Grace for All

Welcome to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast written and produced by the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Thank you for joining us today. This is Holy Week, a time when Christians everywhere observe the days leading up to the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. This week, we present a special set of podcasts that day by day, trace the activities and words of Jesus during this time. Again, thank you for joining us on this journey.

In this scene, an event which is recorded in all four gospels, Jesus calls out injustice toward the poor and marginalized, and toward God.  The temple, intended to be a place of reverence and worship, had become a mechanism of oppression.  The poorest people, who could afford only the minimal sacrifice, were being taken advantage of the most.  They were subject to price gouging, and because they had to exchange their currency for temple-approved coins prior to the sale—often at unfair rates—they were doubly wronged.

The money changers and merchants in the temple courts were participating in a system of social and divine injustice.  Jesus, in overturning the tables and clearing out the temple, was protesting that system and its oppression of the vulnerable, under the guise of religious practice.  In doing so, Jesus was also restoring the temple to its right purpose, realigning worship with God’s will and removing the barriers that kept people from experiencing God’s presence.

Religion at its best leads humanity closer to God and into personal and social holiness.  Religion at its worst has, throughout human history, served as a means for some groups to suppress and disadvantage others, obstructing the relationship between humanity and God.

As we remember Jesus’ journey toward the cross during this Holy Week, and especially as we read of Jesus clearing the temple, I cannot help but think of those places Jesus might enter and clear out in righteous anger and indignation if he were here now.  Where might Jesus be calling us today, as His followers, to go, turn over some tables?  

Lord Jesus, forgive us when we, in our human frailty, have turned your house of worship into a den of thieves.  Open our eyes to the ways our religious practice might serve to harm the vulnerable or to hinder those who seek you.  Call us into those places where tables need overturning, that you might restore all your people into right relationship with you.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

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/.

Welcome to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast written and produced by the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Thank you for joining us today. This is Holy Week, a time when Christians everywhere observe the days leading up to the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. This week, we present a special set of podcasts that day by day, trace the activities and words of Jesus during this time. Again, thank you for joining us on this journey.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Palm Sunday is always a fun day in the life of the church. Children of all ages wave palm branches, there is festive, happy music — many times a welcome reprieve during the season of Lent — and we can see light of Easter at the end of the tunnel. Those of us who work in the church often have a little bit of an unease with the festive day, as churchgoers who don’t experience the moods of the rest of the week miss out on an important part of the story. My mother-in-law, whom I loved dearly, used to complain about Maundy Thursday and especially Good Friday services, “Who wants to go church to be sad?” But without the pain and suffering that follows, the joy of Easter feels a bit…unearned. And what’s more, without the rest of the week, one goes from the festivity of Palm Sunday to the festivity of Easter, missing such an important part of the story. Don’t get me wrong. Churchgoing should inspire joy and happiness. It’s just that often, it can feel like people want the dessert without eating the vegetables first.  

Of course, that is how we understand Palm Sunday only because we know the rest of the story. It’s really rather difficult to reframe our perspective to that of what it must have been like when Jesus actually entered the gates of Jerusalem, but then, Jesus knew what was going to happen, too. He predicted it to his disciples.

But for a moment, let’s try to imagine what that must have been like — here was this King, not a political king, but a spiritual one, and folks recognize his greatness and ability to save them. That’s why they shout “Hosanna;” it means “save us.” They assemble for a parade. They throw palm branches and even cloaks down before him. In our modern-day society, if there’s a parade in a person’s honor, that person usually arrives in the fanciest, most expensive vehicle they can find. They are all dressed up — sometimes with a sash or a crown — and there is usually quite an entourage ahead of them. That isn’t Jesus’s approach, though. Jesus chooses to ride on a donkey. It was customary for great warriors (those who would save people) to ride on a great stallion, just like we arrive to a parade in our honor in a fancy car. But Jesus chooses the donkey and the colt of the donkey, and he does this in fulfillment of the prophecy from Zechariah, but he also does it to demonstrate meekness and lowliness. He does it to demonstrate that he is not a warrior, but a peacemaker. He does it, essentially to say that he is not a political soldier, interested in domination and war, but he instead brings a new way of thinking and of being, one of peace and justice and love and reconciliation.

So often, we get caught up in the festivity ourselves. We are the people laying down their palm branches. But, as people who know the rest of the story, we have to remember that immediately after this, Jesus issues a number of challenges to his followers. He overturned tables when the temple leaders were bilking money from visitors. He reminded his followers of their equality with those on the fringes of society. Speaking in parables, he told of the kingdom of heaven. And he challenged the religious leaders’ limited and literal reading of the law. He really upset the apple cart.

So, as we continue into this week, I hope we stay alert to the challenges of Jesus. I hope we also recognize that, as much as we don’t want to face the pain and suffering he endured, it is part of the story that helps us not just to understand what he went through but also helps us to celebrate when we get to Easter Sunday. Similarly, let us challenge ourselves to keep those difficult lessons close just as we want to keep the easy ones.

God, you challenge us in ways that make us uncomfortable sometimes. We’d rather throw the parade, celebrating and rejoicing. It’s much harder both to acknowledge your suffering and to do the work of being your disciple ourselves. When we shy away from painful parts of Holy Week, remind us of how much sweeter the rejoicing can be when we first acknowledge all you went through. And when we forget the difficult work we need to do on ourselves, remind us of the ways you call us to be better people, worthy of being called followers in your name. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Dwight Dockery.

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/.

Welcome to the Saturday episode of the Grace for All podcast. Thank you for joining us today. Saturday is a special time when we take a few moments to review the scriptures that we have cited in the episodes this week.

If you missed any of those episodes, you might want to consider listening to them today. And even if you heard them all, there may be one that you might want to listen to again. We hope that each of these scriptures and podcasts will bring you a full measure of joy, peace, and love.

Now, let's listen to the scriptures that have been on our hearts this week.

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/.

I did not grow up in a household where giving something up for Lent was a custom. When I was a little older, there seemed to be a trend where it became more popular. Perhaps that is simply my perception. For a period, one of the more popular trends seemed to be giving up something you love like chocolate. And then there seemed to be a trend of sermons that taught us why giving up chocolate wasn’t exactly what the sacrifice of Christ was really about. Or that might just be my perception. It does seem to me that whether we give something up or take up a new habit it should be something that focuses us on why we are doing it.

As we spend the season of Lent contemplating the magnitude of the sacrifice we have benefited from, what should we give up? Should we give up an indulgence? Something we love more than the lessons of the Gospel? Here is a list of possibilities: guilt, being alone, being defensive, control, hate, bitterness, blaming others or one’s self.

Feelings of guilt, control, and blame pull us away from God. They ignore the gift of grace that was given to us. We did nothing to earn it. We can’t buy it. It is impossible to deserve it.

But we just might be pretty good at ignoring the grace and blessing that are the eternal gift.

Perhaps our most profound idolatry is to ignore the gift of grace and wallow in our own self image. Our image might be one of over confidence or one of self doubt, but we seem to continue to feel the need to be the center of our story.

During this season of Lent, let us set aside the need go it alone and accept that God is resting in us if only we will rest in God. The more we allow the sacrifice of Jesus and the forgiveness of the resurrection to rest in our heart the more the love that is God rests in our hearts, minds, souls, and therefore our words and actions.

Lord, let us bury our self-centered thinking at the foot of the cross and accept the gift of forgiveness of our sins.

Let us give up our blindness, our inaction, and our doubts.

Let us embrace becoming the righteousness of God.

Amen.

This devotion was written by Jill Pope and read by Sally Stovall.

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/.

Welcome to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast written and produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

Today we are replaying an episode that we posted more than a year ago. Its title is "Sweet Tea," and it was written by Barbara Barton. In that episode she mentions that she has been in hospice for some time.

Sadly, Barbara passed away last week. Her life was a blessing to our church and our community. We believe that sharing her words again today will be a blessing to you. Thank you for joining us.

and,

I love iced tea! Put a slice of orange in it and I'm your friend forever!

But even though I'm from the South, I despise the locally preferred sweet tea. Many times, when I order unsweet tea at restaurants, the staff can't seem to help themselves, and I end up with a mouthful of liquid sugar. It's not what I ordered and not what I expected. Spitting it out isn't an option, so I reluctantly swallow that unpleasant nectar before asking the server for what I had originally ordered.  

My life is a bit like sweet tea right now. I've been in Hospice care for more than a year. Why I'm still here and not with my Heavenly Father, I don't know. This situation is not what I ordered and not what I expected but I won't spit out these extra days. They've been filled with laughter, love, and amazing peace. God is in control, and all is well.  I will look for beauty in my circumstances and joy in God's love.  

Father, please forgive my impatience. Thank you for the peace that comes when I relinquish control to you. Help me to be mindful that you alone know the number of our days. Amen.

This devotion was written by Barbara Barton and read by Sally Stovall.

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/.

One of my friends (let’s call her Ann) once shared a memorable story about her daughter, Tina, who was about six years old at the time. Ann observed Tina standing in front of the bathroom mirror practicing her "sad face." There she was—pouting, giving exaggerated puppy-dog eyes, and even mimicking a dramatic sob. Amused, Ann quietly stepped back out of sight. Moments later, Tina came into the kitchen with her well-rehearsed performance, asking if she could visit a friend’s house—on a school night. Each "no" from Ann drew an even bigger reaction: the sad face became more pitiful, the puppy eyes more desperate, the wailing more anguished. Ann had to stifle her laughter at Tina’s Oscar-worthy attempt at persuasion.

It’s funny how human nature seems to drive us to dramatize our struggles, isn’t it? Even as children, we instinctively learn that visible displays of sorrow or sacrifice can influence how others perceive and respond to us. That same tendency is what Jesus addresses in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against the temptation to "perform" our fasting or spiritual disciplines in order to gain the admiration or sympathy of others.

The Greek word for "hypocrite" (ὑποκριτής, hypokritēs) sheds light on this. It originally referred to actors in ancient Greek theater—literally, "interpreters from underneath," since actors spoke from beneath masks. These masks allowed performers to project an image that wasn’t their true selves. In a way, Tina was wearing a "mask" to elicit a response from her mom. And sometimes, we do the same.

Jesus calls us to lay down our masks. The point of fasting—or any spiritual practice—is not to curate an image of holiness for others. It’s not about appearing pious, deprived, or sacrificial so that people notice and admire our devotion. Instead, it’s about creating space for a deeper, more intimate connection with God. Fasting is a way of decluttering our hearts, of setting aside distractions to focus on the One who truly knows and sees us—not the mask, not the performance, but the real us.

When we fast or "give something up for Lent," we don’t need to announce it or wear our sacrifices on our sleeves. Jesus invites us to fast in secret, brushing our hair and washing our faces—not to hide what we’re experiencing, but to ensure that our focus remains on God, not on human applause.

The beauty of this kind of faith is that it honors the relationship over the show. When we seek God in the quiet, secret places of our hearts, we find a reward far greater than the fleeting approval of others. We find the joy of God’s presence, the peace of being fully known and loved by the One who sees beyond the masks.

This Lent, let’s ask ourselves: Are we fasting from something to impress others, or are we fasting to be transformed by God? Are we seeking the applause of people, or the embrace of a Father who rewards us in ways no human ever could?

True devotion isn’t about being seen—it’s about being known. And that’s the reward worth seeking.

Lord, help me seek You with a sincere heart, free from the need for approval or recognition from others. Teach me to find joy in the quiet places where you see and know me fully. May my fasting and devotion draw me closer to you and deepen our relationship. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

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/.

This verse from Psalms allows me to breathe easier. I certainly have accumulated a long list of actions and thoughts that could provoke God’s anger and retribution. But I know from this verse and many others that this is not how God deals with us. He forgives us over and over again.

Recently I had a conversation with a student whom I had not seen or talked with in over 30 years. Imagine my surprise when he suddenly said “I have never forgiven you for . . .” It turns out that I had reported his use of a tobacco product on campus, a clear violation of school policy, which resulted in disciplinary action; again, school policy. I have no memory of this incident, but I no doubt wrote reports for many students over 25 years in the classroom. I am a rule follower by nature, and if part of my job is to follow school policy, then that is what I will do. It was never personal, but to this student, I had done him a great wrong, and he has never forgiven me! Our conversation ended cordially, and I hope he can let go of that perceived injustice all these years later.

Thank goodness God does not treat us this way. As I said earlier, I am sure I have accumulated a long list of things that God coul d hold against me. Maybe I said or did something without really thinking about it as being unjust or cruel or sinful, but it was something God would not want me to do. And then there are the things I do and say that I know God is not pleased with, but due to my human weakness, I do it anyway. Every night and every morning I can ask for forgiveness and start with a clean slate. My heart can be light rather than burdened with all the wrong in my life. I can praise God for His great mercy and forgiveness. I can be a new person every day as I strive to be more Christ-like in my journey. This Psalm ends with verse 22: “Praise the Lord, all his works, everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.”

Father, how can we ever thank you for your infinite forgiveness? Your willingness to let us start anew and try our best not to repeat past sins and wrongdoing? It is beyond our human ability to understand such boundless love and mercy. Yet we thank you and we praise you for these amazing gifts. 

Amen.

This devotion is written and read by Pat Scruggs.

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/.

We look down on the Pharisees for assigning people or groups into favored and rejected categories.  But don’t we do the same?  You might not mean to but we often speak disparaging about the homeless, about a person needing to get a job, about a faith group or nationality or political party. Are these comments not the same thing as what the Pharisees were doing?   I know I have caught myself doing this.  I don’t intend to demean the other groups. but when I do this, I realize that I am seeing myself as one of the righteous, one blessed by God and not like them.  

This causes me to come to an even greater awareness.  I have become a sinner whom Jesus is calling to repentance.  For Jesus said that we are to love others as he has loved.  And we know Jesus did not place limits or labels on people or restrict his love.  It is at that moment I realize that Jesus is saying that I am sick,. I need the great physician.  Even more Jesus says that there is room at his table for me, not because I deserve it but because he loves me.  That challenges me to remember to strive to be welcoming and loving towards all.

Awhile back on Facebook there was the story of the boy, about age five who went to a fast food restaurant with his family.  After they had gotten their meal he was looking around a saw a man sitting all by himself.  The little boy got down and went over with his meal and sat in the opposite seat to this man.  Mom was getting up to bring him back to the table when she saw the man smile and welcome the boy.  For the next few minutes they sat together talking as they ate.  Soon the little boy came back to his family.  When asked why he had done this he said, “No one should eat alone.”  The mom admitted to feeling guilty.  She had seen the man and ignored him.  Her son saw a person in need of love.  

When we are feeling lost, alone and hurting,  Jesus comes and sits at our table.  When we are sitting at the table feeling entitled, Jesus looks at us with sad eyes and gets up and moves to another table, one that needs him and welcomes not just him but all whom he has gathered to his feast.  May we learn to have a welcoming heart to all knowing everyone we meet has a place at Jesus’ table.

Loving God, when I start feeling negative towards others stop me.  Remind me that you love them and that they are welcomed at your table as much as me.  Encourage me to be welcoming and non-judgmental for I know this is what it takes to truly dine with you.  AMEN.

This devotion was written by Bill Green and read by Jim Stovall.

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/.

King David, a young shepherd boy taken to become king and represent God’s will, after many years of success, is tempted by Bathsheba and commits sin compounded by sin. David is chosen to lead, and he falters.

Don’t we all!

In this light, David sings this psalm, his desire, to not be cast away from the Holy Spirit and the joy of salvation. He pleads for a willing spirit.

During this season of Lent, let us reflect on how the life and teachings of Jesus redefine sin. In Matthew chapter 15, we are taught that sin is what comes out of our heart not what we take into our mouth. The crucifixion redefines salvation and righteousness for all humankind. 

David’s plea becomes not the cry of one man, no matter how great, but the Way for all opened to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. A willing spirit sustains us through the joy of salvation. A spirit willing to love and to give. A spirit willing to accept and to share. A spirit willing to listen and to obey.

A spirit willing to understand that the joy of salvation is accepting that leading as a Christian means following the Holy Spirit not our own will. In other words, we are taught that being willing to give up our will in place of the Holy Spirit is the path to joy, and peace, and righteousness. As we have been taught to pray- Thy will be done- not mine!

So we must be willing to try, and after we fail, to try again- to keep trying and to keep seeking a steadfast spirit fed by the joy of Your salvation.

Let us repent our sins, ask for your forgiveness, and be freed from guilt.

During this season of Lent, let us begin each day by reflecting in the shadow of the Cross that nothing we do is perfect and that we are forgiven. Let us begin each day by washing away the stains of yesterday and receiving a clean heart and willing spirit that will sustain us in our day.

Let us form a new habit that we begin each day by remembering that each moment that we ask for forgiveness that our heart is purified and our righteousness renewed.

Let us live our lives focusing on what is important.

Let us sing always with adoration. “Then I shall bow, in humble adoration; And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art.” Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope 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/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts. Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

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/.