(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/.

(our theme for October)

In this verse, Jesus is talking to his disciples about what will happen when he leaves them. The first part of this verse may seem fairly straightforward. The disciples have followed Jesus. They know how He speaks to people, how he treats people, and how he loves people. They have learned through his example.

But let’s look at the first part of that verse again. He’s not just saying the disciples will do his work—he’s saying “…whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do ….” We who are more that 2,000 years removed from Jesus’ physical presence are part of these works.

The second part of this verse makes these works seem more daunting because Jesus says we will do even greater works than he has done because he is going to the Father.

In verses 16 through 17 of this chapter, we learn why Jesus’ presence with the Father is important:

It is through the Holy Spirit that we, some 2,000 years later, are able to do these works. It is the Holy Spirit’s presence with us that we are able to do even greater works as stated in verse 14.

Jesus’ words explain something for which I can’t often find words. Being Jesus’ hands and feet seems as important to me as breathing. It’s who I am. It’s who we are.

Providing our witness to others in our community, our country, and our world, may seem intimidating. Speaking to large groups may terrify some of us. We may struggle when trying to help those in need. And we make think that tackling social justice issues, such as homelessness and affordable healthcare, is just too far out of our sphere of influence.

Dear friends, these actions need not intimidate us because we have the best advocate—the Holy Spirit—to guide and inspire our efforts. More than that, I would argue that we have the support of each other in the Christian community that is First United Methodist Church of Maryville. You may not be able to personally feed the hungry in our community, but you can volunteer at Welcome Table. You may not feel qualified to work with children, but you can prepare supplies for Craft Night.

With the Holy Spirit, we can indeed do greater works. Where is the Holy Spirit leading you? I can’t wait to see where you do greater works in Jesus’ name.

Jesus, thank you for living among us and teaching us how to live, love, and serve. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide our efforts in making disciples. Help us be open to the Spirit’s promptings wherever they may lead us. Amen.

This devotional was written by Kathryn King 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: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to...

(our theme for October)

Let me just start today by saying I can easily understand that God is perfect, and I have the same conviction that I am not. For that reason, it has always intrigued me when a favorite Sunday School teacher likes to dismiss with the words, “Go forth and be perfect.” It tends to make me laugh because I know I am not perfect, in fact, clearly a long way from it. If you want to see perfect or something close to it, watch the Olympics, but even in that environment of the world’s best trained athletes, it is still a rare occasion when someone achieves a perfect score.

Jesus set a standard for perfection which seems to make it obvious how far below the standard I fall. In my view and left to my own devices, I will never achieve perfection. It just does not seem possible. Then I came across a verse in the Gospel of Luke 18:27, which says, “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.””

Does God really expect me to be perfect? Let’s be honest, God knows better than anyone what a challenge that will be. The answer is actually Yes, with God I can be perfect. Now, my life on earth will not achieve a perfect standard, but I can be on a path towards perfection, constantly evaluating how I show God’s love to those around me. And then ultimately, as Christians we believe that as we stand before God, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be washed clean of our sins and be presented as perfect. If the perfect God tells me that is what will happen, then I can have the assurance that I am on the path to perfection.

Will you pray with me today: Father God, you not only are the source of our hope, but you also give us the assurance that with a relationship in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for my sins, I can stand before you beautifully perfect.

I pray that if you are not a part of a faith community, that you would consider seeking out a church knowing that it will not be filled with perfect people, but with people who are on the path to perfection. Amen.

Today’s message was written and presented 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: 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)

I am a fan of the Amazon Kindle. I bought my first one in 2007 and I've had one ever since. One of the many things I like about my Kindle is that I can change the book's font and font size when I need to. As I get older the size creeps upward, slowly but surely.

Not long ago Galatians chapter five was in my daily bible reading. I don't remember why, but that morning I felt like I needed to increase the font size on my Kindle. When I did, the line with verse 22 readjusted itself so it read, "the fruit of the spirit is love," and the line broke after the comma.

I just sort of stared at that line and repeated that phrase in my mind: "the fruit of the spirit is love." Every other time in my life that I've heard the fruit of the spirit enumerated, all the aspects are listed together. I don't want to disregard any of the others, but "the fruit of the spirit is love" just sort of set up camp in my mind.

It made me think. What does that really mean? What kind of love comes from the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to love outside the spirit? If love comes from the spirit, is love possible for those who don't believe in the spirit? I know people who don't know or care a thing about God that love their families and friends, and show acts of love to others. Is that real love or something else?

The answer is that there are many types of love. There is romantic love, and brotherly love, as well as love for children or parents. The love mentioned in this verse is a love that comes only from God. The New Testament was written in Greek, and while we only have one word for love, the Greeks had several. The word used here, agape, describes God's love. It is a love unlike all other human love. It describes an unconditional, sacrificial love that is at the same time warm and fatherly. It is a selfless love, not based on feelings, but on commitment. It is the love that sent Jesus to the cross to die for us. It is a love that originates in God's heart and flows to us.

This love is mentioned over 100 times in the Bible. Jesus said in John's gospel, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” And again, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Paul, in his letter to the Romans, wrote, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The verb form of agape is used in maybe the best known verse in the bible, "“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

The best news you will hear today is that while agape love originates with God and flows from His heart, if God's Spirit lives in you, you have that love in you too. That is the fruit that Paul writes about in this scripture. It is a free gift from God, and the more we grow in Him, the greater that love grows.

Father, thank you for the love only you can give. Thank you for showing that love in a way that made it possible for to you live in us. May we all continue to grow closer to you and to love like you love. Amen.

This devotional 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...