I grew up in a church tradition that did not observe Lent and therefore Lenten practices like fasting or “giving something up.” Save that Catholics ate fish on Fridays (for some reason), it was largely a foreign concept to me, to be honest, until I was in college and learned a little more about other Christian denominations. During that time, I learned about the practice of giving something up for Lent (even in protestant churches!) in a demonstration of devotion. Often something that wasn’t very healthy in the first place, like fast food or alcohol or, most frequently for some reason, chocolate, this always struck me as a little quirky. “How does that demonstrate one’s love for God, anyway? It seems kind of like a second chance at your New Year’s resolution” I wondered. “And if you end up indulging, is that to say your devotion is compromised?”

I don’t mean to malign anyone’s disciplines. But some years later, I learned of what resonates with me to be a better practice — intentional addition of a particular spiritual practice during the season of Lent. Setting extra time aside to read one’s Bible or pray or read devotions or (my personal favorite) read and reflect on hymn texts is far more helpful for me — turning the idea of fasting from what isn’t helpful into feasting on what is best for us. Plus, it’s something that has far more potential to extend past the season into the rest of our year, whereas depriving ourselves of something we really want the whole time just means that we might overindulge when we hit “the finish line.”

In this passage from Isaiah, we see a similar sentiment. The fasting that God seeks, according to the prophet, is to devote oneself to creating more justice in the world, to freeing the prisoner and lifting up the oppressed, to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing the naked. In other words, Isaiah is telling us that fasting just for the sake of fasting is not what God desires, but rather, we are to do God’s work here on earth. I am reminded of my favorite quote of Pope Francis: “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” As the hands and feet of Christ, we are called to do the things that are necessary to enact and enable God’s will to be made manifest.

Don’t get me wrong. I still try to give something up during Lent. Frankly, it’s always the same thing — road rage. I try, usually unsuccessfully, but I keep trying. But I have, over time added more spiritual practices in, and, again, some have stuck after Lent and some have not. But I have not regretted the decision to do so once, and I know that I’m better off having added these in, even if for a short time. During Lent and throughout the year, I hope that we all find new ways to love God and our neighbors.

God, we do love you. Help us to find ways to show our appreciation for all you do and have done for us both by devoting our lives to you and by loving your people. We pray that we always remember to be your hands and feet, not just praying that your will is done, but working to make your world a better place. 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...

I'm not proud of this, but I often find myself reading the Bible so quickly and superficially that I miss the deeper meaning of the stories. The account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert is one of those stories for me. I’ve read it dozens of times, and my mind tends to jump straight to the conclusion, and the realization that in God's power we can resist temptation and it will eventually pass.

While that conclusion is accurate and extremely helpful, it overlooks several important points.

Jesus' time alone in the desert was not an accident. He didn't just wander off by himself. The scripture says that The Holy Spirit led him there, and he was fully aware of why he was there. Fasting and prayer, then as now, were about preparation. Jesus was in the desert to prepare for his public ministry and His ultimate mission—death on a cross.

Also, the devil's temptations were not random. Jesus was fully divine, but also fully human, which means that he felt tempted like any human. The devil tempted him by appealing to his humanity: his physical needs, pride, and desire for recognition and material things, and that appeal directly called for Jesus to defy God.

As surely as the sun rises and sets, we can be sure that when we seek to have a deeper relationship with Jesus, we will be tempted, and it is not always due to our weaknesses. God does not lead us into sin, but He sometimes does allow us to be tested, and it seems that the more we desire a close relationship with God, the greater the temptation. Usually the temptation directly strikes at our human needs and desires, and the greater the temptation, the more we begin to rationalize giving in to it. We may even begin to doubt God and His word. It is not a sin to have human needs and desires, but our adversary, the same one Jesus had, will twist them and lie and use them to make us consider turning our backs on God or disregarding His commands and promises.

The season of Lent signifies the time Jesus spent in the desert preparing for ministry and enduring temptation. It is a time for repentance and fasting, meant to prepare our hearts for the coming of Easter. It is also a time of tempting. It will happen.

Jesus successfully resisted the devil's temptation by turning to God's word and His promises. He knew that the temptations were all lies, and God's word is true.

It is no less true now than it was then. As we look forward to celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection—the foundation for all our hope—let's follow Jesus' example and use those same promises and words to resist our adversaries' lies. Let's take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus' death and resurrection give us life, starting now and for all time, and no temptation can take that away.

Father, thank you for giving us life through the death and resurrection of your son. As we spend time seeking a closer relationship with you, let us not be surprised or alarmed by temptation. May we always remember your word and your promises and know that they are more powerful than the lies of our adversary. Amen.

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....

The Prophet Joel was tired of the shallow faith he saw in the lives of the people around him. Theirs was a “surface” type of faith. Saying all the right things but without remorse or commitment to real and serious change. He challenges them to a time of fasting and repentance, He uses this visual image: “tear your hearts not your clothing,” which was the ritual way of showing remorse. He wants them to go deeper, to move beyond the external symbols to a real change.

Too often we, like the people Joel first challenged, tend to live this surface type of faith. We bless people we meet, we go to church on Sunday, and we ask for forgiveness often. While all of these are good, without sincerity and changed lives we do not improve as a person and we do not deepen our walk with God.

I think of an example. A person I knew had an anger problem. Just about anything would set him off. He would yell and sometimes act in a threatening way that scared his family and friends. He would feel genuine remorse later and come asking for forgiveness. Yet nothing really changed. One night he was standing outside of the bedroom as his wife put their daughter to bed. He listened to her prayers. After the normal thanking God for the people and pets in her life she said this, “And God, help daddy to not be angry because I am tired of being afraid.” He was guilt stricken.

Words of forgiveness were not enough. He had to do something. That night he got out a jar and put a label on it, “Angry Fines.” The next day he told the family that every time they saw him getting angry to tell him to put a dollar in the jar. Whenever it got to a set amount the family, without him, would go to the movies. Early on the family went to a lot of movies. But each day he strived harder to not have to put in a dollar. One day a year or so later the family realized that it had been more than a month since he had last paid a fine. To celebrate they all went to Disney Land.

Sometimes words are not enough. Enacting real change is hard but we don’t have to do it alone. Joel reminds us of the true nature of God. God is patient, loving, compassionate, merciful and ready to forgive. When we truly strive to change we have all the help we need.

Change is hard, full of weeping and sorrow, but with love God will see us through to a new beginning.

Loving God, help us to go deep to tear our hearts not our clothes. Give us the strength to really change and forgive us and love us throughout this journey. AMEN

This devotion was written by Bill Green 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...

It is that time of year again. A time I love, when the earth comes alive in countless shades of green, and vibrant displays of bloom.

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate winter. I need winter. In fact, a few years ago I wrote this poem about the necessary starkness of winter, and how it speaks to me:

Without winter, there could be no end to winter. Without winter, there would be no spring. This time of year that I love is made sweeter by its absence, by having to wait for it.

The writings of Ezekiel are made powerful by their contrast. The beginnings of the book are harsh, judgmental. But after the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel’s prophetic messages turn to hope. God will act to restore what has fallen, and to revive God’s people. What is desolate will be cultivated; what is destroyed will be rebuilt, not because of who the people are, but because of who God is.

It is God’s nature to begin again, to start over, to redeem and restore. In this beautiful part of the world, here in east Tennessee, we get to witness it every year. The season speaks renewal and redemption. Today, may your heart hear its message.

Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we thank you for the lessons spring teaches us, year after blessed year. May we look for signs of new life, evidence of your activity in the world, today and every day, and may we be thereby encouraged to speak as witnesses of your redemptive love and faithfulness. 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...

This verse in Matthew is within the context of Jesus’ teaching when he left Galilee and went to Judea on the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds follow, including Pharisees, who ask questions regarding Jewish law. Previously in this chapter they have asked about marriage and divorce and how to gain entry into the Kingdom of God. The disciples are astonished at the parable of the rich man and Jesus’ statement that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for the rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. Peter asks “What then will be there for us?” and Jesus responds that those who have followed him will sit on thrones with him at the renewal of all things.

However, following Him isn’t just about making a statement that “I believe. . .” hanging out with a certain group of people, or being at the Temple at certain times. Jesus has told them to make sacrifices: sell possessions and give money to the poor or leave their homes and families for his sake. Jesus reiterates some of the 10 Commandments, saying, “You shall not murder, commit adultery, steal or give false testimony. You shall honor your mother and father and love your neighbor as yourself.”

The sacrifice is not about just what we give up, it is also about how we live. We are asked to live in a way that is different from what is typically viewed as acceptable or successful in the modern world and to love people who are different from us, not just those with whom we share skin tone and values and beliefs. As a teacher, I never earned a lot of money. I never expected to. What I did come to cherish was my time: time with my family, time for recreation, time for personal learning. I came to guard “my time” and sometimes make questionable decisions about how to use it. “If I skip church this morning, we can sleep in,” or “If I skip church this morning, maybe I can make a dent in that mountain of dirty laundry.” My desire for time led me to place more value on some things at the expense of other more important things, such as worship and Bible study. I needed to rearrange my priorities; the eye of the needle for me was maintaining the importance of time for worship and service in my life.

If my goal is to sit with Jesus at the renewal of all things, then my life must demonstrate that goal. I must strive to not only follow His teachings but also to make the sacrifices I am asked to make in His name.

Heavenly Father, help us each to understand what is expected of us as your followers. Give us the strength and courage to make hard choices so that our time on Earth is pleasing to you and an example to others. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to do this. Amen.

This devotion is 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

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/.

"Because He Lives" was one of Mom's favorite hymns. The sheet music for this and other traditional hymns always sat open on her piano. "Blessed Assurance", "Amazing Grace", and "How Great Thou Art" were much loved too. Many afternoons she would play through her favorites, meditating, offering silent prayers and worshiping. This daily ritual was a renewal of spirit and gave her a deep sense of comfort.

Hebrews 7:25 highlights the powerful and eternal love of Jesus telling us He is always there to intercede on our behalf. His love is ever present and all encompassing. We are comforted "Because He Lives."

In 1835 the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "Music is the universal language of mankind." We know that music crosses all kinds of barriers- culture, age, poverty, illness.

Sitting quietly, listening to the songs of nature, walking along a bubbling stream, humming your favorite hymn are all restorative and healing activities. We are comforted and uplifted by simple melodies.

Music is a gift of Creation. Transcending and transforming, it is a spiritual gift that connects us to God's divine and everlasting love.

Praise be to God.

Lord, we come humbly before you today thanking you for your unconditional love and the reassurance of salvation. We also praise you and thank you for the gift of music which lifts our spirits and reminds us of your divine love. Amen.

This devotional was written by A.C. Griffith 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/.

Want to experience a tiny resurrection today? Smile at a stranger. In fact, smile at strangers all day long. Heaven knows the world needs it. Heaven knows you need it.

Considered by many to be the greatest saint of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux is beloved for her simplicity of faith, her spirituality of “The Little Way.” St. Therese, a Carmelite nun, died of tuberculosis at the age of 24 in 1897, but her “little way of love” lives on in the countless others who remain inspired by her life and teachings. She practiced her faith by attempting to imbue every action with love. Her “little way” was not to strive toward doing great things, but instead to do the small day to day things with greater love.

She wrote, “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love,” and “A word or smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”

Such truth. I have experienced it? Haven’t you? A genuine smile, a kind word, or a gentle touch can be like a breath of air to the drowning. In these troubled days, many of us feel like the world needs so much more than any of us can provide. Today, be reminded that the world has a Savior, One who arrives on the scene in the smallest of kind acts, every time you smile at a stranger, or speak a kind word, or lend a hand, or show compassion in any way.

It is balm for a broken heart, and sometimes it is enough to revive a weary soul.

As the writer of Proverbs says, “Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”

Lord, shine your light through my eyes this day, that I might carry a tiny bit of your resurrection power into this world deeply in need of your love and redemption. In Christ’s loving and holy 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/.