Grace for All

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Psalm 27:13 I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

When I look at the world before me what do I choose to see? If I look at a tree, do I see the fallen leaves that show the passing of seasons and the loss of life? Or do I see a tree that is healthy and doing what all living things do by living and renewing for a new season?

When I look at my garden, do I focus on the tomato with a spot or the twenty that are ripening and full of all the good that is fresh produce twenty feet from my back door? 

When I look at a person in front of me do I see their age, clothes, attitude, differences from me? Or do I see God’s beloved before me with whom I can share some time?

Why is it so hard to see the goodness in the land of the living? It is so easy to look at the world we live in and see what is wrong. A friend reached out to me recently because she had just gotten the results of a medical test. She was stuck in the uncomfortable position of knowing that something was wrong but not yet knowing what the specialist would find. She was worried. I understand. I have been there. I encouraged her to have patience. I pointed out the positives of having other tests that were normal, that she was overall in excellent health, and on and on. Why is it so hard to see the goodness in the land of the living? Why do we focus on one thing, often negative, and lose sight of the complete reality before us? We see a flaw, what is broken.

Why wait to see the good? When I stop and really look, eyes wide open, I find that I live in a world filled with good things and good people. I realize that all I have to do is look, and I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I believe that I just need to look with my eyes and heart open to all that the Lord has given.

Let us pray- God, please give me the strength so that next time I see a tree with a broken limb after a storm that I will see the whole tree. Allow me to have compassion for the broken limb but joy in the strength of the trunk that withstood the storm and the beauty of the branches that are still there. God, please give me the strength to slow down and have the patience to see all that is before me and how good it truly is.

This devotional 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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Matt. 6:9-15 “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one]’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

In a recent Sunday School series of classes, we talked about this prayer that we call the Lord’s Prayer, verses 9-13. We didn’t spend much time talking about verses 14-15. As we talked, I was reminded of thoughts  that I have had for some time about this prayer and my life.

As a lot of us do, I often say the Lord’s Prayer either as part of a group or by myself. I have often wondered whether we are really listening to what we are saying. Do I really want God’s kingdom to come on earth, want God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, want only my daily bread, want God to forgive me as I forgive others? I expect I really mean the part about deliverance from temptation and the evil one. Do I heed the warning in verses 14 and 15 that follow the prayer?

If I really mean it when I say this prayer, I need to keep it always in mind and measure everything I do and say against my vision of what heaven is like. If the world is to be more like heaven, I need to accept the changes that may make me uncomfortable. This is not easy to do but with God’s help each of us can do our part. When the parts of this prayer are added together, it begins to make a greater impact. It shows us how it affects the whole of our lives.

Prayer:

Dear God, help us this day and each day to live like we really mean every word of this prayer and forgive us when we fall short. Amen.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins 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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

 

Psalm 42:11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

 

In reading this verse, I am reminded of the lyrics to a song from an episode I once watched of Only Murders in The Building entitled “Look for The Light”. Those lyrics are as follows:

I will wait at the shore for you. I will weather each storm, standing by till safe you return from the night. My love is a lighthouse. So darling, my darling, look for the light.

 

In the episode, this song is from a musical one of the protagonists is writing and is sung as a lullaby from a nanny to a young child in her care, assuring them that should they get lost in their nightmares to look for the love of their nanny, in other words, a lighthouse in the middle of a dark ocean.

 

Upon listening to this song outside of the context of the show, I’ve found that it’s a beautiful illustration of the love of our God serving as a lighthouse and a glimmer of hope. I believe that we are all guilty of letting the darkness take over when our souls are troubled. While we may often find ourselves feeling like boats adrift in a dark ocean during difficult times, God’s love is our lighthouse, unwavering and unfaltering through the toughest of storms, and there to guide us ashore. We are never truly hopeless, for so long as we praise God, we will always have a gleam of hope in the midst of troubling waters.

 

Prayer:

God, thank you for weathering each storm for us and serving as a lighthouse guiding us out of troubled waters. Help us to remember that bad times don’t last forever and that we are never without hope so long as we worship you. We look for the light of your love in all times and are grateful for it. Amen.

 

This devotional was written and recorded by Grace Jonas.

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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Thank you for 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 firstchurch.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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Isaiah 40: 26-31 (NIV) Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 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. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.

As I write this, I’m on the verge of finishing clearing out my office because I’m retiring after 40 years of teaching, with the last 34 of them at this college, 11 years in the same office. You can accumulate a lot of stuff in a time frame like that.

The prophet Isaiah in poetic form said, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.” Maybe, but let me tell you: it doesn’t get any easier when you get older. I am flat out exhausted. If I had to do this every day, it would overpower me.

Fortunately, I have hope it will end. I can see the finish line. I’m almost certain I will complete the job tomorrow. (I had better, since the next person moves in the day after tomorrow.)

When circumstances wear out even young people, we can all experience the energy that comes from hope. A well-known energy drink claims it gives you wings. It may or may not, but hope in the Lord definitely does.

Sometimes when I preach on Sunday mornings, my microphone will die right in the middle of the sermon. I swiftly reach for the fresh batteries on the left side of the pulpit and exchange the old, dead batteries for new ones. The word in the Hebrew translated “renew” carries with it the implication of “exchange.” Those who hope in the Lord don’t just renew their own strength. They exchange their depleted resources for the strength of the one who created the stars.

Pray with me?

Father, this world can wear us down. We don’t have the strength to deal with it on our own. You have never promised us an easy time, but thank you for giving us the strength to deal with our challenges here. Guide us in waiting patiently for you so we can keep on walking. 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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Lamentations is a book of the Old Testament that mourns the loss of the first temple. The majority of Lamentations is filled with - well- laments. The soulful cry of the wounded asks “God, why have you allowed this?”

Everyone at some point has suffered from loss, poverty, sickness, or the ill will of others’ actions. It feels that God has abandoned us, allowed bad things to happen, or has left us in darkness. How can we live a life of disease, poverty, or ill will without God? 

But then we get to Chapter 3 and these verses. Chapter 3 captures the hope that God is with us and that God’s mercy will come with each new morning.

These verses and this context make me stop to ask, when destruction comes, what do we really lose? What do we retain? If the Lord is my portion, my inheritance, then don’t I have everything? 

If my foremost desire and prayer is that I have God’s love then I have my heart’s desire.

If I place all of my hope in God then I will see that God is faithful to me and has never abandoned me.

When I doubt God, am I doubting myself and my ability to cope, blind to all that God has given me including God’s love and faith in me?

As one of the most famous hymns ever written states:

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Great is Thy faithfulness in me. I do not need to doubt because I trust all will work out in God’s time. When I have wondered, wandered, and wanted, I find that I have wasted so much- wasted energy, wasted time. In the new morning, I see clearly the mercy that is the path God has made for me.

Morning after morning—new mercies I see.

I have never been without. I have never wanted for anything that really mattered.

I have always had everything that I need.

Hope is faith; faith is hope. Hope is love; love is faith. God does not lose faith in me!

God be with me and allow me to always see and feel the hope you have in me.  Allow me to always see and feel your love and faith in me as I walk the path that you have set out for me.

Today’s devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Joey Smith.

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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

Romans 8:25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of one of the most shocking and devastating days in American history.  On September 11, 2001 when terrorists hijacked the planes that destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center, struck the Pentagon, and might have caused who knows what additional terror and chaos were it not for the brave souls who revolted and took a fourth plane down before it could reach the capital, the world changed forever.

A couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and stood mesmerized by the reflecting pools that flow where the towers of the World Trade Center once stood.  I was not prepared for the depth of emotion I felt at that visit.  After all, it had been 20 years since the day of the attacks.  But I was overcome, moved to tears by the endlessly flowing water, the names of those lost, and the white roses left in memory.  I was reminded that healing is a process, and that when it comes to the greatest losses we experience and the deepest griefs we bear, healing is a process that is never fully complete.  I was reminded that hope, also, is a process.  

Hope is not easy.  In fact, hope can be hard work.  Waiting patiently–for healing, for redemption, for faith to be restored, to see goodness come from evil–that’s hard work.  It takes grit.

At the 9/11 Memorial site, there is a tree known as The Survivor Tree.  This Callery pear tree was found lying in the rubble, torn, splintered, burned, and almost dead.  Inspired to save it, recovery workers transported the tree to a nursery in the Bronx.  Six years later, one of them, a man named Ronald Vega, wondered what had become of the tree and set out to find her. As soon as he saw the tree, visibly scarred but thriving, he was on a mission to return her to the Memorial site.  The process was not easy.  In 2010, the tree was again struck, uprooted by a Nor'easter that blew through the Bronx in March of that year.   She was again re-planted and tended, watched over and prayed over.  And in April of that year, she burst forth in spectacular white blossoms, indicating a full recovery.  In December of the same year, The Survivor Tree was returned to the World Trade Center site, where she serves as a beacon of hope against terror and tragedy.  And for the past ten years, the 9/11 Memorial seedling program has gifted Callery pear seedlings to three communities each year impacted by grand-scale violence and loss.  

Today as we reflect on that day the world changed, and look ahead with uncertainty to a world that is changing, perhaps The Survivor Tree can inspire us to wait with patience, and to hope for what we do not see.

Let us pray: 

Gracious and loving God, your grace works to heal the deepest wounds of humanity and to bring a light of hope to the darkest of places.  Today may we partner with you by waiting patiently and expectantly for your healing and your light, in hope for a future we cannot see.  In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Greta Smith.

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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18So we do not lose heart. Even though our outward nature is wasting away, our inward nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

I am by nature a peacemaker. Conflict and confrontation are extremely uncomfortable for me. Yet I have come to realize that sometimes conflict is necessary for growth, and while it may be painful in the moment, the long-term result can be positive. 

We know that the church in Corinth, which Paul himself had established, was at times torn by conflict. In his letters, he admonished the Corinthians to adhere to the teachings of Jesus as he had taught them and refuse to allow the seeds of doubt planted by some to flourish. It was painful for Paul to see the church floundering when he had such high hopes for it to continue growing. Some dissenters had even questioned his authority. This pain is only one of the afflictions Paul bears as he continues to spread the Gospel of Christ.

These verses seem to be both a statement of Paul’s own faith and his continuing to teach and encourage the Corinthians. “We do not lose heart. . .” It takes incredible strength of spirit to continue doing the right thing when everyone around declares you are wrong.

“For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us. . .” No human being lives a life free of pain and sadness, but our reward in Heaven is far greater than we can ever imagine.

“Because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. . .what cannot be seen is eternal.” Our reward is in Heaven and our time on Earth, however painful it may be, is temporary. Paul must be reminding himself as well as the Corinthians to remain focused on living their earthly life as followers of Jesus, knowing with certainty that the glory of Heaven will be theirs.

This attitude is certainly not easy to maintain. Having recently gone through an affliction of my own, a painful injury that required months of recovery time, I know how easy it is to be overcome by despair. My injury was not life-threatening, but I wondered many times if I would ever be able to return to doing the things I love – walking outdoors, going swimming with my granddaughters, exploring new places with my family. It was only through Bible study, prayer, and encouragement from friends and loved ones that I was able to persevere through recovery. Today I am almost back to where I was physically before the injury, but my faith is greater than before. I came to accept that whatever my condition would be, I could choose joy and gratitude because I am certain of the eternal life awaiting me.

The Church in Corinth was never perfect. Its members continued to grapple with doubt and disagreement throughout the early days of Christianity, but in these verses, as in many other passages in both 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul is teaching a lesson still relevant and vital: never give up and remain focused on the greatest gift of all – the gift of eternal life given through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that life is hard. Yet we take comfort in your constant Love and reassurance. We are yours now and will be throughout eternity. Now be with all your children suffering physical pain, heart break, and grief. Comfort them and wrap them in the warmth of your presence. Thank you for this great gift.

Amen

This devotional was written by Pat Scruggs, 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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

1 Corinthians 13:7-8 ESV “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.  As for prophecies they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease, as for knowledge it will pass away.”

 

These words about never-ending LOVE, that bears all things…and never ends makes me think of Mother LOVE.

No matter what I thought, said, or did, my precious Mother (God rest her sweet soul) always LOVED me.  And no matter what my children think, say, or do, I LOVE them – now and forever.

God is LOVE and LOVE never fails.  LOVE never stops.  LOVE never abandons us!  No matter what!

God LOVES us, all of us, so much that he forgives us for all of our bad or mean thoughts, words, and actions.  Even when we try to hide from Him or forget to call Him or run away from Him – He just keeps on LOVING us; hoping we will LOVE Him back!

He proved this great LOVE when He gave His only son – Jesus Christ – to die for us!  He raised Jesus from the dark isolation of the grave, and He wants to lift all of us from our darkness and isolation too!

Yet, He loves us too much to force us to stay home with Him!  He leaves the choice to LOVE or leave up to us!  I choose to LOVE!  I hope you do too!

When we choose to LOVE and reach for Him, we find Him closer than our own breath!  Like a Loving Mother, God is always near, just waiting for us to return the greatest LOVE ever known! 

With that act of returning God’s LOVE, we suddenly gain the power to LOVE our neighbors too!  And we sure do need that power in times like these!

Please pray with me now…

Dear God, thank you with all my heart for your amazing, never-ending LOVE!  Please help me to constantly reach for that LOVE and to share it generously with my neighbors – all of your children on this Earth!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

This devotional 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/. 

Hope, No Matter What 

(our theme for September)

John 10:11-18 I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.  Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.  I must bring them also.  They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.  This command I received from my Father.

As the good shepherd, Jesus is not just any good shepherd, but the righteous one with inherent goodness.  Again the contrast is with the Pharisees as the hired hand quick to flight at the sight of danger. The same Pharisees that had no interest in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and relinquishing their very comfortable, vaunted position in society.  The shepherd of Christ’s time was the sole defense for the sheep from the raging elements from floods, to blasing snow, to blistering heat and sand storms.  The shepherd stood alone to guarantee the survival of his flock, just as Jesus is our savior today!

Jesus makes it clear that it wasn’t just for the Jews that he laid down HIs life, but for the “other sheep” too, the Gentiles.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd over all, both Jew and Gentile, who come to believe upon Him (John 3:16)

As Doris Akers writes it the refrain of one of her songs:

Lead me, guide me along the way; For if You lead me, I cannot stray; Lord, let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Let us pray:

Thank you Jesus for being the Good Shepherd!  We, the sheep, need your guidance and protection in this hostile world now more than ever.  You made it clear that your Kingdom is not of this world.  You laid down your life for us and our salvation.  Give us the strength and determination to do your work.  Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Sam Barto.

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/.