Many years ago when my kids were young we had the pleasure of welcoming the African children's choir to our church. This choir was founded in 1984 by a man named Ray Barnett who was traveling in wartorn Uganda and gave a small boy a ride to a safer village. During the journey the child began to sing in the midst of all the surrounding chaos.

Out of this was born the choir which focuses on children orphaned mainly by AIDS and war. They are schooled and trained and then tour all over North America. Their performance that day was glorious.Their energy, joy, and enthusiasm were contagious.The congregation rose and danced and sang along.It was an absolute worship experience. So many kinds of voices joined together.

After they finished my young son leaned over and whispered to me, “I wish I could dance and sing like that without being embarrassed.” Don't we all. We practiced singing to the Lord and letting the world know of his glory that day.

Lord, help us to see the glorious things you have done in your world around us each and every day and not be embarrassed to tell others that they may also see your goodness. Amen.

This devotion was written and recorded by Leslie 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/.

During the four decades, during which I was a college professor, I heard all of the excuses. Students could not come to class, could not complete their assignments, could not do the things that they were supposed to do and that I knew that they could do all because of… well, you could fill in the blank.

Numerous times, I asked the students, no matter what their failings, to stop offering me excuses. The excuses did me no good, and they were certainly not doing the students any good. And yet, the excuses continued no matter how much I asked them to stop.

In truth, however, I am no better than many of my students. I am an expert at making excuses for myself. There is always a reason why I can’t do as I should. I have a whole list: That’s the way I am. That’s the way my parents raised me. I don’t have it in me. I don’t know how.

In this passage of scripture, God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, is clear and refreshingly direct. If anything, he sounds a little like an exasperated teacher. No more excuses. Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean. Remove the evil things from your life. Do the right thing.

If there is something that we need to talk about, God says, then let’s talk. Let’s argue it out. It is a direct challenge to all of our excuses. If I get into an argument with God, I’m pretty sure I know who’s going to win that one.

And then God offers us a promise, a promise of forgiveness. If we will do the things that he asks, our sins will be washed away. What thing on earth can we want more than to have our sins forgiven, to be in the presence of the God who loves us, and to know his spirit and his grace more fully? What excuse can we offer for rejecting that?

Our Father, Help us to accept the commandment to put aside our excuses so that you can forgive our sins and that we can experience your love and grace. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall and read by Amy Large.

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/.

As I write this, a good three weeks into January, I am thinking about the Christmas decorations in my neighborhood that have not been taken down, their lights still burning each night. It’s well past epiphany. So the other night I was walking my dog, and contemplating the number of people who left their lights up longer than usual this year. I find it curious, but I don’t blame them, and I certainly don’t mind. In fact, I said a silent prayer of gratitude. Because I still need a little Christmas. Still long to welcome the baby Jesus. Still yearn to see love come down, heaven touch earth, and light pierce darkness.

When I consider this scripture passage from the gospel of Matthew, I can’t help but think about how God came to us as a little child. The people expected a king, a powerful ruler who would liberate by force. Instead, Jesus arrived on the scene as a newborn, wrapped in rags, sleeping in a feed trough–humble, vulnerable, a lowly child who was, in fact, the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. To understand what Christ means when he teaches his disciples that we will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless we change and become like little children, we need to look no further than his origin story.

As you hear this, I expect that the Christmas lights in my neighborhood—and yours—have finally come down. But perhaps you and I both still need a little Christmas, still long to see heaven come down, and touch earth. In this passage from Matthew, Jesus gives us clear instructions on how to usher in the kingdom. And it is not to fight and force our way to greatness. No, in fact it is not to become great at all. It is to become lowly.

It is not to exalt an earthly king. It is to welcome a little child.

Lord Jesus, we know your kingdom is not of this world, and yet too often we think we might find you by running after earthly things. Humble us, that we might have the eyes, the minds and the hearts of children. May we look for you in the least among us and in welcoming them, may we welcome your kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

This devotion 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/.

I recall a story I heard a pastor tell. His granddaughter and another girl got into a lively game of comparison. One would say what they could do and then the other would come back with something even better. Finally his granddaughter said, “I can walk fifty-nine miles.” The other girl said, “You can’t!” His granddaughter then said, I can take my grandpa’s hand and keep up with him and he can walk fifty-nine miles so I can walk fifty-nine miles if I hold his hand.”

The pastor went on to say, “Though my granddaughter might be wrong as to how far I can walk, she is not completely wrong, for when she holds my hand she can do things which otherwise she could not do.”

That story has stayed with me for many years and it, along with Isaiah 41:10’s promises have been a source of strength and hope when times are difficult. In Isaiah we are reminded that God is with us, strengthening us and helping us. Then the great promise, “God is holding us with God’s righteous strong hand”, or I would say, “Wen I place my hand in God’s strong hand I will not be afraid. “ Many has been the time when I am in difficult times that I have thought, “How am I going to manage?” I fear and wonder, “Can I do it? Am I strong enough?” Then I pause and reach out mentally seeking for that righteous strong hand and my fears subside for I know God is with me. With God I can do so much more than I believed possible because I am holding on tight to that powerful hand.

As an example: I was asked to teach at a conference. Never before had I been in front of so large a group. There were many sitting there with as much and likely more knowledge on the subject than I had. I was afraid of looking foolish. I considered not doing it but I knew that I would let a lot of people down. So I studied and worried. The night before the event was to start I lay awake far into the night filled with dread concerning the day to come. Then I remembered this verse telling me not to fear for God was with me. A peace came over me. I recalled the study I had done, the passion I felt for the topic, and the realization that God was with me. I went to sleep and slept soundly and the next day I gave my presentation calmly and with joy. I did more than I thought I could do because I was holding onto God’s righteous hand.

So are you facing a difficult choice? Are you facing an uncertain tomorrow because of your health or the health of a loved one? Are there situations that weigh on your heart? Remember, you are not in this alone. Reach out and take ahold of God’s righteous hand and do not fear. You will find that you can do much more than you thought possible and that you can face these situations with love and grace.

Loving God, when we are filled with doubt or fear remind us that you are there, holding us and helping us. May we always place our ives in your hands and find love and peace, AMEN.

This devotional was written by Bill Green 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/.

This story of Jesus feeding the five thousand appears in various forms in other Gospels.

A children’s book tells this story. A young boy has heard that Jesus is coming near and he wants to go see and hear him. However, neither the boy’s father or mother can take him. Along comes an uncle who is going and agrees to take the boy with him.

The boy’s mother will not let him leave without packing him a lunch, five loaves and two fish.

Off they go, and when the disciples go through the crowd looking for food, the boy gladly gives them all that he has. When the five loaves and two fish are placed in Jesus’ hands and blessed, they become more than enough to feed all those present.

For us the lesson is simple. Like the little boy, if we freely give what we have to Jesus, then it will be more than enough to feed everyone. There are those of us that have the food and are willing to give it but need help in getting it to those that need it. There are some of us that don’t have the food but can be the hands and feet of Jesus to get it where the needs to be.

Ever present and loving God, help me share your love by freely giving and doing the things that please you.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins 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/.

A pivotal figure in the book of Psalms is King David. Each of the Psalms shows a different aspect of the life of King David and his unwavering faith in his Lord, which is what I find perhaps the most impressive about David as a character.

What I find even more impressive about David is how far back this faith traces: to his battle with Goliath, in which it seemed the odds were stacked against him, armed only with a slingshot and several stones, while his adversary towered over him and wielded a sword. However, despite these terrifying odds, David stood strong in the face of adversity, placing his trust in the Lord, and was able to slay the giant.

David is a testament to the Lord being his strength and shield, as the Lord helped him through what should have otherwise been an impossible battle. However, due to his unwavering faith and trust, he was able to stand strong in the faith of adversity and have God as his strength and shield. In modern times, it is easy to feel that our battles are impossible or likened to Goliaths, however, we should all strive to be like David and let the lord be our strength and shield, for as long as we place our trust in him, he will help and protect us always.

Dear God, help us always remember that while we may face some harsh battles, like David, that you are with us. May we place our faith in you so you may be our strength and shield now and always. Amen.

This devotion 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/.

This is the famous story of Jesus and his disciples feeding the 5,000, the crowd that had gathered around Jesus. It appears in all four of the gospels, but in the verses we just read, we don’t hear the end of the story. We should pay attention to the way in which this story develops.

The problem is enormous. Five thousand people need to be fed. Jesus asked Philip what he should do, and Philip, typical of the disciples and typical of many of us, simply describes the problem. A half a year’s wages would not feed all of these people adequately.

Another disciple, Andrew, brings to Jesus, a small boy who has only five loaves and two fish, and Andrew is quick to point out how little this is compared to the problem that they face.

We face enormous problems. Wars and cruelties surround us. Climate change is upon us. Our political and social systems are wracked with division. Even the church has problems that seem insurmountable. And we have so little to offer. Our resources are totally inadequate, and, as shown here, there are always people who are willing to point that out.

We fear that we cannot solve these problems, and the temptation for us is to give up.

It is certainly true that in facing many of our problems, both personal and social, we lack to resources to solve them or even to make much difference. But then we remember what happened in this particular story. Jesus took the bread and the fish that the little boy had brought and blessed it. And after that, in a short amount of time, everyone in that multitude was fed and satisfied, and there was food leftover.

In facing the problems that we have today, what if we simply presented the small resources that we have or did the inadequate things that we could do, and then we asked Jesus to bless those things. What do you think might happen?

Would you pray with me? Our Father, we do not need to be reminded that our resources and efforts are totally inadequate to solve many of the problems that we face. We do need to be reminded of your power and your grace and the way it works in all situations. Help us to rely not on the resources that we have but on the abilities and resources of your spirit. Amen.

This devotion was written 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/.

When I was in elementary school, I loved to read biographies written for young readers. The one that had the biggest impact on me was on Glenn Cunningham, the great middle distance runner. In one part of the book, he was traveling and standing with his suitcase at his side. A man approached him to ask about his luggage tag. He wondered if the “P-h-i-l. 4:13” on the tag was his time for a mile race in Philadelphia. Glenn replied no. It was for Philippians 4:13. That had became by favorite Bible verse. Since then I have read that his favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31, but I expect that Phil.4:13 wasn’t far behind.

What made these verses special was not that Glenn was probably the best miler of his time but how he got there. As an 8-year-old he and his 13-year-old brother were in a fire at school. His brother died. Glenn was expected to die. He didn’t, but the burns on the lower part of his body were so bad that the doctor wanted to amputate his legs. They didn’t, but he was told that he would never walk again.

He not only walked but ran in both the 1932 and 1936 Summer Olympics.

Ever present God, help me to remember that you are always by my side and that I can do all things that you ask of me because you supply the strength needed. Amen.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by John Cherry.

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/.