(our theme for November)

We live in a world that is constantly being shaken. World conditions and events seem to be shaking the core of our society and threaten to tear apart all the things we know and hold dear. It is easy in this world to be discouraged and disillusioned, and wonder where God is and why He doesn't do something.

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Christian believers of Jewish descent who felt much the same way. It was most likely written in the late first century, and these believers were a generation removed from Jesus' earthly ministry, Facing intense persecution, many of them were discouraged and disillusioned with their new faith and were thinking of returning to the Judaism off their forefathers.

Hebrews is not an argument against Judaism. The writer of the book uses history and logical argument to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of Judaism and is superior to anything they might go back to. Jesus is superior to angels, priests, and sacrifices. Jesus is the embodiment of God's word, he is our hope for new life, he is the perfect priest, and he is the perfect sacrifice.

Chapter 12 is sort of the author's closing argument. In it he urges his audience, and by extension, us, to persevere through hard times and not grow weak. God can and does use hard times to discipline us and bring us closer to Him.

Hard times shake out things, and leave things that cannot be shaken. Because of Jesus' perfect sacrifice, we are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken, no matter how hard the times, because it is the kingdom of God. It is not something that is to come - we are in that kingdom now.

Our reaction to that is first to be grateful. We should receive God's gift with our greatest gratitude. We are also to offer to God "acceptable worship." The word "worship" in this verse is used in other places in the bible to mean "serve," or "minister." I take this to mean that our gratitude should overflow our hearts and compel us to serve God by serving those He loves. Finally we should do all this with a sense of reverence and awe, always conscious of God's presence and power.

Father, thank you for providing the perfect way to be restored to relationship with you. Thank you for a place in your kingdom. May we never forget that the love we feel for you and the gratefulness we have for your gift should compel us to serve all those we meet, with the love that comes to us from you, in your power, not ours. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Cliff McCartney.

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)

When I was younger, a lot of my prayers sounded like Christmas lists or even Amazon shopping lists. “Please give me good grades” or “Help me get that job” or “Deepen my relationship with [insert name of girl].” I included formulaic phrases of thanksgiving because I had been told I “should” do so, but most of the time such phrases were generic, like, ”Thank you for the many blessings you shower upon us.”

But lots of research and counseling testify to the wisdom of practicing gratitude, and the opening verses of Philippians demonstrate it. Different translations have a difference in emphasis in verses 3 and 4. The Common English Bible says, “I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy.” The New Revised Standard Version renders it, “I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy”—every time I think of you, I thank God for you, and it fills me with joy.

Humans being what we are, I can’t imagine that every time someone thought of me, they would thank God for me, even my wife. I suspect this is something Paul cultivated. And while the Philippians no doubt benefited from it, Paul says that kind of gratitude filled him with joy.

Father, I started to ask you for something. And I know it would be OK if I did, but you have already given me these words of Paul. So, Father, I just want to say thank you for the preservation of this message I needed to hear today. Thank you for the Grace For All podcast that brought me to it and it to me. And thank you for the one hearing this right now. May each listener know the joy of praying in gratitude. In joy in the name of Jesus Christ, 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)

We often hear about staying on the “straight and narrow road” that leads to eternal life. In C.S. Lewis’ book “The Last Battle” (the last book in the Chronicles of Narnia series), if my memory is correct, the lion Aslan, who represents Christ, becomes the leader of people from all over Narnia. They unite together as they proceed toward the final goal. This started me thinking about the way of life, or the road, that leads to eternal life.

I began to picture a multilane highway with many signs along the sides and exits and entrances. The different lanes were occupied by people that looked different from me, were moving at different speeds, and of different traditions, but all trying their best to follow the example of Jesus. The signs along the side of the highway advertised things that looked inviting and enticing, and each exit would lead to a multitude of these distractions. However, every exit also had an entrance ramp by which one could get back on the highway.

We don’t think of highways as being narrow but in the scheme of all the different directions available to us, they are not wide. There are many people around us that look different, talk differently, act differently, and worship differently but like us (on our best days) they, too, are trying to live life as Jesus taught. Rather than trying to cut them off or scream at them for being in the “wrong” lane, shouldn’t we be looking to them for mutual support as we travel along this highway that leads us all to the destination that we desire?

God help me this day to see others as you see them and treat them as Jesus would. So that we can support each other as we strive to be the people that you created us to be.

Today’s devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by Ryan 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)

One of my favorite pieces of music is “A Simple Song” from Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.” In 2019, I served as a flute accompanist for a soloist performing this piece during a church service. While reading today’s verse, this piece of music spoke to me loud and clear.

One of the biggest ways in which I could feel this piece speaking to me was by listening to the flute throughout. In listening to the track, the flautist takes on the role of being a bit of a backup to the vocalist, whose part is quite loud and powerful. For a while, the flautist starts by playing the notes of a B flat scale in descending order, going from a high E flat to a middle G. You notice the same simple and subtle, yet beautiful line repeated a couple of times in the background and note the change in scale from B flat to A flat, before it begins to take shape as a fuller melody and aligns with the vocalist’s singing.

As the lyrics of this song state “God loves a simple song”, so despite the melody from the flute being simpler compared to the lines of the lyricist, if music is being played from the heart to give thanks to our Lord, it is sure to be pleasing! I can say for certain that both myself and Joseph, who was the vocalist I accompanied back in 2019, were singing and playing from the heart to give thanks to our lord. So as this piece shows, it does not matter if a melody is more subtle and simplistic as opposed to a more bold and powerful lyrical line, even a so-called “simple song” is sufficient to give thanks to God.

God, help us to remember in this season of Thanksgiving to always sing your praises, whether through simple songs or bolder melodies. May we always remember that there is no superior form of music more pleasing, so long as we give thanks to you in all forms. 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: 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)

These are the simple lyrics to a worship song that, once you have heard it, will resonate in your heart forever. Give Thanks was written by a man named Henry Smith in 1978. It was written at a time when Henry Smith didn’t seem to have much to give thanks for. He was suffering from a degenerative eye disease that would eventually leave him legally blind, and he was having trouble finding work after graduating from King’s College in Bristol, TN.

While worshipping in his church in Williamsburg, Va Henry heard a sermon that gave him the inspiration to create a song of praise. The pastor read a scripture from 2 Corinthians 6, 9-10: “We were seen as punished but not killed, as going through pain but always happy, as poor but making many rich, and as having nothing but owning everything.” Henry composed the song Give Thanks for his guitar, and he and his future wife Cindy sang it on several occasions. It was heard by a visiting military couple who carried the song with them to Germany. The song took on a life of its own and was actually published with the composer listed as “anonymous.” Years later in 1986 Smith heard a recording of the song by Integrity Music and contacted the publisher. He finally received recognition as its composer.

Henry Smith wrote over 300 songs, but Give Thanks is the only one that was ever published. It has been sung in numerous languages, sung at the Billy Graham’s Crusade in England, and published in numerous hymnals. Henry Smith’s grateful heart will endure for many generations to come.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, give us a grateful heart in all circumstances so that we can say we are strong even when we feel weak and rich even when our circumstances seem poor. Help us give thanks in all circumstances for your abiding love. Amen.

This devotional was written by Laura Derr 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: 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/.

(or 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)

I don’t mean to, but I take things for granted. I say thank you often, but there are many times that I just expect things to be there for me. I do not thank God for all that is given. I take it as a given that the sun will shine, that I will have people to help me, that not only will I have a next meal but that it will taste good and nourish me, that when I’m sick I will heal, that I will be loved. The list goes on and on. And yet, His love endures even when I do not notice it. Thanks be to God.

His love endures forever even when I lose hope and faith, and I wonder at a world that sometimes seems filled to the breaking point with war, famine, disease, and hate. When I am discouraged, God is still good, and His love for me and for all endures. Thanks be to God.

His love endures forever even when I act in ways that show just how much I do not understand about love. When I become angry, when I blame, when I become cynical, when I am arrogant, when I am selfish, His love endures forever. Thanks be to God.

Why should I thank the Lord? Because his love endures when I falter. I am forgiven when I sin. When I think I can no longer endure, God is good, and he loves me. For the ground I stand on, for the ability to write this message, for the Body of Christ that holds me every moment of every day, thanks be to God!

God’s love endures- forever. Hallelujah, praise the Lord, and Thank You, God for all! Just as I struggle to love like you do, I struggle to comprehend just how much I have to be thankful for. Please continue to show me the way. Amen.

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: 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 October)

Did you ever know someone we might call a contrarian? By that I mean someone who wants to do the opposite of what most people do just to be different.

Followers of Jesus will differ from most of society, but it’s not just for the sake of being different. You might say that most people seek to please themselves, whereas Jesus-lovers seek to please God, and because of those different goals, they will act differently.

We can miss the intent of this passage because of its familiarity. Let’s consider it from the paraphrase known as The Message:

That gives us more of the flavor Paul intended. Fix your attention on God. The surrounding culture will drag you down, but God will lift you up and bring out the best in you. Your focus will change your outcome: conformation or transformation.

Father, we have a lot of pressure on us to conform to our culture, and we don’t want to just be contrary. That’s not transformation. That’s just rebellion. And so, Father, thank you for showing us through Jesus what you intended for your creation, and help us keep our attention on you rather than on others around us. 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/.