Mar 22, 2017
Day 22: Wednesday, March 22. 2017

Day 22: Wednesday, March 22, 2017             Romans 5: 1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

 

You often hear the analogy that life is a journey. And often, there are little speed bumps along the way; there can even be little detours. But, sometimes there are forks in the road, and you have no choice but to take that unexpected fork that will change your journey.

  

Seven years ago, I was a busy wife and mom when I began having some mild issues walking. It was easily explained, and we weren’t too concerned. In 2012, I realized something was very wrong, and a year later I was diagnosed with a rare disease causing me to need to use a wheelchair. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment; doctors are only able to offer           medications to treat the symptoms of the disease as it progresses.

  

There is definitely some not-so-fun and dark days, when the pain and other symptoms I live with can feel overwhelming. There are days where I can’t imagine feeling any worse, where the pain and tightness in my muscles can’t be helped, and I don’t know what to do. It’s a frightening place to be. Those are the days I am extra grateful I have a relationship with God. 

  

I learned that in the darkest hours, God is there to hear my prayers. It is such a comfort to know that He hears them all, even the softest, most feeble prayers. Sometimes all I can do is to call out His name, but that’s enough. There are days that are so dark, but I take comfort in knowing that God is with me to give me the strength to face that next day. Knowing that He is with me helps me to also find the joy and laughter in every day. I know that I have changed in character since I have been affected by this illness. I have a son with disabilities, so I have always been aware of disabilities around me, but my awareness has changed now that I am a woman with a physical disability. It takes perseverance and faith to face each day, knowing you may struggle. Never lose hope that life may have bright sides, and through the suffering of Jesus, we will live again healed of our own suffering.

  

In life, when we have those unexpected forks in the road on our journey, remember that He is with us on that journey. In

both our happiest and darkest times, call out to Him. He’s waiting.

 

Prayer: Dear God, as we face these struggles in our lives, please remind us of Your presence, calm our fears, and give us peace. Amen.

 

Contributed by Barbara Kane

 

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  • Mar 22, 2017Day 22: Wednesday, March 22. 2017
    Mar 22, 2017
    Day 22: Wednesday, March 22. 2017

    Day 22: Wednesday, March 22, 2017             Romans 5: 1-5

    Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

     

    You often hear the analogy that life is a journey. And often, there are little speed bumps along the way; there can even be little detours. But, sometimes there are forks in the road, and you have no choice but to take that unexpected fork that will change your journey.

      

    Seven years ago, I was a busy wife and mom when I began having some mild issues walking. It was easily explained, and we weren’t too concerned. In 2012, I realized something was very wrong, and a year later I was diagnosed with a rare disease causing me to need to use a wheelchair. Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment; doctors are only able to offer           medications to treat the symptoms of the disease as it progresses.

      

    There is definitely some not-so-fun and dark days, when the pain and other symptoms I live with can feel overwhelming. There are days where I can’t imagine feeling any worse, where the pain and tightness in my muscles can’t be helped, and I don’t know what to do. It’s a frightening place to be. Those are the days I am extra grateful I have a relationship with God. 

      

    I learned that in the darkest hours, God is there to hear my prayers. It is such a comfort to know that He hears them all, even the softest, most feeble prayers. Sometimes all I can do is to call out His name, but that’s enough. There are days that are so dark, but I take comfort in knowing that God is with me to give me the strength to face that next day. Knowing that He is with me helps me to also find the joy and laughter in every day. I know that I have changed in character since I have been affected by this illness. I have a son with disabilities, so I have always been aware of disabilities around me, but my awareness has changed now that I am a woman with a physical disability. It takes perseverance and faith to face each day, knowing you may struggle. Never lose hope that life may have bright sides, and through the suffering of Jesus, we will live again healed of our own suffering.

      

    In life, when we have those unexpected forks in the road on our journey, remember that He is with us on that journey. In

    both our happiest and darkest times, call out to Him. He’s waiting.

     

    Prayer: Dear God, as we face these struggles in our lives, please remind us of Your presence, calm our fears, and give us peace. Amen.

     

    Contributed by Barbara Kane

     

  • Mar 21, 2017Day 21: Tuesday, March 21st, 2017
    Mar 21, 2017
    Day 21: Tuesday, March 21st, 2017

    Day 21: Tuesday, March 21, 2017  

    1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (NLT)

     

     The Cross Is Not Enough

    Jesus’ death on the cross is not sufficient to provide the abundant and eternal life God has promised us.  Does that statement shock you? If you are a Christian, I would expect you to be highly offended and perhaps not read another word.  But if you’ll hear me out, I think you’ll agree with me. The apostle Paul firmly believed the cross was not enough. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. 

    Peter also knew that our eternal hope depended on the Resurrection of Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, (1Peter 1:3-4 NIV) so why do we so often leave out the Resurrection when we share the Good News of Jesus?  We don’t forget to talk about the Cross.  And yes, praise God, the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary provided the payment that my sins, and yours, had earned.  Our sins deserved the death penalty. Our sins brought us spiritual death and separation from our holy God.  But Jesus Christ took that penalty on Himself.  Without the Cross of Christ we would still be dead in our sins.  But that is only part of the Gospel message. 

    Yes, Jesus’ death paid the price of our sin, but His resurrection provided our hope for life – both now and eternally.

     

    Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us when we forget the sacrifice You made for us by giving up Your only Son for our sins. Amen.

     

    Contributed by Laura Winckel

  • Mar 20, 2017Day 20: Monday, March 20th, 2017
    Mar 20, 2017
    Day 20: Monday, March 20th, 2017

    Day 20: Monday, March 20, 2017          James 1:12

    “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”

    When I was a child growing up, I was scared of storms. I always remember that the next morning when I woke up, the sun was always shining brightly. Now as an adult, I  remember the times when there were storms in my life. During those dark times, I had to keep my faith and remember God was in control. He will take my ashes and make something beautiful out of them. When the storm passes, things are clear, and God is with me the whole time, even when I didn’t realize He is there. Sometimes, it is hard to feel God during the storms of life, but keep the faith and know He is always there. God can take anything that happens to you and make something good out of it. Praise God and thank God when the storms of life surface. When we have trials, we grow in our relationship with God.

     

    Prayer: God, help us to lean on You always and have faith that You are with us every step of the way, in the good times and the bad. Help us to be closer to You and grow in our relationship with you. Amen.

     

    Contributed by Sarah Skinner

     

  • Mar 19, 2017Day 19: Sunday, March 19th, 2017
    Mar 19, 2017
    Day 19: Sunday, March 19th, 2017

    Day 19: Sunday, March 19, 2017   1 Corinthians 6:12-20

     

    “15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?

    20 You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

     

    When I was living in the world, before I knew God’s word about how to treat my body, I felt I had the right to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, without considering the consequences. Not everything I wanted to do was going to be healthy for my heart, body, or soul in the future. I had to grow in my faith to understand that my life and body were meant to serve a higher purpose than those found in worldly pleasures. I have come to realize and understand that God paid the price for my soul, and I am to treat myself with more respect than I have in the past. I am learning that I am precious to the Lord and I should treat myself as a temple for the Holy Spirit and honor God in all aspects of my life.

     

     

    Prayer: Dear Lord, help me see myself as You do and to treat myself how You would treat me, with love and honor. Amen.

     

     

    Contributed by Sharon Carter

     

  • Mar 18, 2017Day 18: Saturday, March 18th, 2017
    Mar 18, 2017
    Day 18: Saturday, March 18th, 2017

    Day 18: Saturday, March 18, 2017               John 6:1-15 (CEB)

    “After this Jesus went across the sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberus).  A large crowd followed him, because they had seen the miraculous signs he had done among the sick.  Jesus went up a mountain and sat there with his disciples.  It was nearly time for Passover, the Jewish festival.

     

    Jesus looked up and saw the large crowd coming towards him.  He asked Philip, ‘Where will we buy food to feed these people?’ Jesus said, ‘This to test him, for he    already knew what he was going to do…’

     

    One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother said ‘A youth here has five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that for a crowd like this?’”

     

    The Scripture reading is from the Gospel according to John.  This year it falls near my 82nd birthday.  The disciple Andrew calls attention to a nameless youth who gave up his lunch. ”Andy” believed that Jesus could feed the crowd.  After all, Jesus had been healing the sick for at least three years.  The disciples had seen the compassion of Jesus at work. 

     

    Jesus took the bread and after he had given thanks, he distributed it to the hungry. After this feeding the crowd was about to come and force Him to be their king. Jesus took refuge again, alone on a mountain.  If Jesus needed to take time to be alone, how much more do we need to be alone, depending on God’s grace?

     

    Prayer:  Our loving Father, we depend on Your compassion each day.  Amen.

     

    Contributed by Andy Fowler

  • Mar 17, 2017Day 17: Friday, March 17th, 2017
    Mar 17, 2017
    Day 17: Friday, March 17th, 2017

    Day 17: Friday, March 17, 2017            

    Hebrews 10:23                                                                                                                                                                       Romans 8:15-17

    “Let us hold fast the profession of our Hope without wavering for He (God) is faithful.” (Hebrews)

     

                                                               Him

     

                                                               Eternal

     

                                                               Baptism

     

                                                               Redeemer

     

                                                               Everlasting

     

                                                               Wisdom

     

                                                               Salvation

     

    “We have All received the spirit of adoption. Children of God heirs with Christ ... that we may be also glorified together." (Romans)

     

    This date is a special date for our family because this is Deana Marie’s adoption day. We have always celebrated this blessed event because the older children, Mark and Missy, went before a judge to finalize this and were asked for their affirmation. Chris’ adoption day in June was finalized also by the children. All children of God are heirs with Christ, and when our family was complete, they were baptized also into our church family of Christ at the Gray Street location of FUMC – Killeen. We continue to be blessed with the adoption of two of our grandchildren, Trinity Marie and Nizeer Michael. Likewise our family went together before the judge to glorify the spirit of      adoption and heirs of Christ followed by their baptism at this location   with their parents Antione and Missy Westbrook.

     

    FUMC Killeen Disciples II Small Group meets Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Come study, discuss, and learn with us to grow in your faith.

     

    Prayer: Lord, May we all continue to be reminded that we are Children of God with the Risen Christ and glorify together in HIM. Amen.

     Contributed by Roz Honchul

     

  • Mar 16, 2017Day 16: Thursday. March 16th, 2017
    Mar 16, 2017
    Day 16: Thursday. March 16th, 2017

    Day 16: Thursday, March 16, 2017    Romans 8:26-39

     

    Promises of God

     

    I love the promises of God found in the Bible.  They were a huge source of strength to me when we were told our little girl would never be a “normal” little girl. When they could not tell us what ours and Sarah’s future would be Tim was at the 18-year mark in his career in the Army and was told he could get out of the Army or stay in Germany while I lived in Colorado with our son and daughter. Tim had to stay in the Army for the medical care Sarah needed, and I  suddenly became the sole caregiver. Later in life I was the caregiver for my mother.  Romans  chapter eight is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I think this is true for many           Christians.  I especially like verses 26-39.

    When I was caring for my mother I often felt very overwhelmed by my mother’s continual   decline in her body. I remember feeling so overwhelmed when caring for Sarah all those years ago.  At times like this it is often difficult to know even how to pray.  Romans chapter 8 verse 26 reminds us that at times like this the Holy Spirit prays for us if we are children of God.  God understands our weaknesses, and He has provided us a helper in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit prays in and through us.  He prays for us especially during those times when we are too overwhelmed with heartache to find the right words to express our pain to God in prayer. The Holy Spirit understands our sorrows and is our prayer helper before the Heavenly Father.

    The Lord has also promised in Romans chapter 8 that in all things He works for our good,   if we love Him.  This does not mean that we like everything He allows in our lives.  It does not mean that everything in our lives goes according to our preconceived agenda.  Yet somehow God works all things-the good and bad-for our ultimate good.

    It was difficult for me to see that when I was caring for our daughter and later my mother.  Yet resting in the truths spoken of in Romans 8 has been a huge source of strength and comfort to me especially these past years.  Yet another blessed truth found in Romans chapter 8 is in the last verses of that chapter.  In those verses we are told that nothing, absolutely nothing can    separate us from the love of God, if we are His child.  As a family caregiver I often felt afraid of what the future held. Yet God's promise that nothing would or will separate us from His love as His child was and continues to be a huge source of comfort and peace to me.  It can be to you as well.

     

     

    Prayer:  Lord, help us to always look to You for comfort and support in our times of sorrow.  Be with us as we struggle to understand Your will and to understand that You are always there for us and with us.  In Your name, Amen.

     

    Contributed by Laura Winckel

     

  • Mar 15, 2017Day 15: Wednesday, March 15th, 2017
    Mar 15, 2017
    Day 15: Wednesday, March 15th, 2017

    Day 15: Wednesday, March 15, 2017     Deuteronomy 16:17

    God loves a cheerful giver. The Lord takes delight in those who are joyful and energetic givers. Growing up I knew that my parents gave money to our church. I always got to put our dollar in the plate or basket. In college that dollar turned into a $5 bill. My parents, although they always did, never explained to me what tithing was. I had no idea there was a framework or a system laid out for what you were supposed to give. It wasn’t until I took Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey here at this church that I found out what tithing was. Or at least its definition. That class was one of the many reasons I feel so blessed to be a member of First United Methodist Church Killeen—for ALL that this church and You all have given to me. A few years ago, in all areas of my life, I was in a much different place than I am now. There was a lot in my life that didn’t make sense. In fact at one point I can say that nothing really made sense. Giving money seemed to be the easiest way to give, right? But not when money was hard to come by and bills were unpaid. Giving my time? I felt like I was already burned out on both ends or wasn’t even sure which way was up. Giving of my talents? Sadly, a few years ago, in that dark place, I didn’t believe I had any.
     

    This church taught me about a disciple’s path. It’s taught me that at any time, in any phase of life, it’s never too late to begin or continue to journey. The entrances and exits are fluid. My path has been simply organic. Webster’s dictionary defines organic as denoting a relationship between elements of something such that they fit together harmoniously as necessary parts of the whole. The church, my faith, are my whole. I’ve grown so much. I’ve been GIVEN so much. It just dynamically makes sense to give back. That $5 bill now seems like an insult. I’m not quite tithing 10% yet, but the amount I place in the plate is substantially more now than it used to be. Deuteronomy 16:17 says you should give in proportion to what God has given you. Each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper. So I’ve learned the Lord never asks us to give what we don’t have or contribute beyond our means, and so I give proportionately.

    The church’s focus for 2017 is Stewardship 1:8. Joshua 1:8 reads, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” I’ve got so much to learn, but I feel like the more I learn, the more I give, and the more I give, the more I get back, and the more I get back, the more I want to give. It’s a constant and dynamic flow. We all know that our pastor loves his Greek words so, I looked up the Greek meaning of steward: Oikenomous, which means someone who manages the household; a person doesn’t own the household but manages it. I mean, how perfect! All that we have was given to us by God, the owner, who entrusted us to manage and maintain. Stewardship–we are accountable to God for what we do and with what He has entrusted to us. It’s all that we do with all that we are and all that we have. Time, talent, treasure–I’ve got all of those things now.

    I read somewhere that Christ’s self-giving is the standard for giving, begin with the tithe and aim for the emulation of self-sacrifice. I’ve learned there is a direct relationship between our giving to the Lord and the Lord giving to us.

    Service, as opposed to ministry, means we are ALL doing it, not just the Pastor. So, as my life is organically falling into place in a way I believe is a direct result of my Faith, how could I not give back?

    ____________________________________________

    Prayer: Thank you, GOD. It’s through Your stewardship and service that I have learned and believe in the direct correlations between our giving to the Lord and the Lord giving to us. Amen.

    Contributed by Ann-Marie Larson

  • Mar 14, 2017Day 14: Tuesday, March 14th, 2017
    Mar 14, 2017
    Day 14: Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

    Day 14: Tuesday, March 14, 2017       Isaiah 40:28-31

     

    28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

     

    How many times do we find ourselves facing situations where we feel lost, beaten before we’ve even started? How many times have we elected not to undertake something in our lives for fear it was too complex and that we would never have the strength or motivation enough to handle it??? All too often we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed, thinking that we are alone in our struggles. Or, perhaps even worse, we are guilty of over-weaning pride, believing that we can handle everything in our lives on our own, only to fail miserably. I’ve been there far too many times in my life, and it took a very long time for me to finally understand that I’m never truly alone as I go through life; the Lord is always with me. He is the foundation of my strength, and all I need to do is call upon Him and He will give me the strength and drive to succeed!

     

    Prayer: Lord and Father, so many times as I face life’s challenges I find myself tiring, my strength failing, and my drive to succeed non-existent. Then do I most need You, oh God; I need Your strength, and I need Your power, and I need to surrender to Your will and only then can I be truly successful in my life. You are my rock and the source of all the wonders in this life. Be with me, lift me on the wings of eagles and keep me always prepared to do Your will! Amen.

    Contributed by Dave Hall

     

  • Mar 13, 2017Day 13: Monday, March 13th, 2017
    Mar 13, 2017
    Day 13: Monday, March 13th, 2017

    Day 13: Monday, March 13, 2017      Romans 12:1-21

     

    This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It is truly a pathway for all of us to follow. 

    Verses 1-2 are referred to as "A Living Sacrifice." We are asked to give our bodies as a living sacrifice. We are told to not conform to the world, but to transform by renewing our minds. Then we will be able to clearly see God’s Will. 

    Verses 3-8 speak to Humble Service in the Body of Christ. We are not to think of     ourselves more highly than we should. Collectively, all the people of God are one.  We all have different gifts, and we should use them for the betterment of God’s Kingdom. 

    Verses 9-21 are "Love in Action."  Love is sincere. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor each other above ourselves. Be joyful in hope and faithful in prayer. 

    Bless those who persecute you, rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony. Do not be too proud.  Associate with one another no matter of circumstance. Do not be conceited. 

    Do not repay evil for evil. If possible, live at peace with everyone. You've heard the phrase "God's got this." Well, He truly does and He says just that in verses 19-20. 

    It simply boils down to this. 

    Know God, Love People, Serve your Neighbor. 

     

     Prayer: Lord, we commit ourselves in Living Sacrifice to You and Your kingdom and vow to be humble, faithful servants always. Amen.

     

    Contributed by Glenn Morrison

     

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