<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/"><channel><title><![CDATA[Brian's Blog]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thoughts, stories and ideas.]]></description><link>https://brian.rupe.name/</link><image><url>https://brian.rupe.name/favicon.png</url><title>Brian&apos;s Blog</title><link>https://brian.rupe.name/</link></image><generator>Ghost 2.9</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:11:25 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://brian.rupe.name/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><ttl>60</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Why I am a Patriot]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a believer in Jesus Christ, is it also possible to be a lover of country?
 Paul teaches in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven.  Is it
possible that we are able to have duel citizenship, on earth and in heaven?  Or
are we to think of our nation as a type of Babylon in which we are held
temporarily captive.  When Joseph was sold into slavery, found living and even
imprisoned in Egypt, what was his attitude toward his captors?  Then, as fate
would have it, he was raised up to be ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/why-i-am-a-patriot/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__60182d0f9645f100016ccb25</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:01:51 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2021/02/Supreme-Court-Backside.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2021/02/Supreme-Court-Backside.jpg" alt="Why I am a Patriot"/><p>As a believer in Jesus Christ, is it also possible to be a lover of country?  Paul teaches in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven.  Is it possible that we are able to have duel citizenship, on earth and in heaven?  Or are we to think of our nation as a type of Babylon in which we are held temporarily captive.  When Joseph was sold into slavery, found living and even imprisoned in Egypt, what was his attitude toward his captors?  Then, as fate would have it, he was raised up to be second in command over a great nation.  How did Joseph understand his relationship as a citizen of Egypt?  Did he see the faults of Egypt?  Did he see that God had a purpose and a destiny for Egypt that would bless much of the known world?  Did he understand also, that God had a purpose and destiny for his own life that was greater than Egypt or the sum measure of his own personal history? These are some of the questions to ponder as we consider how to identify as both a citizen of heaven and a citizen of an earthly nation.</p><p>When God made us, He placed us on the earth.  We were designed by God to be born into a particular nation, at a particular time in history.  These, among other things, are critical aspects of our identity.  To discover wholeness (peace) in this life, it is imperative that we embrace this reality.  If we only say to ourselves, “I am a citizen of heaven,” and reject the reality of nationality, we will be discontent because we are rejecting something God has intended for us.  The second great commandment Jesus stated is that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  Loving ones self is an intentional act of embracing all of the features God has given to us, being thankful for those features and appreciating them as part of God’s destiny for our lives as well as His mark of ownership upon us.  The nation of our birth is a critical component</p><p>Based on this simple fact alone, it is biblical and good to say, “I love my country.”  Even if it is an adopted country, as in Joseph’s case, he eventually understood that God’s purpose in his life involved an Egypt that he was called to serve at the highest level.  The struggle comes in knowing that Egypt is flawed, as is America, as is Babylon, as is any earthly nation and that heaven is perfect.  If we must choose between a team that wins 100% of the time and a team that is struggling almost all of the time, of course, we want to choose the winning team.  But God has called us to be on two teams, a heavenly team and an earthly team. His ultimate purpose is to make heaven and earth one perfect team.  In Ephesians chapter one Paul writes about the mystery of His will being to “unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things in earth.”  Somehow, we get to be involved and participate in this great mystery of heaven and earth uniting.  When Jesus said that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, He was telling us that the earth is a dark place and we, His disciples are to light it up.  He was telling us that earth compared to heaven is tasteless.  We add the flavor of heaven! What a glorious assignment!</p><p>There is a battle going on between good and evil.  Sometimes, living on earth it is easiest to get caught up in fighting all the bad stuff. Of course, we know there is corruption in our government.  We know that we have crime on the streets, children being abused, families breaking up, nations practicing genocide and the list could go on and on.  There are a lot of dark things happening in the earth, but we must understand that the ultimate solutions to these problems are Jesus Christ and His perfect government.  An old Gospel singer Andre Crouch sang, “Jesus is the Answer.” Sounds too simple but it is the truth. There are a lot of people with many ideas on how to fix the problems.  Ultimately, Jesus and His wisdom is the answer to all of our problems. So whatever the fix, if it is not a Jesus fix it is not the right fix.  It would be nice if He would just fix it all right now, however, for some mysterious reason, God is allowing a battle on earth to be played out over the centuries.  So yes, we have wars, pestilence, suffering, injustice and all kinds of struggles in this life to face.  As His disciples, we are being trained in the battle, and we are learning to be salt and light.</p><p>With all of this in mind, why do I love my country?  Why do I love to stand up at sporting events and sing the national anthem or God Bless America?  Why am I so proud of my children for all of their unique contributions in making their communities a better place?  Maybe, because America is in the process of fulfilling it’s divine destiny, and I have a critical role to play.  America is far from perfect but it is the team I am on and I have every intention to play hard, seek God’s wisdom and be a part of solutions and not problems.</p><p>I love America because I love the land God has created.  One of my greatest joys is travelling from sea to shining sea and seeing all the amazing sites.  The list of beautiful and spectacular places to visit seems almost endless.  I love America because it’s history is one that reflects people very passionate about living in a place where freedom and liberty are crucial attributes and the concept of law and order are considered absolutely imperative.  I recently visited the back side of the Supreme Court in Washington DC.  Because of civil unrest, a bad day of violent protests and political maneuvering, there is a fence with razor wire all around the capital, supreme court and other government buildings.  We were praying and worshiping on the street and I noticed these words inscribed on the back of the Supreme Court building: "Justice the Guardian of Liberty".  In other words, to the degree that we have justice, we have liberty.  I was sad because, my liberty to even touch a building representing justice for all, that belongs to the citizens, was taken away.  But I still love America because it's identity and purpose is Justice for All, even though it falls short.</p><p>Do we always get it right? Of course not!  Sometimes we are so quick to judge our nation as evil and forget to look at ourselves and remember our weaknesses and flaws.  We go after Thomas Jefferson as a slave owner but forget the context of his time in history and that he wrote a constitution with the dream of ending slavery.  We over simplify the process and timing of past evils and somehow pretend that we could have done it better.  I do not think so.  We see military operations as cruel and selfish endeavors and forget the perspective of just war and peacemaking operations.  We are quick to judge another’s opinion and “cancel” their ideas but forget that we have been blessed to live in a country where different opinions were meant to be welcomed, respected and debated.</p><p>I love America because one of my fellow citizens invented the cotton gin, the assembly line and so many cures for terrible diseases. I am proud to be on the same team of sport legends such as Reggie White, Katie Ledecky, and John Wooden.  I was outside the arena when the miracle on ice happened at Lake Placid in 1980.  I love to watch the Olympics and see the greatest athletes in the world competing to be the best and greatest of all time.  I really love it when the American flag goes up because a medal was achieved for my team.</p><p>I love America because we send missionaries all over the world to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We support these various mission movements with finances and prayer.  Many of my friends have dedicated their lives to serve in another nation.  I love that we rush to help when catastrophe strikes, not just in our own country, but all over the world.  Surely, that is something worthy of love.</p><p>I love the fact that there are interstate highways, roads and streets connecting all of us to one another.   I can get in an automobile that I personally own, stored in my garage and drive anywhere I want across this vast nation.   I love the wastewater treatment plants in every community that do such an amazing job of keeping our water clean.  I love America because we have this incredible network of communication and electricity.  The power almost never goes out and I can call people all over the world at very little cost.</p><p>I love America because if I fall and break my arm or get in an auto accident, a first responder has a tremendous desire to get to me quickly and do everything in their power to provide help.  We have hospitals, surgeons and medical professionals dedicated to helping me stay healthy.</p><p>I love America because I can send my son or daughter to a youth camp where they can learn new things and have life changing experiences, build friendships and have a ton of fun. I have the freedom to use a public school, private or homeschool as a way to educate my child.  I can go to a local supermarket and all of the shelves are full of food, in a variety that feels almost endless.  I can go to a restaurant and enjoy a meal with my family or take a trip to an amusement park for the only purpose of being together and having fun.</p><p>I love America because I can improve my present position.  I can find a better job.  I can work in a job that is fulfilling and I can advance my education.  I love America because I can go to whatever church I want to or no church at all.  I have freedom and in this freedom, I can chose to follow my understanding of God’s plan for my life and do it with great passion and desire.</p><p>There are so many other reasons to love America, but I hope I have made the point.  It feels so good to stand up and sing, and thank God for His blessings on our nation.  I am an American patriot and committed to seeing a decrease in the works of darkness and an increase in the goodness and blessings of God.  My love for America extends beyond its borders.  For God so loved the world and so should I.  May God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[With Jesus in the Boat]]></title><description><![CDATA[Matthew 8:24

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea . . .

There is a fun song we liked to sing at camp  “With Jesus in the boat you can
smile through the storm”.  It was based on the story of a storm that came up on
the Sea of Galilee and the frightened disciples awakened the sleeping Jesus with
their cries for help.  Jesus calmed the storm and than rebuked His disciples for
having such little faith. Was there lack of faith because they could not calm
the storm or because they were a]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/with-jesus-in-the-boat/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__60007c1d9645f100016ccb19</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:15:47 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Matthew 8:24</p><p>And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea . . .</p><p>There is a fun song we liked to sing at camp  “With Jesus in the boat you can smile through the storm”.  It was based on the story of a storm that came up on the Sea of Galilee and the frightened disciples awakened the sleeping Jesus with their cries for help.  Jesus calmed the storm and than rebuked His disciples for having such little faith. Was there lack of faith because they could not calm the storm or because they were afraid of the storm?  Will Jesus always calm the storm or does He sometimes want us to go through the storm and learn to trust Him?</p><p>In a recent time of prayer and fasting with our church family at Way of the Lord, I experienced a picture in my imagination of canoeing across a large stormy lake.  I was the duffer (sitting in the middle of the canoe going along for the ride), the Holy Spirit was in the bow (front) supplying the power to move the canoe through the storm and the Father was in the stern (back), steering.  I wondered where the third party of the trinity might be and than saw Him out walking on the water in the midst of the storm.  Looking at their faces, I noticed they were all smiling.</p><p>Seems to be in the Gospels that Jesus was either in the boat sleeping through the storm or out walking on the water in the midst of the storm.  He just doesn’t seem to be all that bothered by storms.  The message is clear that God wants us to learn the lessons He has for us in the midst of the storms.   At least a major portion of the lesson is to trust Him and not surrender to fear.</p><p>Seems that so often, paddling in the boundary waters one finds themselves paddling into the wind. It may not be an all out storm but nevertheless a reminder to persevere in faith through the storms of life and remember; we are along for the ride and Father God is in control, smiling all the way.</p><p>CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING CAMP SONG</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><iframe width="267" height="200" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVYSu9Ij9Rs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""/></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beloved, Let Us Love One Another]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I think about Jesus prayer regarding “unity” or “oneness” in John chapter
17, I am keenly aware of what must be a disconnect of my understanding of
oneness, God’s truth regarding oneness and the reality on the ground amongst
followers of Jesus.  One principle in life I believe to be true and good is that
of honoring others.  This discipline of honoring parents, leaders, children and
even cultures different than our own and a host of others is a way that values
with weight the importance of ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/beloved-let-us-love-one-another/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5fa56be761b51e0001a38257</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:32:45 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I think about Jesus prayer regarding “unity” or “oneness” in John chapter 17, I am keenly aware of what must be a disconnect of my understanding of oneness, God’s truth regarding oneness and the reality on the ground amongst followers of Jesus.  One principle in life I believe to be true and good is that of honoring others.  This discipline of honoring parents, leaders, children and even cultures different than our own and a host of others is a way that values with weight the importance of another person, regardless of how they believe or even feel toward you or God. Instead of “canceling” another person because of the way they believe or behave, we embrace them as God’s creation, capable and lovable.  Even God showed honor to every person in the world by sending His Son into the world, not to condemn but to save (John 3:17).</p><p>So within the Body of Christ, the church, the worldwide fellowship of believers (whatever you want to call it), why is there so much division and dishonor?  Seems like we are constantly bombarded with the reality of our differences. Is it possible that if we could understand from God’s point of view what really matters, we may be more united than we realize or at least, the possibility of oneness may be more attainable than we realize.  On this issue, I really wish that I knew God’s point of view.  When we pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” perhaps this is one aspect of  what we are asking:  “God, show us what is important from your point of view.”</p><p>One particular theme that seems to rise above others is the theme of love.  We understand that all the law is summed up in loving God and loving our neighbor.  The disciple who had a particularly strong propensity in this regard was John.  In his first epistle he certainly emphasized how important it is that we love one another (I John 4:7&amp;8).  Is agreement required for us to love one another?  Is it possible for Holy Spirit to anoint us with the fruit of love for our fellow believers, even when we do not agree on what appears to be critical points of doctrine?</p><p>I cannot remember where I heard this statement but I believe there is a gold nugget of truth in it and I have taught it to campers my whole time in camp leadership.</p><p>“There are two things that have eternal value: relationships and character”</p><p>The context in which I share this message with campers of all ages is in the context of understanding the difference between eternal values and temporal values.  I would ask the group:  “Let’s make two lists.  The first list will be examples of items that are temporary and the second list will be examples of items that are eternal.”  To get folks thinking I would suggest that if someone handed me a chocolate ice cream cone, I could illustrate how temporary that particular item would be!  In making up the list of eternal things it was pretty easy to link these things directly or indirectly to character and relationships.  The point of the lesson was to illustrate that we really can put no value on that which is eternal.  The eternal things are so precious, so meaningful and so powerful that it only seems right that we should make these things the priority in our lives.</p><p>Could this be the key to how God views the prayer of Jesus in John 17?  Is it possible that love is the answer to Jesus prayer?</p><p>First John 4:7 &amp; 8 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Looking Down, Looking Up]]></title><description><![CDATA[Looking Down, Looking Up

Psalm 40:12 “Innumerable evils have compassed me about . . .so that I am not
able to look up . . .”

Hiking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) of northern Minnesota is almost
always a rocky experience. In order to maintain your footing it is absolutely
critical that you look down.  At Camp du Nord, I helped develop two trails
connecting a new property acquisition called Pine Pointe.  One of the trails is
affectionately referred to as the Goat Trail.  It is the sho]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/looking-down-looking-up/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f98905661b51e0001a3824f</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2020 21:36:30 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/10/IMG_0351.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/10/IMG_0351.jpg" alt="Looking Down, Looking Up"/><p>Looking Down, Looking Up</p><p>Psalm 40:12 “Innumerable evils have compassed me about . . .so that I am not able to look up . . .”</p><p>Hiking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) of northern Minnesota is almost always a rocky experience. In order to maintain your footing it is absolutely critical that you look down.  At Camp du Nord, I helped develop two trails connecting a new property acquisition called Pine Pointe.  One of the trails is affectionately referred to as the Goat Trail.  It is the shortest distance between the properties, crossing rocky outcrops and shaky footholds.  The second trail was carefully plotted out for it’s level terrain, and though longer, this trail can be enjoyed walking side by side with your companion.  This is called the Pine Pointe Trail.</p><p>The vision for the Pine Pointe Trail was to create a pleasant experience. It provides an ability to enjoy the scenery by LOKING UP and not needing to be so concerned about tripping.  The more popular trail has become the Goat Trail.  It seems that folks are more interested in taking the path that appears to get you to your destination more quickly even though it is more dangerous and not conducive to looking up.  To be clear, the scenery on the Goat Path is more interesting, however, most people do not stop to enjoy.</p><p>After carefully measuring and timing my walk back and forth on both paths, I discovered that the longer Pine Pointe Trail was actually quicker than the shorter Goat Trail.  There are times when we are walking on a smooth path and we have the ability to enjoy the journey and see clearly the way forward. There are other times when we are on a narrow rocky path; we feel alone and look down in our attempt to maintain a sure footing.  We must look down so that we can be aware of our adversary and not trip and fall.  We must also stop along the rocky path and take time to look up.  It is at these moments that the view is the best and the glory is the greatest.  Both paths have a purpose.  Enjoy the journey.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cultivating A Culture Of Honor]]></title><description><![CDATA[In 2001 I faced one of the biggest challenges of my working career in YMCA
camping.  I had been asked, against my better judgment to lead one of the
largest and most successful YMCA camp in New England.  I would follow in the
footsteps of arguably the best camp leader in the country, inheriting his staff,
his facilities, his program and the camps overall reputation.  It was indeed the
most difficult six years of my life.  It was during this time that Lynn (my
wife) lost both of her parents, I lo]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/cultivating-a-culture-of-honor/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f81d3e161b51e0001a38247</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:32:55 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In 2001 I faced one of the biggest challenges of my working career in YMCA camping.  I had been asked, against my better judgment to lead one of the largest and most successful YMCA camp in New England.  I would follow in the footsteps of arguably the best camp leader in the country, inheriting his staff, his facilities, his program and the camps overall reputation.  It was indeed the most difficult six years of my life.  It was during this time that Lynn (my wife) lost both of her parents, I lost my father, two good friends who had come to help lead this camp, left after three years.  It was a real day-to-day grind.   So, of course, it was a great learning experience as well.</p><p>Camps are notorious for a couple of very intense cultural characteristics.  People are very passionate about their camps, especially the staff alumni.  One of the strongest cultural norms for a camp is a deep seeded resistance to change. Everyone who really cares about the camp they call their own wants it to not change.  They imagine that somehow, 10 – 20-30 years later they can come back and it will look and feel just like it did when they spent the greatest summer of their lives working or attending the camp.</p><p>My new responsibility, Camp Jewell, was no different.  But God had clearly sent us there and had given wisdom and strategy on how to approach this unique place and the culture it had developed.  I knew that my key to survive and thrive was to practice the principle of honoring.  Over those six years, I experienced many difficulties, break throughs and, ultimately, a measure of victory in my own life and in the advancement of God’s Kingdom at Camp Jewell.  I think the key in all five camps that I contributed leadership was this principle called honor.</p><p><strong>God wants to grace us with the power of expressing honor and, being in our hearts, a people of honor and cultivating around us, a culture of honor.</strong></p><p>By the way, I see a culture of honor manifested here at Way of the Lord, but I am certain that there is more revelation to come regarding a culture of honor that will lift us up to greater heights of Kingdom living.  I also firmly believe that we can experience greater Kingdom success as we make this one of our intentional areas of focus in the work place.  Make no mistake, this is a miraculous work of God’s grace in our lives.  It does not come naturally.</p><p>The trinity is the greatest example.  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit give honor to one another.  Three in one – this great mystery is the ultimate expression of perfect unity and of showing honor.</p><p>Honor is key to the answer of Jesus prayer in John 17:21  “that all of them(them being all of his disciples, then and now) may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”</p><p>This is the prayer of the Son of God, part of the Godhead, the Son part of the trinity praying to another part of the Godhead, the Father.  They are in perfect unity.  There was no prayer ever more perfect than this prayer, there was no prayer with more faith than this prayer, there was never a prayer more destined to be answered than this prayer.  It is a prayer that honors the Father’s will and honors the disciples as worthy participants in the Father’s plan.  God actually believes that you and I; His disciples have in us, by God’s grace, the ability to be the answer to that prayer.</p><p>This concept of honor is visible in the relationship between the members of the trinity and it is the key to world evangelism, it is key to our unity in the church, it is key to a successful business or ministry, for the purpose of advancing His kingdom.  So what does honor look like, where do we see it in scripture and how do we walk in it.</p><p>There is this thing Moses brought down from the mountain on a couple of tablets called the Ten Commandments. All of these commandments are wonderful, powerful and very good.  Though they all have great benefits when followed, one in particular was pointed out, singled out as a commandment that comes with a promise.  As parents, we love this command.  It is one we first memorize to share with our young disobedient child.  But as with all of the commandments it is much deeper, broader and powerful than what first meets the eye.</p><p>Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”</p><p>At the end of Ephesians five and the beginning of Ephesians 6 Paul is exhorting believers in regard to their relationship with one another as family members and in the work place. As you read those passages it becomes clear that Paul is promoting an overall culture of honor.  Ephesians 6:1, once again repeats this wonderful commandment regarding children honoring their parents.</p><p>There are a lot of books out there on how to be successful.  I am not sure how many of them would make their core point to be honoring your mother and father.  So, I can save you a lot of time in reading self-help books on how to be successful with this single passage of scripture.</p><p>I know this passage to be true because it is in the word of God but I know it even more from my own experience.  Because it is my experience, I can tell you, it is an amazing powerful truth.  No one could ever convince me that there is not a direct correlation between success in life and honoring your mother and father. Now there is much to be learned in the detail of how this is worked out in our lives and how the gift of an honoring heart can be manifested in the church and in the workplace, but I am telling you, it is worth understanding and putting it into practice.</p><p>So back to Camp Jewell. I can tell you that most, it not all of the staff were standing around waiting for me to fail.  They did not directly tell me this, but they communicated it in a variety of ways.  You see, not only had they been under the leadership of the “smartest” camp director in the world who I was replacing, but they had all unanimously expressed support for one of their fellow staff members to become the new camp director. The camp board and the lead staff of the Hartford Connecticut YMCA disagreed with them and decided I was the right choice to lead Camp Jewell.  So, conventional wisdom would be to come in, fire all of the staff and hire a new team.  This would actually be very foolish, destructive and dishonoring of individuals who had sacrificed a great deal to make Camp Jewell the great camp that it had become.  So, clearly, I was not in a place of honor in the eyes of the staff team (accept for the gentlemen on the staff team, who did not get the job and had the humility to show honor in a meaningful way).</p><p>It was my responsibility to show honor to the staff team.  So, over the course of the next several years, I was given many opportunities to honor those on the team, win their trust and develop relationships that would result in a successful camp.  It was not easy, it was often messy and required speaking the truth in love, holding people accountable, listening, listening, listening and working hard at intentionally showing people their worth in our camp community. It was not just about being “nice” to everybody – far from it, but it was about showing respect for the gifts, callings and personalities of others, allowing team members to contribute their ideas, understanding my own failures and being honest about those failures.  A culture of honoring is also a culture of humility.  It would be difficult to give myself a grade on how successful I was at doing this, but it was the strategy I intentionally pursued.</p><p>As with most good things, the greatest hindrance to a culture of honor is pride.  We want to be honored, we want to sit at the important place at the table, we want to be served.  Jesus showed us the better way.   He did not just say it, He showed it.</p><p>There are a lot of leadership styles and each style can be very effective.  There is more than one way to skin a cat, (though I have never skinned a cat and do not know how to do it, neither would I care to learn.)  But no matter what style of leadership there are over riding principles that must be adhered to in order to be an effective leader.  One of those is honoring those you work with.  So what does a person who honors others say and do?  I am a practical kind of a guy, also, not the sharpest knife in the drawer so I need some clear examples.</p><p>What showing honor sounds like in the work place:</p><p>“I see Christ working in your life.  Your calmness in the midst of a stressful situation helped all of us better hear wisdom on how to deal with the situation.”</p><p>“Your willingness to back away from your idea and your opinion showed humility that helped all of us see a better way forward.”</p><p>Showing honor to a child, “when you picked up the spoon that your brother dropped on the floor, that was a Christ like expression of love and service that was a great encouragement to me.”</p><p>To an employee –“when you came in early and left late to make sure the project was completed, it was a gift of your time to everyone on the team and a tremendous expression of your commitment to our success.”</p><p>It is not easy to do, but an excellent exercise is to sit down and write out these kinds of statements that we can share with those around us.  Most of us (especially me) are not too quick on our feet when it comes to saying the right thing in the right moment.</p><p>Not wanting to get to deep into this topic let me just throw out a bit of a radical idea as this concept of honoring that I think is hindering the church, in general and our businesses in general from fulfilling the great commission.</p><p>God established a design in the church – 1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each on of you is a part of it. (does that not sound like an honoring statement?). And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”</p><p>There appears to be an order, and my suggestion is that when we are out of order, no one ends up being honored, as they should.  I think, in the church today, we see the teacher/pastor role as the first.  Their role is critical but is not really properly honored if it is placed first.  The Apostle then Prophet are the order Paul said should take place.  This is simply one example.  Another might be the place that we put people who work with children – do we effectively honor our schoolteachers and youth workers.  Why do people say, “I would like to be a youth worker but I can’t make a living doing this, so I guess I’ll be a lawyer instead.”</p><p>Another arena of dishonoring where I might get into trouble is in the area of doctrinal differences. In our hearts, sometimes we find it difficult to honor a person because of a difference of opinion regarding a doctrine we deem to be very important.  I hesitate to give examples but let me just say this.  If you lose respect for someone over a doctrine and it causes a loss of relationship, this could be a sign that you are afraid of their doctrine and therefore unable to honor this person and maintain a higher value of love and unity.  I am not saying that there is not clear false doctrine that destroys lives and people need to be held accountable, but there are a lot of different opinions that do not warrant a loss of fellowship.</p><p>Many times I was asking the Lord if I could leave YMCA work.  As I studied it’s history, I grieved over how it had lost it’s way spiritually.  God always made it clear that I was to stay and one way that He often spoke to me was through the original mission statement from the 1850’s that is still a part of the international YMCA mission.</p><p>YMCA Paris Basis</p><p>The Young Men’s Christian Associations seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his Kingdom amongst young men.</p><p>Any differences of opinion on other subjects, however important in themselves, shall not interfere with the harmonious relations of the constituent members and associates of the World Alliance.</p><p>I find the second part of this statement to be extraordinary.  How often do we allow differences of opinions to interfere with harmonious relationships?  Differences of opinions are just that, nothing else.  We cannot allow them to damage our honoring of one another.</p><p>Matthew 24 speaks a great deal about the end times – a subject with a great deal of different opinions, no doubt.  Verse 36 reads, “ But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  I am sure there are a lot of well meaning theologians that can explain this bazaar verse to us so that it won’t bother us.  But, sorry, it says even Jesus does not know when He is coming back.  My point being that some things are left to be mysteries.  It is ok to not know something.  It is also ok if I have some doctrine sorted out and someone else either disagrees or has decided it doesn’t matter.  This only proves that we live in this foggy world and that we see dimly as through a smudged up glass.</p><p>Many gifted teachers do not like not having it all figured out.  Seems like it is easy to find a teacher we like and it is comfortable to just stick with them (“whatever they said – I agree”).  What happens than is we forget to honor the Apostle and Prophet. We forget to give honor to other teachers who do not agree.  We do not feel safe because we want everything in a nice neat package – why can’t everyone just get along.  That is not what unity looks like.  Unity is nested in a bed of honor.  In sports, a good coach wants assistant coaches who agree with the overall philosophy but are willing to disagree with the process of how to work it out.  Good coaches listen to their assistant coaches and to their players.  They have to make the final decision but they are honoring others – and this honoring manifests in their willingness to listen.</p><p>I was 19 years old, just finished my first year at a respectable Christian College.  Oddly enough, my major was Christian Religion and Philosophy.  The acronym for that is CRAP.  This acronym was a prophetic message regarding direction in my life. I was standing in the lunch line when my friend, David asked if I was considering attending the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts.  I said, I heard it was good but I did not have the 25 dollars it would cost.  He gave me his last $25 right there in line and I attended a few weeks later.  Of the many things I learned at the institute, and it was a great deal, I was very convicted that I did not honor my mother and father.  As I prayed about this, I sensed God’s pleasure in my repentant heart and a specific act of obedience that He was gracing me to walk in.  I needed to ask my parents forgiveness and than ask their opinion regarding my future, listen to what they said and obey.  This was a real step of faith but I was very excited because I knew something special was going to happen.  They hesitated to share with me but after some persuasion they opened up.  They did not give me specifics but a general idea of direction.  It resulted in me transferring to Purdue and a whole long list of blessings that I do not have time to share – but it was in the realm of one amazing miracle after another.  It was like the blessings were so intense that my container could not hold them all.  Many days I was on the verge of laughing and crying with joy at the same time.</p><p>This is the heart of God for our lives, for our church, for our businesses and work place. Cultivating a culture of honor is the garden of God’s fruitfulness.  Imagine the power of the presentation of the gospel that comes forth from a people who honor one another.  Imagine the anointing of the supernatural that could happen as we dwell together in unity.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Another Enoch Lesson]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch the Eagle

John 10:10  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that
they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Over the west bank of the Mississippi I spotted Enoch the eagle soaring in small
circles a short distance above the shore.  Around him were three crows screaming
annoying “caws” and trying to disrupt his flight.  I was to far away to notice
the fish in his talons but it would be safe to assume that the menacing crows
were attempting to steal a ta]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/another-enoch-lesson/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f7c9a8461b51e0001a3823b</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2020 16:28:08 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch the Eagle</p><p>John 10:10  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”</p><p>Over the west bank of the Mississippi I spotted Enoch the eagle soaring in small circles a short distance above the shore.  Around him were three crows screaming annoying “caws” and trying to disrupt his flight.  I was to far away to notice the fish in his talons but it would be safe to assume that the menacing crows were attempting to steal a tasty morsel.</p><p>The crows had a strategy, taking turns harassing Enoch until; hopefully, he would give up the fish.  Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.”  You can be sure that the only reason the crows were hanging out with Enoch was to steal his meal.  Crows can be a major menace to a Bald Eagle.  They are clever in their ways and by teaming up on an eagle; they often frustrate this mighty bird of prey and steal its provision.  Enoch took off at top speed and I cheered, believing that he had left those crows in a cloud of dust.  A few moments later, he flew just above my head as if to show off his superior speed. A few seconds later, a lone crow was flying as fast as he could, attempting to chase him down.  You see, Enoch was winning but the crows were not going to give up.</p><p>We must be wise and aware of the enemy’s tactics.  Satan understands our weaknesses and knows how to steal our life – our joy, even our provision.   He is not going to give up.  Though the victory is sure in Christ, we have an adversary.  The good news is that this adversary can be the very tool to strengthen our wings, motivate us to soar higher and reach the overcoming freedom provided in Christ.  Be alert and do not give in to the tormenting crows.  Soar higher and receive the abundant life God has for you today.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 8 - A New Beginning]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 8

II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Enoch felt bad that he had disappointed his dear leader Biff but something
inside had shifted.  A few days passed and, taking Amos’s advise he looked up
and saw a beautiful soaring raptor.  Even though Enoch believed he was a turkey,
his true eagle eye sight had a very good view of this soaring eagle.  He looked
at the eagle and he looked at himself.  He looked again at the eagle and looked
]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-8/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f305c20c5c8480001abd60b</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:35:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 8</p><p>II Corinthians 5:17</p><p>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.</p><p>Enoch felt bad that he had disappointed his dear leader Biff but something inside had shifted.  A few days passed and, taking Amos’s advise he looked up and saw a beautiful soaring raptor.  Even though Enoch believed he was a turkey, his true eagle eye sight had a very good view of this soaring eagle.  He looked at the eagle and he looked at himself.  He looked again at the eagle and looked again at himself.</p><p>That same sense of pure joy once again surprised him.  Maybe he was an eagle.  Maybe he was meant to soar.  He walked back to the forest edge where he had space to practice.  He began to exercise his wings.  He lifted off the ground and began to move gracefully along the surface.  With a few more flaps of his wings he turned toward the sun and upward.  Enoch thought, “Oh boy, does this feel good!” Suddenly, he heard the voice of the Biff gobble screaming at him to stop – but it was too late.  Enoch felt the warm thermal air lift him higher and higher. He could see the mighty Mississippi off in the distance.  He soared that direction and to his delight viewed many menu options swimming near the surface.  He swooped down, stretched out his talons, grabbed a walleye and gracefully landed in the nearby branch of a dead oak tree.</p><p>Enoch was free!  He had tasted of the turkey world and found it greatly wanting.  Now he had finally found his way back home where he belonged.  There is an Enoch in all of us.  The Enoch of the Bible soared so close to God that Father invited him to come on up the rest of the way (Genesis 5:24).  Even as believers we are searching for something better, and God is quite willing to satisfy.  Even in the midst of difficulties and the storms of life we can find a place of soaring. By the power of the cross we defy the law of sin, death and the ways of this world and discover the law of life and libery in Christ Jesus.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 7]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 7

II Corinthians 4:3

. . . .the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep
them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ . . .

As Amos the Wise owl flew off into the sky, Enoch knew he was left with some
serious thinking to do. Owls are wise, and this must be a voice to consider.  He
stretched his wings, looked up at Amos soaring in the sky and felt a sense of
joy he had not felt before.  It was impossible to describe the joy ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-7/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f305b4bc5c8480001abd604</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2020 20:31:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 7</p><p>II Corinthians 4:3</p><p>. . . .the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ . . .</p><p>As Amos the Wise owl flew off into the sky, Enoch knew he was left with some serious thinking to do. Owls are wise, and this must be a voice to consider.  He stretched his wings, looked up at Amos soaring in the sky and felt a sense of joy he had not felt before.  It was impossible to describe the joy and it came as a surprise but it felt very good.</p><p>Enoch stretched his wings and began to move them up and down.  He was surprised to discover that they actually lifted him off the ground. He had hopped around with the turkeys in low branches before but never really considered it truly flying.  As he tested his wings in a clearing on the edge of the forest he began to take off along the ground and use his wings in a new way.</p><p>Biff, his turkey mentor had noticed that Enoch was not with the gang and went looking for him.  This was a common occurrence as Enoch was always slow and falling behind the group.  When Biff finally found Enoch at the edge of the woods and saw what he was doing, he let out a loud gobble, “ENOCH, stop that behavior right now. That is not how Turkey’s fly!” Enoch quickly pulled in his wings, plunked to the ground and apologized profusely to his dear leader Biff.  He was sternly scolded for his misbehavior and promised to do better.</p><p>Something was happening in Enoch’s heart but the pull of the world was very strong.  We must be aware that we live in a world where Satan is the prince.  He has established systems and carefully crafted messages to keep us down. Everything Satan touches and influences turns us away from our God given potential and the intimate relationship He desires us to have with the Holy Spirit.  Be aware; be alert to the Prince of this world and his deceptive schemes.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 6]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 6

Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way to death.

Enoch read all the self help books and listened to Biff’s advise but something
was still not right. Every now and than he would stretch out his wings and feel
the power of something he could not quite understand.

One day he heard a voice from above hoot down at him. An Owl called out to
Enoch, “hey, what are you doing walking around on the ground with your head
down.”  Enoch exp]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-6/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f305a89c5c8480001abd5fd</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2020 20:27:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 6</p><p>Proverbs 16:25</p><p>There is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way to death.</p><p>Enoch read all the self help books and listened to Biff’s advise but something was still not right. Every now and than he would stretch out his wings and feel the power of something he could not quite understand.</p><p>One day he heard a voice from above hoot down at him. An Owl called out to Enoch, “hey, what are you doing walking around on the ground with your head down.”  Enoch explained that he was looking for acorns, as this is what a proper turkey eats for lunch.  The owl began to laugh so hard he nearly fell out of the tree.  Enoch did not understand what was so funny.  The owl apologized for his abrupt response and introduced himself as Amos the Wise.</p><p>Amos asked Enoch if he really believed he was a turkey.  Enoch exclaimed, “of course I am a turkey as this is what I have been told by my friends”! Amos shared that he had some very good news for Enoch if he was interested in hearing.  He told Enoch that he was not a turkey but an eagle. That he was designed by God to soar in the sky, nest high up in the trees and eat fish from the river.  Now it was Enoch’s turn to laugh.  This could simply not be the case as he had invested all his growing up years into learning how to be a turkey.  The owl assured him that he was, indeed, an eagle, advised him to look up in the sky, keep stretching his wings and listen to God’s voice.</p><p>Sometimes it is difficult to hear the truth.  Enoch had been so convinced of his turkey identity that he was not yet ready to face a different reality.  He knew something was not right, he was not yet complete, but how could he trust this new voice?  Are you ready for a fresh start?  Are you excited about learning something new about God and about yourself?  God is ready to share some great news with you today. Are you ready to listen?</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 5]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 5

John 10:4

. . . .the  sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

Many weeks past in Enoch’s life and it seemed that the harder he tried to be a
good turkey, he was simply not able to succeed.  He became more and more
discouraged and depressed.  One day he decided to go to a turkey bookstore and
purchase a best selling self help book on how to succeed as a turkey.  He put
all the ideas into practice and it seemed to help a little but something was
still not right.

Bi]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-5/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f305a44c5c8480001abd5f7</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:24:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 5</p><p>John 10:4</p><p>. . . .the  sheep follow him, for they know his voice.</p><p>Many weeks past in Enoch’s life and it seemed that the harder he tried to be a good turkey, he was simply not able to succeed.  He became more and more discouraged and depressed.  One day he decided to go to a turkey bookstore and purchase a best selling self help book on how to succeed as a turkey.  He put all the ideas into practice and it seemed to help a little but something was still not right.</p><p>Biff encouraged him that he was seeing improvement.  Enoch was happy to be accepted by the turkey gang and assured Biff that he would keep trying his best.  Biff explained that trying harder was the key to his future as a great turkey.  With Biff’s encouragement Enoch went back to the bookstore and bought many new titles:  How to Turkey Trot in 6 Simple Steps, How to Influence Others with Great Gobbling and How to Fit in With Rich and Famous Turkeys.</p><p>As we continue following Enoch on his life journey toward fitting in and being happy as a turkey it should be painfully clear that Enoch is working hard, going in the wrong direction and heading for disaster.  The story certainly applies to the unbeliever who has never been awakened to the joy of following Christ.  For believers however, this story is also, all too often, applicable as we lose our way and drift from listening to the Good Shepherd.  For many believers they arrive at a comfortable place, part way toward understanding their identity in Christ but than camp out and never go further.</p><p>Like the children of Israel, they found freedom from some level of slavery but in the wilderness they neglected to go deeper with God and refused to hear his voice.  They may have been trying hard to be good people but they did not understand that God had a much greater breakthrough for their lives.  Of all the voices to listen to, remember that you are God’s sheep and you can listen to His voice and press deeper into your true identity as a child of His love.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 4]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 4

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit. . . .

Enoch’s new found “friends” began to question him about his life.  He explained
his eagle past, his parentage and desire for fish.  The turkeys were very
troubled.  They had never met a turkey so deeply confused. They began to inform
him of his turkey identity, explaining that he was not an eagle, as there was no
such thing as an eagle.  There is no such thing as soaring high]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-4/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f305803c5c8480001abd5f0</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:20:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 4</p><p>Colossians 2:8</p><p>See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit. . . .</p><p>Enoch’s new found “friends” began to question him about his life.  He explained his eagle past, his parentage and desire for fish.  The turkeys were very troubled.  They had never met a turkey so deeply confused. They began to inform him of his turkey identity, explaining that he was not an eagle, as there was no such thing as an eagle.  There is no such thing as soaring high in the sky or eating fish or growing up in a nest high in a tree.  Enoch was pretty sure they were wrong but it was difficult for him to prove or explain his story.</p><p>The next day, Biff, the turkey gang leader began to train Enoch in the ways of turkeys.  He showed Enoch how to walk like a turkey, how to talk turkey talk and eat turkey food.  All of these turkey behaviors were critical for Enoch to learn if he was going to be a respectable turkey.  It was clear to Biff that Enoch had been neglected as a child and had to learn how to live properly.  Enoch needed to be turkeyerized.</p><p>Enoch wanted to fit into the gang so he tried his hardest.  His feet were not designed for walking but the turkeys said he must walk in order to find food.  His bill was not designed for cracking acorns but the turkeys told him he must eat the acorns.  Over time, Enoch became more and more convinced that he must, indeed, be a turkey. Of course, he always knew he would never be a good turkey but he would try his best.</p><p>Who are you as a believer in Christ?  Christ is in you and you are in Christ.  You are created by God and you have been bought with a price.  This is not a ferry tale.  This is reality.  And yet, there are so many turkeys in this world, dead set on turkeyerizing you.  Their false philosophy and deceit bombard us all with messages determined to destroy our true identity.   Christ in you, the hope of glory!</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 3

Proverbs 27:7

. . .to one who is hungry, everything bitter is sweet.

Enoch the fledgling eagle continued on his journey through the deep dark woods.
 As he wondered, he became increasingly hungry and tired.  He could not find any
fish or anything that even resembled fish.  Off in the distance, a gang of
turkeys were carefully observing Enoch and following quietly behind.  The turkey
gang leader, Biff engaged his fellow turkeys in a discussion and they decided
that En]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-3/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f2daf9ec5c8480001abd5e8</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2020 19:52:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 3</p><p>Proverbs 27:7</p><p>. . .to one who is hungry, everything bitter is sweet.</p><p>Enoch the fledgling eagle continued on his journey through the deep dark woods.  As he wondered, he became increasingly hungry and tired.  He could not find any fish or anything that even resembled fish.  Off in the distance, a gang of turkeys were carefully observing Enoch and following quietly behind.  The turkey gang leader, Biff engaged his fellow turkeys in a discussion and they decided that Enoch must be a misfit turkey that had lost his way and was perhaps, a little slow with the gobble.</p><p>Biff approached Enoch and startled him from behind with a gobbling question.  “Who are you and what is your name”?  Enoch turned around suddenly, though half startled by the strange looking creature, he blurted out, “I am Enoch the eagle and I am very hungry!” Biff asked him to wait, returned to the gang of turkeys and after considerable gobbling discussion they all returned to Enoch with happy news; they would be willing to take him into their gang, and shared with him some of the acorns they had collected for their evening meal.</p><p>Enoch was very hungry. When you are really, really hungry, you are willing to eat almost anything.  Enoch had a very difficult time properly breaking the shell, but after much encouragement from his new turkey friends, he managed to consume his very first acorn.  It was awful! The bitter tannins in the acorn nut tasted nothing like the sweetness of the walleye his mother had brought him.  But his hunger was stronger than his senses and he ate several more, ending up with a terrible stomachache but a full stomach nevertheless.</p><p>What are you eating? Healthy food is very satisfying and good for our bodies.  Even more important, what is your spirit eating?  Where are you going to satisfy your hunger?  There are an exorbitant number of turkeys willing and ready to feed garbage to your spirit.  Too often, we surrender our souls; our minds, wills and emotions to eating junk food. God wants to fill us with rich milk and spiritual meat from His word.  Taste and see that the Lord is good.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch Part 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Story of Enoch Part 2

Isaiah 55:2

“Why do you spend your money . . .and labor . . . for that which does not
satisfy.”

Our fledgling Bald Eagle friend, Enoch, had become increasingly hungry and
uncomfortable. The sparse meals from mom and dad were not enough to satisfy his
taste buds so he hopped up to the edge of the nest, spread his wings and jumped.
 Unfortunately, Enoch was not quite ready to fly.  Though he was approaching his
eight-week old birthday, he had not stretched his wings en]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-part-2/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f2daf38c5c8480001abd5da</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2020 19:46:05 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Story of Enoch Part 2</p><p>Isaiah 55:2</p><p>“Why do you spend your money . . .and labor . . . for that which does not satisfy.”</p><p>Our fledgling Bald Eagle friend, Enoch, had become increasingly hungry and uncomfortable. The sparse meals from mom and dad were not enough to satisfy his taste buds so he hopped up to the edge of the nest, spread his wings and jumped.  Unfortunately, Enoch was not quite ready to fly.  Though he was approaching his eight-week old birthday, he had not stretched his wings enough, he had not flapped them up and down to strengthen his muscles, he had not studied the methods of flying that his mother and father had attempted to demonstrate for him.  He was unprepared for flight.</p><p>The result was a long fall to the bottom of the forest and a near death experience.  Fortunately, his spread wings and the soft leaf bed below protected him from major injury.  Enoch stood himself up, shook off the dry leaves and began to walk through the forest to find some satisfaction for the hunger he felt deep inside.  It was both a sad and comical site seeing a nearly grown eagle walking through the forest.  The eagle’s tallowed feet are not designed for walking; they are designed for landing on branches and capturing fish.  Enoch should have known this but he wasn’t thinking straight, so off he went looking for a juicy fish meal in the middle of the forest.</p><p>God has designed us in every way, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for a purpose and a way to live.  When we wonder from His ways, we find ourselves in the wrong habitat, looking for something that is impossible to find.  Our natural desire for fulfillment turns into a lust for something that destroys. God created us to be fully satisfied with Him alone.  His home is in our hearts and His unfailing love satisfies are deepest longing.  It is easy to blame others or our circumstances for the messes we find ourselves in.  It is time to wake up, turn around and take responsibility for our actions. God is ready and willing to feed us the good food and the good drink that truly satisfies.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enoch The Eagle Part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the early days of my service in the YMCA I was attempting to create
devotionals and chapel services that would effectively communicate with children
and families the principles of life from a scriptural perspective.  It was also
my understanding that illustrations from nature would provide an effective way
of sharing truth that supports the biblical message and is, in so many ways, a
living book that we are reading everyday.

Two of my favorite teachers in my early days as a believer were Pet]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/enoch-the-eagle-part-1/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5f2823edc5c8480001abd53d</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:25:11 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the early days of my service in the YMCA I was attempting to create devotionals and chapel services that would effectively communicate with children and families the principles of life from a scriptural perspective.  It was also my understanding that illustrations from nature would provide an effective way of sharing truth that supports the biblical message and is, in so many ways, a living book that we are reading everyday.</p><p>Two of my favorite teachers in my early days as a believer were Peter Lord and Ern Baxter.  I had the privilege of hearing both of them in person and listened via recordings to many of their messages.  Both teachers had very powerful messages using the eagle as their focus.  There are many verses in the Bible referring to eagles and I decided to write a fictitious story about a fledging eagle named Enoch.  With the insight I learned from these two men and a little bit of understanding on how to tell a good story, I developed the Story of Enoch.</p><p>In recent months, a friend invited me to write devotions as a contributor to a book she is putting together.   The devotions are meant to be short and so I had initially decided to not include Enoch, as a short devotion would not do him justice.  The other morning, as I was waking up the thought (I think the Holy Spirit) occurred to me to break down the story into smaller parts and explain the biblical insights as part of each short devotional.</p><p> Thousands of children have heard this story in various forms.  Fortunately, other camp staff have been willing to continue telling the story at the camps I left behind.  I need to give credit to my good friend, Vince Pattengale, who is the person who tells it best and from whom I learned how to tell it better.  Each aspect of Enoch's life has a unique revelation to meditate on.  I invite your comments and feedback. I hope you will read each one and enjoy the Story of Enoch the Eagle.</p><p><strong>The Story of Enoch Part 1</strong></p><p><strong>Stirring Up the Nest</strong></p><p><strong>Deuteronomy 32:11</strong></p><p><strong>As an eagle stirs up the nest. . .</strong></p><p>The fledgling eagle was named Enoch.  He was an only child and grew up in a large nest carefully prepared by both his mother and father.  The nest had been in the family for several years and its size had been added to every year, growing to 6 feet across and 8 feet deep.  Enoch’s Florida relatives had built a nest 9.5 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep, estimated to weigh almost 3 tons; the largest known Bald Eagle nest in the world! (by the way, the nature facts have been researched.)</p><p>As all baby eagles, Enoch really loved his nest and his life. The soft feathers placed for his bed made sleeping a pure delight and the daily menu of sushi, fresh from the Mississippi river could not have tasted better.  Both mom and dad had helped to build his home and sat on him as an egg to keep him warm. He loved looking up into the blue sky watching their amazing soaring flight patterns as they effortlessly circled higher and higher on the warm thermals.</p><p>Life could not have been any better until one day it was clear that mom and dad were both wanting Enoch to begin discovering the world for himself.  You see, life had become too comfortable for Enoch and they knew that in order for him to find success in life, he would need to learn how to fly. They showed up less frequently with meals and Enoch’s growling stomach was motivating him to find food on his own.</p><p>Have you ever been uncomfortable with your life?  Have you ever felt hungry for something but uncertain as to what it was?  The stirring of the nest mentioned in Deuteronomy can also refer to helping someone wake up.  The seasons of discontent can be opportunities to wake up to a new understanding of who God is and who you are as His child.  Take advantage of discomfort as a gift.  The danger is filling that hunger with things that are harmful.  Go after God and allow Him to satisfy your deepest desire.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Coaching Launch]]></title><description><![CDATA[

This week the blog is starting on a new site and I am beginning the launch of a
new project - Financial Coaching.  I must confess that I thought the idea of any
kind of personal coach was a little bit weird. This past year, Dave Ramsey
convinced me that there is great value in this kind of coaching and that I have
the skill set to be able to help folks.

So why would anyone need a financial coach?  There are many reasons but I will
share a few examples here.  The American norm is now a debt no]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/financial-coaching-launch/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eed16761d6ef200011adb64</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2020 19:53:17 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>  </p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/06/still-water.1-1.jpg" class="kg-image"/></figure><p>This week the blog is starting on a new site and I am beginning the launch of a new project - Financial Coaching.  I must confess that I thought the idea of any kind of personal coach was a little bit weird. This past year, Dave Ramsey convinced me that there is great value in this kind of coaching and that I have the skill set to be able to help folks.</p><p>So why would anyone need a financial coach?  There are many reasons but I will share a few examples here.  The American norm is now a debt norm.  Our nation as a whole is deeply in debt, we are constantly being encouraged as individuals to go into debt and it is counter culture to actually be debt free.  Credit card debt, auto loan debt, home improvement debt, school debt and even pay check loan debt.  The debt piles up and many find themselves overwhelmed with creditors and an inability to meet obligations.</p><p>Many people may be treading water financially but will have a serious situation if something goes wrong like a major car repair or appliance breakdown.  The credit card ends up being the emergency fund.  This will soon spiral out of control.  With no savings for emergencies, folks are vulnerable.</p><p>With no savings account and no emergency fund there is also little thought about other future situations like losing a job or a major health crisis.  What happens when someone is too old to be productive in earning income? Some people say they never want to retire, but this may not be an option.</p><p>It may all sound a bit gloomy, but only if there is no plan.  Planning is the key to walking out of a difficult situation and being prepared for the future.  Planning is not a lack of faith in God's provision for the future; it is putting your faith to work. Proverbs tells us that it is foolish to begin a project without counting the costs.  In other words, look to the future, realize the potential expenses that will arise and plan for those expenses.  This is what we call living responsibly.</p><p>I have made enough mistakes in my life to realize that I did not always anticipate what responsible living looked like.  I know what it feels like to be trapped in a difficult financial situation - it is not fun! With a few grey hairs on my head, I can assure you that stuff in life happens and it is not always an easy road we travel.  As a financial coach, I am not about judging past decisions, as most of us are pretty good about beating ourselves up.  My approach is to look to the future with hope;  walking with an individual or couple out of bondage and into freedom.</p><p>So, how does this work? I do one-hour consultations.  I can do them in person if someone is local (twin cities in Minnesota) or facetime over the wonder of the internet. The first session is always free. After the first session I charge $100 for the next two sessions.  The charge is a commitment from the individual or couple that they are serious about making changes.  If folks follow the advice shared, that $100 would be made back in a hurry.  Also, I have decided to give that $100 toward mission projects I am involved in, so those I am coaching can feel really good about their investment into their own financial freedom.  These first three sessions are the beginning and may be all that is needed to launch some toward a new lifestyle of financial freedom.  If an individual wants to continue to meet, that, of course is an option and will be very helpful toward a peaceful financial future.</p><p>The lake photo above is a scene I enjoyed looking at on many quiet mornings living near Lake Erie.  It is a reminder that God wants to lead us to still waters, to a place of peace in our lives. When we have financial peace and freedom, a whole new world of opportunity opens up.  I can help people discover those opportunities. If you or someone you know thinks they can benefit from this service please email me at: brian@brian.rupe.name.</p><!--kg-card-begin: html--><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbrian.rupe.58%2Fvideos%2F10216524664885750%2F&show_text=0&width=269" width="269" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"/><!--kg-card-end: html-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Have Your Victory]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have Your Victory

This was the prayer God had given me at a recent men’s retreat. Fifty of us had
gathered the same weekend president Trump had declared a national day of prayer.
This being in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus – covid 19. We had
gathered as Way of the Lord men at Camp Koronis on Koronis Lake for a men’s
retreat planned months earlier, not realizing we would be in prayer regarding
the coronavirus that very weekend. These things do not just happen by
coincidence. This w]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/have-your-victory/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae65331381a70001550d33</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Lake_Koronis.JPG" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Lake_Koronis.JPG" alt="Have Your Victory"/><p>Have Your Victory</p>
<p>This was the prayer God had given me at a recent men’s retreat. Fifty of us had gathered the same weekend president Trump had declared a national day of prayer. This being in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus – covid 19. We had gathered as Way of the Lord men at Camp Koronis on Koronis Lake for a men’s retreat planned months earlier, not realizing we would be in prayer regarding the coronavirus that very weekend. These things do not just happen by coincidence. This was a divine appointment – this is the way of the Lord.</p>
<p>As each one walked to the front of the chapel to offer prayer as God was leading them, I sensed an impression regarding the K in Lake Koronis. Corona is Latin for crown and Korone' is the Greek version of the same. The Coronavirus apparently looks like a crown, thus it’s name. But my understanding is that crowns are for kings, not for viruses and our Lake Koronas with a K was confirmation that the King of Kings was in charge of the situation. Thus my prayer, “King of Kings, have your victory!”</p>
<p>Before I walked up to pray, I asked the Lord for further confirmation that I needed to make this a public declaration. Behind me came a tap on the shoulder from one of our leaders, Larry Alberts, and a whisper in the ear, “I think you have something that needs to be prayed.” I smiled, said “thank you” and walked to the front.</p>
<p>The next day I received a text from my friend Mike McCabe, confirming the declaration and encouraging a blog post on the subject. As I write the post, two additional thoughts began to surface. The first being how the Lord delights in our willingness to wait upon Him, hear His voice and obey. This is what faith looks like. I John 5:4 reads, “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.”</p>
<p>The second thought is a principle of honoring. Larry and Mike’s willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit and encourage another’s gift is how body life is supposed to work. When we honor one another’s giftings and encourage their use for the edification of the Body of Christ, really good things happen. Bethel Church in Redding California goes as far as to say that this honoring of one another is key for the release of healing and miracles. Indeed, honoring is an expression of unity. Where there is unity, God commands a blessing.</p>
<p>This is the victory that God WILL have and we have a critical part to play in its manifestation.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Sabbath]]></title><description><![CDATA[The leather bracelet purchased in the Christian gift shaped in Seoul that is
owned and operated by ILF staff Jason's father and mother.Sabbath Rest
A greater Understanding
In my last blog I referenced the Institute of Light Finders and their vision to
help children grow in spirit, mind and body through the avenue of play. Lynn,
Amy and I have been watching the film series on the life of Christ called, “The
Chosen” and I am really amazed at the depth of insight shown in the film. I
especially enj]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/finding-the-sabbath/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f344ac4f9b00016a1cec</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2020 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/fullsizeoutput_1894.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>The leather bracelet purchased in the Christian gift shaped in Seoul that is owned and operated by ILF staff Jason's father and mother.</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><h1 id="sabbathrest">Sabbath Rest</h1>
<h2 id="agreaterunderstanding">A greater Understanding</h2>
<p>In my last blog I referenced the Institute of Light Finders and their vision to help children grow in spirit, mind and body through the avenue of play. Lynn, Amy and I have been watching the film series on the life of Christ called, “The Chosen” and I am really amazed at the depth of insight shown in the film. I especially enjoy watching Jesus’s interaction with children. It is what I had imagined; that He possesses a natural gift to be with children and enjoy children.</p>
<p>In Matthew 18:1-5 we read, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And he said; ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’”</p>
<p>Jesus has a message for us in the nature of children. Having a life long service to children through camping programs and having had six of my own, God has certainly been trying to get my attention through children for a long time. One of the many attributes of children is their natural desire to play. My friends at ILF fully understand this attribute and do everything they can to help children learn and develop through play. Children learn through intentional structured play and they also learn through free play – without adult intervention. There is something about play that reflects a very natural state of being for a child; a state of humility, learning, being teachable, receiving gifts without question, having fun, laughing, carefree, happily dependent on the protection of others. Jesus says we need to become like little children.</p>
<p>So here is a question to ponder: “Should we ever grow out of these child-like attributes?” Of course we should grow out of being childish – that selfish sinful nature that is meant to be crucified. But what of the child-like attributes? I see no instruction from God to walk away from these characteristics, rather, I see the opposite. Someone said that a toddler is a person who is constantly trying to lose their life and the adults around them have one primary purpose – to keep them alive. Taking risks is the MO of a toddler. As parents we are rightfully trying to teach them to not stick their finger in the electric socket, put their hand in the fire, run out into the parking lot or push over their sister. But, at the same time, through play, we are wanting them to interact with their environment and learn, learn, learn. Learn, not by sitting in a classroom or studying an encyclopedia but by experiencing the world around them as full and richly as possible.</p>
<p>So, who said we should stop learning and experiencing life through play? “Oh – you are an adult, you are done playing and now you must work.” Who said that? Is it not possible to work and play – even making work playful? “Of course not. We must be serious about our work, we must be miserable in our work, we must find pain in our work. I would certainly be ashamed to find play in my work.” Even the definition for play says this, “Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.”</p>
<p>But another definition says this, “Play is the work of children. It consists of those activities performed for self-amusement that have behavioral, social and psychomotor rewards. It is child directed and the rewards come from within the individual child; it is enjoyable and spontaneous.” It is very natural for a child to play. Even an untrained parent somehow understands that their child needs to play.</p>
<p>Ok, so here comes the big spiritual leap of faith. If we are to be child-like in our coming into the Kingdom, and if a primary attribute of a child is playing, is there a relationship to this attribute and an understanding of the Sabbath rest God has called us to. In the old covenant, the Sabbath was a day of rest and it was very important to follow this commandment. But it pointed to a greater Sabbath that was fulfilled in Christ. In reading Hebrews chapter four we learn about this rest. In verse 9 we read, “ There remains, then, A Sabbath-rest for the people of God . . .” This Sabbath rest is a place of total and utter dependence on Christ. He has done all the work necessary for our salvation and the day-to-day grace to live out this salvation. There is nothing we can do to be saved, it is a gift from God. Our job is to surrender, to believe, to trust in the finished work of Christ. Does this not sound like the lifestyle of a little child! Hebrews 4:11 says we should make every effort to enter into that rest. Think of that for a minute. Our part of the effort is to enter into the Sabbath rest, even striving to enter into that rest.</p>
<p>I do not believe the rest God has called us to is a state of laziness, but a state of mind. It is an ever deepening understanding that if we lose our lives, we will find our lives in Christ. It is an understanding that all of our work is a joyful exercise in serving the master – even our work can become play when we realize who we are working for. This is what is meant by entering into the Sabbath rest that Christ has provided. The Old Covenant commandment of keeping the Sabbath becomes the New Covenant Promise of entering into the rest God has for us, every day and in all things.</p>
<p>My last full day in South Korea I visited the parents of an ILF staff, Jason. They own a Christian gift shop and as soon as I walked into their shop my eyes were drawn to the bracelet on display. In Jesus name I play. I am sure it was suppose to read, In Jesus name I pray, but it was a clear message to me regarding entering into the Sabbath rest of Christ and it was another confirmation that ILF is on track with their message of play. I needed to receive all the fun I was provided in South Korea – from traveling around Je Ju Island, to great meals every day with special friends and even learning how to play Three Cushion Billiards with Kuk. In Jesus name, I played. And even in my work – In Jesus name I play (Sabbath Rest).</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Striving for Rest]]></title><description><![CDATA[Family of Jason and DaJeongFrom India to South Korea – Culture Shock at its
Best!The flight from Kolkata to India was via Hong Kong. Oh, this is great, the
coronavirus is ramping up and my flight is through China. Well, let’s see what
happens. I think I was the only person in the Hong Kong airport without a face
mask. I decided everyone was making sure I didn’t get sick – thank you very
much. I arrived in the Seoul airport and my host, HeeSung informed me that the
main reason I was coming, to sp]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/striving-for-rest/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f778ac4f9b00016a1d51</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Jasons_Family.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Family of Jason and DaJeongFrom India to South Korea – Culture Shock at its Best!</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>The flight from Kolkata to India was via Hong Kong. Oh, this is great, the coronavirus is ramping up and my flight is through China. Well, let’s see what happens. I think I was the only person in the Hong Kong airport without a face mask. I decided everyone was making sure I didn’t get sick – thank you very much. I arrived in the Seoul airport and my host, HeeSung informed me that the main reason I was coming, to speak at a Hyundai Foundation youth leadership development event was cancelled due to the virus. However, everyone was very happy I was coming and the two days of talks for the Institute of Light Finders was still on. So, of course, the same mind battle kicked in that haunted me in India. I am in Seoul for two weeks and now the value of the resources and time spent are coming into question. Not from others but from within my own un-renewed mind.</p>
<p>The next day I was taken to the semi tropical Je Ju Island for two days of rest and relaxation with Kuk, Young Sook and their delightful grandson, Ian. The experience was in such stark contrast to India, a part of me wanted to really enjoy the change of culture and another part of me was in a state of shock and guilt. My friends back in India were certainly having a different experience than I was.</p>
<p>After returning to Seoul, we left the next day for the retreat center where we would spend two days in staff workshops for the Institute of Light Finders (ILF). I was so grateful to the Lord for giving me helpful material. So much so, that the staff said, the overall message was clear confirmation regarding the direction God had been speaking to them the past several months. The rest of the week I spent time with many different friends who had experienced camp at du Nord or Fitch and were so grateful for the opportunity. They highly valued their camp experiences and their friendship with me. Once again, the mind battle began to kick in. Is all this honoring of “me” really appropriate. Seems like a waste of time. Do I really have something of value to share with Kuk and ILF?</p>
<p>I began to see even more clearly the difference of doing and being. I want to do something of value. Jesus says that I am something of value regardless of the doing. They are honoring Christ in me, not me. They are wanting to be with me because Christ is in me. Lose your life and find your life.</p>
<p>This message began to grow deeper as I meditated on the mission of ILF and the state of South Korean culture. ILF is a prophetic work that is counter culture. God is raising this small institute up to be a sign to Korea and ultimately, a sign for the Kingdom of God.</p>
<p>South Korea is located geopolitically on the boarder of North Korea and across the narrow sea to China. It was historically a punching bag for the oppressive Japanese occupation in the early 20th century and is under constant threat from the most oppressive nation in the world to its north. They are a people who succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. It would not be an overstatement to say that the introduction of the Gospel in the late 19th century is the primary reason of it’s success. And yet, the great revivals of the past 50 years are fading. The political situation is unsettled and many challenges for this great nation remain.</p>
<p>One of the greatest challenges is the state of the next generation. Young people are driven by their families to be over-educated, have become addicted to screens and are ill prepared for real life success. Single adults do not want to get married as it is “too much work”. Married couples do not want to have children as it is “too hard and expensive” to raise children. They are growing up weak in spirit, soul and body. The suicide rate is way too high.</p>
<p>The Institute of Light Finders is countering this negative state with several powerful tools of truth and light. For one thing, the two young families working for ILF each have four children. This, in itself, is a radical prophetic sign.</p>
<p>The mission of ILF is to raise up youth leaders who understand how to help children be strong in spirit, soul and body. In recent years the Hyundai Foundation has partnered with ILF and supported a movement among school social workers, counselors and teachers. This movement has brought workshop trainings to over 6,000 education professionals. So what is this training that has so captivated the nation? It has to do with how children learn character qualities, social skills, life skills and even academics through PLAY. The conventional wisdom has been that play is a waste of time. The concept of recreation to re-create one’s self and find wholeness in all aspects of life is greatly missing from Korean culture. Of course, the value of discipline and classroom learning are great strengths in Korea. It is not about eliminating this strength, it is about adding to it a balanced and holistic approach to life.</p>
<p>In the next blog, I will share part three and discovering a deeper revelation of the Sabbath rest we have in Christ.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Striving-for-Rest-_-Brian-Rupe-s-Blog.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption><em>The main volcano on JeJu island is rare to see due to fog but this day it was as clear as could be.</em></figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Battle is in the Mind]]></title><description><![CDATA[The other morning I woke up at 2:36 a.m.. Being in jet lag recovery mode I was
wide awake so I got up and read Psalm 23:6. “ Surely goodness and mercy will
follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.” The Holy Spirit was showing me how His goodness and mercy had followed
me through this recent trip to India and South Korea. One of my internal
struggles during this trip was questioning my value. There is a cost of
finances, time and personal sacrifice that]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/the-battle-is-in-the-mind/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f8ceac4f9b00016a1d60</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>The other morning I woke up at 2:36 a.m.. Being in jet lag recovery mode I was wide awake so I got up and read Psalm 23:6. “ Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The Holy Spirit was showing me how His goodness and mercy had followed me through this recent trip to India and South Korea. One of my internal struggles during this trip was questioning my value. There is a cost of finances, time and personal sacrifice that goes into a trip such as this and I had to press through on a number of occasions regarding God’s calling and direction to send me.</p>
<p>There is a pride or “false humility” mind struggle that I was dealing with that says, “Oh, I must be an important person because God has called me to go to these places.” And than there is a big part of me that says, “I don’t want to go, I want to stay home and live in the quiet, restful place of my own home and culture. “</p>
<p>I know in my spirit, these are fleshly and demonic thoughts. Designed to bring doubt and confusion. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. The truth of the matter is that there is great joy and pleasure in listening to the Holy Spirit and following His lead, walking through the open door and finding victory in the process. Someone asked me a few years ago, “why do you come to</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Hoogley_River_Bridge.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Team on the Hoogly River in Kolkata 2020</figcaption></img></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Prayer_Walk_Hindu_Temple.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>The Team in India preparing to prayer walk at a large Hindu Temple on the Hoogly River</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>India?” My response; “Because my brother asked . . . and I sensed, in the ask, an open door God was wanting me to walk through.” There are many practical reasons for my going. I help on the clown ministry team, encourage the pastors and leaders in India, provide support and protection for team members, help share the speaking demands and share in the prayer ministry.</p>
<p>The ministries and churches we meet with are all mostly living on the edge. In the natural you could see how they may fail at any moment. The spiritual warfare is intense, the provision is minimal, their sizes are small, their hearts are pure and humble and their faith is strong but they also realize the reality of their situation. Persecution is real, government intrusion and interference is likely. But, they press on – day by day – loving one another – serving the Lord and advancing His kingdom.</p>
<p>I love how the believers I meet in India are so ready to lose their lives so that they can find their lives in Christ Jesus. Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” My selfish thoughts questioning my worth and purpose in India is an exercise in trying to cling to my own life. It is a dead end street. I battled the same thoughts in the second leg of the trip in South Korea, but what a great victory to expose these lies and gain a greater revelation of Jesus in the process. Look to the next blog for part two in South Korea.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Clowns.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Clown Team Kolkata 2020</figcaption></img></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Javier_and_Trini_worship_time.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Worship with Pastors and Missionaries at Javier's Home in Kolkata</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drive Safe Save Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Can you find safe drive save lifeSafe drive, save lifeThe drive safe save life
slogan is very popular signage on the back of many Kolkata buses, trucks and
taxis. For some reason, the slogan finally stood out to me on my way to the
Kolkata airport. The traffic was heavy, the Uber driver was pleasant but knew
very little English so I had time to be alone with my thoughts.

I was considering a recent blog entry by my friend, Paul, regarding three
encounters with the Outback Subaru. He heard God sh]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/drive-safe-save-life/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f1deac4f9b00016a1cc0</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 02 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/42052506-5B76-4A03-ACEC-5196A4F4B6FA.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Can you find safe drive save life</figcaption></img></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/1BED973F-C3A5-47C3-9C12-15D9F369E7BB.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Safe drive, save life</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>The drive safe save life slogan is very popular signage on the back of many Kolkata buses, trucks and taxis. For some reason, the slogan finally stood out to me on my way to the Kolkata airport. The traffic was heavy, the Uber driver was pleasant but knew very little English so I had time to be alone with my thoughts.</p>
<p>I was considering a recent blog entry by my friend, Paul, regarding three encounters with the Outback Subaru. He heard God sharing a message about going out and coming back. It struck a chord with me because every time I go out on the streets of Kolkata, it is unclear to me if I will make it back to safety. So far, the Lord has allowed me to keep on living.</p>
<p>It would be an understatement to say that I have an attitude regarding the organized chaos called “India.” Words cannot adequately describe the aromas, sounds, pollution, disarray, unsafe conditions and overall uncleanliness of India. There are many things about India I find enjoyment in, but overall, it gets a pretty low grade in my choices of hot vacation spots.</p>
<p>Fortunately, I do not go to India for a vacation, I go to serve the Lord and be a light in a dark place. I was asking the Lord on my way out of Kolkata, “why does this slogan, ‘drive safe, save life’ stand out to me?” The verse from Matthew 10:39 came to mind. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, “you cannot be safe and save your life - Jesus said we must lose our life.”</p>
<p>The drive safe, save life slogan in India seems to me like it is falling on deaf ears. From my bias US, very safety conscious camp director world view I have never seen a safe driver in India. Are some safer than others, yes of course, but none are safe. The truth of the matter is that a truly safe driver in India would be run off the road and end up being less safe than the unsafe drivers.</p>
<p>Though the slogan would appear to be ineffective, it provides a new perspective. The fresh understanding for me is that God is calling India to lose its life so that it can find it. God has a way of taking our weaknesses and transforming them into His strengths. Is it possible that God is calling the India people to not be safe, but rather reckless with their obedience towards God. This proper, godly, reckless abandonment of a Jesus follower is the life God has called us to. We give up our life to take on a new life in Christ.</p>
<p>Perhaps God is preparing a spiritual army of Indian people who will rise up as sons and daughters and take back the inheritance that has been stolen from them. They will find their new life in Christ and become victorious. Pastor Abhijit of the House of Prayer put up a banner saying that in 2020 God will do a new thing, as written in Isaiah 43:19. It would certainly be something new for God to pour out His Spirit in India and turn the unsafe drivers into children of the living God, ready to be unsafe for Jesus and lose their lives for His Kingdom.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Father is Watching Over Us]]></title><description><![CDATA[India Immersion Team 2020Being in India has never been a personal goal of mine
but wanting to be in God’s presence and living out his plan and purpose is too
much fun to pass up. I think it was a hobbit who got caught up in an adventure
against his own better judgement, who ended up being the hero in the story.
Actually, we are all hero’s waiting to happen if you believe that a hero in a
story is the person who faces challenges and finds grace to overcome.

This particular trip has had some inte]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/father-is-watching-over-us/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f2d1ac4f9b00016a1cd9</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/C9B6D7A1-50B4-48F6-8994-EE8201990286.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>India Immersion Team 2020</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Being in India has never been a personal goal of mine but wanting to be in God’s presence and living out his plan and purpose is too much fun to pass up. I think it was a hobbit who got caught up in an adventure against his own better judgement, who ended up being the hero in the story. Actually, we are all hero’s waiting to happen if you believe that a hero in a story is the person who faces challenges and finds grace to overcome.</p>
<p>This particular trip has had some interesting twists and turns in the preparation aspect. Two opportunities availed themselves in the same time frame. My brother Bill was happy to have me join him for the immersion trip to India for the third time and my friend, Kuk, from South Korea, asked me to help with some training with the Institute of Light Finders. Both opportunities seemed right but the timing conflicted. As it turned out, doing the first two weeks in India would be most helpful and than, I could fly to Seoul and join the ILF team for a couple of weeks. At the time of making this decision I was not aware of future events. As the Proverb says, “we make a plan, but God directs our steps.” As it turns out, Bill’s wife Debbie, would need to go for major surgery and Bill would need to miss the first ten days of the trip. He was able to send one of his staff being groomed to lead but appreciated having someone along with a little more gray hair.<br>
.<br>
God is so happy to help show us we are on his path and my travel experience is one continuous example. On the way to the airport, Lynn, Amy and I stopped for lunch at Punch Pizza. Amy pointed out the nice Italian background music and a few minutes later, the new number sounded much more like Indian music. So nice to be serenaded by Indian music in an Italian restaurant on my way to India. Behind the counter at the airport, I was helped by a kind gentleman named George. I smiled inwardly, knowing that the name George has been important to me over the years. George has several meanings, including “tiller of the soil” and “God is my judge”. A number of people with the name George have been strategic blessings from God in very significant ways. They have prepared the soil in my life that brought great fruitfulness.</br></br></p>
<p>I was privileged to be seated on the plain next to a Canadian named Wayne. Wayne means “wagon” and implies someone who helps carry a burden. I have not known many with the name Wayne, but my favorite of all is my English friend Wayne Newbury who goes back to high school days, walked with me on our mutual adventure to Purdue University, was best man in our wedding and remains a dear friend and one who is a yoke fellow and dearly loved. My new wagon friend on the Delta flight is a truck driver from Calgary who also loves the Lord and clearly has a heart to help lift the burdens of others. What a blessing from God to encourage me along the way.</p>
<p>One of many challenges arriving in India after 20 hours of flight time is making connections to get to the hostel at 3:00 a.m.. Though my third time in India, it is necessary to brace ones self for the aromas, traffic, smog and crowded conditions. As I stepped out of the airport, my eyes begin to sting from the heavy smog and I start looking for someone holding a card with my name. Smyle Inn agreed to send a driver but one never knows for sure and I was prepared to get a taxi if necessary. I indeed find the desired sign with my perfectly spelled name and off we go on the streets of Delhi. I ask him his name. “My name is Michael.” Trust me, I have been praying for angels the whole trip so what a blessing to have the star angel driving me to Smyle Inn. I may have been tired but I was still smiling.</p>
<p>Greeting me at the door of the hostel room was one of two roommates that would become new Mexican friends. Of course, my greeter at the end of the long journey was George. Who else could it be. God reminded me, “I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.”</p>
<p>At breakfast the next morning, another New Mexican Friend, Ivonne, shared with me how the Lord was teaching her how much He loved her as a Father and wanted her to hear His voice. Hmm, sounds familiar.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[In One Accord]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is my 2010 Honda Accord CrosstourThe idea of Christians being in one accord
is a very powerful message of Jesus and the New Testament church. It is both
powerful and elusive. What does being in one accord look like? What are examples
of being in one accord? How do we become in one accord? How important is it,
really, to be in one accord?

Recently, a leader from Uganda was sharing in our church fellowship a vision for
the Body of Christ. The bottom line being, that Jesus, in His priestly pr]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/in-one-accord/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f449ac4f9b00016a1d09</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2019 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/CC2D4A57-C9E1-4D28-BF4A-554F597655C7.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>This is my 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>The idea of Christians being in one accord is a very powerful message of Jesus and the New Testament church. It is both powerful and elusive. What does being in one accord look like? What are examples of being in one accord? How do we become in one accord? How important is it, really, to be in one accord?</p>
<p>Recently, a leader from Uganda was sharing in our church fellowship a vision for the Body of Christ. The bottom line being, that Jesus, in His priestly prayer recorded in John 17 made it clear that being one with Him and one with one another is the only option we have.</p>
<p>The worship chorus is really true!</p>
<p>Father make us one,<br>
Father make us one,<br>
That the world may know,<br>
Thou has sent Thy Son,<br>
Father make us one.</br></br></br></br></p>
<p>Unity or being in one accord is at the heart of Jesus prayer in John 17:21. Yet it seems so elusive. It requires a high level of Christian maturity, understanding and wisdom. It requires laying down our lives, our ideas and our opinions for the most important thing – our oneness with Christ and with one another. Certainly, I do not know what this unity looks like but I am confident that if Jesus prayed for us to have it, somehow, He will achieve it in us.</p>
<p>At the meetings where our Ugandan pastor was speaking, our pastor, Larry, shared an old joke. I had not heard it, but needless to say, Larry had shared it before and in his excellent ability of communication it was a timely comment. The essence of the joke is this: Certainly, if God wants us to be in one accord that must mean that we should all go out and buy a Honda Accord. It seems unlikely that we could all fit in one Accord, so at least, if all own and drive a Honda Accord we would be closer to fulfilling God’s desire.</p>
<p>The next day, driving to the fellowship meeting in my Honda Accord Cross Tour, I started to get the prophetic interpretation of Larry’s joke. God really does speak in mysterious ways. This particular car was only purchased back in May because another car died on us. I spent quite a bit of time looking for the right replacement and kept coming back to this Honda. I really liked the way it looked and drove. I had it checked out by my mechanic and it seemed like the right vehicle. It is a used, 2010 model with just over 100,000 miles so it has presented us with a few issues. In my research regarding the Cross Tour, I discovered it had been made for a few years and discontinued. The main reason for it not being popular was it’s looks. Folks said it looked like a pregnant Accord. I guess I see their point but I did not mind this look, I actually like it.</p>
<p>The three issues I have and still have not resolved are: oil consumption, catalytic converter replacement and the fact that it is time to change the timing belt.<br>
So, how does God speak through a Honda Accord Cross Tour.</br></p>
<ol>
<li>
<p>The pregnant Accord – Being of one accord is, for many of us in the Body of Christ, a long standing and relevant vision that seems impossible to acquire. It is as if we are pregnant with God’s desire for unity. Perhaps, God is at work in us to grow this vision for its soon coming birth.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The oil consumption is the anointing oil spoken of In Psalm 133.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew on Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”</p>
<p>Something very powerful happens when brothers dwell together in unity. This is certainly where the anointing happens and Father has a blessing.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li>Catalytic Converter – the check engine light comes on to inform me that my catalytic converter is not properly cleaning the exhaust so that the air is clean. We need the clean air of His presence. I love the worship song,</li>
</ol>
<p>“This is the air I breath,<br>
This is the air I breath,<br>
His very presence, living in me . . .”</br></br></p>
<p>My friend Paul recently wrote another song,</p>
<p>“I am in Christ, Christ is in me,<br>
This is the truth that sets me free.”</br></p>
<p>Certainly, this is the key to being in one accord. As we understand that Christ dwells in us and as we understand that we are in Christ, than we discover our unity with one another! It is the very atmosphere of His love in us and around us.</p>
<ol start="4">
<li>
<p>The timing belt. It is time to change the timing belt. God has His perfect timing for everything. Yes, we have been given authority to walk together in unity and should be embracing the vision of the church in Acts. God has His perfect timing in achieving this great work. He started it and He will finish it.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>For some reason I did not purchase a regular Honda Accord. I ended up with a Honda Accord Cross Tour. It is the way of the cross that is the way to unity. It is the way of laying down our own lives for the high calling of loving the Father and loving our brothers and sisters. Jesus said all of the law was summed up in these two commandments (Matthew 12:30,31). We have a tour (journey) to go on and it is the journey or the tour of the cross. It is a tour that includes the entire body of Christ; His body all over the world and the unique expressions displayed. Our unity is not uniformity. We do not all need to drive a Honda Accord to be in one accord. We need to love one another to be in one accord!</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Acts 2:1 “When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place . . .</p>
<p>Acts 46, 47 “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”</p>
<p>Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hold On Let Go]]></title><description><![CDATA[Over the years, our family has had the blessing of moving around the country,
finding ourselves in five different states over a 34-year period. In most of
these states we lived in two or three different communities. One of the results
of this lifestyle has been the opportunity to fellowship with a diversity of
groups. In the process, we learned that Christian believers are very much
similar in a good sort of way. Also, in numerous ways they have differing
opinions and the sad part of all this is]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/hold-on-let-go/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f3bdac4f9b00016a1cff</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Over the years, our family has had the blessing of moving around the country, finding ourselves in five different states over a 34-year period. In most of these states we lived in two or three different communities. One of the results of this lifestyle has been the opportunity to fellowship with a diversity of groups. In the process, we learned that Christian believers are very much similar in a good sort of way. Also, in numerous ways they have differing opinions and the sad part of all this is how easy it is to focus on the differences. The differences often become how people identify themselves and magnified as the main event.</p>
<p>Part of our nature is the desire to get it right. No one likes to be wrong. The person who is wrong is “deceived”, “confused”, “living in a lie”, and oh what a terrible place to be. The one thing I know for a fact is that we are all, in some small or big way, wrong about something. Being wrong or not seeing the whole picture is common to us all.</p>
<p>So why not call out some of the biggies:</p>
<ol>
<li>Divorce: Did not Jesus say that if a divorced person remarries they are committing adultery and yet I have known very good Pastors who have explained to me that this issue is just not that simple. Relationships are complicated, it is not good for a man to be alone, God hates divorce but how do we get on with our lives once this has happened and how do we relate to someone in that real life situation if we feel that we must hold fast to what seems to us a very clear and specific truth?</li>
<li>Eternal judgment: Is it not true that scripture tells us that the person who has not put their trust in Jesus Christ is destined to an eternal lake of fire judgment? Some would say that this judgment simply means they cease to exist, others say this judgment is not a forever eternity but rather for an unknown amount of time intended to bring ultimate restoration. Others believe it is a forever and ever torture. I am sure there are other opinions and combination of these opinions and I am confident that many very wise theologians have good reasons for their conclusions.</li>
<li>Eschatology: So what IS going to REALLY happen in the end?</li>
<li>Eucharist/Communion - What actually happens with the bread and wine or juice?</li>
<li>Water baptism – sprinkle, immersion, head upstream or downstream, in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit?</li>
<li>Predestination or free will?</li>
<li>The modern day state of Israel – what should be our attitude toward the Jewish people. Certainly we are called to love all people and every nation. Do the Jews get a special place or position in our hearts?</li>
<li>Creation – is it a six literal days, 6,000 years ago or billions of years?</li>
<li>Etc. etc.</li>
</ol>
<p>So maybe all of these issues have no effect on our day-to-day walk or relationship with fellow believers but my sense is that they probably do. So what is the mindset we should have? Allow me to tack a crack at it. Maybe there are more questions to be asked than answers to be had.</p>
<p>Someone said, “It is more important to be righteous than to be right.” Could there actually be a difference between being righteous and right? In Romans 14:17 Paul writes, “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking but of righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Paul was addressing a right and wrong question regarding what food to eat or not eat. At the end of the discourse he wants to make sure everyone understands there is a higher way of thinking beyond right and wrong.</p>
<p>Is it not interesting that the forbidden tree in the garden was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Certainly, God wants us to discern between good and evil but there is a “renewed mind” mindset that takes us beyond what is right and wrong; to a place of greater discernment, a place of righteousness, peace and joy in the midst of the crazy evil world and the unpleasant disunity within the Body of Christ.</p>
<p>Having spent 34 years as a worker in the YMCA, I became a student of its history. One of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, the YMCA had very humble beginnings. It also had some very big ideas that God used to impact millions of people over the past century and a half. Though I must confess my critical attitude toward the YMCA regarding its mission drift, there is still a great deal to be learned from its successes and failures.</p>
<p>From the very beginning, the founder of the YMCA, George Williams and other co-workers had a vision of Christian unity in regard to their desired purpose. So much so that they established what was called the Paris Basis. This was a broad statement meant to put some definition to the “why” of their existence.</p>
<p>“The Young Men’s Christian Associations seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his Kingdom amongst young men.</p>
<p>Any differences of opinion on other subjects, however important in themselves, shall not interfere with the harmonious relations of the constituent members and associates of the World Alliance.”</p>
<p>Normally, when we think of the Paris Basis in the YMCA, we leave off the second paragraph. Actually, one would think that from the first paragraph the ideas in the second paragraph could go without saying. Unfortunately, this is not true. In their wisdom they decided to make sure the message in the second paragraph was clearly stated. Differences of opinions are precisely that – differences of opinions. To the holder of the opinion it may feel like it is life and death. I suppose that is also their opinion and maybe they are right, or maybe not.</p>
<p>In Matthew 21; 36-40, someone in the mindset of trying to be right asked Jesus, “what is the great commandment . . .” Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the Prophets.”</p>
<p>I would suggest that any thoughts or actions that fall outside of these two commandments are suspect of not being productive or leading us toward righteousness, peace and joy.</p>
<p>If you read Romans 12:9-21 regarding the marks of a true Christian you will not find anything regarding eschatology, eternal judgment, divorce, politics etc. Opinions regarding these important issues should be pursued, prayerfully considered and thought about but never, never should they take a front seat to the more important principles of the Kingdom of God.</p>
<p>“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil: hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor . . . .Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”</p>
<p>Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Our opinion is not the way, the truth, and the life. The way, the truth and the life is a person and the closer we get to this person the more clearly we will see what is good.</p>
<p>Hold fast to what is good and be ready to let go of your opinion.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Skip Wilke the WILLING Servant]]></title><description><![CDATA[For those reading this blog who have no idea who Skip Wilke is, let me just say
that he is a dear friend who recently went home to his heavenly Father and who
was an amazing example of the Father’s love to me.

Even as I am typing these memories of Skip, I was expressing frustration over
the age and slowness of my mac computer. If Skip could have overheard my need
for a computer, I would have seen one in a box, at my doorstep within the week.
During my 12 years as executive director at Camp du N]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/skip-wilke-the-willing-servant/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f64dac4f9b00016a1d31</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Skip_with_hat_001_copy.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Skip_with_hat_001_copy.jpg" alt="Skip Wilke the WILLING Servant"/><p>For those reading this blog who have no idea who Skip Wilke is, let me just say that he is a dear friend who recently went home to his heavenly Father and who was an amazing example of the Father’s love to me.</p>
<p>Even as I am typing these memories of Skip, I was expressing frustration over the age and slowness of my mac computer. If Skip could have overheard my need for a computer, I would have seen one in a box, at my doorstep within the week. During my 12 years as executive director at Camp du Nord, Skip was always by my side and ready to do whatever it took to help me be successful. If he heard even the hint of a need he would do whatever was in his power to meet that need. I am sure there were times when he was unable or unwilling to meet the need, but somehow, he made me feel as if he was always ready and willing to jump into action.</p>
<p>My first memory of Skip must have been at the mid America camp conference (MACC) at the Saint Benidict conference center near Madison, Wisconsin. We drove up from Camp Tecumseh (Indiana) every January and that tradition continued, even as I bounced from camp to camp. Years later, chairing this conference was especially fun because I knew that Skip would be on the committee and all would be well. From my early days in the YMCA, Skip was a true friend. His big smile and warm handshake were something akin to coming into the presence of the Almighty. Not because Skip was God, but somehow, God was always with Skip, so you knew that when you were in Skip’s presence, you were in the Father’s presence. Skip was not all that vocal about His faith, but he did not need to be, his life spoke much louder than his words.</p>
<p>In the mid 90’s we were in the process of expanding Camp du Nord with the purchase of a large piece of adjoining property. There was plenty of associated politics and controversy over the project, but when Skip jumped in with a gift of $40,000 toward the property purchase, I heard the Father whisper in my ear. &quot;Skip Wilke just gave you a gift and you can take this as a sign that I am “WILLING” to provide for this project.&quot;</p>
<p>Many other Skip stories could be told by myself and countless others but for now it is enough to say that Skip’s willingness to be present, to provide and to encourage are the attributes of our heavenly Father and are also, the attributes to embrace in our own lives. Though Skip has crossed over, his memory and his example will stick with those that knew him forever.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Skip_with_hat_001_copy-1.jpg" class="kg-image" alt="Skip Wilke the WILLING Servant"><figcaption>Skip Wilke trying on the gift hat I received for chairing the Mid America Camp Conference in 1997.</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fear of the Lord or Perfect Love?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kayla and Alejandra ministering to mothers and children in an Indian village.
Upcoming in November we will be helping with the FREEDOM Retreat. What is the
Freedom Retreat? It is a weekend event intended to help people in their
spiritual journey of healing and hope. As part of the retreat, participants are
given the opportunity to receive a time of prayer and ministry. A small group of
team members prepare for the retreat in a number of ways, including prayer,
fasting and reading.

My challenge ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/the-fear-of-the-lord-or-perfect-love/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4fd1fac4f9b00016a1d94</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2019 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/ministry_in_India.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Kayla and Alejandra ministering to mothers and children in an Indian village.</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Upcoming in November we will be helping with the FREEDOM Retreat. What is the Freedom Retreat? It is a weekend event intended to help people in their spiritual journey of healing and hope. As part of the retreat, participants are given the opportunity to receive a time of prayer and ministry. A small group of team members prepare for the retreat in a number of ways, including prayer, fasting and reading.</p>
<p>My challenge is associated with the fact that I am not super confident in the arena of personal ministry to help others. Others are very passionate regarding this and are very gifted but for me, it is a struggle. So I was praying about the upcoming retreat and my participation. It happened to be September 14th so I was reading the 14th Proverb and sensed the Holy Spirit would give me wisdom in this regard. Verse 26 leaped off the page.</p>
<p>“In the fear of the Lord, one has strong confidence,<br>
and his children will have a refuge.”</br></p>
<p>This was my answer! My concerns about this kind of counseling prayer ministry is: will I be capable? Will I hear the Holy Spirit? Will I say the right things? Will my prayer be effective? The focus of my concerns are on me. However, if I am willing to focus on the Lord; His ability, His power, His anointing, than I can proceed in confidence. Plus, those who I am helping will have a refuge. This brought great peace to my heart and I decided to share this thought with our Sunday evening fellowship group as they make up a significant part of the Freedom Retreat ministry team.</p>
<p>This group of Holy Spirit listeners ran with the idea and the revelation began to freely flow. The discussion focused around the concept of the fear of the Lord and what it means to be confident. Most of the time we think of fear as a negative thing. But there are many areas where fear is very positive and normal. It is normal to fear going into a burning house or jumping out of an airplane. The result of this fear is being very careful how to do it. The fear motivates one to learn how to use certain specialized equipment and spend time in careful preparation.</p>
<p>God is the creator of the universe and that is a pretty big deal. If He wanted to, he could quickly smash me back into dust. The good news is that this is not His desire. His desire is to love me in every imaginable way. But this love does not change the reality of His authority and power to do whatever He wants. At least one aspect of the fear of the Lord is realizing the greatness of God and wanting to be on His team in every imaginable way.</p>
<p>One of my favorite illustrations of this understanding comes in the C S Lewis fantasy story, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. The four siblings have discovered the magical land of Narnia and are being briefed on the situation by some talking beavers. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are explaining how the true King of Narnia, the lion Aslan, has been spotted and is coming to take back Narnia from the wicked witch. One of the children expresses a fearful concern, “Is the Lion safe?” The response from the beavers is key to the whole story, to our own understanding of God and why it is important that we “fear the Lord.” The response from the beavers is this, “Of course he is not safe! But he is good.”</p>
<p>A few days after reading Proverbs 14:26, I was awakened to a tremendous thunderstorm. I could see the light flash and count the seconds before the crack of thunder to determine the distance it was from our house. All of a sudden, the lightening and the thunder were simultaneous. The storm was right over our house. It was very loud and a reasonable cause for fear. After it passed, I decided to get up and noticed the clock read 4:44. I know that 4 is a number that represents the 4 seasons and the 4 directions and therefore relates to creation but certainly the whole number 444 must also have a unique meaning. At Sunday night fellowship, after our discussion and sitting around the dinner table I asked our numbers expert, David, about 444. He was, of course, excited to hear that number and said that it represented perfect love. Scripture tells us that perfect love casts out fear. Hmm, is it possible that part of God’s perfect love is found in our fearing the Lord. Is it really about fearing the right thing and in fearing the right thing, we have no room for fearing the wrong thing.</p>
<p>The photo I included was a ministry time in a small rural village in India. The young Mexican ladies have a heart to serve as missionaries and part of their learning is to respond to prayer needs at the end of an outreach. In looking at the photo I see in the faces both a &quot;fear of the Lord&quot; and a &quot;perfect love that casts out fear&quot;. Who knows the impact of this simple powerful ministry time?</p>
<p>I am so grateful that God is not safe but He is so so good!</p>
<p>PS I noticed in one of my titles a typo that is proving to be the better title. I had intended the title to be a question, &quot;The Fear of the Lord or Perfect Love?&quot; God wanted to make it a statement: &quot;The Fear of the Lord OF Perfect Love.&quot;</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shed]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you Google square you will get a great deal of information about a little
square device that can plug into your smart phone and take charges from credit
cards. I have used this technology in selling items at craft shows and it works
marvelously. However, that is not the square I was thinking about in the writing
of this blog. When I was a youth we used the term “square” to mean that someone
was old fashion or perhaps too conservative in their thinking. In construction
projects, being square i]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/shed/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f6ecac4f9b00016a1d45</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2019 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Shed.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Shed.jpg" alt="Shed"/><p>If you Google square you will get a great deal of information about a little square device that can plug into your smart phone and take charges from credit cards. I have used this technology in selling items at craft shows and it works marvelously. However, that is not the square I was thinking about in the writing of this blog. When I was a youth we used the term “square” to mean that someone was old fashion or perhaps too conservative in their thinking. In construction projects, being square is certainly old fashion but not outdated. It is just as important to be square today as it was a thousand years ago.</p>
<p>Recently, when I decided to build a shed in our back yard, I was keenly aware of how important it is to get the foundation square in order to avoid problems during the rest of the project. I carefully staked out the four corners and measured the diagonals to confirm they were exact. After setting my foundation blocks I built a deck using 4 – 12 feet boards for the outside of the deck that would serve as the foundation. After these four boards were screwed together, everything appeared to be square. I than measured and cut the floor joists, attached them with joist hangers and was ready to put down the deck boards to complete the foundation. Just so I would feel good, I checked one more time, the diagonal measures to make sure that the foundation was square. It was not! It was one inch longer in one diagonal compared to the other.</p>
<p>This is not the first time, in my efforts at construction jobs, that I came close but alas, I missed the mark. I had two options. I could tear the whole thing apart and start over, or I could live with being off by one inch. Fitting to my personality, I was ok with being off by one inch so I proceeded in hopes that it would all work out in the end. As I preceded, every step in the project from putting down the deck boards, raising the walls to building the roof system, I had to deal with not being perfectly square. I kept thinking to myself, what grade would Mario give me. Mario was the property manager at Camp Jewell where I worked in Connecticut and an outspoken critic when it came to construction. Somehow, I believed, if I kept Mario in mind, the overall quality of work would be better.</p>
<p>The other reminder I kept sharing with myself is that I had no reason to rush this project. The entire summer is before me and I can go slowly in my effort to do a better job and not knock myself out with time constraints. The good news is that the vast majority of people who see this shed will give it pretty high marks. It looks good and it looks square. Not too confident in how Mario might grade it. Nevertheless, I will always know that it is not square and it falls short of perfect. So the big question is: what do I do with this “not square” “not perfect” situation.</p>
<p>If I relate this shed to my own life, I realize that when the foundation is off, it impacts everything else. On the one hand, I know that the foundation of my life is off due to sin and iniquity and that this impacts everything else. On the other hand, I know that when God made me, He said, “It was very good,” and that God really does have a wonderful plan for my life. I also know that God works all things together for good and that He is in the business of restoration. So if I put all of these truths together, I can rejoice greatly in the fact that God is indeed perfect and His works are perfect. And in my wondering away, as an offspring of Adam, I have missed the mark but by the grace of the Almighty, there is power to come back into square.</p>
<p>Through repentance (of my sin), renouncing (this sin), forgiving (myself and others), rebuking (the devil) and proclaiming (truth) I can once again stand square with the Maker of heaven and earth.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fruit of Waiting]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last summer at Camp du Nord, we had the pleasure of participating in the after
dinner community sing on the front porch. A group of around 50 gathered to
harmonize with simple songs and simple meanings. One of my favorites went like
this:

Let fruit ripen and let it fall,
Force is not the way at all
Let things go and you will see,
The way to do is to be.

After meditating on this simple tune, I was certain that my Amish friends would
have understood this song. Their approach to life seems to dee]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/the-fruit-of-waiting/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4fe0fac4f9b00016a1dab</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Apr 2019 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Last summer at Camp du Nord, we had the pleasure of participating in the after dinner community sing on the front porch. A group of around 50 gathered to harmonize with simple songs and simple meanings. One of my favorites went like this:</p>
<p>Let fruit ripen and let it fall,<br>
Force is not the way at all<br>
Let things go and you will see,<br>
The way to do is to be.</br></br></br></p>
<p>After meditating on this simple tune, I was certain that my Amish friends would have understood this song. Their approach to life seems to deeply personify the message. In the midst of the fast paced world they have no problem taking their buggy to the neighbors to help a young mother with a sick child or leaving a message on a borrowed phone that may not get answered for days. Somehow, they seem to allow life to come to them instead of going after it at a break neck pace.</p>
<p>I remember a young adult scout leader, Steve, in troop 429. All of us impressionable boys thought Steve was really something special. One of our greatest delights was getting to drive with him for a weekend camp out. He would race down the high way at 20 to 30 mph over the speed limit. We would stop for snacks and still beat everyone else to the campsite. It was ironic that we would go at such incredible speeds to a place where we were meant to slow down and enjoy the solitude of creation. Steve told us his life motto was, “to live fast and die young.” Sounded kind of exciting. Steve was only a leader for about nine months. I think the older and wiser adult leaders eventually got wind of his philosophy and un-invited him from the troop.</p>
<p>This winter, Minnesota was overwhelmed with snow. Though not one individual big snowfall, it continued to mount up, week after week and the temperatures remained cold. With the need to throw the snow higher and higher, it became a slower and slower process to clear a way. I needed to spend more time resting and waiting to catch my breath. When the melt finally began, we were worried about flooding and though there were problems in some areas, considering the amount of snow we were fortunate to have a slow melt. The deep snow has the benefit of providing an insulation to the soil and a greater protection from the destructive impact of deep freezing. The slow melt provides greater amounts of moisture to remain in the soil and a steady release of much needed nitrogen that is trapped inside the snow.</p>
<p>Once again, creation speaks to our hearts regarding the ways of the Lord. Psalm 27:14 ends with these words, “Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” I do not like to wait. I think my favorite phrase as a child was, “I just can’t wait!!!” I want this winter to end, I want this trial to go away, I just wish some things could happen faster. Psalm 27 seems to be saying that the fruit of waiting is strength and courage. Sounds like fruit worth waiting for.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Snow_in_Coon_Rapids.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>The snow in our driveway in Coon Rapids, March 1st, 2019</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Cross the Friends and the Light]]></title><description><![CDATA[In Luke’s account of the crucifixion, (Luke 23:26), Simon of Cyrene was seized
to carry the cross behind Jesus. In both the gospel of Matthew and Mark, this
same account is given. However, in John, 19:17, the writer says that Jesus
carried His own cross. After watching many movies and documentaries about the
crucifixion of Christ, I was under the assumption that Jesus, having been beaten
and whipped, was unable to carry His cross, so the soldiers found someone in the
crowd to carry it for him. P]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/the-cross-the-friends-and-the-light/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4fcc6ac4f9b00016a1d87</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2019 06:32:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>In Luke’s account of the crucifixion, (Luke 23:26), Simon of Cyrene was seized to carry the cross behind Jesus. In both the gospel of Matthew and Mark, this same account is given. However, in John, 19:17, the writer says that Jesus carried His own cross. After watching many movies and documentaries about the crucifixion of Christ, I was under the assumption that Jesus, having been beaten and whipped, was unable to carry His cross, so the soldiers found someone in the crowd to carry it for him. Perhaps this is an accurate projection of what happened, considering the fact that Jesus was fully man and had suffered a great deal. But I find it interesting that John says He carried His own cross.</p>
<p>Perhaps the message taken is that, yes, we are all called to carry our own cross, but in the community of faith, we bear one another’s burdens. The cross was Christ’s to carry and I have no doubt, He also being fully God could have summoned the strength to carry the cross, but no, it was necessary for Simon to carry it for Him. Another interesting note is that in the first three gospels, the writers all quote Jesus regarding the cross and discipleship, “Whoever does not bear His own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27, yet John leaves this out of His gospel. John, the beloved, leaves this message out of His gospel but he proclaims that Jesus carried His own cross to the place of crucifixion.</p>
<p>In my meditation and in my recent experience, I see that I must count the cost, take up my cross to follow Christ, but even in the taking up of MY cross, others come along side to help. As much as I feel a need to do it “all by myself”, I am unable. Once again, I see that the corporate expression is where the powerful and pure light of Christ will shine forth.</p>
<p>This past autumn, through a variety of confirming signs, Lynn, Amy and I, of the Fairview Pennsylvania Rupe household were clearly directed to uproot and transplant, (actually re-plant) to Minneapolis. And though the direction was clear and there is great joy in following the Lord’s plan, it has not come without a cost. The cross came as we began to downsize in anticipation of the move; van load after van load went to Goodwill, a garage full of stuff was saved for the church yard sale. Garbage bags filled to the brim were set out for the collectors and the burn pile had several days consuming an unholy sacrifice.</p>
<p>Perhaps, after all this we could fit into a 28 feet trailer, but no, as it turns out we needed another 14 feet of space. Thanks to a small army of church and camp friends, the trailers were loaded and a great victory was won. At the other end, family and friends were there to unload and we began to sense our cross burden a bit lighter.</p>
<p>Just as we were ready to close the back of the trailer on the first load, someone handed me a box of Paul Kyle’s CDs. Someone else handed me the cross from our daughter, Ali’s, wedding. What could all this mean? Certainly it was a photo opportunity. Paul Kyle is a good friend and also authored the song, “Why oh Why Lord Minnesota,” related to his families move from Belfast to Minneapolis. I sent Paul the picture and he noticed the box with the words Sterelite Corporation and commented on the pure light of Christ that comes as a corporate expression of His love. It was another Paul, Paul Friend and his family and the church he pastors that helped us load and it was Paul Kyle and his son, Gilbert, and friends along with our Minnesota family that helped us to unload. It was Ali and Matt who flew back to Pennsylvania to help us drive to Minnesota, serving as the cross, the bridge between our past and our future. They were all the “Simon of Cyrenes” that carried the cross for the three of us Rupes. In one sense, we each carried our own cross but in the greater corporate sense, Simon carried the cross and followed us toward God’s ultimate destiny.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Paul_Kyle_and_the_cross.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>The back of the first trailer</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Adventure]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sunrise in PA Amish Country, Henry's Farm. You need to look carefully to realize
it is an Amish farm.In my quest to be available to the Lord, I was wondering if
I would one day find myself driving for the Amish. As you may be aware, the
Amish people are a rather large group of families, living in about 17 different
states in the US. Though there are many Amish, they live in small groups in
rural communities. They have chosen an old fashion style of living and deprive
themselves of many modern co]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/new-adventure/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4f53aac4f9b00016a1d1e</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2018 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Amish_Morning.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Sunrise in PA Amish Country, Henry's Farm. You need to look carefully to realize it is an Amish farm.</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>In my quest to be available to the Lord, I was wondering if I would one day find myself driving for the Amish. As you may be aware, the Amish people are a rather large group of families, living in about 17 different states in the US. Though there are many Amish, they live in small groups in rural communities. They have chosen an old fashion style of living and deprive themselves of many modern conveniences we take for granted. From a distance, folks may look at the Amish lifestyle and find it rather perplexing and odd. It is certainly not a lifestyle I would want to choose. Neither would I want to choose many other lifestyles. I enjoy being an American and embracing the many conveniences and opportunities presented.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, there is this rather interesting large population of folks who wear plain cloths, straw hats and suspenders. They have no electricity in their homes, no modern plumbing and no automobiles. On the one hand, you could say, “they have no, they have no, they have no . . .” and go on and on. Or you could think for a short amount of time and list the many things they possess. They get to rise with the sun everyday and do chores; they get to develop very close relationships with their immediate and extended family, who all live within a few miles; they get to experience God’s creation up close and personal every day; they get to serve one another in their small communities in very meaningful ways; they eat their own organically grown food; when the power goes out because of a storm, their life is largely not impacted, etc. etc..</p>
<p>Henry is the father of the family I am helping. His two oldest sons, John and Levi make up the construction crew and some days younger son Raymond joins in. I met Henry about 7 years ago through his business of making custom windows. His father made the windows for Trinity Chapel at Camp Fitch and Henry decided to make windows and continued this trade up until recently. Henry’s oldest son, John, explained that he had decided to leave a good paying job to help start this new business and work with his father and brothers. It is remarkable to watch Henry interact with his sons. Clearly, he is the leader and his outstanding leadership qualities are best illustrated in his humility and listening skills. Almost every day I hear him asking his sons their opinion about critical business decisions. I hear him making it very clear to them that their ideas are sometimes better than his. They are very quick to express their opinion, share feedback and generate the best solution to a problem. I am sure they have their “moments” but I have yet to witness any.</p>
<p>As I began this journey driving for a construction team of Amish, I was certain the Lord would have some lessons for me to learn. The listening leadership lesson is the first of many. Most organizations, families, communities, churches large and small, find that their biggest challenge is communication. I am convinced that the most successful, have leaders who are diligent, purposeful, dedicated listeners. I am also convinced that the discipline of prayer is a practice of listening. God is always so good at listening to me but I need to press in to listen to Him. When I do, I am amazed at what I hear.</p>
<p>“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will LISTEN to my voice.” John 10:14-16</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adventures With Kuk]]></title><description><![CDATA[Our Korean friends and children at the reunion partyWith the recent news coming
out of Korea, I feel inspired to reflect on some of my experiences in South
Korea, all of which have been associated with my dear friend Kuk Jai Chun, the
founder of the Institute of Light Finders. This morning, after checking on the
news associated with last night’s summit between our president and the leader of
North Korea, I went to my Facebook sight and was greeted with this lovely
photograph of an event that too]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/adventures-with-kuk/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eb4ed81ac4f9b00016a1ca6</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2018 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Group_shot_Korean_party.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Our Korean friends and children at the reunion party</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>With the recent news coming out of Korea, I feel inspired to reflect on some of my experiences in South Korea, all of which have been associated with my dear friend Kuk Jai Chun, the founder of the Institute of Light Finders. This morning, after checking on the news associated with last night’s summit between our president and the leader of North Korea, I went to my Facebook sight and was greeted with this lovely photograph of an event that took place exactly one year ago. These three Korean ladies were on staff at Camp Fitch eight years ago. They worked very hard in the dining hall serving our campers and at the end of the summer were counselors for the Korean children that attend Fitch through ILF (Institute of Light Finders). At the end of the summer, they were able to travel with me to northern Minnesota for the 50th anniversary celebration of Camp du Nord. My oldest son, Jachin, who lives in Minneapolis was able to come with us as well. Du Nord is the camp where our family lived and worked throughout the 90’s and where our Korean connection grew so strong. Needless to say, in spite of them not knowing English, and us not knowing Korean, we had a great time together.</p>
<p>This exchange is just one of many aspects of our relationship over the years. In Korea, there is a very special culture of honor. These young ladies had a life changing experience with us, and, when I visited last year they wanted to get together and have a party to honor me and remember our special time together. So exactly one year before the historical summit in Singapore, three South Korean ladies, their children and their American friend were having a summit of their own. I am sure that these two summits were not too much alike, however, I have been in Korea enough to know that there is a tremendous desire for reunification. Just imagine the emotion that will be associated when family members re-unite from North and South. I do not know if, politically, this is the start of that process but what I do know is that the cry of intercession from believers in both countries is for unity and restoration. Please join me in praying for the restoration of the Korean peninsula. We want to see endless fun parties, honoring friends and family from the North and the South.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown--><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/cake_Korean_party.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>The special cake at our reunion party</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Still Waters]]></title><description><![CDATA[The walks down to Lake Erie have become a great treasure. Some days are cloudy
and windy; others are cool and quiet. One of the great pleasures of the walk is
the anticipation of what the lake will look like upon arrival. This memory often
takes me back to childhood trips to the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The
highlight of the summer was the short drive to the Lake. Sometimes going with
the immediate family, sometimes with aunts and uncles, other times with friends.
Someone planted a seed o]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/still-waters/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae63611381a70001550d0c</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/still_water-1.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/still_water-1.jpg" alt="Still Waters"/><p>The walks down to Lake Erie have become a great treasure. Some days are cloudy and windy; others are cool and quiet. One of the great pleasures of the walk is the anticipation of what the lake will look like upon arrival. This memory often takes me back to childhood trips to the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The highlight of the summer was the short drive to the Lake. Sometimes going with the immediate family, sometimes with aunts and uncles, other times with friends. Someone planted a seed of mystery and anticipation in my mind. On the drive to the lake I would look at the tree branches to see how much wind was blowing, knowing that this would determine the condition of the waves. A few miles from shore, I would begin to see signs of sand dunes and be reminded of the great pleasure derived from running up and down the enormous dunes. One of my favorite memories was driving up over a small incline and suddenly seeing the vast blue waters that blended together with the hazy blue sky. We have arrived and oh what a good time awaited.</p>
<p>Of course Lake Michigan and Lake Erie are two of the five great lakes. The twelve years we lived in Minnesota we enjoyed the dynamics of a third Great Lake, Lake Superior. Being a bit of a naturalist, I have very vivid memories of the bad reputation Lake Erie developed back in the 60’s and 70’s. Pollution from industry and agriculture had caused severe pollution, even to the point of the Cuyahoga and Detroit rivers catching fire in 1969 near the point of entry into the lake. Though there is still a need to diminish the pollutants, great progress has been made over the past five decades. More fish are produced for human consumption in Lake Erie than all four of the other great lakes combined. This is an amazing story of redemption and fruitfulness.</p>
<p>Today the Lake was very still, which also meant that the natural silt in the water had settled, resulting in crystal clear conditions. Most of the time, the wind inspired waves, stirs up the bottom of the lake resulting in murky conditions. In Psalm 23 we read that He leads us beside still waters. The root for the word “leads” means to “run with a sparkle”. Wow! When God leads us it is like running with a sparkle. This sounds like my childhood memories of going to the Lake. I was running with a sparkle, filled with joy in the anticipation of what was about to happen. Instead of being dragged over rough terrain, against my will, kicking and screaming, God has a plan to lead me in such a way that I want to run with a sparkle. When I looked into the still waters of Lake Erie, I could clearly see the beautiful round stones that carpeted the lake bottom. When the Lord leads me to still waters, His voice is clear and even magnified by the clear water of His presence. So often His voice is “seen” before it is “heard”. As we live a lifestyle of joyful sparkling anticipation of what God has in store, the eyes of our heart are open to His marvelous leading. In the midst of the storm, the waters get murky and that is when it can be difficult to hear His voice and to sense His presence, but God is still leading, so keep going until you get to the still waters and can see clearly once again. Run with a sparkle!!</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Look Behind You]]></title><description><![CDATA[Look Behind You

How many times have you heard someone sharing their story and near the end they
say, “and I never looked back.” My understanding is that they are communicating
that they have no regrets about the decisions they made to get to where they are
today. I am happy for them.

Sometimes, I look back. I wonder if I made the right decisions. Also, I like to
look back and remember. In recent days I have realized more than ever how
important it is to live in the present day. There is absolu]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/look-behind-you/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae64951381a70001550d25</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Adrienne_with_Eliza_and_Christopher_with_Nyah.jpeg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Adrienne_with_Eliza_and_Christopher_with_Nyah.jpeg" alt="Look Behind You"/><p>Look Behind You</p>
<p>How many times have you heard someone sharing their story and near the end they say, “and I never looked back.” My understanding is that they are communicating that they have no regrets about the decisions they made to get to where they are today. I am happy for them.</p>
<p>Sometimes, I look back. I wonder if I made the right decisions. Also, I like to look back and remember. In recent days I have realized more than ever how important it is to live in the present day. There is absolutely no value in worrying about the future, though wise planning for the future is a really important way to live. If Noah had not planned for the upcoming flood and built an ark, he would have been in big trouble. I wonder if he ever worried about the future – I am sure he did – and had to ask the Lord for help in this regard. So perhaps, there is a proper way to look ahead, a proper way to look back and a proper way to live in the moment.</p>
<p>We were recently blessed with twin grand children, Eliza and Nyah. Eliza means “oath of God” and Nyah means “purpose.” We are very excited for them and their proud parents, Adrienne and Christopher. They were both born just a few ounces above five pounds. Five is the biblical number for grace and I know first hand that it takes a double portion of grace to have twin baby girls. Their names remind us of the promise of God’s blessing over our lives and the purpose He has called us to.</p>
<p>Eliza started her life with a need for even more grace. She has some physical problems with her right leg and is struggling to eat on her own. In these early days and weeks of her life, she has been the recipient of a tremendous amount of prayer all over the world. God surely has a great purpose for her and her sister. The lesson I was learning in the midst of Eliza’s challenges was a lesson of living day to day, resting in God’s promises and purpose. Choosing not to be anxious about all of the things that could happen but finding that supernatural place of rest. I know that Adrienne and Christopher have been leaning heavily into the Lord during this time and getting the same lesson and a whole lot more.</p>
<p>Today on my prayer walk, it was extra windy and I heard an odd noise behind me, so I LOOKED BACK; was someone following me? At that moment I was praying for a number of different situations that qualify as extra significant double deluxe challenges for family and friends. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “surely goodness and mercy will follow you.” This is from the last verse in Psalm 23. I was struck by the attribute assigned to goodness and mercy - it is something that follows us, it is behind us.</p>
<p>In recent months I have spent a lot of time thinking about God’s goodness. To say, “God is good, sounds simple and true, but in a complicated world, it can be difficult to understand and know just how good God is. So the mystery whispered in my ear today is that it is in the looking back that we see just how good God is. In the midst of the difficulty it can be hard to see it, but in the looking back it is oh so sweet to see how He has loved us, cared for us, carried us and taught us in so many ways. Surely, His goodness and mercy follow us ALL the days of our lives.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earthen Vessel Part 3: This Old House]]></title><description><![CDATA[Heat Register with 4 plugs, second from the right is the shiny new plug.Earthen
Vessel Part 3

I was not intending to write a part three until recent events offered an
opportunity I could not ignore. Lynn and I have always found great pleasure in
taking old houses (another type of weak earthen vessel) and transforming them
into something much better than what we started with. What some call “sweat
equity” has been a particular calling that has been fruitful for us in multiple
ways. Though our th]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/earthen-vessel-part-3-this-old-house/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae67491381a70001550d6f</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Mechanism_on_heat_register_with_4_plugs.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Heat Register with 4 plugs, second from the right is the shiny new plug.</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Earthen Vessel Part 3</p>
<p>I was not intending to write a part three until recent events offered an opportunity I could not ignore. Lynn and I have always found great pleasure in taking old houses (another type of weak earthen vessel) and transforming them into something much better than what we started with. What some call “sweat equity” has been a particular calling that has been fruitful for us in multiple ways. Though our three sons may not fully agree, transforming the third floor of the St. Paul house was a great learning experience. All of the Rupe men stumbled down the third floor attic stairs covered with fine black dust during the demolition phase. Hopefully, none of us will have black lung disease as a result. Though we had the opportunity to build a new house for Camp Jewell in Connecticut, our first old rental property was purchased in Winsted. Our homes in Lafayette, Fridley, St. Paul, Ely and Fairview have all been significantly worked over. All of them, older earthen vessels, with great potential.</p>
<p>So this past week we started our big kitchen upgrade. The week earlier when Lynn was doing grandmother assignment in North Carolina, our heating boiler stopped working. I could not find a company to service it so following my instincts, changed out a pilot mechanism on my own. Turned everything back on and, to my amazement, it worked! A few weeks later it stopped working, ughh! So I called a repairman who came and changed a “transformer” and we were back in business. I believe this part of the earthen vessel needed both the flame of Gideon’s army and a transformation experience.</p>
<p>This past week, while working on the kitchen, Lynn noticed a leak under the heat register. After much grunting, pushing, bending and hoping, I managed to remove the metal cover that surrounds the four pipes below. Flashlight in hand, lying on my belly, I discover that one of four plugs at the end of the pipes was the culprit. After an hour of YouTube education, I decided to dive in and change the plug all by myself. The first step would be to turn off the valve to the register. I went to turn the old black plastic valve and was unsuccessful. A few minutes later, I returned with my biggest pipe wrench, established a grip on the valve handle and turned in the correct direction. The old black plastic valve broke in two pieces. Not giving up, I returned from the garage with an adjustable wrench, attached it to the square valve stem and was surprised to feel it turn. I continued turning it all the way off and after some time, the register was indeed cooling off. I had succeeded in shutting off the heat to the register!</p>
<p>The next step would be the removal of the defective plug. All the plugs in my YouTube research had a square head protruding from the plug. These plugs, as you can tell from my photo had an inverted square head. How could I possibly get the plug out? There must be a special tool. In the wisdom that comes with age, I decided to go to bed. In my waking moments the next morning, I had a vision of a typical ratchet wrench with a square fitting. Hmm, perhaps this square wrench would fit inside the plug. The Holy Spirit is certainly giving me wisdom. After my morning routine, I rushed out to the garage and returned with a ratchet, discovering that it indeed did fit inside the square plug. Of course, I could not budge the plug. It looked very old. It could easily fall apart while I was applying significant pressure and there would be dirty water from the register leaking out on the floor. Not a big problem since I had (supposedly) disabled the water flow the previous day. A moment later, I returned from the garage with a bigger ratchet. Lynn was excited to see me following in her father’s footsteps. He solved a lot of problems with a bigger hammer or a bigger wrench, as did my own father, so we must be on the right track. Sure enough, the wisdom of our fathers prevailed and the defective plug began to move. After a few turns a little more water began to drip, and a few more turns and I could tell that there was significant pressure still in the system. I bled the air out of the bleed plug at the other end of the register but that did not seem to help matters. The plan of removing the plug, losing a small amount of water from the pipes and taking the defective plug to a local plumbing supplier to show what I needed was foiled. Not a problem, I will measure the plug and take a photo with my smart phone.</p>
<p>Equipped with the photo and the measurement of ¾ inch, I was off to the nearest hardware store. They had a plug with a square head pointing out but not inverted. It was a buck fifty, so I took it as a back up plan and proceeded to the next possible supplier. The next supplier did not carry the item but pointed me towards two additional options. The next stop was a failure but the last stop (fourth place) was a success. I was now thirty minutes from home but I had the .47 cent part in my possessiUpon arriving home and preparing to make the exchange, I made the disappointing discovery that my replacement plug was too large. The way I measure and the way real plumbers measure are obviously different. I called the supplier and he had the next smaller size so off I went to replace my ¾ inch plug with a ½ inch plug.</p>
<p>Home at last, proper plug in hand, I was ready to make the exchange. I knew there was still some level of pressure inside the register so I prepared myself both physically and emotionally. No matter what happens, I need to remove the old plug and screw on the new one as quickly as possible, no turning back and at all costs, no panicking allowed! As the defective plug unscrewed the pressure in the tank began to rear its ugly head. The brown smelly water inside began to spray all over the south side of the kitchen. I reminded myself, “do not panic, just put the new plug in.” At last, the old plug was out and the new one quickly in place. The tension in the room subsided and I was grateful that both Lynn and Any were not there to witness the mess. An hour later, the brown smelly water was cleaned up and I had a new set of clothes.</p>
<p>I am still baffled by the experience of turning off a valve to the register and feeling that no hot water was getting into the register but still having water spewing out with such force. With the amount of water that came out in a matter of 15 seconds and with such tremendous pressure I have no doubt that had I not been successful in immediately replacing the plug, the entire system would have drained into our newly renovated kitchen. Clearly, there is still much to learn about my hot water heating system.</p>
<p>The new plug in place, the leak was stopped. However, with all the pushing and shoving on the unit and with the age of the old shut off valve, a new leak developed around the valve stem. It was a very slow drip, so a small container to catch the drips and empty once a day was the temporary fix. The problem almost perfectly solved, I was ready for a good nights rest. After sliding between the comfortable sheets next to my best friend, Lynn, my best friend noticed a leak coming down the side of our bedroom wall. WHAT COULD THIS BE?! I smelled the water and quickly identified the same ugly brown water that spewed out of the register earlier that day. It had to be a leak inside the ceiling and only repairable by cutting out drywall. I pulled out the notes from the previous house owner who had installed the system. I discerned in his cryptic notes that I might be able to locate a valve that would turn off the water to the upstairs zone. Off to the basement I scampered with little hope of success. After walking around the basement with a flashlight and studying the spaghetti of pipes and endless number of valves, I finally determined one valve that had some possibility of shutting off the correct part of the system. Returning upstairs, I wiped off the drips from the wall. Lynn had left a towel on the floor and we both went to sleep with visions of waterfalls in out bedroom. The next morning, the wall was dry; the leak had stopped. It is very possible that this zone of the heating system is not even necessary, but, at any rate, the problem is at least temporarily solved.</p>
<p>On my walk that morning I was asking the Lord if all of our heater problems was due to my sin or the sin of my fathers. The gentle and still small voice of Heavenly Father seemed to be saying, “But you have this treasure in earthen vessels . . . this old house that I have blessed you with is a weak vessel and I have many special treasures within its walls. I will use its weakness to teach you my ways. Rejoice in this special gift and allow my treasure to shine through.”</p>
<p>I cannot stop the story here without mentioning all of my special friends who work in the maintenance departments of the camps I have been involved with over the years. All five camps qualify as old camps that are constantly being upgraded. My first full time camp job was as a maintenance guy and I learned a great deal from Gary Forester who taught me the ropes. But I only lasted a few months until everyone decided I had other treasures inside and maintaining an old camp was not one of them. Over my 34 years of camp ministry I have witnessed faithful servants, Harold, Scott, Mario, Greg, Dann, Tom and so many others who conquered the world of frozen pipes, overflowing septic systems, bed bugs, water system failures, wind storms and so much more. As great as the challengers were, there was something special about being in the battle together and getting through the storms of camp life.</p>
<p>I am certain, if God wanted to, He could keep us from all these troubles. I must confess, most of the time, I wish He would. But we have a treasure inside these earthen vessels and God is determined to show His power in us. Not my power, but His power. So let the light of Christ shine in your heart; let His presence be with you and may your earthly vessel be broken in such a way that others can see the presence of God inside and be transformed.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earthen Vessel Part II]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chai stand in KolkataChai trash bucketHere is our team ordering chai on the
street in Kolkata. The other photo is the discard bucket for the clay chai cup.
My first chai experience in 2017, I was really fascinated by the cup. It was
very small and easily the simplest clay vessel I had ever seen. It was also, in
a certain way, my favorite clay vessel. I noticed that the chai vendor had a
whole case of cups and by the way they were stacked I could tell that each one
was slightly different than the]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/earthen-vessel-part-ii/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae665b1381a70001550d52</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Chai_Vendor_In_Kolkata_.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Chai stand in Kolkata</figcaption></img></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Used_Chai_Bucket.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Chai trash bucket</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Here is our team ordering chai on the street in Kolkata. The other photo is the discard bucket for the clay chai cup. My first chai experience in 2017, I was really fascinated by the cup. It was very small and easily the simplest clay vessel I had ever seen. It was also, in a certain way, my favorite clay vessel. I noticed that the chai vendor had a whole case of cups and by the way they were stacked I could tell that each one was slightly different than the next. At least in some way, they must be hand made.</p>
<p>My chai cost about 6 rupees, which is about 10 cents. I was assuming that I would return the cup so that it could be washed and reused, but when I went to return the cup, I was told to throw it in the trash. How can this be? Maybe they did not want to use a cup after it had been used by a foreigner or maybe I did not understand what he wanted me to do. Surely, he did not want me to throw away the precious cup. My friend familiar with Indian culture said, “throw it in the bucket”, but I said, “I do not want to throw it in the bucket”. He said, “throw it in the bucket and smash it, break it!” But I said, “I would rather keep it than throw it away.” He said, “you must throw it in the bucket and smash it, this is the Indian way; you cannot keep it because it is used and dirty, it is not worth keeping or reusing, it must be thrown away.” So I threw it hard into the bucket and it broke. I cannot remember ever breaking an earthen vessel on purpose and it was kind of fun. But somehow, in this very poor country, it seemed odd to be so extravagant and drink one time out of the chai cup and throw it away. Surely the Lord has a message.</p>
<p>When Gideon was commissioned by God to form an army and defeat an enemy, God wanted to make sure that everyone knew God was the one who would gain the victory. He instructed Gideon to trim down the army to just 300 men and go to battle with each man carrying three items: an earthen vessel, a torch and a trumpet. Rather unusual weapons. They went to battle with the clay vessel covering the torch. At the right moment in time, they blew the trumpets, broke the earthen vessels and cried, “the sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” The enemy of thousands fled and the battle was over. This story can be found in Judges 7.</p>
<p>The treasure we have in earthen vessels is the light of Christ. When we think of what it means to be broken, or humble, we must understand that this is how the victory is won. Others will not be able to see the light unless we break the vessel. Our life in Christ is a great treasure and we must let the light of Christ shine out from our weak earthen vessel, so that others may see and believe.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earthen Vessels Part One]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clay chai cup with chaiThis Sunday, March 4th, I will be marching forth at New
Beginnings Church in Fairview to share some of my experiences in India. Anyone
interested is certainly welcome to our 10:00 a.m. service. Part of my story will
be an explanation of the clay chai cup. My introduction in this blog will be
continued this Sunday morning. Please pray that I will have God’s ability as I
share.

The clay chai cup is a prophetic wonder in India. On the streets of Kolkata,
stopping for a cup o]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/earthen-vessels-part-one/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eae65b71381a70001550d3f</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Chai.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Clay chai cup with chai</figcaption></img></figure><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>This Sunday, March 4th, I will be marching forth at New Beginnings Church in Fairview to share some of my experiences in India. Anyone interested is certainly welcome to our 10:00 a.m. service. Part of my story will be an explanation of the clay chai cup. My introduction in this blog will be continued this Sunday morning. Please pray that I will have God’s ability as I share.</p>
<p>The clay chai cup is a prophetic wonder in India. On the streets of Kolkata, stopping for a cup of chai is a common daily practice. The best way to drink Chai is freshly made, on the street in a clay cup. Chai is made of milk, tea, sugar and spice. When you drink it out of the clay cup you can smell the earthy clay adding the final touch of drinking ecstasy.</p>
<p>I am not normally a tea or coffee drinker, however, when in Rome . . ., so I partook last year for the first time. It was good and fun to drink with my friends. It is handed to you just about one degree less than boiling and the heat quickly penetrates the thin clay cup and burns your hand. You quickly learn that it is necessary to carefully hold the cup with your thumb on the edge of the rim and another finger on the edge of the base. Allow plenty of time for the hot creamy mixture to cool down and enjoy the sweet earthy spicy delight.</p>
<p>Why do I say that this cup is a prophetic wonder? Simply because there are multiple Kingdom messages that this precious cup is trying to tell us. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 we read, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” What is the treasure? In the previous verse we learn what the treasure is. Light shining out of darkness, shining in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Verse 6 is a real mouthful but it must be so, because the treasure is so special, so important and so powerful. The treasure is light, knowledge, God’s glory and His presence. All of this inside of us, inside of this weak clay vessel.</p>
<p>We will continue to explore the wonder of the clay pot and the treasure inside this Sunday and in future blog posts to come.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hope of India]]></title><description><![CDATA[In our last days in Kolkata, we met a few other young couples with a missionary
calling. One couple was from Argentina, the wife is a physician and the husband
a photographer. They were spending several months in Kolkata to search for their
specific calling and were only a few days away from a trip home, very
enthusiastic about raising support and returning as soon as possible. He shared
with me that he had seen many missionary videos showing the desperate needs in
India but believed God was lea]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/the-hope-of-india/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eace6281381a70001550cf0</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>In our last days in Kolkata, we met a few other young couples with a missionary calling. One couple was from Argentina, the wife is a physician and the husband a photographer. They were spending several months in Kolkata to search for their specific calling and were only a few days away from a trip home, very enthusiastic about raising support and returning as soon as possible. He shared with me that he had seen many missionary videos showing the desperate needs in India but believed God was leading him to create a video showing the hope of India. As he shared his heart, I could tell that he wanted to approach his calling from a position of hope and faith, not out of pity or desperate need.</p>
<p>I must confess that during my time in India, I am overwhelmed by the desperate need. I see the polluted air, I smell the open septic, I push though the crowds, attempt to ignore the countless beggars and sidestep the stray cows and dogs and the presents they leave behind. My new Argentine friend described to me the amazing potential of the Indian people. They are energetic, colorful, creative, gritty, intelligent and persistent. Their harsh surroundings have been tools to develop many of these qualities and yet so many are suppressed by a great darkness. The suicide rate is extremely high and is only one aspect of the hopelessness that consumes their lives. While in India we heard so many testimonies of believers in Jesus who had found hope in Christ and abandoned the 3.3 million Hindu gods. These believers were experiencing profound miracles along with the freedom that comes with God’s forgiveness and the power to forgive others. Their Indian heritage being unlocked and released for the glory of God.</p>
<p><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/26235EE8-03D0-41E9-9CF8-2BFD4EFF5550.jpeg" alt="26235EE8-03D0-41E9-9CF8-2BFD4EFF5550"/></p>
<p>One of the best illustrations the Lord gave me of the hope of India was this gentlemen who sold us silk scarves. We were doing a prayer walk through a Muslim neighborhood in Varanasi. This area is known for weaving of fine silk material and sure enough, someone guided us down a narrow alley and into a room where a weaver was working on a hand loom. The guide began to talk to us in Spanish and the team was amazed. He explained, going back and forth in Spanish and English, the process of weaving, and the quality of material he had available. He than lead us to his shop and gave us a full demonstration of his many products. He also had fun showing us how he had mastered various English accents, including, proper British, Irish and Australian. I could not resist asking him how many languages he knew. He began to rattle off the various ones and proving his grasp of each one. I lost track after ten! We purchased a few items and the price was not only fair, but the entertainment alone was well worth it. I wonder how God will use this man, when he fully surrenders to the Lord?</p>
<p>On my long trip home, I was enjoying listening to several YouTube videos of Ravi Zacharias. Ravi was born and raised in India and has had such an influence on the body of Christ. If you have not had the pleasure of listening to him, you are missing a real special opportunity. The hope of India is certainly illustrated in his life. At 17 attempting suicide and nearly succeeding, he has now become one of the most outstanding Christian apologists of our day.</p>
<p>There is a great treasure inside all of us. It will be expressed in small and great ways, but even the smallest of treasure can have world changing impact. All of my friends in the youth camping world are very much aware of this reality. Their calling is to do all they can to draw out the potential of every child they are blessed to serve at camp. I want to focus my sights on the hope of India and the hope God has for all of His creation.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Interesting Sign In India]]></title><description><![CDATA[

Waiting for a bus in Kolkata, I noticed a sign in bold letters, “ WILD ASS
SANCTUARY”. I could not help but laugh out loud and was sure the Lord must have
a message for me. My imagination pictured a church sanctuary with a really
intense outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I felt a little guilty
because my mother would never want me to use the “A” word or laugh at someone
who did. Sorry mom, on this one I think the Lord wanted to use humor to speak to
my heart. I imagined an unbel]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/an-interesting-sign-in-india/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eace59f1381a70001550ce0</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 06 Feb 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/wild_ass_sanctuary.jpg" alt="wild_ass_sanctuary"/></p>
<p>Waiting for a bus in Kolkata, I noticed a sign in bold letters, “ WILD ASS SANCTUARY”. I could not help but laugh out loud and was sure the Lord must have a message for me. My imagination pictured a church sanctuary with a really intense outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I felt a little guilty because my mother would never want me to use the “A” word or laugh at someone who did. Sorry mom, on this one I think the Lord wanted to use humor to speak to my heart. I imagined an unbeliever who was at the meeting showing up at a bar late that night and describing his experience at the wild ass sanctuary. Of course, there must be an area somewhere in India where you can go to see wild asses or what we would prefer to call donkeys. The bus station was offering guided trips to this area.</p>
<p>The more I listened to my heart the more I realized that we are all wild asses that need a sanctuary. So every time we come together to worship the Lord we are experiencing a wild ass sanctuary. By the grace of God He has tamed us to be His obedient servants, living stones and part of the living sanctuary not built with human hands but by God Himself. One of the themes of the India trip is the understanding that we are fragile earthen vessels with a great treasure inside. As God changes us from wild asses to patient, gentle donkeys we are fit for His service. Donkeys are such a great picture in God’s creation of an animal that is easily tamed and prepared to serve, to carry another’s burden and to do it patiently, carefuly and gently. In Numbers 22, we see this reality working in Balaams donkey. The gentle donkey responded to his wicked master with truth and humility - a treasure in an earthen vessel.</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flee From Idols]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the wonders of India are it’s many languages.  Though Hindi and 
English are prominent, in Kolkata, Bengali is an official language and 
the Muslim population uses Urdu. Kolkata is in the state of West Bengal 
and to the east is Bangladesh. Bill, our team leader, will be traveling 
with Rosia to the state of Nagaland so that Rosia can spend the next 
month serving at a ministry center before returning to Mexico. Nagaland 
is one of many states that are a part of India that wrap around the]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/flee-from-idols/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eace4ab1381a70001550cc0</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the wonders of India are it’s many languages.  Though Hindi and 
English are prominent, in Kolkata, Bengali is an official language and 
the Muslim population uses Urdu. Kolkata is in the state of West Bengal 
and to the east is Bangladesh. Bill, our team leader, will be traveling 
with Rosia to the state of Nagaland so that Rosia can spend the next 
month serving at a ministry center before returning to Mexico. Nagaland 
is one of many states that are a part of India that wrap around the 
small nation of Bangladesh and boarders Burma.  They speak Nagamese in 
Nagaland and it is more like a jungle(sounds fun).  Last night we served
 in a children’s ministry and the regular service at Munda Para. The 
Munda people are a separate tribe and speak their own Munda language.  
It is a wonder that anyone can understand anything.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Sound_system_at_Munda_Para.serendipityThumb.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>This speaker is tied into the rough sawn rafter boards at Munda Para</figcaption></img></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Friends_at_Munda_Para.jpeg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Some of our overcoming friends at Munda Para</figcaption></img></figure><p>In our very humble meeting place at Munda Para, was a gathering of the 
nations and a troop of overcomes(about 30).  Represented were the 
nations of India, including those from Munda and others who spoke Hindi 
or Bengali.  The Latin American nations included, Mexico, Dominican 
Republic, Argentina and Chili. The U.S. from the state of Pennsylvania 
was also present and accounted for.</p><p>At the end of the service, Javier asked me to share something before communion.  I whispered to Bill,
“Where is the classic communion verse”, he whispered back, “not sure, 
check 1 Corinthians 9 or 10”. 1 Corinthians 10:14 jumped out,”. . . flee
 from idolatry.”  Though we all struggle with idolatry in different 
ways, India is a nation full of literal idols made with human hands and 
we were with a group of believers who had, by the grace of God, fled 
from these idols.</p><!--kg-card-begin: markdown--><p>Could there be a connection between idol worship and the blood and body of our Lord? As the bread was broken from one loaf I was aware that His heart is to have His body on earth whole. This passage speaks to a priority of attitude we are to have toward the body of Christ. We must do all that we can do to love and serve our brothers and sisters, forgive one another, honor one another, preserving the unity of the Spirit. Our joyful obedience in this regard is the answer to Jesus prayer in John 17. Perhaps we have many religious idols that destroy our unity in Christ. Time to flee them!</p>
<!--kg-card-end: markdown-->]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honoring the Rickshaw Drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pastor Michael comes from a high cast family in India and became a 
Christian many years ago through the ministry of YWAM(Youth With A 
Mission).  He pastors a church in Kolkata and oversees an NGO(non 
government organization) called “Serve the Nations.”  Though it is rare,
in the official government paperwork for this NGO, it states that they 
have permission to teach the Christian faith.

This NGO has many outreach programs and we had the opportunity to 
experience this great event on a warm ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/honoring-the-rickshaw-drivers/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eace3771381a70001550ca6</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pastor Michael comes from a high cast family in India and became a 
Christian many years ago through the ministry of YWAM(Youth With A 
Mission).  He pastors a church in Kolkata and oversees an NGO(non 
government organization) called “Serve the Nations.”  Though it is rare,
 in the official government paperwork for this NGO, it states that they 
have permission to teach the Christian faith.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Rickshaw_Driver.jpeg" class="kg-image"/></figure><p>This NGO has many outreach programs and we had the opportunity to 
experience this great event on a warm Sunday afternoon at a small park 
in downtown Kolkata.  The Rickshaw Race included about 50 drivers of all
 ages who were set up in teams.  There were team winners and an 
individual champion.  As part of the festivities our clown team 
performed four skits to the racers and the crowd in attendance.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Clown_Team_India.jpeg" class="kg-image"/></figure><p>I asked Pastor Michael to describe for me the purpose of the race.  He 
explained that very few people really appreciate the service of the 
Rickshaw drivers and he believed God wanted him to organize the event as
 a way to honor the drivers.  Only one driver he knows is a Christian 
believer, most are Hindus.  It was very special to see the joy on the 
faces of these hard working salty men as they participated and received 
gifts of thanks.  They seemed to really enjoy our clown skits as well.  I
 never imagined in my life that I would have opportunity to honor the 
Rickshaw drivers of Kolkata.</p><p>Every person God made is very special.  Each of us have a unique calling
 and destiny to fufill.  The Rickshaw Race was a huge reminder to me of 
the uniqueness of every individual and the value to be honored and 
respected in all.  It is so critical as followers of Jesus that we 
elevate (honor) every person, created by our loving Heavenly Father with
 a purpose and destiny to fufill.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Temples]]></title><description><![CDATA[All over India there are temples, places of worship. I guess the same as
in the US there are so many church buildings, places of worship.  It 
seems interesting that we call church buildings, “churches”, since the 
church is made up of people, not brick and mortar. The apostles Peter 
and Paul both used a temple analysis when referring to individual 
people.  1 Peter 2:5 talks about believers being living stones, not 
cold, hard lifeless stones but alive in Christ.  I love the lyrics of a 
choru]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/temples/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eace2441381a70001550c88</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Giant.jpeg" class="kg-image"/></figure><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Built_into_a_temple.jpeg" class="kg-image"/></figure><p>All over India there are temples, places of worship. I guess the same as
 in the US there are so many church buildings, places of worship.  It 
seems interesting that we call church buildings, “churches”, since the 
church is made up of people, not brick and mortar. The apostles Peter 
and Paul both used a temple analysis when referring to individual 
people.  1 Peter 2:5 talks about believers being living stones, not 
cold, hard lifeless stones but alive in Christ.  I love the lyrics of a 
chorus describing this reality:</p><p>We are being built into a temple,
Fit for God’s own dwelling place,
Into the house of God which is the church,
The pillar and the ground of truth,
As precious stones that Jesus hones
Fashioned by His wondrous grace,
And as we love and trust each other,
So the building grows and grows.</p><p>Somehow, by the grace of God, A temple of living stones is being built 
together, each stone, unique and uniquely fit next to other stones to 
form a dynamic team all over the world, to spread the good news, make 
disciples and see the manifestation of His kingdom, on earth as it is in
 heaven.</p><p>The Father is honing us, shaping us, most often through the 
imperfections of one another.  This is another opportunity to say “yes” 
to God, yes to his honing and shaping of all of us living stones.</p><p>The temples we are experiencing in India are examples of man’s attempt 
to fulfill a form of worship but missing the real point.  I worry that 
the church temple in the US has the same misguided approach, building 
structures, forms for worship but missing the real point; Christ in us. .
 .</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let’s Go]]></title><description><![CDATA[Off to a great start flying from Cleveland to Erie on the first leg. Lynn just
finished reading a book by an old friend, Kel Steiner, who was
a big inspiration to us regarding foreign missions.  Kel was a leader 
on the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Base in Guam and came to the Upper 
Room in the late 70’s to recruit workers.  Many responded to this very 
likable adventure-loving Kiwi, and went for training and service in 
foreign missions.

I knew Lynn was enjoying the book and looking for names ]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/lets-go/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eac7a961381a70001550c6b</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Adventures_in_saying_yes_to_God.jpg" class="kg-image"/></figure><p>Off to a great start flying from Cleveland to Erie on the first leg. Lynn just finished reading a book by an old friend, Kel Steiner, who was
 a big inspiration to us regarding foreign missions.  Kel was a leader 
on the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Base in Guam and came to the Upper 
Room in the late 70’s to recruit workers.  Many responded to this very 
likable adventure-loving Kiwi, and went for training and service in 
foreign missions. 
</p><p>
I knew Lynn was enjoying the book and looking for names of our Upper 
Room friends but I was unaware of the title, until I pulled it out of my
 backpack on the plane: Adventures in Saying Yes to God.  Well, that is 
interesting since this was pastor Paul’s theme for 2018. Say yes to God!
  Walking around the airport to get my 10,000 steps in, I suddenly heard
 my theme song for India, for saying yes to God and for being available 
to Him, “Let’s Go” by Calvin Miller.  I know this is not a Christian 
song, but God has used it’s simple theme to encourage me.  My favorite 
phrase that I learned last year in Hindi was “Chello”, “Let’s Go”</p><p>
On the plane I made friends with an Indian man who is a brain scientist 
at Case Western. I do believe the battleground is in our mind.  He has 
chosen to leave his Hindu faith and become an atheist.   All of his 
great intelligence has provided for him a spiritual vacuum.  We must 
learn to respect our intelligence but lean on the Holy Spirit to help us
 to let go and let’s go with Jesus.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Call To Fruitfulness]]></title><description><![CDATA[In one day I turn 61 and a couple of days later, I am off to India.  The
benchmark of a Birthday often leads to some self reflection.  This also marks
the anniversary of retirement from the YMCA and the end of a busy year that
included two glorious weddings, a new grandson, news of soon coming twin grand
babies (via Adrienne and Chris in April) and much travel.  So glad the Lord gave
me the opportunity to be available in this past year.  My friend, Paul calls his
ministry, “the ministry of avail]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/a-call-to-fruitfulness/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eac78a41381a70001550c58</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In one day I turn 61 and a couple of days later, I am off to India.  The benchmark of a Birthday often leads to some self reflection.  This also marks the anniversary of retirement from the YMCA and the end of a busy year that included two glorious weddings, a new grandson, news of soon coming twin grand babies (via Adrienne and Chris in April) and much travel.  So glad the Lord gave me the opportunity to be available in this past year.  My friend, Paul calls his ministry, “the ministry of availability”. This concept is a big inspiration to me.  My pastor, another Paul, in his new year message challenged us to embrace the 8 in 2018 and expect new beginnings(in biblical numerology 8 is the number of new beginnings).  He shared, “expect to see open doors and be ready to say ‘yes’ to God.”</p><p>Always a good idea to say “yes” to God.In my my waking hours this morning I believe I heard God saying, “I have called you to fruitfulness” and than made it even more clear by challenging me, “you are called to love. You are called to peace, you are called to joy, you are called to patience, you are called to kindness, you are called to goodness, you are called to faithfulness, you are called to gentleness, you are called to self control”. Not sure I ever looked at the fruit of the Spirit as a calling.  I can visualize Jesus standing at an open door calling to me, encouraging me to step into my calling to be fruitful.  I need to say yes, here I am, send me.</p><p>After a very harsh winter storm, today it was 60 degrees and felt like spring, hmm, another sign of a new beginning.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hello Friends]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hello friends:  In an effort to express myself, my experiences and my
understanding of God’s story in my life, I am beginning this blog.  My hope is
to be faithful in communicating something that is helpful in your journey and an
encouragement to walk in the light of our Savior.

I am also hopeful to document more significant adventures regarding mission
trips abroad and at home.  Having always been amazed and humbled by the doors
God has opened, this blog is intended to share with family and fr]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/hello-friends/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eabad329ad7b500011f3b76</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><media:content url="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/BrianInIndia.jpg" medium="image"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/BrianInIndia.jpg" alt="Hello Friends"/><p>Hello friends:  In an effort to express myself, my experiences and my understanding of God’s story in my life, I am beginning this blog.  My hope is to be faithful in communicating something that is helpful in your journey and an encouragement to walk in the light of our Savior.</p><p>I am also hopeful to document more significant adventures regarding mission trips abroad and at home.  Having always been amazed and humbled by the doors God has opened, this blog is intended to share with family and friends the experiences and associated insight I may gain from week to week. </p><p>Thanks for reading and please feel free to share your thoughts.</p><p>God’s blessings,</p><p>Brian</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preparation]]></title><description><![CDATA[This winter has started with record snow and bitter cold. Up until a couple of
days ago I have been able to do a daily two mile walk to Lake Erie. This is
great physical preparation for walking in India and I have sensed God’s presence
in spiritual preparation.

Lake Erie, January 2018Our team has been called to prayer walk the cities of
Dehli, Kolkata and Varanasi. In our walking we are to exercise the faith and
light God has put in us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and He said,
“Yo]]></description><link>https://author.brian.rupe.name/preparation/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">Ghost__Post__5eabb3ad9ad7b500011f3b8a</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian P Rupe]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This winter has started with record snow and bitter cold. Up until a couple of days ago I have been able to do a daily two mile walk to Lake Erie. This is great physical preparation for walking in India and I have sensed God’s presence in spiritual preparation.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Lake_Erie_January_2018.serendipityThumb-1.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>Lake Erie, January 2018</figcaption></img></figure><p>Our team has been called to prayer walk the cities of Dehli, Kolkata and Varanasi. In our walking we are to exercise the faith and light God has put in us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and He said, “You are the light of the world.” As an exercise of faith, we will walk in a dark place and bring His light.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://author.brian.rupe.name/content/images/2020/05/Visit_with_Imam_in_Kolkata_.serendipityThumb.jpg" class="kg-image"><figcaption>This is our time visiting with the head Imam of Kolkata in 2017</figcaption></img></figure>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>