Grace for All

Listen to the Scriptures from the previous week of devotional episodes. This episode is a mix of Bible verses with music. It's a different experience, even if you've already listened to every episode.

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 encounter with a leper occurs as Jesus is teaching and healing throughout the land. Growing crowds are following him, amazed by the authority of his preaching. Many are hoping for healing from conditions from which they have suffered for years, even their whole lives. Despite the crowds, Jesus recognizes and reaches out to individuals such as this leper. The leper bows his head and begs Jesus for healing.  In the preceding verse, the leper says “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” And Jesus does choose – the man is made clean.

In Biblical times, disease was considered to be punishment for sin. The appearance of the leper (skin lesions, rashes, discoloration of skin) made it clear that the person was not fit to enter the Temple or associate with others.  Lepers were forced to live on the outskirts of town, forage for their food, and even ring a bell and call out “Unclean!” if another person came near.  They lived a life of shame and isolation.

But here is Jesus, acknowledging, responding to, even touching the leper who has begged for healing. The leper’s request is granted; he is made clean.  Jesus continues to reach out to us today.  Whatever sin separates us from God can be forgiven and we can be made clean, if we only ask. During this Lenten season of self-examination, reflection, and repentance, may we be mindful that Jesus never turns away; the first step to healing and a closer relationship with Him is up to us.

Lord Jesus, we come to you in faith, asking to be made clean and healed from our iniquities.  Thank you for the gift of your grace and forgiveness, and for always choosing love.  In your name we pray, Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Pat Scruggs 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/.

“I must have missed the exit”, I thought to myself as I kept driving farther and farther away from the dinner that I was now late for. Only, I didn’t know I was driving in the wrong direction. When I made a wrong turn miles before, that wrong turn became 10 wrong turns. I was lost.

If you are like me, then when you get lost you get scared. I don’t like not knowing where I am. “How did I end up here?” That is something I’ve also said in regards to my spiritual life. There have been times when a bad decision has started me on an uncharted path away from God, and if I didn’t confess my sin to myself and to God then I would keep walking farther away from God and his voice would become more faint as I step into the darkness.

But, Bible verses such as this one remind me that Jesus is always seeking me out when I’m lost. And Jesus does this with joy because that is part of his purpose: to seek out and to save the lost. He wants to search for me and to find me and to bring me back to the path that leads to eternal life. So, when we are lost, we must remember Bible verses such as this one to encourage us to let God find us and to let Jesus save us again and again.

Let us pray:  Lord, thank you for seeking and saving me when I am lost.  Whenever I take a wrong turn, and find myself going in the wrong direction, help me to remember that you do not give up on me.  Turn me around and bring me back to follow your path, again and again.  Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Chris Jacobs.

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/.

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

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.

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/.

The NIV study bible describes faith as believing in and obeying God, which requires relying on what we cannot see—God’s promises, provisions and concern for us. An inner attitude alone does not define faith though. For faith to be present, action is required. Faith proves itself by obedience to the Lord. The writer of Hebrews expressed faith in two directions: faith toward future things (what we hope for) and faith toward invisible things (what we do not see). When we are certain God is in control of these areas (and we live like he is in control), that is faith. 

Obedience to God is the proof of faith—it is the “action is required”. Living my life obediently as if God is in control (seeking God’s purpose for my life), this is the part of the message which intimidates me. I am certain God is in control but what action? What purpose? Am I obedient? Am I living for God’s purpose? I recall a lady telling me years ago that as long as I was asking for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in my life, I did not need to know what my purpose was or call it by name—I just needed to keep on asking and believing and seeking God. 

I am a dilly-dallier, a one-more-thing kind of person. My husband calls me the Energizer Bunny. Yet I never seem to commit to a routine quiet time with God, knowing that when I do spend time with him, he clearly reveals to me how being faithful to him gives me more time, more energy, more peace, more gratitude, helps me to be a better wife, better mother, better co-worker, and less of a complainer.

This scripture challenges me to be obedient, to act on my faith! God may never ask me to build a boat or start a church or sacrifice my life. But I can lift up empty hands of faith to receive his precious presence—His gifts of life, joy, and peace. And then again and again, continuing to lift up my hands being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see.

Precious Lord, may my faith in you manifest itself in my actions as I go through this day. I desire to live out my faith in obedience, sure of what I hope for, and certain of what I cannot see. In Christ’s precious name, Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Katie Myers, 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/.

This verse in the 2nd chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae focuses on the fullness of Christ and guides us to live our lives in him. According to Bible Gateway.com, there are 62 different Bible translations of this verse.  58 of them mention the word “root” in some form, while 47 of those translations mention “abounding” or “overflowing” as it describes how the Colossians should show their thanksgiving or gratefulness.   These words are at the core of this passage.

I am particularly drawn to the CEV translation of this text which calls us to “Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation of your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught.   And be grateful.”

We are called to plant deep roots in Christ’s teachings, while also recognizing those that have taught us those lessons.  We are then called to be overflowing or abounding in our thanksgiving to God. I am so grateful for my Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, choir directors and pastors that taught me the fullness of life in Christ. It is fitting that our congregational call at First United Methodist here in Maryville is to tell the world about Christ, teach the world about Christ and touch the world for Christ. On this day during Lent, let us affirm our foundation in Jesus, remain strong in our faith, and abound in thanksgiving.

Lord, thank you for those who have given us roots in the faith, taught us according to your example, and built us up in love. May we likewise build up those we encounter today, that they too may be rooted in love. Amen.  

Today’s devotional was written by Kevin Painter, 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/.

For me, the season of Lent is a time to reflect on my life, on the love of God. This season finds me focused on “Whose I am; Who I am; What am I called to be/do?”  Keeping that in mind and reading over today's scripture, I became unusually focused on one word…..  Holy.  No matter how many times I walked away, that word haunted me.  

So, what does holy mean to you?  I took a poll among my trusted friends and family.  So many answers!  Here are just a few….  forgiven, righteous, whole (completely forgiven), without sin, utmost, sacred, grace-filled, blessed, humbled, dedicated or consecrated to God and finally, set apart.  Try reading through today’s scripture and inserting any one of these understandings. This passage becomes more thought provoking.

The Hebrew word for holy, “hagios”, means to be “set apart” for a specific purpose.  This might be my final choice because it helps me understand that I am set apart for my specific purpose, just as you are. Our callings are not identical. The only way we can live into our purpose is by the grace of God, who sacrificed His son, the only perfect sacrifice.  This is not about our perceived sacrifices, but the one, single sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior now and for all time.

Today, ponder what holy means to you in your walk.

Holy Lord, remind me today that I am set apart for my specific purpose, and that I can live into that purpose only by the power of your grace.  In Christ’s name I pray, amen.

This devotional was written by Lisa Blackwood 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/.

Listen to the Scriptures from the previous week of devotional episodes. This episode is a mix of Bible verses with music. It's a different experience, even if you've already listened to every episode.

Check it out.

What did this episode make you think?

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/.

My wife, Barbara, and I spend most mornings walking along the trails in Townsend, where we live. For some time now, we have also been picking up trash along the roadway. We jokingly refer to ourselves as the “trashercizers!” Fellow walkers, joggers, and bikers along the trail have been prone to say hi and sometimes thank us for what we do.

Recently, a nice young Townsend employee, concerned for the safety of two older folks picking up trash along busy U.S. 321, gave us a couple of those bright, almost glowing yellow safety vests to wear. We began to notice a difference in how people treat us when we wear the vests. They seldom speak. Or even notice us. It’s as if, wearing the “official roadside pickup attire,” we become jobs, not people. The irony is that wearing a uniform to make us visible makes us invisible.

We began to think of all the people we run into, or who help us in a variety of ways, who become roles, not individuals—bank tellers, waitstaff in restaurants, cashiers, janitors, and numerous others.

One of the things I love about Jesus is that when he encountered people he BEHELD them. That’s a great word the King James Version of the Bible uses to describe how Jesus looked at Simon, and how he looked at countless others.

To behold someone is to really see her or him; to see more than the surface, to see the heart. In our scripture verse Jesus meets the fisherman, Simon, for the first time. Simon is an ordinary laborer, and also by nature impulsive and volatile. But Jesus sees not only what Simon has been so far, but what he can become. “You are Simon,” he says, “but you will become Cephas,” or Peter, which is to say, a Rock! Throughout the gospels Jesus encountered people of various stations in life and he beheld them.

He beholds you. You are not invisible to him, your worth doesn’t depend on what you can do for him. He sees you and knows you and loves you. Maybe it’s time, because we belong to the one who beholds us, to behold others.

Dear God, Help me to use the eyes of Jesus to see others, even as I give thanks that the eyes of Jesus have seen both what I am and what I can become. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read 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/.

It seems we often want a checklist or instructions for salvation. In America, where we like to believe hard work yields achievement, perhaps this is understandable. However, this verse from Romans states that those without works who trust in God are counted as righteous.

This statement is echoed in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which states, “Faith is the only response necessary for salvation.”

I often think Christianity is more simple than we try to make it, but simple does not equal easy. For example, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all reference Jesus saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” This statement is followed by “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Simple? Yes. Easy? Not really.

Trust in God. It’s a simple statement—just three words. Why is it so hard?  

I think it’s hard because we have to acknowledge that we are not in control. It’s hard because it is something bestowed upon us, not something we earn. As stated in Romans 4:4, “Now to one who works, wages are not received as a gift but as something due.” We all acknowledge we are not worthy of God’s righteousness, yet He gives it anyway if we trust in Him. Thanks be to God.

God, we thank you that your righteousness does not depend on our good works.  When we are tempted by self-reliance, or begin to think that we can somehow earn your grace, help us instead to put our trust in you. Amen.

This devotional was written by Kathryn King 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/.