Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

While the “multitude of the heavenly host” rejoiced at this amazing event, the  earth was strangely silent. Only a few humble shepherds were honored to receive the heavenly announcement. The Christmas carol, “Silent Night, holy night” truly fitted the manger scene.

King Herod only received the news second hand. He was too proud to receive the great news from God. The religious leaders of Israel were not notified by God or angels for they were also too proud. In fact, the whole nation, apart from the humble shepherds, were silent and asleep that night.

When heaven reasoned who should be told and invited to this awesome holy occasion, out of the whole nation, it was only the humble shepherds who were given the amazing privilege

Oh how God loves humility.

Be encouraged.

Colin

I am sure that Joseph would have done his best to clean up a space for his wife to give birth, but Mary may have wondered if she had really heard from God. After all, what great God would stoop to such depths to bring forth his Son in such poor and humble conditions. Surely God could have arranged for someone to cancel their night in the Inn.

But these continuing doubts would have quickly dispersed when eventually the wise men from the East came to visit. They had been invited by God to follow star from some eastern country all the way to Jerusalem where they inquired: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

They eventually were given an appointment with King Herod to enquire more. But this baby was not Herod’s baby although he lived in the palace. God was teaching the world a great lesson of how much He respects, loves, and honors humility.

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

People are attracted to this phenomena and will ask the reason for the joy. This opens up great opportunities to witness for Christ. As believers, we must take time to immerse our hearts in the presence of Christ on a daily basis. How can we possibly give out what we haven’t got in our hearts?

Jesus said that when we abide in Him and His words abide in us that we can ask what we will and it will be done for us (John 15:7). Jesus makes it very clear that His purpose for telling us these things is that His own personal joy will remain in us and that our joy will be full (John 15:11 and 16:24).

This means there will be no more dragging the bottom. No more trying to get the crumbs or the left over residues of joy. This means we will have an overflowing testimony.

This joy is not fleeting, but lasting. Isaiah 51:11 says that “everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.”

The joy the world gives comes from parties spiced with alcohol and living a life filled with worldly pleasures. Many Christians who do not know what it means to have the “joy of the Lord” are also tempted to cram their lives with worldly pleasures. The reason for this is that man was created with a great need for joy. The “joy of the Lord” fills the abiding Christian no matter what they are going through--sunshine or rain.

Persecution and even the treat of death cannot quench the joy of the Lord unless we allow it to. Worldly pleasures with their counterfeit joy are very circumstantial and are not all at all lasting.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The Scripture admonishes us in Philippians 2:12 to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Our attitude towards temptation, sin, and the world, the flesh, and the devil should always be met with fear and trembling lest we grieve the Spirit of God and hinder His blessing in our lives.

However, we should also understand that the salvation we are working out is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14;17). Therefore we ask: is it possible to be serious and joyful at the same time? I believe it is.

We should always be on guard that we do not equate true Christian joy with foolishness and foolish jesting. We must be serious about that. Our freedom in Christ must always be guarded so we do not allow freedom to become an occasion for the flesh (Galatians 5:13).

Legalism leads to bondage and joylessness. Freedom leads to peace and joy.

He whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Joy leads to a bright, shining face and this leads to spiritual joy and holiness, and this leads to worship and praises.

It is a challenging thought that there are many in the world who “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” type of people. They often have more joy than a lot of Christians. This is not a good advertisement for Jesus Christ is the One who has been anointed with the “OIL OF GLADNESS above his fellows” (Hebrews 1:9).

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that you JOY MIGHT BE FULL” (John 15:11).

“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your JOY MAY BE FULL.” John 16:24

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Romans 14: 17 says: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

No matter what the circumstances, good or bad, the Holy Spirit within us releases the unchanging state of the kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

No circumstances on earth can ever change the true state of the heavenly kingdom within us. Even in our frailty, even when we are afraid and fearful, Christ within us never changes. The living water that flows from His kingdom within us never changes.

Psalm 46:1-5 says: “ God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”

The joy coming from God’s kingdom is not at all dependent on good and prosperous times. This river is miraculous. All we have to do is dwell in it.

Psalm 91:1 says: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Verse 7 says: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” Fathers, we must teach our children this amazing truth so they will not let fear and heartache destroy them.

So many young people are disillusioned and afraid of what the future holds for them. Instead of their resorting to alcohol, drugs, and suicide, we must lead them to the river of life that is filled with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

We do not live in a safe world in the west any more, and this is just the beginning. Therefore, in the light of the uncertainty of our times, how can we experience joy in the midst of so much pending danger? Christmas is meant to be a joyous time as we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. Someone may say, “Tell that it the people in Paris or the bereaved families in San Bernardino. They will find it hard to receive.”

Nevertheless, the birth of Christ, bringing joy to the world, was not a peaceful time in Israel’s history. The Roman armies ruled them with a tight grip on the nation. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod ordered the killing of every baby two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). Jesus’ life was under constant threat during his ministry. And yet there was great joy and peace published at Christ’s birth, as well as throughout his ministry.

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Let us all remember at this season the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Obviously the best lights that need to be turned on, not only at this season, but at all times, are the Christians themselves.

In my last post I talked about hearing the words of Christ as opposed to tuning into so many other voices. Last week, two of my grandsons, Zadok and Crusoe Johnson, with three other shining and ardent young men drove to New York to pray for a two-year-old boy, Trucker, who has serious brain cancer. At the same time they are witnessing to everyone they meet along the way, both going and coming.

They have already led a number to Jesus and I am so looking forward to hearing more of their testimonies. I know that many more souls will be led to Jesus Christ and miracles will happen because they shine with the light of Christ and their countenances are radiant.

The best Christmas tree is a face lit up with the glory of the Lord. It is high time for the whole Christian church to cast off all the things that eclipse the light of Christ in their lives and shine like we have never shone before. Only then will the world listen to our message.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

America has more churches, Bibles, Christian TV, radio, and Internet outreach programs than any other nation. Almost every motel room has a Bible supplied by Gideon’s International. And yet it often takes more than all this availability of the message to really get the message home.

Isaiah 52:7 says: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings.”

If only the church would not put so much emphasis on the pulpit and the professional evangelist at the expense of marshalling its people to witness for Christ to all they meet, and wherever there is an opportunity, to share of Jesus Christ to a hurting soul.

Christmas provides a great time to share what Christ means to you.

Train your children to be witnesses for Christ, too. There’s no greater training. Paul encouraged Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Before you encourage others, first train your sons and daughters to be faithful men and women who know how to share the Gospel and God’s truths.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Our nation certainly needs to hear the voice of God through Jesus Christ. However, God uses His people who intently listen to Him to be His medium through whom He can speak. Isaiah 6:8 says: “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” God tells Isaiah in the rest of this chapter what to say to a nation that is not interested in hearing Him.

Isn’t it amazing that God, in His grace, should still try to speak to people who do not want to hear Him?

Men, as people who call ourselves Christians, we have a great responsibility to listen to the voice of Jesus Christ so that we can tell it to our families, churches, friends, and nation--whether they want to hear it or not!

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Family and close friends have a right to our attention, but there are other mediums we must watch regarding how much attention we give them. We live in a very media driven age. Almost everyone has a smart phone and other electronic devices to captivate their attention. Multitudes text and Facebook one another no matter where they are, but everyone seems too busy to listen to the most important voice of all.

Why should the chief voice of all, the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” be crammed out by voices that are unbelievably less important?

The voice of Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls, the only one who truly understands us, and the One who wants to lead and guide our every step on a daily basis waits patiently for us to listen to Him every day.

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Simple, raw, down-to-earth humility and meekness are the materials with which God loves to build. We best represent Christianity by a rugged cross, a crucified yet living Messiah, and crucified yet living disciples. Why does the church have to make it flashy, pretentious, showy, and grandiose?

Past, present, and future, God looks for “humble mangers” through which to reveal His Son to the world. Much of the present-day church, while giving approval for the humble manger because it sounds so enchanting, would never think of endorsing such humility if it was their own child being born to the King of kings. As always, God confounds the wisdom and pride of man. God’s only begotten Son, who in His pre-existence created all the worlds, was planned before the world began to be born in an animal manger. This is how God confronts the pride of man.

Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders because He never fitted into their idea of how a Messiah should be born, live, or die. Is it not still our pride that causes us to present to the world a glamorous Christianity that still shuns the cross, as well as the manger?

God on earth still loves to reveal Himself through a manger mentality.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Jesus’ sword was the true Word of God and it eventually took Him all the way to Calvary’s cross to fight the greatest battle of all--to be crucified on our behalf in order that we might become completely free from the kingdom of darkness.

The truth is that Jesus Christ did not fight every day of His life until His death so that we would become prissy flowers or pompous ceremonial swords. Dash that thought from our thinking forever. Rather, He redeemed us so that we would become true flashing swords, looking and living as He did upon the earth.

Why then, do so many Christians have no appetite to fight? Many will not even put up a real fight for themselves, let alone their perishing fellowman. Shame on us. Considering the price Jesus paid for us (His own precious blood), how is it possible for any of us to be ceremonial swords and yet call ourselves Christians. It is a crime against the blood of His cross.

On the day when He comes to count up His jewels, be assured if this truth that there will be no fake ones amongst them. Malachi 3:18 says: “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

Most of all, right now, we need discernment for ourselves. Philippians 2:12 exhorts us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

2. (v.3). They talked with their mouths but did not carry it out in their actions.

3. (v.4). “They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Jesus Christ, on the other hand, lifted burdens from the brokenhearted. He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4 and 60:1-3).

4. (v.5). They did everything for men to see. They loved the praises of men. Jesus was “meek and lowly of heart” (Matthew 11:28-30).

5. (v.5). They broadened their phylacteries (small cases for carrying Scriptures), but they did not show it in their lives. It could be said of them: “The bigger the Bible, the bigger the hypocrite.”

6. (v. 5). They lengthened the tassels of their garments. They were prideful and religious show-offs.

7. (v.6). They loved the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues. I am sure that when Jesus went to the synagogue that he didn’t sit in the chief seat. A thousand times no. He would have sat amongst the people.

8. (v.8). They loved religious titles and to be called Rabbi or Master.

9. (v.14). For a pretense they prayed long prayers.

10. (v. 27). These ceremonial swords are described as “whited sepulchers,” looking beautiful outwardly, but within were “full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness . . . full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

This sword is often made of fake, light, alloy material, perhaps chrome plated, or plastic. It is blunt so it does not pose any danger to those who may pick it up. To the casual eye it appears strong, but in fact it is delicate and has no intestinal fortitude to wage war. It likes to be continually cleaned and polished, but never sharpened. It is most comfortable when it is gently tucked away in its highly decorated sheath.

There are many ceremonial swords turning up each Sunday for their church parade while the dirty, dark demons and devils gleefully advance their cause. These devils do not fear these ceremonial swords the slightest bit.

Isaiah 34:6 says: “The sword of the LORD is filled with blood.”

Jeremiah 48:10 says: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully (negligently), and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.”

It’s time to get into the battle, men. And fathers, we must not raise our children to be ceremonial swords. Never. We must prepare them for battle also.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Jesus Christ, our supreme Commander and Chief, only chooses overcomers, those who have overcome in the past and who are continually overcoming.

Revelation 2:26, 27 says: “And he that overcometh and keepeth my works UNTO THE END, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron.”

Revelation 17:14 says: “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are CALLED, and CHOSEN, and FAITHFUL.”

Men, there are far too many who are not ready and prepared for true engagement in the Lord’s battles. Maybe one of the main reasons is that we have not been raised with the mentality that the Bible instructs us to be soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3, 4).

As fathers, we must raise our sons and daughters to be flashing and gleaming swords in spiritual warfare.

The word “glittering” means gleaming, sparkling, flashing, and lightning.” God’s lightning Word spoken through Spirit-filled people is very attractive to those who are hungry, but esome and fearful to those who are His enemies.

Proverbs 20:15 says: “There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”

Psalm 19:8: “The commandment of the LORD is pure enlightening the eyes.”

Luke 4:22: “And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” Obviously when Jesus spoke the word it had a glittering affect and a special attraction on those who heard Him. His words were like sparkling jewels to His friends, but a sparkling sword to His enemies.

Luke 4:36, 37: “And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.” Jesus used His lightning sword against an unclean devil.

Men, God calls for parents (fathers and mothers), to speak His flashing and lightning words of life to their children. When God looks at His collection of swords to find a sharp, effective sword, He looks for a glittering and gleaming sword. He picks it up, smiles at it, and says, “I will use you, for your gleaming and lightning will put fear in my enemies.”

A rusty sword that is stained, tarnished, and unpolished is blunt and will not cause devils to tremble. Does the worldly, godless spirit of this age fear our modern, politically correct, “nicey picey” tolerant church? I do not think so. Nor for a moment. But gleaming swords put fear into the enemy. Ah, they make him afraid. Who wants to use a corroded sword? Not me. And most certainly not God!

Fathers and mothers, keep your children from all forms of corrosion because we are polishing glittering and flashing swords for God to use against His enemies.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

We are told to hide God’s Word in our hearts which is the believer’s real sheath (Psalm 119:9). Carrying a Bible is not as important as hiding God’s Word in our hearts. The Word has to be in our hearts in order for the Holy Spirit to draw it from our mouths. In Revelation 1:16 we read a description of Jesus: “Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.” Jesus kept the Word in His heart so He could draw it from His mouth

The heart and the mouth are closely linked in the Scriptures. Romans 10:9, 10 states: “That if thou shalt confess with thy MOUTH the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the HEART man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth CONFESSION is made unto salvation.”

Deuteronomy 30:14 states: “The word is very nigh unto thee, in thy MOUTH, and in thy HEART, that thou mayest do it.”

Isaiah 59:21 (ESV): “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your MOUTH, shall not depart out of your MOUTH, or out of the MOUTH of your offspring, or out of the MOUTH of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

Men, it is our prime responsibility to ensure we put God’s Word into the hearts of all our children. Only then, will they be able to deliver it from their mouths. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: “Out of the abundance of the HEART the mouth speaketh.”

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

God wants us to become sharper as the days go by so that by the time our life on earth ends we will be sharper than ever. I don’t see any reason why the last days of our lives here on earth should not be the sharpest days of all.

We must never see the trials of life as an annoyance, but rather welcome them as a means to sharpen our swords and weapons of war. As God’s men, we should not long for days of ease where all is bliss and there is no stress and challenge. Instead, we should change our entire attitude and welcome anything that could possibly sharpen us up more in order to afflict greater causalities upon Christ’s enemies.

I think this is a reason why some of God’s people do not welcome larger families. They do not want to face trials, difficult challenges, or trust God beyond their financial resources, which are all part of parenting children. Consequently, we ourselves lose character as we refuse the trials of building character in our children.

Refusing to build families because of extra work and involvement causes us to become blunt in character. Our western nations are becoming increasingly dumbed down, dependent upon government provision, and consequently characterless.

Right now, we need a revival of character building. This requires a sharpening up mentality. Sharp swords are deadly weapons in dealing with enemies.

We must understand that our worst enemies are not physical ones. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 says: “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.”

The strongholds of unbelief, all forms of pride, negative attitudes towards accepting responsibility, hard work, raising children, resisting the entitlement mentality, refusing to take a strong stand against lust, homosexuality, abortion, pornography, and all fornications are our worst enemies.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Ecclesiastes 10;10 states: “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength.” The Living Bible paraphrases it: “A dull axe requires great strength; be wise and sharpen the blade.”

No one in any successful business wants to hire someone who is inefficient, does not know what they are doing, and who does not have a sharp edge about their conduct. How can we offer our great God and King our lives as blunt axes and swords? Can God use blunt swords in this day of battle? I do not think so. Revelation 19:15 says of Christ: “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations.”

Moses had to go to the back side of the desert for 40 years to be sharpened (Exodus 2:15 and Acts 7:30).

Israel had to go through the wilderness for 40 years before they were sharp enough to fight and win the battles of the Lord in the land of Canaan.

Our walk with God on this earth is really a boot camp to sharpen us up for the time when we will conquer and win the entire earth under the leadership of Christ in His millennial reign (1 Corinthians 6:2, 3).

Men, we must not only sharpen ourselves, but teach our children these truths lest they remain blunt.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell