Welcome to the Saturday episode of the Grace for All podcast. Thank you for joining us today. Saturday is a special time when we take a few moments to review the scriptures that we have cited in the episodes this week.

If you missed any of those episodes, you might want to consider listening to them today. And even if you heard them all, there may be one that you might want to listen to again. We hope that each of these scriptures and podcasts will bring you a full measure of joy, peace, and love.

Now, let's listen to the scriptures that have been on our hearts this week.

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/.

This verse comes in an oft-quoted passage of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. After listing a number of actions (such as greed, impurity, and evil desire) and motivating behaviors (like anger, wrath, and malice) that are considered un-Christlike, he describes stripping away these old practices and reclothing ourselves in the image of our creator. He goes on to say that old hierarchies and divisions are invalid in this renewal before contrasting the old practices with new ones, like compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and love. One of my favorite parts of this passage is that he goes on to say that we dwell in what the New Revised Standard Version translates as harmony, others as unity, and that we should sing songs together. Amen!

We are really fortunate at our church to have pastors who provide us great insight and fresh perspective on the scriptural passages that are often so familiar to many of us.

Recently, Pastor Jonathan was preaching about the concept of being “born anew,” and he made the point that many of us who were raised in the church consider this a bit of a foreign concept, since we don’t remember not practicing our faith, and there was often not a landmark moment when we decided we would follow Christ. In a subsequent week, he was describing a conversation he had with a mentor, asking when the mentor had decided to devote his life to the call of ministry. The mentor’s reply was “most recently, this morning.”

I think that we often hear familiar scripture like today’s passage, and we think about when that might have happened to us in the past. Some past time when we rejected the bad and embraced the good. We don’t consider that we make the decision to reject the old ways and embrace the new daily. In fact, I would argue that it’s really situational — we have to make these decisions multiple times every day. Having been brought up in a faith tradition that believes that one “becomes saved” at one point, then all is set, this way of thinking is a reframing of what I was raised to believe is the relationship with Christ. Like a healthy marriage that is not just vows on the couple’s wedding day, but constant decision making to help each other prosper and grow through this life, even — and especially — when it’s difficult, our relationship with Christ is not a once-and-done experience, but a renewal throughout our lives. But like the healthy marriage that allows us to peel away at the onion, revealing new experiences and understanding of one another, the relationship with Christ also evolves to reveal new understanding of Christ and to present never-ending ways we can embody his goodness, allowing us to experience renewal each time.

God, in Christ Jesus, you give us a new way to live, for which we are thankful. Help us to always look for times when we can put on the clothing of Christ, experiencing the renewal and rebirth that you offer us, and never let us think we are finished learning how to better reflect your love. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Dwight Dockery.

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...

Over the years, I have come to understand one of the simplest prayers may be one of the most powerful. God, please help me, I need it.

This prayer recognizes and calls out to God, admits my life needs to go in a different direction and seeks God’s help to make the change. This prayer also establishes a personal relationship through a willingness to seek help from God and to try and do what God leads us to do. Where will the help come from? It will come from a relationship with God, by spending time in prayer, by reading the Bible to find guidance and direction, and from the wisdom of the Godly people that are placed in my life.

In today’s devotion, I would like to focus on a portion of scripture that provides both guidance and direction for me. These words come from the book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verses 21 through 32, with special emphasis on verse 23. Please hear these words from the New Living Translation.

Even though it might provide some challenges, the advice here is solid; tell the truth, don’t hold grudges, clean up our language, turn from bitterness and anger. Be kind to one another, forgive one another, encourage one another, and through good hard work give generously to others in need.

These words sound good and sound easy, but in reality it can be an impossible challenge for me to follow through on this because it is not in my nature to always be so nice and forgiving. Let’s go back to that simple prayer, “God, please help me, I need it.” There, I have admitted the truth, I need help, but where will I find it? Verse 23 from today’s scripture gives us the guidance we seek, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. I need help and that help will come through the works of the Holy Spirit if I will just slow down my nature and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The more I do it, the easier it becomes but it requires daily attention because my sinful nature is always there. I try to set aside daily time for reading the Bible but will readily admit I don’t accomplish this every day. I try to pray every day, and I find this is not only easier but very helpful. And I try to listen to the wisdom of the Godly people in my life, and yes, not all the people in my life are full of Godly wisdom. These are things I can focus on each day.

When the Apostle Paul wrote the scripture we read today nearly two thousand years ago, he wrote it as a letter to the people of the churches in...

In his book "The Renewed Mind," Larry Christenson tells the story of a young man named Sinner who once received a beautiful, bright-red convertible from his Father. He named it Salvation—sparkling, new, clean, modern, powerful. It delighted the young man greatly, especially because it was a gift. He could never have afforded it.

The boy was so delighted that he changed his name from Sinner to Saved. He polished his car every week, took pictures of it, and sent them to friends. He looked the car over—front, back, under, top, bottom, and inside out. He never tired of telling others about the gift. "My Father gave it to me. It was free!"

Some days later, Saved was on the highway, pushing Salvation. An individual named Helper walked up, introduced himself, and asked if he could assist. "Oh, no thanks. Just out enjoying my new car," as he wiped the sweat off his face. "Just had a little trouble because my bumper kept cutting my hands, especially on these hills. But then a nice man helped me. He showed me how to mount little rubber cushions right here, underneath the bumper, and now I can push this thing for hours without a blister. Also, I've been trying something new lately. They use it over in England. You lift your back against the car, and it works like a charm, especially on muddy roads."

Helper asked, "Have you pushed the car very far?" "Well, about 200 miles altogether. It's been hard, but since it was a gift from my Father, that's the least I can do in return to thank him." Helper opened the door on the passenger side and said, "Get in." After hesitation, Saved decided it was worth a try, and he slid in the seat and rested for the first time since he'd been given the car. Helper walked to the driver's side, opened the door, slid behind the wheel, and started the car.

"What's all that noise?" Saved said.

Moments later, they were moving down the highway quietly, at fifty or sixty miles an hour. Saved was taken aback. It all seemed to fall into place, and it was even exciting. He knew he needed this Salvation Car to be admitted through the gate at the end of the highway, but somehow, he felt that getting there was his responsibility.

It is easy to hear that story and criticize Saved and his ignorance. How many of us, even though we know we are saved by God's grace, still feel we have to earn our salvation? How many of us do not realize that our efforts sometimes keep us from fully experiencing the power of the gift?

It took me a long time to realize that trying to earn God's approval cheapens the gift. I'm still working on letting the Holy Spirit show me the fullness and power of the gift. I was brought up to work hard and earn my way in life, and I couldn't understand or fully accept a life-changing gift that cost me absolutely nothing. I'm still working on it every day.

Working for God and serving His people is never wrong, but - our work in God's name should be motivated by a profound sense of gratitude, not obligation. Although God's gift of salvation cost Him greatly, He offers it to us freely and without expectation of payment. Our obligation to God is to live the life he gave us to the fullest and show everyone what a life purchased by Christ looks like.

Father, thank you for the gift of life with you. Forgive me when I cheapen it by trying to pay you back. Forgive me when I don't let your Holy Spirit guide me to the life you purchased for me. Please make me constantly aware that you want me to show the life you give to those you love. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members

Last night, I came home from work exhausted. Monday was a “long week,” and Tuesday was even longer. I was out of energy. I cried my laments as I ate a late dinner and had no time to relax. I got to Friday and celebrated the end of another week.

As a culture, we are in love with a sense of accomplishment. We relish marking things off our to-do list. We idolize our own laments. We bask in our productivity and letting everyone else know how hard it has been.

We wish things over, finished, spent, done, complete… I’ve never really thought about it until the moment I started writing this but one way of looking at being a good Christian is that it totally lacks any sense of completion. It’s never over. Our mission will not end. Well, that could be frustrating—and exhausting if you have been raised in a culture that celebrates a cult of accomplishment.

Being Christian is not about what I accomplish. I have created nothing. A better question is “Am I compassionate?” From where is compassion born? Do we produce compassion or is it given to us to share with those around us? If I am compassionate then it is because God has renewed my compassion each day.

I create compassion no more than I produce light in this world. If I have a light to shine then it is because God has gifted me light. Every morning new mercies, compassion, and light are shared with me as a gift.

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”- God has faith in me? God has faith in me! God renews his compassion for me every morning. God believes I can rise every day renewed with passion and compassion to carry out His mission, a never ending mission. Endless compassion given to me.

Each day dawns, and His light shines brightly in me.

It is an illusion that it is dark in this world. Just as the sun never sets, God’s love surrounds us even in the darkest hour. It is easier for you and those around you to see your light when you are in the darkness. The light is always with us, but if we are standing where the light of Christ is all around us, then anything we are saying or doing is part of what is already visibly good.

When we seek the darkness and shine the light of Christ and share compassion with those in the darkness, then we light a path for them. We are torchbearers. And may our light never falter as it is renewed each day with the compassion of our Lord.

Lord, great is Your faithfulness. Let us pray that we can begin each day renewed by Your compassion for us. May we share Your love, compassion, and light with all that we encounter each day. And when we are exhausted at the end of a day, help us to remember that this is a sign that we have done Your work and that You are the source of our renewal, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope 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 spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Since the beginning of our lives, we have seen and felt many troubles; some real, some imagined. Both types have caused us to fret and worry. Yet as Luke says in 12:25 – “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Lately I feel the temptation to worry. Perhaps you do too. We hear the news, read the posts, listen to the gossip, and we are filled with concerns and questions.

The amount of information coming into our ears and eyes is overwhelming! It’s like junk food! Not good for us! We feel more anxiety than we’ve ever had in our whole life!

WAIT A MINUTE! Stop the presses! Hold the phone!

We need to turn off the noise, the news, the apps filling us with “what if” scenarios. We need time with God. We need to feel that inward renewal day by day, as in today’s promise from verse 16.

Friends, that renewal does not come from the news, the noise, or the opinions. The renewal we crave only comes from God and we must do our part to receive it. We need quiet time with God, to absorb this beautiful peaceful renewal that outweighs our momentary troubles!

If we replace that Junk Food we so readily consume, with “food for the soul” by listening to podcasts such as this on, by sitting quietly reading the Bible, and in sincere focused worshipful prayer, we will find help to absorb the renewal we so desperately need.

So, let’s make a habit to consume more “food for the soul” and less “junk food.”

Let’s pray together now – Dear God, fix our eyes on what is unseen. Feed us with your Word. Draw us ever closer to you, that we will be renewed, refreshed, confident and assured of receiving your eternal glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today’s podcast was written and read by Bernice Howard.

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/.

In these verses from the gospel of Mark, Jesus is comparing the kingdom of God to seed a man scatters on the ground. The seed produces a harvest, but the man has nothing to do with that. All he does is scatter the seed. It sprouts and grows without his help, or even his attention—whether he sleeps or gets up. The soil produces grain all by itself. It doesn’t need the man’s help.

How the seed grows is a mystery, but it is ultimately fruitful.

Do you ever wonder whether your actions make a difference? Whether your efforts to make the world a better or brighter place bear any fruit at all? Whether goodness is futile?

Friend, take heart. Jesus is telling you to scatter seed, toss a handful of blessings in the air, throw love around like confetti. Then, go to bed a forget about it. Because the sprouting, the growing, and the grain-producing are not in your job description. God is faithful. You can trust that night and day, whether you are awake or asleep, those blessings you scattered are germinating and taking root. They are not wasted.

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 3, verses 6 and 7, says it this way, “Some may plant the seed and some may water it, but God is the One who makes it grow.”

Toss out blessings all around, everywhere you go today. The ground may appear hard and barren, but you can expect a harvest, though you don’t know how.

God, fill my heart with your goodness and set my intentions toward small acts of kindness, mercy and love as I go about this day. I pray that I would leave a trail of scattered blessings behind me, trusting that you will grow the seeds. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written 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 spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week.

If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

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/.