In isolation the closing verse of Psalm 29 is a soothing verse. But in context, it is even more soothing.

It reminds me of a memory I have from childhood. I grew up in West Tennessee. Tornadoes were just part of the landscape, with 92 of them between 1960 and 1980. We didn’t have as many as the folks in Oklahoma. I once knew a guy from Oklahoma who claimed his home had a wind-checker by the front door. It was a knothole through which you poked a crowbar to test the wind. If the crowbar bent, you didn’t open the door. But we had a lot of tornadoes in West Tennessee, and even more storms that were nearly tornadoes.

We didn’t have a storm shelter, but my parents had their house built with a central hub instead of a hallway, including a windowless bathroom. I remember huddling with my family in that place of relative safety, insulated from the other rooms with windows that could break in the wind and scatter life-threatening glass shards. Many times we sat in that room lit only by candles with the power out, and listened to the winds howling outside.

When the storm passed, the quiet felt more peaceful, less taken for granted, than before the storm.

Psalm 29 seems to be a Psalm of David, written as he witnessed a storm sweeping in from the Mediterranean Sea, shattering cedars in Lebanon, and tearing through Israel destroying wilderness and forests before finally devolving into peace, leaving God still enthroned and his people at peace.

When God goes with us through the storms of life, it makes the peace he ultimately brings that much more profound.

Father, we face many storms in this life. You came to us in the person of Jesus and lived as one of us, among us, and so you know the storms of life firsthand, beyond the knowledge that comes from being our Creator. Thank you for the peace that passes understanding when we trust in you despite our circumstances. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.

This devotion 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/.

This devotion was written and read 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/.

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 scripture appears in the Gospel of John, as part of Jesus’ long soliloquy to the disciples preparing them for his departure. It provides the transition between the Last Supper and the arrest of Jesus. The disciples are confused and troubled by Jesus’ words. It is only after his death and resurrection and appearance in their midst that they begin to understand.

Over 2000 years later, we are like the disciples. At moments in our lives, we are stunned by loss and grief and we cannot see the promise of new life. Perhaps it is the end of a relationship; the loss of a job; the death of a loved one. Where do we go from here?

One of my favorite stories in the New Testament takes place near the end of the book of John. It is set at the tomb of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of death and loss. It is pre-dawn and Mary Magdalene has come to the tomb and discovered it is empty. She runs to tell Simon Peter and the other disciples. The men rush to the tomb and likewise discover it to be empty, then leave.

But Mary stands there weeping. She looks into the tomb and sees two angels inside. They say, “Woman why are you weeping?” Mary replies she does not know where the body of Jesus has been taken, then turns around and, through her tears, sees a man she believes to be a gardener. The figure is actually Jesus, but Mary does not recognize him. He asks her why she is weeping and she says, “Sir, tell me where they have taken him, and I will take him away.”

This is the darkest hour, both physically and spiritually, for Mary. Earlier she stood at the foot of the cross. All her hopes and dreams for Christ to be the Savior of the world, have died. And now she cannot even find the body to prepare it for burial. Mary is in despair. Then Jesus speaks her name, “Mary!” and she recognizes his voice. “Rabboni!” she exclaims. And the sun comes up over the tomb and her heart nearly bursts with joy. A new world is dawning, and Mary realizes that Jesus has fulfilled his promise. “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Dear God, we thank you for the fulfillment of your love through the life of Jesus Christ. We know that in this world we will have trouble. But we take heart that you have overcome the world and will work all things for ultimate good. Thanks be to you for the gift of your Son. Amen.

This devotion was written by Laura Derr and read by Susan Daves.

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 this scripture, John the Baptist is recognizing that his ministry and notoriety will be diminishing as Jesus’ ministry begins. The brash desert preacher is happy to now take a back seat to the Messiah.

When I was a teenager, my brother lived in a communal home referred to as The Jesus House in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Our family once had an opportunity to visit the house and meet the residents. It was quite an experience to see a group of young people immersed in the mission of following Jesus.

On one occasion later, my brother brought the leader of the house to Maryville to visit with my family. When I greeted him, I’ll never forget that he said, “You look more like Jesus every time I see you.” I was so proud of that, something that probably should have been a real red flag, but I was new in my faith and my love language has always been words of affirmation. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that?

For me, new life in Christ means more than a beginning but rather a constant evolution towards the goal of “More of You, less of me.” I should always be working to morph into a state where I am a reflection of Christ to the world rather than a really good version of me.

In reality, I’ll admit that it still feels good to be recognized for the good that I do, the good that I give, and the good that I have become. I’m afraid that I haven’t quite tipped the scales to John’s declaration of “He must become greater; I must become less.” So how do we make this a reality for ourselves?

The new life for each of us should become a daily striving to achieve what Paul wrote about in the very familiar Romans 12:1. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

I struggled a bit with what this means in practice. But The Message translation explains to me better what is meant by a living sacrifice. It says: So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

If we can make this a consistent, daily practice, I believe we can begin to see the scales start to tip towards “More of You, less of me.”

Father God, I want to better reflect your love in every aspect of my everyday living. Help me to always seek the new life in Christ that you desire for me so that only your light shines through me. In Jesus’ name I 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/.

Well, well……. Patience is an interesting concept. It is about how we handle adversity, delays, unpleasant circumstances, and trouble.

Our first thought, at least mine, is how often I am caught in traffic and am irritated with the slow or distracted driver in front of me. That driver is keeping me from my destination for no obvious reason. In the end, I might be delayed by one or two minutes, but the frustration I feel and anger I feel are just not examples of patience at all. I am the only one affected by that childish outburst.

As I was thinking about this scripture, I realized that frustration and impatience often go hand in hand and might even be confused. Frustration is more about the inability to cope with situations, much like a child learning a new skill who throws a tantrum when their early eIorts are not successful. Impatience, on the other hand, is about an unwillingness to wait for something. We often tap our foot, honk our horn, drum our fingers or pour out those great big sighs.

Our scripture today tells us to be patient with each other, making allowances for each other. I must say my mother lived this to the fullest. No matter the circumstances, she always rallied with the most kind reason someone might behave in a manner that annoyed the rest of us. With these kind words, she reminded us that we should remember to love others and accept their faults, behaviors, attitudes (whatever the situation) with grace and love. After all, God still loves us even when we are not well behaved.

She hoped that her example of patience would grow in us and we would learn that getting angry or upset out of a lack of patience would diminish over time. She strongly wanted our capacity to overlook and accept these situations without responding negatively, complaining, or getting riled up. She expected us to love first and to live in harmony with others.

Patience is something that has grown in me over time. I have learned that some situations that challenge my patience are simply out of my control, and I must turn them over to God and quit trying to fix them on my own. I must be patient with others and myself. Recently, a situation with a family member was resolved after several years. At first, I tried my way to make things better, and then I gave it to God. Out of the blue, with patience, love and persistent prayer, the relationship was renewed. The peace that follows is abundant.

I think The Message says it well,

So, we must learn to be and be willing to be patient, to seek harmony, and to love even when we don’t understand, even when we are delayed and our plans are turned upside down.

Patience allows us to work through conflicts and misunderstandings so that we might have harmony and peace in our lives and relationships with others.

Gracious and loving God, be with us as we grow in our ability and desire to be patient. Allow us to be quick to listen and understand, to see that just as you are patient with our shortcomings, we too should recognize the differences of our fellow travelers and truly seek to live in harmony. You call us to love others and to be patient with them. Guide us as we grow in our love and service with you. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotional is written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United...

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/.

STRESS, everyone seems so stressed. Is this new? I don’t really think so. Life is stressful. It’s not going to change. Nothing I say here will change how the world and human society operates.

I could say that I’m too busy to write this; too busy to listen, too busy to notice, too busy to care, too busy to help, too busy to love.

I could say that I’m too poor to share; of my money, my time, my love.

Is it that I don’t have enough, or am I stressing the wrong things?

Have you ever noticed that stress also means what we emphasize- what we focus on?

In fact, when I put the “em-PHA-sis on the wrong syl-LA-ble,” I misunderstand and am misunderstood.

We don’t get to choose what happens in life. We don’t get to choose how other people behave. But it has been pointed out that there is one thing, and one thing only, in life that we have control over, and that is how we react to what happens around us. There is an option to be thoughtful about what we focus on.

There is a battle for our attention and focus. What do we choose to focus on?

Being stressed is a choice.

Being thankful is a choice.

Being sad is a choice.

Being happy is a choice.

Living in fear is a choice.

Living in faith is a choice.

Of course, this is not true about the emotion you feel in a split second. This is about pausing, reflecting, and deciding who we want to be in this world. It takes strength and patience to find the peace of Christ in our hearts. Whose image do you follow, and is it something that you do with or without thought?

The choices we make become the habits of our behavior. They form the pattern of who we are. As we weave the tapestry that becomes a lifetime, what picture will emerge from our choices? Will it be random, angry, and fearful, or will it be intentional, loving, and thankful?

The next time you find that you have lost the peace of Christ in your heart because of the stress of life, what choice will you make?

May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts in the quiet times and the stressful times. Give us the strength to follow Your path and emphasize what matters. Give us the strength and the foresight to pause, reflect, and choose. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness when we fall short of this, and help us to make choices that show our love for You and our neighbors. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jill Pope and read by Judy Wilson.

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/.