College Hour

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry we do not lose heart, rather we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not use deception nor do we distort the word of God. But on the contrary by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscious in the sight of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 These powerful words written by our brother, the apostle Paul, written to the church of Corinth remind us that God has something for all of us to do. Whether we’re working in class, working in a gas station, making pizzas or climbing telephone poles, God has a plan and a ministry that he has given to every one of the members of his body. By his spirit, we’re to not lose heart, we’re to renounce those secret and shameful ways we don’t use deception but we teach the truth plainly. We share with God’s love that every man’s conscience shall be turned to God. So today, as you’re sitting in cohorts, as you’re serving in families as you’re working in your jobs, remember that the spirit of God has you there; that’s his mission for you. When you pray, when you study God’s word, when you live a life on mission, then the ministry of the Holy Spirit will help you, encourage you, keep you, lead you and guide you as you do all that you do in the name of Jesus. Let’s pray: Father God, thank you today for our family. Bless these, our children, use them greatly as they go into all the world to proclaim this powerful gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved. A workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth - 2 Timothy 2:15 Apostle Paul gives this letter to his son in the ministry, Timothy, to encourage, him to be diligent in his studies as he serves the church in Ephesus. And today, as your pastor, I want to give you this amazing value for this month. You too be diligent in studying God’s word. It’ll be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. It’ll help you, it’ll encourage you; it’ll help you continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, when it gets difficult and you feel like giving up, hang in there and grab onto the scriptures. God will bless you and meet you as you study his word. Let me pray for you now: Father thank you for this value, the value of bible study. Would you cultivate in our hearts a love for your scripture, a love to hear your voice and a love to hear you speak and direct our paths. So God bless every listener today, bless every faculty and staff. Help us to become diligent in studying your word and we’ll love you for it. Thank you for our time, until we meet again, bless us now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Barney Self is LeaderCare counselor for LifeWay. He offers the following guidelines to check for a level of depression in which you need to get outside help: 1. Depressed mood Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others. 2. Presence, while depressed, of two or more of the following: • Poor appetite or overeating • Insomnia or sleeping much more than normal • Low energy or fatigue • Low self-esteem • Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions • Feelings of hopelessness • Inability to enjoy normally pleasurable activities or interests • Significant weight change (+ or – 5% of body weight in one month) • Feelings of restlessness or lethargy • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide 3. The symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. 4. Depressed mood may be brought on by a medical condition, grief after a loss, or other major life change. What to do if You experience these Symptoms: 1. Seek Medical Attention Talk with a physician about the symptoms of depression that are observed. 2. Seek the help of a trained professional therapist: • Someone who both understands depression and includes it in their scope of practice. • Someone who understands the Biblical guidelines for life and health and can offer scriptural reference points. • Someone who is willing to pray with and for their clients. Written by Barney Self, Ed. D.

University Pastor: Dear Father we come today to thank you for what it means to be a community of learners committed to a distinctive vision of Christian higher education. We come to thank you for the FPU idea. Help us today as we try to live faithfully to what your calling is for our lives and this place. University Family: Oh Lord hear our prayers. University Pastor: Holy Father we need you to pursue this mission, to collaborate as a body of believers and to engage in meeting the needs of a hurting humanity. We cannot do this without you. University Family: Oh Lord hear our prayers. University Pastor: Father, please give us the resources needed to serve so many, and teach us to forgive one another as you have forgiven us University Family: Oh Lord hear our prayers. University Pastor: Father, Lead us not Father into temptation, and deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. We desire to please you. University Family: Oh Lord hear our prayers. University Pastor: Please grant us wisdom, patience, love and Christian unity as we begin this year. Thank you for this place, your people, your purpose and your grace. We dedicate this year and our lives to you now. University Family: Oh Lord hear our prayers.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved. A workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth - 2 Timothy 2:15 Apostle Paul gives this letter to his son in the ministry, Timothy, to encourage, him to be diligent in his studies as he serves the church in Ephesus. And today, as your pastor, I want to give you this amazing value for this month. You too be diligent in studying God’s word. It’ll be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. It’ll help you, it’ll encourage you; it’ll help you continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, when it gets difficult and you feel like giving up, hang in there and grab onto the scriptures. God will bless you and meet you as you study his word. Let me pray for you now: Father thank you for this value, the value of bible study. Would you cultivate in our hearts a love for your scripture, a love to hear your voice and a love to hear you speak and direct our paths. So God bless every reader today, bless every faculty and staff. Help us to become diligent in studying your word and we’ll love you for it. Thank you for our time, until we meet again, bless us now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.