Welcome to our campus Bible study and Prayer meeting on Zoom! If you want to join us live on Zoom, we meet on Fridays at 7 PM. The Lord’s Chosen Campus Fellowship is improving the student lifestyle of righteousness and holiness so that we draw closer to God and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
What happens when a PhD student leads a discussion on balancing faith with academics?
Well… that would be Part 2 of our discussion, happening on Friday, March 14th, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Don’t miss it!
Zoom Link: https://yorku.zoom.us/my/lords.chosen.fellowship
Meeting ID: 672 674 6188For Google Calandar invite, click here.
In this meeting, our brothers and sisters share insights as they personalize the question.
Do we just move fast and break things?
Is there truly a way to balance school, work, and a strong relationship with God?
How can we prioritize faith while excelling in our studies?
As we prepare for Part 2 of our discussion on Friday, here’s what a few of our campus brethren had to say:
Brother Jonathan:
First off, our brother had a class project that very day, but when he shared his insights on our campus WhatsApp group, we encouraged him to come share them with us on Zoom before he had to leave for his group project, and it was worth it!
Here is what he had to say:
Jonathan, who is currently studying psychology, emphasized that balancing faith and academics doesn’t mean separating them. He highlighted that we can integrate God into our studies through simple acts of faith, praying before studying, thanking God under our breath, and keeping our minds fixed on Him. He reminded us that putting God first is the secret to success. He shared how using study breaks to pray or reflect on scripture not only strengthens his relationship with God but also helps with focus and retention, as even psychology supports the importance of taking breaks for better learning. One verse that has guided his approach is Matthew 6:33 - "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." He also talked about how simple habits—like saying a quick prayer before studying or reflecting on scripture during breaks—can make a huge difference in both spiritual growth and academic success.
A testimony of Evangelism by Brother Johnathan
Insights from Brother Fabian:
Brother Fabian, a dedicated YouTuber with over 10,000 subscribers, an athlete, and an economics student, shared his approach to balancing faith and academics. He emphasized that true balance begins with prioritizing God and structuring daily habits around faith. Before diving into academics or content creation, he first examined his spiritual walk, ensuring that his relationship with God remained the foundation of his routine.
✅ Morning Devotion: Begins his day with calm Bible study and prayer to set the tone for everything else.
✅ Time-Blocking with Notion: Uses Notion to plan and allocate time for studying, content creation, and prayer.
✅ Focused Study Sessions: Implements 25-minute study blocks to maximize retention and avoid burnout.
✅ Content Creation & Faith Integration: Plans YouTube videos in advance, ensuring they align with his faith and purpose.
✅ Nightly Reflection: Ends the day by reviewing his spiritual growth, praying, and meditating on scripture.
A key takeaway from his message was that faith without works is dead. He encouraged students to not only trust God for academic success but also take deliberate steps toward their goals.
A Side Quest on Jewelry
From brother Favour
Our Lord’s Chosen Campus Fellowship is committed to holiness and righteousness, encouraging a student lifestyle that honors God both in our hearts and in our appearance.
From the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, we learn that wearing a necklace is not just about fashion—it carries spiritual implications that believers must consider. Throughout the Bible, jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and ornaments, is often associated with idolatry, vanity, and worldliness.
In Genesis 35:2-4, when Jacob’s household prepared to seek God, they removed both their strange gods and their earrings, showing that jewelry was tied to pagan influences.
In Exodus 32:3-4, the people misused their gold earrings to create the golden calf, turning their adornments into an idol. After their sin of idolatry, God commanded them to remove their ornaments (gold, bracelets, rings, chains) as a sign of repentance and separation from their past sins (Exodus 33:5-6).
The New Testament also warns against outward adornment. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 teach that believers should not focus on jewelry but on modesty and godly character. Wearing a necklace is not necessary for a believer but is instead a symbol of worldly fashion and self-glorification.
Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world, and 1 John 2:15 warns against loving worldly things.
Now, one might say… What about a Gold Watch?
A gold watch, like other forms of jewelry, is often worn not for necessity but for status, vanity, and display of wealth. While a watch itself serves a functional purpose, a gold or extravagant watch falls into the same category as necklaces and other adornments that draw attention to self rather than to godliness. The Bible warns against costly apparel and outward adornment (1 Timothy 2:9-10) and reminds us that our focus should be on spiritual virtues, not material possessions (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Brother Ethan Shares:
Brother Ethan shared a unique perspective on balancing faith, academics, and work, drawing from his recent two-week mission trip to Thailand. During his trip, he visited universities, prayed for people, and attended a missions conference while also managing his work responsibilities. This experience gave him a fresh revelation about integrating faith into daily activities.
Key Takeaways from Brother Ethan's Sharing:
✅ Faith and Work Are Not Separate – Ethan realized that his approach to work used to focus only on effort and discipline. However, he has learned to include God in everything he does by praying throughout the day, whether he is driving, working, or planning.
✅ Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Plan – Ethan emphasized the power of praying before action. He shared how he and Brother Favour prayed before evangelizing at Humber College, asking God to lead them to the right people. This led to meaningful conversations with students of different faith backgrounds.
✅ Put God First, and Everything Falls into Place – Echoing Matthew 6:33 ("Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you"), Ethan noted that prioritizing God brings clarity and direction. Whether in academics or work, seeking God first allows everything else to align naturally.
✅ Mission in the Marketplace – Ethan doesn’t see work and ministry as separate. Instead, he believes that wherever we are, we are missionaries. Whether through YouTube videos, conversations on campus, or professional work, we are called to reflect Christ in all aspects of life.
✅ Commitment to Growth – He shared how his involvement in midnight prayer meetings has strengthened his faith. While not everyone may be called to midnight prayers, Ethan highlighted the importance of being intentional in spiritual discipline, whether through regular prayer, fasting, or scripture meditation.
Brother Ethan's story challenges us to invite God into our studies, work, and ministry instead of keeping them separate. His testimony is a reminder that when we surrender our schedules to God, He makes a way for both academic success and spiritual growth.
What About You?
Are you actively inviting God into your studies and work?
How can you apply the principle of seeking God first in your daily routine?
Are there areas where you need to be more intentional about balancing faith and responsibilities?
Let’s reflect on these insights as we prepare for Part 2 of our discussion this Friday at 7 p.m. on Zoom!
Taking Risk
One theme that stood out in our discussion was the importance of taking risks in faith. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who stepped out in faith, even when the path wasn’t perfectly structured.
✅ ⚡Faith Requires Action – Looking at biblical examples, Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22), Esther boldly declared, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), and Joshua was told by God to stop being complacent and take more territory (Joshua 13:1). None of them waited for the perfect conditions—they moved forward in obedience and faith.
✅ 🚀 Moving Forward Even When It Feels Unstructured – Sometimes, balancing faith and academics won’t feel neat and organized. There will be times when prayer schedules, coursework, and life demands seem overwhelming. But rather than stepping back or “chilling” on our faith, we must keep moving forward in trust, knowing that God is leading the way.
✅ 🙏 Prioritizing God Over Personal Strength – At times, we can focus too much on our own ability to manage school, work, and faith. But our value is not in our performance but in Christ. Trusting God’s leading is more important than simply striving in our own strength.
✅ 🛡️ Faith Over Fear – Brother Jonathan encouraged us to cast all our fears on God (1 Peter 5:7), while Brother Fabian spoke about putting God first in everything—before we sleep, when we wake up, and in everything we do. Faith isn’t about perfection but commitment to keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.
Sister Sandra Shares:
As a student at York University and a mother of two young children—one just five months old—Sister Sandra’s life is anything but easy. Yet, she thrives by leaning on prayer, discipline, and spiritual exercises like fasting. Through seeking God first, she has found the strength and energy to excel in both academics and family life while also leading a fellowship. Her powerful testimony reminds us that when we commit our schedules to God, He gives us the grace to handle it all.
A testimony from our sister that prove God’s grace:
✅ God is the Source of Strength – Sandra emphasized that without God, she wouldn’t be able to handle her responsibilities. She draws strength from Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” This verse reminds her that when she puts God first, He takes care of everything else.
✅ Starting the Day with Prayer – She highlighted the importance of praying first thing in the morning, referencing Psalm 63:1 – “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You.” She has noticed that when she begins her day with prayer, she is more confident, productive, and at peace throughout the day.
✅ Faith and Academics Are Equally Important – Sandra believes that as students, we are called to succeed in both faith and academics. She reinforced that balance is necessary, and trusting God while putting in the work is the key to success. She quoted Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
✅ The Power of Community – She encouraged everyone to stay connected to a Bible-believing church and surround themselves with people who will motivate, encourage, and remind them of God’s promises. Being part of church groups—like the choir, sisters' department, or prayer fellowships—has helped her remain strong in faith, even during difficult times.
✅ Spiritual Exercises Keep You Grounded – Sandra stressed the importance of fasting and prayer. She explained that fasting sharpens the spirit and weakens the flesh, making it easier to focus on God’s will. When she fasts, she gains clarity, wisdom, and spiritual discipline, which helps her navigate life’s responsibilities more effectively.
Reflection Questions:
Are you starting your day with prayer and seeking God first?
How can you create a balance between your faith, academics, and personal responsibilities?
Are you surrounded by a faith-based community that encourages and strengthens you?
Sandra’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God equips us for every season of life—whether we are students, parents, or leaders. As we prepare for Part 2 of our discussion this Friday at 7 p.m. on Zoom, let’s challenge ourselves to seek God first and trust Him with every area of our lives!
Insights from Sister Glory:
Sister Glory, a nursing student at Sheridan College, shared another perspective on using technology, discipline, and spiritual goals to strengthen her faith. She found an app that completely blocks social media distractions, allowing her to focus more on scripture and prayer. She also spoke about setting spiritual goals—like reading the entire Bible before any other book—as a way to stay connected with God. A key takeaway from her sharing was how evangelism has helped her grow, giving her boldness and confidence in both faith and public speaking.
"The first thing I do when I wake up is thank God for life. Not everyone has the privilege to wake up, and I don’t take that for granted. After that, I go straight to my Bible because the Bible is very important." Glory emphasized how starting her day with gratitude and scripture keeps her spiritually grounded.
"I realized distractions were affecting me, so I found an app that completely blocks social media. I shut it down for a whole week, and it helped me stay focused." She shared how eliminating distractions has helped her stay disciplined in both her studies and her faith.
"I told myself I have to finish reading the Bible before I read any other book. It’s about discipline because I’m trying to build my focus and concentration." She believes that putting God’s Word first brings clarity and consistency in her daily routine.
"Every night, I reflect and ask myself, ‘Did I really put God first today?’" She explained that self-reflection keeps her spiritually accountable and helps her track her growth.
"I’ve been thinking a lot about evangelism because I know that’s what makes God smile. I told Brother Favour I want to join him, and he said, ‘Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready.’ So, I want to make it part of my routine." She expressed her desire to grow in boldness through sharing her faith with others.
"I want to improve my public speaking because before I succeed in anything, I need to communicate well. That’s why I want to engage more in church activities." She sees church involvement as an opportunity for personal and spiritual development.
"This is all a step-by-step process. I’m not perfect, but since I started making these changes, life has been moving smoothly. Everything is going well, and I thank God for that."
Sister Glory’s testimony highlights the importance of discipline, faith, and intentional spiritual growth. Her approach reminds us that staying connected to God through prayer, scripture, and evangelism brings clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.
Brother Favour’s Remarks
As we wrapped up the discussion, I took a moment to reflect on everything we shared. Balancing faith and academics isn't just about getting more done—it's about making sure our spiritual growth and responsibilities align with our daily lives.
One key takeaway for me is the importance of restrictions. If something is pulling me away from God, distracting me, or wasting my time, I need to cut it off. Whether it’s excessive social media use, procrastination, or even habits that don’t contribute to my growth, I realize that discipline isn’t just about being productive—it’s about staying spiritually grounded.
I also recognize that time management plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. It’s one thing to download a time-blocking app, but it’s another to actually use it with consistency and discipline. If I don’t take control of my time, distractions will take control of me. Planning ahead and intentionally carving out time for Bible study, prayer, and academic responsibilities ensures that my priorities stay in check.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that public speaking and confidence grow when I step out in faith. I used to struggle with stuttering, and while things like Toastmasters helped, what truly built my confidence was sharing the gospel. Evangelism isn’t just about standing on a street corner with a microphone—it’s about bringing up God in everyday conversations, sharing His love with friends, and being intentional about spreading His Word. The more I do it, the bolder I become.
At the end of the day, balance isn’t about having a perfect schedule—it’s about making sure God is at the center of everything I do. If I can make time for studying, work, and social life, then I can absolutely make time for prayer, evangelism, and deepening my relationship with God. It’s all about what I choose to prioritize.
What Happens When a PhD Student Leads a Discussion on Balancing Faith and Academics?
Well… that would be Part 2 of our discussion, happening on Friday, March 14th, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. If you found our part 1 discussion insightful, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
Expect deeper insights, fresh perspectives, and practical ways to apply faith in our academic journey. Come ready to engage, learn, and share how you’ve been applying these lessons in your daily life.
📅 Mark your calendar. Set a reminder. Invite a friend.
🔗 Join us on Zoom at 7 p.m. sharp!
This isn’t just another discussion—it’s an opportunity to grow in faith, wisdom, and purpose. See you Friday! 🚀🔥
Zoom Link: https://yorku.zoom.us/my/lords.chosen.fellowship
Meeting ID: 672 674 6188For Google Calandar invite, click here.
Worship with us 11 a.m. this Sunday at 29 Pemican Ct, Unit 4, North York, ON M9M 2L4.
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