I'm reading C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity again - third or fourth time through, I've lost count. You'd think a book I've read that many times wouldn't surprise me anymore. But yesterday, I hit Book 3, Chapter 1, and something clicked that I'd completely missed before.

Lewis uses this landlord-tenant analogy to explain our relationship with God, and it stopped me cold. We walk around thinking we own our lives - our time, our bodies, our choices, our futures. But Lewis points out that's fundamentally wrong. God made us. Christ redeemed us. We're not owners. We're stewards. We're tenants living in someone else's property.

That "a-ha" moment sent me straight to Paul's letter to the Corinthians, where he says almost the exact same thing: "You are not your own; you were bought at a price."

When Paul wrote those words, he used agorazō - Greek marketplace language, the same word for purchasing goods or redeeming slaves. He's being deliberately blunt: your life has changed ownership. You no longer belong to yourself.

Once you see it Lewis's way - as tenants, not owners - Christian morality suddenly makes more sense. Lewis says Christian morality has three parts: how you treat yourself, how you treat others, and your relationship with God. Those aren't arbitrary rules. They're the natural responsibilities of tenancy. Don't ruin the Landlord's property. Treat the other tenants well. Remember, you're accountable to the Owner who's moved in with you.

Here's what really got me: we're being shaped to be the kind of tenants who can actually live with the Landlord forever. That's sanctifying grace in action - God transforming us to match our actual identity as His beloved property.

And the beautiful part? That fulfilling life starts now. The moment you put your faith in Christ's redeeming gift, the renovation begins. You don't have to wait until heaven to experience the joy of living in alignment with God. Yes, we're going to change residences at some point - Scripture promises perfected bodies fitted for our permanent home. But the landlord-tenant relationship isn't something that only pays off later. It's already paying dividends right here in the temporary housing.

When you understand it this way, the whole Christian life shifts. It's not primarily about what you can't do - a long list of religious restrictions. It's about God fitting you to live with Him, starting today. Every transformation, every refinement - it's preparation for the permanent home, yes, but it's also making your current residence more livable, more joyful, more aligned with how life was meant to be lived. He's renovating you to experience the fullness of joy in His presence - and that renovation makes life better now, not just later.

The cross makes this deeply personal. Christ didn't just pay some abstract cosmic debt. He bought you. He looked at the price tag on your life and said, "Worth it."

So when Paul says "honor God with your bodies," he's saying: live like you understand whose you are. Live like someone who's been purchased at an incredible cost. Live like a tenant who's learning to be family with the Landlord.

Because that's exactly what you are.

Father, help us live as people who understand we belong to You. Thank You for paying the price to redeem us. Transform us into the kind of people who can fully live in Your presence, now and forever. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney

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/.

The story of Nicodemus has always intrigued me. He is a Pharisee, a member of the group that often questions and harasses Jesus. He is also an educated and thoughtful man. He appears three times in the book of John, but the first time he comes in the evening in stealth, in the dark, to testify that he believes Jesus comes from God. Yet Nicodemus testifies in a private place where no one except Jesus will hear him. And Jesus teaches Nicodemus a lesson. He states that "you must be born again."

Nicodemus, fearing to recognize Jesus' power in public and mired in the reality of this world, takes Jesus' statement literally. He questions how a grown man can emerge again from his mother's womb. Jesus appears to lose patience with him and reminds him that the rebirth is of the spirit, not the flesh. The reader does not know how this encounter ends, but senses that Nicodemus left chastised.

I can identify with Nicodemus. I am a person who likes to blend in with the people around me. It takes a lot for me even to disagree with others' opinions. I am rarely a verbal witness for Jesus in my life. Yet I am intrigued and in love with the promise that Jesus brings to this world of human frailty.

Nicodemus appears two more times in the book of John. When the Pharisees are determined to condemn Jesus as a false prophet, he speaks up. "Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?" (John 7:51). Nicodemus has found his voice. He dares to speak against the prevailing condemnation of his Pharisee companions.

After Jesus' crucifixion, Nicodemus accompanies Joseph of Arimathea to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. He helps prepare Jesus' body for burial with a mixture of spices and oils. Nicodemus has discovered the life of the spirit. In anointing the body of Jesus, he has been born again. May we all be reborn with the water and the spirit in this season of rebirth all around us.

Dear Lord, thank you for the examples you give us of people just like us, hesitant and guarded, who can discover the life of the spirit. Help us to embrace this life as well, and to go forth and proclaim your vision to the world. Amen

This devotional was written by Laura Derr 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/.

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/.

Luke places two stories side by side that we don't always connect. But Luke is a careful storyteller, and he almost never places things randomly. When two scenes sit side by side, it's usually because they interpret each other.

First, we see in Luke 10 the parable of the Good Samaritan in verses 25 through 37. It's a familiar story: A man is beaten and left for dead. The "right" people pass by. The Samaritan stops, shows mercy, and takes action. Jesus ends with a clear command: "Go and do likewise."

Then, almost immediately, we step into a home. Martha busies herself preparing food, doing exactly what her culture expects of her, what a good host should do. Mary, on the other hand, sits at Jesus' feet, listening. That may sound peaceful to us, but in that moment, it was unexpected, even a little disruptive. Put yourself in the same place as Martha and tell me you wouldn't be a little irritated.

Martha finally speaks up, and Jesus responds: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part."

Jesus doesn't rebuke Martha for serving. He names the actual problem: her worry. Her distraction. Maybe the same problem the priest and the Levite had, focused on their upcoming duties in the temple instead of the need and opportunity right in front of them.

Put these two stories together, and a fuller picture begins to emerge.

In one, love moves outward. It gets its hands dirty. It shows up for a neighbor in need.

In the other, love becomes attentive. It listens. It stays present.

Faithful living holds both. Love rightly ordered means knowing when to act and when to attend, when to serve and when to sit.

It's possible to do all the "right" things and still miss what matters most.

And sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is stop long enough to listen.

Lord, quiet the worries that pull our attention in too many directions, and help us to see what truly matters in each moment. Give us wisdom to know when to act and when to be still, and the grace to love you and others with a rightly ordered heart. In Jesus' name, 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/.

Not everyone comes to Jesus the same way. Matthew, the tax collector, was sitting at his booth when Jesus walked by and said two words — "Follow me" — and Matthew got up and left everything behind. No questions. No conditions. Something in Matthew recognized something in Jesus, and that was enough. It happened in an instant.

Nathanael's story is different, and the Gospel writer John seems to want us to notice that. When Philip tells Nathanael that they have found the Messiah — Jesus of Nazareth — Nathanael's response is immediate and honest: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" He is not a cynical man. He is a careful one. He has his doubts, and he says so plainly. But then Philip says something that changes everything. He doesn't argue. He doesn't push. He simply says, "Come and see." And Nathanael does just that.

That decision to go — to put his skepticism to the test rather than clinging to it — is the most important thing Nathanael does in this story. He moves. He leaves his prayers under the fig tree and takes action. A cynic stays home. A cynic has already decided. Nathanael hasn't decided anything yet, and that honesty, that willingness to be proven wrong, is precisely what Jesus sees in him as he approaches.

Jesus names it before Nathanael even opens his mouth. "Here is a true Israelite," he says, "in whom there is no deceit." That is a remarkable thing to say. The name Israel belongs to Jacob, and Jacob was a man whose greatest failing was deception — he deceived his brother, his father, and others throughout his life. Jesus looks at Nathanael and says: here is someone who has none of that. Here is someone who deals in truth, even when the truth might challenge what he already believes.

And Nathanael's reward for that integrity is extraordinary. Jesus promises him that he will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. This is the image from Jacob's dream in Genesis — the ladder between heaven and earth. Jesus is telling Nathanael that the connection between God and humanity that Jacob only glimpsed in a dream, Nathanael will see with his own eyes. Because he was willing to come and see, he will see everything.

Most of us are more like Nathanael than we are like Matthew. We have our questions. We have our doubts. That is not a failing. What Jesus asks of us is not the absence of doubt but the willingness to move toward him anyway — to come and see, to be honest enough to risk being wrong. And what we discover, as Nathanael discovered, is that Jesus already knows us. He saw us before we came to him. And he has greater things in store for us than we can yet imagine.

Our Father, give us the honesty to name our doubts and the courage to move toward you anyway. Thank you for seeing us as we are and for meeting us where we are. Help us always to be willing to come and see. 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/.

It must have been dark in that place of tombs when Mary Magdalene went very early on that Sunday morning and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance to the tomb. Simon Peter and the other disciple, who also came very early, had already gone home. But Mary stayed outside the tomb crying. She thought someone had taken his body. She wanted to know where he had been taken.

Not knowing who they were, she told this to the two angels who were seated inside the tomb. But finding no answer, she turned to go. That's when she saw Jesus standing there outside the tomb – but she didn't recognize him.

He asked why she was crying. Thinking he was the gardener, she assumed he had carried Jesus' body away. She said, if you have moved him, tell me where you have put him, so I can get him. At this point, Jesus spoke and called her name – "Mary"!

She recognized him then and called out in surprise – Rabboni! Teacher!

He told her in verse 18, to go and tell his brothers, the other disciples, that he was returning to the Father, my God and your God. And she did just that!

His first witness! A woman who had lived a sinful lifestyle. She had been forgiven much. She was loved and accepted by Jesus! We, too, are forgiven much, no matter our sins or lifestyles. We just need to call his name – Rabboni, Teacher, Jesus, Lord – help me! Forgive me! Show me the way I should go! I believe!

Thank You, God, that You forgive our sins and love us. Thank You for coming to live among us and for teaching us by your example. Help us to walk in your footsteps, to forgive others as you forgive us. And help us to spread this good news to the world, by telling ALL your brothers and sisters! In Jesus' name we pray…Amen!

This devotional 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/.

There was a natural spring on our small farm where I grew up. It was always one of my favorite places to hang out. It was fascinating to watch the clear, pure water bubble up through the sand. My father decided to enlarge the spring to increase the flow of water to give the cattle better access to the downstream pool. That process formed a natural bathtub-sized rock basin around the spring. It was a great place to get a drink on a hot summer day. It is a good memory.

All through the scriptures, there are stories and spiritual analogies involving water. Genesis 1:2 refers to the "Spirit of God moving over the surface of the water," and Revelation 22:17 "...let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

The first miracle that Jesus performed was at a wedding where he turned water into wine. John 2:1-11. Matthew 3:13-17 tells the story of Jesus's baptism by John in the Jordan River.

The Old Testament also contains numerous accounts of the significance of water. The story of Noah's ark, and Moses striking the rock twice, once in obedience and once in anger.

Psalm 1:3 speaks of the righteous man: "He will be as a tree firmly planted by the streams of water which yields fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and whatever he does he will prosper."

My mother made sure that my brothers and I, beginning at a young age, went to church. At the church we attended, Vacation Bible School was held during the summer. I remember that our class, on occasion, was visited by the pastor. On one such visit, we learned about baptism. After discussing this with my parents, I was baptized. I have never regretted it.

I have enjoyed fly fishing for many years. I appreciate the beauty of clear, flowing streams and find that they are good places for reflection and to find peace. The water falls especially.

There are many spiritually significant aspects concerning water, and it would be redundant to say life itself depends on it. So, whatever we do that involves water, even if it means washing the dishes, getting a drink, watering flowers, or something else, it might be a great time to say a prayer of thanksgiving for this essential element of life, water.

Thank you, Father, for water and all the healing and physical necessities it provides. And may we be aware of the spiritual analogies associated with water and those life lessons we find in your word. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Stephen Hankal

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 a tax collector, Matthew most likely had a fairly lucrative business. And yet, at the request of Jesus, he left his tax booth and followed.

Similarly, Peter went ashore, laid down his nets, and followed Jesus when summoned. And their lives would never be the same. All of his disciples left their well established lives to follow Jesus throughout his ministry and beyond.

Have you ever received such a call that would drastically change your life's trajectory and chose to follow that call? Such a call is usually a clear summon to go in a very different life direction. Such a call involves an unmistakable choice and requires an action on our part.

But what about the more subtle spirit nudges that we encounter on a regular basis. These don't involve pivotal life choices but are still a beckoning to action. When we see the person at the gas pump next to us who only puts $10 worth of gas in their car because that's all they can afford. Or someone who has to choose groceries to put back when they discover that they can't afford everything they've hoped to purchase. Or the friend that we hear about who is having a rough time and could use a call or a text or a visit. Responding to these nudges won't necessarily change our life paths but could have a significant impact on others.

Too often these opportunities present themselves in a moment that I have let pass without taking action and I instantly regret not responding. My cousin Bobby is one who is attuned to nudges. When he sits down with the young homeless man and says "Would you mind telling me your story?" When visits the table of elderly veterans in a restaurant to thank them for their service and pick up their check. Or packs up food from a restaurant and takes it to the homeless person on the sidewalk outside. It is those moments that he recognizes and doesn't let pass that may not turn his life around but can make a world of difference to the recipients of his kindness.

The big calls are important, they demand our attention and response and can make a tremendous difference in our lives; but they come ever so seldom. However, it's those spirit nudges that we receive in our daily lives that, if we recognize and respond, can make a significant difference for someone else's day. As Pastor Jonathan admonishes us, "Stay alert!"

Heavenly Father, sometimes we need the courage to respond to the big calls in our life. You have plans for us that may take us in a totally different direction but they offer the reward of knowing that we are following your will. But help us to always be attuned every day to the nudges to respond when we see your children in need of our resources, our attention, and our care. Help us not to let those opportunities to share your love pass us by. Amen.

This devotion 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/.