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the schedule:
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In our society, honesty is becoming more and more rare. It seems like on almost a daily basis we are bombarded with dishonestly. Just turn on the evening news: another politician broke his word, another witness gave false testimony, and another executive doctored the numbers. As honestly slips further and further away, so goes with it people who can be trusted for their word. We’ve become quite cynical because isn’t a sucker born every minute? Why get out hopes up just to be disappointed by lies again?

Unfortunately, this trend of dishonesty has also worked its way into our churches. Not only do some churches avoid controversial subjects, and therefore taking a stand for Truth, but they also openly create lies. How many churches out there are now embracing and teaching values that the Bible clearly reveals are wrong? I shudder at the numbers.

But before we start pointing fingers at others we need to hold up a mirror and take a look at our own lives first, because there is a lot more to honesty and integrity than dealing with flat-out lies.

Proverbs 11:3 points out that “Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty.” This proverb makes a clear association of what category being dishonest puts you in. It also points out the consequences of dishonesty: destruction. Maybe you’re hearing this and think that sounds a bit harsh or is only reserved for big lies, but the truth is dishonesty can lead to horrible consequences.

First of all, dishonesty causes us to lose credibility and respect. Every time we tell a lie we run the risk of the truth being exposed and when that happens we lose respect from others.

Another consequence of dishonesty is that it has the potential to affect our witness as Christians. If we go around and tell everyone that we know the Truth, then on the other hand they see us living dishonestly, our testimony of who God is isn’t going to be well received. Over and over in the New Testament, Jesus refers to us as His witnesses. I am sure perjury wasn’t what He had in mind when He gave us the privilege of wearing that title.

Finally, dishonesty often leads to a big consequence: the damaging effect it can have on relationships. Let’s face it: lies create a distance between people, whether or not they have actually been exposed. Once a lie has been exposed, the lie usually hurts the person who has been offended and creates a sense of distrust in the relationship. All of those things combined have the potential to cause a relationship to crumble. That is a huge consequence to pay for something that could have been avoided with the truth.

Yes, honesty also does cost us something. We don’t lie because it’s fun- we lie to avoid what we perceive the results of telling the truth will be. Sometimes we are afraid that we will hurt someone’s feelings, other time’s we are concerned about the effect the truth will have on us, and often we lie because we view a lie as easier to both speak and hear than the truth.

While all of these reasons may seem justified in our minds, God has clearly pointed out in His word that there is no substitute for the truth. Titus 1:2 points out that God is incapable of lying and if we desire to be like Him, we must seek to hold the same standards.

Unfortunately, this is not easy because living a life of honesty and integrity is more than just not vocalizing a lie. It is living in such a way that truth is always both said and implied. It is being real with one another as believers and it is standing for truth no matter what the cost. As J.C Ryle once said:

“Let authenticity be one great mark of your approach to Christ, and there is everything to give you hope…Let there be nothing of coldness, of double-dealing, of dishonesty, of sham, of counterfeit, in your Christianity. Never be content to wear a cloak of religion. Be all that you profess. Though you may sin, be authentic. Though you may stumble, be true. Keep this principle continually before your eyes, and it will be well with your soul throughout your journey from grace to glory.”

This is a lifelong challenge and a journey that we are all on. We may fall and make mistakes, but where there is repentance, there is also forgiveness.

In closing, if you find yourself in the situation where you’ve been less than honesty with someone in your life lately, do yourself and the person a favor and tell them the truth. No, it will not change the fact that you lied, but your confession is proof to them that you know what you did is wrong and that you are going to change. In that, relationships damaged by dishonesty can be restored.

By: Kristen L. McNulty from the Mad Radio Show
Catch the Mad Radio Show and others on Student Faith.com Radio every Sunday from 12pm till 12am on the detour! http://etsudetour.com

"Lost for the words to say
I'm left here in disarray
Waiting for You, waiting on truth
I've thrown reason overboard
Knowing that there's still more
I don't yet believe, I can't even perceive
I can't seem to understand
Can't seem to find my way
It's over my head, it's over my head
Learning this mystery
Trust what I cannot see
It's over my head, it's over my head
The wonder of all You've made
Foundations Your hands have laid
Bringing me back to my knees, to my knees
I'm lost for the words to say
Lost for another way
Bringing me back to my knees, to my knees
I'm lost for the words to say
Lost for another way
Ruined for anything other than Your love
I'm desperate to know You, Lord
Desperate for what's in store
Finding my hope in only You, in only You
Take me beyond this door
Lead me to something more
Open my heart up for more of You, more of You"

-Starfield's Over My Head

After I heard this at a local college ministry last semester, I just had to get this song myself. The song itself talks about how the glory of God is beyond anything we could ever imagine, or "over [our] head[s]." At the beginning of the song, the lyrics describe how he just "realize[s] that [hes] only just begun" to worship God at the end of actual worship. He finds himself in "extravagant love" that comes down, leaving him with nothing to say.

The chorus builds up with the writer showing us why he is so overwhelmed by God. "The reach of your fame, the power in your name, your glory surrounds me..." At this moment, the writer suddenly simply gives up on naming all of the endless reasons, and admits that "it's over my head."

The lyrics which I included at the beginning of the song are actually found at the end of the song. The writer continues to describe how God is beyond his understanding, and simply "trust[s] what [he] cannot see."

What an amazing song! It really describes how God can be at so many different times. The power of Christ is over our heads! When I think about it, I too am "lost for the words to say." It simply is beyond my understanding. This can be hard to accept though. As humans, we get used to actually having to see to believe. For many of us, we WANT to try and reason God and what he does. In all honesty though, all reasoning leads back to one..."it's over my head."

Psalm 91:14-15
"The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them."

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So if this verse is true, then why doesn't Christ truly answer me when I call out to him? Why doesn't he simply shoot me an e-mail with an answer? Why does it always seem like he really isn't answering me? We expect God's answer to come when we ask. It's like trying to contact a professor with a question about an assignment. You try to call..they aren't there...you try and e-mail...no immediate response. In most situations however, a reply is sent as soon as they are available. With God, it’s similar to this, except on his timing. Sometimes the answers to the things in life don't immediately come to us. Why is this? Maybe we aren't ready for the answer. Maybe we need to learn something else before we are able to understand the answer. There are many reasons. He will answer though. Now the answer probably won't be in a telephone call or e-mail. The answer always comes in a unique way. It can come simply from a friend who tells you something. Maybe you have a change of heart on something. Pay attention to little things in life, and look for God's answer. Also, if you have trouble being patient for God's answer, pray that he will give you patients. Remember to allow God's timing be the timing that you follow.

1 Chronicles 29:12-14 (NLT)

"Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength. "O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you have already given us!"

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So are you one to stop and smell the roses? If, for some odd reason, you didn't know today was Thanksgiving, it is. ;-) So after one of the toughest semesters I've ever had, what do I have to be thankful for? Well lets start with some small things. I've still got some clothes on my back. I've had plenty of clean water to drink. I've got a warm place to go during the cold. I just took another breath...maybe I should be thankful for that? What about the fact that I still have both of my hands and am able to type this letter? Wow.. what about the internet for that matter? Maybe I should be thankful for the electricity in my home? I was thinking today about what REALLY can bug me vs. what people in other countries go through. Did you know that people in 3rd world countries worry about where their next meal is going to come from? What they can do to keep warm? What steps they are going to have to take to continue to SURVIVE? Now, what do I have to worry about? What is going on with a relationship of mine? What these extra pounds are going to make people think. What is something FUN that I can think of to do over the weekend. Do I ever have to worry about survival? Worry about where my next meal is going to come from? NO! Wow... do I have it easy. Incredibley easy compared to what other people are going through. This verse has a very good point. All that we have is from Christ, so all we are able to do is give back to him what he has already given to us. So let us thank Christ for all that he has given us! He has blessed us SO much!!! If you are able to read this on the internet, then consider yourself SO lucky and fortunate!

Proverbs 16:33 (NLT)

"We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall."
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Mmmmmmmmmm... I love that verse! It is such a great way to look at things. We will never truley know how the dice are going to fall. We can always bet our money on a certain number, but only the Lord knows where they will fall. We can hope for a particular path in life, but only the Lord knows where it will end up. Trying to plan your future is just like rolling the dice. You can roll them in a direction, and hope that they land on what you want them to, but you will NEVER truley know. Put your faith in the future that Christ has for you. The results maybe more to your liking then you were originally planning on. Also, you may NOT know what that future is, but have faith that it is in God's hands. Have faith that he is going to roll the dice to the number that is BEST for you, not to your liking.

(originally e-mailed on Sunday, October 23, 2005)

Psalm 91:15 (NLT)
"When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them."

One day, a man was out on his boat in the middle of the ocean fishing. He had chosen to go by himself, and it was a pretty day. He felt on top of the world. He was fixing to graduate with a masters, already had a good paying job, and a great wife. He also never felt closer to Christ then he did at this time. Well suddenly the boat sprung a leak out of nowhere. It took a few minutes for him to notice it, but he finally did. He tried to figure out where it was coming from, but had no luck. Before he knew it, the boat had totally sunk. He was stuck in the water with just a life jacket and a deserted island in the distance. After arriving at the island, he surveyed the available resources. It turned out that there were many plants and fruits available. He took sometime to pray to Christ to get him off the island. Afterwards, he built himself a shelter and also a fire [after playing with it]. He then went away from his campsite to look for food. A couple of hours later, he came back to find that the fire had consumed the entire shelter he spent hours making. He looked up at the sky and yelled "God, why did you do this to me? Why did you burn my shelter down? Why are you doing this to me? He then falls down and begins to cry. A few hours later, a ship appears at the island. The captain yells down to the man, "Hey! Do you need to be rescued?”..the man on the island said "Yes, but how did you know to come to the island?" The captain then replied, "Because of the smoke in the sky..."

Even though something may appear bad in your life, there IS a reason why it is happening. You may not be able to understand the reason at the time, but it's Christ at work. Next time something bad happens in your life, no matter how devastating, remember that it could be of GREAT benefit later. Try to find the good in problems, no matter how devastating it may seem.

Romans 15:13 (NLT)

"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

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Well it's finally starting to get to me..the burn out of school. The homework never seems to end! It NEVER ends!! Every single week I have at least 3 things that are due that keeps me busy ALL week. I am unable to go out and enjoy myself. I am unable to relax..it just NEVER ends!! I think that this is also affecting my happiness. I remind myself daily, however, that Christ has empowered me with happiness and joy. I remind myself that when I start getting burnt out on school that I am fulfilling Christ's plan for my life by doing all of this homework.. by getting the degree. I know that all of this hard work is going to pay off. I also remember that Christ saved me from a life of sorrow and misery, and that alone is enough to make me smile each and everyday. So keep an upper lift...no matter what stress comes your way..because Christ has SAVED you and given you a new life! He can fill you with joy, and peace...even through the hardest of times. He can give you back that lost hope of actually surviving the semester with a smile.

(originally for Friday, September 30, 2005 -- got posted late)

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT)

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

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Have you ever had something just make you stop, and smile for a moment? Something that impressed you so much that it made you stop whatever you were doing, and just smile. When I think about what Christ has done for me in my life, it causes that smile. It just amazes me to think about how much he has blessed me and takes care of me. No matter what happens to me, no matter where I may stray, God is always going to be there with me. He continues to bless me and show me more talents that I never knew I had. He has given me an understanding of my future. He has helped me to understand WHY bad things happen. For instance, I may question Christ about why something bad happened in my life, but later found out it was very beneficial to me. Have you ever tried to connect one event in your life to another? (For instance, if I hadn't of moved here, then I would've never met my best friend..etc) It's Christ at work!! Do you realize that Christ has blessed you?? Do you realize HOW MUCH he has blessed you? So as the verse says, I hope that you 'may have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is,' because he will ALWAYS be there to give you the strength and understanding to get you through life.

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Sorry about only one devotion this week! I have had SO many assignments due, and haven't had anytime to do anything!! I wasn't even able to attend some things outside of classes because of homework. :-/ Oh well! I guess that is how college is! I am looking for people to help out with devotions!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NLT)

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
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As the author of Ecclesiastes continues to find the answer to the question of "What do people get for all their hard work?"... he makes many observations. One of the famous parts of Ecclesiastes are these simple, yet very true verses. When we want something, we usually get anxious. For instance, we want to find that person that is our true love. We want a semester to be over before it is. We want things before they are supposed to happen. As this passage says, "there is a time for everything." Instead of counting down the days until a certain event is going to happen or hoping for it to, realize that God has a specific reason why that hasn't occured yet. Enjoy the time that God has blessed you without that certain thing, person, etc. that you are anxiously awaiting. Try to find some different things that God could actually be doing with that time. For instance, if you are single and seeking a mate...maybe God is building you up as a person to be ready for your new significant other? Of course...it can be tough. We all have desires that make us anxious..but understand that there is reasoning behind that something that is not happening in your life yet, whether you understand it or not.

I apologize about waiting this long to get another devotion out. As I am sure is the case with many of you, I have been SWAMPED with homework this week. To make up for not sending devotions out, I will be sending devotions out on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday we will end our "Look at Da Book: Ecclesasties." Sorry again. I am going to really try harder to get these out on time!

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Ecclesiastes 1 (NLT)

"Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "utterly meaningless!" What do people get for all their hard work? Generations come and go, but nothing really changes. The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. The rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows again to the sea. Everything is so weary and tiresome! No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn't already exist long ago? We don't remember what happened in those former times. And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.



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Ecclesiastes starts out with a very positive message, doesn't it? (just kidding..) In these first verses, the 'preaching' begins by saying that "everything is meaningless." That's right! The test you studied for 10 hours is meaningless...the money in your wallet=meaningless.. EVERYTHING. The next verse presents the question that will be answered throughout this book..."What do people get for all their hard work?" The writer is seeking answers for this question. Why does he ask this question? Because of the things that are witnessed in the cycles of life that he describes after presenting the question (such as the water cycles and wind currents that constantly are repeated). So what is the point for all of the hard work that we do? How can we truly enjoy life? The writer examines many of these kind of issues, and also brings some other things to the table. In the next few devotions, we are going to look at a few of the highlights, and try to figure out exactly where his question led him.

Now, I am going to admit, that this book is considered one of the toughest to understand in the Old Testament.. but let's give it a shot! Now I am not a bible scholar, so please understand I am doing my best with the resources I have to understand it, just like you are. Many people want to simply ignore the Old Testament because it is so different..this book is important though.. why? It "has special relevance today in our materialistic society...it helps us to see the vanity (the quality of being valueless or futile) of many earthly pursuits. It contains lessons for all, but especially for the YOUNG who have so much to lose should they make the wrong choices early in life."

So lets give Ecclesiastes a try, and see what God can speak to us though this book!

Author: The book of Ecclesiastes does not directly mention its author. There are quite a few verses that imply that Solomon wrote this book. There are some clues in the context that may suggest a different person wrote the book at a time well after Solomon’s death, possibly several hundred years later. Still, the conventional belief is that the author is indeed Solomon.

Date of Writing: Solomon's reign as King of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. The narrative of “the Preacher” (KJV), or “the Teacher” (NIV) reveals the depression caused by seeking happiness in worldly things. This book gives Christians a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very wise, is trying to find meaning in temporary, human things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning. In the end, the Preacher comes to accept that faith in God is the only way to find personal meaning. He decides to accept the fact that life is brief and ultimately worthless without God. The Preacher advises the reader to focus on an eternal God instead of temporary pleasure.

Practical Application: Ecclesiastes offers the Christian an opportunity to understand the emptiness and despair that those who do not know God grapple with. Those who do not have a saving faith in Christ are faced with a life that will ultimately end and become irrelevant. If there is no salvation, and no God, then not only is there no point to life, but no purpose or direction to it either. The world “under the sun”, apart from God, is frustrating, cruel, unfair, brief, and “utterly meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes should be read carefully and in context. Many of the statements are very pessimistic, and seem at odds with other parts of the Bible. By reading the entire text, one can see that the Preacher is discussing the viewpoint of one without God. His pessimism and fatalism is from the perspective of one with no hope, no meaning, and no God. The conclusions of Ecclesiastes demonstrate how nothing fills the natural hole in our lives like a relationship with the One who wants to join Him in a place beyond the world “under the sun.”

(source: http://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Ecclesiastes.html)

Matthew 26:34 (NLT)
"Peter," Jesus replied, "the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
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It's 10:00pm on Thursday night. Here at East Tennessee State University, it is our 'college night.' This means that all of the bars and clubs are running specials, and college students go out and party. Meet Christa. She is a junior (transfer student from a community college ) and new to the university. She lives on campus in a dorm. She has met several different friends on her floor and became
close to them. Christa is a Christian, and has been trying to live a more devoted life to Christ. Christa volunteers with a ministry on campus (lets say its called GodSeekers), and greets people when they come in the door at the weekly meeting. Well, its now Thursday. Several of her friends are planning on going out to a large club that
evening, and keep trying to get her to go. They tell her "it won't be fun without you"...blah blah blah. She feels confused about if she should go or not, especially with her trying to get her faith jump started again. Christa finally gives in to her friend's and goes. While they are standing in line to get into the club, she sees
someone that she remembers greeting at the weekly GodSeeker's ministry. She tries to hide behind someone so that person doesn't see her, but it doesn't work. The person actually comes up and asks her "didn't I see you at GodSeeker's this week?" Embarrassed, she answers yes. The guy responds with a "oh...ok" in a surprised tone, then walks away. Boy, does this stir some things up in Christa's mind. She tries to have fun, but it just doesn't feel right anymore. At the end of her night, a lot of her friends are drunk..and really start getting on her nerves. She thinks to herself "what a horrible night this has been!" Christa is really concerned about the guy that saw her. She feels that it really threw her Christian witness in the trash. She asks herself..."what does this person that I welcomed at GodSeekers think of me? Of this ministry? Does he think that I am a hypocrite since he saw me at the club? I hope that I haven't caused him to move away from Christ." ... So what to do...go and worship God, then party and do the normal college thing? Christa found herself learning the hardway that doing what most people do on college night just isn't for her.

*Names in this true story have been changed. Names of ministries have also been changed.

Mark 8:36 (NLT)

"And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?"
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What are some common words that come to mind when you think of college? Parties, drinking, freedom, studying, sex, etc. What a tough environment to live in, especially as a Christian. College throws you into an adult world where it can be tough to stick to what you believe in. Many times 18 and 19 year olds begin living the life of a 21 year old before they are, well, 21. Often we give up our values just to 'have a good time.' We think we our mature and have a handle on our lives, but in reality we will not be as fully mature (for most people anyways) as we can be until we are over 21 (which is why the law forbids people from drinking until that age.) Try to think out of the box of the normal college student. Instead of wanting to fit in, ask yourself...'is this really in line with my Christian values?' Think differently, in 'Christ mode.' Remember the 'old' saying, "What Would Jesus Do?" ... you CAN live the life of a Christian, and avoid the Over 21 Year Old World of college! Is something that you are currently doing in your life tugging at your concious and saying 'you know that this isn't in line with your Christian values?' ... maybe that is God tugging on your heart? Let your Christianity shine in a world dominated by so many 'wordly' things. As the verse says, why would you want to fit in with that crowd that you feel awkward in.. to be apart of that group that does things that you don't agree with...when you "lose your own soul in the process?"

Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)
"Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near."

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Ok...here is a normal weekday for your 'average' college student:

8am-11am: 2 classes
11am-12pm: lunch & homework at the same time
12pm-2pm: another class & lab
2pm-3pm: workout in gym, etc.
3pm-8pm: work
8pm+: hang out with friends

Where is homework? Well it is usually stuck in the weekend or really late at night (when we just remember that it was due). This, along with any random road trips to visit your new best friend’s mom, camping, extra-curricular activities (such as sports, clubs, etc.) really make us busy. Now... where in the world do we stick any sort of ministry/church thing with all of that is already going on??

In a previous devotion, we looked at why it is essential to get to know Christ while in college. Now let's look at some resources that most colleges have available to students to help your relationship with Christ. The biggest thing is the available campus ministries. Campus ministries are organizations that are devoted to serving college students. They usually hold weekly services, have specials activates, and are considered an official club of the college. This is an excellent connection for meeting new Christians, helping you further your personal relationship with Christ, and getting involved. Campus ministries of all denominations are usually present at most universities. For instance: the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, The Wesley Foundation (Methodist), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (inter-denominational), Campus Crusade for Christ (inter-denominational), and many more. Check with your universities/college's Student Life office for a list of all ministries available at your college. Beyond campus ministries, many local churches also feature a college and career class. These ministries usually have small group bible studies, go on retreats, and other fun things.

Now remember, it is all about YOUR personal relationship with Christ...not if your apart of a ministry or not. College ministries can always help you to strengthen your relationship, but it is up to you to maintain a personal relationship with Christ.

This concludes freshmen orientation. Now, go out and have a great semester! These are the best years of your life. This is when you will really come to know who you really are. Of course, we will all do things that we don't like while we are in college no matter how prepared we try to be, but remember, Christ will always forgive you if you just come to him.

Psalm 68:6 (NLT)

God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But for rebels, there is only famine and distress.
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It's the first few weeks of classes. You know NOBODY that goes to your new college. Wherever you go, you are alone. You thought that you would become best friends with your new roommate, but it turns out that they are complete opposites of you. When you look at everyone, they all seem to know other people. You wonder "how in the world can all of these people know so many other people??" You feel out of place. You worry that you aren't going to meet anyone new. Trust me, you aren't alone. Each fall many freshmen and transfer students feel the same way you do. There are, however, plenty of places to try and meet few people (such at campus ministries, clubs, etc.) The problem is is that many students are reluctant to get involved, especially with student ministries. They feel that they won't have enough time, be comfortable with the situation, etc. A lot of students feel that when they go, they will just feel out of place because they don't know anyone. This is normal as with anything new. Let's look at it in a different light. When you get a new dog, it is scared and isn't familiar with its surroundings. It shakes in fear when you first hold it. It is confused and usually keeps to itself at your house. After a few days/weeks however, the dog has grown used to its surroundings and feels comfortable. It finally starts barking, and being more playful. So instead of being scared because you are going to be in an uncomfortable situation, realize that: yes it might be uncomfortable at first, but once you keep going, you WILL meet new people and you WILL eventually be very comfortable with it. Where can you find more information on what campus ministries are at your school? Most colleges have a student life office (or something similar). This office is responsible for all of the clubs, organizations, and activities that go on at school. So call around your college...get a list of ministries serving your college/university, and get plugged in! Scared? Afraid? Get over it! These ministries are out there to help you continue your relationship with Christ, and to help you meet other Christians.

Orientation for Freshmen week!

Hello freshmen (& freshwomen...lol). How is your first week or two of college going? Is it a bit more then you thought it would be? This week college dev'S is going to dive into some issues that a lot of freshmen go through their first semester of college. Hopefully we will touch on an issue that concerns you. We pray that you are having a successful first few weeks of college.
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1 Chronicles 28:9 (NLT)

"For the LORD sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him."
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These days...many people get the idea that after high school, you are automatically supposed to go to college, like it is expected. You are preached at that if you go, you will have a better future, make more money, etc (which is true!). Many parents preach to you since the day you started high school that you WILL be going to college. There are some college students that are just in college to be on their parents insurance. So why are you in college? Did you go because you wanted to get out of the house? Did you go because your parents simply expect you to? Or did you go because you feel it is God's calling in your life? I personally am going to college because God has called me to. How do I know that he has? Because of the strong desire that has been placed in my heart to finish. College is for many people, and yet it also isn't for many people (if that makes any sense). Some people that start college are really called to go to a technical school, to take some time off before starting, etc. Make sure that you are really meant to be in college. College costs lots of money and takes a lot of effort. Failing a class in college is a lot different then failing a class in high school. If you feel that you shouldn't actually be in college, then at least try to finish the semester that you are currently enrolled in (so that you don't lose any money). If you don't feel that you can finish the current semester, then at least drop the classes if it's not to late. I am certainly NOT trying to discourage anyone that feels they are supposed to be in college from going. I have seen so many people start college, and then not really do anything about it. Just make sure that you are following God's plan for your life, and that college is really the thing for you to do. If it is, you are going to love it!!!

1 Peter 3:15-17 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for do. It's finally time for school to start. Time to return to that busy and often hectic life of a college student. It's also time to return to a world where so many people don't know Christ. College is a critical time in a person's life. This is the time when you really mold yourself into the person that you are going to be. This is the time when you, the Christian college student, have to be strong and firm in your faith. Why? There are so many people that are in college just trying to find themselves. We are at a point at this age when we just don't know what our future holds. Our minds are open to new ideas, meeting new people, etc. while in college. If we bring a person to Christ at this time when their trying to find who they are, it has the power to stick with them the rest of their life. So when someone asks you about your faith or you see the opportunity to witness, "always be ready to explain it." Also, really live it up as a Christian. No, I don't mean stand on the corner of the street preaching to passing cars...but just make it evident that you are a Christian to others by your actions, your lifestyle, etc. Get involved with a campus ministry, continue to help yourself grow in your faith, and really help to tell others about how Christ has changed your life around while they are at this critical age.

Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
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Wow...this is yet another powerful verse from the bible. Things in life right now just don't go the way that I want them to most of the time. I don't have enough money, time to study, etc. "This meal isn't good enough for me." blah blah blah... Many times we complain and don't even think about it. I find myself complaining about being tired EVERYDAY. See, I have a bad habit of staying up until 1am, and then trying to get up at 8am each day, resulting in me being tired, which then results in complaining. I feel that God has blessed us with lives that most people with be envious of. To complain about little things just makes me feel that I am not happy with what God has blessed me with, like I am wanting more. Arguing is another thing that is inevitable in my life. When I talk to my brother a lot of the time, our views conflict, and arguement soon comes around. Some arguements are healthy. Others, however, can be destructive and hurtful. Each and every person can judge wether an arguement is productive or desctrutive. Just remember, no matter what inconviences, bad things that happen, etc. that YOU have been blessed, and should be extremley happy with this. Once you realize how blessed you actually are, negativity leaves you, and you can "shine brightly before" the "crooked people" of the world.

1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT)

You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can
grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for
this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that
you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.

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What in the world? Spiritual milk? Is that milk from a
sacred cow in India? Noooo... This is an interesting,
deep verse, but can be a bit complex to understand.
Milk makes our bones stronger. The "spiritual milk"
that the Lord provides us helps us to "grow into the
fullness of [our] salvation." When we don't drink our
milk, then our bones can become weak. It is the same
when we don't receive our spiritual milk. Remember
when you first came to know the Lord, and how sweet
the "taste of the Lord's kindness" was? At that
moment, you felt that you were at the height of your
salvation. YOu had the Christian 'thang' goin, and
nothing could stop you. Sometimes we can experience
burn out with our Chrisitanity. It's these times when
we need to cry out, even throwing a tantrum like a
baby can. Pray that God will give you that sweet
spiritual milk, and really helpen to strengthen your
faith and Christianity. That way you can go back to
the full potential that your Christianity can be!

Psalm 88:9 (NLT)

"My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O LORD; I lift my pleading hands to you for mercy."

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Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with life that you just feel overwhelmed, 'blinded' by your own tears? Well there is comfort in whatever problem that you may be experiencing. When you are going through a major problem, raise your arms up to the Lord and ask him for his help. It’s amazing to see the comfort that can come from doing something like this. By raising your hands to God, it shows that you are surrendering to let him take control of the problem. Now you do have to remember that the problem may not be resolved as YOU want it to, but it will be resolved as God sees fit. So remember, seek comfort in the Lord, and whatever results come from the problem that you are encountering, thank him for intervening and giving you comfort through your problem.