? What is holding you back from increasing in faith and trusting Him with more of your life?

MEGAN MCPHERSON TT and SLA, Sophomore Corporate Communications major with a Music minor

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DAY 17 — COMMUNITY Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 | Proverbs 12:26 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

One of the first things you will learn during your transition to college is you will be making lots of choices. You get to choose everything from what you want to study to what bank you would like to use. You also get to begin to choose your new community. You have been thrown into a wonderfully diverse mix of people who are from different places, with different backgrounds who think differently than you. You will have many opportunities to connect. You will find others who share your interests. You will find new things you are passionate about. You will have the opportunity to choose with whom you will share your story. When we share our stories with others we enter into a collective narrative with one another. Whether we admit it or not, these people begin to shape who we are so it is important to choose wisely. Proverbs tells us to “walk with the wise and become wise.” That is, we become who we are in community with. So when choosing a community ask yourself: who do I want to become? If you lack generosity, choose to be around the most generous people you know. If you want to be a strong leader, choose to be around people who lead well. When choosing our community it is easy to choose people who are like us, but Proverbs challenges us to choose the kind of people we would like to be. When we choose in this way, our community becomes a place where God can refine us into our best selves. It is the place where we can learn and grow and, in many ways, discover parts of ourselves we never knew.

So I challenge you as a freshman to be intentional about your community. Choose wisely. Choose to be around people who are the kind of people you would like to one day become. Allow God to use your community to encourage and shape you into the person He has created you to be.

CHRISTY RIDINGS Associate University Minister and Director of Spiritual Formation

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DAY 18 — SERVICE Proverbs 19:17 | John 13:12–14 | James 2:14–17 As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of service. This lifestyle is one that Jesus models for us in the Gospels and is taught throughout the New Testament. It’s important that we recognize the humility that Christ demonstrated in his life as he served. Consider the time he washed the feet of his disciples. The image of our Lord serving us in such a way is somewhat unsettling. Shouldn’t we be the ones washing his feet? I cannot think of anything more humbling to us than the fact that Christ humbled himself to serve us. Everything we do should then be done in such humility, acknowledging the sacrifices he made and the love that has been shown to us as we fulfill this calling to serve one another.

We must also understand that when we do serve others we are, in a sense, “washing his feet.” Proverbs 19:17 teaches us that, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” Similarly, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for those in need, we are really doing for him. What if we looked at each person we serve as if we were looking at Christ himself? Are you aware that you are serving God through serving others? We often fail to grasp this reality.

At the center of our efforts to serve should always be our relationship with Christ. In James 2:17 we learn that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” When we serve others, it is the outworking of our faith—the evidence of our relationship with him. Why do we serve? We serve because we know Christ. Sometimes we get caught up in the act of service and lose focus of why we are serving at all, and who it is that enables us to serve. Everything we do, if not grounded in our relationship with God, is ultimately meaningless. We must remember that because Christ humbled himself, we have the privilege of humbly serving others in His name in order to glorify Him. MASON RUSH RA, Sophomore Commercial Music major

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DAY 19 — VOCATION Exodus 3:1–12 | Proverbs 6:6 | Ephesians 4:1–13 Vocation. That can be a scary word. No doubt you’ve already been asked what you’re going to do when you graduate and that question doesn’t seem to stop. “How can I know what I’m going to do? What’s the point of work, anyway?”

Fortunately, the Bible can help us with these questions. Let’s start with work. We know our lives matter to God and we spend a lot of our lives working. It seems our work matters to God and is even part of His design for creation. We can take comfort knowing our work is of more value than the money it makes. Rather, God uses our vocations and positions throughout our lives to work in us—molding us to be more like Him—and to work through us. Our Father invites us to take part in His redemptive work, allowing us to look forward with hope to a New Earth that is perfect in every way.

Ephesians 4 gives a helpful picture of our callings as Christians. We’re called to unity: “There is one body and one Spirit” (4-6).

At the same time, there is diversity in the one body of Christ: “And he personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers...” (11–13a). Just as the different components of a machine must all work together for the machine to function properly, we can recognize our diverse callings are all important to the body of Christ, of which Christ is the head.

What if I don’t know what vocation I’m called to? Well, what are you interested in? What are you passionate about? How are you gifted? Be involved in a community of believers who can point you to work, service, and learning opportunities. Pray and seek God’s guidance. Above all, don’t be frozen—waiting for an unmistakable voice or sign from God before you make any decisions about the future. He’s given us wisdom and a world filled with opportunity, so enjoy the freedom that is in the Gospel to make choices about our vocations, as long as we’re pursuing Christ and his kingdom. That’s the final point here.

God doesn’t wait to use us until we’re out of school, working full-time, and economically independent. Instead, we trust a God who holds tomorrow as He invites us into His redemptive work today.

JORDAN HEYKOOP SLA, Junior History major

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DAY 20 — TRANSITION Exodus 12:40–42 | 1 Samuel 2:2 | Psalm 31:3 Life is full of choices, and choices bring about change, so it’s safe to say that life is full of change, too. As time passes, we undergo many transitions—some big, some small. Transition can be nerve wracking and overwhelming, as it requires entering new territory, and being unfamiliar with something can be uncomfortable. The cool thing about stepping out of your comfort zone, however, is that God is comfortable with all of creation.

God is familiar with every piece of “new territory” we may come across throughout our lives. He doesn’t have to question what’s ahead, because he already knows. So why should we spend our time worrying about uncertainty when the One leading us on this journey is the creator of the path we are taking? The Lord knows all the twists and turns you will face over these next four years here at Belmont, and He is here to guide you through them.

If we are willing to open our hearts to transition and ask for guidance, there is no need to worry about the changes that lie ahead of us because God has already drawn out our paths. So whether your fear of transition stems from uncertainty, lack of comfort or otherwise, take heart in the fact that our Lord is certain, He will comfort you and He will provide.

Your transition into college is one He has been anticipating to guide you through since before you were even born, and He is ready and excited to walk you through it now! Finally, I want to encourage you to reflect on 1 Samuel 2:2 which says, “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” Notice that this analogy uses a rock as its subject and a rock is something that remains constant, always certain of its place and position. In the same way, our Lord will be constant in providing the guidance and peace necessary for you to transition into this new chapter of your life successfully.

It is my prayer that you will allow Christ to guide you through the transition that you are now experiencing, and it is my promise that He will be your rock, your constant, in the midst of all the change. Welcome home, y’all.

RACHEL CRAIG TT, Junior Social Work major

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DAY 21 — FAITH Psalm 27:1, 3 | Proverbs 29:25 | Philippians 4:12–13 “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12–13 (NLT) Of course this won’t be true of everyone’s experience, but by and large our generation is one that grew up being bubble wrapped and sheltered from any foreseeable hurt, conflict, rejection, or disappointment our parents or teachers could protect us from. It’s not in our generation’s DNA to be content in difficult situations because our culture didn’t raise us that way. We didn’t grow up during the Great Depression or suffer through a World War in the way that generations before us have, and so contentment during trying times is often foreign to us. It’s easy to fall into the trap that we deserve this or have a right to that, but that isn’t the perspective Paul illuminates in this passage. Christ sustains him in everything.

What could that look like during your time at Belmont? When we live with an awkward roommate we didn’t choose, rather than moving out the first week, find strength in Christ when they annoy us to see the enjoyable things about them too. When we feel uncomfortable because we are new and don’t feel like we belong just yet, ask Christ for strength to reach out to someone else who may be feeling the same way and need a friend too. Or when we receive a grade that feels unfair, rather than talking poorly about the professor or asking your parents to talk to your professor for you, ask Christ for strength and wisdom to speak with the professor yourself.

It is easy to read passages like this and jump to the drastic examples of persecution and suffering as the situation Paul is referring to, but he says “in every situation.” So what is it for you? Where are the areas or situations in your life where you need to ask God to sustain you or give you strength? Are you willing to ask Christ for strength instead of complaining or avoiding the circumstance all together? If not, why?

ABIGAIL RODRIGUEZ Resident Director, Heron Hall

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DAY 22 — COMMUNITY John 15:12–15 | Acts 2:42–47 | Romans 12:16 A firm, solid, long-lasting community can only be based around one thing—LOVE. From love, comes respect. From respect, comes equality. And from equality, comes peace. God is love. God has shown us his heart so that we may show it to others.

“Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NIV) Although this sounds easy, our world is still filled with sin and hate.

Why? Because OUR FLESH GETS IN THE WAY. We begin to let our minds and hearts be shaped by society instead of our gracious God. We look for answers in the wrong places and then are led astray by the works of evil. From this mistake comes hate, violence, war, drugs, murder, stealing, etc. Every minute around the world, these acts are creating broken communities built on an unstable foundation of sin. It is a vicious cycle that can only be conquered by one thing.

Yep, you guessed it—LOVE. The depth of the Lord’s love is unfathomable, and it is not exclusive to ANYONE. We are all included. Just as the Lord loves us wholeheartedly, we as humans deserve the same from one another. No one deserves to feel unloved or of no value. No one deserves to feel like they don’t belong. From an early age, the world teaches us to strive to be “the best” at everything. This teaches us to pinpoint others’ weaknesses and take advantage of them, so that we might feel superior. Living a life of pride and righteousness only leads to an empty life full of shallow relationships. Instead, we should be living lives like Jesus Christ, focused on love, selflessness and service to others. When this becomes your main focus, everything else will always fall into place.

This is your time guys! This is your time to be anyone you have ever wanted to be. These years are the beginning of the journey in which you are going to develop into the person the Lord has planned for you to be. There will be ups and downs, but don’t lose faith. The best way to guarantee an incredible four years is to take full advantage of what Belmont is giving you.

KAYLIN CHARLTON RA, Junior Commercial Music major

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DAY 23 — SERVICE Mark 9:35 | Romans 12:9–13 | 1 Corinthians 9:19 “And he (Jesus) sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (KJV) It is often said that college is a “selfish time” and should be so. After all, this is when we first get out on our own and find our individual identities. The question is, where is our identity found? Is it found in our dreams and ambitions, in the things we might want at any given moment? Or might it be found in the denial of ourselves for the sake of those around us?

Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them. He told them not to think of greatness, but of humility.

Their greatness is the last thing they ought to strive toward. God’s beloved sons and daughters are called, not to rule, but to serve, placing the needs of others above their own. This is our calling as well. Can we rejoice in such a calling?

We are told to put others above ourselves in joy, and not out of obligation. It is not to gain more of God’s favor. We can live no other way, having been saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When our identity rests in Christ Jesus, our priorities will become more and more like His. “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 (KJV) The question remains, what will this freshman year of college look like for you? Will this be a year of self-sacrifice and service to others, or a year in which the self is the only thing in sight? It is my prayer that it will be a time of discovering identity in Christ, and finding joy in the serving of others.

BROOKE PERNICE SLA, Senior Religion & the Arts major and English Writing minor

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DAY 24 — VOCATION Ruth 1:15–18 | Matthew 28:16–20 | Romans 12:4–8 One phrase, that was all it took, and just like that, Belmont stuck in my mind forever. However, it was quite a journey before Belmont stuck in my heart as it does now.

The phrase was delivered to me from Dr. Gwaltney of the College of Theology in my first official visit to Belmont. The phrase comes from Frederick Buechner’s Wishful Thinking, where he writes, vocation is where, “Your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

I chose to attend Belmont after spending my freshmen year at a large state university. It took me a short time to realize that the experience I desired from college could not be satisfied at the school I was enrolled in, and Belmont continued to knock on the door in my mind.

One of the things I learned most during my time at Belmont was the importance of understanding that we are all on a journey that got us to where we are today, and that we each have a specific story unique to us. There is such a temptation, especially in a new situation like going off to college, to constantly compare your journey to someone else’s. Whatever your struggle might be, take heart in knowing that you are on a journey, and God has led you down this path for a reason. There is a reason you are where you are: at Belmont, the rooming situation you’re in, and the classes you are in.

Look around to all that is in front of you, and recognize the exciting place you are in life. This might be a really scary step for you in your life, or maybe it’s incredibly exciting. Whatever you’re feeling, ask God to help you to see what it is He wants to teach you on this leg of your journey.

Open your eyes to all that is around you and learn from everyone you come in contact with. We all have different functions in the Kingdom of God, so don’t get caught up in comparing your journey to someone else’s. Dive into what you’re truly passionate about and love others while doing it. After all, isn’t that what vocation is all about?

SPENCER CROSS Alumnus 2014

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DAY 25 — TRANSITION Numbers 23:19 | 2 Samuel 22:31 | Acts 8:26 When moving from high school to college, you have to leave a lot behind. Maybe you left behind some physical stuff that wouldn’t fit in the car, but you also left some deeper things. There are friendships that were built on being together, and those will change as you move into your new life here. There were patterns of behavior that were part of your “old life,” but you will quickly establish new habits. And now that you are not living under the same roof as your family, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the flow of each day from what was once your rhythm of life.

Coming to a Christian university means that you will find all around you people and opportunities that can be a part of your new life of exploring a deeper relationship with God than you ever had before. In the midst of a time of dramatic transition—as if to remind himself of what to be sure to build his new life upon—King David of Israel wrote: “As for God, his way is perfect: [in contrast to the meandering paths we might forge on our own] The Lord’s word is flawless; [in contrast to the advice we might get from our culture or dream up ourselves] he shields all who take refuge in him. [because we need a place to hide in a world that can be hard at times] For who is God besides the Lord? [though we may be tempted make “gods” of other things and people] And who is the Rock except our God? [since I need a solid foundation beyond the shifting sands of this world] It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. [so I need not depend on my limited strength, but on the One who cares for me] He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. [because God wants the best for me, I can trust God and God’s ways]”

–2 Samuel 22:31–34

May the new habits you form, the new rhythms of life you establish and the new friendships you make all be rooted and grounded in the love of God. TODD LAKE Vice President for Spiritual Development

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DAY 26 — FAITH Psalm 34:4 | Jeremiah 32:17 | 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Fear is something that can grab a strong hold of us as we enter college life. I had a lot of fears when I came to Belmont as a freshman. I worried that I wouldn’t fit in with other students. I was nervous about keeping up with a big class load. I was stressed about making the right decision about my major. It’s a scary time. So many fears build up in our minds as freshmen.

When we come with all our fears, it’s important to remember that God is with us. God can be our steady foundation when everything else feels like it could fall apart.

Find time in your busy day to pray. Psalm 34:4 tells us that we can go to God during these times of indecision and worry. Prayer is something that is so overlooked in our society today, and yet it is so beneficial. Take your fears to God. Psalm 34:4 declares, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fear.” Don’t be afraid to face your fears because God will be with you.

It’s important to know that even when we feel down, we aren’t alone. Paul tells us that God will help us along this new journey. Even in these moments of fear, God will listen. Paul reassures us in 2 Thessalonians that “the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you.” Be encouraged. Know that God is faithful and that God listens. As you enter this new chapter of your life, when fear can often times overshadow everything else, know that God will give you the strength necessary to not only succeed, but also the strength to make sure that Belmont provides some of the best memories of your life.

CHRISTOPHER DEAN Alumnus 2014

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DAY 27 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 17:17 | Matthew 18:15 | 1 John 1:3, 7 Something I believe we can all agree on is that family transcends blood. The bond that two Christians share can easily surpass the significance of mere DNA. Do you realize that just by believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are a member of a royal family? For Jesus Christ so loved YOU that He left a position of the utmost power and respect in Heaven to suffer on the cross, gladly bearing our burden so we could spend eternity with Him. Whether or not you have yet to develop relationships that allow you to reflect Christ-like love, you, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, have the security of an eternal family. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus says “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”

The Greek word that is used in this verse for “brother or sister” is adelphos which refers to “a fellow disciple.” Your fellow disciples are your family. You already have a beautiful community surrounding you. Jesus also reminds us to cultivate this community by helping others realize their sin and act out of the purest love in helping them overcome it. Perhaps by doing so, you will grow as well.

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ…but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:3,7 (NIV) It is so incredibly easy to get swept up in the trappings of this earth and to lose focus on what is truly important. This causes us to sin and turn away from God. However, there is no sin that wasn’t taken care of on the cross. What a relief to know the burden no longer falls on our shoulders. Jesus Christ purified us from all sin as the most Holy sacrifice, in turn, giving us an eternal life and a community that has no comparison to one we could ever create on our own. Meditate on how you can utilize this gift to cultivate the community God has put in place for you.

FRANCES PRAET SLA, Junior Music Business major

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DAY 28 — TRANSITION Amos 9:6 | Matthew 7:13–14 | Ephesians 2:10 Attending college can be a challenging transition. Almost instantly, you’re being thrust out on your own. There is no curfew, no restriction on where you can go or who you can hang out with, and you are pretty much free to make your own decisions without the input of a parental figure. However, while going to college is exciting, and even liberating, it is really easy to go down the wrong path.

Even though Belmont is a Christian school, not everyone will make very good decisions. Some of the people you will meet will not be going down the same path as you, and you might find yourself compromising your integrity in exchange for friendships.

Sometimes it seems like everyone else is out “having fun” when you are trying to uphold your beliefs, but don’t let that discourage you. Remember, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13–14 (KJV) Living your life for Jesus and walking according to His word is not always easy. There are times when you will feel alone, or you may even be made fun of for believing what you believe. But like Matthew 7 says, the path to destruction is easy; it leaves room for sin, and sometimes doing what everyone else is doing is easier than doing the right thing. However, while the path to righteousness is narrow, and often less traveled, it leads to life, prosperity, peace and all of the things that God is full of. God’s reward for us is much more valuable than the validation of the world.

While you transition to life on your own here at Belmont, always remember that no matter where you are in life, God loves you through your triumphs and mistakes, and you can always come to Him. Lastly, consider the salmon and how it swims upstream to find food, despite all the other fish that go with the flow of the current. Follow righteousness, even if no one else is. Doing so will lead you to be exactly where God wants you.

LANA BOLEYJACK TT, Sophomore Commercial Voice major

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DAY 29 — VOCATION 1 Samuel 3:1–10 | Jeremiah 1:4–19 | Acts 8:26–40 Much of college life is ordered toward what happens after college: landing a job, getting into grad school, moving onto the “real” world. Thus, we are often tempted to think of our lives here as somehow not the “real” world.

Think back over the past few days and weeks. Your excitement to be here was real. Your homesickness is real. The attraction to that certain person in your FYS is real (well, maybe). Your sense of being overwhelmed by the things your professors expect you to do before Christmas is real. The bill you have to pay every semester is real. I’ve been with college students long enough to know that this is very much the real world.

Our temptation—exasperated by social media—is to regard the people in our lives as somehow less than real, as mere characters we encounter on our way to the “real world.”

If the incarnation of God as Jesus teaches us anything, it teaches us that right here and right now are the moments that God, in all of God’s self, breaks into and redeems. The beginning of any faithful conversation about vocation has to be based in this: there is no day, no time, no place more real than this day, this time, and this place. It also means, of course, that we are in the midst of real people.

Samuel might have been like a college student. After all, he was serving and learning, much like a student does, waiting for the time when his vocation would become clear—that time when he would be in the “real world.” God, however, sees all that we do as real, and thus calls us in these moments the same way that God called Samuel. Look all around you, listen all around you, and I guarantee that you’ll hear God speaking.

MICAH WEEDMAN Associate University Minister & Director of Outreach

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DAY 30 — TRANSITION Genesis 17:5 | Psalm 62:6 | Philippians 4:6–7 By now you have gotten used to the sound of your alarm clock. You’ve gotten used to your roommates’ snores and your dinner is a large bag of Cheetos at eleven o’clock at night. Also, by now you have called home. For some, more than you planned.

You have realized that college is more than finding out where the next party or hangout spot is going to be. You realize that there is actual work to be done. You have managed to get by this far, but now it seems like everything is coming to you all at once. So many questions are going through your mind. How will I finish this assignment? Better yet, how will I start this assignment? How am I going to get the boy/girl that sits in the corner of my FYS class to notice me? How will I do my laundry that I have not done since I have gotten here, and make time to do all the reading for my next class? So what do you do? You call home. Something about the comfort of your mom’s voice on the other end makes everything seem a little less stressful.

She asks you have you been eating and you say yes, but somehow forget to tell her about the Cheetos you ate late last night.

She tells you everything is going to be fine and you can do it. You know she is right, but you still feel overwhelmed and still ask yourself the same “How will I?” questions.

It is at this moment that I would tell you to pray to God. Pray and talk to God, asking Him those questions. Find comfort in talking with Him as you would find comfort with your parent. With comfort you will gain understanding (Philippians 4:6–7). The next time you call home, your parent may not be there to comfort you. But God is always there. He is always going to comfort you when you are questioning anything. Something about knowing someone is always there for you, always listening, is comforting.

The next time you have a “How will I?” break down call unto Him. For God listens and will put all the questions to ease.

ALIYAH SHEFFIELD RA, Junior Public Relations major

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DAY 31 — FAITH Psalm 37:3–5, 7a | Matthew 6:8b, 31–34 | 2 Timothy 1:7 The first 30 days have come and gone, and if you are anything like I was at that time, you are more confused than ever.

Sometimes, it’s spiritual insecurities and not knowing how to justify your faith. At others, it’s an existential crisis, recognizing you’re unsure in your life plan. College will do that to you. As you strive for a state of educational bliss where all the questions are answered and your purpose is being fulfilled, you will be thrown into situations leaving you with more questions and feeling directionless.

As dramatic as that may sound, I lived this, hoping that no one noticed my lack of clarity in everything that defined who I was and who God is. But there is one great revelation that can come at moments like these: God knows exactly where you are, and He wants you to call on Him. As we are told in Psalm 37:3a–5a and 7a, “Trust in the Lord and do good… Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord… Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” He created you for His purpose, and He’s not going to let you miss it, even if it feels like every move is a step in the wrong direction. The most important thing we can do is engage in time with God because the more we do so, our desires will align with His hopes for us. Often we get worried about finding the answer itself and we ignore the source from which it can come, but as stated in Matthew 6: “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.”

So embrace the daily struggles of college life, having faith that He can be found in every one. Whether it’s frustration in the everyday or feeling uncertain in your calling, God can assist in that lack of transparency, as long as you keep a clear focus on Him. ALLISON HARDEE SLA, Junior Mathematics major

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DAY 32 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 13:20 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 | Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and His bones…

Being a part of the fitness industry, I regularly review journals, articles and literature on the functioning of the human body. I am completely fascinated by how it operates and how so many independent systems come together and serve to create the whole. I think of the makeup of a strand of hair, the millions of skin cells, the intricacies of how each organ works, blood flow through the body, the anatomy of a muscle fiber, how energy is created in the body to fuel exercise, and well... you get the picture. I think of how things that are totally different in their look, function, and purpose come together and create this masterpiece called the human body. The kidney certainly doesn’t do what the eye does but both are vital to the overall function and well-being of the body.

When I think of community, I think of people of diverse backgrounds, values, and interests coming together. I think of a sense of belonging, a sense of support, a sense of serving a common purpose and a sense of wholeness. To live in community means we must first engage in that community. Not simply be present, connected and non-functional, like a paralyzed limb, but actively engaged and making a contribution.

Secondly, I think of common ground. There is, somehow, proximity that unites us. Whether it be physical space, support of a cause or belief in our Savior Jesus Christ, we share a common something. Although we are different, perform different functions, and move in different rhythms, we still contribute to the life of the community of which we are a part. Somehow, something intangible connects us and meaning, purpose and mattering is created as each one uses our God-given bent to serve the whole.

Finally, common calling. Each individual cell in an organ has its work to do. It is somehow programmed to do that work and the work of that one cell contributes to the overall health and vitality of the larger entity of which it is a part. We, like each cell, have been “programmed.”

Having been equipped with unique talents, gifts and abilities, our contribution to this Belmont community can be provided by none other. Engage, connect and serve.

ANGIE BRYANT Assistant Dean of Students

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DAY 33 — SERVICE Luke 6:27–45 | Ephesians 2:10 | Philippians 2:1–11 Service is one of those concepts that tend to create a visceral reaction. One person might hear service and think of the time they went on a Habitat for Humanity build and got to work and see the fruit of their labor and know they’ve done a good deed and that it positively impacts the family that gets that house. Another may have helped a friend move and got nothing but a sore back and a bitter taste of under-appreciated or unappreciated response from the friend. Either way there are many times that our thought on service is connected to the response we feel immediately after we have completed our task.

I think that our default setting is to want to be served, and assisted, especially when we feel as though we deserve assistance, or we’ve earned a helping hand because of what we are going through or have been through. The beauty of service in a Christian mindset is that it flips the script from a selfish or inward bent of thought to an outward mode in which we can see purpose, gifts and goodness impact the world around us. Additionally there is a deep joy and fulfillment that comes from enhancing someone else’s experience, life, or circumstance that gives us a window into the immense love that God has for us, His creation.

Jesus models for us the purpose of service, and how life-giving and life-changing it can be for the servant. It is not for my happiness. It is not so I can feel like I’ve checked off a good deed, but it is showing a glimpse of unconditional love that the world sees as ridiculous.

Luke 2 begins talking about loving your enemies and is where we find the Golden Rule of do unto others how you’d like to be treated. That is just the beginning! The amazing aspect of the Golden rule is that in service we love and do unto others without the expectation of that same grace and love and service being given to us. It is a gift we give to everyone, our loved ones, families, friends and enemies.

When we serve without any expectation of reward we see a glimpse of Gods indescribable love for us.

To serve is a gift to others, and it is a gift to you!

BRYAN MILLER Residence Director, Patton Hall

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DAY 34 — VOCATION 1 Samuel 16:6–13 | Luke 1:26–38 | Acts 16:11–15 I still remember the precise moment—about two weeks before college graduation—when I realized with growing terror that very soon, college would end, and I would have to do…something. At that moment I would have loved for a prophet to suddenly appear (as Samuel does in 1 Kings 16), or better still, for an angel to show up (like Gabriel does in Luke 1) and announce: “You have been chosen; you have been called! Here is what you will do!” Instead, my call would unfold in a way much more like what we see in Acts 16, in the story of Lydia. In her case, it was a conversation, a seemingly chance meeting in the midst of her ordinary routine, and, alongside that, something more subtle and inward. Acts 16 tells us simply: “The Lord opened her heart.” The thing to note is that despite the differing circumstances, all three were called. All three, we might say, received from God a vocation (a word that comes from the Latin vocare: “to call”). In David’s case, that new vocation would lead to a new “career” as well. In the case of Mary and Lydia, their vocation would be worked out in different domains.

In some ways, Lydia’s story is the most remarkable of the three. She was alert enough to hear God’s call in the midst of her routine. Additionally, though she was a successful businesswoman, she was wise enough to recognize a claim on her life—a vocation—that was bigger and broader than simply her job or career. (Acts tells us she was “a dealer in purple cloth”—a lucrative business, dealing with upscale clientele.) Moreover, disciplined and gifted as Lydia no doubt was, she entered into her calling, not by determination and aptitude, but by receptivity. “The Lord opened her heart.”

God has a calling, a vocation that is extended to each of us. That calling includes, but is not limited to, our work. It also encompasses who we are in our families, our friendships, our churches and our communities. May each of us be as alert, wise and receptive as Lydia as we listen for God’s call. And may we be just as eager to welcome the help of others and of God’s Holy Spirit, as we respond.

STEVE GUTHRIE Associate Professor of Theology and Religion & the Arts

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DAY 35 — TRANSITION Genesis 32:28 | Isaiah 44:8 | John 14:1–3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14: 1–3 (ESV) College. It is a totally new chapter in your life. It is a chance to really see what life is like on your own, an opportunity to better yourself, a place to learn more about what you love and a time of great excitement.

While all of these things are true, it can also be a bit scary at times because of all the change that is occurring. The longer you’re at college, the more you are going to realize that it is a time of great transition. You are transitioning into new friend groups, new hobbies, new study habits, new found independence, new everything. If you don’t have something to hold onto during this time, it can seem almost impossible to cope without getting overwhelmed.

Luckily though, you have the promises of the Lord to hold onto.

In this excerpt from John 14, you are promised something so beautiful and reassuring. You are promised that the Lord is preparing a place for those who love Him, a place where you get to be with Him forever. And that truth should shape how we live here on earth—and more specifically, during your college years.

So whenever you are feeling stressed about all the transition that is going on in your life, take a second to get your bearings and trust in the Lord’s word that he is presently at work on your behalf. Hold onto that hope and know that the stresses of this lifetime won’t always be there.

God is big enough to anchor you even when it seems like everything around you is shifting.

DANIEL BERTILSON Junior Commercial Voice major

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6

Week

DAY 36 — FAITH Psalm 46:1–3 | John 15:4–5, 7, 10 | James 1:5–6 One of my favorite summer pastimes growing up as a child was going to Lake Michigan. There is nothing like it. The sensation of running down 60-foot sand dunes, and into the water still brings a childlike smile to my face. The best times were when waves were especially large, and you could simulate the “Six Flags Wave Pool” with your friends. However, sometimes the waves might be too aggressive, but you always knew that the beach lifeguards were available if anything were to go wrong.

It was their job to protect you, and if anything ever happened, you just had to get their attention to get the assistance you needed. If all went well, then you never even had to talk with them. Unfortunately, Christianity can oftentimes be just the same.

It is easy to say we have faith in the Lord. We come up with ideas like “I always trust that Christ is watching over me” or “I know that the Lord is guiding me, and will protect me.” The problem with this approach is that your faith is actually inhibiting your relationship with the Lord. Instead of being a relationship filled with two-way communication, you stymie the opportunity for Christ to be involved by making him your lifeguard. Only in times of strife will you call on him to request help, and after everything is better, you say thank you and go on your way. True faith is developing your relationship with Christ when times are bad, but even more imperative, when times are good. The seasons of life when you are successful are the times that are hardest to hear God’s voice. We grow confident in our abilities, and overlook the need for Christ in our life.

My task for you is simple, find comfort in knowing that the Lord will protect you during trials, but during the fruitful periods of your life, be even more intentional about listening to the sound of His voice. Read the following verse, and find peace in the Lord’s grace-filled promise of protection, and remember that the faithful act of needing the Lord is necessary not only during the bad, but the good as well.

EVAN METCALF TT, Senior International Business major

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DAY 37 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 27:17 | James 4:11 | Colossians 3:16 If you’re anything like me, you’ve come to college because you believe that these four years will bring you closer to living a joyful and fulfilling life. And if you’re anything like every college student in the world, your vision for this life will constantly evolve and often change drastically. This uncertainty about the future is unsettling, and we have all felt it.

I’ll give you some advice that I have found extraordinarily useful. Don’t worry. Don’t worry one bit. Here’s why. Harvard researchers, authors, pastors, peers, and most anyone you ask will tell you there is only one thing that will ultimately make you happy: genuine, loving relationships with others. Luckily, we serve a God who is Love, and who shows us exactly how to find fulfillment.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Paul doesn’t tell us to start “teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” once we land that dream job. He doesn’t ask us to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” after we find our perfect husband or wife. Likewise, Jesus didn’t ask His disciples to finish up what they were doing and then follow Him. What He showed them, and what He’s continually showing us, is that you can start living your joyful and fulfilling life right now. It’s not easy, but it’s simple: love God and love each other.

By coming to Belmont, you entered into a huge new community. As a member of it, it’s now your responsibility to make it better. I challenge you to see your new neighbors in the light of truth, knowing that each and every one was ransomed on the cross and is loved infinitely by God. Keep this in the forefront of your mind and it will be incredibly difficult to treat each other with anything less than the utmost respect. Our Belmont family can be a special one, rooted in love—and it starts with you.

JONATHAN RANKIN SGA President

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DAY 38 — SERVICE 2 Chronicles 15:7 | Matthew 23:11 | Hebrews 6:10–12 “Serving the Lord will pay off, after while.”

This short statement from an old song we would sing at church came to mind when thinking about the promise God gives those who present their bodies in service to Him: “…be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV) Just to clarify, our works will never save us, as we are only made new by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). However, a servant’s heart is the proper response for someone who has been made a new creation in Christ. Jesus taught his disciples that “the greatest among [them] shall be [their] servant,” and “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:1112). Due to God’s grace we have received the mind and Spirit of Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). We act out our faith by laying down our lives for others like our Savior.

Serving God and His people is not an easy calling; it comes with many trials and difficulties. The busy-ness of college can often distract us from our purpose. Giving ourselves can be detrimental to our bodies. At times I have felt weak with little strength, like I was being crushed under my responsibilities. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but then I remind myself that “The Lord is my strength and my shield’’ (Psalm 28:7), and through trusting in Him I am able to carry out His will.

I encourage you to receive God as your strength and continually seek to grow closer to Him as you serve others. Take advantage of the many opportunities that Belmont provides to help you cultivate your servant hearts, and “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Not only will God reward us in the end for living our lives for Him; He gives us many rewards along the way: love, friendship, sanctification, peace, joy and purpose, among many others.

JUSTIN LANG RA, Junior Psychology and Sociology double major

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DAY 39 — VOCATION Ester 4:9–17 | John 4:1–30 | 1 Timothy 4:6–16 Life is all about choosing and deciding. Living a good life is all about making good choices and decisions. Most of us do not really like to make choices.

The first reading is a portion of a narrative recounting the story of a young Jewess who was chosen as queen by a Persian ruler who had subjugated her people who were facing extinction. Her uncle encouraged her to intercede. She chose to take the risk at the risk of her own position and life; a choice that would make her a heroic model remembered at an annual festival.

The second gives an account of another woman faced with a series of choices that individually were not so dramatic but resulted in reshaping her life and those around her. Her first decision was to take the risk of crossing cultural barriers by engaging a foreign man in conversation. For her the issue was a national distinction; he was a Jew; she was a Samaritan. For the disciples it was a gender issue. He was a man; she a woman.

Some of her conclusions about this stranger required revision in light of further experience and information. At first he appeared to be just a man—thirsty and without means of obtaining water. Then she became hopeful that this man could be her means of escaping thirst and the routine of obtaining water for herself. Then she began to be aware of and influenced by the spiritual dimension of their conversation.

She soon decided it was necessary to amend her opinion of this man in a spiritual direction as she asserted, “you are a prophet.” It would not take long for her to reconsider that decision as she considered the option that he might be the longawaited Messiah. The account does not offer everything we want to know about her decision concerning the identity of this visitor. It specifies that her testimony was so strong that “many Samaritans … believed in him.”

College life is all about choosing and deciding. As you begin this journey, exercise care in your choices. Some of them may be as simple as choosing a conversation with a stranger. Some of them may need to be revised in light of fuller experience and knowledge. Some may be dramatic. Each one will impact you and those around you.

DR. BOB BYRD Professor of Religion emeritus

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DAY 40 — TRANSITION Isaiah 62:2 | Nahum 1:7 | John 14:6 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV) Throughout high school, every morning I would ask myself, “Is what I’m doing today getting me where I want to be tomorrow?”

Often, the answer was yes. My core, end goal was to attend a prestigious university and begin my major in Corporate Communications. Even after the days when I had too much to juggle, I could ask myself that same question, and consistently the answer was in the affirmative because I knew Belmont was awaiting me. Post-graduation left me in a daze. I had no more club commitments or college classes, and I was unable to answer my daily question because there was nothing to direct me to the “tomorrow” I was now picturing. Even once I arrived at the university, the transitional daze remained because I had no current attachment to feel a sense of service and purpose, quickly making me feel distressed, disoriented, and completely disassociated.

The Hebrew word for “trouble” is tsarah, and it is often used to denote “distress” or “turmoil.” In Nahum 1:7, the word tells us to trust in the Lord when in times of tsarah for He will serve as a refuge. In this time of transition between two very different chapters in life, it is crucial to realize the distress you feel is normal, shared by many of your peers, and can be eased if you trust that His divine purpose for you is something amazing. I put my trust in superficial organizations and achievements only to find that trust completely misplaced. Nevertheless, that loss of purpose during my transition to Belmont was when I truly realized the refuge found in Him and the actual “tomorrow” for which I was searching. In the Lord is where the placement of your trust will thrive, and with a stable foundation of faith, He will be your rock where a beautiful, faith-centric Belmont “tomorrow” can begin.

MADI SHULTZ TT, Sophomore Corporate Communications major

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The Mission of Belmont University Belmont University is a student-centered Christian community providing an academically challenging education that empowers men and women of diverse backgrounds to engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.

The Mission of the Office of University Ministries ■ To foster a culture of worship and spiritual formation at Belmont.

■ To cultivate lives of intentional service to God and to others through church and outreach.

■ To promote the integration of all University life including the academic, co-curricular and residential.

Ultimately, University Ministries equips students to engage and to transform the world by loving God and loving people.

Ways You Can Be Involved

Worship Join us for Chapel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.

Near 48 A residence-hall based discipleship/spiritual formation ministry that is designed to engage first-year students in on-campus community. You can connect to intentional Christian community through your Spiritual Life Assistant.

Outreach

■ Into.nashville: a popular convo-credit based out reach program that takes students into Nashville for education, service and reflection that happens on various Saturdays throughout the year.

■ Immersions: Fall and Spring break trips to national destinations to be immersed in service, culture and love of neighbor.

Faith Development Organizations ■ Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)

■ Intervarsity

■ Belmont Catholic Community

■ Navigators

■ Belmont Wesley Fellowship

■ Nurses Christian Fellowship

■ Chadasha Gospel Choir

■ Reformed University Fellowship

■ Every Nation Campus Ministries

■ UKirk (PCUsa)

■ Fellowship of Christian Athletes

■ Wesley Foundation

Office of University Ministries • 1900 Belmont Boulevard • Nashville, TN 37212 • BELMONT.EDU

Belmont University is a Christian community. The university faculty, administration and staff uphold Jesus as the Christ and as the measure for all things. As a community seeking to uphold Christian standards of morality, ethics and conduct, Belmont University holds high expectations of each person who chooses to join the community. Belmont University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service or sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints concerning the application of these policies to students should be directed to the Dean of Students, Beaman Student Life Center Suite 200, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212, deanofstudents@belmont.edu or 615.460.6407.

UMN-15204