Just Give Me a Sign

Last updated on: August 16, 2012 at 5:24 am By David Rupert

I stood in the deepening dark of the night. The moon was nowhere to be seen. A thousand stars – maybe more, blinked in chaotic poetry. I had to absorb the news of the day – of a lifetime. Swirling in my head, there were no answers. Just questions. That awful question. Why? I needed clear guidance, and not finely parsed words. I didn’t want nuance, or philosophy. I wasn’t interested in theology. I’ve sat through a thousand sermons and... Read more

All this work, for nothing

Last updated on: August 14, 2012 at 5:41 am By David Rupert

The Olympics are filled great success stories of athletes who gave their whole efforts to represent a nation in athletic pursuit. The winners are wrapped in flags and doused with hugs and kisses, tears and smiles. Most were humbly gratified, amazed at the moment. But no one lavishes the loser, the one disqualified from the race. This year’s Olympians saw athletes disqualified over throwing matches, played poorly on purpose to secure a more favorable position. There was a judo player... Read more

On Being Found

Last updated on: August 10, 2012 at 5:35 am By David Rupert

On Wednesday, I wrote about my adventures with Hide and Seek. Being “it” was thrilling at first, until you weren’t found. And then panic and fear would set in. Some, spend their whole lives getting lost, soaking in the familiar waters of isolation. It’s a world I don’t understand. Lyla Lindquist is one of the most insightful writers I know, and she regularly writes at A Different Story. She had a different recollection of getting lost. Recently she wrote about losing... Read more

Isaiah 58:9-12

Last updated on: August 8, 2012 at 8:02 am By David Rupert

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy... Read more

Hide, but don’t seek.

Last updated on: August 8, 2012 at 5:35 am By David Rupert

As a child, summer games seemed to play out into the last whimper of daylight. We biked, and ran, and threw sticks and chased girls. When we tired of baseball, dirt smudged on our face, we would all gather at Joe’s house for the next phase of our outdoor adventure. Hide and seek. Living in a neighborhood next to the open fields gave us opportunity to hide in the willows, under the broken tree limbs and in the makeshift fort... Read more

Color Blind

Last updated on: August 6, 2012 at 5:40 am By David Rupert

“The colors are fabulous tonight,” she said. “Um. Yeah,” I mumble. “You see the pinks? The purple behind that cloud?” she asks. The sunset unfolding was just one of those unforgettable ones, with the big sky and panoply of changing clouds and colors. It’s the kind with big puffy clouds backlit by a fading spotlight, layering the horizon. But the pregnant pause gives me away. “You don’t see them, do you,” she says. My little game is up. Scenes like... Read more

Tell me anything but the truth

Last updated on: August 4, 2012 at 5:46 am By David Rupert

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)“God give me strength to face a fact though it slay me. ” — Thomas Huxley Do we really want to hear the truth? Or do we want others to feed us what we want to hear? That’s a tough question, because often the truth hurts . Just look at the lengths we go to disguise it, to hide it, to forget it. I tried to play basketball as a high schooler. And I just didnt have what... Read more

Rahab had a job

Last updated on: August 1, 2012 at 5:30 am By David Rupert

A guest post by Simply Darlene Rahab had a job. Hers was a filthy, low-down, no good, wretched, sinful job. I wonder if it was her first job? Was it her only vocation? When and how do you think she lost her grip? Maybe she was a baker of bread or watcher of other people’s children before she loosed her hold on what was good and respectful, before she dishonorably disrobed for a living. Or maybe Rahab’s decent into the flaming... Read more

Doctor’s Helper

Last updated on: January 22, 2018 at 9:49 am By David Rupert

In our summertime series, where writers from around world tell their stories of first-time jobs. Anna tells hers about helping her father at a small doctor’s office. I can only imagine what medical personnel hear! Our pains. Our fears. Our hopes. Anna blogs at Path of Treasure. Doctor’s Helper When I was eight years old, we moved to Alabama from South Dakota. I vividly remember the move. My father was one of the first two physicians in our small town, they... Read more

Guest Post: Bernie Peters, “A Boss Named Mr. Stern”

Last updated on: July 27, 2012 at 5:46 am By David Rupert

Have you ever gone into a job just a little too confident? Bernie Pfeiffenberger’s first job was that way. I’m pleased to introduce her writing to the Red Letter Believer audience. Bernie is a widow/single mom excited about finding new adventure. Daily, she is challenged by the wisdom of the Bible and Oswald Chambers’ devotionals.She enjoys outdoor activities and cycling, especially going downhill. A Boss Named Mr. Stern I just knew I was ready. I had all the proper training in... Read more

Who saw a burning bush that was not consumed?