Cross Examination

A Family Lenten Devotional

2016 First United Methodist Church, Killeen

To Fellow Disciples: We are all so very busy. We are pushed and pulled every which way, seldom having the chance to catch our breath. While the upcoming Lenten season traditionally requires that we give up something in order to devote more time and energy to Christian service in our busy lives, we find it nearly impossible to do so. Therefore, let me suggest that you focus on the same things Jesus focused on during his forty days in the wilderness. Jesus prayed. He reflected, on who he was. He thought about his earthly mission and the cross awaiting him. Let us do the same this Lenten season. Each day set aside some quiet time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual recommitment. Let’s think about the things that steer us in the wrong direction, ask God to help us resist those things, and renew our promise to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. Our annual Lenten devotional is a true labor of love from fellow followers of Christ. I pray the devotional will fortify your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Partners in Ministry, Pastor Jeff

What is Lent? Lent is the 40 days that precede Easter (excluding Sundays). In the Christian Scriptures, the number 40 relates to the period spent in the ark by Noah, the period spent by Israel seeking the Promised Land after the Exodus, and the amount of time Jesus was in the wilderness after His baptism and prior to the beginning of his ministry. For us, the season of Lent is an invitation to 40 days of renewal (“Lent” means “spring”) and 40 days to prepare ourselves to take in the Good News of Easter through deeper disciplines of prayer, fasting, and sacrifice. Lent begins on what is called “Ash Wednesday.” Part of the tradition of Ash Wednesday is to receive a mark of ashes on your forehead. Receiving the ashes reminds us that God’s love is triumphant over sin and death, and that God remains “in communion” with us, that in Christ, our mortality is overcome. Another important tradition in Lent is to sacrifice something or give up something for Lent. For example, some people will give up television, others will give up eating meat, some will give up beer or coffee, others may give up gossiping. This year, instead of making a commitment to sacrifice, I encourage you to make a commitment to one of the ministries in the church this Lenten season. Maybe you will commit to helping with Children on Wednesday night, maybe you will commit to going with Youth on their Mid-Winter retreat, or maybe you will commit to serving on the Methodist Park committee or any other committee that are currently looking for additional volunteers. My Lenten sacrifice is: My Lenten commitment is:

Day 1: Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Mark 16:6

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

What wonderful news to hear on Easter morning! Over the years, I have spent Easter morning in several places, but the one that brings back a special memory was the one I spent in Mainz, Germany, in 1984. My husband was in the field, so a friend of mine joined me on a Volksmarch to one of the nearby villages. As we were walking our 10K walk, we heard the bells ring out from the village down below. They were so beautiful, and as we looked around, we admired God’s wonder. The cherry trees were in full bloom, and we could hear the birds singing. It was so inspiring. Later that morning we attended Easter services in a small quaint church that had been built in the middle of the street. At that time, I thought what a beautiful way to spend Easter! Where would I be without my faith in the Lord? I lean on His strength every day. He has not failed me yet. I am so blessed. God is good all the time!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help us to take the time to thank You for the small things in life that bring so much joy into our world. Amen.

Contributed by Marge Dicus

Artwork by Kathy Smallwood

Day 2: Thursday, February 11, 2016 Matthew 4:1-11

FACING TEMPTATION

In Matthew 4:1 we read that, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Wow! Apparently God is not going to shield me from all temptations but may actually expect me to take the test and pass! It sure would be a lot easier if we never had to face temptation, but that is not what God had in mind. The scripture tells us that He created us in His image, which means He expects us to choose to live obedient lives. He knows that we live in the real world and will repeatedly be faced with temptation. But God is not calling us to be perfect; rather He calls us to be faithful and to follow Him.

In order for us to grow in faith, I believe God allows us to face temptation. A story from the early days of railroading helped to put this into perspective for me. As the Union Pacific Railroad was being constructed, an elaborate trestle bridge was built across a large canyon in the West. Wanting to test the bridge, the builder loaded a train with enough extra cars and equipment to double its normal payload. The train was then driven to the middle of the bridge, where it stayed an entire day. One worker asked, “Are you trying to break this bridge?” “No,” the builder replied, “I’m trying to prove that the bridge won’t break.”

In the temptation of Jesus, Satan was hoping the bridge would break while God was all about proving the strength of the bridge. To prove it could withstand the pressure. I think the same thing applies to us when we face temptation. The pressure of temptation is real. Satan is hoping you cave! God wants to prove your strength.

Prayer: Lord, You know my heart. You know my thoughts and fears. You know the battles I face with temptation because You have faced them as well. Lord, let me live my life in such a way that through my faith in You I am prepared for whatever comes my way. Help me to withstand the pressures of life. Amen.

Contributed by Bill Phillips

Day 3: Friday, February 12, 2016

Psalm 31; Psalm 35, Ezekiel 18:1-4. 25-32;

Philippians 4:1-9; Psalm 95; John 17:9-19

Today I was headed out on a trip to West Texas when I looked down at my temperature gauge and noticed it pushing the top of the range!!! Sure enough, out of the front of my car, my engine started to smoke, and I knew what to do. As I pulled to the side of the road, my mind was on my appointment over an hour away and that people were literally waiting on my arrival. Obviously that wasn’t going to happen.

I have learned to think, “God is in control, and He knows this is happening,” where in the past I would have fretted. Every imaginable panicked thought was entertained for a second, then pushed aside, with the reminder that God must have known it was going to turn out this way.

Now, this is not a learned behavior, but one in part shaped by one of our passages today. Every night before bed, the kids and I pray two scriptures, one of them being Philippians 4:1-9. So, imagine rehearsing how we ought to be thinking with the kids every night before they go to sleep. That time ministers to me, as well, serving as a reminder of how I should think.

Not only does Paul remind the Philippians what NOT to do (quarrel, be anxious), but he also tells them what TO be thinking about (whatever is noble, praiseworthy, pure, admirable, true, and lovely). Paul lays out this clear prescriptive thought pattern so that we may begin to see the love of God in our lives. No, everything will not go well. I had to bow out of my appointment this afternoon. However, things did work out just fine and I had some great time with my family. The ladies expecting me at the other end made it work and had a great time in the process. I believe in that entire journey we were able to rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances!

What circumstances are you facing today for which you must release anxious thoughts or bitterness toward others, in favor of thinking about what Paul exhorts in Philippians 4:4-9? How can you remember what you NEED to be thinking about? Think about the good things and rejoice in God even in your trials. What good things can you say at the end of today based on your circumstances?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to face the circumstances You put in our way with patience and faith in You to help us work them out. Be with us as we follow Your lead and handle all our trials with the knowledge You are guiding us. Amen.

Contributed by Heidi Hovan

Day 4: Saturday, February 13, 2016 John 1:16

“And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

What is this “grace” that we have all received from God? I believe that grace to be God’s love for us. As you read biblical passages, try substituting the word “love” for the word “grace.” Does it feel right? Do you feel God’s love?

Do you recall this hymn chorus? “Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin.” God’s grace is love.

Romans 5:2: “Through him (Jesus Christ) we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.” This passage tells us that as we have received God’s grace (love), we are to then share that grace and love. What an awesome task God has given us: to love people! That is how we become true disciples, as we share God’s love for us and lead others to rejoice in His love.

Prayer for Guidance: “O God, just as we look into a mirror to see any soiled spots on our face, so let us look to You in order to understand the things that we have done amiss. We are like a reed shaken in the wind; we are inexpressibly weak. Leave us not to ourselves, but dwell in our hearts and guide our thoughts and actions.“ Amen. - The United Methodist Hymnal, #366

Thought for the day: God’s love for us never fails, even though we sometimes fail him.

Contributed by Marcy Allen

Artwork by Grace Anna Craig

Day 5: Sunday, February 14, 2016 Psalm 121:1-2

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”

My favorite scripture comes from Psalm. I find it intriguing that Psalm comes right after Job. I think there is a lesson to be learned from this order. When I need strength, I will go to my home in Mt. Magazine. I will walk in the mountains. I will walk the land where my grandparents and great-grandparents walked. I will walk around the cabin cornerstones and talk with my people. I reflect on the faith that was passed from generation to generation. I will also reflect on their struggles. They had their home in the valley of the mountain where they faced many challenges, but they would go up to the cabin for healing and celebrations. When in the mountaintops, I look up and see the beauty of our Lord shining in the skies. I can find my rock that has always been in the exact same spot. It is a big strong rock that is unchanging. The rock is a reminder of our families that are strong and reflective of the faith given to us by our parents and grandparents. Our Lord is the rock, the foundation of each mountain and the foundation of our strong families. Faith in our Father is what makes us strong. We look up to the heavens from the mountaintops, and we see only the light from our Lord who is greater than any obstacle. Our Lord gives us strength. When I can’t go to my mountain and my home, I go to the Bible. I can find my mountain there. Our Lord is with us wherever we go. His word is our rock and our foundation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your word to guide us in times of struggle and in times of celebration. Thank You for families that establish our faith that stays with us long after our loved ones are gone. You

are our rock and our strength. You are our help and guide. Amen.

Contributed by Carol Dugger

Day 6: Monday, February 15, 2016 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast,

but do not have

love, I gain nothing.”

Today is Jos’s and my 36th wedding anniversary. In honor of this occasion, I

have selected the “Love” chapter to base this reading on. 1 Corinthians 13 talks about love in many forms. The following poem seems to me what the world needs now with all the suffering, conflict, and turmoil. Today, may love make a way. May love make a way for offenses to cease. May love make a way for fears to be silenced. May love make a way for hurts to find healing. May love make a way for rest and peace. May love make a way for connections and comforts. May love make a way for beholding and believing. May love make a way for new dreams and beginnings. May love have its way in places and conflict. May love have its way through doubt and despair. May love have its way to bring hope and freedom. May love have its way to clear the air. May love lead all people from every nation. May love find us awestruck at His kind ways. May love restore all the broken places. May love have its say at the end of the day.

Prayer: In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Contributed by Marty Portmann

Artwork by: Abi Lakey

Day 7: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Colossians 3:1-4

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

I came across this verse when I was literally and figuratively searching for it, just this past fall. After some career and personal changes, I found myself feeling very unsettled and restless. I kept thinking, "What should I do next?" "What more can I be doing?" "What will make me happy?" This has always been a pattern for me. When something changes or ends, I need something else as almost a security blanket. A few months ago, I was looking hard for fulfillment in worldly things and putting such an emphasis on my own satisfaction and happiness rather than giving the glory to God.

I have set this phrase as my phone screen saver, so that I can remind myself daily it is not about finding my own pleasure in this life but about pleasing GOD in this life. Since doing this, I truly have noticed a difference in how I feel. Sure, it isn't at every moment, but overall, I am more at peace, calmer, more giving and more loving toward others. I realize that I will never be able to find a sense of fulfillment or purpose on my own. I am simply a tiny fraction of God's greater plan.

It is my purpose on this earth to serve Him by serving others. This has drastically changed the way I view my job as a healthcare professional. Days when I can be grumbling or negative, I try to remember that ultimately my job is to help others, just as God intends for me to do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know there will always be things that I want or feel that I need, but help me remember that nothing on this earth will ever compare to that which You have waiting for us. Amen.

Contributed by Jessica Kowalski

Day 8: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

It was in the fall that I planted a hundred bulbs of daffodils to add to those that had been planted in previous years. It seems strange to be planting that time of year knowing that there will soon be frost and freezing days ahead. To some, this is just foolishness. To those who enjoy gardening, it is the promise of hope and the resurrection of new life. Now even in February those bulbs that have been buried in the darkness of the cold ground are pushing their way up toward the light.

May this season of Lent have you seeking the message of the cross and its saving grace.

Prayer: “God of all creation, thank You for the signs of spring that remind us of Your power to overcome the darkness.” Amen.

Contributed by Elaine Passman

Artwork by: Beth Valentine

Day 9: Thursday, February 18, 2016 Luke 15:6

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.”

The Shopping Cart

I have several pet peeves and one is seeing an empty shopping cart away from its location. That just bugs me, and because I also have a touch of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder about some things, I find it unsettling unless I can return the cart to the business from which it came. Throw into this emotional mix my somewhat odd ability to give human characteristics to inanimate objects and you have a hot mess, but somehow it seems to work for me. It helps to have a husband who “gets me” and has patiently supported these little quirks of mine for almost 40 years. The last time I acted on this shopping cart issue was on a beautiful winter morning as I was walking home from a dental appointment. There in the bushes by a culvert was the unmistakable red plastic shopping cart far from the Target store. There was no way I could continue to walk peacefully home, so I tramped through the weeds to the cart, dumped the leaves and other debris and started guiding it back to its home at Market Heights. I actually said out loud to it, “Come on, Cart, let’s get you home!” Once I arrived at Target, I pushed the cart into the row with all its other friends. Only then could I continue my own walk home in peace, knowing that order had been restored in my little world of misplaced shopping carts. This eccentricity of mine reminds me of Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. How many times has Jesus placed people in my life that “found” me and returned me home? My mother, my sisters, my husband, my sons, my mother-in-law, my close set of girlfriends, and my co-workers over the years. All have intervened in my life to get me back on track. I believe God rejoices at the recovery of every lost sinner, and that brings me such joy. I also hope that one day an angel taps me on my shoulder and says, “Come on, Becky, let’s get you home,” and I can rejoice with our Heavenly Father face to face.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for seeking each of us out and for Your extraordinary love. Amen.

Contributed by Becky Smith

Day 10: Friday, February 19, 2016 Mark 2:13-17

Younger in life, I would walk to a neighbor’s house to catch a ride to church. There seemed to be this emptiness in me that was much larger than just the absence of my mother in my life. Going to church seemed to help fill that emptiness, at least on Sundays. It gave me a sense of belonging, a knowing inside that I needed to be there. Each Sunday at the end of the service, we were invited, “For all who would like to come down, confess your sins and rededicate your life to Jesus Christ, please do so.” On many more Sundays than I care to mention, I found myself walking down that long isle, going to the Pastor and confessing my sins. After a few unspoken times, I learned to sit closer to the front of the church. That walk was much shorter this way. My only questions at that time seemed to be, “Why aren’t there more in the congregation doing the same?” Some Sundays it was just I doing so. In looking back now I am sensing quite a bit of judgment for my grown-up age of twelve. At least I thought I was a grownup at the time! Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17, NIV) It was much later in life that I came to the reality that I was truly a sinner, judgmental, and not righteous. On the contrary, I was self-righteous. My head and my heart were finally in agreement. I truly did qualify to be a child of God. Now that is what a long walk to the foot of the cross was for me. I try to revisit it often, for me, the sinner, and the need for my savior’s righteousness. It is there that I find mercy. It is there, that in acceptance, I find my peace.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiveness and the gift of Your grace. I truly am in need of both. Help me to offer those same gifts to others and to those I meet today. Amen.

Contributed by Debra E. Wood

Artwork by: Grace Anna Craig

Day 11: Saturday, February 20, 2016 Psalm 46:10,

Philippians 4:6, Jeremiah 28:11

I really never considered myself an “anxious” person. My constant speed is 90 mph; I like having a plan, following that plan, and making plans on top of the plan. So in early May when my “plan” came to a screeching halt, I was anxious, scared, lost, and ashamed. You see, I had made a mistake that had grave consequences, and one of those consequences was that I lost my job. This was not a part of my plan. It was so far removed from my plan that I didn’t have a backup plan. Everything I knew came to a full stop. Since my constant speed is 90 mph, I was not idle long. I threw myself into church. I went on a Walk to Emmaus, volunteered with the youth and children’s ministries, and PRAYED for guidance as I formulated a new plan. Philippians 4:6 says not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything. So, that is just what I did. I brought my concerns, fears, and shame to God. Little did I understand that this had been the plan all along. GOD had designed it for me. I had to make the mistake, grow anxious, find my footing, and learn to listen to GOD. One of the biggest lessons I learned was about being still, to listen, and receive what GOD had planned for my life. God fulfilled His promise to me to give me hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I put all of my faith, hope, energy, and love into GOD and sincerely gave Him control. Was it a little scary? Yes, at first, because until this moment, it was MY plan…and I let GOD come along and take over my plan. Now it is HIS plan, and I am following. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today, in a new career that I love, friendships and relationships that are blessed, if I hadn’t slowed down, stilled my heart to listen, and trusted where God was leading me.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to slow down, listen to You, and direct our lives to

Your will and Your plan. Amen.

Contributed by Allison Shopbell

Artwork by: Jacob Allen

Day 12: Sunday, February 21, 2016 Philippians 2:1-4

“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

My father, Master Sergeant Victor R., served in France during WWI. He left with me A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors, published as Bishop White Prayer Book Society, 533 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 1917. I would like to share one of the entries with you.

For Fruitful Seasons. “O Gracious Father, who openest thine hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness; We beseech thee of thine infinite goodness to hear us, who now make our prayers and supplications unto thee. Remember not our sins but thy promises of mercy. Vouchsafe to bless the lands and multiply the harvests of the world. Let thy breath go forth that it may renew the face of the earth. Show thy loving-kindness, that our land may give her increase; and so fill us with good things that the poor and needy may give thanks unto thy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Prayer: Remind us, dear God that putting others needs before our own is a sign of our love for You. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Jos Portmann

Artwork by: Joan Carol

Day 13: Monday, February 22, 2016 Genesis 41:46-57

As I read the familiar story of Joseph storing up great measures of food for the coming famine, the middle of the story struck my attention. It is easy to glance over the middle to get to the happy ending of Joseph distributing the food, which God provided.

The middle verses speak of his two sons during the time of plenty. Verse 51: “Joseph named his first born Manasseh and said, ‘God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.’” Verse 52: “The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.’”

This year has been a difficult year personally, so I began to think and list all that God has provided for me through daily struggles. He has provided me with devoted family members, caring co-workers, and church members who are like family. God has brought improved health to my aging father. He has truly made me fruitful in the time of my afflictions.

The names Ephraim and Manasseh will have new meaning for me. When I am going through trouble, I can remember these names and know God will bring me through, and I will look forward to the blessings He has in store.

How has God provided for you despite your troubles?

Prayer: Lord, please help me to know You are in control at all times and trust You in times of despair. Lord, help me look back to the times You have been faithful to remind me what a sovereign God You are. Thank You for all You provide, even through difficult times. Amen.

Contributed by Jana Mayer

Artwork by: Becky Errington

Day 14: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know Him in all your paths, and He will keep your ways straight.”

While at the rim of the Grand Canyon, my three and half year old grandson, Beau, was so excited. He had never seen snow. He didn’t notice how cold it was outside. He was dressed warmly to include woolen gloves. He and his brother, Foster, enjoyed this new wonder. Finally, he gathered some snow, making the best snowball he could, and ran to his daddy with it. “Here, Daddy. Keep this for me to add to my collection when I get home.”

He had so much faith in his dad. He knew his dad would do it. When his dad told him the snow would not last for the three-hour trip home, Beau did not understand. He looked up with those trusting blue eyes, filled with tears and asked, “WHY?”

Too often we are faced with things we do not understand, and we ask the question, “WHY?” As adults, we aren’t as accepting as Beau was to his dad.

Present your plan? Ignore the answer? Complain to anyone who will listen? Get mad and walk away?

The list of ways we handle “WHY?” can be endless! Jesus prayed to God that He would not have to die on the cross, but He knew what the outcome must be. When we look up and question “WHY?” let us remember that obedience is the answer even though we may not understand.

Prayer: Gracious, loving God, we lift up our “why” questions to You, knowing that You love us completely. Amen.

Contributed by Sue Boudreaux

Artwork by: Gunner Bannister

Day 15: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Mark 4:1-20

The Parable of the Sower

As Jesus was teaching near the Sea, multitudes gathered around Him and forced Him to sit in a boat near the shore. He told them He would use parables to teach the gospel. He told them of a sower of seeds. Some of his seeds fell by the wayside—they were quickly devoured by birds. Some fell on stony ground without much earth. They sprang up, but when the sun rose they were scorched, for they had no roots. Other seeds fell among thorns. The thorns grew quickly and choked the seeds and yielded a healthy crop that produced and increased, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some even a hundred-fold. He concluded he who has ears to hear, let him hear.

When the disciples gathered around Him, they asked about the parable. He replied, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, to those who are outside, all things come in parables—so that: Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.”

Then Jesus explained the intent of this parable to His disciples. The sower sows the word. When the word is heard, Satan removes the word that has reached their hearts. It is similar to those sown on stony ground. When heard, they are received with gladness, yet they have no roots. When tribulation arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. When sown among thorns, the word is heard, yet overcome by the cares of the world. Deceitfulness of riches and desires for other things choke the word and it becomes unfruitful. Only the seeds sown on fertile ground are heard, accepted, and bear fruit, thirty-fold, sixty-fold, and more.

This parable sends a strong message and sets a high standard for us, particularly in a world filled with temptation, deceit, and evil. Hear the word of God; read, study, and learn. Understand its meaning. Use the word as guideposts to channel your efforts to be a Christian of integrity, compassion, and grace. Be an exemplary example for your friends, neighbors, and relatives. Build your faith and serve others in need. Assume responsibility to teach and influence your children, grandchildren, and friends to be honest, caring, and dedicated adults fully committed to following Christ’s example while He was on earth. Spread the faith; be a Christian (seed) of action and deeds, not simply words.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help us to be a sower of Christian seeds. Lead us to guide our children and grandchildren to live a life of based on the Word. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Darrel Charlton

Day 16: Thursday, February 25, 2016 Matthew 6:9-13

The Lord’s Prayer: Jesus tells us to pray like this, it does not have to be word for word, but it should follow this manner. That means we need to understand the makeup of this fairly short prayer, a prayer that is so all encompassing of how we should pray that Jesus gave it His stamp of approval. Before anything else is said, there is recognition of where God resides, heaven, and that His name is hallowed, that He is holy. In this we are also putting ourselves in our relative place to God, below Him and in service of Him. In verse ten we are asking God to do what He already plans to do, to bring about His kingdom in the manner He chooses. We again submit ourselves to God not just because of who He is, but because of what He does. In verse eleven we ask for God to give us our daily bread, our daily need, no more no less. It also should be noted that later in His ministry at the last supper Jesus refers to His body as bread broken for us, signifying He is all we need, no more no less. Thus far it’s all been easy to go along with, but now we come to the part that should cut deeply, verse twelve. We tell God to forgive our debts, all our debts in direct relation to how we forgive others’ debts to us. This would have had special meaning to the Jews of the time. If you look back to Deuteronomy 15:1-11 you will find that every seven years debts were to be canceled, and approaching the seventh year, there were to be no withholding of lending, knowing it would soon be forgiven. If this happened, the offended may go to God, and God would find the offender guilty. We are not saved by our acts, and forgiving others should not be considered a saving act of our salvation. This too is a recognition that our salvation is a forgiveness of our sins by God. As His followers and His people we must forgive each other as He forgives us, for He is the final judge. In verse thirteen we ask for God’s guidance and protection, the only one who can truly give us both. We end the prayer again giving God His due, His kingdom, His power, His glory, forever. Throughout this prayer we ask for God to do what He already will do. What is important is we recognize and acknowledge what He is doing and will do and that we want that to happen, that we desire what He desires. Throughout this prayer God is praised. We ask for forgiveness of ourselves and others; we give thanks for His gifts and ask for His protection. All things we could pray for are prayed here with God as the focus and us as His humble servants. Whenever you pray, keep this in mind, and now say this prayer, His prayer, and go in peace.

Prayer: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Contributed by Kristen Bishop

Day 17: Friday, February 26, 2016 Mark 12:31

“The second is this, You will love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater.”

Depression Awareness Please understand I am not writing this devotional for your sympathy or pity but because I pray people will become more aware and educated about depression. I know God loves me regardless of my depression and many other faults and sins. We live in a world today where information can be quickly retrieved on any subject via Internet. In addition, we learn by reading newspapers, magazines, books, watching certain TV programs, etc. Almost on a daily basis, we see, read, hear or converse with others about drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic abuse, other various addictions (there are a lot), cancer, diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s, racism, discrimination, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), sexually transmitted diseases, and many others.

But if you really think about it, for most of us, we really do not hear that much regarding depression. The information is available just like any other subject, but it seems we do not like to read, research, or hear about depression. We fear depression. It seems the subject of depression is almost taboo. It is not contagious, but my personal experience has been when you tell someone you have depression, some people cannot get away from you quickly enough.

Depression is a mood/state that can be brought upon by overly negative occurrences of life. But one thing always occurs after the onset of any type of depression, regardless the reason: negative thinking. Depressed people view the world in a distorted, negative manner, they view themselves in a humiliating, undignified, and shameful way, and they view their future as dismal. Depression can cause you to make poor choices and do sinful and immoral things.

Usually someone with depression has a low self-esteem; I prefer to call it a low self-worth. For whatever reason, they do not think highly of themselves, they think they are not worth anything, they cannot do anything right, they cannot please anyone, feeling of shame, guilt, etc. Many times these negative feelings about yourself can lead to suicide.

I am a person that has dealt with major depression almost my entire life. I have learned, through God, not to be afraid to discuss my depression, but a lot of people turn their head away and do not want to discuss it because they are afraid and do not understand; yes, even clergy. I understand someone getting to the point of committing suicide, which I explain as passing the point of no return and being in a very dark deep hole where logic and reality do not exist.

We need to talk about depression more openly instead of it being a “closet” discussion. It needs to be discussed openly like the subjects of alcoholism or substance abuse. It seems society has accepted these “conditions,” but we continue to be hush-hush about discussing depression.

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The people with depression need to first admit and accept they have depression, whatever type it is, so they can seek help and not be ashamed. But we need to be there for them and help them and not turn away from them. Depression is treatable with medication, visiting doctors, love, understanding, patience; all of the positive reinforcements.

On Wednesday evening of Holy Week, April 2012, I cried out loudly, not by voice, but by actions, for help. I was placed in a special treatment center for a few days and then went through a cognitive thinking therapy program for a month, which, by the way, was the second time for me. The first time was in 2000.

One day when I was in the special treatment center in April 2012, I was working on a jigsaw puzzle. God spoke to me and said three simple words, “Go to church.”

I was released Saturday afternoon before Easter Sunday. I told my husband what I heard and that I wanted to start going to church; I wanted to go the very next day, which was Easter. My husband asked if going the following Sunday would be OK because he just wanted to be with me and love on me the rest of the weekend. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my husband. He is one of my two Guardian Angels on this Earth. We visited FUMC-Killeen the Sunday after Easter, and we have been attending this church ever since. I never had been baptized, so in June 2012, I was baptized and my husband reaffirmed; we became members of the church.

I realized I was making many wrong choices and that if I continued down the same destructive path, I was going to hurt all of my loving family and friends. I wanted to realize, accept, and admit all the negative things about me and wanted to change. Without going into great detail, I have changed. My husband and I refer to the “old me” and the “new me.” I am asking you, as a child of God, to love your neighbor (with a mental illness) as yourself. We have an invitation by God in Mark 12:31, “love your neighbor as yourself.” I believe welcoming someone with a mental illness into Church is a great place to start and exhibit this invitation by God.

God created Everyone equal and He loves all of us equally. It is humanity that has caused all the hurt, pain, hate, evil, discrimination, all the sinful things on this earth, not God. John 3:16 (NIV) - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This is why we are celebrating Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. As the “Mercy Me” songs states, “The cross has made you flawless.”

P.S.: I love to give hugs whether I know you or not. So if you need a hug and see me, please come and hug me and I will hug you back.

Prayer: Dear God, please help us always to be a blessing to everyone we know and everyone we meet. Please give us the strength to help those who are hurting and having difficult times by giving and showing our love to them at all times. Help us to remember to love everyone as we love ourselves. Amen.

Contributed by Tammy Belk

Day 18: Saturday, February 27, 2016 John 12:35-36

This past Christmas Eve, our community lost one of the greatest examples of Christian light and love. Mrs. Elizabeth Laird, “the Hug Lady,” devoted her time and her love to all Soldiers from Fort Hood by giving hugs to both those deploying as well as those returning. I myself was the recipient of her hugs on two occasions, and I must say, heading into the unknown, those hugs gave me a wonderful feeling of love and hope as I left for Iraq and as I returned home. With her passing, our community has indeed lost one of the lights that has shone brightly for many years. Her light may now be extinguished, but her legacy of love will live on through all of the individuals that she has touched.

In the same way, Jesus let His disciples know that He would only be with them physically for a short time, but He would continue to be with them spiritually and would be the light which would show them the path they should follow. By following the path down which He led them, they would become “children of the light” and would be able to continue sharing His teachings and pointing people down God’s path for them. Being that light that is ever present and loving us is Jesus’s legacy.

We as Christians are called to be light bearers for Christ. Thus, we should let His light shine through us and allow others to see that light through our words, our actions, and our being. By allowing this light to be visible, we will leave a legacy of Christian love and light for all those who come after us, just as Jesus and Mrs. Laird did. Ask yourself on this day: How brightly is your light shining? Is Christ visible to oth-ers during our interactions with each other?

Prayer: Dear Lord, Allow Your light to shine always in our hearts and allow us to be a shining example of Your teachings and Your Word to all those around us. Help us to show others Your true greatness and to pass Your light onto them. We pray that those we touch choose to accept You and to follow the path that You have chosen for them. Give us strength and hope in times that we may stray off Your chosen path and head into darkness so that we may come back to You and continue to allow Your light to shine in us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Contributed by Lauren Moffatt

Day 19: Sunday, February 28, 2016 Exodus 20:8-11

How often do we really treat a day as Holy and rest? I am the worst at finding time to just rest in God’s presence. It seems there is always something to be done. The house needs to be cleaned, the kids have activities, we have some work to catch up on, or we finally have time to start that project. Maybe our “work” is for God, and we are busy rushing to church for something. I don’t know what your schedule looks like, but mine is full, and the idea of Sabbath really seems difficult some days. BUT, I encourage you to find time for Sabbath.

What does that look like? Start by clearing the calendar AND the to-do list. This is not a catch-up-on-all-that-needs-to-be-done day. This is a day to rest and relax, to worship and to sleep, and even to spend time with family and friends OR in silence. It doesn’t have to be a Sunday. Maybe it means taking a much-needed afternoon nap or sitting outside with a cup of coffee. Maybe it means turning off all the electronics in the house, or maybe it means all cuddling together and watching a movie. What is your spirit needing? About every year I try to take a few days to spend some time in silence, reading, writing, and praying. I also spend a lot of my weekly Sabbath time huddled in bed with my family of six watching a movie (until I usually fall asleep). Whatever it is that your spirit needs, I pray you will find the time and space for Sabbath. After all, it’s one of the Big Ten! God knows you need it, and once you try it, you will realize how beneficial it is to your spiritual, emotional, and physical health as well. As we prepare this Lent for a journey to the cross, take time to prepare in Sabbath.

Prayer: Holy and Loving God, you created all things and still took a day for Sabbath; surely I can arrange my schedule for rest too. Please help me be intentional about finding time to rest in You and Your love. Help me to make Sabbath with You a priority. Heal my spirit and my body in this time of rest that I may be more able to follow You where You may lead. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Contributed by Alison Zollinger

Artwork by: John Leivan

Day 20: Monday, February 29, 2016 Mark 5:21-43

Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

During this Lenten season, I am reminded that my faith is what keeps me connected to God. I know in my heart that Jesus came to earth as an infant. I know He was persecuted, died, and rose again for my sins. And yet, my faith waivers when I believe that I was chosen. Out of all the people in this world that are more deserving and much more devoted, He chose ME. His love knows no bounds. God came down to be with His people on this earth, to teach them, to show His might and mercy in the form of perfection. I am still amazed at His unending love for me and for this sinful world. I stand in awe of a God who would come down from His throne room, humble Himself as a baby, teach the multitudes, be the most perfect role model, then die for me. He died and rose for the sins of the world, but He did it for me. It is too hard for my human brain to wrap my mind around that.

During this Lenten season, try to remember with me that God chose YOU, just like He chose me. He loves us as we are and has redeemed us through His Perfect Son. We are a blessed nation, and it takes constant renewal of faith to remember that we are chosen. It takes constant communication to appreciate the total sacrifice of God's Son to redeem us of our sins. Spend time with God this season every chance you get. He is faithful to renew our faith as long as we stay committed to Him in prayer, thanksgiving, and worship.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are my Father, my blessed Redeemer and my Counselor. Draw me near to You, Lord. Renew my faith each day. Remind me how my faith keeps me connected to You and that I need You every minute, every hour and every day. I praise You with my whole heart. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen.

Contributed by Kerry Perez

Day 21: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Psalm 118 5-6

“In tight circumstances, I cried out to the LORD. The LORD answered me with wide-open spaces. The LORD is for me—I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Basic training was for me a rough time, as it is for many. I struggled a lot in the beginning to embrace the situation, learning a new lifestyle. Thankfully I had God. I had someone to lean on when I was away from my family. I was able to lean on God and spend much of my free time in daily reading of His word. Through this I had a better state of mind and was more at peace. Basic became a time where I grew closer to God, and that is something that I will be able to hold with me for the rest of my life.

Prayer: God, I want to lean on You and Your strength. In my weakness Your power shines through. In my weakness You make me strong. Make me the strength that You need. Amen.

Contributed by Brad Bishop

Artwork by: Jayden Dietze

Day 22: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Psalm 19:1-6

“How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory!”

While looking into the big beautiful world that God created, I have always felt closer to God when praying outdoors. Whether it is on my front porch or elsewhere. This past September, my husband and I took a trip that we had talked about the entire fifteen years we have been married: traveling through the beautiful state of South Dakota’s Black Hills, pristine lakes, state and national parks. No matter where we traveled, it was so beautiful and peaceful. What an awesome place for prayer! The wildlife was magnificent from the tiny prairie dogs to the massive buffalo. We then drove across Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park reveling in the radiant beauty of Yellowstone Lake, the canyons, Old Faithful, the beautiful waterfalls, ALL God’s creations! We have God to thank for all.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the beautiful world You created. We give all honor and glory to You. Amen.

Children’s Prayer: Thank you God for the world so sweet, Thank you God for the food we eat, Thank you God for everything! Amen.

Contributed by Patricia Vassaur

Artwork by: Katy Kinney

Day 23: Thursday, March 3, 2016 Psalm 23:1-6

When I first joined a church, I was thrilled at the thought of being a Disciple of Christ under church dogma. I was soon to learn that wasn’t enough to satisfy my soul. I always felt a shortness within me whenever I was reminded of my past or the hopes I had for my future. I was confused and full of doubt because the things that were being said to me about my past were true without a doubt. I stayed in torment of trying to be a disciple as church standards proclaimed or as Jesus taught. As my heart sought to learn more about the teaching of Christ and His teachings of forgiveness and grace, the more I felt I could become His Follower, not by what I had been taught or told, but by what He said and did. No matter what my past reminded me of or what was said to me, I know that as long as I follow His teaching (Though I walk through the valley of people, places, and things) I will not fear. For His Grace has set me free from any doubt or fear that is thrown at me. Believing in His Grace and Mercy, I am set free from all the torment that I might face, whether it is from others or from me. The disciples had to walk in the valley to learn how to follow. My journey can be no different. I will go boldly where I’ve never gone before.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to follow where You lead and not let others get in the way of learning from You and leading the life You set out for me. Amen.

Contributed by Roosevelt “Pops” Smith

Artwork by: Sam Key

Day 24: Friday, March 4, 2016 John 14:1-4

What Has Become of My Friend?

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going.” Captain Nguyén Ngoc Phàn was the commanding officer of the 2nd Squadron, 6th Armored Cavalry, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. From 1970 to 1971, I was assigned to Military Assistance Command Vietnam, and I served as his advisor. Captain Phàn had a reputation for being steadfastly anti-communist and a skilled fighter, and the communist government of the northern portion of the Mekong Delta had placed a bounty on his head. He was a hero, and he was my friend. When the time came for me to leave, Captain Phàn and I were pretty sure that we would not meet again. A few years later, in 1975, I watched the continuous news coverage of the relentless advance of the army of North Viet Nam and the eventual fall of the South. Within a year, we were hearing stories of the plight of vanquished soldiers as they were subjected to “re-education” in concentration camps throughout the country. Special cruelty was meted out to those who, like Captain Phàn, had been leaders in the fight for liberty. What had become of my friend? Had he died in combat? Was he among the thousands of brave warriors who perished in re-education camps? Or had he made his way, after the war, to freedom in America or Australia? I will probably not have that answer as long as I live on the earth. But we have the assurance that we will not have to worry about what has become of our friends who have died in Christ. Jesus assures us, in John 14, that he has gone to prepare a place for us and that He will return and take us with Him, so that we might live with Him forever.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You have made provisions for our eternal life. What joy it will be to live with You forever! Amen.

Contributed by: Richard Surface

Day 25: Saturday, March 5, 2016 Psalm 42

I joined the Air Force about 16 months before our nation was attacked on 9/11. After each deployment, I came back a different man, and not all for the better. I struggle with anxiety, depression, mood swings, anti-social behavior, and post traumatic stress. I noticed I was in a tailspin upon return from my fourth deployment to Iraq in 2010 and didn’t know where to turn. I didn’t want to bring my wife, Kimberly, into my own problems for two reasons. She wouldn’t understand, plus I didn’t want her to fully try to understand the tumults of war. I wanted to spare/shield her from all of it. Seeking professional help at that time in the military was considered taboo. Leadership in my unit failed to notice I was struggling, didn’t seem to care or know how to help me. I got to a point late in October 2012 where I could not stand the sight of myself in the mirror. I discussed all of this with her on our balcony and told her I was going to seek professional help. That would put my career potentially in jeopardy, and I would need her support through the entire process. Also, I told her not to expect too much too soon, and asked her not to give up on me. She assured me she would be behind me 100%. We both wept for several moments, and it was the closest I had ever been to her. Afterward, I dropped to my knees in our bedroom and asked God for guidance, thirsting for His presence and forgiveness in all of my shortcomings. I needed His help to make me the husband, father, and man I need to be to carry out His will. Immediately, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, and an ice cold chill ran throughout my entire body, which felt instantly familiar. This was His subtle reminder He was listening to my prayers and assuring me I will never be alone. After 18 months of professional help on two continents, I am here today able to share this with you, knowing I will never be alone again.

Prayer: Merciful God, thank You for Your love, guidance, and unending grace. Remind us that no matter where we may be, we will never walk alone. Like the deer that thirsts for a stream of water, we thirst for You each day. Amen.

Contributed by Jason McClish

Artwork by: Hudson Bralley

Day 26: Sunday, March 6, 2016 1 Samuel 3:9

“So Eli said to Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down where he’d been.”

I start most all emails with a quick greeting of "Good Morning or Afternoon or so on." For several months I kept misspelling the word "Good".....EVERY SINGLE TIME. I would spell it "godo." Now I admit I only type about 35 words a minute on a good day, so it wasn't from sheer speed that I was misspelling the word. One morning just like clockwork, I did it again. I spelled "good" as "godo." It frustrated me. So I sat and just stared at it. What was it? And then like a punch in the nose or better yet a whisper in the ear--God was speaking to me. He was telling me to "go do!"

Now I still struggle with all that "going and doing," as many of us do, and I know without question that God is there for us, if we just pay attention.

Prayer: Lord I pray for your continued guidance and encouragement to “go and do” and to always be mindful of our many blessings and the opportunity we have to make a difference in Your kingdom. Amen.

Contributed by Glenn Morrison

Artwork by: Lilliana Hughes

Day 27: Monday, March 7, 2016 Isaiah 60:19

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.”

Many years ago, when I was a member of my church’s MYF, our group asked for, and received, permission to be fully responsible for one of the services. We took this opportunity very seriously and part of our group was charged with preparing the sanctuary for the service. As I was setting up the altar, one of my fellow MYF members kept fiddling around with the light switches behind the pulpit. It should be noted that we had a beautiful, very large, wooden cross with backlighting on the wall behind the sanctuary. Finally, in some frustration and in a very loud voice, she said, “I give up…how do you turn on the cross?” That incident provided fuel for our meetings for almost the next two months with lively discussion on everyone’s part. I’m not sure we truly reached a good understanding or came to a consensus of how the answer that question. But with the passage of time the answer has become clear, at least to me: the light is always on, and it beckons to us continuously. We have only to follow, and the way forward will be bathed in light!

Prayer: Lord, You are our light and You have shown us the way. May we have the strength to follow the path You have lit for us! Amen.

Contributed by Dave Hall

Artwork by: Madelyn Mohesky

Day 28: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Psalm 23:2-3

“…by well-watered resting places he conducts me. My soul he refreshes.”

While driving through the countryside it pleases me to take note of the many examples of water in nature. I cannot cross a bridge without looking for the stream or river below. I look across pastures to see stock tanks, small lakes or ponds. Often various livestock or wildlife appears either on the water or near its edges. Even when I encounter the ocean or large rivers like the mighty Mississippi, I focus on what is going on, whether it be large ships cruising or tugboats pushing barges through the waters. Other translations call these waters “Still Waters.” The Psalmist describes God as one who leads us beside these waters to restore our soul. Today’s world is troubled by many things. People are sick, poor, angry, depressed, or worried, among other troubles. God is telling us through the Psalmist’s words to stop and seek His calming presence. Allow the Lord to calm us down by putting all other things aside and meditating on His goodness. Only when we do this does God refresh our soul and give us the strength and motivation to help when and where we can.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to seek You beside the waters to rest from the world. Refresh my soul. Amen.

Book suggestion: Meeting God in Quiet Places by Max Lucado

Contributed by An FUMC Parishioner

Artwork by: Addison Willbanks

Day 29: Wednesday, March 9, 2016 Matthew 5:43-48

Deuteronomy 26:16-19;

Today the readings from Deuteronomy 26:16-19 and Matthew 5:43-48 address the call to discipleship and its costs. In Deuteronomy we read, “Today you are making this agreement with the Lord; He is to be your God and you are to walk in His ways and…to listen to His voice.” In Matthew, the call to discipleship provides new insight to the words of “listen to His voice.” This whole chapter reflects the “call” within the larger context of Jesus’s teaching on the Beatitudes and the call of the disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But what if the salt goes flat?” In the text on the Beatitudes, Jesus expresses how He/we are called to fulfill the law. In an age of media sound bites filled with violence and hatred, if we hear His “voice” today, what do we do today with Jesus’ call in the fulfillment of the law: “My command to you is love your enemies, pray for your persecutors.” This is a very difficult call to discipleship. Does this mean we need to examine the ways we demonize others or remain silent in the company of those who demonize others? This call really taxes our sensibilities and all the stereotypes of being “strong and not weak.” Is this an unreal assignment? Where will I get the strength to do this? We are reminded, “Love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are sons and daughters of your heavenly Father, for the sun rises on the bad and the good. He rains on the just and unjust.” Are we the salt of the earth? Are we willing to trust this call to discipleship and leave the judging to God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in these times of instant information and media sound bites that are filled with the violence and hatred that surrounds us, help us, Lord, to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. We ask, Lord, for Your help with this difficult call to discipleship. Help me, Lord, to be willing to trust this call to discipleship and leave the judging to You. Amen.

Contributed by Laura Winckel

Day 30: Thursday, March 10, 2016 Psalm 126:1-6

Many years ago I worked for a large insurance broker agency. After I left to begin the adventure of being a military spouse, I phoned my old boss to catch up on how things were going. He informed me about one of the vice presidents, Chip, leaving the organization and changing careers. I was floored. This grumpy gentleman was in his late 40s-early 50s and had been selling and brokering property and casualty insurance for over 20 years. In fact, Chip and his dad had their own agency at one time. Even after the sale of their agency, he decided to stay in the insurance industry and worked for the organization that bought them. Chip worked on many prestigious and rather lucrative accounts; he even had one of the largest construction equipment companies in the U. S. as an account. I could not imagine what career field attracted him so much that he wanted to make a switch and leave all the money, prestige, honors, and stability behind. When I inquired what Chip’s new career field would be I was not fully prepared for the answer. He was going to go back to school to become a veterinarian, a total switch from what he had spent practically his whole life doing. But my former boss said, “Chip hasn’t been happy for a while. In fact, you remember how grumpy he seemed to be? Once the office got over the announcement, he told us how he felt he was being called to take care of God’s animals. It was not an easy decision for him and his wife to make, especially since their youngest son was still in college, but Chip felt like he couldn’t wait. There was no time to waste once he heard God’s call.”

At that time in my life, I could not imagine hearing a call from God that would drastically alter my life like the one He asked Chip to do. Chip gave up a career making more money than what he was going to make as a veterinarian, yet he cheerfully gave it up to answer God’s call.

I have had numerous conversations with my former boss over the last 10+ years, and each time I inquire about Chip. He tells me how happy Chip is taking care of God’s animals. He is so thankful he listened to God. The lesson of Chip’s story is something God wanted me to learn at a very young age. No matter what we do today, enjoy the moment for we may not be doing it tomorrow. It is important to look to the future with excited anticipation for what He will do next in our lives. He can and will change our circumstances in an instant, for when God calls, there is no time to waste.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today humbly asking that You change our circumstances so that we may go into the world with joyful shouts proclaiming to all we meet about the wondrous and miraculous things You have done. Amen.

Contributed by Kimberly McClish

Day 31: Friday, March 11, 2016 Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.”

Lately I have been finding myself in various situations where I am asking, "Why?" Why is this happening to me...us...them? How is all this “bad” a part of your plan, Lord? I did not deserve this. We did not deserve this. They did not deserve this. I have come to the conclusion that the Lord uses our trials for a reason. We may never truly know the reason, but everything affects everyone else. And without one event happening, others would not happen either. All we can really do is pray and continue doing what is best for ourselves and others, for although it is easy to do, it is futile to worry. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for peace. I pray for the wisdom to trust in You and that in all things Your will be done. Please open Your arms and wrap us in Your love. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Contributed by Jamie Stevens

Artwork by: Ella Bralley

Artwork by: Staton Norman

Day 32: Saturday, March 12, 2016 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This passage is one of my all-time favorites. I have it hanging on my wall at home and my husband found a beautiful scroll in Korea with this verse on it for me. I see this passage as not only showing God’s love for all of us, but also how we should always love and live as well. I read a story online where a young girl was telling her dad about a boy she really liked. Her dad told her to put this boy’s name in the beginning of every part of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and if she could answer yes to every part, then this boy is worth her time and affection (John is patient, John is kind, John does not envy, John does not boast, etc.). The same goes for you and me, too. Would you be able to answer yes if you put “I am” in each part of this passage? Of course we all have our good and bad days, and we’re not always patient or kind. I can definitely relate to that. But if you couldn’t honestly answer yes to the “check list” in this passage, ask yourself why and pray for God to help you change. For me, I try to live by this passage every day, and I try to teach my daughters to live by this, too. I always try to see others the way I would like to be seen, and treat others the way I would like to be treated, regardless if I get the same in return. I’m forgiving, I don’t judge or hold grudges, and I love without conditions. When you find yourself having a moment of frustration when you’re behind a super slow person in the check-out line at the grocery store or on the road, or maybe your loved one hurt you beyond words, instead of negatively reacting, think of this passage instead. Pray to find the love and patience that our Savior has for us every day and in every moment of our lives, and always try to be like Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for always being loving, patient, kind, not keeping track of our wrongs, and always leading us to the truth. I pray that I always follow You and Your Word, and I pray that I can always set a good example for others, especially my children, and that my faith may encourage others to grow, too. I pray that my husband and I will continue to unconditionally love and grow in our marriage and our faith. In

Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Contributed by Elizabeth Bartley

Day 33: Sunday, March 13, 2016 Matthew 16:13-18a

“Mom, she took my toy.” “Dad, he took my candy.” “That is mine, that is mine – give it back.” These phrases are like the mantra of children. Children can at times be possessive of what is theirs. As the children grow up, only the subject of the mantra changes – from toys and candy bars to cell phones and tablets. Even for some adults the mantra is recited– “Hey, those are my In-n-Out French fries!” I confess – I am guilty. We all can be possessive at times. Even Jesus was possessive. In the story of Peter proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the anointed One, the liberating King, Jesus gets possessive. It is one of the few times that Jesus gets possessive. Jesus says, “It is upon this proclamation that I will build MY church.” It is hard to think of Jesus being so possessive. Of all the things Jesus could get possessive of: his followers, his family, the world, he gets possessive about the church. You are the members of the church, you are the ones giving money to the church, you are the ones doing the work of the church, you are the ones who out of love and gratitude claim, “This is my church.” Jesus says, “It is My church.” I wonder if Jesus ever complained to his Dad that someone took His church. It helps me to remember that Jesus was not talking about a place or a building. The church is never a building. The church is the people, the followers who proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the liberating King. Jesus was not being possessive about a place or building, Jesus was being possessive about His followers--us. We are the subject of the mantra, “It’s mine” We are His church and as far as I can tell, He does not plan on letting anyone else have it.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for making me Yours. Give me the grace never to take or try to take what is Yours. Amen.

Contributed by Sr. Pastor Jeff Miller

Day 34: Monday, March 14, 2016 Romans 8:15-21

What does the cross mean? To me the cross stands for the ultimate sacrifice, the best symbol of love that anyone could ever show.

But beyond the cross there is an empty tomb, the symbol that we are never going to be alone! This life is not meant to be spent sitting and guarding the tomb where our King was laid to rest. Our lives are supposed to be spent greeting God with more questions and waiting for more adventures with Him by our side. Knowing that we are going to have Christ with us through the good times and the bad times makes life worth living.

As Easter approaches, let us not sit and wait at the tomb; instead, let us greet God each morning with a question of “What’s next, Papa?” Where are we going today?

Prayer: Holy God, be with us throughout this Lenten season. Help us to focus not only on the cross that sits atop a hill, but remember that after that cross becomes empty so does the tomb. There is more life to be lived. Amen.

Contributed by Sarah Stone

Artwork by: Sue-in Park

Artwork by: Sue-ah Park

Day 35: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Romans 8:16-17

“The spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

The month of March has always been special to our family as this was the month our family received a special blessing. After several years as Emergency Foster Parents for the military in Panama and with the Methodist Mission Home in Waco, Roz and I decided to try and adopt. Since we had already been through the Home Studies and other requirements for being foster parents, we were not surprised by all the “paperwork” required for adoption. However, we felt very strongly that this was what God was calling us to do. We made our application through the Southwest Maternity Home in San Antonio. We were told it would take about two years after applying to get a child. Nine months later, one Friday in September 1984, I received a call at work that a mother at the home had chosen us to have her baby girl. However, we could not pick her up until Monday. That was the longest weekend ever. We were blessed to be able to have an Open Adoption and meet the mother of our new family member. Placements do not mean you get to keep the child. Families have to wait a minimum of six months and then fill out the final paperwork to make the adoption final. That day happened on the 20th of March. We were blessed to add another family member then from the Methodist Mission Home in Waco the following year. Since then our oldest daughter has adopted two children into her family from Texas Child Protective Services.

Much like earthly adoption, God adopts us into His family and gives us His name as well. God adopted you simply because He wanted to. You were in His good will and pleasure. Knowing full well the trouble you would be and the price He would pay, He signed His name next to yours and changed your name to His and took you home. Your Abba adopted you and became your Father.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are so blessed to be a part of Your Heavenly family. Help us to

understand You and praise You for the sacrifices You make for us every day. Amen.

Contributed by Dean Honchul

Day 36: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 John 8:1-11

Personally, I have always found it difficult to reflect on scripture passages like this one because they are so well known, and they have been talked about so much, making it hard for me to let go of my preconceived notions about the passage and its messages. Often times, I will hear the first few words of the passage and my mind will immediately jump to an old homily or reflection that I have heard about it. However, this time around I actually found those preconceived notions pointing me towards a new way of looking at this scripture that I had never thought of before.

In today’s famous gospel story when we hear about Jesus saving the adulterous woman from being stoned, we immediately think of themes like mercy and forgiveness, and how we are all called to be merciful and forgiving of one another. But I think that this passage is also a call to be merciful and forgiving to ourselves, too. At the end of the gospel when the woman tells Jesus that no one has stoned her, Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you.” We constantly criticize ourselves in our everyday lives, but why do we, the sinners, cast stones at ourselves when Jesus, who is without sin, refuses to stone us? We get down on ourselves and tell ourselves that we are not good enough, but the only thing this self-condemnation does is prevent us from hearing God’s voice in our heart calling us to God’s love and forgiveness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season let us pray to God for the strength to let go of our feelings of inadequacies and forgive ourselves so that we may more fully enter into the love and forgiveness that we find in Jesus’s sacrifice and

resurrection. Amen.

Contributed by Laura Winckel

Artwork by: Morgan Allred

Day 37: Thursday, March 17, 2016 Revelation

R evealing Christ’s second coming

E arth is covered by wars, plagues, and natural disasters

V ictory is the Lord’s

E ternity welcomes all believers

L et go of sinful ways

A ct more like Jesus as you prepare for His arrival

T rumpets sound to announce God’s wrath and destruction

I JOHN, saw a new heaven and a new earth

O n their foreheads was a mark; it was the name of the Lamb and of God N ever ending, joy, peace, health, love, harmony with and for Christ as

He brings all His children to live in God’s grace with praise and Thanksgiving

You are invited to join DISCIPLES Christian Growth Group as we study the prophecy of REVELATION.

January –May, 2016—Sunday 11 to noon

Contributed by Laurel Blair

Day 38: Friday, March 18, 2016 1 Corinthians 15:10

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”

Grace is something that I have had trouble truly grasping, yet have been shown constantly throughout my life. I have felt that there could never be forgiveness for my sins. I knew that I had made mistakes that felt so enormous that even God could not forgive. Yet He has placed people in my life that have shown me true Grace. The first was a youth minister who showed me that I was worth the time of day. Then our Heavenly Father sent my husband. No words can describe the gift he has been and continues to be. Grace is not something that we can simply see or put into words. It is so much bigger than our human brains can truly grasp. Grace is God’s love wrapping us in his embrace and truly forgiving all our transgressions and healing our wounds without us ever earning it or deserving it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that we all can have at least a glimpse of this wonderful Grace and the pure joy it brings to Your heart. Amen.

Contributed by April LaValley

Artwork by: Nizeer Westbrook

Day 39: Saturday, March 19, 2016 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

After a lengthy military career and stint at being a high school teacher, I received a special nudge by one of God’s angels (called wife by legal and secular media). I became a full time committed servant of the Lord to work in the church. After the retraining by the Holy Spirit, I was given the task of teaching a Sunday school class, provided devotional services to shut-ins at nursing homes, and/or assisted living institutions and several small-group activities. It sometimes amazes me to realize the amount of things the Holy Spirit will lead a servant to act upon and respond to when called upon to be the hands, feet, and body of Christ’s Church.

During a sharing session with fellow servants, I was asked what special talents I felt I had. I never expected to be teaching or speaking. But after the nudge I mentioned, I have found that the Word of God is so easy to share through teaching, and it is amazing how the Lord provides the least expected source for the support you need to do His work.

I have learned that the Grace of God, which now becomes so readily evident, has been the strength that enables me to continue on even during difficult times and even to pass it on to a fellow Christian so that they may be comforted as well.

Prayer: Oh, God, provide for us that little nudge that will put us on your team to do the work you call us to do and the guidance to lead others to come to know you better. Amen.

Contributed by Ken Smith

Artwork by: Annelisa Amoako

Day 40: Sunday, March 20, 2016 Luke 19:29-40

How do we worship? Do we attend worship, or do we really worship? I believe that we have a lot to learn from children in our midst, from other cultures and countries, and even from this interesting passage of scripture. I grew up in a church not too unlike ours; we also prayed and sang and listened to sermons, and I remember when they first introduced a contemporary service and the upset over the idea of some people raising their hands in worship. I was a teenager, and perhaps I too had grown beyond the age of worship coming naturally because I was very self-conscious about raising hands myself. I have since gotten over that particular fear, but I still catch myself from time to time taking a second glance at a different way of worship and questioning my own contemplative style. There are so many ways to worship. For some, worship comes naturally, especially in children. For others, we learn to worship as our families or our faith communities or as our cultures teach us. I always found this particular scripture bizarre, then, in terms of worship. Why would anyone throw his or her clothes on the ground to be trampled by an animal? Why would people shout for Jesus as they would a modern-day concert? This is their worship for their King, and how do I also worship? Would someone reading about my worship or seeing me worship think, “Wow! Why? She must really worship Jesus and love Him as her King!“

I hope, too, I am not like the Pharisees who encourages Jesus to stop. Jesus responds in the most intriguing way. “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”

Jesus deserves to be praised and worshipped! Jesus will be praised and worshipped! Let it be our worship! Let’s choose not to “Come to worship” today, but to truly worship our King!

Prayer: Holy and Loving God, we choose to worship You today with all that we have and all that we are. May our words, our actions, our singing, our prayers, our dancing, our everything, bring praise to You today, You deserve to be worshipped! In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Alison Zollinger

Artwork by: Zoe Zollinger

Day 41: Monday, March 21, 2016 John 12:1-11

Preparations for Jesus

Martha was preparing dinner in Jesus’ honor. Mary was preparing to use costly perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus and wipe his feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot prepared to chastise Mary for spending a small fortune on the perfume. Judas did not really care for the poor, but he had prepared to take some of the disciples’ funds for his own use as in the past.

As I look at these preparations, only Mary was preparing for the death and burial of Jesus when He no longer would be with them. How am I preparing to spread the word that more than the death and burial of Jesus, His resurrection and ETERNAL LIFE, must be spread for all to know and believe.

The word “believes” has the all-important letter “I” in the center. If I am to believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I must do something to share that knowledge. “Believe” is an action verb calling me to do one more thing in my life to spread the word with men, women, boys, and girls. Whether the one more thing to do is to distribute Gideon/Auxiliary testaments or Bibles to men, women, boys, and girls; to sponsor one or two children through World Vision Outreach; to take an active part in our local church such as Vacation Bible School; or UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Mission team, I challenge each of us to believe in the risen Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, during this Lenten season may our preparations for Easter be active in doing. Amen.

Contributed by Roz Honchul

Artwork by: Olivia Benton

Day 42: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Colossians 1:13-14

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, and forgiveness of sins.”

Forgive Me, Father

My father was a man of few words, slow to anger and hard to know. He smelled of cigarette smoke and, sometimes, strong drink. He loved to fish. He worked at an aircraft plant, but I think he would have preferred to be a fisherman. He was not a complicated man, and I never heard him discuss politics or religion, but I know now that he was very familiar with his own personal demons. In my early childhood, I remember happy times, especially family gatherings at Christmas. As with most everyone, Christmas was a celebration and a sharing of food, gifts, and fellowship with family and friends. I also remember frequent fishing trips with my father and uncle that were an adventure and a challenge to a young boy; my father and uncle were not casual fishermen! I was expected not to speak and to be very still. I never understood why the fish were not be equally disturbed by the sound of Zippo lighters and minnow buckets being jostled about the boat. Fishing with my uncle after my father passed away always reminded me of the times when my father was there with us. Now, some sixty years later, those memories are still clear and treasured. As the years went by, my father gradually changed; he became withdrawn, and his drinking increased. No one discussed the changes at first, but when they began to include lengthy absences from home, it became apparent that something was wrong. My mother and father separated several times, and I know she suffered a great deal through that period, but they always reunited. Sadly, nothing stopped my father’s decline into greater depression.

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During the Christmas season of 1961, plans were made for the family Christmas meal and gift sharing at my aunt’s house. One night, just days before Christmas, my father launched into another bout of heavy drinking. I was angry that Christmas might be ruined by my father’s actions, and I lashed out at him, using words that I immediately regretted. Even in his altered state, I could tell that I had hurt him deeply. But some words can never be recovered, and the pain they cause lives forever. The words I spoke remain only with me; everyone else who heard them is no longer here on earth. I was 13 years old. My father died December 17, 1961, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was 50 years old. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as “accidentally ingesting carbon tetrachloride.” It was many years before I asked God to forgive me for speaking those cruel words to my father. I have asked my father to forgive me many times, and I hope he has heard me. But it was not until I asked God for forgiveness that I felt a burden lifting from my heart. It took time for the bad memories to recede, but a growing patina of grace and peace have come that only God could have granted. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Holy Father, may Your forgiveness and mercy abide forever and the Holy Spirit grant us peace. Amen.

Contributed by Mike Tuggle

Artwork by: Natalie Beliveau

Day 43: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

February was a busy time in our school with state testing going on multiple times for many grade levels. One of our teachers ended up in the emergency room and finally the ICU with several health issues. When it was realized he would not be able to return to work for some time, if ever, the administration was faced with the dilemma of what to do with his class. A substitute could not administer the necessary tests the state required for the remainder of the year. I felt God nudging me-ok hitting me with a 2x4- to take over this class. I argued with God for 24 hours “not me God, surely there is a better solution, what about my class, my family, my team, my health?” The whisper I heard was be strong and courageous, remember Me-I am with you always.” The next day after much prayer, I talked to the administration to set things in motion to make the switch of grade levels, get paperwork finalized, set up my observations of another teacher in this new grade I had never taught, and told my husband what I was going to do. When I started with this new class, I was not terrified, and my anxiety eventually waned as we set about learning together.

Prayer: Gracious and loving God, help us to remember in good and bad times that You are always with us. Give us the confidence to be bold in our lives to do Your will and to listen and obey when we hear You calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Contributed by Sara Charlton

Artwork by: June Hall

Day 44: Tuesday, March 24, 2016 Matthew 25:31-40

“For as you have done unto the least of these, you’ve also done unto me.” Growing up, my mother never allowed herself to stop moving and doing for others. As a child I could never understand why she was to busy all the time. Why was Mama always so busy taking care of everyone else when she should be taking care of me? The great news is that she WAS taking care of me. She was teaching me how to live like Christ. Christ did not spend all his time tending only to those in His immediate presence. He reached out to ALL in need. Whether is was by providing food to the hungry, clothes to the needy, a listening ear to the downcast, healing from sickness, raising from the dead, or just simply being there when someone was lonely, Christ was always serving others. At the age of 25, I accepted Christ’s invitation to follow Him. When I said, “Yes, Lord!” I was not only saying yes to accepting Him as my Savior. I was also saying yes to serving others, like He did. That service was not only in meeting the needs of other people, but it was also in accepting myself, and my value in God’s eyes. I could only give love to others when I accepted God’s love for me. Matthew 25: 31-40 talks about how God will separate the flock. He will put the goats, those who merely talked to talk, on the left. He will put the sheep (those who truly followed Him and lived according to the faith they professed) on the right because being at the right hand of God is a place of honor. He will say to His sheep on His right side, “I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25: 35-36) Every time you reach out to someone in need, no matter who he/she is, you are reaching out to Jesus. Every time you visit a friend in need, you are visiting Jesus. Every time you accept generosity and blessings from others, you are accepting the love of Christ. Every time you let someone bless you, you are being a blessing to them as well. Being a Christian is about being like Christ. Christ gave to others, but He also accepted things from others in return.

When His sheep asked Him, “When have we ever done those things?” Christ responded with, “I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.”

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for all that You have sacrificed in order to restore me to You. Your love is so strong and so true! Father, help me to keep my focus on serving You by serving those around me. Help me to open my life up to others like the pages of Your Word, so others will know Your love and Your will. Help me to stay as committed to You, today, as I was when I first accepted You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen

Contributed by Sarah Erickson

Artwork by: Jacob Allen

Day 45: Good Friday, Friday, March 25, 2016 Psalm 22

I have always enjoyed reading about David, beginning with the story of David and Goliath. When I was a child in Sunday school, I loved the idea of a child doing what the adults could not do. As I grew older, I learned more of David’s story. I learned he was a man with great honor and achievement—and a man who made bad choices and faced the consequences. Through it all, he remained a man after God’s own heart (Acts 12:22). What does that mean to me during this time of Lent? Psalm 22 begins with words that Jesus spoke on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” David was going through a tough time and felt distance from God. I can relate to that feeling. There are times when I feel quite sure that God has lost sight of what is happening to me. I am so wrapped up in my own situation I can’t see that the God of the universe is lovingly in control of every aspect of my life—even the “tough times.” I can look to David for a reminder of what my attitude should be: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). No matter how much David groans over the situation he is in, he always acknowledges God’s complete sovereignty. He continually repents and praises God.

The tough times I face pale in comparison to what Christ faced as the sins of the world were placed on His shoulders. If I want to be a believer after God’s own heart, I must exalt Him as the Holy One in the tough times as well as the good times.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You as the Lord of my life in all circumstances. Amen.

Contributed by Stacie Carrico

Day 46: Saturday, March 26, 2016 Matthew 5:13-16

Salt and Light

When Nina and I were first in Sarawak, (we were there for three years, 1957-1960), we became familiar with the use of salt and light in the rural areas. In the tropics salt was used to preserve the fish that were caught in nets as a vital part of their diet. If salt were not used, the fish could be spoiled. Just as the salt preserved the fish, so the Christians can preserve the world in which they find themselves. The salt does not exist for itself. If Christians are not a blessing (less saltiness), we may be good for nothing but to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. The purpose of light is to shine in a dark world. Emil Bruner states the purpose of Christian disciples in the way: “As a candle exists by burning, so Christians are to give light in a dark world.” The custom of Iban people is to have a light burning in front of each family unit of the longhouse village before they sleep each night. As Christians we are to give light, to be a blessing. The good that we do as Christians is not so that we can take pride in what we do. We are expected to do good so that God will be praised. Doing good is its own reward.

Prayer: We are thankful that as disciples of Jesus we are challenged to be salt and light. Help us to be salty Christians, being light to give God the praise. Amen.

Contributed by Andy Fowler

Artwork by: Ian Paraniaque

Day 47: Sunday, March 27, 2016 John 20:2

Mary Magdalene…ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.”

I suppose every family has had to deal with the untimely death of a beloved goldfish. The fish somehow always dies at the wrong time, and Dad usually finds himself racing to the pet store for a replacement, praying to God that a perfect clone will be found so the switch will be undetected. Once I had to find replacements for two Betas. The replacements were purple instead of blue. The change of color was noticed – so we told the story that these were magic color-changing Betas. All was fine until we were asked, “When will they change color again?” I wish the first time I had to deal with such grief it would’ve been only a goldfish. But no, this time it was a bunny rabbit, a white, furry bunny with pastel pink ears, a patch of bright yellow on top of the head and wearing Easter-egg green suspenders. A very special stuffed animal, which she picked out herself--grabbed it right off of the shelf, never to let it go. She snuggled it, cuddled it, and pulled it around by its ears. If she was playing, the bunny was playing. If she was eating, the bunny was eating, and if she was taking a bath, the bunny was taking a bath. Then one night at the end of a shopping trip, the bunny was gone--lost in the miry-depths of the mall. So the expedition began. First, we frantically searched each store visited to see if the bunny had been found. No luck. Next, we searched for a clone. I tried the usual places, toy stores, department stores, discount stores, niche stores, drug stores and even grocery stores. No luck; apparently this bunny was truly unique. A few months later, I was on a business trip in Houston. Naturally, I had forgotten to pack something. So I had to go and find a tie. The concierge recommended Kaplan Ben –Hur department store. I entered the store through the glass double-doors. Off to the right was a display of cute and cuddly stuffed animals anticipating adoption. Could it be? Yes, there it was, a bunny just like the one lost on the shopping trip. I hastily grabbed it, never before so excited to get out the visa card. I never did look at the price tag – it did not matter, I would

have paid the highest price – I did not care about the cost – it was worth it. I was filed with joy. It seems we as parents are more than willing to sacrifice for the joy and happiness of our children. Being a parent has taught me more about God’s love and grace than my two graduate degrees in theology. During the season of Lent, we prepared ourselves for the great gift of Easter. We were reminded of the sacrifice God made for us, His children. On this Easter, let us think again about how excited we are about our relationship with God. Let us think again about the cost of our Easter joy. After all, God searched us out, found us, adopted us as His children, gave us new life and said, “The cost is worth it!”

Prayer: May our joy in the Risen Christ show itself to all whom we meet! Amen.

Contributed by Sr. Pastor Jeff Miller

Artwork by: Madison LaValley

Ash Wednesday Services

12:15pm - A Traditional Lent Service

6:15pm - A Lent Worship Experience

O H Y L

W E E K Road to Resurrection

Family Celebration Palm Sunday, March 20th - 3:30pm - 6:30pm

Join us for this family-friendly free event. Families will travel the path Jesus journeyed. They'll taste the Passover meal, visit Barabbas in his jail cell, hear a Roman's soldier's remorse, and join in other powerful experiences. Please register your attendance by March 15th to ensure we have enough supplies. Registration for this event will begin on our website February 7th. POC: April.LaValley@fumc-killeen.org

Living Last Supper Maundy Thursday, March 24th - 6:30pm

Join us Thursday as we reenact Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of Holy Communion. We will get to experience the famous last meal of Jesus and have the opportunity to join in Holy Communion with the actors.

POC: Bryan, bry.charlton@gmail.com

Jerusalem in Methodist Park

Good Friday, March 25th - 6pm

Join us on Good Friday down in Methodist Park, off of Cunningham Road, as we reen-act the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This play will move you and touch your heart as you watch the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for each one of God’s children.

POC: Bryan, bry.charlton@gmail.com

Easter Sunday, March 27th

7am - Sunrise Service-Methodist Park

9:30am & 11am - Sanctuary

Join us Easter Sunday to celebrate Jesus’ victory over death and his resurrection. Please bring in a flower to be placed on the living cross.

Palm Sunday, March 20th 7:45am, 9:30am & 11am Join us for our special Palm Sunday Worship service. We will wave Palm branches to represent Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Holy Communion Wednesdays - 6:15pm Every Wednesday during Lent (February 10th - March 27th), we will offer everyone the opportunity to come and receive Holy Communion in the sanctuary.

HOLY COMMUNION

The Way of the Cross Worship Experience

Good Friday, March 25th - 7:00pm Join us on Good Friday in the Sanctuary as our Youth guide us through a Stations of the Cross Worship Experience through prayers, devotions, and time for reflection and meditation.

POC: Sarah.Stone@fumc-killeen.org

A Family Lenten Devotional from our family to

yours

This devotional is sponsored by the Radical Hospitality Ministry.

We hope this booklet will be spiritually uplifting during this time of Lent. Please share the devotions in this booklet with others. All devotions are also available on our website at www.fumckilleen.com.

No copyright laws are applied.

Thanks to Phyllis Wheeler for editing.

Thanks to Marty Portmann and Kimberly McClish for publishing. We would like to thank our

members for contributing their devotionals to this booklet. We also want to thank the children,

youth and adults for their artwork. Special thanks to Joe Friddle for the cover artwork.

First United Methodist Church 3501 E. Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542

254-634-6363 www.fumckilleen.com

Jeff Miller Senior Pastor

Alison Zollinger Associate Pastor

Lisa Kure, Chairman

Rosalind “Roz” Honchul

Carrol Jean

Fia Lelauti

Patti Monroe

Frances Nelson

Allison Shopbell

Ken Smith

Debbie Smith

Beverly Tuggle

Patricia Vassaur

Phyllis Wheeler

Radical Hospitality Team: