Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

Partial obedience is disobedience. Perhaps this the greatest reason for the impotence in the church today .

King Saul's leadership of Israel came under a big test of obedience and we learn that God will only co-operate with leadership that is serious about obedience.

King Saul was given two chances to prove his complete obedience, but he failed both times. The first is where he was told to wait for the prophet to pray and offer sacrifices, but instead of waiting he did it himself. 1 Samuel 13:13 says, "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee."

The second was when God commanded Saul to "Go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not." However, Saul was only partially obedient because he feared his people and instead spared the king of the Amalekites and the best of their sheep and cattle to offer up sacrifices to the Lord. This sounded a very good idea, but it was disobedience.

After this, Samuel the prophet did not come to visit Saul again and the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.

Men, we cannot afford for this to happen in our leadership as fathers, or in our business. As the leader of our family, it would do us good to sit up and take notice that God is with our fatherhood and will give us the wisdom we need from day to day to lead our families as we are obedient to Him.

All partial obedience takes God out of the picture. Colin

Men, even though God has given us such powerful spiritual weapons to bring down the most resistant strongholds, we must ask ourselves why so many of these strongholds still remain. I believe the answer lies in our failure to deal with our own disobedience before we attack strongholds in the lives of others.

We must not think that grudging, partial obedience is in anyway acceptable to God, for it is not acceptable. No father or employer will accept grudging obedience. Half-hearted obedience is regarded as rebellion in Scripture.

1 Samuel 15:22 says, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." This word was spoken to King Saul by Samuel the prophet after Saul had partially obeyed God. As far as God is concerned, disobedience, or even partial obedience, is rebellion which God considers as evil as witchcraft and idolatry.

Have you ever considered that one of the big strongholds to be brought down in our lives is half-hearted, partial obedience?

Be encouraged to be an example to your family in this matter of obedience. Colin

I believe II Corinthians 10:6 says that we cannot effectively war against disobedience in others while we permit any form of disobedience in our own lives.

I believe with all my heart in praying for our government and nation that all corruption of our leaders will come down and that God, by His grace, will grant us godly leaders, whether it be in Washington or our local governments. How we long to see our countries free from humanistic, progressive, New World Order government.

However, we must be honest to God and ourselves regarding any disobedience in our own lives. The Holy Spirit constantly seeks our obedience in one way or another, whether it is in our attitudes, wrong speech, morals, or worldliness. Are we responding to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

The big question is, WHAT EXTENT IS OUR OWN DISOBEDIENCE TO THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AFFECTING OUR PRAYER LIFE FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF OTHERS?

I believe the answer could be much more than we think. We need to ask ourselves today what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us about. To whom are we listening and being obedient?

Be encouraged to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Colin

I have always been blessed by the words of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, but have only meditated on verse 6 recently. I now realize the important truth of this Scripture which states, "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

The word "readiness" implies a ready, prepared, and determined mindset against all areas of disobedience, both in our own lives and in the lives of others where we can influence change.

The word "revenge" means "vindication, retaliation and punishment." These days, disobedience is often just frowned upon, but not considered a serious problem or something to get worked up about. However, we are told in this Scripture that all disobedience should be put right and punished as necessary.

To be continued. Colin

I think most men have a fascination with powerful weapons. It is probably built into our DNA. Of course, the degree of fascination differs from man to man.

When the reality dawns on us that we have to deal with an aggressive enemy that is out to destroy us on a daily basis, our interest in combative weaponry should be heightened substantially. However, one cannot help but wonder when it comes to spiritual warfare that far too many Christian men do not take this battle anywhere near seriously enough. Physical wars seem to bring a far greater response from men than the spiritual battles we face daily.

What we fail to realize is that when we take up arms in the spiritual realm and put up a really good fight, this enables us to have a greater corresponding victory in the natural. I firmly believe that many of the natural battles we face are very often connected to the spiritual realm.

God, in His goodness, has provided us with powerful weapons to bring every thought and imagination into obedience to Christ. Read again 2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."

To be continued. Colin

MEN OF OBEDIENCE, No. 2.

I think most men have a fascination with powerful weapons. It is probably built into our DNA. Of course, the degree of fascination differs from man to man.

When the reality dawns on us that we have to deal with an aggressive enemy that is out to destroy us on a daily basis, our interest in combative weaponry should be heightened substantially. However, one cannot help but wonder when it comes to spiritual warfare that far too many Christian men do not take this battle anywhere near seriously enough. Physical wars seem to bring a far greater response from men than the spiritual battles we face daily.

What we fail to realize is that when we take up arms in the spiritual realm and put up a really good fight, this enables us to have a greater corresponding victory in the natural. I firmly believe that many of the natural battles we face are very often connected to the spiritual realm.

God, in His goodness, has provided us with powerful weapons to bring every thought and imagination into obedience to Christ. Read again 2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."

To be continued. Colin

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; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

In order for us to experience the great power of the weapons that God has given to us, we must first understand the purpose for using these spiritual weapons. We rejoice that these weapons are "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" but what kind of strongholds are this Scripture referring to?

Without a doubt the primary use for these weapons is to bring down the strongholds of disobedience in our own personal lives. This includes every thought and imagination that is contrary to the direct will of God or in opposition to the kingdom of Christ. It is essential that true men of God go to war against all areas of disobedience to the mind and ways of Christ in their personal lives.

If we do not declare that we are at really at war and start attacking all areas of disobedience, we will fail to be true men of God.

To be continued.

Colin

While at the Homeschool Convention in Memphis, Tennessee this last weekend I heard of a speaker who took a workshop on TEN WAYS TO ROCK YOUR WIFE'S WORLD. I did not get to attend myself but two of the ways that were mentioned to me caught my attention.

1. Most husbands in USA could lose about 30 lbs of weight. This would keep them healthier and living longer for their wives. I have had to really battle with this ever since I was about 40 years of age. For the past several weeks I have started a new lifestyle of alternate day eating. I eat normal healthy food and whatever I want for one day. The next day (the alternate day) I eat only 20 percent of the calories I would eat normally, eating mostly salads or thin soups. It seems to be working for me and promises many health benefits.

2. Tidy up after yourself. I reckon I could do better on this and so it's up to me to be a man and step up to the plate.

Be encouraged. Colin

Whatever we do, we are to “Do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord.” I believe enthusiasm is implied with the word, heartily. When you do something heartily, you put your heart and soul into it. You get “stuck in” and give it your best effort. You don’t mechanically go through the motions without any “zim and zest.” You involve your emotions. You use diligence, care and excellence.

It is the Lord who created us and gave us our skills, gifts and talents. He is the One who gives us health and strength. He has given us the greatest salvation ever known to man with multitudes of blessings, not only for this life, but the life which is to come. He is the greatest of all kings and is indeed worthy that whatever we do, we “Do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).

Start today to enthusiastically serve the Lord in whatever job you are doing.

Be encouraged as you work enthusiastically. Colin

Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This Scripture plainly states that we should be enthusiastic about everything we do, not just some things. Of all people on the face of this earth, we men who call ourselves Christians, could make such an amazing difference if we would only, by the power of the Holy Spirit, show much more divine enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm has the ability to brighten up your marriage and to be a blessing to your children. We who desire to be real men must put an end to moaning, complaining, and making excuses. We must put an end to dragging our feet. This goes against our manliness. We must take a strong stand against all signs of listlessness, apathy, and heartlessness. A heavy chain is hard to drag!

“The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this” is mentioned three times in Scripture—2 Kings 19:31; Isaiah 9:7 and 37:32. These Scriptures express the accomplishing power of zeal.

There are many other Scriptures relating to God’s zeal. Our indwelling God is a zealous God and this should make all the difference to the way we live.

Be encouraged to live zealously. Colin

“The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:17). This is the testimony of Jesus. I love enthusiastic people. I believe enthusiasm definitely enhances manhood.

Jesus was, and still is, zealous and enthusiastic about the holiness of God’s house, to the point of severe indignation. This zeal caused Him to make a whip and drive out all that abused and profaned His Holy temple.

We men would do well to take strong notice of this passage so that we will also keep God’s temple clean.

Enthusiasm makes a difficult job easier and assists us to do a better job. An enthusiastic person is good to be around. When we lack this virtue, we can be boring and unexciting to everyone around us.

I do not think any man can win a lady to become his wife without showing some passion. I think it’s sad when the honeymoon is over and the enthusiasm that started the relationship begins to wane. The honeymoon is never meant to be over. Whatever it took to win your wife to marry you is what you must keep doing to keep her married to you.

Enthusiasm enables us to carry through what we started all the way to the end. Zeal will keep going to the finishing line.

Be encouraged in the zeal of the Lord. Colin

Another quality that enhances manhood is doing things as quickly as possible. I believe it is demeaning to manliness to be forced to do things “the union way” which is usually as slow as possible. Such inaction destroys productivity and is not economical.

If your employment expects you to conform to such slackness, my suggestion is that you find other employment as soon as possible. Dawdling, marking time, and slouching is not becoming to manliness.

Proverbs 18:9 says, “He that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is great waster.”

I was at the airport the other day and was sickened to see the slow movements of the cleaning personal as they pushed their small carpet sweepers. It made me feel tired just watching them. They were killing time and working by the clock. It is sad that people get paid to be so slack in their work. It is sad that a lot of government jobs breed this unproductive behavior.

Do not be slow at getting things done. Do the best job possible and do it with style. After all, you are serving the Lord, aren’t you?

Be encouraged. Colin

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

Manliness is enhanced by reliability, stickability, and plain guts. If we were to say it nicely, “intestinal fortitude.” Someone has said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I believe it is unmanly in boxer’s terms to “throw in the towel” at the sign of blood. Absolutely not!

Real men are disgusted with such wimpy behavior. The apostle Paul, exhorting the Hebrews in Hebrews 12:4 states, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” This was not Jesus’ own sin, but ours. Paul goes on to exhort them to “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Hebrews 4:12).

Your wife and child need a reliable, dependable man to lean on when things get tough. We must never sit around looking for government handouts when, if we looked hard enough, we could put our own hands to work somewhere or somehow.

Men of God are not feminine; they are manly in a godly way. Remember, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

Be encouraged to be a dependable husband and father. Colin

Psalm 110:3 says, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.”

I believe there is something very good about willing manliness. I personally cannot stand a man who drags his feet when there is a job at hand that needs to be done. There is definitely something radically wrong with the man who doesn’t know how to get stuck in and pull his eight. As someone has said, “When the piano needs moving, there are plenty of volunteers to move the stool!”

True manliness is exalted by initiative, volunteerism, and willingness.

Psalm 110:3 says that a day is soon coming called “the day of Thy power,” the day when Christ will reign through His people over all the earth. However, the manifestation of this power will not flow through the hesitant, reticent, unwilling sideliners. Rather, it will be the “willing” who will experience this power.

Do not wait for that day. Start practicing the attribute of willingness now. Do not wait to be asked. If you can possibly help, volunteer today.

Be encouraged to walk in true manliness. Colin

Proverbs 20:6 asks, “But a faithful man who can find?”
Faithfulness, reliability and truthfulness are such a vital part of manhood. Every man who calls himself a Christian should make every effort to make sure that these virtues are not lacking in his life. One does not have to be a pastor or church leader in order to be a godly man. However, every Christian man who genuinely seeks to be a faithful, reliable, and truthful is certainly on the right track to becoming a real man of God.

Many Christian men have dropped the ball on these godly virtues, especially when it comes to two of our most important roles, that of being a husband and father. They are faithful, reliable, and truthful in their positions or employment because at the end of the week they expect a pay check. It pays them to work hard at these virtues in order to keep their job.

I believe it is even more important to diligently exercise these virtues in our marriage and fatherhood. These roles are foundational to our culture and society. In other words, your marriage and fatherhood is infinitely more important than anything else.

Be encouraged to be faithful to spouse and your family. Colin

Song of Solomon 8:5 says, “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?

I do not think this bride went into the wilderness leaning on the arms of her beloved. Something happened to her in the wilderness that brought about this change. It took a wilderness of trials and testings to find out for sure whether her beloved could be trusted enough to lean upon him.

In the trials of the wilderness, when other women came in contact with her husband, she found that he could be relied upon to be faithful to the covenant he had made with her. In this area of life, his arms were worthy to be leaned upon. In times of sorrow and grief or the loss of a loved one she learned that his arms were there to hold her up. In times of economic hardship, when provision looked bleak, somehow he always found a way to meet the family’s needs. In times of separation through war or occupational demands, she found her beloved’s arms could always be relied upon.

Men, if you are out of work right now, do not sit around waiting for something to turn up. Do not send your wife out to work when her place is at home with the children. Take part-time work yourself. Work a couple of low paid jobs. Do not look to the government. This is a test to see just how dependable your arms really are.

Be encouraged. Colin

The Song of Solomon says, “His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend.”

A man who is always “down in the mouth” is not easy to live with. I have to constantly take stock of myself in this area. I purposefully make myself say positive things in order to break the cycle of negative thinking and speech. Even though I am generally speaking an optimistic person, it has not just happened. I have become more optimistic by disciplining myself to be this way. The last thing people need around them is someone who is down in the mouth. A wet blanket is not going to make anyone feel comfortable.

The words of Jesus surprised the people for they wondered at the “gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:22). They also said, “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). This is what people should be saying about us for we are His representatives, are we not?

By our words alone we can make a big difference to the lives of those who live around us. Marriages do not break up because of positive speech, just the opposite! Many a marriage could be saved if couples would only sweeten up their speech to each other. Surely, there must be something nice to say to your spouse. Then for goodness sake, say it!

Be encouraged to be a positive influence in your home. Colin.

Song of Solomon 1:3 says, “Because of the savor of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.”

Our heavenly bridegroom, our prototype, is very fragrant indeed. We often worship Christ with the songs…

“His name is as ointment poured forth,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
His name is as ointment poured forth.” And,

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
There’s just something about that name,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Like the fragrance after the rain.”

The anointing oil mentioned in Exodus 30:23-33 was made of “chief spices” that were very special and very expensive. This anointing oil was only to be used for holy purposes. In Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:18 Jesus declares that this anointing oil is upon Him for the purpose of His ministry.

We should take note that two of these spices were very sweet—sweet cinnamon and sweet calamus. By virtue of the fact that we men are indwelt by the same sweet anointing, this should make a big difference to our every day attitudes. Just as the bride of Christ loves Jesus’ anointed name for all that His name represents, our wives will love us too as we allow this sweet anointing to flow forth from our lives.

When we walk into our home, our fragrant heavenly Bridegroom walks into our home with us. This fragrance represents our godly character and grace. The beautiful attitudes of the Holy Spirit, revealed through the fruit of the Spirit, will fill our home with fragrance.

Be encouraged to release the fragrance. Colin

The Bridegroom in the Song of Solomon 2:1 is called the “Lily of the valleys.”

Because our heavenly Bridegroom calls himself the “Lily of the valleys,” the big question we should ask ourselves is, “What are we husbands like in the valleys? How do we act in the valleys of economic stress when we have no salary to meet our family’s needs? How do we act when disaster strikes, when the going gets tough, or (God forbid) when we lose a loved one?

Men, we must not be so taken up with ourselves and forget that our wives at home often have a difficult task as they homeschool the children, cook the meals, clean the house, wipe noses, change diapers, deal with so much immaturity, do errands, and a thousand other thankless tasks.

Your wife, above all people, needs a husband who is a “Lily of the valleys” to daily encourage her and lift her up when she has had a difficult day. Every day, seek to affirm your wife. Tell her that she is doing the greatest job in the world, you need her at home, the family needs her at home, and the nation needs her at home. Tell your wife daily how much you love her and that you cannot afford to sacrifice her to the altar of careerism.

Men, we must also pay attention to purity for our example husband is a pure white lily. It is only the pure white lilies who can turn the valleys into something glorious. Christ in you is the “Lily of the valleys.”

Be encouraged to encourage your wife in her great calling of motherhood. Colin

Song of Solomon 2:1 says, “I am the rose of Sharon.” The reason why I am stirring men up to not take their marriage for granted is that the onslaught of marriage breakdown continues to increase among Christians. You would have to agree with me that this is a disgrace to the testimony of Jesus Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom, who loves marriage and has ordained that “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder (separate)” (Matthew 19:6).

The bridegroom of Song of Solomon is described as the “Rose of Sharon.” He is the most fragrant in character of all the exotic roses.

The indwelling “Rose of Sharon” lives in us by the power of His Spirit. This should make all the difference between Christian husbands and their marriages and the husbands of the world and their marriages.

Men, if this magnificent “Rose of Sharon” is not being manifested though our masculinity in order to grace and adorn our marriage, we need to pray earnestly that God will help us to remove the blockages.

Roses are surrounded by thorns, which in a sense, speaks of our fleshly nature. However, when our wife sees the beautiful rose and smells the fragrance, the thorns are completely forgotten. Your wife and children need to see more of the rose so that they will be able to forget your thorns (your flesh).

Be encouraged to reveal the “Rose of Sharon” in your marriage relationship. Colin