Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample
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Day 38 – Service
“Serving the Lord will pay off, after while.”
This short statement from an old song we would sing at church came to mind when thinking about the promise God gives those who present their bodies in service to Him: “…be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
Just to clarify, our works will never save us, as we are only made new by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). However, a servant’s heart is the proper response for someone who has been made a new creation in Christ. Jesus taught his disciples
that “the greatest among [them] shall be [their] servant,” and “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11- 12). Due to God’s grace we have received the mind and Spirit of Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count
equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). We act out our faith by laying down our lives for others like our Savior.
Serving God and His people is not an easy calling; it comes with many trials and difficulties. The busy-ness of college can often distract us from our purpose. Giving ourselves can be detrimental to our bodies. At times I have felt weak with little strength,
like I was being crushed under my responsibilities. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but then I remind myself that “The Lord is my strength and my shield’’ (Psalm 28:7), and through trusting in Him I am able to carry out His will.
I encourage you to receive God as your strength and continually seek to grow closer to Him as you serve others. Take advantage of the many opportunities that Belmont provides to help you cultivate your servant hearts, and “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
Not only will God reward us in the end for living our lives for Him; He gives us many rewards along the way: love, friendship, sanctification, peace, joy and purpose, among many others.
JUSTIN LANG | RA, Junior | Psychology and Sociology double major
“Serving the Lord will pay off, after while.”
This short statement from an old song we would sing at church came to mind when thinking about the promise God gives those who present their bodies in service to Him: “…be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
Just to clarify, our works will never save us, as we are only made new by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). However, a servant’s heart is the proper response for someone who has been made a new creation in Christ. Jesus taught his disciples
that “the greatest among [them] shall be [their] servant,” and “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11- 12). Due to God’s grace we have received the mind and Spirit of Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count
equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). We act out our faith by laying down our lives for others like our Savior.
Serving God and His people is not an easy calling; it comes with many trials and difficulties. The busy-ness of college can often distract us from our purpose. Giving ourselves can be detrimental to our bodies. At times I have felt weak with little strength,
like I was being crushed under my responsibilities. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but then I remind myself that “The Lord is my strength and my shield’’ (Psalm 28:7), and through trusting in Him I am able to carry out His will.
I encourage you to receive God as your strength and continually seek to grow closer to Him as you serve others. Take advantage of the many opportunities that Belmont provides to help you cultivate your servant hearts, and “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
Not only will God reward us in the end for living our lives for Him; He gives us many rewards along the way: love, friendship, sanctification, peace, joy and purpose, among many others.
JUSTIN LANG | RA, Junior | Psychology and Sociology double major
About this Plan
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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