Grace for All

New Year. New Beginnings. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set a part for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ, our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.To all those beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: grace to you and peace from God, our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 1:1-7

Usually when we speak about a calling, we are talking about someone’s profession. Some people are called to be ministers. Some people are called to be teachers. Others are called to exercise their talents in various ways, such as being musicians, or accountants, or craftsmen, or artists. Most of us feel the call to do something.

In this greeting to the church in Rome, Paul is speaking about being called at a different level. We are not called to do, in this passage, but we are called to be. We are called to be part of the kingdom of God. We are called to be part of a movement to spread the message of love and grace that Jesus brought to us when he was here on earth.

No matter what profession we have chosen, or maybe simply have fallen into, God has a greater calling for us. We are called to be part of something much larger and more important than simply what we have decided to do professionally. We are, like the people in Rome to whom Paul was writing, called to be saints of God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to pay attention to our true, calling in life, or calling to be part of your kingdom. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall and read by Owen Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, 10 lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out saying, “Jesus, Master, Have mercy on us!“ When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.“And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus his feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not 10 made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God, except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.“

Can you think of the times in your life when your life took a whole new direction? Maybe it was when you graduated from high school or college. Maybe it was when a new person came into your life, such as a spouse, a newborn baby, or simply a new person who became a close friend. Maybe it was when you moved to a new location or took a new job that had you doing something you had never done before.

In this story, we find Jesus traveling with his disciples, and they come upon a group of individuals who are in dire circumstances. They have a disease that, in those times, made them outcasts. But they know who Jesus is, and they have found out what he has done in other places, and for other people. They asked for his help.

In a fashion that is typical of his ministry, Jesus heals them. Jesus gives him a new direction in life, one that they had begged for. They can now return to their normal lives, to their families and friends. This is what they wanted, and they have been truly blessed.

But only one out of the 10 realizes what has just happened to him. Only one, a Samaritan of all people, understands that this wonderful thing was not just a chance occurrence. It was a gift—a gift, directly from Jesus himself. That one person came back to thank Jesus, and to praise God.

There are many times in our lives when we take a new direction. In many cases, the change is exactly what we want, what we have been hoping for, what we have been asking for. Do we, like the other nine lepers, simply recognize our good fortune, and continue on with our lives? Or do we, like the Samaritan, understand that the gift of a new beginning is a gift from God?

Prayer

Our father, in heaven, help us to recognize that the changes that take place in our lives are the gifts of your grace and your love. Help us always to accept him with discerning and thankful hearts. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall and read by John Cherry.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.

Today’s scripture is Isaiah 60:17 and I’m reading from the New International Version…

“Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron.  Instead of wood, I will bring you bronze, and Iron in place of stones.  I will make peace our governor and well-being your ruler.”

The Bible knowledge commentary by Walvoord & Zuck says, “Isaiah the prophet was writing to Israel about a New Jerusalem, saying ‘Wealth to be brought to Jerusalem will include not only gold and silver, but also bronze and iron.  The city will be peaceful and joyful.  Also, the Lord will protect her as her Light and Glory.  Her people will be righteous, displaying God’s splendor and they will be numerous. The millennium will be a utopia for which many people have longed.”

These words can also speak to us as Christians because we hear similar words in Revelations 21:1-2. – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”  And so, we look forward to that great “someday” when “peace will be our governor and well-being our ruler.”

And thankfully, we don’t really have to wait for that far-off, future day, to have peace as our governor and well-being as our ruler.  If we keep our eyes on Jesus and focus on the promises he made, allowing him to rule as King of our hearts, he will provide that peace and well-being now.

He said so in John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, Help me to focus on Jesus, to draw close to Him through daily prayer and meditation.  Help me to heed His words and to live out His commands, that others may see Him in me.  Help me to allow Him to be my Ruler and to allow His Peace to rule in my heart as my governor.  Help me to love as He loves and to share His Peace with everyone I encounter.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Bernice Howard

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.Dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT) 

Some time ago Barbara, my wife, and I were at the airport to fly to San Diego to visit our daughter and her family.  In the process of going through security, I had my luggage set aside by an aggressive TSA agent who proceeded to tear through my stuff.  He found nothing to confiscate but left my small suitcase in total disarray. 

Later as we walked through our departure gate I was grumbling, complaining about what had happened and the TSA guy who had messed up my belongings.  Barbara stopped, turned to me and said, ”Get over it.” After recovering from my shock that my mild mannered wife was so abrupt, I realized she was right.  I didn’t have to let what had happened in going through security ruin her trip and mine.

It is an insightful realization to discover that thoughts precede feelings.  If I’m driving and a deer bounds out from beside the road I first have a thought – the deer – and then I have a feeling as a result of the thought – fear, anxiety, concern or whatever.  This is the wisdom the Apostle Paul uses when he wraps up his letter of advice to the Philippians.  “One final thing,” he says, “Fix your thoughts on the important and positive things.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”  Then he adds, recorded in verse 9, ”Keep putting this into practice.”  He concludes with a promise, “Then the God of peace will be with you.” 

What an incredible formula for daily living.  1) Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.  2) Keep putting this into practice.  3) Then (perhaps only then) the God of peace will be with you.

A U.S. astronaut was asked by a reporter after safely returning to earth, “What’s the most important thing about space travel?”  The astronaut answered, “Take your atmosphere with you.”

What if today you chose your atmosphere?  Choose to think positively?  Scripture says you will have peace and the presence of the God of peace.  “Fix your thoughts.”

Dear God, for this one day give me power to choose to think goodness so that this day I may live a life of peace.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

This devotional was written and recorded by Herb Sadler.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.(Or, we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps).Proverbs 16:9, American Standard Version

New Year’s resolutions are often declared this time of year and, typically, are abandoned in short order. Why is this? Does this represent a failure on our part? Is a resolution a promise, and if so, to whom is it made?

I read recently that when we make New Year’s resolutions, “we are utilizing a very important concept called self-efficacy, which means that by virtue of aspiring to a goal and following through on it, I have a sense of control over what’s happening in my life.”  An analysis of this provides at least a partial answer to why we often fail to keep our resolutions.  

Proverbs says that even though we are free to set our goals, the Lord will direct the steps toward its accomplishment. By themselves, goals are good; but it is implementation that produces results. “I” may set the goal, but “I” am not in charge how to accomplish it. Through prayer and study and faith, we can learn from God the steps to follow in order to accomplish the goal we set. Since we are not in control, relying on ourselves to determine the “how” is ineffective and often results in discouragement and abandonment of the goal altogether. If we include God in setting our resolutions, He will more clearly guide us in determining how to achieve them. Making the resolution (promise) with and to God and relying on Him and not ourselves can dramatically increase the success rate. And when that happens, be sure to give the glory to God. 

Prayer

Father, thank you for giving us latitude to make choices in our lives.  Help us to lean on you through prayer and devotion to your teachings in order to make choices and take actions that are pleasing to you and that help spread your word throughout your kingdom. 

This devotion was written by Roger Wilson and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV) 

My favorite quote of the famous author of “Roots,” Alex Haley, is “find the good and praise it”. This of course is very similar to what the Apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians.

At times it seems that we live in a world filled with negativity and strife. But Paul reminds us that there are good and positive aspects of life, and that we should seek them out and praise them in a spirit of positive gratitude.

This doesn’t mean there are no negative aspects of life,, but that we should maintain a balanced approach to life.

What are some of the ways we can find the good and praise it? We can:

• Recognize and praise actions that align with God’s principles.
• Appreciate and praise the beauty of nature, art, music, and the prople we love.
• Identify admirable qualities in others and commend them for their excellence. 
• Encourage and uplift those who exhibit praiseworthy traits.
• Reflect on the goodness you’ve encountered and the things you’re grateful for.
• Offer sincere compliments to those around you.
• Acknowledge your appreciation for their talents and strengths.
• Celebrate our own and others’ achievements, no matter how big or small.
• Share positive news and encourage conversation that highlight acts of kindness and love.

Finally, as you go about your day make a conscious effort to choose positivity over negativity. When faced with challenges, look for the lessons and opportunities for growth.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Apostle Paul’s reminder in Philippians 4:8 for us to seek out the good and praise it. Open our eyes to the goodness that surrounds us and grant us the wisdom to praise it.

In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen

This devotional was written by Gary Hensley and read by Julie George.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.

Listen to a mix of music and Scripture readings from this past week's devotional episodes.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." (Luke 3:9-11)

I volunteer at a local non-profit called Good Neighbors. We provide emergency assistance for rent, rent deposits, utilities and utility deposits. I have had many memorable experiences while working there but one day there was what I could call a "first."  

A woman came in inquiring about the "Coats for the Cold" program sponsored by the Knox Area Rescue Ministries. It’s a program where donated coats are handed out free to those who need them. She was looking for a coat for her mother who recently moved in with her.  We had no more vouchers available for the coats, so I gave her a list of several places where vouchers could be found.  

I returned to my desk to complete some paperwork when I overheard this conversation from the reception area. Another of our neighbors, someone who was seeking utility assistance, stood up, removed her own coat, and said, "Could she wear this one?  It's clean and I want her to have it."  

The first lady responded, "I can't take your coat!" but the other one answered, "I have another one at home, and you need it." The first woman was shocked but took the coat and left thanking her over and over.  

I was stunned for a moment, but went to her and said, "Thank you for that amazing act of love."  As she started down the hall to speak with a coach about her own needs, she answered. "We've all been there, and her mother needed a coat."

She did get help for payment of her utility bill and thanked me as she left.  I again thanked her.  Yes, I donate frequently, but inside I was in turmoil as I had a coat hanging on the hook in the hall and offering mine had never even entered my thinking.   A moment of grace had happened right in front of my eyes, but I somehow felt I had missed an opportunity.  

Prayer

Dear God, open our eyes so that we can see the need of the moment and respond in love. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

. . . 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. (Isaiah 40:31)

When I was in elementary school, I loved to read biographies written for young readers. The one that had the biggest impact on me was on Glenn Cunningham, the great middle distance runner. In one part of the book, he was traveling and standing with his suitcase at his side. A man approached him to ask about his luggage tag. He wondered if the “P-h-i-l. 4:13” on the tag was his time for a mile race in Philadelphia. Glenn replied no. It was for Philippians 4:13. That had became by favorite Bible verse. Since then I have read that his favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31, but I expect that Phil.4:13 wasn’t far behind.

What made these verses special was not that Glenn was probably the best miler of his time but how he got there. As an 8-year-old he and his 13-year-old brother were in a fire at school. His brother died. Glenn was expected to die. He didn’t, but the burns on the lower part of his body were so bad that the doctor wanted to amputate his legs. They didn’t, but he was told that he would never walk again. 

He not only walked but ran in both the 1932 and 1936 Summer Olympics.

Prayer

Ever present God, help me to remember that you are always by my side and that I can do all things that you ask of me because you supply the strength needed. Amen.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by John Cherry.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

New Year. New Beginnings.
No one, after lighting a lamp, hides it under a jar, or put it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away. (Luke 8:16-18)

This passage begins with an obvious truth, a truth, so obvious that it almost seems ridiculous. No one, Jesus says, lights a lamp and then puts it under a jar or hides it away. The purpose of the lamp is to bring light to whatever is around it. Why would Jesus deliver up such a mundane thought?

Because, I think, that’s what we do almost every day of our lives. We have a light that God gives us. We know what it means to shine God’s love and compassion and grace, so that others may see it. Yet because of our mood, because of our circumstances, or maybe just because we feel like this is how we have to face the world, we hide our light away. We put on a different face to the world, and that face does not shine with the love of God.

We justify this by saying, "Well, that’s what we have to do to survive." But Jesus in this passage tells us something very different. By hiding our light, ultimately, we will not survive.

When I hear this passage, I am reminded of the song that we sang in church when I was a child. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.“ The second verse of that song is, “Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.“ We should make that our prayer today that everywhere we go. God’s light will shine in us.

Prayer

Dear Lord, give us the ability to let your light shine in ourselves, and our lives, so that others may see your love in your grace. Amen.

This devotional was written by Jim Stovall and read by Leslie Ragland.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected].

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.