RUMINATIONS OF A REVEREND

Exodus 2:23-25 If you’re anything like me and a lot of other believers I know, you have probably had that thought cross your mind before. Maybe you haven’t verbalized it in that way, but a similar thought went through your mind. I experienced a trying time in ministry back in the early 2000’s where I wondered where God was. The church I was serving was shrinking quickly, I had two young sons that I felt I was failing as a father, financially we were struggling to make it, and I had no idea what God’s plan for my future was. Did God truly know what I was going through? Intellectually, I understood the theological ramifications of omniscience (hey, I got A’s on my theology exams after all). I cognitively understood that an all-knowing God would know what I’m going through. But in that valley time of life you kind of wonder if God truly understands the heartache and pain you’re experiencing. The Israelites were struggling with that same question in Exodus 2. A new pharaoh h

          This year my wife and I will celebrate our 25 th Anniversary. It’s not until December, but I’m trying to get a head start on planning (thoughtful husband that I am and all). On our wedding day the pastor preached from Colossians 3:1-3 (the scripture we selected for our wedding theme). Here is what Paul writes there: “ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory .” (ESV)             Now I honestly don’t remember much from the sermon the pastor gave, but this passage has grabbed my attention afresh lately. I routinely wrestle with questions of discipleship and what the core principles and practices of discipleship involve. I think Colossians chapters 3-4 lay out a number