Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

This is hard for us to take as we face this problem daily from political enemies who live in the same country, dine at the same restaurants, and shop and the same shops. Some even attend the same church. And yet they vote for leaders that we would not vote for, "not even with a forty foot pole" as the saying goes. This is the problem with American's brand of nationalized health care which the majority of voters do not want, but are being forced to go along with it, or pay an ever increasing fine.

What makes things worse is when members of our own family do not agree with the viewpoints we hold so dear. When we share our deepest convictions on what we regard as very important to us and to God, and family friends or foes hold an opposite opinion, we have to allow them to have their opinions, so long as they do not force us to go along with them. We cannot demand our own way.

My wife and I believe, from the untwisted Word of God, that Christian families should embrace all the children God wants them to have, regardless of what society and even the church is doing. However, the love of Christ within us does not force them. We share with "GRACE and TRUTH" (John 1:14).

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

There are those who do many good deeds for the nation, church, friends, and family. Although they may appear to not want attention brought to themselves, secretly they are disappointed when they don't receive appreciation. This Scripture plainly tells us that the godly love we are to model does not "seek her own." This means we are to live a lifestyle of love that does not want to draw attention to ourselves in any way. Our only desire should be that praise and attention should be given to Christ Jesus. In this way, we die to ourselves.

I do not believe it is wrong to acknowledge deeds of kindness and show gratefulness to those who bless us, but the person receiving praise should be quick within their hearts to pass it on to the Lord. If it was not for His grace working in our lives we would not be able to do anything worthy of praise.

Love that is given for the exaltation of self is not the pure love of God. Self love should not be the motive for any service or giving.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

This aspect of God's love must be constantly role modeled in our home first, and then to others. It would be hypocritical to be known by our friends and acquaintances to be polite and gracious and yet be coarse and roughshod with our wife and family at home.

Christian men should act godly toward the opposite sex at all times. To be overly familiar with women, even in a general sense, can be rude, inappropriate, suggestive, and unseemly. We should not love in any way that appears questionable or that would stir up base instincts in the opposite sex. Unseemly behavior is often manifested in the form of coarse joking which contains elements of suggestive sexual innuendos. This type of conversation is not becoming to the love of God.

Talking other people down is also very demeaning and offensive. When others are speaking, we should not interrupt them, especially in public. It is unseemly to act impolitely without using common courtesy. Anger, shouting, and physical or verbal abuse to get our own way is uncalled for behavior. Even facial expressions, pounding of fists on tables, or cold icy moods are unseemly. Meanness to others is also unseemly to the love that God wants us all to role model.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The main reason why any generation degenerates in its conduct or behavior is the failure of godly role modeling in the home. It can never be underestimated the privilege families have when their parents have truly caught the vision of the power and righteous influence of godly role modeling.

Despite the industrial, scientific, and technological advancements of our western nations, the flip side of the coin reveals that this has done nothing to halt the downward degeneration into vulgarity and rude, unseemly behavior. I think the advancement of some types of electronic communication and media have advanced the destruction of good wholesome generational values at an alarming rate. Our state education refuses to see the importance of moral education being of any value to the preservation of our 21st century civilization.

History abundantly reveals that when morals degenerate so the civilization degenerates and eventually destroys itself.

The home is the foundation of the nation and the state (government) is only as godly as its homes and families. Godly parents are called to be godly role models of the love that is pure, innocent, and wholesome. To resist this kind of role modeling results in national vulgarity and ultimate civil destruction.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Lord, give me sons like Daniel of old
Who for the truth will be strong and bold,
Sons who would dare to the Lord be true,
Striving to please Him in all that they do.

Lord, give me sons who would dare to do right
When father and mother are nowhere in sight,
Though down in Egypt they stand alone
In the midst of a crowd to evil prone.

Lord, give me sons who are pure in heart;
Who ignore the “sights” in the busy mart
Of girls, too careless to clothe their frame
Yet some even profess to love Jesus’ name!

Lord, give me sons so yielded to Thee
That the world at a glance Thy likeness can see;
O give me sons with ambition so pure
That naught from the path of right can allure.

Lord, of the sons Thou hast lent to me–
I gladly return them for service to Thee,
Nor would I ever in sadness repine,
If Thou should’st reclaim in death what is Thine.

Vera Miller
Reprinted with permission from Heart Throbs of Motherhood.

Last night my little boy
Confessed to me
Some childish wrong;
And kneeling at my knee
He prayed with tears:
"Dear God, make me a man
Like Daddy--wise and strong;
I know you can."

Then while he slept
I knelt beside his bed,
Confessed my sins,
And prayed with low-bowed head,
"O God, make me a child,
Like my child here--
Pure, guileless,
Trusting Thee with faith sincere."

~ Unknown.

Men, the role modeling of God's love, and all the ingredients that make up this love, should be of utmost important to us. This agape love of God is the central emphasis of all of Christ's teaching.

Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

We men must understand that if we ignore any one of the necessary ingredients that make up this love, then the geniuses of our love is in question.

If a person takes a medication that proves to be effective, but the manufacturers suddenly leave out a certain ingredient, or for the sake of cost, use a substitute ingredient that proves to make the overall effect of the medication inferior, that person will cease to use the medication.

If we say we live in the love of God, but at the same time are rude or vulgar with our speech and actions, we seriously compromise the love of God.

In the Greek, the word "unseemly" implies "indecency, unbecoming, shameful, shapeless." A shapeless garment, such as an undergarment, is inappropriate to be seen in public. When our behavior in speech or conduct is inappropriate or rude we are not role modeling the love of God which is so desperately needed in our family life.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Our home life has its ups and downs,
Some days are dark, some fair:
When comes the night.
But all is right
When Dad calls, “Time for prayer.”

We read the Book for guidance,
Sing praises for His care,
Then as we kneel,
God’s touch we feel,
As Dad leads us in prayer.

Sometimes we face temptations strong,
Or burdens hard to bear,
But hearts grow light,
New hope beams bright,
While Dad’s voice lifts in prayer.

Oh I am rich, his legacy
Exceeds the millionaire’s:
To know you have
The kind of Dad,
Whose daily guide is prayer.

Ada Wine
Reprinted with permission from Heart Throbs of Motherhood

This "puffed up" love is really a description of the false love that "vaunteth itself" (1 Corinthians 13:4). It loves the prominent seats in the church gathering; it loves the religious robes; it loves the display of wealth and fashionable clothes. This phony love enjoys religious debate. It is proud of religious knowledge and the prestige of letters of learning. It loves smug intellectual pride and its false actions of humility. It loves to treat with contempt those who dare to expose its facade of false humility. It also loves to be respected, honored, and praised. Such flattering soothes its lust for conceited self respect. How ugly is all this nonsense and prideful stupidity to God who weighs the hearts of men.

Paul speaks several times about this subject of being puffed up. 1 Corinthians 4:6 encourages us, "not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another."

1 Corinthians 4:18-20 says, "Now some are puffed up" but Paul answers, "I will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."

1 Corinthians 5:2 says, "Ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you."

Colossians 2:18 talks about one who is "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind."

Jesus warned in Luke 12:1, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Read also Matthew 16:6 and Mark 8:15.

Leaven (or yeast) is an agent for puffing up and represents pride. During Passover, leaven was not to be found in any homes (Exodus 12:15, 19). It should not be found in our homes either. We fathers have a responsibility to make sure it is put out of our homes.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Love that "vaunteth not itself" is a love that is not focused on itself. It does not say, "Look at me," "Do you notice what I am doing?" or "Do you appreciate what I have done for you?" True love does not seek attention or acknowledgement from others. Not only does it not seek it, but it takes no credit because it recognizes this love comes from Christ's life within.

On the surface, it will humbly acknowledge praise and appreciation, but deep within it will quickly pass it on to God from whom all blessings flow as Romans 11:36 tells us, "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

Men, this love must be role modeled by us, as well as our wives, in order that our children will also learn to walk in this love. We should seek ways and opportunities to demonstrate this love to others as often as possible. This love manifests itself with meekness. The Scriptures speak highly of meekness.

Psalm 22:26 says, "The meek shall eat and be satisfied."
Psalm 25:9 says, "The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way."
Isaiah 29:19 says, "The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord."

I think of the meekness of the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 21:5 says, "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."

Organized Christianity knows little of the meaning of "donkey riding," but the King of kings certainly does.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

We are living in a world that is increasingly boastful of itself and even good deeds. Men that blow out their chests and brag about themselves and their accomplishments in order to receive praise and fame are not good role models for their families. I am not saying that we cannot share with our family the victories, blessings, and achievements in our lives. However, we should share in a humble way in order to give God the glory who enables us to fulfill the gifts, talents, and intelligence He has given us. It is God that made us and gives us the very air we breathe.

When we talk about ourselves or are asked to give an account of ourselves to others, be it in the military, the court, the media, the church, or family, we need to role model a love that is not boastful or bragging of self.

God loves meekness. Moses was indeed a great leader, a man who brought about many mighty deeds, and yet the Scripture says in Numbers 12:3, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth."

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

What gifts of speech a man may own,
What grace of manners may appear,
Have little worth unless his heart
Be honest, forthright and sincere.

The sincere man is like a rock,
As true as time; with honest eye
He looks you squarely in the face
Nor turns aside to make reply.

Nothing is hidden; there is no sham,
No camouflage to caution care,
No ifs or buts to haunt the mind,
Or secret doubts to linger there.

A crystal candor marks his speech,
With conscience clear he goes his way,
He does the thing he thinks is right
Nor cares a whit what others say.

Give me a man that is sincere,
And though a wealth of faults attend,
I shall clasp his hand in mind
And claim him as a trusted friend!

~ Alfred Grant Walton

I am preparing an article about the practical things a father should teach his sons. Today, many young men are growing up not knowing how to do basic things that a man needs to know. I would love to hear from you.

Could you please email me with your suggestions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Put COLIN in the Subject heading.

Thanks,

COLIN

Envy was the sin that caused the chief priests to deliver Jesus to be crucified. Matthew 27:18 says, "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him." The question is, what did they envy about Jesus? Perhaps it was the mighty miracles he performed. Nicodemus stated in John 3: 2, "We know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."

Perhaps it was the authority by which He spoke. Mark 1:22 says, "And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Perhaps it was because the multitudes and crowds followed Him, and not them, the spiritual leaders, that made them envious.

The word "jealousy" is used sometimes when translating this same word, e.g. "Jealousy is cruel as the grave" (Song of Solomon 8:6). This point was proved in the sinful reason behind Christ being given over to Pilate for crucifixion.

Proverbs 14:30 says, "A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy the rottenness of the bones." In other words, an envious husband is a rotten husband, and the same goes for the wife. We cannot say we have love if at the same time we envy our wife's popularity or intelligence, or perhaps a neighbor's wealth or accomplishments.

How sad it is when a family is destroyed because a spouse envies someone else's spouse. True love rejoices when others are blessed. True love resists all envy and jealousy of others.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The love chapter tells us that love is not jealous of others (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love is contented with its status or lot in life. Love is not driven by a lust to be noticed, famous, or applauded by this world.

Many homes and families know very little about rest and contentment. The desire to be like the wealthy, to drive an expensive car, to live in an upscale neighborhood, or to have enough money to buy the latest iPhone, computer, or fashionable clothes causes much stress. Mothers feel they have to leave their highest calling of motherhood and put their children in day care centers and state education.

I am not saying that we should not better ourselves if it is within our budget and ability to do so, but we should do this without putting anxiety and stress upon ourselves or our family. I'm not talking about being contented to just sit around and do nothing. Banish the thought. What I am saying is that a discontented and anxious father or mother is not a good role model of the love that does not envy. True love will be calm, relaxed, and enjoy the goodness of the Lord for the blessings and provisions that you have, even though it may be humble.

Men, our wife and family need a relaxed and contented father far more than a nervous, over-driven, and no-time-for-fun father.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The kindness of God is revealed in His patience and forgiveness towards His own people, even after they had refused to obey, hardened their necks and appointed a captain to return to their bondage (Nehemiah 9:17). The Scripture goes on to say, "But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of GREEAT kindness, and forsookest them not."

There may come times in our marriage and family life when we also may feel that our loved ones have despised or mistreated us over and over again. We may be tempted to respond harshly in their hour of need and harden our heart against helping them when it is in our power to do so. Many couples, and families, hold attitudes of coolness and unforgiveness to one another because of wrongs that have been done, even many years ago. Sometimes, those attitudes are only put right at a death bed. How sad!

I know of a man who held unforgiveness towards his own son and grandchildren until a few years before he died. After being reconciled to his son, instead of dying, God healed him and used him to bring healing to many other people.

God's kindness is described as GREAT in Nehemiah 9:7 and MARVELOUS in Psalm 31:21.

We men must come to grips with this truth that the God who lives in us is GREAT and MARVELOUS in kindness. This should be our testimony, too.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The home is the foundation of every society. Therefore, if the home is weak and deprived of the necessary ingredients to make it strong the nation eventually suffers. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4 states that "love is kind." Kindness is a necessary ingredient for love. Therefore we conclude that if our love for our wife and children lacks kindness, we do not have the true love of God.

Kind men will speak kind words. Kind men will do kind things. Kindness should be on the menu of our table every day.

Men, we should say something very kind to our wives every day, as well as each one of our children. I think it would be most worthwhile to take a little time, even in the midst of your busy life, to think about a kind and considerate word to say to each member of your family, starting with your wife. It doesn't have to be big, but it does need to be thoughtful and considerate.

"I really do love you "are very important words to say regularly, but they must be backed up with evidence of kind actions. Otherwise, "I love you" can be shallow and hollow words without much substance.

Men, we need to pray daily that God will help us to demonstrate with lots of lovingkindness the love that we say we have .

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Kindness means to show goodness, tenderness, loving affection, gentleness, and consideration to others. Fathers who seek to role model the love our heavenly Father has for us will be kind men.

Men, every day in our marriage and family life, we have so many opportunities to show acts of lovingkindness. Kindness will stop us from being inconsiderate of other's feelings. We cannot be absorbed with self and demonstrate kindness at the same time for acts of kindness are considerate of other's needs as well as other's feelings.

A kind man will not ride rough shod over the sensitive feelings of his wife and children. A kind man will not enjoy bringing correction to his wife and family, lest he wound them unnecessarily. However, there will be times when he must bring correction for this is part of his leadership. But, because of his kindness he will not enjoy it.. Eli allowed kindness to stop him from bringing godly correction to his sons. In this matter it would have been kinder to bring correction when it was appropriate than to have God bring judgment on him and his sons for his failure to consider God's feelings above his sons ( (1 Samuel, chapters 3 and 4).

Kind fathers are desperately needed.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The King James Bible interprets "patience" as "longsuffering." I admire this "longsuffering of love" when I observe it in parents who have children with special needs, a handicap, or a serious disease that requires tender loving care. Often they have the extra responsibilities of oxygen apparatus or wheel chairs. It seems to me that God give these parents this wonderful longsuffering love that requires a lifetime of service. This great quality of love is also needed by wives and families of returned wounded soldiers.

It would be a good thing if the church would do all it could to lend a helping hand to those who face these demanding challenges.

It is sad that many who name the name of Christ are so taken up with themselves that when faced with the challenge of "love that suffers long" fall flat on their faces. They terminate their marriage so quickly. They end their friendships quickly. They throw in the towel on homeschooling (too demanding!). They don't have longsuffering patience to even have more than one or two children, let alone to spend time role modeling for them. How shallow is the love that knows little of longsuffering.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4 that "Love is patient." We have to concede from this truth that if the love we say we have fore our wife, family, and others has little patience, then we do not have the love Paul was talking about. The patience of Christ's love was most revealed amidst the jeering and scoffing at the time of His crucifixion. What patience He displayed while hanging on the cross. It enabled Him to cry out to God His Father to "Forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Many marriage problems are a result of pseudo love that lacks patience.

Impatience with our children does not convince them of our love. Patient love does not demand immediate change from immaturity to maturity for just as it takes years for a baby to become an adult, so maturity of character takes time. And times requires patience.

The best way for a marriage and family life to develop in all aspects of maturity is for us men, along with our wives, to role model PATIENT love. Some men are more patient with their animals than they are with their wife and children.

Be encouraged to be patient.

Colin Campbell