Get the appFreshman Reflections From Belmont UniversitySample
Day 28 – Transition
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
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
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!
More
We would like to thank the students, faculty and staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
