Color Blind — I Don’t See What You See

Last updated on: March 12, 2019 at 9:01 am By David Rupert

Maybe I live my faith too simply. But it comes from the reality and realization that there are variations about what to believe. I cling to a few basics about my faith and leave the spectrum to others. I know full immersion people, baby sprinklers and three-times dunkers. And I love them all. “Believe and be baptized.” I’m not sure the fine details are all that important. It’s the converted heart that God cares about. Pre trib. Post Trib. Mid trib. Bottom line, is that he’s coming and I need to be ready. The fundamental belief that we must all think and act the same way, denies the creativeness of God Himself. Read more

The Miracle Staircase – When Others Change Your Life

Last updated on: March 2, 2019 at 9:39 pm By David Rupert

Building the stairway to your dream might seem impossible to you. You don’t have the tools. You don’t have the background. And then right at the end of your prayers, at the end of your patience. A man knocks on your door, riding a donkey. You take a breath and nod your head in trust. You don’t know how it happens. You don’t know all the details of the work. But you know the process is happening. Eventually, the saw and the hammer go quiet, and the door closes. The carpenter is gone, and you are left with a miracle. Read more

“Love Your Neighbor,” Is there room for moderation?

Last updated on: February 26, 2019 at 11:58 pm By David Rupert

David Brooks of the New York Times wrote an interesting article proposing a simple Agenda for Moderates. He proposes a New Big Idea – one that isn’t so new but freely borrowed from the biblical books of Leviticus and Matthew. “Love Your Neighbor.” In case you don’t know the reference, Leviticus 19 says this: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance... Read more

So What If It’s Old? In Praise of Worn-Out Things

Last updated on: February 10, 2019 at 8:36 pm By David Rupert

I held it in my hands. The checkered blue pattern was familiar, but the lines were blending into each other. There were holes in the elbows and another near the tail. I pushed my face into the soft fabric and smelled the faded memories. I can’t get rid of this shirt. It was one of those medium-weight shirts, a wool Pendleton that I’ve had for 20 years. It’s the kind you wear on a cool autumn evening or a spring day... Read more

Humbled by the Heavens

Last updated on: February 5, 2019 at 9:16 pm By David Rupert

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers–the moon and the stars you set in place–what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Read more

Taste and See: Margaret Feinberg celebrates food as God intended

Last updated on: January 31, 2019 at 4:54 pm By David Rupert

Food in the Bible is more than a commodity to be consumed. It is often sacred and symbolic, showing up in both tables and temples. Read more

Exclusive Interview: Phil Keaggy and Jeff Johnson

Last updated on: February 3, 2019 at 4:23 pm By David Rupert

Why contemplative music is still important, What we can learn from history, How can good art inspire others and more in this exclusive interview with two musical giants Read more

Phil Keaggy and Jeff Johnson collaborate, carry the rest of us to Cappodocia

Last updated on: February 3, 2019 at 4:21 pm By David Rupert

Phil Keaggy and Jeff Johnson collaborate on a stunning instrumental album. Deriving inspiration from Cappadocia, the Turkish World Heritage site that once housed Christians escaping Roman persecution, the album is contemplative in sound and simplicity. Even the hooks are velvet lined. The album is meant to work slowly, weaving its way into the heart and mind. Read more

Floating on a Lawn chair Over L.A.? He was Living Out His Dream

Last updated on: January 27, 2019 at 10:13 pm By David Rupert

Larry Walters has been called plenty of names for his stunt, floating across Los Angeles flight paths in his homemade floating craft consisting of 45 weather balloons tied to a lawn chair. But he was living out a lifetime dream of flying. Living a Life of Yes means you'll be called a fool. I call you a hero. Read more

What You Do Matters {Never Give Up}

Last updated on: January 13, 2019 at 9:27 pm By David Rupert

Do you ever think your efforts aren’t making a difference? You’ve given your full energy to a cause, a passion, a relationship. You’ve poured your heart and soul and mind and just aren’t having an impact? I’ve got good news. Read more