(our theme for November)

I cannot remember a time when music was not part of my life. Growing up in a small, country Methodist Church, I learned hymns from the old Cokesbury hymnal at a very young age. I started taking piano lessons at age 10 and by age 12 I was playing those hymns for Wednesday night services. And now, as an adult, the words of those hymns come to mind frequently in different situations I am facing.

Throughout my life, music has carried me through many difficult times. When my father died unexpectedly, I, along with my whole family was devastated. My siblings asked me to choose the music for his funeral. Remembering the hymns he had loved and deciding which ones to include in the service was comforting to me. A long-time close friend sang “How Great Thou Art,” his favorite. As he sang, I thought about my father’s faith and how he lived a life that exemplified it.

He was a humble man who loved God and others; his whole life was one of praise and thanksgiving.

Several years later, I was facing another difficult time. My mother’s health was in decline, and she was in denial. My siblings and I were constantly on alert for the next phone call telling us she had fallen or developed bronchitis or pneumonia because she preferred not to seek medical attention.

It was a very stressful time, to say the least. My respite was Wednesday night choir practice. For those two hours, I was able to lose myself in the lyrics and melodies and leave refreshed and renewed in faith, ready to deal with whatever the next day would bring. During our closing prayer time, I always lifted my mother to God, giving thanks for the years of love and care she had given our family, and asking for guidance in providing for her needs. Those years never got easier, but music and giving thanks to God enabled me to persevere and remain positive.

Through good times and bad, praising God through music and glorifying him with thanksgiving provides a path that gives life meaning. He knows we aren’t all great singers or musicians, but He deserves our praise and thanks however we can express it.

God, thank you for the gift of music and its transformative power in our lives. All good and great things come from you, and we praise you. Amen.

This devotional was written by Pat Scruggs 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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

(our theme for November)

I don’t know anyone who loves money for the sake of its pretty green or gold color. Nor do I think I know anyone who has a counting house like that old King Midas, who would sit on the piles of gold, stroking it and feeling the coins run through his fingers. No, the modern day glutton for gold usually wants it in the format of objects – things owned and collected. The modern Midas wants more and more stuff, bigger and better things. But the old Midas and new have much in common. Their #1 commonality is Greed! With a capital G! And greed makes Midas stingy! Midas doesn’t share much. Midas is fearful of losing money, because if the money goes, so does the status, the prestige, the image, the respect from those who count only one’s wealth as their value. But the greedy Midas has already lost the most important thing in life – closeness to God!

As it says in Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot be a slave to two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Midas doesn’t share, except when credit and honor are offered as an award for it. Midas is so busy collecting money and things that LOVE falls by the wayside.

And it’s not just the rich Midas who fails the call. The struggling middle-class person, who is working hard to climb up the ladder of success can miss the mark too. That mark is generosity – doing for others, helping your neighbor, extending a hand to someone, giving of your time by visiting that widow next door, sharing what you have with someone who has need, volunteering your time generously, expecting nothing in return.

Last Thursday, I saw a young homeless man offering great generosity. We offer Welcome Table – free meals to anyone who is hungry for food or fellowship each week on Thursday evenings at our church. The young man came into the dining hall with the rest of the guests, as he usually does, but he asked for an apron and wanted to wait tables, serving food to the guests. He has done this several times lately. I gave him an apron and he worked hard for the next hour, graciously serving food and making people feel welcome.

As our guests were leaving the young man asked if any food was left and if so, would it be okay if he ate. He said he was very hungry, having only eaten four times that week! In tears we hurried to bring him two large servings of food. When he devoured that, we brought more.

Of course, he thanked us – but it was we who gave thanks for having seen such unselfish love and generosity! All who saw this example of generosity and unselfish service left there deeply blessed.

This young man was offered money by a couple of our other volunteers, but he vigorously declined those offers, telling us he has all he needs. He only wanted food. His example reinforced for us, how simple acts of kindness prove generosity of spirit and show that Jesus is among the generous. For all who witnessed his actions that evening there was deep blessing!

I think our young, hungry guest was Jesus that night! He sure embodied LOVE! And he reminds us all that generosity of spirit brings us close to God!

Dear Lord, fill us with the desire to help, the desire to share, the desire to serve, as Jesus did. Help us to represent your hands and feet to the world and to leave greed lying in the dust! In Jesus’ name, Amen!...

(our theme for November)

When I was a child in Sunday School, I received a mechanical pencil as a prize for memorizing a lot of verses of Scripture. I treasured that pencil and carried it for years. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the print on its barrel, quoting Philippians 4:13 in the King James Version: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” The Common English Bible translation sounds a little darker: “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”

But I love the implications of the broader passage—not just enduring difficulty, but “content with whatever I have.” Forty years or so after Paul wrote to the Philippians, the Stoic philosopher Epictetus observed that it is not what happens to us but what we think about what happens to us that determines our experience. Paul learned contentment by keeping his attention on Jesus.

I confess that I don’t always choose to think about things in a way that brings contentment, but Paul shows me the way, and when I remember his words to the Philippians in good times or challenging times, I find contentment too.

Father, thank you for the strength and the joy that comes through Jesus. When we face celebrations and when we face challenges, may we remember to give thanks for that gift and experience the same contentment in all our circumstances. In Jesus’ name, 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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/.

(our theme for November)

Thank you for joining us for today's Grace for All podcast. On Saturdays, we pause for a few moments to look back on our week and to review the scriptures that we have used in our podcast. We encourage you, after listening to this episode, to go back and listen to the episodes you missed, or to review the ones that were particularly meaningful for you. We trust that the thoughts that we have shared with you this week have provided a full portion of the joy, peace, and love of Jesus Christ.

Now, let's hear this week's scriptures.

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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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/.

(our theme for November)

Our scripture focus today is Matthew 14:19, part of a very familiar story for many.

Each time I hear this story, I am reminded of a very special moment when this story came to life right in front of me. While serving on the ministry staff at First Church, I was blessed to be a part of an annual youth retreat, Resurrection. Sharing in this event with our youth was such a moving experience. Of course, the planning, long hours, patience and stamina required were not always easy. The joy of watching our youth engaged with their faith, growing and seeking a deeper relationship with Christ was priceless.

On one very holy weekend in 1992, the main speaker was the Rev. James King from the Nashville area. He is now a retired Bishop. His personality was a great match for all of us. Smart, funny, inspiring and he brought our faith alive in those sessions. There were about 5000 youth and leaders in attendance. First Church had nearly 90 attending. It was an amazing experience.

Sunday mornings at Resurrection included one final session centering around worship and communion. Sometimes the final session had less in attendance as churches from other states or inclement weather made returning home more difficult. This year, the conference center was full for the final session. The altar was filled with communion elements, the bread and wine arranged filling every open space on the altar. Even that sight was moving. I am sure it was no easy task to prepare to serve 5000 participants at multiple stations around the room, all beginning at the altar. Great efforts had been made to assure for ample stations and no confusion during this part of the service.

As the elements were blessed and the bread and juice were delivered to their stations, no one gave a thought to the possibility that there might not be enough. Minds and hearts were focused on receiving communion and sharing this time together. However, quickly it became evident that there was not enough bread to serve everyone. You could feel the energy in the room as contributors – disciples- came forward. Bread was offered in the form of pringles, goldfish, saltines and a few loaves of bread (one of the leaders had run to the store next door when he realized there might be an issue). Though, truth be told, these gifts were meager by themselves, they had been offered for the good of all and they were truly multiplied. When communion was complete and the elements were returned to the altar, the table was overflowing with bread. The congregation, disciples and followers had stepped up and shared what they had. Just as Christ called the disciples to serve the multitude, this gathering of believers was also called to feed the “crowd of youth” with what appeared to be “not enough”. By sharing what they had, Resurrection 92 was fed and nurtured.

There were many misty eyes and feelings of awe on that morning. It’s one spiritual experience I will never forget and I have often shared with others. My heart was so full.

However, that is not the end of the story for me. At that time, I was attending classes in preparation to be consecrated as a Diaconal minister. These classes were held at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville. I left Gatlinburg that Sunday destined for Nashville and two weeks of intense classwork and...

(our theme for November)

I read somewhere that one of the major differences between humans and other animals is the ability to pause between stimulus and response. During that pause, humans have the ability to choose their response. In other words, each of us is responsible for what we choose to think, say, and do. Although our conditioning can lead us down one path, it doesn’t have to control the way we respond. We have the ability–the responsibility–to choose our response.

In Ezekiel’s case, he is given clear instructions by God (stimulus) and told the consequences of his action (response). Ezekiel is only responsible for the way he responds to God’s instructions. He is not responsible for the people’s response to God’s message that he is to deliver. They are responsible for their response.

It is liberating to know that when God wants us to do something, we are only responsible for doing it and doing it the way that God wants it done. Sometimes, I forget. I hesitate to do something I feel God wants me to do because of the possible outcomes I can imagine. I wonder if I am using the resources I have in the best way. I forget that if it is the way God wants it used, then that is the best way.

We often hear people talk about how they want to “save” someone. We can only help direct others to the path. With God’s help, they can choose to be saved, regardless of the problems they face.

Help us Lord, as we go through this day, to listen to you and respond by doing what you want us to do, knowing that the rest is in your hands. Amen.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins, 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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/.

(our theme for November)

This verse is a part of the prayer Jonah spoke while he was in the belly of the whale. You remember the story of Jonah. The Lord had commanded him to go and preach a message of repentance to the inhabitants of Nineveh. These were enemies of the Hebrews. Jonah did not want this assignment and so he took off in a ship heading as far away from Nineveh as he could. God caused a storm and just when it looks like all on the ship would be lost, Jonah admits to the crew his actions. With his urging they throw him overboard. The crew is saved and Jonah is swallowed by a great fish or whale, depending upon your translation. After three days in the fish’s belly he prays.

His prayer is done in the confidence that God hears him, calling out in thanksgiving. Even though he is still in the fish Jonah prays as if his salvation has already happened. He celebrates his salvation and promises to do what God wants him to do.

I think all of us can identify with Jonah, at least at times in our lives. Because of the choices we have made we find ourselves in challenging situations. We feel distanced from God and ashamed of the mess we have made of our lives. In times like this it is hard to pray, to pray with thanksgiving knowing God hears and loves us. Like Jonah we might even make promises to God like, “If you get me out of this situation I will….” and you can fill in the blank. But like Jonah, if we can own our mistakes, trust that God hears us we too can share thanksgiving and praise. We too can believe that God is working to save us from this mess we have gotten ourselves into.

How much better it would have been for Jonah if he had listened and followed God in the first place? How sad that it took a whale eating him to make him see the consequences of his rebellion. How much better it is for all of us to listen and follow God instead of being left to pick up the shattered broken pieces of our lives because of our rebellion.

God heard Jonah’s prayer. He was vomited up on shore. Standing there stinking of fish he finally turned towards Nineveh to do what God had asked him to do. When we finally repent we too will find salvation. But like Jonah, we will have to deal with the stink of the consequences of our actions but do so with the knowledge God is with us. In this hope with thanksgiving we can set our face towards the path God has set before us and know that we will have the strength and unlimited love of God to see us forward.

Let us pray: Loving God, when we have made poor choices help us to turn to you knowing you love us and hear us. Give us repentant hearts and the courage to face the future you have set before us in trust. AMEN.

This devotional 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled...

(our theme for November)

One time we went out to eat with our disabled daughter in her wheelchair. We didn’t go out very often for fear of disturbing others, since Hannah required frequent care of her breathing tube with a noisy machine, but we had just come from a doctor’s office and needed food. When it came time to pay the bill, the waiter said, “Your bill has already been paid.” Of course, I expressed my gratitude, and the waiter said, “Don’t thank me, I’m just the messenger. Those folks at the next table picked it up.”

It’s interesting to think about what might have been on the minds of the other nine healed in the incident recorded by Dr. Luke. Let’s be clear: all of them had faith in Jesus, and faith healed them all, but only one came back to say “thank you.”

One commentator suggested that perhaps they thought they deserved healing because they were of the chosen people, and thus only the Samaritan realized he had received a true gift. They might also have been focused on the priest because the priest could declare them “officially” healed, just as the waiter could declare our bill paid, whereas the Samaritan recognized the true source. I can’t help but wonder if, when the nine arrived at the temple, the priest had the integrity to say, “Don’t thank me. Thank the one who healed you.” In any case, it was only the outsider who recognized the source of the great gift he received.

Father, do we take your grace for granted? Help us to recognize the magnitude of the gift you have given us and to never lose sight of its source. We don’t say “thank you” from the heart enough. Soften our hearts that we may open our eyes and see the wonder that leads to true gratitude. In Jesus’s name, 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

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/.