This is the beginning of Mary’s response to something told to her by her cousin Elizabeth. What makes Mary’s response here so remarkable is what comes just before it. When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s message, he asked, “How can I be sure of this?” A reasonable question on the surface, but one rooted in doubt. Mary didn’t ask for proof. She asked how God would do it, not whether God could.

And then something else happened. Before Mary could say a word to Elizabeth, Elizabeth already knew. She greeted Mary not with suspicion or side glances, but with joy: “Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.”

That’s a stunning reversal of what Mary might have expected. In a situation that could have cost her everything—her reputation, her safety, even her life—God provided confirmation not through angelic fireworks, but through the quiet conviction of another believer.

I think of the times I’ve been misunderstood, those moments when I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong but people assumed otherwise. My instinct has been to defend myself, argue my case, and prove the truth. Mary didn’t do that. She didn’t scramble to manage optics or fight for her reputation. She centered herself in the God who already knew the truth.

Her song flows out of that trust.

She rejoices not because her situation is safe or simple—it isn’t—but because she believes the One who made the promise will keep it.

Maybe you’re in a season where someone has misread your motives or judged you unfairly. Mary reminds us that our security isn’t in convincing people. It’s in the God who sees clearly, speaks through unexpected voices, and confirms His work in ways we couldn’t orchestrate if we tried.

Father, when doubt rises in others, or in ourselves, anchor us in Your faithfulness. Teach us to trust Your promises even when circumstances feel uncertain. Give us Mary’s steadiness, her willingness to believe You first, and her freedom from needing to control how others see her.

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/.

A few years back our denomination split. It was a difficult time for all of us, extremely contentious and sometimes painful as we saw good friends and sometimes even family go in different directions over differences in how we view the lessons of scripture.

So, for those who remain in fellowship together, are we all of one accord on everything? Not at all! We cover the spectrum when it comes to theology, social issues, politics, age, status, musical preferences, methods of worship, and virtually any other measure you can think of. We are far from a homogeneous collection of believers.

So, what keeps this assemblage of misfits together? As Paul said in our scripture for the day, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

When we worship together, all differences fade away. When we approach the communion table, we come as one body. When we study and discuss together, we have one common purpose; that is to grow in faith together. When we welcome kids from the Junior High on Tuesday mornings, it is with a common desire to provide them with an opportunity for fellowship and devotion to start their day.

And when we serve together, there are no theological or social boundaries that divide us. We put differences aside to serve meals on Thursday nights, to minister recovery on Wednesday nights, to fill the blessing box, to stuff flood buckets, to pack 10,000 meals to go overseas, to minister to those with dementia, to go and do and serve and serve and serve. Together.

All these things bring us together as one body in love without regard to differences. We have chosen to be and worship and serve as one. What a blessing that is!

Father God, thank you that we can be together the body of Christ. We celebrate all that brings us together and holds us together. We know that we can be stronger together and witness to our community that your love and our love for each other and for our neighbors will keep us together as one. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Charlie Barton.

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/.

Psalm 103 reads like a litany of blessings, or like a shower of blessings. Listen to the benefits of God the psalmist recites:

God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns with love and compassion, satisfies, and renews. God works righteousness and justice for the oppressed.

God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

In fact, God’s love is so great, it is as high as the heavens are above the earth. God’s love is great enough to remove our sins such that the distance between us and our transgressions is as far as the east is from the west.

God’s compassion is not abstract. It is tangible, like the compassion of a father for his children.

The psalmist lists many blessings from God, but begins with a directive to his soul to bless God. Hebrew blessings are short prayers spoken to God to offer thanks for daily events, and the Talmudic rabbis believe it is forbidden to enjoy such things without offering a blessing. In fact, the Talmud states, “If you enjoy something in this world without saying a blessing, it is as if you stole it.”

I am convicted by the thought that I might steal God’s blessings when I forget to, in response, bless God. How might this day be transformed if I practice such a blessing? Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the beautiful sunrise. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a kind word from a stranger. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for brightly colored leaves, scattered on the ground. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for the gifts of God’s mercy and lovingkindness.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. God, as I go through this day, tune my heart to sing your praise for the many gifts you shower over me, in Jesus’ name, 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/.

For 10 years, my commute to work was 28 miles from my house in Walland to my job in the Seymour area. Most mornings, I'd catch the sunrise spreading across the sky—brilliant oranges and pinks painting the Tennessee hills. Sometimes I'd notice them, even pull over to photograph one when it was particularly spectacular. But looking back, I realize that even when I noticed them, I rarely paused to thank God for them. I'd think, "That's beautiful," and keep driving, already making mental to-do lists and rehearsing my day. I saw some of those sunrises, but I rarely came into God's presence with gratitude for what he was showing me each morning.

This verse is part of a larger call to worship in Psalm 95. The psalmist is inviting God's people to gather together, but notice how he tells them to come—not with a list of demands or complaints about how things should be different, but with thanksgiving.

The word "come" here suggests movement, intention. We don't stumble into God's presence by accident with gratitude. It's something we choose to do, a posture we actively adopt before we even open our mouths.

Thanksgiving isn't about pretending everything is perfect. This same psalm later warns about hardening our hearts and includes some serious reminders about Israel's past failures. The psalmist knows life is complicated. But he's saying that our entry point into God's presence—the way we approach him—should be marked by gratitude.

There's something powerful about starting with thanksgiving. It reframes everything that follows. When we lead with what we're grateful for, our requests sound different. Our frustrations find their proper size. Our perspective shifts from what's missing to what's already been given.

I think about how different my prayers would sound if I really followed this pattern. Too often, I barrel into God's presence like I'm filing a complaint with customer service. "Here's what's wrong, here's what needs fixing, here's what I need you to do about it."

But what if I came the way the psalm suggests? What if I started by acknowledging the good things already present—the breath in my lungs, the people who love me, the second chances I didn't deserve, the ordinary mercies that showed up today without fanfare?

The second part of the verse adds music and song to the mix. There's something about expressing gratitude that wants to go beyond just words. It wants to rise up, to celebrate, to make a joyful noise. Thanksgiving naturally moves toward praise.

Maybe you're thinking, "But I don't have much to be thankful for right now." I get it. Some seasons are harder than others. But even in the difficult times, there's something to bring before God with gratitude—even if it's just the fact that he's still there, still listening, still holding space for your honest prayers.

The practice of thanksgiving changes us. It doesn't necessarily change our circumstances, but it does change how we experience them. It trains our eyes to look for God's presence rather than just cataloging his absence.

So, before we launch into today's requests, today's worries, today's long list of what needs fixing, what if we started with thanksgiving? What if we came into God's presence by first naming what's already good, already beautiful, already sufficient?

You might be surprised how that simple shift changes everything else that follows.

Father, teach us to come into your presence with hearts full of gratitude. Help us see the gifts we've been given before we focus on what we lack. May our thanksgiving rise to you like music and song. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney....

Throughout the summer and early Fall of 2024, my three brothers and I, along with Mom’s caretakers, determined that she needed 24-hour care. A live-in rotation schedule was planned that included the family and a caregiver. Mother had been managing her daily living routine with caregivers coming each day to assist with meals, medication, housekeeping, socialization, and driving her to appointments, etc. The family assumed those tasks during frequent extended visits.

Mother was 105 years old, but with her cane, she was quite mobile. However, on Sunday, Jan 26, 2025, she experienced a fall. She was rushed to the hospital, and it was determined that she had a broken arm and had other injuries. A week passed, and Mom was transferred to a nursing home. Friends and family came to visit. The nursing staff kept Mom comfortable.

One afternoon, as I walked into the room, Mom asked, “Who’s there?” I replied, “It’s Steve, Mom.” “Oh, Steve,” she said, “who is that young man with you?” I looked around, but no one was there. She said, “Behind you. You don’t see him, do you?” “No, Mom,” I said, “I don’t. Perhaps it is an angel.” Then she told me that she sees them all the time.

I have to say, I was stunned. I have never had such an experience, and I drew no conclusions as to what took place.

But I have thanked God for the peace, love, and comfort he gave my beloved Mother during her journey home. On February 7, 2025, Mother took the hand of Jesus and took her first step into the eternal and beautiful land of light.

Thank you, Father, for speaking to your people through your word and providing peace even as we grieve those whom we have lost. May we have wholesome discernment and in all our ways, may we gain wisdom and be aware of the presence of your holy spirit in our world. Amen.

This devotion was written by Stephen F Hankal 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 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 devotional was written and read by Pat Scruggs.

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 Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and to those who are perishing. To one, the smell of death and to the other, the fragrance of life.

We have several butterfly bushes near our house. As I was mowing, I noticed how the bushes attracted many butterflies of different colors. I wondered what was attracting the butterflies to the bushes. Then, as I mowed closer to the bushes, the fragrance of the blooms on the butterfly bushes was nearly breathtaking. That and perhaps the color of the blooms was what was attracting the butterflies.

This experience made me wonder about myself. Hopefully, we all carry an aroma that, if not pleasant, at least is not offensive. I believe the word fragrance in the scripture is a metaphor for our actions, words, and ways in which others see us.

Is it the words we speak or, at times, the words we do not speak when perhaps we should? Is it the action we take or perhaps the lack of action when action is called for?

Might it be personal care for ourselves or care for others? Could it be the sympathy we offer or empathy when we have walked in others’ shoes?

We may just want to blend in and not be noticed. However, I believe Jesus would want us to be focused on others, humble, and a servant leader.

Some may, actually many may, get a good read on our “fragrance” by reading what we post or share on Facebook.

As we are called to make disciples and win others to Christ, we need to make sure our “fragrance” is appealing to others by our actions, our words, and overall “effect.” Many times we are seen or heard, even though we may not be aware of it.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to give off a “fragrance” that is appealing to others so that they may know we are Christians by our love, words, and actions. Help us to try to lead a life more like your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Emmit Rawls.

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/.