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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – July 29, 2024

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” This adage holds much truth and wisdom. The idea is if I do something over and over again, then I will achieve whatever goal I set out to reach. This modern proverb wasn’t lost on the early church fathers and mothers. One father linked time in mediation with immediate action so that nothing was lost. He wrote:

“After a time of meditation, immediately begin to put into practice the resolutions you have made. Don’t wait another day to get started. Without this application, meditation may be useless or even detrimental. Meditate on a virtue without practicing it, and you will mislead yourself into believing that you have actually become someone you are not. If I have resolved to win the heart of my enemy by being gentle toward that person, I will try to find a way this very day to be friendly to him. If I am not able to see that person face to face, I will at least pray for him.”

Living as a Christian is practicing our faith. The more we do it, the more mature we become which yields greater affinity with Christ. The practicing requires both meditation (reflection) AND follow-through (action). Begin this week! Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you during your prayers and to help you follow through as you walk with Him.

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Exodus 6
Tuesday – Exodus 7
Wednesday – Exodus 8
Thursday – Exodus 9
Friday – Exodus 10

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We have completed Genesis and are now reading Exodus. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for those affected by natural disasters.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders (especially through the special called Church Conference), local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Pray for inner peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

July 15, 2024

“What do I really desire from Christ?” Have you ever thought of that question? William Law, an English mystical clergyman, answered it this way: How is it that Christ helped the lame and the blind, the lunatic and the leper, the publican and sinner? It is because they desire it. They come in authentic faith. Christ would respond to them, “Your faith has made you well.” Therefore, what we desire is the real issue.

Law would infer that people wanted Christ for the current world and the next world. They wanted a changed life so that everything was altered: a new way of thinking, acting, and speaking. This change is so radical that the blind see, the lame walk, and the mute speak.

He would continue by stating being saved is nothing other than being made like Jesus. It is to gain his humility, meekness, and self-denial. It involves doing God’s will and seeking to please God alone. He would often wonder that if one was not able to plead for them with the same intensity as the sick who came to Christ, then maybe one needs to consider if he/she really wants Christ as a savior. So, I ask you again, “What do you really desire from Christ?”

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Genesis 46
Tuesday – Genesis 47
Wednesday – Genesis 48
Thursday – Genesis 49
Friday – Genesis 50

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for those affected by natural disasters.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders (especially through the special called Church Conference), local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Pray for inner peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

July 8, 2024

After spending a few days on the Georgia coast at Annual Conference, I was bothered by flies and gnats that were a little pesky. Driving back to Columbus, I thought about this comparison: There is a vast difference between being tempted and yielding to it. And yet, if I know in advance that certain places will tempt me and I go there anyway, I am guilty of each temptation that comes my way. The way to deal with temptation is to look away from them and at the Lord. If you are still subject to them, continue to resist. There is no sin as long as you say, “No.” For every great temptation there will be many small ones. Wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by the latter. You may never murder anyone, but you will certainly become angry. You may avoid adultery, but it is not easy to control your eyes. You may never steal anything from your neighbor, but you may covet it.

Let these flies and gnats buzz around you. Instead of fighting with them, do the very opposite of what the temptation is suggesting. For instance, if you are tempted to be vain, think about the troubles of others. If you are greedy, remember how death will take it all away from you, and then go give something away or pass up a profit. Make the effort and you will be hardened against future temptations (Francis de Sales—The Devout Life).

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Genesis 41
Tuesday – Genesis 42
Wednesday – Genesis 43
Thursday – Genesis 44
Friday – Genesis 45

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  Our sermon series, “Genesis: All in the Family” coincides with the first book of the Bible.  May we suggest that you watch or listen to sermons starting on April 21, 2024, through June 30, 2024, to accompany your recent readings.  You may find these on our website at spumccolumbus.com.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for understanding and patience, especially when bad things happen.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Especially pray for those in conflict and extreme distress at this time.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

July 1, 2024

A few weeks ago, I officiated a wedding, something I’m always delighted to do.  Weddings are definitely a time to celebrate. On this occasion, during the reception, I saw the widow of my childhood baseball coach. Granted I had a few coaches throughout my childhood, but there was one that stood out—Mr. Ray. While talking with his widow at the reception, I was flooded with hundreds of different memories.

As I look back, they all are good—even the ones where he sent me running around the field for making an error or striking out. I remember this man spending countless hours teaching us how to hit, field, and throw. Thankfully, his sons loved baseball about as much as we did because he was at the ball field five to six nights a week. I can still hear his voice, “Shane, you can’t hit it if you can’t see it—watch the ball, son!” It seems like yesterday; yet, it was over thirty years ago.

I tell you this to remind you to carve out time to reflect. See all the ways people have blessed you. When we are young, we aren’t mature. We don’t know the value of those who teach and care for us. As we become older, we can look back with gratitude and appreciation. At the same time and because we know that life is fleeting, savor the moments you have today. Don’t assume the people and those moments will always be there. I’m convinced the more we do both--reflecting on the past and savoring the present--the more at peace we will be. Give it a try!

This Week's Readings:

Monday - Genesis 36
Tuesday - Genesis 37
Wednesday - Genesis 38
Thursday - Genesis 39
Friday - Genesis 40

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  Our sermon series, "Genesis: All in the Family," coincides with the first book of the Bible.  We suggest that you watch or listen to sermons starting on April 21, 2024, to accompany your recent readings.  You may find these on our website at spumccolumbus.com.

Things to Pray About:

Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders.
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Especially pray for those in conflict and extreme distress at this time.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

June 24, 2024

Lately, I’ve been thinking about words—what someone says. In our society, there is a slight chance for physical danger and violence; but for most of us, real danger comes in spoken form. We say and hear things that destroy and tear down. I’m often reminded of three of my favorite quotes about words:

"A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day."—Emily Dickinson.
"A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword."—Robert Burton
"A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows sharper with constant use."—Washington Irving.

The Book of James (Chapter 3) weighs in as well by placing an enormous value on the tongue and words that are spoken. On one side, the tongue can be like a fire that burns the whole building down.  Unfortunately, we are all guilty of arson when it comes to our tongue. On the other hand, moral perfection is linked to someone who can control his/her tongue. There lies our goal—control of the tongue.

Would you be willing to focus on your words this week? Ask God to reveal the places where we’ve started fires with our tongues. Mastery of the tongue begins with awareness. Focus this week on your words, where you tear down, and where you build up.

“Dear Lord, show me the places where I tear down and hurt with my words. Teach me a new vocabulary. Change my heart so that my words are different. Where I have hurt others, help me to speak words that heal and build up. Amen.”

This Week's Readings:

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  Also, our sermon series, "Genesis: All in the Family" is ongoing, which coincides with the first book of the Bible.  Please join us as we continue growing our faith together.

Things to Pray About:

  • Pray for words of kindness.
  • Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
  • Our unwillingly absent members.
  • Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
  • Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
  • Family restoration through forgiveness.
  • Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
  • Finding peace in our city, state, country, and the world.  Especially pray for those in conflict at this time.

 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6

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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – June 17, 2024

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

June 17, 2024

David Muskens, in his book Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God, says, “As I am fully present to God, I become the kind of person who is wholly present to others. I can give no greater gift. When I am present I am considerate, giving undivided attention to the person’s words and feelings at the moment. People deeply need this gift of being appreciated and attended to, especially in times of distress. The first task of ministry is to be present to people in their need.” To be loving and present to another, first means I need to be present to God.

When I’m present to God, I find myself in the right frame of mind and disposition of the heart to want to be present to another. What we do vertically (with God) influences what we do horizontally (with others). Therefore, cultivate the vertical so that you can help the horizontal. This week, look for ways to be fully present to God and watch what happens to the people around you.

This Week's Readings:

Monday - Genesis 26
Tuesday - Genesis 27
Wednesday - Genesis 28
Thursday - Genesis 29
Friday - Genesis 30

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  Also, our sermon series, "Genesis: All in the Family" is ongoing, which coincides with the first book of the Bible.  Please join us as we continue growing our faith together.

Things to Pray About:

Experiencing Christ in the Pentecost Season, as the disciples did.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
Our unwillingly absent members.
Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
Finding peace in our city, state, country, and the world.  Especially pray for those in conflict at this time.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6

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