Christian Student Fellowship

Couldn't make it to Winter Retreat 2020?  Make sure to take a listen to these helpful and practical teachings from Randy Gariss.

We asked 6 students (Kelsey Lessen, Collin Mosely, Mia Taft, Olamide Olatuna, Estelle Higdon and Anna Kanai) to share their stories of how God has been shaping them so far this Spring semester.

In Daniel 6, we learn from Daniel the importance of integrity.  Gretchen shared how his life of obedience - doing the next right thing - sets a model for us.  His methods for cultivating this sort of life through regular prayer enabled him to remain faithful even in the midst of terrible circumstances.  We too are called to reflect Jesus in our every day lives and can cultivate that through daily disciplines such as the "first 15."  

In Daniel 4 and 5, we see the stories of two kings being called out by God for pride.   David walked us through these strange and startling texts which challenge us to also consider how we ought to admit and resist pride.  In doing so, we learn instead to live in the reality of God enthroned.  This is a life characterized by humility - and ultimately rest.   ***apologies for poorer recording quality this week!***

Gretchen taught from Daniel 3, recounting the story of Daniel's friends who stood up for their faith at the risk of their own lives.   She challenged us to consider the reality that we will also have to stand up or stick out as followers of God.  UIS student, Kate Janes, shared her personal journey in this area (17:46).

Lindsey shared from Daniel 2 about how God is our source of true wisdom.  

CSF kicked off a new semester in the book of Daniel!  Gretchen shared from Daniel 1 about Daniel's resolve to live differently in the face of culture not interested in God's way.  She challenged the community to consider how we might do the same in our current contexts.  

CSF Faculty Advisor, Dr. Travis Bland, concluded our "Here/Now" teaching series on the topic of service.  Dr. Bland taught from Philippians 2:1-8, and shared how Jesus' example replaces our images of success with an image of service. Instead of chasing selfish pursuits, he challenged us to discover true joy by following Jesus' way:  choosing to serve right here and now. 

In the second week of CSF's "Here Now" series, Gretchen challenged us to develop a habit of intercessory prayer.  In doing so, we have the opportunity to see God do amazing things.  CSF student, Emmanuelle Yakana, shared her experiences of seeing God move powerfully through this discipline (23:00). 

Looking at John 15:1-8, Lindsey challenged us to consider what it would look like to offer our time to God here and now, pointing out that it's easy to make lots of excuses to not do so.  She encouraged us to give even the first part of our day to invest in an intimate relationship with the Lord, and provided some helpful tools to do so, including CSF's the "First 15."