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.

MORE AND MORE LIGHT (Day 3 of Hanukkah)

GodisLightAre you reading the Scriptures I posted for you? If not, you can still print them off. Go down a few posts and you’ll find them. We loved talking about the Scriptures we read last night, especially how Jesus Christ is the One who lights every person who comes into the world.

John 1:9 tells us that Jesus is “THE TRUE LIGHT, WHICH LIGHTS EVERY MAN THAT COMES INTO THE WORLD." Every person who is born into this world is without excuse regarding their relationship with God. Every new baby is born with a God consciousness, a light from God our Maker. We have a conscience that knows what is good and evil. This only comes from God.

Proverbs 20:27 says "The spirit of man is the candle (light) of the Lord." Have you noticed that when a new baby is born into a family that a heavenly atmosphere fills the home? There is an "awe" that we only experience with a new babe. It’s a new light from heaven. Little children are so open to God. I loved to watch my three-year old grand-daughter sing all day about how Jesus is in her heart and how she loves God.

Why then, do many walk in darkness? The answer is in John 3:19-21. We are all born with a light from God, but we can either push back the light or open to the light. It is a privilege for children to be born into a home where parents love God. These children have an opportunity to receive more and more light. In an ungodly home, the light with which they are born can be gradually extinguished or often smothered completely.

I believe that every time we say Yes to God and obey the prompting of His Holy Spirit within our hearts, we experience more light in our lives. Every time we say No to God and are disobedient to the Word, we accept darkness. Teach your children this principle, dear mother. Teach them that saying Yes to you and Yes to God will bring them to further light (Proverbs 4:18). Teach them that when they say No to you and No to God's ways, their minds and hearts will cloud with darkness.

Job 18:5, 6 says, "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." I don't want it to be dark in my home, naturally and spiritually. I hate to have curtains and blinds pulled over and everything looking dark. My curtains are always open (just as well I live in the country!). I love the light and the more the better. And it’s the same spiritually. I want more and more spiritual light in my home and less and less of darkness. I'm sure you don't want it to be dark in your home either.

Let's open our hearts and minds MORE AND MORE to the light of God. Let’s encourage our children into more and more of the light and revelation of God. Begin each day by praying, "Oh Lord God, please flood my mind, my heart, and my home with your light, today. Amen."

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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STAND FOR TRUTH (Day 2 of Hanukkah)

HanukahD2Jesus Christ, the Son of God was never reticent to speak the truth, even in the face of death. When he came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Dedication, he walked in Solomon's Porch (on the eastern side of the temple) and people gathered around him.

Jesus knew the Jews would be remembering more than the rededication of the temple and the lighting of the Menorah again. They remembered the great victory over Antiochus Epiphanes, but also how he lifted himself to be god over them. It was Antiochus himself who added "Epiphanes" to his name, which means "God manifest" which was utter blasphemy to the Jews.

In the midst of this thinking Jesus boldly and publically declared, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). In other words, He confessed that He was God, which of course, He was! This was too much for the Jews who, remembering Antiochus Epiphanes the evil blasphemer, took up stones to stone him (John 10:22-33).

It was no coincidence that Jesus chose this timing to speak these words. Everything about Hanukkah speaks of standing up for truth even in the face of danger.

May we never cringe to speak the truth, no matter what the consequences. "The righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).

Love from Nancy Campbell

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MY FAMILY AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP

candleWe are coming to the end of another glorious Christmas Day as we celebrated family togetherness and the birth of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. As we end our big Christmas Dinner we always have sharing. Whoever wants to may give a toast to someone they want to appreciate or speak of revelation on their hearts. The sharing this year was very insightful. Later in the day, after dessert, we ended with a family concert. We love to give opportunity for the upcoming talent amongst all the children and see their different gifts develop.

And now, here is our first post for the Hanukkah season.

MY FAMILY AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP (Day 1 of Hanukkah)
Hanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication as it is called in the New Testament (John 10:22-23) is a festival of lighting candles for eight days to remember the dedication of the temple and the relighting of the lampstand which God commanded should never go out (Exodus 27:20-21).

It all happened because of a very brave family. Antiochus Epiphanes ruled over Israel and commanded all Jews to renounce their way of life, practice pagan observances, and live like the Greeks. He erected the "abomination of desolation" in the temple. Many Jews assimilated to avoid persecution and being killed. BUT NOT THIS FAMILY!

Mattathias was a godly older man with five brave sons--John, Simon, Judas (known as Maccabeus), Eleazar, and Jonathan. When the officials came to their town of Modein, they tried to get Mattathias to influence the people of his town to turn away from God.

Listen to his reply, "Mattathias answered in a LOUD VOICE: What do I care if everyone in the king's entire kingdom turns from their own religion and starts obeying his laws? MY FAMILY AND I WILL ALWAYS KEEP THE PROMISES OUR ANCESTERS MADE TO GOD. WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP OUR FAITH OR DISOBEY EVEN ONE OF GOD'S LAWS. WE WILL NOT OBEY ANTIOCHUS!" (1 Maccabees 2:19-20).

When a cowardly Jew stepped forward to obey the king by offering a sacrifice, Mattathias was so furious that he rushed over, killed the man, destroyed the altar, and killed the official who ordered the sacrifice. He and his sons then ran to the hills leaving everything they owned behind. This began the bravery of the Maccabee family who conducted continual battles against the enemy and eventually delivered Israel and Jerusalem and the temple of God.

We don't face being killed for our faith today here in our Western countries, although this is currently happening in many countries of the world. Will we be those who give in or will we have courage, individually, and as families to stand true to God, even if no one else is standing? The Scripture says, "Let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4).

May God give us the strength and anointing to be bold and courageous and to raise children who will have courage and boldness to stand up for truth and never give up their faith.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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HE SHOWED THE WAY

HeShowedWay* Jesus didn't come with pomp and ceremony. He came as a babe. Luke 2:12 tells us: "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a BABE wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." Yes, a baby! God chose the One who will rule over all kings and nations to come as a baby. No wonder the devil hates babies, for this is the way Jesus came.

* He didn't come with riches, but in poverty. Instead of bringing a lamb to the temple when they dedicated Jesus, Joseph and Mary could only afford pigeons (Luke 2:22-24 and Matthew 8:20).

* Although He was divine, He took on our humanity to feel our infirmities (John 1:14; Romans 1:3 8:3; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14, 17 and 4:15).

* He didn't hold on to His glory but made himself of no reputation. He became a servant. He humbled himself and submitted himself to the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7.

In coming in this way, He showed us the way to live. The birth of Jesus shows how to live in humility and lay down our lives for one another.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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SCRIPTURES FOR YOU TO READ EACH DAY FOR HANUKKAH

HANUKKAHDay 1

God is the Source of Light and gives Light
Genesis 1:3-5
Exodus 27:20-21; 40:24-25; cf. Leviticus 24:1-4; Numbers 8:1-3
Exodus 13:21; Nehemiah 9:12,19
Psalm 36:9
Psalm 104:1-2
Matthew 17:2 (You can read the whole story in Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-13; and Luke 9:28-36).
1 Timothy 6:16
James 1:17

Day 2
Jesus is the Light of the World
Isaiah 9:2, cf. Matthew 4:12-17
Luke 1:76-79; 2:27-32
John 1:4-9, cf. Job 18:5-6; 21:17; Proverbs 13:9; 20:20; 24:20.
John 3:19-21
John 8:12
John 9:5
John 12:44-46
Acts 26:22-23
Ephesians 5:14

Day 3
Shine the Light of Jesus to the world
Proverbs 4:18
Isaiah 58:6-8, 10
Isaiah 60:1-2
Matthew 5:14-16
Luke 12:35
John 5:35
Acts 13:47
2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Philippians 2:14, 15

Day 4
God's Word is our Light
Ezra 9:8
Psalm 19:7-11
Psalm 119:18, 105, 130
Proverbs 6:20-24
Luke 24:30-32 (You can read the whole story in verses 13-32).
Ephesians 1:17-18
2 Peter 1:19-21

Day 5
Walk in the Light
Psalm 89:15
Isaiah 2:5
Romans 13:12-14
2 Corinthians 4:4-7
1 John 1:6-9
1 John 2:8-11
Ephesians 5:8-20

Day 6
Out of Darkness into Light
2 Samuel 22:29 (Psalm 18:28)
Isaiah 42:16
Isaiah 50:10
Acts 26:17-18
1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Thessalonians 5:5
1 Peter 2:9

Day 7
Living in God is to live in Light
Psalm 4:6
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 37:3-6
Psalm 43:3-4
Psalm 112:4
Micah 7:8

Day 8
God is the Light of Heaven
Isaiah 24:23; 30:26
Isaiah 60:19, 20
Revelation 21:22-25
Revelation 22:3-5

Love from Nancy Campbell

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HANUKKAH STARTS TONIGHT

hanukkah candles smAs a family, we love to celebrate Christmas, not the tinsel and glamor, but the preciousness of gathering together as a family. We also love to remember the most amazing event in the world when God sent His Son to this world—into the womb of a woman and to be born as a little baby.

Bible commentators agree that Jesus was not born at this Christmas time when the world remembers His birth. He would most probably have been born about the month of September during the Feast of Tabernacles. However, this is most probably that time that He was divinely conceived by the power of the of Holy Ghost. Incredible. God coming to the earth as a "seed" from the Father. I am in awe.

We sing the words of O Holy Night:

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!”

I am sure you are like me and can do nothing less than fall to your knees in wonder and worship!

However, we also love to celebrate Hanukkah which, this year, begins tonight on Christmas Eve. We love to light the Hanukkah candles each night and to also read Scriptures about the Light during our morning and evening devotions.

Hanukkah begins tonight and tomorrow is Day One. We celebrate it for eight days. Why do we celebrate Hanukkah?

1. It is a celebration that Jesus celebrated. Read John 10:22, 23.

2. Hanukkah in the Hebrew means "dedication." God's temple was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC, but the Maccabees family led a revolt against the Seleucid armies and called the nation back to God. After they had driven them out of Judea and Jerusalem, the Maccabees consecrated and rededicated the temple. However, God no longer lives in a temple in Jerusalem, but lives in the temple of our hearts. We like to use Hanukkah as time to rededicate the temple of our lives to God.

3. It is called the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) and also the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the re-lighting of the Menorah. They could only find enough oil for one day, but miraculously the lights kept burning for eight days while they prepared the anointing oil, specifically commanded in the Scriptures. Because this celebration remembers the relighting of the menorah, we like to read Scriptures about God and Christ who are the light and how He also wants us to be His light in this world. We do this at our Family Devotions each morning and evening. And each night we light a Hanukkah candle.

I will post the Scriptures in a separate post for you to print out for the next eight days. Read and meditate on them in your personal devotional time. Then choose the ones you would like to use with your family. For each day, you may like to take half the Scriptures at Family Devotions in the morning and the other half in the evening, or whatever works out in your home.

If you have older children, it's a lovely idea for each one to have their own Bible and give a Scripture for each one to read aloud--and to share what they feel God is saying through the Scriptures. If you have little ones, you may only want to take one, or one or two Scriptures from the list and talk about it.

And don't forget to ask your children questions as you read the Scriptures. This is how you learn together.

During the eight days of Hanukkah, I will also send out a post each day telling you a little story about Hanukkah that relates to us as mothers, or a revelation from the Scriptures about the meaning of Hanukkah. By the way, you may like to take time to read the history of the Maccabees in the Apocrypha. The books in the Apocrypha were not chosen to be part of the cannon of Scripture but the books of Maccabees, 1, 2, 3, and 4 are great historical reading and tell how the Jewish nation was saved from extinction at that time. I am sure God used these brave men to protect His natural people and especially the coming Messiah. No wonder our Savior, Jesus Christ celebrated Hanukkah.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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LIGHT OF LIGHT ETERNAL

LightOfLightI have just discovered the second stanza to the carol, O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL. I had never seen it before, but love the words.

A few years ago, I made up books of carols for us all to use as a family when we sing together at Christmas time. On Christmas Eve, the families come to our home. The whole house is in darkness, except for the lights they carry. We gather together to read the Christmas story and sing the carols. It is always such a beautiful time together.

This year I have added this stanza and pasted it in every book. I want to make sure the children don’t miss out singing the truth of these anointed words. I'd love you to read them too.

True God of true God,
Light of Light eternal,
Lo, He abhors not the
virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father,
Begotten not created;
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Blessings from Nancy Campbell

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A MOTHER’S GIFT

AMothersGiftI am sure you will enjoy this poem from Val Stares, who is the Director of Above Rubies in Australia.

A MOTHER’S GIFT

Two thousand years ago in a stable all forlorn,
Wise men brought to Jesus precious gifts when He was born.
“What precious gifts do I have that are worthy of a King?
For I’m a lowly mother, Lord, what treasure can I bring?

I know that You seek hearts, Lord, that will trust You and obey,
So I give You mine, Lord Jesus, take it, Lord, I pray.
But, I cannot seem to find the time to give You of myself,
These little ones do drain me and deplete my store of wealth.

My days are full of diapers and feeding hungry mouths,
Of washing, cleaning, ironing--this work it takes me hours.
And when at last there’s quiet and all are asleep in bed,
I think that I might serve You, but nod off to sleep instead!"

But, as I dream in slumber, Your voice to me does speak…
“If you were like the wise men, you’d know the gift I seek,
For these men in their wisdom knew gifts cannot be used
If they are always hidden with tinsel and subterfuge.

They unwrapped their treasures; you too must do the same,
Removing all self-consciousness, even sin and needless blame,
For the wondrous gift of motherhood is given by God above
And when you mother children, you show My greater love.

So let not your heart be troubled, weary mother, for you see,
When you are building children, then you are serving Me.
This gift from every mother whether she be great or small
Is a very special gift, one I treasure from you all.

For I too had a mother who suffered shame for me,
She nurtured me and clothed me, wept, and mourned like thee.
I know to have a mother who will give her very best
Is a very worthy treasure, so come to Me, dear mother, and
I will give you rest!

By Val Stares,

Above Rubies Director in Australia

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1st CORINTHIANS 13 -- ADAPTED FOR CHRISTMAS


SleepingBabeIf I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug your child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss your husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the children to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

~ Unknown.

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CHRISTMAS FILLING

ChristmasFillingWhat are you filled with this Christmas? Many folks have cars filled with gifts, homes filled with decorations, tables filled with food, and stockings filled with things we will never use. We are filled to over the top. However, when we read about the birth of Jesus we find that instead of being filled with the things of the world, they were filled with the Holy Ghost!

* The angel came to Zacharias and told him that he would have a son who would be "FILLED with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb" (Luke 1:15-17).

* When Mary came to visit her cousin Elisabeth during her sixth month of pregnancy, the moment she greeted her “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was FILLED with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice” (Luke 1:41-42).

* At the circumcision celebration for John the Baptist, his father, Zacharias was "FILLED with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied” (Luke 1:67).

* Jesus was conceived by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT COMING UPON Mary (Matthew 1:20 and Luke 1:35).

* When Joseph and Mary took baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated, Simeon, a man FILLED with the Holy Spirit and waiting for the coming of the Messiah, took him up in his arms and blessed God (Luke 2:25-28).

* During Jesus' childhood he was FILLED with wisdom (Luke 2:40).

The challenge is: what are we filled with as we remember the birth of Christ? Are we filled with anxiety and busyness, or are we filled with the Holy Spirit? Imagine if we spent as much time seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit as rushing around buying gifts and preparing for Christmas. What would happen? Imagine if we took time to listen to the Holy Spirit. What would He say to us? What difference would it make in our lives and in our homes? Imagine if we asked the Holy Spirit to lead us instead of doing our own agenda. How would He direct us?

Can we enjoy a FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Christmas?

Love from Nancy Campbell

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THE IMAGE OF GOD’S FACE

GodsFaceHere is another lovely poem from my friend, Val Halloran:

Every life is sacred
And possesses untold worth.
The prophet John leapt in the womb
When unborn Jesus was on earth.

How is it that before it's born
A child is seen as less
Than anyone outside the womb?
It's strange, I must confess . . .

Until I ponder on this truth
Revealed in God's own Word,
That people are deceived and lost
Until their ears have heard . . .

That God, the Author of all life,
Gives value to us all.
Rich or poor, young or old,
All people, big or small.

Before He formed us in the womb
Our lives by Him were planned.
Yet till we know our worth to Him,
We cannot understand.

Oh Lord, please open every heart
To know your love for all,
That every unborn, precious life
Will live to hear your call.

Rescue those condemned to die
At hands of sinful man.
Restore the right of every life,
Let truth rule in this land.

Each baby that you send in love
Is a miracle of grace,
As we gaze upon each tiny one,
There's the image of Your face.

VAL HALLORAN

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GOD CHOSE A WOMB

GodChoseWombI love the prophetic words of Christ in Psalm 40:7, 8: “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God.” All through eternity, Jesus Christ was already the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). He bore the weight of this burden all through eternity until God’s perfect moment in history.

Oh, come and see what God has done! How did He come? How did God choose to send His Son? We immediately think of how He came as a little helpless baby. But first He came into the womb of a young virgin. Luke 1:31 states: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy WOMB, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” Who could ever dream of such a thing? Our Savior, Jesus Christ related to every aspect of our humanity, even to being conceived and growing in the womb of a woman.

Isaiah 49: 1, 5 is another messianic prophecy also speaks boldly of the womb: “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far (God wants the whole world to receive this amazing news!); The LORD hath called me from the WOMB; from the bowels (WOMB) of my MOTHER hath he made mention of my name. . . . And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the WOMB to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him . . . “

Because God put such favor and importance on the womb to bring forth His Beloved Son, Satan hates the womb (Genesis 3:15). There is still war against the womb today. Satan seeks to delude and deceive women about the power of their womb. The Son of God came through a womb to deal a death blow to the enemy and bring salvation to the world. But God still wants children to come forth from the womb to bear His image and to bring salvation to many.

The womb is God’s blessing to us. It is His blessing to the world. Nothing in this world can happen except through the womb. All the mighty works God wants accomplished can only happen through His servants and they must come into the world through the womb. All the great feats and accomplishments of this world only happen through someone who was conceived and birthed from the womb.

Why do so many women today choose to close their womb? To stop the function of their womb? Many reject their womb, and yet GOD CHOSE A WOMB for His only Beloved Son who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

Mary’s response was: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). What is your response?

Be blessed today,

Nancy Campbell

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I’ll GIVE HIM MY HEART

GimeHeartI love the last stanza from Christina G. Rossetti's beautiful song, "In the Bleak Midwinter" which she wrote in 1872. My children learned this poem when they were young. You may like to encourage your children to learn it, too.

“What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him—
Give my heart."

Pearl was the one who used to recite this poem at Christmas when the children were young. Later her daughters, Meadow, and then Autumn recited it at our Christmas gatherings. They are now older and therefore this year I am asking Breezie (Serene’s daughter) to learn it to recite at Christmas.

After our big Christmas Dinner at midday and speeches and toasts, we wait until the later in the day to have dessert. After this we have a family concert where the adults and children sing, recite poems, or play instruments etc.

Love from Nancy Campbell

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IS YOUR HOME FILLED WITH LIGHT?

HomeLightGod told Simeon that he would not die until He had seen the Messiah! When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, dear old Simeon perceived that this baby was THE MESSIAH for which he had been waiting. He took Jesus up in his arms and proclaimed: "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A LIGHT TO LIGHTEN THE GENTILES, and the glory of thy people Israel" (Luke 2:26-32).

Simeon, like Zacharias also prophesied that Jesus came to bring LIGHT. Jesus is the LIGHT GIVER! When He comes in with His light, He also brings His glory.

Job 18:5-56: "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." What a terrible indictment it would be to have people say, "The light is dark in their home!" I don't want there to be any darkness in my home, do you? I don't want our light to die out. I want the light of Christ to increase.

Is your home filled with light? Or are their shadows of darkness? Let's make room for the light of Christ Jesus to shine into our hearts, into the hearts of our children, into our plan of every day, and into every room in our home. Let's push out any darkness that creeps in and make homes that are filled with light.

Be blessed today,

Nancy


Don’t you love this amazing painting of Simeon taking baby Jesus up in His arms, knowing that he is privileged to behold the Messiah and embrace Him in his arms? Read the whole story in Luke 2:22-38.

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LET’S OPEN TO THE LIGHT

OpenToLight2We are currently in the season of remembering the most wonderful celebration in the history of the world--when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth as a little baby. We know that this was not the actual time of his birth, but it is the time we remember His miraculous incarnation.

God spoke through the prophecy of Zacharias that He would send His beloved Son into the world "TO GIVE LIGHT TO THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79).

They had no room for the Light of the World in Bethlehem. Do we make room for Him in our lives? Do we allow Him to expose the darkness and flood our lives with His light? Every time we respond to the moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives and say Yes to God we open up to His light. When we are stubborn, want our own way, and say No to the convicting of the Holy Spirit, we choose darkness.

Dear mother, we must teach our children this powerful principle too. Every time they say Yes to you and Yes to the Holy Spirit they receive more light into their lives. When they disobey you and say No to the voice of their conscience they allow darkness into their lives.

Let’s be those who open up MORE AND MORE to the Light and less and less to the darkness. Proverbs 4:18: "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth MORE AND MORE unto the perfect day."

Each new day, individually and as a family, ask God to FLOOD YOU WITH HIS LIGHT.

Love from Nancy

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LOVELY WORDS FOR YOUR HOME

LovelyWordsI love to discover new words. In fact, I quite like making up new words. Sometimes we must find new words to describe very special and beautiful things. Here are some words to fill your home.

Recently I read the book, “A Severe Mercy” by Sheldon Vanauken which also includes 18 unpublished letters by C. S. Lewis. It is the true story of Sheldon and Davy’s romance and life together. They lifted love to a new plane and called their love relationship “inloveness.” To them it was “the greatest glory ever known.” A lovely word to aspire to in our own marriage relationships.

Awhile back I read another new word in one of George McDonald’s books. He talked about “homeness,” picturing the warmth, love, and joy of home. I love this word too. It takes thought, time, love, and prayer to make our home a place of “homeness,” doesn’t it? It’s never wasted time. It’s a beautiful thing. Can we experientially add this word to our vocab?

Let’s keep going. What about “wombness”? Yes, there’s such a word. It’s not some imaginative word. It’s a reality. It’s very much part of who we are as women. In fact, you would not be a woman if you did not have a womb!

However, did you know that that wombness also applies to God? The Hebrew word “racham” is used in the Bible to describe the literal womb of woman, and to also reveal God’s compassion and tender mercy. It is translated “mercy” 32 times. When we embrace our wombness, we reveal the compassion and mercy of God.

The meaning of “feminine” in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary is as follows: “The first syllable is probably from womb . . . The last part of the word is probably from man, quasi, “femman,” womb-man. To be feminine is to be ‘a womb man.’”

And what about all the other beautiful “ness” words which should fill our home? Don’t gloss over these words, but think about which ones you need to incorporate more into your home life.

Amiableness, availableness,
cheerfulness, cleanliness, courteousness,
faithfulness, forgiveness, fruitfulness,
generousness, gentleness, godliness, goodness, graciousness, greatheartedness,
heavenliness, helpfulness, holiness, humbleness,
joyfulness,
kindness,
loveliness,
meekness, mercifulness, motherliness,
nestingness,
peacefulness, positiveness, prayerfulness, pureness,
respectfulness, restfulness, righteousness,
selflessness, steadfastness, submissiveness, sweetness,
teachableness, tenderheartedness, thankfulness, thoughtfulness, truthfulness,
uprightness, usefulness,
virtuousness,
willingness, and you’ll think of more.

Why not write out in BIG LETTERS the words that speak to you and pin them up in your kitchen and other appropriate places in the home. Change to different words each week. They will inspire you and your children!

Love from Nancy Campbell

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OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND

OutSightMindThe greatest blessing, stability, and power of the nation are godly homes--homes where the husband and wife love one another and together seek to raise godly children to influence the world. Satan also knows the power of the home and therefore tries to woo women away from their greatest place of influence.

However, he is not content with eliminating the mother from the home. He also comes to homes where mothers have come home to raise their children. He searches for ways to get his foot in the door, bringing in his deceptive ways.

Mothers, we must be watchwomen, constantly on the alert for Satan’s crafty ways. 1 Peter 5:8, 9 says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.”

When he puts his toe in your door, boot him out before he gets any further. Speak the name of Jesus ALOUD. Confess the Scriptures ALOUD. Don’t allow the enemy to get entrenched in your home. Raise up the stand of righteousness. Cast out all worldly practices and entertainment, and “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17). Deal strongly with negative and evil habits.

God spoke to His servant, David: “I have cut off all thine enemies OUT OF THY SIGHT” (2 Samuel 7:9). God reveals the way He wants us to also deal with Satan’s temptations. We cast them OUT OF OUR SIGHT! We don’t allow them to linger around. We don’t tolerate them. We send them kicking, OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF MIND.

James 4:7 says: “RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

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THE MYSTERY

GreatMysteryYesterday’s post talked about Jesus coming to this earth. But Jesus is a “coming” Savior. He continues to come to us. He is our Bridegroom who delights to come to us. We behold the picture in Song of Solomon 2:8: “The voice of my beloved! Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.” He bounds toward us, leaping, and skipping. No holding back.

Is this our response to Him (Song of Solomon 2:10, 13)? We read the bride’s response in Song of Solomon 1:4 is “Draw me, we will RUN AFTER THEE.” The language in our relationships should be “leaping, skipping, and running.” We long for His presence. We want to be with Him. We love to be in His Word. We love to be with God’s people singing His praises. It’s our life, the delight of our hearts.

But we go a step further. Ephesians 6:32 tells us about the “GREAT MYSTERY.” It’s not a little mystery, but a huge mystery. Yes, the Greek word is “megas” meaning exceedingly great. It’s the mystery that our marriage relationship is to be a picture of the relationship of Christ the bridegroom and His bride the church.

Do we have this attitude to our husbands? Do we come running when they need us? Or when they need us to do something for them? Or just to spend time with them? I am challenged myself.

How easy it is to lag behind. “Yes, in a minute, I’ve just got to finish what I’m doing.” Or it’s bedtime. Your husband waits for you in bed. “I’ll be there soon. Just checking my email. Won’t be a minute!” But an hour or more later you crawl into bed! This is not the picture of the mystery of the Bridegroom and the bride.

Our Bridegroom is a Coming Savior. Let’s be a coming bride. Let’s be a coming wife to our husband. This is how we reveal the mystery.

Blessings to you today from Nancy Campbell

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I COME

IComeThese blessed words, these powerful, prophetic words, “Lo, I come” are the ultimate message of Christmas. These Messianic words are prophesied in Psalm 40:7, 8: “Then said I, LO, I COME: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God, yea, thy law is within my heart.” They are repeated twice in the New Testament in the passage in Hebrews 10:5-9.

The Scripture says Jesus’ words were written “in the volume of the book.” This can refer to the Torah, but I believe they were written in God’s book in the eons of eternity for Jesus is the Lamb of God, “slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8).

To come to be our sacrifice for sins, He had to respond to His Father’s will, “Yes, I will COME.” He first came into the womb of a humble young maiden. He came from the magnificence of the eternal world to become flesh and blood. The “glory” of heaven and the “dearly beloved” of the Father came forth as a baby. Hebrews 10:5 tells us “a body hast thou prepared for me.” From glorious heights He came down to this sin-sick world, saying, “I come. I delight to come because I delight to do the Father’s will.”

He continued saying “I come” as He submitted Himself to the cross and the agony of taking the sins and sicknesses of world upon Him (Philippians 2:5-8). Our finite minds can never ever fathom the depths of His sacrifice for us. We will never ever fathom the heights of His love for us. All because He was willing to say, ‘LO, I COME.” “I come for you. I come to save you from your sins. I come to deliver you from the power of your self life. I come to give you eternal life.”

What is your response to His “Come”? Do you come saying, “Dear Lord Jesus, You gave Your life for me; I give you my life to serve you.” Do you come into His presence every morning when you wake? Do you come as a family to gather in His presence? Do you come throughout the day--looking to Him- and cast upon Him for He is not only your Savior, but your Rock and Fortress?

Jesus came for each one of us. Let’s be those who constantly come to Him. Never lagging behind. Never dragging the feet. But confessing as Jesus did, “I come, dear Lord Jesus, for I DELIGHT TO DO YOUR WILL.”

May each one us be in awe as we remember, at this season of the year, the miraculous and incomprehensible, supernatural incarnation of the Son of God.

In His love,

Nancy Campbell

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KITCHEN TESTING

KitchenTesting2The kitchen is where we do a lot of taste testing, isn’t it? We have to taste the meals we create to make sure they are palatable and have a great flavor.

However, the kitchen is also a place where we test who we really are! It's easy to live a patient and sweet life when we fellowship with friends or when everything is quiet and peaceful. But what about when everything is in a turmoil? What about when the baby needs you, your toddler is crying, you are trying to get breakfast for everyone, the phone is ringing, and your husband needs last minute help as he leaves the house. You hardly know where to turn first? What about when the children are cranky and whining or bouncing off the walls? How do you react then?

2 Corinthians 13:5 challenges us with these words: "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST IS IN YOU, except ye be reprobates." We need to examine our faith in the midst of trials and difficulties. This is the true testing.

However, we need not despair that we cannot live up to God's holy standard. We can't! Do you notice the words "JESUS CHRIST IS IN YOU"? It's not your trying to be perfect in your little world of mothering your children. It is allowing the life of Jesus Christ who lives within you to live His life through you.

Get into this habit. Say No to the flesh. Say No to anger and frustration. Say No to self-pity and gloom. Instead, thank Christ for His patience and love that IS IN YOU BECAUSE HE LIVES IN YOU!

Your greatest test in your kitchen is not trying to be more perfect, but yielding to the life of Christ in you!

Be encouraged today,

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