Preparing for this spring!
When your friend has a problem
We’ve all been there. It’s your friend (or worse your roommate) who has a big problem that everyone notices. It’s a personal problem, a spiritual problem, a relationship problem—something that’s staring them in the face and they need someone to help them. Your friend might know their problem, but it’s more likely that they don’t. So what do you do?
Loving Like Christ Loves
Starting the Semester Right
“Another new school year awaits you!”
For some of you, that phrase means an exciting time. You love school. You do well studying and have friends who you can’t wait to see again. You enjoy your classes and the challenges that come with study. You don’t mind the difficulties of dorm life or the challenges of being away from home. Cafeteria food and Ramen don’t bother you that much. You know the type.
But for many of you, coming back to school fills you with dread. You made some bad decisions last semester—decisions you regret. Your study habits weren’t great and your grades suffered. You might have even ruined a relationship on the way out the door.
What can you do to start the school year right? How can this year be different?
Put God first
It sounds cliché, but you need to prioritize your college life, placing God as a priority. The pressure of school will tempt you to push God aside, to minimize your involvement in church or bible study, to not spend time reading and studying your Bible, to forget about spending time in prayer. But the Lord calls us to being faithful wherever we are.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:33,
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (NASB)
Think about others
Don’t forget about serving others. Take time to volunteer. When you focus on yourself and your own needs, you’ll find discouragement waiting to pounce. God made us to show love and care for one another.
”For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”” Galatians 5:14 (NASB)
Remember: hard work pays off
It’s easy to be lazy. It’s easy to delay work to the end of the semester. Rather than seeking pleasure now (and putting work off for tomorrow), try working hard now and enjoying the fruit of your labor! If you choose to work hard early in the semester, you’ll be surprised by how much freedom this grants you towards the end of the year.
Prov. 24:30 I passed by the field of the sluggard
And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,
31 And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;
Its surface was covered with nettles,
And its stone wall was broken down.
32 When I saw, I reflected upon it;
I looked, and received instruction.
33 “A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,”
34 Then your poverty will come as a robber
And your want like an armed man.
Commit to loving Jesus anew
Now is as good a time as any to commit to deepening your love for Jesus. Submit your life to his Lordship. Allow Him to make the difference in your life.
