The Public Health Christian Fellowship at JHSPH

Dear PHCF, In 2 Cor 2:14, Paul writes: but thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. What a truth this is: that we follow Jesus, who has already and will triumph (over sin, death, all brokenness). And he doesn't just lead us occasionally but always. Praying that as we start a new school year (welcome to all our new students! ^_^), we may treasure Him - and that we may also spread the sweet aroma of knowing him wherever we go. We pray also for those along the Texas coast affected by Hurricane Harvey; for God's provision and protection - for the rescuers, healthcare workers, utility repair folks, people whose homes/belongings are gone, people in physical danger. Even in tragedy, may people come to know the Lord as the true and living God who shut in the sea... and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, "Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here ...

Dear PHCF, Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. (Ps 91:14-16) In these three verses, God makes eight promises! He pledges to deliver, protect, answer, be with, rescue and honor, satisfy and show us his salvation. Wow! And what is it that he asks of us? God wants us to hold fast to him in love, know his name, and call to him in trouble - which we are enabled to do because he has first called us. Praying for you today that in the midst of trouble (whether facing exams, grants, projects, hard conversations), you plant your trust in El Roi, the God who sees you. May he open your eyes to his work and increase your faith; and may you walk out as his ambassadors in confidence, knowing his character, his promises, and his truth. ( today's devo adapted from fighte...

Hi friends! Beth Zucconi (SOM postdoc)'s church - Hampden Mennonite Church - is inviting us to come to their picnic at Patterson Park this Sunday! 5pm - meet and climb the Pagoda 530pm - picnic dinner 6pm - yard dutch blitz (if you were at the JHIF Picnic at Centennial Park, you should know what this game is... if not, come and learn! twill be awesome!) Bring food to share if you'd like; but feel free to just show up and eat and have fun! Love, Teresa (and Beth)

Dear PHCF, I'm sure that you've all seen the news these past couple days. I am saddened for Charlottesville, the mudslide in Sierra Leone, and the unrest, turmoil, blame, and self-seeking so entrenched in people's hearts. Like David in Psalm 52 , we cry out to God. We remember that his steadfast love endures forever, and that without Jesus our redeemer, we are poor, needy, lost, and dead in our sins. Praying for you today to be a peacemaker and reconcile-er, at home or work or school (or online), for His precious name's sake - and to be at peace, knowing that He never leaves or forsakes. Tomorrow, we will meet in Room W2033 in the SPH at 12:15pm -- Sarah will lead us in a study of Mark 1:21-39 (see page 8 of our Flourishing in Graduate School Bible study ). If you're interested in leading this year, please email us at jhsph.phcf@gmail.com - We will meet at Hampton House cafe on Thursday 8/17 at 12:15pm to plan for the beginning of the year. Shawn and Teresa covet ...

Good morning, PHCF! A gospel verse to meditate on today: When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7) I love that all three persons of God (Father, Spirit, and Son) are involved in salvation! May you cling to hope, and open your eyes to the ways God is calling you to love him and serve his people (whether through diligence in your studies/work or in sharing good news with those around you). This Wednesday, we will meet in Room W2033 in the SPH at 12:15pm -- we will study Jeremiah 29:1,4-14 (see page 6, "Choose to be here" of our Flourishing in Graduate School Bible study ). If you're interested in leading this year, pleas...

Good morning, PHCF! Borrowing Peter's words in 2Pe 1:1-2 (and Spurgeon's commentary) -- To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord . He goes on to write how God grants us his exceeding great and precious promises as we know him more. My prayer for you this morning is that you would know experientially the preciousness of these promises as you meditate on God's faithfulness to you. For those taking midterms, may he give you wisdom and fortitude to study well; for those getting ready to move to Baltimore, may he bring you here safely. Most of all, may we all seek to receive his promises as the inerrant, wholly trustworthy words of God - and in believing, obtain their fulfillment. This Wednesday, we will meet in Room W2033 in the SPH at 12:15pm -- Shawn will be leading us in a study of John 15:1-8 (see page 4, ...