Everyday abundance. “I have enough”

Last updated on: November 11, 2013 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

It's bad enough that on the average day, you and I will be faced with an onslaught of an estimated 200 commercial advertisements. And that number is rising as marketers commandeer the sides of school buses, stadiums and movie theaters. I opened the pages of the newspaper today and a dozen ads fell out of the center. Rich in color, brash in their claims and inviting with their products I opened each one. I found many things that were enticing. Electronics, clothes, and housewares. The political candidates are telling me that there are two Americas, making me long for the other half they so roundly despise. Protesters occupy our downtowns, demanding less obligation, more freedom and benefits. They are of the lesser half and they want more of everything, the very thing they hate. Read more

What’s in Your Backyard?

Last updated on: November 4, 2013 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

Every once in a while, someone hands me a shovel and says “dig.” While the past is important, unearthing it serves little in the current demand for life. I’m God’s child who is living for this day determined to make a difference for eternity in my life and in others.. Read more

Please — can someone else be in charge?

Last updated on: October 29, 2013 at 5:26 am By David Rupert

We cling to the wall, hiding our ability. We know full well that we could be part of the solution, and instead, by our passivity, we become part of the problem. We all have our excuses. I’ve used every one of them. “I’m too busy.” “I don’t have the right skills.” “It’s not the right time.” “I don’t have the experience.” “I’m too young.” “I’m too old. Read more

When the fruit isn’t ripe, but the season is at an end

Last updated on: October 25, 2013 at 5:32 am By David Rupert

The tomatoes are still green, but the freeze is coming. It's sad that they won't make it. I don't want to fear the final season. I want to be ready. Read more

Whose team is God on?

Last updated on: October 22, 2013 at 5:28 am By David Rupert

Athletes – and people in the marketplace – should not be afraid to ask for God’s blessing. But we should realize that his blessing can be found even in failure, in brokenness. He is far more concerned about our character, our development as his children than the success of the world. Read more

Upward mobility can bring you down

Last updated on: October 17, 2013 at 5:45 am By David Rupert

Three in 4 employees say they have no desire to move up in their organizations. This goes against the presumption that we are all clamoring the upward ladder. It seems that most of us are perfectly happy, right where we are. We like comfortable. Read more

“That’s not funny” — Revisiting the things we laugh at

Last updated on: October 14, 2013 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

But what I laugh at is a reflection of the sou and what I laugh at is a reflection of my character.When I laugh at a quip or a witty retort, it's good for the soul. But when I laugh at someone's else expense or their shortcomings, at a sexual innundo or a crude observation, it digs away at my heart. Read more

Perfect Timing

Last updated on: October 9, 2013 at 5:33 am By David Rupert

As the omniscient, omnipresent Deity, God is not bound by the confines of space or time. That's why He flows into our existence when we least expect Him. When we ask for something right away, it might not always come. Or when we don't ask at all. But he shows up. It can be frustrating, "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years." It can also be surprising "a thousand years as one day." (2 Pet 3:8). We should always live our days looking for those moments, those inexplicable times when His will and his way intersect with our daily walks. Read more

The book is published. So now what?

Last updated on: October 7, 2013 at 6:06 am By David Rupert

It was funny reading the book months after I had put it to bed. I was a reader instead of a writer. And to be honest, I liked it. I was afraid I wouldn't, that my secret flaws would ooze through the pages. But it's something I can stand behind. And I think you'll like it. You don't have to be a leader to appreciate it. In fact, its more about influence than leadership. And we all have some degree of influence in the world around us Read more

Why are so many businesses owned by people of faith?

Last updated on: October 2, 2013 at 6:10 am By David Rupert

But another, more likely conclusion can be reached. Faith in God inspires assurance to operate in the world and to make those big leaps that are requirements for running your own business. Read more

What does "Shema" mean in Hebrew?