Get the appBelmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample
Day 1 - Faith
Faith in Christ is the common bond that unites us as followers of Jesus. We may believe different things about specific theologies or expressions of one’s faith tradition, but we unite in what we believe about Jesus as the Christ—the Holy
Son of God.
And as new members of this community, I can assure you that there will be nothing more important than this very faith during your formative college years.
This faith defines who you are in ways that nothing else can or should.
This faith is what will help bring shape to who you are, whose you are and how you are to be—both on campus and everywhere you go.
It will help you discern what to major in and how God might want to use you to make a difference in the world—even now, as a college student.
When life seems uncertain and unsettled, this faith will be the solid foundation on which you lean and regain your perspective. This same faith is where you will find refuge and reorientation when the rest of life doesn’t make sense.
This faith will help you to know when to work and when to play and when to rest.
This faith will even help to make your messes in life something redemptive and usable by God.
On one level, having this kind of faith is quite easy. But on other levels it can be much more challenging.
This kind of faith speaks to a growing and dynamic relationship that we can have with the One True God. It is a relationship meant to bring life and bear fruit. It is not meant to be a burden or hinder our joy. And it is a relationship which you must now make a priority for yourself.
God’s invitation to you is the same that it’s always been, “Come, follow me.” It’s an offer to see that the God we put our faith in is for us and wants to take us on an incredible adventure.
Dear friends, I encourage you to take seriously Jesus invitation to, “Come, follow me,” each and every day. No one can accept this invitation for you. It is yours—to accept or not. And this one invitation is the key to an incredible four years at college—and life-long journey with God.
Come, follow me.
GUY CHMIELESKI | University Minister
Faith in Christ is the common bond that unites us as followers of Jesus. We may believe different things about specific theologies or expressions of one’s faith tradition, but we unite in what we believe about Jesus as the Christ—the Holy
Son of God.
And as new members of this community, I can assure you that there will be nothing more important than this very faith during your formative college years.
This faith defines who you are in ways that nothing else can or should.
This faith is what will help bring shape to who you are, whose you are and how you are to be—both on campus and everywhere you go.
It will help you discern what to major in and how God might want to use you to make a difference in the world—even now, as a college student.
When life seems uncertain and unsettled, this faith will be the solid foundation on which you lean and regain your perspective. This same faith is where you will find refuge and reorientation when the rest of life doesn’t make sense.
This faith will help you to know when to work and when to play and when to rest.
This faith will even help to make your messes in life something redemptive and usable by God.
On one level, having this kind of faith is quite easy. But on other levels it can be much more challenging.
This kind of faith speaks to a growing and dynamic relationship that we can have with the One True God. It is a relationship meant to bring life and bear fruit. It is not meant to be a burden or hinder our joy. And it is a relationship which you must now make a priority for yourself.
God’s invitation to you is the same that it’s always been, “Come, follow me.” It’s an offer to see that the God we put our faith in is for us and wants to take us on an incredible adventure.
Dear friends, I encourage you to take seriously Jesus invitation to, “Come, follow me,” each and every day. No one can accept this invitation for you. It is yours—to accept or not. And this one invitation is the key to an incredible four years at college—and life-long journey with God.
Come, follow me.
GUY CHMIELESKI | University Minister
Scripture
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
