Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Through the weekly and daily devotionals you can be constantly encouraged in your great role of parenting, the highest career in the nation. You can also stay updated on what's happening with the Above Rubies ministry.

Strengthening Families Across the World through the encouragement of women in their high calling from God as wives, mothers and homemakers.

STANDING FAST IN A SHAKING WORLD

StandingFastWe often feel unsettled in our hearts because of what is happening in our lives or because of what is going on in the world. We live in an unsettled and changing world. But the glorious truth is that, if we are born again into God’s family, we belong to an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 12:27:28).

While things shake up around us we do not have to be shaken. Our God is eternal and unchangeable. Therefore, His Word is eternal and unchangeable. Psalm 119:89 says: “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” I love this Scripture.

God’s Word is totally settled in heaven. It is established. It is firmly fixed. It stands firm and unchangeable. However, God wants His Word to not only be settled in heaven, but settled in our minds and hearts. Settled in our homes. Settled in our family lives.

When everything falls apart around us, we stand on God’s Word. When we don’t know where the next cent is coming from we stand on God’s Word. When we have no human answer, we stand on God’s Word. It is infallible.

During this last year when we battled in prayer for our grandson, Arden, who was struggling with cancer, we claimed this promise. Along with many other promises. I typed them out in big letters and pasted them all around the walls. We confessed and claimed the promises as we prayed. We didn’t pray one prayer. We prayed daily. At one season, we came together every night for 13 consecutive weeks as an extended family to pray. We continue to pray three nights a week together. We are still waiting for results, but we believe God has answered our prayers. Even in the toughest and heartbreaking times we believed he was already healed at the cross when Jesus took our sins and our sicknesses. We believed the promises of God even when our natural eye saw the opposite.

Dear mothers, I believe we must have God’s Word settled in our hearts. We must know what God says. We must know His original and eternal plan for us as mothers. We must seek after His truth. We have the responsibility to impart His truths to our children so that His Word becomes settled in their hearts. They should not have bits and pieces of God’s Word; it should be richly implanted in them. Established in them. Imbedded in the them so that even when they face the world with all its subtle deceptions they will not be changed or turned from eternal truths.

The good old hymn, “Standing on the promises” is a picture of God’s Word settled in our hearts. We can stand on it because it stands in eternity. It stands on its own. It doesn’t need the advice of anyone of us on earth. It’s God’s Word with no exceptions.

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

I'LL BELIEVE IT TILL I DIE!
Further to my post below, STANDING FAST IN A SHAKING WORLD, here are some lines that are so great to memorize. Get your children to learn them.

BelieveIt

 

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IT BEGINS WITH YOUR HUSBAND

BeginsHusband“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” How often we remind our children of The Golden Rule? What a difference it makes in our home if each one lives by this rule. It is a rule which we expect all people in society to live by. Of course, it comes from the Bible: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

Because this saying originates from the Bible, the words of Jesus Himself, it is an eternal principle. And because it is an eternal principle it works. As I thought about these words this morning I realized that it is not much use putting them into practice towards people we meet without first putting them into practice to the one closest to us—our husbands.

Every principle begins in the home. More importantly, it begins with our marriage relationship.

There can be times when you feel dissatisfied with the way your husband treats you. You feel he forgets about you. He doesn’t treat you with love and passion. He says derogatory words to you. In fact, you just feel like forgetting about him!

But what about the golden rule? It starts with me. It starts with you. When you do to your husband the things you’d love him to do to you, you’ll be amazed how he will change. Maybe not all at once. But keep doing all the lovely things you want him to do to you and you will notice changes. Remember, it is an eternal principle that works!

Do you notice the Scripture says ALL THINGS! Not some things. Start today doing ALL the things to your husband that you want him to do to you. Where do you feel most hurt or even bitter? Begin right in this most difficult place and to do to him what you long for him to do to you.

Isn’t it wonderful how God’s Word always shows us the answer? I’ll admit it’s not easy. You won’t feel like doing it. It goes against everything in you. But you do it by faith. You do it because it will work. You do it because you are not a wimp, but strong in God’s strength.

Much love to you today,

Nancy Campbell

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WHAT FLAGS ARE YOU FLYING?

FlagsFlyingThe Bible talks a lot about banners. Banners are a sign of victory. We should be always heralding the banners of God’s truth in our home, in the church, and in the world. When banners are not waving, it is a sign of defeat! Never compromise the banners of God’s truth, even in the face of opposition and persecution! Keep them flying high.

I love to write encouraging posts, but I felt when I read Psalm 74:3-4, “Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations: even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns (battle flags) for signs.”

The Amplified says: “They set up their own emblems for signs of victory.”

Can you believe it? The enemy had come into the heart of God’s sanctuary and established their banners! And yet we see the same thing happening today. Right under the nose of God’s people, the enemy has entered into the heart of the church and set up his banners.

In most of Christendom today, the banners are flying high . . .

“Wait a few years until you are established before you start a family.”

“Make sure you use birth control.”

“Don’t have too many children.”

“Put your children in daycare so you can enjoy your career.”

“It’s my body, it’s my life, and I don’t need anyone (even my husband) telling me what to do.”

These ideologies are now entrenched in the church. They are not God’s signs. They are not taken from the Bible. In fact, they are opposite. They are opposite to God’s nature and His original plan for mankind. They are humanistic ideologies, taken from the very source of Satan himself.

It’s time to take the flags of God’s truths, which are flying in the dust, and lift them high.

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

Painting by Yihang Pan

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WHY DO WE THINK WE KNOW BETTER THAN GOD?

DoWeThinkSome people think that Dad can take the place of Mom at home. I would like to lovingly address this. I believe we should make all our decisions in the light of future generations. We dare not make any decision just because it seems "good" for the present, for every decision affects generations to come.

Often it can be very convenient for the father to stay home because the wife can get a better paying job. However, just because she can earn more, does that make it right? God created different roles for the male and female. He created women to be the nurturers, nourishers, and nest builders of the home and family. A father can do this to a certain extent, but not with same anointing as the mother. He created men to be providers and the Bible tells us that a man who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel (1Timothy 5:8).

Of course, there are many husbands who work from home or who have home businesses. This is great and a blessing to the whole family. However, the father gives himself to his business, and as the children grow, maybe incorporate them into it. He does not take over the management of the home or the nurturing of the children as this is not his role (1 Timothy 5:14).

Often a husband finds it difficult to get work. However, when the wife takes over his role, she undermines his purpose as a man. We bless our husband when we embrace our role and don't interfere with his role.

Society today blurs the roles and the differences God created in the man and woman. Both male and female are needed to reveal the image of God and we walk in God's perfect plan when we embrace who God created us to be. It is easy to fall into the trap of living by "situational ethics." We do what we think suits us the best and what is most convenient at the time. Situational ethics may work well in the situation, but it may not be the truth.

The truth is not always easy to walk in, but we must do it for the sake of our family and the for the sake of future generations. Marriage and family life is disintegrating all over the nation because many do what they think is best. However, there is a huge difference between what looks good and right and what is truly right and best. Two times the Bible repeats: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof ae the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25).

We show to our children and future generations God's perfect plan by the way we live. Our children have a right to grow up seeing their mother as the nurturer and loving her home. They have a right to grow up seeing their father taking the responsibility as the financial provider of the home. Our children imbibe God's way to live by watching us. God wants our children to see this distinction. It is healthy. And it is for the preservation of family life in this generation and the generations to come.

The roles of male and female and continually being blurred in this generation. What will happen to the next generation?

Isaiah 55:8-9: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are Your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Be blessed,

Nancy Campbell

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ARE WE DEGENERATING?

LetThemAloneWhat I share with you below may seem archaic. Even unbelievable in this society in which we live. However, it reveals how the bar of God's standard continues to lower in every generation.

I grew up as a child never entering a movie theater. It was considered evil. My mother, who has since passed away, never went into a movie theater in her life. Nor did my husband's mother! When I was older and began to go to a "good" movie, I remember saying to my mother, "Mother, you could come and see this movie. It is totally wholesome." But she replied, "Oh no, the Lord might come while I am there!" And she wouldn't want to be found in a movie theater if the Lord came for her!

But of course, when television came in, all standards went out the door. Now, many Christians receive into their homes all the filth and rubbish of the world. They watch adultery and fornication, and worse, without batting an eye! Many Christians go off to every new movie that comes without any discretion! No wonder we don't see the power of God moving in our midst today. We are a lukewarm people--overcome with mediocrity, complacency, ordinariness, passivity, and middle-of-the-road blindness!

What about church? When I was a young girl we worshipped together as a family in the morning. We would never think of missing church--rain, hail or snow! Never any excuses! We came home for lunch and then us children walked back for Sunday School in the afternoon (a couple of miles). Then we attended the Sunday evening service.

Next generation . . . instead of three times a day, we got down to two--morning and evening church.

Now, we are down to one service in the morning and that's it! Help, with so many Christian families not committed to church will we be having one service in the next generation?

What about family life? We have so many wonderful godly families in the nation who are raising godly children. And yet sadly, across Christendom, the majority of families have the mindset of the world. They have limited their families to two children. They are so excited when they have their son and daughter, and think, that’s it!

I remember talking to an elderly gentleman on one of my flights. He told me that his father came from a family of ten children and he came from a family of six. “How many children did you have?” I asked. “Two,” he replied. Very typical. Ten, six, two! Every generation has less children. Degeneration. Falling away from God’s original plan and purpose for mankind. We have become victims of a humanistic society. The blind leading the blind into the ditch!

It was normal to sit together as a family to eat meals. To communicate with one another. Now, if families do sit together they bring their iPhones to the table! They don’t even communicate face to face. Now that really is degeneration!

Perhaps the statement is true: “Each generation is one generation away from degeneration.” In the midst of lethargy, tolerance of sin, and deception, let's keep seeking after God and His truth with all our hearts. Let's not only do this individually, but as FAMILIES. Let's take our families with us as we shine as lights for God in a crooked and deceived generation. Let’s be truth-seekers rather than victims.

Blessings to you today,

Nancy Campbell

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THE POWER OF A BABY

PowerBabyTruly God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:7-8). Who could ever dream that infants and nursing babes could defeat the enemy? And yet this is what God says in Psalm 8:2: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." Jesus reiterated these same words after He cast out all those who sold and bought in the temple and overthrew the tables of the money-changers (Matthew 21:12-16).

Every precious new baby that comes into the world, born in the image of God, is another opportunity to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Even the Son of God, Creator and Ruler of the universe entered the world in the womb of a mother and came forth as a little baby. This One who came as a baby will rule the world and bring ALL HIS ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET.

I love the words of Frank Boreham, "We fancy that God can only manage His world by big battalions abroad, when all the while He is doing it by beautiful babies at home. When a wrong wants righting, or a truth wants preaching, or a continent wants opening, God sends a baby into the world to do it. That is why, long ago, a babe was born in Bethlehem.”

Never despise the power of conception and the miracle of a new baby growing in your womb. Rejoice in the awesomeness of God’s plan. A precious life is being prepared to come forth to impact this world. An eternal soul grows within you that will live forever.

Are you past child-bearing years? Rejoice with those who are bringing forth life. Never discourage, but encourage every new mother you meet. Psalm 107:41-43 states: “He makes him families like a flock. The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.”

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

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YOU CAN TRUST HIM

CanTrust2Trust Him when thy wants are many;
Trust Him when thy friends are few;
And the time of swift temptation
Is the time to trust Him too.

Trust Him when thy soul is burdened
With the sense of all its sin;
He will speak the word of pardon,
He will make thee clean within.

Trust Him for the grace sufficient,
Ever equal to thy need;
Trust Him always for the answer,
When in His dear name you lead.

Trust Him for the grace to conquer;
He is able to subdue;
Trust Him for the power for service;
Trust Him for the blessing too.

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,
Trust Him when thy strength is small,
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust Him; He is ever faithful;
Trust Him; for His will is best;
Trust Him; for the heart of Jesus
Is the only place of rest.

Trust Him, then, through cloud or sunshine,
All thy cares upon Him cast;
Till the storm of life is over,
And the trusting days are past.

~ L. A, Bennett

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A THING OF BEAUTY

AThingProverbs 25:4 says: “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” When we come to Jesus, He doesn’t leave us in our mess and our sin. He dwells in us by His Holy Spirit to mold us into the image of Jesus Christ. He works in us mightily to refine us as silver is refined. Ouch That’s not a very pleasant process. The silver is heated in hot furnace to eradicate all the impurities. Only then can it be molded into a pure vessel.

I love the Good News Translation: “Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce A THING OF BEAUTY.” God wants to make our lives beautiful. He wants to expose all the junk, all the sin, and all the selfishness that spoils His image in our lives.

It comes down to the reality that we must let Him work in our lives. If we resist, we stay with all our impurities. Our family misses out seeing Jesus in us. The world misses seeing Jesus in us. And we will never be all that God intends for us.

I am always amazed how that even God’s Words were purified in the eternal realm before He gave them to us. Not purified once, but SEVEN TIMES! Proverbs 12:6 says: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” We can trust every word of God’s eternal Word. It is as up-to-date as tomorrow.

Can we let God work in us to mold us into “a thing of beauty”?

Blessings to you today,

NANCY CAMPBELL

Read also Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10-12; Malachi 3:1-3; Isaiah 48:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 Peter 1:6, 7; and Revelation 3:17, 18.

 

OUCH!
(After reading the post, A THING OF BEAUTY below, you will be blessed by the following:)

“Ouch!” says the lump of clay as the Potter throws it back on the wheel.
The wheel spins faster and faster as the firm hand of the Potter begins to shape the clay.
“Stop it, I can’t take any more,” cries the clay.
The Potter: “I am creating a vessel of HONOR--an instrument of great unsurpassed beauty to be of service in the courts of the King.”
The lump of clay: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

“Ouch!” says the ruby as the Craftsman chips away at the unwanted matter. The sharp instrument grinds deeper as the firm hand of the Craftsman transforms the ruby.
“Stop it, I can’t take any more," cries the ruby.
The Craftsman: “I chose you to be a priceless gem in the palace of the King, a radiant, beautiful treasure of great worth.”
Ruby: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

“Ouch!” says the gold as the Refiner places it in the furnace.
The dross drips away as the Refiner turns up the heat.
“Stop it, I can’t take any more,” cries the gold.
The Refiner: “You are being fashioned to shine forever in the King’s domain where you will reign in spender and majesty.”
The gold: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

“Ouch!” says the tree as the Gardener prunes another branch.
The saw cuts away at the flesh causing great pain.
“Stop it, I can’t take any more,” cries the tree.
The Gardener: “This must be done in order for you to bear more fruit in the garden of the King.”
The tree: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

“Ouch!” says the woman as her Father prizes out a root of rebellion from her heart. The procedure is agonizingly painful.
“Stop it, I can’t take any more,” she cries.
The Father: “My precious daughter, I need to do this to transform you into the image of My own dear Son. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Whom the Lord loves, He chastens. The loving discipline may hurt, but it is necessary, for the end result will be glorious.

“I must bring to your attention the things that hinder your maturity so that I can purge them from your heart forever. I am adorning My glorious bride to rule and reign with Me in My Kingdom. I am taking you from glory to glory, from strength to strength. I am stamping my own image upon your heart as you yield to My hand upon your life.”
The woman: “Not my will, but thine be done.”

~ Delwyn McAlister (after going through trials).

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STIR UP THE POT

StaySaltyBecause it is the 28th of November I read Proverbs 28 this morning. Verse 34 challenged me again: “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” The word contend is “garah” and means “to meddle, to stir up, to strive.” In other words, we don’t sit back and say nothing. We speak the truth—into our children’s lives and into those we converse with.

It’s so much easier to say nothing in case we offend, or because we don’t want people to think badly of us. We want them to think we are nice. However, when we leave people to their own devices when we know they are going down a destructive path, we are not being nice at all. We are not being a true mother, or a true friend!

It’s much the same message of Matthew 5:13 where Jesus says: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men”

Salt preserves. Salt enhances flavor. Salt heals. Salt also stings when it is put in a cut or open wound. But if we are not faithful to be salt to our children and those around us we lose our savor. That means we become insipid. That means we are “worthless” and no good to anyone. And we get to this stage, we are an easy takeover for government, and also for Satan.

Are you a salty mother? Are you salty in your church and community?

May God save us from being part of the insipid church today that no longer stands up for God’s Word and His principles, but has instead embraced the “tolerance movement” where we must be tolerant of everything, even if God hates it!

Let’s be part of the salty church that affects society, even if we are unpopular.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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THE CULTURE’S LIE – “You Have to Be Like a Man”: Embrace Your Calling As A Woman.

womansunrisesilhouetteDear readers, I’d love you to read this article written by my granddaughter, Meadow. I couldn’t have written it better myself. Thank you, Meadow.

Go to: https://meetmeinthemeadowsblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/14/the-cultures-lie-you-have-to-be-like-a-man-embrace-your-calling-as-a-woman/?iframe=true&theme_preview=true

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DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY OF LIFE

NittyGrittyPsalm 133 talks about the anointing oil running down from the head of the high priest to the skirts of his garments. The anointing oil was poured upon Christ (the anointed One) who is our heavenly High Priest. But it is not to stay on Him only. He wants it to run down His body, His body that is upon earth. He wants it to flow down on you, even to the bottom of your skirts.

The main description of the anointing is that it is HOLY and never to touch the flesh. It was also made of SWEET spices (Exodus 30:22-33). It was an oil of JOY (Hebrews 1:9). It was a HEALING and RESTORING anointing (Acts 10:38). It was a DELIVERING anointing (Isaiah 61:1). It was the anointing of UNITY and HARMONY (Psalm 133:1-3).

It's this anointing God wants to flow down from you, right to where you meet life--in your kitchen, dealing with your little ones, and all the mothering challenges you face today. I remember how my little ones used to love to hang on to my skirts. Where I walked, they walked. They played in my skirts. They hid in my skirts, especially when a stranger came.

The skirts speak of getting down to the nitty-gritty. To the lowest. To where your little ones are. The menial day to day tasks of life. Dear mother, you can’t accomplish these in your own strength. Instead, let God's anointing flow down to where you are at this moment! Whatever is happening now! Ask God to pour down His anointing to the bottom of your skirts. There is where He wants to come--to the very reality of your life (Psalm 113:4-8).

God bless you in your home today,

Nancy Campbell

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CONFESSIONS OF A MOTHER

ConfessionsI asked the Lord for children
Who'd serve him with their lives.
I told him I would trust him
To plan our family size.

Along came precious babies
Until the count reached eight.
We did our best to train them,
For results we'd have to wait.

The world had things to offer
That lured their hearts to roam.
Some of them had wandered
From things they learned at home.

Philosophies, wrong thinking,
Things beyond control,
Were there to steal our children,
To claim their heart and soul.

The family dream that started
Went far from what I planned.
In anguished prayer I cried out,
"Lord, I don't understand."

I gave my life to bear them,
To raise them for your name.
When others would prefer a job,
That led to wealth or fame.

In spite of my best efforts,
I'd hang my head in shame.
The thing I wanted most of all
Dissolved like coals in flame.

But as I prayed and pondered,
With still so much to learn,
Some of those who'd wandered
To home and faith returned.

They had to seek their own faith.
They had to know their need.
To learn how great the Savior
We'd taught them to believe.

I couldn't just protect them
From things they had to learn.
Some, more than the others
Had to feel that fire burns.

I also learned they aren't mine,
But God's, to do his will.
I trained and taught them best I could.
He's God, I need be still.

In time, my prayers were answered,
Beyond what I could ask.
One by one some who’d wandered,
Returned to faith at last.

I'm waiting still for others
Still lost along the way,
Trusting God will hear my cries
For their return some day.

Perhaps if I'd done better
From faith they'd not have roamed.
But grace is greater than my faults
And prayer can bring them home.

2016 Val Halloran
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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CREATED WITH DIVINE PURPOSE!

CreatedDevineWhat a privilege to be a woman!
We are created in the image of God.
We are created to reveal the nurturing and mothering heart of God.
We are created with a womb to be a life-giver.
We are created with breasts to nurture and nourish life.
We are created to be a vessel of God to bring forth life into this world--a life that is planned before the beginning of time, a life with a God-given purpose to fulfill on this earth, and a life that is an eternal soul. We are created to be the nurturers and trainers of God's children, the children He gives to us to train on His behalf.
We are created to be feminine.
We are created to be a divine helper to our husband and blessed by God's plan to live under his covering and protection.
We are created for good works.
We are created to bring glory to God.
Thank you, Lord God. What a privilege. And thank you for purpose for each new day.

Be encouraged and blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

Painting: I AM A CHILD by Zula Kenyon (1873 – 1947, American)

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THE HIGHEST HONOR

HighestHonor"She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, whose immortal souls will exert an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest of blessings of God. In her high duty and service to humanity, endowing with immortality eternal spirits, she is co-partner with the Creator Himself."

~ David McKay

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LIGHTING UP THE WORLD

LightingUpI love the different words God uses to describe our children. God loves to reveal His plans to us by pictures. Psalm 128:3 tells us that our children are like "olive plants" sitting all around our table. The Hebrew word for "olive" which is "zayith" means "an olive (as yielding illuminating oil)." Among many other uses the olive was used as oil for the lamps to light up their homes. It was also used to light the golden candlestick in the holy place of the tabernacle.

Think about it. God gives you your children to light up your home. John 1:9 says that Christ lights each one who comes into this world. As we feed this light with God's Word, our children will become more and more filled with light, not only to bring more light into our home, but to one day take the light of God to a dark and deceived world.

Every child you embrace from the loving hand of God is another illuminating light to light up this world. In fact, the only way God can bring His light into this world is by His people (Matthew 5:14-16). Don't deprive the world of God's light by saying No to His children.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

Painting: One of Jessie Willcox Smith’s beautiful paintings.

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WILL YOU DO SOMETHING GOOD TODAY?

DoSomethingGoodMy husband asked everyone at breakfast, "What good things are you going to do today?" That's a good question to start the day, isn't it? It's a good question for us wives. "What is something good I can do for my husband today? Take time to think about it. Be creative. Do something you’ve never done before.

What good things can we do for our children today? Yes, we do good things for them every day. But can you think of something special and different? Something that will make memories?

It’s a good question for your children, too. "Children, let's stop for a moment and think of something good you can do for one of your siblings (or mommy and daddy) today. We’re all going to close our eyes and think about it. No one is to get up from their chair (or the sofa) until they have thought of their special surprise.” At the end of the day, as you sit together at the family meal table, each one can share what happened to them. The children can also share what fun it was to go out of their way to do something for someone else. What an exciting home to live in.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created in Christ Jesus for good works. If Christ lives in us we should live like Him. Acts 2:38: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." Jesus went about doing good works. Sometimes we just go about!

Instead of just going about in your home, go about doing good works!

Have fun today,

Nancy Campbell

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YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR OUT

DontWearOutThe greatest temptation from the enemy of our souls is in our minds. Revelation 12:9 calls him “that old serpent.” The mind is where he seeks to attack us most, or should I say, even torment us. He brings to our minds thoughts of doubt, deception, despondency, rejection, anger, self-pity, and even despair. And yes, worry, worry, worry! If we are not aware of his tactics and do not resist them, they become bigger in our minds and he wins the victory.

Daniel 7:25 speaks about the coming anti-Christ (although this same spirit is already in the world): "He shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High." The words "wear out" in the Hebrew mean "to afflict mentally." These words are only used in a mental sense. This is Satan's strategy. To wear us out in our minds with unbelieving and deceiving thoughts. If you are filled with worry, confused, and tormented in your mind, you can't function emotionally or physically.

Therefore, you must be on the alert. You don't have to let the enemy wear you out! This is not God's plan. You can't stop these thoughts coming to your mind, but you stop them embedding in your mind! You don't have to dwell on them for one minute! Resist them in the name of Jesus. Throw them out of your mind. They don't belong in your redeemed mind. My daughters call them “bucket thoughts” which they throw in the garbage!

1 Peter 1:13 says: "Gird up the loins of your mind." In Bible days the men wore long tunics and when doing physical exercise pulled up their tunic and tucked it in their belt so they would not be hindered. In the same way, we must eradicate of any thoughts in our minds that hinder us from walking in the victory which Jesus Christ died to give us.

Be encouraged again today with 2 Corinthians 5:4, 5: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ."

May you have a victorious day triumphing over the wiles of the devil. You do not have to let him wear you out.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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HOW CAN YOU FLOURISH TODAY?

FlourishToday2Yesterday we discussed whether we are wilting, just surviving, or flourishing in our home. God's will for you is to FLOURISH. Here's some ways to flourish in your home:
F Flavor your home with joy, sweetness, and happiness (what a nice flavor)!
L Love every moment of your mothering (rather than dreaming of when these days will be over).
O Offer your life as a living sacrifice (knowing that you save your life by losing it--Mark 11:35 and Romans 12:1-2).
U Unify your home by speaking peace into every situation.
R Revel in the joy of mothering and nurturing the precious gifts
God has given to you (knowing that your Employer is God Himself).
I Intentionally make positive things happen in your home (don't let the day lead you around in circles, but instead purposefully direct your day by the leading of the Holy Spirit). Make wonderful things happen.
S Sanctify your home daily with prayer, praises, and the washing of God's Word (Ephesians 5: 26).
H Heap hugs and kisses on your husband and children daily

God bless you in your home today.
Nancy Campbell

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WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

WhichOneYouDid you know that God's plan for you is to FLOURISH? And He has a special place where He wants you to flourish? Guess. Yes, it’s in your home. Psalm 128:3-4 (TLB) says: “Your wife will be like fruitful vine, FLOURISHING within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees. That is the Lord’s reward for those who fear Him.”

You may not feel as though you are FLOURISHING. Perhaps you feel like a WILTING plant. You feel "half dead"! Or maybe, like some plants, you are barely SURVIVING. You get through each day, but only just!

God has more for you, dear mother. He wants you to flourish and bloom. I believe we only come into the flourishing mode when we embrace our mothering role with all our heart; when we know we are in God's perfect will. No matter what the hardships and challenges, we face them with joy. We are not dreaming of some day when we will be through these mothering days. Instead, we live every moment to the full. Every moment is an abounding moment because Christ lives in us and His life is not wilting, but full of life and power (John 10:10).

Embrace your powerful calling of motherhood. Make every moment a God moment. Think of yourself as a flourishing plant--abounding, blooming, blossoming, enlarging, expanding, flowering, growing luxuriantly, increasing, and thriving (Isaiah 54:2-3)! This is God's plan for you.

God bless you today,

Nancy Campbell

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FALSE DOCTRINE

FalseDoctrineDid you know that you don't have to teach false doctrine to pass it on to your children? You teach it by the way you live. Our children learn more from observing our lives than from what we tell them. Do your children see the image of God in you? Do they see you as a feminine, nurturing mother, the picture God wants you to reveal as a female?

Do they see you reveling in the heart of your home and gathering your family to sit together around the table for your meals? This is the picture God paints of a blessed family (Psalm 128:3).

Do they see your sweet spirit of submission toward your husband who is your head and covering? Do they see you delighting to serve? Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church and we certainly wouldn't expect to see the church ordering Christ around, would we?

Titus 2:3-5 describes the lifestyle God wants us to live and goes on to say that when we spurn this lifestyle that we blaspheme God’s Word. That’s because we reveal a false doctrine.

What kind of doctrine do you show to your children?

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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Above Rubies Address

AboveRubies
Email Nancy

PO Box 681687
Franklin, TN 37068-1687

Phone : 931-729-9861
Office Hrs 9am - 5pm, M - F, CTZ