Belmont University Freshman First 40 Days Prayer Devotional

2016

FRESHMAN FIRST

days

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

Freshman First 40 Programming Chapel Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m., members of the Belmont community gather together for worship in the Chapel (located in the Janet Ayers Academic Center). During this time, we sing, pray, meditate and reflect on God’s word together.

Spiritual Life Assistants Spiritual Life Assistants (SLAs) are available in every freshman residence hall to help foster community, create space to think about your faith and simply to serve you during your first year of college.

Into.Nashville

A local service, reflection and education experience that includes convocation credit and takes place Saturdays throughout the school year.

Along with peers in their residence halls, and led by their SLAs, first year students have the opportunity to explore the diverse neighborhoods and communities of Nashville to discover what God is up to, and how we might be called to love our neighbors.

For more information on these and other UM programs, visit belmont.edu/universityministries.

Fall 2016 Welcome to Belmont!

It is our sincere hope and prayer that as you begin this new season of your life and become a member of the Belmont community, you will seek every opportunity to explore and nurture your faith in God. The years that you will spend in college will be among the most formative of your life. As you transition into this community, you do so without many of the connections and comforts that you had back home. This will be challenging for you, and there will be times that you will have to take steps, or even leaps, of faith.

As a way of helping you find your way and transition well into our community, we have compiled this 40-day devotional guide for you. There is nothing magical within these pages, just the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of Belmont faculty, staff and students who want to help you find your place within the Belmont community.

This guide has instructions for daily devotions during the first weeks of your transition. You are encouraged to read the scripture passages and devotional thoughts provided and spend time in prayer each day. In these moments, it is my prayer that you will hear the voice of God speaking into your life—that in the midst of challenges, you will find hope; that in the midst of questions, you will find a God that walks beside you.

As you spend time each day reflecting on these words of scripture and words of encouragement and challenge from members of the Belmont community—may you grow in your love for God and your love for your neighbor.

Grace and peace,

REV. HEATHER GERBSCH DAUGHERTY University Minister, Office of University Ministries

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Guide to Daily Prayer Opening Prayer Gracious God, Help me to remember that it is you who walks beside me on this journey.

Remind me today of your love and faithfulness, that I would not grow weary or become overwhelmed, but would instead trust in your each step along the way.

In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN.

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 of Petition As you close your time in prayer each day, here are some suggestions of how you can pray.

■ Pray that you would know of God’s presence with you in the midst of all that you are facing.

■ Pray for your fellow first-year students who might be struggling as they transition into this new community.

■ P ray for Belmont, that God would be at work on our campus this year and that we would experience true peace and community together.

■ P ray for your new neighbors—here on campus, in Nashville, and around the world. Pray that God would give you a vision of what it means to be a true neighbor in each of these places.

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DAY 1 — FAITH Exodus 33:14 | Psalm 62:1–2 | Romans 8:28 Faith. It’s a tricky word. At this point in your journey, you may not even know what you believe or if you have a faith. You may have a strong faith. You may have been disappointed by your community of faith back home. You may be questioning your faith now that you are on your own for the first time. You may have already decided that faith, that Christianity, isn’t for you.

All of us come to college from different places. As you begin your time at Belmont, I want to challenge you and I want to encourage you. First, I want to challenge you to take time to think about your faith. Don’t just keep doing the same old thing without taking time to really consider what you believe and why. As your view of the world expands and you are thinking about all kinds of things in a new way, think about how your faith will impact your life. Think about God’s work in the world, and how that might have an impact on who you are called to be. Ask hard questions, find wise friends and mentors, and don’t be afraid to all faith to shape who you are becoming.

I also want to encourage you. When we read today’s scripture passages, we get the picture of a God who is always with us.

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 “ Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1–2 Hold onto these assurances, these promises of God’s presence with you­—in good times and in bad, when you make wise decisions and when you don’t, when you think that you know all the answers and when you have nothing but questions.

God is faithful, God will be with you­—you can put your faith and trust in that.

REV. HEATHER GERBSCH DAUGHERTY University Minister

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DAY 2 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 18:24 | John 17:23 | 1 Peter 4:9 Community is a group of people that shares. Whether they share beliefs, goals or simply space, a community always has some common, centering purpose.

As our mission statement says, 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. Belmont’s common, centering purpose is its students.

Students, We are the center of the institution, the reason it functions. What will then center us?

As Christ is praying for His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, He reaches out to God for unification among those that believed in Him then and all future believers. John 17:23 provides a glimpse of His words to the Father. Christ says, “I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” This is a mission statement for Christ’s church, which as God the Father is in Christ we as Christians will be in Him, completely unified in the eternal love that covers us completely.

However, it does not stop there. Our education from Belmont and our status as Christians are not simply badges to pass us on to the next phase of life or eternity. Through these experiences we are supposed to go out to engage and transform the world.

Proverbs 18:24 says, “Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.” Find those that make you the best you. Find those who you can make better versions of themselves. Care for one another, and uplift each other. Hold each other accountable. Live out your truest passions, develop new conversations, and study what you will. Do it all with love as your center, the love that is present as we are in Christ and as Christ is in the Father.

My prayer is that you all will know Belmont as more than a space to passively coexist with others and that even beyond differing beliefs and ideas you incoming freshmen will form engaging, transformative community here and beyond.

RASHAAN JILES RA, Maddox Hall, Junior Commercial Music major

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DAY 3 — SERVICE I Samuel 12:24 | Matthew 20:28 | I Peter 4:10–11 Take a moment and think about the people you admire most in this life. Often, when asked this question, many people answer with names like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa or Malala Yousafzai, as these are people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others. Still, some will answer with names more along the lines of Lucille Ball, Albert Einstein, Bono or C.S. Lewis. These people, too, continue to inspire countless people because of the work that they produced in their lifetimes.

So why is it, in your opinion, someone might choose to admire any one of these people?

While there might be several answers, 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” If we are to spend a little time interpreting this scripture, perhaps one reason why, from Dr. King to Lewis, we admire certain individuals so much is because they’re doing (or did) the work that they were created to do.

Do you realize that, like any person you admire, you have been given a set of gifts that are totally unique to you? The Bible makes it clear that believers are to develop their gifts for the sole purpose of serving God’s kingdom so that others may also see God’s love. One of the many advantages of going to college is that it allows you time to discover and develop those gifts, which may or may not be the gifts you have in high school. Once you discover what it is you feel you’re put on earth to do, or even as it changes and grows, not only will you feel more fulfilled, but you will also be honoring God through your actions to improve the world around you with those gifts.

Thankfully, though, while in the discernment and refinement process (which can take time), you also have the ability to use your gifts in another way—through practical service and meeting needs. Jesus makes it clear through His actions that He came to serve, not to be served. Those among us who are the greatest leaders should be the greatest servants. As you take a moment to reflect on God’s love and the many great things He has done for you, also consider how you can choose to serve and be a blessing to those around you—on your floor, in the city of Nashville, or around the world—right now so that others may see the love that drives you.

NICOLE PHILLIPS, MA GPS Coordinator and Adjunct English Faculty

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DAY 4 — VOCATION Genesis 2:15 | Proverbs 12:1 | Colossians 3:23 Who’s the Boss?

Beloved, Colossians 3:23 reminds us that when we work, God should be our boss. Our managers, mentors, colleagues and even our families can all influence the way we do our jobs. Sometimes comparing ourselves to other people can affect the way we work.

But Colossians encourages us to remember that God can impact our vocations in a wonderful way.

God shows us how faithful He is to those who follow Him. This text reminds us that whenever we work and give our best to the Lord, He will become a part of whatever we do. And when God becomes part of our efforts, that work can now be used for so many things: His will, our character development and for the betterment of those around us.

If all of us were to practice using our best efforts (the Amplified version of the Bible reads working “from the soul”) and refocus beyond the accomplishments of others (the New International Version of the Bible reads “human masters”) we could reach a newer, higher level of vocation. Our efforts would become part of our character and not just a chore. With this in mind, we get to discover more about who we are while we pursue our vocations.

Christ’s vocation was the cross. And if we used an earthly measuring stick, He was too perfect to die a sinner’s death the way He did. But since God will was the driving force behind this plan of salvation, Christ didn’t stay dead for very long; and as a result humanity is redeemed. So whenever I recognize that my efforts are small, I think of how Jesus, draped in humanity, gave His all and got His job done.

No matter who is reading this, at whatever stage in your life: if you decide today that your vocational efforts will be bookended

by God’s will, then you’ll always find peace in knowing that your work cannot be admonished or diminished by any earthly thing. Our God, His will and all works done in His name are everlasting. What a wonderful promise!

DR. NADI BISHOP Bridges to Belmont Coordinator

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DAY 5 — TRANSITION Joshua 1:9 | Psalm 18:2 When a person is young, the brain is simply a muddled mass of neurons. It is an important mass of neurons, but muddled nonetheless, chaotic in its desire to form any possible new neural connections no matter their importance. As one ages and develops, his or her brain becomes more clarified in its connections through a process known as pruning, a specialization of these neural networks. Though some connections within the brain will become more efficient and be strengthened by the individual’s life experiences, others will fade with time, all for the sake of improving that person’s mental capacity. This development from childlike brain matter into a more mature cognition, if it is to occur properly, must be directed within a supportive environment, complete with sufficient stability and care.

Big transitions in life, like coming to college, happen in a similar fashion. Every person has his or her connections to family, friends and different aspects of home, some of which will be strengthened by the change of scenery and others that will fade for the betterment of the individual. Similarly, each person will go through the difficulties of finding new connections to replace those which have been lost. This can be an exciting yet stressful and unsettling experience, so in order for this to be a successful evolution of a person and his or her networks, one must be rooted in a stable environment to counterbalance the overwhelming changes. The word transition itself does not exactly inspire a feeling of stability, but thankfully, we serve a stable God whose steadfast love and strength provide us with support in all circumstances, no matter our changing physical environment.

The Psalmist reminds us that in God, we find “[our] rock, [our] fortress and [our] deliverer.” Not only is He well-established and grounded (as suggested by His being our rock and fortress), but He also desires for us to be delivered, which requires there be a change toward our improvement. This unwavering and supportive presence is the archetypical spiritual environment for our development. This, of course, is not to say there will not be difficulties in this period of growth or that we will always feel this loving presence. However, at a time when so much is changing and connections are being formed and broken, we can know there is strength in the One who is constant, whose loving, supportive connection with us is never lost amidst the transition, and He is always there, ready for us to find our stability in Him.

ALLISON HARDEE Senior Mathematics major

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DAY 6 — FAITH Deuteronomy 33:27 | Psalm 103:2–5 | Romans 8:31b, 35, 37–39 In college, you must make decisions for yourself more than ever before. Most are mundane with clear benefits and drawbacks.

There is a choice, however, that is so much more important than any other choice a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ makes every second of every day: to remain in faith, or let their faith fall to the wayside. Although the answer as to what choice we should make is clarified through verses such as Deuteronomy 33:27, we all have moments of doubt and fear. The devil will throw distractions at you left and right because he knows that if you are distracted, your faith is more likely to falter and you will not glorify God. But in Romans 8:31b the apostle Paul presents us with a staggering question: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God, the creator of the universe Himself, is with us. What an incredible thought! He is for us. He is with us. So, then, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

(Romans 8:35). These examples of uncomfortable situations can either make us fear, and thereby cause us to lose faith in our beloved Father, or they can be used to his glorification if we choose to remain in faith! Paul continues in verses 37-39 “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.” Nothing!

“Praise the Lord, my soul and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your mouth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5). So let us choose our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ every second of every day, remembering that we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

FRANCES PRAET Senior, Music Business major

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DAY 7 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 22:24–25 | Galatians 6:2, 10 | 1 John 1:7 I have a lot of baseball caps. I have a cap from the World Cup in South Africa, one from the college I attended, several Belmont caps, a St. Louis Browns cap, Predators caps, a Titans cap and a couple stacks of St. Louis Cardinals caps. I have 22 St. Louis Cardinals caps.

As a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, my Cardinals caps are a way I identify with the team. I have a reproduction WWI era cap, a cap from the post WWII era, Sunday caps, World Series caps, classic red caps, white caps and even a green St. Patrick’s Day cap.

Maybe you do not share my commitment to St. Louis Cardinals caps. Maybe you’re one of those Yankees fans, or a Red Sox fan, or even a Cubs fan. Maybe you are not even a baseball fan but you like wearing Belmont gear or some other sports team gear or Star Wars T-shirts or the T-shirts from a favorite band.

Maybe you do not wear any clothing that identifies you with a team or a group of people, but we all have communities of one kind or another that help give us identity.

A really cool thing about your first forty days at college is the opportunity it gives to you to reinvent yourself or establish yourself as you make new communities. You’ll discover new friends as well as new places to hang out to make new friends.

Before you know it, your life will be redefined by new relationships and new communities.

Our Scriptures for today give us some guidance in the ways we make new relationships and form new communities. Proverbs 22:24–25 reminds us that hanging out with hot headed people means we’ll soon be acting that way ourselves. More simply, we tend to act like the people we hang out with. Choose wisely.

The Galatians text reminds us that new communities means people to help and to help us. We cannot survive life without community and friends to help along the way.

1 John 1:7 reminds us that the best community of all is the community that walks with Jesus.

Which community will you choose? How will you make new friends in these first 40 days of the rest of your life? Who will be the people to help you build your life?

DARRELL GWALTNEY Dean, College of Theology and Christian Ministry H. Franklin Paschall Chair of Biblical Studies and Preaching

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DAY 8 — SERVICE Luke 6:27-45 | Ephesians 2:10 | Phillipians 2:1-11 What comes to mind when you think of the word service? Often I think of something tangible I do to meet the need of another person. I might help someone with yard work or serve food at a local homeless shelter. This idea of service is certainly helpful, but the scripture passages for today suggest service is something much more comprehensive, and frankly much more difficult, than a random act of kindness.

Service is much more about the posture with which we live our lives than the specific things we do for one another. In the teaching we read today, Christ encourages us not just to love in a way that is easy and convenient. Rather He challenges us to love everybody, even those we deem as enemies. This requires a radical transformation of our entire being, only possible through the grace that Christ so freely offers. One does not need to be transformed to serve in a soup kitchen, but it does require inner transformation to humbly demonstrate kindness and patience to an obnoxious roommate.

So my challenge to you is this. Absolutely seek out and engage in the wonderful service opportunities available at Belmont, but do not stop there. Instead I challenge you to pursue the way of Jesus Christ, the way of humility and love. No matter how awkward your roommate is or how rude your lab partner may be, take the hard road and seek to love as Christ loves us. The way of humility and love is certainly not easy and rarely comes natural to any of us. However, through the redemptive love of Christ and transforming work of the Holy Spirit even the most selfish of us can learn to love in a way that reflects the love of God. I hope that through the transforming love of God you might come to more fully embrace the humility of Christ and see service as so much more than something you do.

JOSH RIEDEL Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation

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DAY 9 — VOCATION Deuteronomy 15:10 | Proverbs 22:26, 27, 29 “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We learned from a young age to equate our vocation with our career path.

Our vocation—our “calling”—is why we are at Belmont and it is how we will, eventually, put food on our tables. Don’t get me wrong, your dreams and plans of a future career are important (and so is putting food on the table!). However, perhaps much to the chagrin of our parents, “vocation” is so much more!

Vocation is about the present. It is not some distant work opportunity—making our current experiences nothing more than building blocks. We have many callings, many vocations, throughout our lives. And right now, first and foremost, your calling is to be a student.

Before you shout “nerd!” and tune me out, consider the unique blessing you have for the next four years: your primary job is to learn things. Proverbs 22:29 asks, “Do you see a man skilled in his craft?” It’s up to you to discover your particular craft, but for all of us, the challenge is simple: become skilled. Strive boldly for excellence.

Here’s the beauty of vocation, though: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you can answer the calling. Vocation is about how we live. Deuteronomy 15:10 tells us to “give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so.” This is our calling: to live from a posture of selflessness. We are called, in each moment, to be more hospitable, kinder, more generous and empathetic, more willing to listen and to love.

In high school I was involved in both soccer and theatre. I remember a conversation with my older brother and teammate about the two. He pointed out that with theatre you are building up to one grand moment of a three-show weekend, but with soccer you have matches throughout the season and each one is just as vital as the last.

Despite Shakespeare’s claim that, “all the world’s a stage,” our lives are not high school theatre. We are called to more than just a three-show weekend. We are called to “live deliberately” in each and every day. Call it The Image of Christ, The Kingdom of Heaven, The Divine Dance, The Way. Call it soccer practice. Our current experiences aren’t building blocks of some grander scheme. Our current experiences are calling us. Every moment is our vocation.

WILL POTTER Senior, Audio Engineering Technology major

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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 One of my favorite things to do at Belmont is to wait until the sun sets and simply walk around campus. The buildings are all lit, you may find a group of people sitting in a gazebo, and there, where it’s been for over 150 years, is the bell tower. These scenes make me realize just how amazing this place is. I think about those who used this place as refuge during the Battle of Nashville. I think about the founding of Belmont College and the women who began the institution that has become what it is today. I think about the building of incredible athletic teams, the academic programs that have been added over the years and the growth that this campus has seen. Then I think about how this all became possible.

I assure you that these things were not always easy or that the path was always clear, but the one constant through the years has been faith. As a new student you will come to discover the same is true for your time here, as well as when it comes time for a new path. Think about Proverbs 3:5–6 and digest what’s being said. For me, these words are humbling. I always want to be in control, but at times it’s truly the best idea to just take a step back and trust in the Lord.

Those Union troops occupying the grounds of Belmont probably weren’t always sure of their next steps, Susan Heron and Ida Hood made a leap of faith when they founded a school for women, and campus leaders have lead us into uncharted territory many times in our 126 year history. The success of these people and this institution didn’t come from those minds alone.

Belmont’s success, and your success, comes with faith in Christ.

Martin Nystrom’s “As the Deer” includes the following words: As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee.

You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship thee.

You alone are my strength, my shield; to you alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship thee.

Leaving you with these words, I encourage you to walk through this campus and think about our collective past. Observe the bell tower and remember all that it has seen and where our accomplishments come from. Most of all, I encourage you to pursue the Lord in all that you do.

CHRIS DICKERSON Senior, Sociology major President, Student Government Association

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DAY 12 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 27:5–6 | James 4:11 | Colossians 3:16 In the Peanuts comic strip, Linus once admitted, “I love humanity. It’s people I can’t stand.” Most of us say that we love community, but we know from experience that the closer you get to others, the more the sparks can fly. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 27:17, it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The outcome sounds ideal: being sharp and useful. But the process of sharpening means there will be a lot of friction and heat and noise! It would be easy to avoid the friction of relationships and hot topics of discussion by simply keeping to oneself. The chance to interact in truly meaningful ways with roommates and classmates and members of the wider campus community always entails risk. In the hyper-connected world of social media, it is quite easy to stay linked with multitudes of people we know superficially, instead of entering into deep, new relationships with those who are really here. You may have a host of friends on Facebook and in the worlds of Instagram and Twitter and texting, but may also find that being connected 24/7 offers much less than being part of a genuine, in-person community.

The answer to superficial relationships is to make intentional efforts to find real community. In one of the earliest letters to some of the very first Christians, the Apostle Paul writes that we are “members of one body.” We are not designed by God to be disconnected individuals. Spiritual Life Assistants, student organizations and all those new people on your hall are eager to make connections.

Intentionally reaching out and showing up to connect with others is the key first step to building relationships, and the firstsemester opportunities are endless.

We are created to live in mutually self-giving relationships with others—relationships that move from mere self-expression and self-fulfillment toward mutual love. Those of us who have been at Belmont a long time have discovered that this happens most fully when we “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Your time at Belmont is the chance to find authentic community, rooted and grounded in the love of God and of others.

DR. TODD LAKE Vice President of Spiritual Development

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DAY 13 — SERVICE Proverbs 11:25 | Matthew 25:35–40 | Galatians 5:13–14 “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Gandhi College is a beautiful time in your life, endless freedom and a world full of possibilities. These are the years where you begin to find your true passions and discover what makes you come alive. The freedom college gives you will help shape you and bring the real you to the surface. In Galatians 5:13, Paul talks about not wasting the freedom you’ve been given, but rather using it to serve and love those people around you. I’m not saying you can’t do fun things or spoil yourself a little, but there is no other time in your life when you have as much time and freedom as college. This is where you can make a big difference in other people’s lives.

Service is a broad topic and for a lot of you, you are in a new place and have no idea how to get involved or what to do, but I want to show you a new way to look at service. Jesus talks in Matthew 25:35–40 about what it means to serve others.

The people come to the king and ask him how they had served him: when they fed him, or gave him something to drink, or even visit him when he was sick. The king replies, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” We are given such an amazing opportunity here to be able to serve the Creator of our universe. The One who formed us from the dust says when we serve others, we are serving Him as well, what a concept!

And what does it mean to serve others? To feed them, clothe them, give them something to drink, those are some of the typical answers. But what about things like visiting a sick friend, sending your family a letter, or helping your roommate study for a test? These are all service too. You can serve others in the way you live, by loving others through the day to day.

In serving others, you learn more about yourself and the blessings you have, as well as changing the world of the people around you. This is the time, spread love!

JOSHUA STARKS Senior, Computer Science major

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DAY 14 — VOCATION Exodus 12:12 | Proverbs 12:11 | Matthew 28:1–10 Os Guinness said, “Deep in our hearts, we all want to find and fulfill a purpose bigger than ourselves. Only such a larger purpose can inspire us to heights we know we could never reach on our own. For each of us the real purpose is personal and passionate: to know what we are here to do, and why.”

At Belmont we believe that God has equipped each of us with unique dispositions, talents and abilities and that we are all called to give ourselves to something bigger than ourselves. When we query the purpose and direction of our lives, we are asking questions about our vocation or our calling. Your calling is an invitation to live the life you are meant to live. You are called to become the person you were created to be and do the things you were designed to do. Although, God has designed each of us for special tasks and assignments, his calling for us is much greater and more soul-satisfying than a summons to work. God’s call to us is an eternal one that encompasses and transcends our temporal activities. The Bible tells us that God has brought you into this world for specific purposes in his eternal plan. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Although God has a call for our lives, your calling will not just happen without participation on your part. These next four years are opportunities for you to expand your mind, develop community, and to seek fervently God’s call for your life. When we live into our calling, what we do is no longer work but it is an opportunity to live a purposeful life.

AMY COLES Director of Student Activities

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DAY 15 — TRANSITION Genesis 46:3–4 | Matthew 11:28 | James 1:7 As we enter a new semester, a new beginning, maybe you are experiencing moments of transitional chaos. You know, the moments when you are trying to make sense of it all and regain a sense of control over the story that is unfolding in your life.

In Matthew, Jesus offers a way to navigate this world. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus offers a way of living marked by a lightness. It is a lightness where you breathe in and breathe out and remember the gift of living. It is a lightness that lets go of the comparison games and the need to be perfect. It is a lightness that comforts the spirit and brings peace to the soul.

Three verses earlier, Jesus talks about children. “I thank you Father that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to the little children” (Mathew 11: 25). There is a freedom present in children. There is a joy, and playfulness, and a sense of security. This childlike-way celebrates the day and lets mom and dad do the heavy lifting for the future. It is almost as if children know they are loved and cared for—and in that knowledge—they let go and simply savor life.

As we start the unknown of the academic year, maybe we can approach this season with a little childlike lightness. Maybe we, even as educated adults, don’t have to have everything figured out. Maybe we don’t need to go through this world dragging the weight (the yoke) of our guilt or shame or strivings or comparisons or what-ifs. Maybe there is a lighter way—a way marked by joy and peace and grace. Jesus doesn’t promise this way will be easy, but He does say it will provide rest for our souls. So today, as we hear the words of Jesus, may we have the courage to embrace His lightness as we navigate this world.

RYAN HOLT Director, New Student Orientation Programs

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DAY 16 — FAITH Psalm 46: 1–3 | John 15:4–5, 7–10 | James 1:5–6 The first year of college can be disconcerting. Many of the courses we take challenge things we’ve known—or thought we’ve known—for our whole lives, and it’s not uncommon for first year students to find themselves doubting a great deal about themselves and they world they live in. Combine this with new found freedom to shape and arrange their daily lives as they wish, and it’s no surprise that many students struggle to understand the role of faith in their college lives.

At first glance, the passage from James would seem to condemn such doubting. But James is not concerned with the kinds of doubts that first year students often encounter—doubts related to their sense of knowledge of the world. Rather, James is concerned with a different kind of doubt—doubt related to the pursuit of wisdom. This is not to suggest that wisdom and knowledge are not related, for they certainly are. But it is to suggest that even as we encounter doubts about what we know about the world, we can boldly pursue the wisdom to act faithfully in the world. Later in the epistle, James makes this explicit: “Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom…[that is] peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits.”

It’s these things that James exhorts us to pray for, full of confidence that God desires for us to live with such wisdom. Our academic knowledge is of prime importance during college, and we tend to attach positive and practical value to it inasmuch as it prepares us for a career. Thus, our doubts about what we know or don’t know can seem like mere distractions from what is most important—getting a job.

But it is also true that our doubts can open us up to the possibility of wisdom, which as James reminds us, is imminently practical. Hearing the perspectives of those different than us, learning things that challenge our assumptions, being open to new facts and ideas—these are things that both require but also often produce such things as gentleness, peaceableness, mercy and good fruits.

So, when we pray, we don’t pray to know the answers. Rather, we pray to glean the wisdom necessary for our world here at Belmont and after. We pray, in other words, for the wisdom to live a good life, and as James reminds us, we should definitely have faith in God’s provision of that.

MICAH WEEDMAN Director of Missions and Outreach Associate University Minister & Director of Outreach

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DAY 17 — COMMUNITY Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 | Proverbs 12:26 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 If you haven’t realized it yet, college is such a unique time to experience the beauty of community. At college, you are surrounded by peers and teachers with similar passion and drive for education and growth. Belmont itself is a beautiful community of artists, thinkers and dreamers. Going into my senior year at Belmont, I have had the chance to experience the joy of many different communities on and off campus. Some of these being large faith-based organizations to just groups of friends with common interests—like pie-baking! These people have and continue to shape my college experience and my story by encouraging me to love God and others well.

I have learned to cherish the community God has provided me with here at college. We were created to live in communion with God and others. Ecclesiastes 4:9 explains, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Community has the ability to bring the blessings of accountability, help and trust. If you take the risk to live in community, you are able to face the good and the bad life brings, together.

However, sharing and living your story with others is a vulnerable thing. Your story is important and you have the opportunity to choose whom you share it with. Proverbs 12:26 provides some knowledge, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” I encourage you to choose your community carefully. Author Donald Miller also suggests, “In five years we will become our friends, and just because they accept us doesn’t make them good for us.”

I encourage you today to be bold­—step out and join a community (it’s never too late)! Seek out groups of people who share your passions and beliefs. Belmont has many options to choose from or you can start your own! Finding your community may take time, but do not be afraid to jump right in!

AMY SCHUH Senior, Multimedia Production Major

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DAY 18 — SERVICE Proverbs 19:17 | John 13:12–14 | James 2:14–17 A forerunner is someone who comes before you and sets an example for you to follow, someone who shows you how it’s done.

Jesus was our forerunner in many ways and serving was His forte.

Our heavenly calling is to serve. God intends to use his sons and daughters as conduits to express His powerful grace to the world. Our skills, talents and abilities are not meant for us, to be used on and for ourselves, but used for the good of others.

Jesus’s call, “Follow me,” is a call to follow in his footsteps. Jesus came to serve and he invites us alongside of Him. In the heart of God, serving others is the pathway to our true freedom and freedom of the soul is the one thing every human heart longs for. To be free from addictions, wrong motivations, lying, fear—among all the many enslavements of this planet—is to live and experience the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Jesus purchased our freedom through an extreme servanthood, submission to a brutal death by crucifixion. He served us through his love to empower us to serve others through the same heavenly love. Our liberation from the tyranny of sin enables us to love. We are free. Now we can love and serve through the power of the Cross, following in His footsteps. Serving flows naturally from a ransomed heart. The motivation of love and gratitude moves us to give others what’s been given to us.

ANGIE BRYANT Assistant Dean of Students

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DAY 19 — VOCATION Exodus 3:1–12 | Proverbs 6:6 | Ephesians 4:1–13 The Apostle Paul wrote that the Christians in Ephesus should walk in a manner worthy of their calling. But what does it mean for a Christian to walk in such a way? We know from other verses in the Bible that we should walk by faith, we should walk in love, we should walk in truth, we should walk according to God’s commandments, and we should walk in newness of life.

Wow! Some of that sounds like pretty hard work. The good news is that God has given us what we need to figure out how to walk and even where to walk, and it is not as impossible as it sounds. In fact, we can trust in God for all of this. The LORD makes firm the steps of those who delight in Him (Psalm 37:23), He works in us so we can follow His ways (Philippians 2:13) and He leads us on paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).

Do you wonder what your college experience has in store for you? There is no need to be anxious. The God who created the world and everything in it, the God who gave up His own Son on the cross as our Savior—that God also loves you and is interested in giving you the desires of your heart. He has a path for you to follow, and you can count on God for His faithfulness in showing you the way.

During each day, walk with newness of life, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, and over time, sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly, you will find a career or profession that suits you perfectly and one that is also worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

DR. BRYCE SULLIVAN Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

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DAY 20 — TRANSITION Exodus 12:40–42 | 1 Samuel 2:2 | Psalm 31:3 Often in life we reach great milestones definitive of the skill sets we have, gifts we are anointed with or assistance we’ve been given. It sometimes becomes very easy to marginalize the value of the experience(s) which have shaped our lives. If you think about it, you or someone you know has been involved in situations that could have been in the reverse—but it happened in your favor. There was the ability to have acquired the knowledge to pass the AP exam when you may not have prepared your best. There was scoring the winning points in an athletic contest when maybe the opponent appeared to be far superior.

There are times when one desires to be self-absorbed, but you are overcome with a servant’s heart in the community and that allowed for you to parlay your experience into a service scholarship. In all of these scenarios it is important to recognize your special abilities, but more important is to recognize who provided you with these special abilities. Throughout the Bible there is great provision from above and one of the most essential things is to offer up praise. I can think of many clichés’ about praising God while you are in the valley or on top of the mountain. How God brought you to it, so He will bring you through it. Those are fine, but let’s think simplistically—when we as humans (think humanly, not spiritually) do things for others a little appreciation is not frowned upon. “Can I get a thank you…” The good thing for us is we serve a God who has our best interest at heart even when we are often times not deserving. Guess what—He provides for us anyway.

My point as you embark upon this academic journey is that there are going to be highs and lows. The best advice I can give you is to celebrate God no matter the situation. Even when family and friends disappoint you, God’s unchanging hand will be there. You may not readily recognize the blessing and provision, but it is there. I challenge you to stand firm on the solid foundation of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. If ever there was a winning team this is the one and they have offered us an invitation to be teammates. Imagine how our team can change the world. Remain focused and enjoy this experience. #BelieveConfessLive #2020 DR. JEFFREY BURGIN Associate Provost and Dean of Students

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DAY 21 — FAITH Psalm 27:1, 3 | Proverbs 29:25 | Philippians 4:12–13 As you begin your collegiate journey you will soon realize if you haven’t already, that this next phase of your life is unlike anything you have ever encountered. The rules and expectations for you have completely changed and as we all know change is good but it can also be challenging. So challenging that at times you will feel the exhilaration of this new journey but also feel how overwhelming the journey can be. In both of those instances it is essential that you have faith, faith in knowing that this is exactly where you are supposed to be. Faith that there is a divine lesson or lessons to be learned and faith that this journey will prepare you for your next phase in life.

I encourage you to let your faith remind you to hold tight to the many blessings that you have and that you are. Your faith will carry you though the many ups and downs that this journey will present to you. But know that faith will also allow you to cast your burdens on Him and have peace even in the middle of a storm. So while we will always hope for the best, we must have faith to carry us through the challenges.

As you navigate your collegiate journey remember that you are a wonderfully made child of God, who has been equipped to be successful and to manage any challenges that might come your way. Always remember to be mindful, prayerful and diligently faithful.

MARY CLARK Director, Bridges to Belmont

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DAY 22 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 13:20 | 1 Cor. 1:10 | Ephesians 5:2, 19, 30 On my own first day at Belmont, many years ago, I recall someone saying: “This is your fresh start. This is one of the few times in your life when you can reinvent yourself. Decide now you who you want that person to be.” At the time I thought that process would involve only me. What I quickly learned in that first year was who I would become was not only determined by me, but was greatly shaped by the community that I chose.

In Proverbs 13, we find two very significant words: with and become. It tells us that those we choose to walk with help determine who it is we will become. It challenges us to consider more deeply our community. Instead of simply looking for people who are like the person we are—those who like the same music, think like us politically or have the same interests—we are challenged to look for people who are like what we want to become. Want to become wise? Surround yourself with people who are wiser than you. Want to become generous? Live in community with people who regularly give of themselves freely.

Want to become more like Jesus? Surround yourself with people who are seeking. This is beauty of community. It is one of the ways God allows us to explore and grow into who it is He has created us to be. It is a tool by which we are sharpened and refined. It is a mirror that reflects to us His purpose and calling.

So as you begin this next step of your journey, you can choose. Choose to create a community of people just like you—those who help you maintain the person you are. Or you can choose to create a community of people you want to become—those who push you to be more, better, deeper. That is the kind of community Jesus calls us to—the kind that shapes and changes us and helps us to become.

What is it that you want to become? Who are the people around you who reflect that? How will you allow God to use them in your community this year at Belmont?

CHRISTY RIDINGS Associate University Minister & Director of Spiritual Formation

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DAY 23 — SERVICE Mark 9:35 | Romans 12:9–13 | 1 Corinthians 9:19 Today, we live in a self-serving society. Many things we are concerned about are how things will benefit us, what we can do to improve our own status or what will work in our favor. It can be easy to think about these things but it is much more difficult to think about others. We must remember that God does not want us to be self-serving. He called us to not take the easy road and to make the decision to think of others first instead of ourselves. He called us to serve.

On the surface level, service can be seen as something we do to help others who are in need but it is much more than that.

It is not only considering the needs of others but also serving generously without reservation or complaint. It is giving up your sense of self to help someone else without hesitation. It is caring more about the needs of others than your own.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19 Paul says, “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 others without protest or complaint we share the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We must model Christ-like servanthood in class, with friends, during campus activities and in everything we do. God has called us to serve, and we must remember that serving others is serving Him. Jesus is our greatest example of selflessness. There are many examples of His service to others. From Him washing the feet of many who by society’s standards were deemed unworthy to the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus shows us selflessness. Everything He did was for the sake of others, and He did it with happiness. In turn, everything we do should be modeled after His example.

Whether it is helping a friend with their paper, cleaning up the pizza boxes your friends left lying around or spreading the love of Jesus Christ, remain selfless. Remember that God did not call us to be self-serving but to be of service to others. To serve others is to serve Him. AKILAH PATTERSON Residence Director, Hail Hall

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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 freshman 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

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DAY 25 — TRANSITION 2 Samuel 22: 31 | Acts 8: 6 The transition to college, for most, is dramatic as you will find yourself surrounded by strangers far from the comforts of home.

The change is simultaneously exciting and unsettling as you come to grips with a dizzying array of new opportunities and responsibilities. In this uncomfortable whirlwind of change you will find yourself pushed intellectually by courses in subjects ranging from the humanities and arts to science, mathematics and business. Some of these topics will seem familiar or, better yet, interesting. Others will be courses that frankly feel chosen for you and leave you wondering why someone decided you should enroll.

However, a willingness to engage is an important aspect getting the most out of your college experience. Even if you find yourself questioning why you are required take a particular course, respect the fact that required courses have been carefully chosen and you have been given you the opportunity to engage with a professor that finds the subject matter so important that they have committed their professional lives to studying and even expanding our understanding of the area.

The Bible is full of examples of people being sent off interact with strangers. In Acts chapter 8, Philip is sent south into the desert where, on the road, he encounters someone who is different in almost every respect. Philip could have easily avoided the stranger but instead Philip engages him in conversation. Despite appearances, Philip finds that the stranger is seeking to become a disciple of Christ. In the end, Philip finds a connection with the stranger and both benefit.

I would challenge you to also seek opportunities to connect with strangers you will meet in your career at Belmont, especially in those subject areas that seem foreign and un-relatable to your own goals. Challenge yourself to engage and don’t waste opportunities to learn.

DR. THOMAS SPENCE Dean, College of Science & Mathematics

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DAY 26 — FAITH Samuel 22: 31 | Acts 8: 26 Few subjects in the Bible are more important for us to understand than that of faith. The dictionary tells us that faith is “confidence or trust in a person or thing.” Since human trust has been greatly abused in this world, many people have chosen to put their faith in “something” rather than “someone.” This should never be true of the believer.

Our relationship with God is similar to our relationship with others in that all relationships require faith. We can never fully know any other person. We cannot experience all they experience nor enter into their minds to know what their thoughts and emotions are. Acts 8:26 says, “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” This is a desert place. If I were to hear this, my first reaction is to question this or just say no.

Why would I want to go to a desert? But by having faith Philip saw the connection between experiencing Jesus and sharing Jesus. This is what is critical during your college years, especially freshman. There will be many times when things go wrong or not how you intended, but by having faith, it keeps you grounded and focused on your greater purpose. What we imagine at times might not be what God has in store for us, or it might not be the right timing. It is important to keep the faith that the Lord’s timing is never wrong and he has created a unique pathway for us all to follow.

2 Samuel 22:31 reads, “As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. This verse is so powerful because we are all made in the image and likeness of our Savior and His “way is perfect.” Because His way is perfect our journey is perfectly crafted by Him. So remember to stand true to the temporary struggles and failures that may come, because your journey is perfect and He is leading us to our greater destiny, and by having faith nothing can take us away from what is meant for us. Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

ANTWONE CAMERON Residence Director, Potter Hall

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DAY 27 — COMMUNITY Proverbs 17:17 | Matthew 18:15 | 1 John 1:3, 7 Authentic community is a beautiful gift from God that requires commitment, faithfulness and intentionality for vitality and flourishing.

Relationships can be fickle and fleeting without commitment. Genuine community necessitates an increasing measure of commitment as relationships deepen. The more intensely that you know a person, the more ground there is for dissension.

At the surface of friendship, commitment is easy because differences are ignored in the celebration of the shared truth, beauty or vision that gave birth to the friendship. As time progresses, however, it is inevitable that a personality quirk or an annoying habit or a disagreement will stretch the adhesive of the friendship. It is at that crux when commitment is truly tested and genuine community has the opportunity to begin.

Commitment sustains community despite the quirks, annoyances, and differences of the people within it. Two manifestations of such commitment are faithfulness in seasons of adversity (Proverbs 17:17) and intentionality about confrontation (Matthew 18:15). Passive aggressiveness is lethal and distracts from the purpose of community. Loving confrontation is the antidote to resentment and ultimately leads to deeper relationship.

Genuine community is also strengthened by a shared truth, beauty or vision. In 1 John, the shared value is fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ his son. It is that shared worship of the beauty and holiness of God that enables Christian community to thrive. I have found that my relationships with other Christians are the most life-giving and enriching relationships that I have, because they help me to see God as more glorious, beautiful and holy than I did before. This community dynamic is a gift and institution from God. As God enjoys perfect relationship as the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, we can also enjoy a shadow of that relationship in our community with one another. Our earthly communities are extensions of God’s triune community; they are signposts to a heavenly reality.

Authentic community is a beautiful gift, but it is certainly not neat and clean. As we live in a world marred and fractured by sin, our communities will inevitably be imperfect and flawed. Have hope that imperfect relationships will one day be restored, but also be willing to cultivate an environment of authenticity by being committed, humble, faithful and intentional.

KOBY LANGNER Sophomore, Religious Studies major

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DAY 28 — TRANSITION Amos 9:6 | Matthew 7:13–14 | Ephesians 2:10 One of the effects of me working at a summer camp this past summer was conviction for my sin of pride and self-centered living. Going into camp, I had not had the mindset that I was, “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” as Ephesians 2:10 states. I was being selfish and I did not think camp was where I was supposed to be. Boy was I wrong. Look at the second half of Ephesians 2:10. Not only were we created to do good works, but God prepared these works in advance for us to accomplish for His glory. I had forgotten this. I had forgotten that I was exactly where God needed me to serve because He prepared this work in advance for me.

When we approach service in this way—in a way that acknowledges that this work was placed here for us by almighty God himself—it changes everything. It changes how we serve and how we view God. Instead of grumbling and questioning why God is having us serve in a specific area, which the Bible openly teaches against (Philippians 2:14–15), we learn to view God as, “A father who is eager to give strong support to those who trust Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

A God who supplies “every need of ours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV).

A God who “disciplines us for our good that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10, ESV).

And a God “who will bring to completion the good work He began in you” (Philippians 1:6).

O how we need to pray for each other that we would be GLAD in the Lord and receive willingly from his hand all He designs for our holiness—both painful and pleasant. So as you serve this year at Belmont—be it friends, ministries, professors, organizations, etc.… Remember Ephesians 2:10, that You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do. If we really believe that—then, as Paul says in Philippians 2:15, we will be “lights in the world.” A passion to Glorify God and bring His kingdom to earth through service, and a passion for the supremacy of all that God is, is a passion to grumble no more.

DYLAN MUSSER College of Theology & Christian Ministry

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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—exascerbated 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 Growing up is hard. If you’re anything like me, you’re reading this devotional because 1.) this small step towards growing closer to Jesus landed directly in your lap on move-in day and/or 2.) you’re struggling with the huge transitions that come along with college.

Maybe you are loving this new adventure. You were ready to move to a new school, new city, new state, new something, and it is turning out to be everything you wanted it to be and more. Or maybe this college thing isn’t turning out exactly the way you planned. You’ve moved away to this new experience, and you find yourself wondering, “Okay, where are all these new friends and exciting memories I’m supposed to be making?” Or maybe you’re somewhere in between.

Wherever your heart is in this moment, know this: 1. However you are feeling today, you are not alone. Not even in the slightest are you the only person feeling this way.

2. It’s okay to not be okay. “Make your requests known to God…” He longs so deeply to comfort you in this situation.

Jesus has felt everything that you are feeling, and He is beyond capable of granting His peace to you if you let Him. 3. It’s okay if this experience changes you. Whether freshman year is the best or worst year of your life, it most likely will change you in some way. What you want to watch out for is letting it change you into someone God has not called you to be. Today, make the conscious decision to come out of your freshman experience in the spring one giant step closer to the man or woman God is calling you to be.

Pray for God to give you the courage to let Him be your stronghold. For extra credit, read through all of Psalm 62, and let it be your prayer.

MAXINE BOULDIN Junior, Religion and the Arts major

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DAY 31 — FAITH Psalm 37:3–5, 7a | Matthew 6:8b, 31–34 | 2 Timothy 1:7 The longer I am at Belmont (and frankly, I’ve been here longer than most freshmen have been alive!!), the more I realize that new students seem to arrive on campus immersed in one of two very divergent states. Some have that “deer in the headlights” look that betrays their understandable fear of the unknown. “How am I going to live? What will I eat? Is the food in the caf even edible?” (NOTE: The caf is pretty amazing!!) Others are more like the proverbial “bull in the china shop” determined to take full advantage of their new level of social freedom. “On my own at last. I can come in whenever I want. I LOVE 4 a.m.!”

(NOTE: This may or may not have been my own approach to freshman year!) May I recommend a third option for you? May I encourage you to come in faith—not in fear and, umm, not in foolishness? Faith.

No fear? Jesus gave us the promise: seek the things of God, and He will take care of the things we need—after all, He knows we need them. But the promise comes with another sweet benefit. When we seek the things of God in faith, there’s no need to worry. No worry! No fear. I especially love the words of Jesus, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

In another place in the New Testament (2 Timothy 1:7), we are reminded that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So again, we find that we do not need to live in fear and worry. Notice, however, that concluding statement: “…of a sound mind.” That term is often translated “self-discipline.”

No foolishness? I know, it’s college. It’s supposed to be fun, right? Sure, PART of college is supposed to be fun. But, there is more to college than fun, and when we really seek the things of God, we find that a wholesome balance of fun and self-discipline serves us well…and pleases Him! So come in faith. No fear. No foolishness. God will bless you and meet your needs. You will enjoy your freshman year.

And—unlike me—you will be much happier with your GPA when fall semester ends!

RICH TINER Professor, Media Studies

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DAY 32 — COMMUNITY John 15:12-15 | Acts 2:42-47 | Romans 12:16 Becoming a part of the Belmont community—living, learning and thriving here—can feel very different than what you thought it might be when you first began to plan to move here. This is as true for a new undergraduate student as it is for a new graduate student, a new faculty member or a new staff member. I can imagine that the same could be said for anyone who is new to any college or university campus each fall, but what I sincerely hope is that all who are new to the Belmont community are able to feel embraced by what Belmont is, by who Belmont is, and by what we are all committed to sharing—the love of Christ in our lives. While many different reasons and disciplines might bring us to Belmont, what we share in common, what we practice in faith, and what we bring to this community, is a commitment to be who we are and a part of something bigger than ourselves. Today’s scripture readings are a call to action that encourages each of us to think about ourselves as part of a community and what that means for us. The readings help illustrate for us that the Christian community of Belmont is a source of strength and courage, hope and sustenance, friendship and foundation, that will help us all be better together than we are apart. With this in mind, always remember that, as Christ is, was, and always will be here for us, the Belmont community is here for you, and you for us. As a part of this community, we are all bound together by our belief that we can “engage and transform the world through disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.” Know that I am excited you are here and that I am glad you’ve chosen to be part of our community—whether you arrived 30 years ago or just yesterday. Take advantage of what our community has to offer, find ways to serve others and make sure that, no matter what, you are a part of our community and we love you, without reason or limit, for who you are.

THOMAS BURNS Provost

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DAY 33 — SERVICE Proverbs 31: 8-9 | Luke 6:38 | Acts 20:35 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 There are many in our world who cannot speak up for themselves, defend themselves or provide for themselves. Some are politically oppressed and face dangers to themselves or their friends and family members if they speak up. Some are economically oppressed and do not have access to the jobs they need to provide food, shelter and health care for themselves and their families. Some are too sick and weak to provide for themselves. The poor are often ignored by society when they try to speak up about their situation. They often do not have access to lawyers or politicians. The poverty in many places in the world is unimaginable to many of us in the United States. Many of these people fall prey to the selfish, greedy and corrupt.

It is up to the strong in this world to provide for these people. It is we who are the strong. God gives us resources, and He intends for us to use these resources to not only provide for ourselves and our family, but also to provide for those in the world who cannot provide for themselves. God gives us intelligence, education, knowledge, skills, money, time, empathy and experiences. All of us are given something that we can use to make the world a better place. All of these things come from God, and are therefore Spiritual Gifts. Your set of Gifts is not exactly the same as anyone else’s, therefore your help is needed.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (I Corinthians 12: 7, 11). The Bible tells us “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27). It is not always in our power to act, but there will be times when it is. Sometimes it might be a very minor matter, or an opportunity of limited influence, but that shouldn’t stop us. During the next four years, you’ll gain exposure to the injustice and problems in this world, and you’ll be given knowledge and skills to do your part to ease the suffering. Take advantage of all of these incredible opportunities!

DR. DANNY BILES Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science Department

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DAY 34 — VOCATION 1 Samuel 16:6–13 | Luke 1:26–38 | Acts 16:11–15 I think we often overcomplicate the idea of vocation. We turn vocation into this nebulous concept that is “out there” waiting for us to discover. The path of discovery is often vague and numerous thinkers and writers have equally numerous ideas about what vocation is and how to find it. As a result, many times we look for vocation in all the wrong places.

We often think unless we do something spectacular, our lives are more or less meaningless and we missed our sense of vocation. Unless we establish a nonprofit or work toward a cure for a disease then our lives lack a sense of vocation. We try so desperately to listen for the call to become something “great” that we miss the quiet, but sacred voice of vocation calling to us every day. I think embracing our vocation is less about something we do someday in the future, and more about how well we pay attention in the present moment.

Vocation requires that we have eyes to see and ears to hear coupled with the willingness and courage to humbly respond. This is what we see in today’s passages. Three very ordinary people, David—the baby of the family, Mary—an unmarried teenager, and Lydia—a pagan business woman, all willing to listen and respond to the present moment. Even still it might be easy to read these passages and think, “Well I would too if I had an angel or prophet tell me clearly what I am supposed to do.” While we might never have a divine encounter as Mary did, we can all assume the same approach as she, David and Lydia had. We too can learn to have eyes to see and ears to hear.

So what, or rather who is calling in your life? Is it a classmate who needs help studying for a subject you excel in? Maybe your professor is worn out and in need of a simple thank you. Who is God calling you to be, not in the distant future, but today?

The way of vocation might not be extraordinary, but neither is it complicated. Rather the path of vocation is sacred and always lies open before us, we just need to pay attention.

JOSHUA RIEDEL Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation

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DAY 35 — TRANSITION Genesis 32:28 | Isaiah 44:8 | John 14:1–3 For many of us, transitions on the scale of leaving home and coming to college are full of joy, excitement and anticipation.

But for many of us, there’s also a fair bit of anxiety, fear and striving. The next four years are full and pivotal and we might be wondering, like Jacob, what is it that we must do to receive a blessing from God. This is why Jacob’s story is so useful, and even perhaps encouraging, even if he seems an odd example of transitioning well.

Jacob doesn’t “transition well” into any stage of his life—childhood, adulthood, marriage, parenthood, even grandparenthood (when Jacob blesses his grandchildren, he intentionally chooses the “wrong” one to go first). The latter part of Genesis is, if anything, a story about what a dysfunctional hero Jacob is. Jacob comes out of the womb in conflict with his brother, whom he eventually swindles. He himself is swindled by his father-in-law and he openly plays favorites among his two wives.

After relying on concubines (in addition to his wives) to procreate, he openly favors one of his children among the others (who in turn sell the favored child into slavery in secret).

At no point do we encounter a pious Jacob. Rather, Jacob constantly wrestles with God. In chapter 32, Jacob literally wrestles with God (or at least with an angel of God). It’s a pivotal transitional moment in the life of a man who never ceases from striving, and Jacob walks away from it with two markers of the transition: a permanent limp and a new name. The new name is not a rejection of his past (in fact, the text continues to call him Jacob afterword). Rather, the new name symbolizes a transition rooted in a new awareness of God’s presence in his life.

This story of Jacob speaks volumes about transitions in our lives. Certainly, we should pay attention to skills and strategies that allow us to “transition well.” But Jacob reminds us that what is truly important is that we are open to God’s presence in our transitions—even if they are a bit of a struggle. At the end of Genesis, Jacob says a remarkable thing. While blessing his grandchildren he invokes “the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this day.” These are not the pious words of a man who had it all figured out all along; rather, this is the invocation of God by someone who looked for God in the midst of every transition. May they become our words as well.

MICAH WEEDMAN Associate University Minister & Director of Outreach

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Week

DAY 36 — FAITH Psalm 16:8 | Proverbs 18:10 | Phillipians 4: 6-8 Type A+++ to a fault. I am altruistic; I like finding reason and meaning. Despite the fact that I plan most of my life down to the second, there are just some things for which you cannot plan. Realizing your dress was on backwards at 3 p.m., the announcement of the proverbial pop quiz and the biggest one for me—when my dad was diagnosed with cancer.

No line of my planner was every prepared to contain the word “cancer,” and Staples does not make a pen color for a tumor removal surgery. I struggled with putting words together to express my anger and sadness. How could this happen to me?

How could this happen to my family? How could God place something like this in my life?

There is no perfect way to prepare or plan for change whether expected or unexpected, terrifying or exciting. In this season of transition, at times the change will be so overwhelming you’ll find yourself questioning if Belmont is right for you, if everything is working the way you imagined it would, and if God is really listening to the prayers you have for your future. Know that you are not alone in asking these questions, but also remember, no matter how persistently we inquire or adamantly we demand answers, we don’t have the capacity to truly understand what God is orchestrating. That’s where faith comes into the equation.

Have faith that the Lord has a plan for you and that He makes all things good and beautiful. With Him at your right hand and faith as your focus, you will not be shaken, and you won’t need a daily planner pen to face the transition.

MADISON SHULTZ Junior, Corporate Communications major

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DAY 37 — COMMUNITY PROVERBS 27: 5–6 | PHILLIPIANS 2: 1–2 | GALATIANS 6:2 How often do you step back to reflect on the communities that define you? In a culture that glorifies personal success and rugged individualism, it can be easy to forget that none of us are truly self-made. What influence has your residence hall, your sorority, your church or your student organization had on you? What opportunities have you been given due to your parents, your friends or the schools you’ve attended? The communities we take part in define us.

Community is an essential part of the human experience. Our God, as Trinity (three persons in one), exists as a community unto himself. As we are created in his image, it is only natural for us to long for community. God recognized that it was not good for man to be alone, which is why he created Eve as a helper for Adam (Genesis 2:18). This indicates that Adam needed help! This is why we gather in churches—because having an edifying and supportive community is critical for walking in the light.

In Galatians, Paul shares the beautiful truth that through Christ’s death we are now freed from the condemnation of the law and justified by faith (Galatians 3:24). Now free from the law, its regulations and its curse, we have a newfound liberty in Christ.

But this call to liberty is not a selfish call to do as we please. Rather, the freedom we are given from the law is to be used in service to one another (Galatians 5:13).

So as you take part in various communities this year, I challenge you to think about what it means to live sacrificially in those communities. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). This is a prompting, a command, to move beyond your own motives and to choose a road of hardship. Taking part others’ burdens is not about your convenience or happiness; it is about sharing the love of Christ.

Taking this command seriously makes for communities that have meaning—communities that exhort people to serve better, lead better, and love better. None of us live in isolation, so intentionally choose each day to develop this type of Christcentered community. Don’t leave what your community becomes up to chance—choose to define your communities as those of Christ-like sacrificial love.

EVAN VAUGHN Residence Director, Maddox Hall

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DAY 38 — SERVICE 2 Chronicles 15:7 | Matthew 23:11 | Hebrews 6:10–12 “That’s a good major—you can make a lot of money with it.”

This is not the first time you have read or heard something like that. In fact, many colleges market themselves along the lines of, “You will earn more if you come here than if you don’t.” Earning a living is indeed part of becoming an adult, and getting an undergraduate degree can be an important part of the process of preparing for your life’s work. But it is worth bearing in mind that the word “career” comes from the French word for “racetrack:” a place where you run round and round fast but never get anywhere.

No one sets out to live a life of busy insignificance; it is the result of allowing the temptations of money and comfort drown out the voice of God. For God calls us to do work that is deeply significant and which we can love doing even if the earthly rewards are meager—though if we wind up being paid well for what God calls us to do, we can contribute even more money to other work we believe in. In either case, we are living lives in defiance of measuring our worth by our salary level or standard of living.

The Christian vision for our work lives is summed up in the word “calling,” which raises the question: who is calling me and why? When Jesus calls us, he says a very countercultural thing: “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:12).

One hates to contradict Jesus, but isn’t it the case that great people have servants, not that great people are servants? But Jesus came to show us what life is about: “I came not to be served, but to serve,” he said. While at Belmont, you can choose a major that will allow you to be part of what God still needs to do in the world. You can take part in internships, class projects, mission trips and ministries that allow you to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” And by taking advantage of opportunities in your residence hall, in student organizations, in the classroom and in your free time, you can “love your neighbor as yourself.”

For you did not come here to be served, but to serve!

DR. TODD LAKE Vice President for Spiritual Development

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DAY 39 — VOCATION Ester 4:9–17 | John 4:1–30 | 1 Timothy 4:6–16 These next four years will likely provide many opportunities for you to develop a more grounded sense of your identity, and ultimately, a more grounded sense of your vocation. Even in the last month since you started at Belmont, your identity has probably changed in some ways—as you have moved out of your parent’s house, started college classes and met lots of new people, among many other things.

As you continue transitioning into this new season, it can be tempting to define yourself—and to define the people around you— too quickly, as this process of defining is a natural way to make yourself feel more at home and comfortable when you are out of place. I encourage you to refrain from defining your sense of identity and vocation too quickly. When you introduce yourself to new people, it is probably your natural tendency to ask people where they come from and what their major is. But I encourage you to think about how to ask more creative questions which inquire about the essence of who those people are. What past experiences are most meaningful to them and have shaped who they are today? Why did they choose to come to Belmont?

Resist the temptation to define yourself—and the people around you—just by your major or what you are studying. While areas of study can provide excellent points of connection between people (and can highlight the ways you feel called to serve and work), don’t limit yourself or other people to their field of study. Instead, I challenge you to define yourself by who you are in the broadest sense: a beloved child of God. Paul writes in 1 Timothy with an encouragement to set an example “in speech, in conduct, in life, in love and in purity.” These areas he lists are all more focused on one’s character and who they are than on what they specifically do—or what they are studying.

My hope for you today is that you might experience freedom and encouragement through the reminder that developing your character and sense of identity—and learning to understand the character and identity of those around you—is more important than developing a sense of identity and vocation that is defined only by what you do.

KIRSTEN RIEDEL Residence Director, Heron Hall

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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) The realities of college life are setting in right about now—you have settled into a routine of classes, made some great friends, found interesting activities and organizations—you know what college life is all about. Well, almost. You know a lot, you have experienced a lot, but there will still be more to come. You will almost certainly encounter classes that are harder than anything you have ever taken before, relationships that don’t turn out the way you hoped or thought they would. There will be challenging days and people that you could never have anticipated. There will be situations that cause you to question what you have thought and ask you to reconsider who you are and how you will be in the world.

This can be a bit overwhelming to think about and even more so to experience, but don’t let that stop you from taking chances on new friends, new adventures, new ideas. Continue to seek answers to life’s difficult and challenging questions.

Continue to ask yourself how you can best love God and neighbor. Continue to take risks that will help you live out the call that God has placed on your life.

It may sound too good to be true, but you can do these things not with doubts and fear, but with confidence, because you are a part of a community here at Belmont. A community that will walk with you through good seasons and bad ones. A community that will stand beside you through thick and thin. But, perhaps more importantly you can step out into new things because there is a God who journeys with us. A God who is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble (Isaiah 62:2). So don’t be intimidated by what may lie ahead—continue on knowing that you are surrounded by the love, and grace, and peace, and mercy of a God in whom you can take refuge.

REV. HEATHER GERBSCH DAUGHERTY University Minister, Office of University Ministries

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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.

■ T o 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.

Faith Development Organizations ■ Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) ■ Belmont Catholic Community ■ Belmont Full Gospel Community ■ Belmont Wesley Fellowship (BWF) ■ Chadasha Gospel Choir ■ Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) ■ Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) ■ Intervarsity Christian Fellowship ■ Navigators ■ Nurses Christian Fellowship ■ Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) ■ UKirk (PCUSA) ■ Young Life

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.

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