Grace for All

Lent. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)

 

During Lent we take time to reflect on our relationship with God and what that means to us as we approach Easter. Remember what our Lord said about the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37 (paraphrasing), Love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.

At First United Methodist Church here in Maryville, TN, we have several ministries that are focused on “entertaining strangers.” We serve a weekly community meal through the Welcome Table. We have an active Celebrate Recovery ministry, and we support Family Promise, a resource for unhoused families.

We have heard testimonies of people who experienced the presence of God on our campus because our church members allowed God to show God's love through them.

Can we substitute “entertaining strangers” in this passage with “hospitality to neighbors?” How can we work with other members of our faith communities to show hospitality? We have so many opportunities to show hospitality throughout our busy days.

Within your community, do strangers and neighbors feel the presence of God at work—through you? 

Prayer

Lord, give me the opportunity to entertain / show hospitality to strangers, my neighbors.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Owen and 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/.

Lent. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

 

This letter was written by Paul to early Christians in Rome. These Roman Christians were probably mostly Gentiles and more educated than many of the early church members. Paul must have perceived that they were confused about how to be rectified with God. He wanted them to know that living a “good” life and obeying the laws of Moses were important, but that the way to justification with God was actually based on faith. He taught that to be justified in God one had to have an unwavering belief that Jesus died for our sins and that God raised him from the dead. The result of that deeply held belief is peace with God through Jesus Christ.

 

Many years ago while on a business trip our two engine turbo prop plane lost an engine. I prayed for God to protect us and keep us safe, but I always wondered why I was not particularly scared. We flew on one engine to Memphis, the nearest airport, and made the evening news.

 

Now, years later in my journey of faith I recall that eventful day, and realize that I see it in a different light. I have faith that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that God raised him from the dead. That faith justifies my relationship with God and brings me peace even in scary times.

Let us pray:

God, grant us the peace of Christ that comes by being justified through faith. In Christ’s precious and holy name, we pray, amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Gary Hensley, 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/.

Lent. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)

 

In my red-letter edition of my NIV Bible, these are the first recorded words of Jesus. It is also the first mention of Jesus’ awareness that he was God’s Son. We might imagine what Jesus, as a twelve-year-old, was doing on the journey to and from Jerusalem—perhaps hanging out with friends, playing simple games, or possibly getting into mischief. Nowadays with helicopter Moms, phone tracking devices and such, parents want to know where their kids are even at age twelve, or maybe more so at age twelve.

 

With perhaps a few hundred travelers making their way to and from Jerusalem for Passover, it could be hard to keep track of a twelve-year old. Once Mary and Joseph became aware that he was not with them, they began to frantically search for him. They finally found him with teachers after days of searching.

I recall hearing of my Mother becoming hysterical when I wandered away from home and her rejoicing when a farm hired man brought me back to her in his horse and cart.

 

Even though Jesus was becoming aware of his real Father, he did not reject his earthly parents. He went back to Nazareth with them and lived under their authority for another eighteen years. Verse 52 says, “He grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” We, like Jesus, need to continue to grow in wisdom through study, prayer taking advantage of resources and opportunities available to us.

Let us pray:

Lord, help us continue to grow in wisdom and in favor with you, following the example of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Emmit Rawls, 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/.

Lent. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘”I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:18)

 

We don’t know much about Mary Magdalene, but we do know she was loyal to Jesus and his family. She loved Jesus very much, and she was a woman. Jesus had 12 disciples that were men, but the first person he showed himself to after his resurrection was Mary. At the time, women had certain roles they fit in society, and were not seen as extremely political or as religious leaders in this part of the world. So Jesus going to her first was incredible.

Many children and people feel undeserving of the Lord’s love. I myself wondered for a little while whether God cared about me. I’m just a small girl, what could I do for the God whose son could make the dead alive? And perform miracles!

Who am I to God?

I am everything! And you are everything!

It doesn’t matter if you’re homeless or rich, your gender doesn’t matter, your age, race, or who you chose to love doesn’t matter. God will give you the chance to make a difference, just like Mary!

Let us pray: 

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for our opportunities to serve you. We thank you for the wonderful world you’ve given us, and we pray you will continue to love us as we are, whoever we are, wherever we are, and whoever we want to be. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.  

Today’s devotional was written and read by Clara Simpson.

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/.

Lent

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.

What did this episode make you think about Jesus?

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/.

Lent

Today’s devotional was written by Alara Irwin and read by Ryan Smith.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17)

 

As I sit writing this devotion in my dad’s office, I can hear the preschool children of the Wesley Day School practicing their “Dinosaur Program”. It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I was a student at Wesley Day School. I am glad that our church has a school that welcomes children and teaches them about Jesus.

 

I remember one time in Sunday school when we learned about this scripture. The leader told us that we are never too young to learn about Jesus Christ. And that Jesus loved us no matter what. I learned that I should keep learning about him. Now whenever I am having a hard time, I think about that scripture, and remember that God loves me even though I am a child who has more to learn.

Dear God, thank you for loving us no matter what. Help us to know you better and love you more. 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/.

Lent So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and on earth and under the earth.(Philippians 2:10)

What would Jesus do? That’s a question that Christians tend to ask themselves when faced with a tough decision. The answer is always pretty much the same, though: Jesus would do what God was calling him to do.

Jesus was God’s son, but he didn’t use his extraordinary powers for evil. He understood that he had a purpose, even if he wasn’t always sure what his purpose was. Now, as a fifteen year old, I am trying to understand my purpose. I wonder if I’ll ever truly know what my purpose is, but verses like this remind me how it’s important to trust God and be like Jesus. 

Jesus knew that God loved him and gave him purpose. For that, we should honor Jesus and look up to him.  This trust is what defines Jesus’ relationship with God, and for me, that is a goal. I want to trust God so deeply that even if I don’t understand why, I’ll follow his will. I’m not there yet, but I’m trying, and this verse reminds me of that.

Let us pray

Dear God, even when it’s difficult, remind us to trust you. Even in our insecurities, help guide us and remind us that you have a plan. Amen

Today’s devotional was written and read by Allie Simpson.

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/.

Lent Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.(Psalm 25:4)

I was hiking with my son when we came to a fork in the path. There was no signpost to tell us which path to take for us to get to our destination. While standing there, another hiker came up and asked us where we were going. He immediately said, “Take the left fork. I have been there several times.” Getting clear directions from one who had been there was such a Reassurance.

As we journey through Lent we often come to forks in the path of life. We can stand there perplexed, we can quickly choose and hope we are making the right decision, or we can do what the Psalmist encourages. Pause and pray, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”

These words make it seem so easy but what they are asking us to do is really hard. We are to pause and ask which way. For may of us our tendency is to quickly choose and then pray that we made the right choice.

It is to acknowledge that we are lost. Without help the risk of getting off track is high. It is knowing deep down that we need help. We don’t like those feelings of powerlessness but they are a part of life.

When we pray, make me to know your ways we find we are not alone, God is with us, guiding us, keeping us on the right track. Just like my son and I experienced when we open our hearts to God’s direction we will hear in some form, “Take this path, it is the right way, I know I have been there many times.”

Prayer

Loving God, we sometimes get off the path because of our pride and self-will. Forgive us. Teach us your paths and open our hearts to hear your guidance. AMEN.

Today’s devotional was written by Rev. Bill Green, 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/.

Lent
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.(1 John 1: 1-4)

One of the saddest terms that has crept into our public vocabulary in the past few years is “unchurched.” The term is used by survey researchers to describe people who say they no longer attend worship services regularly or are no longer part of a fellowship of believers. The term does not give us a clue as to why these people have left their groups, and I have no particular insight to offer.

But this is not a new thing. Since the time that Christ was on earth, people have been joining fellowships of faith and then leaving. Jesus tells us that the seeds we scatter do not always take root.

The writer of this epistle tells us to look beyond the phenomenon of the “unchurched” and to proclaim with joy what we know, that Jesus came to earth to give us eternal life. It is a joy and a message to be shared. It is a fellowship that is constantly on offer.

During this season of Lent, I feel the joy of that message and fellowship more strongly than ever. My heart and my prayers are with those who are “unchurched” so that they can experience the same feelings of love and grace that well up within me. Like the epistle writer, I want to proclaim what I have seen and heard so that I can have fellowship with them.

Our prayer today:

Dear Lord, help us to proclaim your love and offer your fellowship to those who have tried to dismiss themselves from your presence. We know that you are always ready to welcome those who seek your love and grace. Amen.

This devotional was written 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/.

Lent Christ died to rescue those who had sinned and broken the old agreement. Now he brings his chosen ones a new agreement with its guarantee of God's eternal blessings! - Hebrews 9:15 (CEV)

 

When we bought our home in the Springbrook Community of Alcoa in June 2015, the purchase included a home warranty. Great, we thought, this provides some peace of mind! However, the benefits of the agreement left much to be desired. When one day a major appliance needed repair, then another day there was water where water shouldn’t be, and later one room in our home was 15 degrees hotter than another room, we were disappointed to discover that the fine print of the warranty casually mentioned none of these issues were covered.

 

Unlike our home warranty, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice has no fine print. Christ died to rescue those who have sinned. That’s all of us! One of the many things I love about the United Methodist Church is that communion is open to anyone and everyone in need of God’s grace. There is no fine print, no list of criteria, no legalistic qualifications needed to receive the sacrament. This verse tells us that Christ brings us a new agreement with a guarantee. This guarantee of God’s eternal blessings is much different than a one-year (or even an extended!) warranty. We can have peace of mind and rest assured that our Wonderful Counselor will remain steadfast, faithful, and righteous. I invite you to consider your acceptance of the Divine’s offered agreement, and how you might choose to share God’s love with others today.

Let us pray: God of the covenant, thank you for the guarantee of your eternal blessings in Christ Jesus.  In gratitude, may we be moved to share your love with others.  Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Crystal Irwin and read by Amy Large.

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/.