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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 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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Missions Moment

SafeHouse Ministries is having a lunch for the homeless on July 2 at 2101 Hamilton Road at 11:30 a.m. We want to make this a special time for those in hardship. We need your help! You may volunteer to set up and help serve the meal. The St. Paul kitchen prepares this meal and transports it to their dining area. Also, we need some bakers to make desserts for the luncheon! Cookies and cakes would be a great addition! Email Dr. Joe Morrow at

[email protected]
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“First Steps”, by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – June 10, 2024

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

June 10, 2024

Bob Mulholland was one of my favorite professors while I attended Asbury Theological Seminary. He was a gentle giant on campus. While at school, I attended Lexington First Methodist where he taught Sunday school. I remember him teaching Revelation with only a small Greek text. He simply went word by word, translating it into English. I was amazed.  One of the things I learned from Bob’s lessons is what I call the slow walk of obedience. Being a Christian is a way of life that is minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, and day-by-day. It is not a flash-in-the-pan event to later be set on a shelf. In memory of Bob, I want to share his idea of spiritual formation from a portion of his book, Shaped by the Word. 

Spiritual formation is not an instantaneous process, although there may be instantaneous experiences at certain points along the journey. Spiritual formation is a lifelong process of growth into the image of Christ. This gradual aspect of spiritual formation moves against the grain of our instant gratification culture, as we now have been conditioned to expect almost immediate returns on our investments of time, energy, or resources.  For this reason, you may find it difficult at points to accept the necessity of undergoing a lengthy period of spiritual discipline before experiencing any substantive change in your life. Spiritual formation is not an option. Spiritual formation is not a discipline just for “dedicated disciples.”  It is not a pursuit only for the pious. Spiritual formation is not an activity for the committed alone.  Every event of life is an experience of spiritual formation. Every action taken, every response made, every dynamic of relationships, every thought held, every emotion allowed: these are the minuscule arenas where, bit by bit, infinitesimal piece by infinitesimal piece, we are shaped into some kind of being. We are being shaped either toward the wholeness of the image of Christ or toward a horribly destructive caricature of that image. This is why Paul urges Christians, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). The Christian’s spiritual journey is a life lived in, through, and for God.

This Week’s Readings:

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.

“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 3, 2024

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.  The writings of Dietrich Bonheoffer are often chosen for theological studies and inspiration.



June 3, 2024

Dietrich Bonheoffer once said, “Only the believing obey, only the obedient believe.”  Often, we think of faith and obedience as dichotomies.  In fact, they are twins, for they are linked together with a closeness that should be seamless.  Faith and obedience are one and the same where the follower of Christ has faith and naturally walks in obedience.  It should be natural.


All of this is a work of grace where God penetrates the heart of the person empowering him or her to walk the way Christ walked.  I love Bonheoffer’s quote.  This week as you go about your days, focus on the close connection between faith and obedience.


This Week’s Readings:

Monday – Genesis 16
Tuesday – Genesis 17
Wednesday – Genesis 18
Thursday – Genesis 19
Friday – Genesis 20

We have begun to read the Bible in about 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.

“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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