Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

With all my heart I believe that it is time for good men to stand up and resist the evil that is overwhelming our nation, whether it is abortion, pornography, homosexuality or any other form of evil that is trying to ruin our great country and bring it into judgment.

One of the many ways to stand up and resist evil is to fight it in prayer. We must learn how to bind the powers of darkness through prayers of agreement (Matthew 18:18-20). Through prayer we can assault and attack the strongholds of the enemy and render them useless.

1 Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” These weapons find their greatest effectiveness through prayer.

Isaiah 62:6-7 says, “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence. And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” Not only does Jerusalem need our constant prayers, but also our own country and cities. God also sets watchmen (prayer warriors) on the walls of our needy cities.

This country needs our prayers more than ever. In your daily Family Devotions, pray that all these evils will come crashing down. Remember, we are commanded from the Lord of hosts to pray for the place where we live (Jeremiah 29:7).

Be encouraged. Colin

We must ask this question. Should homosexuality and all types of perverts feel comfortable around the followers of Jesus Christ? I think not. They should feel our love, but they should also feel convicted.

I need to make a clarification to yesterday’s post. I wrote, “To know all Scripture without the power and love of the Holy Spirit leads to death (“The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” 2 Corinthians 3:6). To have all spirit without a good knowledge of the Scripture can lead to error and also to death.” “To have all spirit” should be changed to “to have all love.”

Reaching out to homosexuals and all types of perverts with arms of love, without a clear and loving call for them to repent and receive Jesus’ forgiveness, is not the full gospel. I have seen homosexuals get up and walk out of church services because they were offended at the preacher’s loving, but negative comment, regarding their sin.

Another question we must ask. Should not preaching the gospel truth convict people of their sin and their need of forgiveness? I believe it should.

I am sorry to offend. However, homosexuals should not in any way expect true Christians to accept their lifestyle as normal. No way!

Be encouraged. Colin

How can we expect congregations to stand up against sin if their pastors and leaders keep their mouths shut? If God speaks out, should not we? I believe that no pastor is worth his salt (or his salary), nor is he worth listening to, if he does not have the conviction and courage to stand up in this hour, and in the spirit of grace and truth, exhort and urge his congregation to take their stand against the sin of homosexuality.

I am not saying, in any way, that pastors and church leaders should be unloving towards any sinners, including homosexuals. Christ died for all sinners and is ever willing to forgive all who are willing to repent. In the same way, all Christ's ministers should lovingly preach to encourage repentance.

I do not believe that anyone was born a homosexual, for that would place the blame on God, and as I mentioned in my first article on this subject, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this sin (Genesis 19).

He also stated clearly in Leviticus 18:22, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is an abomination.”

President Obama, along with most liberals, state educators, the media, and many church leaders want us to believe that homosexuality is not a sin and that it is normal. These people are not God, nor do they fear God.

Ezekiel 3:18 says, “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die: and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to SAVE HIS LIFE; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity.”

Be encouraged to speak out. Colin

Stand up for the sanctity of marriage now or it will be too late.

Psalm 94:16 says, “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

I must confess that I really enjoy going to Starbucks. However, now that Starbucks have come out in support of the homosexual agenda and have given their approval of homosexual marriage, Starbucks will not get another dime out of me! It is a small sacrifice to make. But, until Starbucks release their support for homosexuals, I will not enter their doorway again!

Homosexuals have always been far too brazen about their lifestyle. In 2 Kings chapter 23 it speaks of the revival of eradicating evil that King Josiah initiated during his reign in Judah. Verse 7 says, “And he broke down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the Lord.” What audacity the sodomites of that day had in building their houses and performing their unholy practices right next to the holy temple of the Lord!

They continue to shout and parade their unnatural lifestyle before all, without any sense of shame, hoping everyone will accept their behavior as normal. I for one will never accept such behavior as normal. Even our male anatomy is clearly not designed to behave this way. Our bodies declare that God our Creator does not intend them to be used against His natural design.

Be encouraged to take your stand. Colin

Conservative America has spoken. We are sick and tired of gay bashing. Do not expect us in any way to comply with your gay agenda. Period.

Thank God for people who are prepared to stand up and speak out on issues about which they feel deeply, even at the risk of hurting other people’s feelings. Should the doctor not inform his patient that he or she has cancer and needs urgent treatment just because he may hurt the patient’s feelings? The answer goes without saying.

All Christians who take their Bible seriously and who have a deep desire to not offend the holiness of God should know what the Bible has to say about homosexuality. It is serious sin.

We cannot argue that the passages outlined in the Bible regarding this sin do not apply to us today.

Read Genesis 19 of the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Leviticus 18:22, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination.” The word “abomination” is a strong word and implies that homosexuality is a serious offence to God.

Read also Deuteronomy 23:17-18; 1 Kings 15:1; 22:46; 2 Kings 23:7 and Romans 1:26-27.

Jesus Christ taught us to love our fellowmen, but He most certainly did not teach us to compromise on moral issues in order to show love. We all know what Jesus did when He cleansed the temple. We should love our fallen fellowmen in a way that would encourage them to repent and find the mercy and forgiveness God is so willing to give.

Be encouraged to take your stand. Colin

A SMILING HUSBAND, Part 3

Men, not only should we smile at our wives a lot, but we should also smile at our children a lot. When we hold back smiles, we hold back the light. Light shines best through smiles that come from a pure heart. A smiling husband and father is far better to live with than a straight-faced, grim sober-side.

Men, even though life is filled with many difficulties and stresses that can easily take the smile of our face, I do believe that smiles can minimize the negative effects of these pressures. Smiling not only helps you feel better, but also helps others around you feel better.

I have known people who become aggravated over people who are always smiling. I think these people are most unfortunate and need to loosen up. We are blessed when we smile at our own mistakes and shortcomings. We should also smile at our wife and children’s faults and failures.

The priests of Israel blessed the people by saying, “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Can you possibly imagine God giving all this blessing without smiling? I think not!

Be encouraged. Colin

Are you smiling at your wife?

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

“Smiles are the language of love.”

“They gave each other a smile with a future.”

It is true that it doesn’t cost much to smile. However, the cost of negative feelings, as well as the price, is evidently too much to pay. I could not help notice while watching the Olympics the vast difference between the cultures when it comes to smiling. Some athletes looked sad even before they participated in their event. It almost made me want to cry for them.

True Christianity, irrespective of the circumstances, is and should always be “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

True holiness has absolutely nothing to do with keeping a straight face. Of course, I am not suggesting that smiling is appropriate during discipline and repentance. It would convey a false message for a wife or husband to smile at their spouse while the spouse is committing adultery or porn.

Who wants a Christianity that has no power to even put a smile on one’s face—not the world, and certainly, not God.

Be encouraged to smile more. Colin

Men, do you smile at your wives? If not, why not?

Here are some quotes…

“All people smile in the same language.”

“A smile is a light in the window indicating that the heart is home.”

“A smile is God’s cosmetic.”

“Learn to greet your friends with a smile; they carry too many frowns in their hearts to be bothered with yours.” ~ Mary Ayer.

My wife recently wrote a post on the Above Rubies Facebook encouraging wives to smile at their husbands. She was grieved to receive so many negative responses of wives who shared that even smiling at their husbands made no difference to them. They were still so difficult to live with and many had give up hope. And these were “Christian women.” This reveals how deep and difficult the problems in even Christian marriages.

I hate to think that I would be such a bad husband that my wife would find it difficult to smile at me. How we need a revival that will bring healing love, and yes—smiles, back into our marriages. How hard-hearted have we become when we cannot freely smile at each other? How hurt we must be that we cannot even smile.

Be encouraged to smile more at your wife. Colin

The last principle regarding Family Devotions is to exercise cheerful discipline regarding Family Devotions. Fathers must exercise discipline to keep up this habit otherwise the enemy will quickly snatch it away from them. The weakening of the family begins as a result of missed Family Devotions to God, who alone gives us all our daily needs.

I am not saying we should feel condemned if for some valid reason we occasionally miss our devotions. That would be legalism. God honors the willing spirit.

2 Corinthians 8:12 says, “If there be first a willing mind.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Psalm 40:8 says, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

The above Scriptures make it abundantly clear that Christianity that pleases God is not based on legalistic discipline, but rather the disciplines that are motivated from a cheerful heart that delights to do God’s will. Jesus recognized this problem with his disciples when he said regarding the discipline of prayer, “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

We cannot wait for the flesh to be willing. As long as the spirit is willing we can go ahead and be disciplined to do Family Devotions.

Be encouraged. Colin

Fathers need to make Family Devotions a Number One Priority by readjusting their schedules to be home for this most important time of day. If a father cannot be present at morning devotions, the wife or older son could conduct the Family Devotions.

Every father should at least try to be home to lead Family Devotions. If it is too difficult twice a day, make it a priority to be home to lead the family in prayer, worship, and reading the Holy Scriptures at least once per day.

We are commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Family Devotions are an important part of putting the kingdom of God first because it is seeking the kingdom of God as a whole family. I am not saying that it is not important to seek the kingdom of God first as an individual, for individual seeking is very important. However, individual seeking is greatly benefited and encouraged by family seeking. Family Devotions will and do give birth to a greater desire in the individual to go deeper into God.

Be encouraged. Colin

The tenth principle for Family Devotions it to keep a meek and reverential spirit.

James 1:21 tell us to “Receive with meekness the engrafted word.”

Men, do not use this time to show off your knowledge, to preach, or condemn or put down your wife or any member of your family. This only causes resistance and reaction. It is far better to use this time to briefly encourage your wife and family.

Bible knowledge is a wonderful thing, but not something to be proud about. This is opposite to the teaching of Scripture. Psalm 25:9 says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: the meek will he teach his way.”

I often read part of a Scripture and see if anyone in the family can finish the verse. Sometimes, I ask if anyone knows in what book of the Bible the Scripture is found. This encourages the memorization of Scripture rather than to be confused with religious pride.

Fathers, seek to create in your family a deep respect for God’s Word and prayer. Seek to create a hunger in your family to be taught from the Scriptures.

Be encouraged. Colin

The ninth principle in Family Devotions is to pray about what you read from the Scriptures. Prayer is the key which enables God’s Word to benefit the inner man of the heart. Some call this “pray reading.” I personally receive great benefit from the Scriptures as I pray read them in own personal life. I believe we should never read the Word without making it a matter for prayer.

As we read the Word, we should seek the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment on what it means and how we should pray about it. In this way, the Scriptures become a great resource for payer.

In family Devotions, it is a good thing for the father of the family to emphasize one important aspect in the daily reading for the whole family to pray about. It is better to pray earnestly about one thing rather than “overload” the children by having too many things to pray about.

During Family Devotions, the father should also ask each member of the family if they noticed anything in the daily reading they feel we should pray about. This helps to keep up their spiritual antennas and keep them alert.

Be encouraged. Colin

Family Devotions are not a time for long-winded sermons. We can leave all that to the pastor on Sunday! Our wife and children can easily be turned off by overzealousness.

Isaiah 28:9-10 says, “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept: line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

This Scripture makes it abundantly clear that no one can reach adulthood or maturity without the brief, but regular milk from the breast of Family Devotions. As parents, we must be always ready to provide and impart spontaneous daily tidbits of spiritual wisdom and advice to the eager listeners who have lots of questions.

We need to note the words, “Here a little, and there are little.” This implies sharing little precepts of truth at any time and wherever we are (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) and also just enough to be able to take in and digest. Indigestion is not pleasant for the natural body, nor is it good for the inner man.

I think that 15 – 20 minutes in the Word, including questions and discussion, twice a day, is enough. Remember that children, as well as adults, do not have long attention spans.

To be continued. Be encouraged. Colin

The seventh principle of Family Devotions is to keep it simple, easy, and not complicated. In order to maintain interest, dispel boredom, and hold the family’s attention we should remember to apply some appropriate and practical tips when reading the Word of God.

Firstly, read the Word clearly, eagerly, and enthusiastically. Make sure to emphasize certain words. There is nothing more deadly than reading the Word too quickly, too slowly, too boringly, and too indistinctly. Do not mumble God’s Word. We must remember that we are reading the holiest and most precious book in the entire world.

Ask questions. In order to keep the family’s minds focused on what is being read, ask several questions as you read. Ask different children to supply the answers. Make certain that both you and your family get the understanding of the main points. What is the point of reading the Holy Scriptures to your family if at the end they have no idea what is was all about?

Tomorrow we shall discuss why we should keep the reading brief and to the point.

Be encouraged. Colin

Men, we must be available to lead our families. Absentee fatherhood is not fatherhood. Fathers need to make it a priority to be home to lead in Family Devotions.

The sixth principle for Family Devotions is to have every family member present (as much as possible). This Christian exercise is for the benefit of the whole family and everyone living under your roof, not just certain members.

If a member of the family is not feeling well enough to eat at the family table, he or she, of course, may be excused from Family Devotions. However, if they are hungry enough to eat at the table, they need to remain seated for Family Devotions. The family meal table is not only a place to feed the outer man, but to feed the inner man.

Each member of the family needs to participate in prayer. This enables them to be actively involved in calling on the Lord. Each member should also be ready and willing to answer questions regarding the Scriptures being read.

As the family grows and there come challenges to schedules for sports and all manner of activities, they should all be prioritized to fit around the higher priority we place on as many of our family as possible being involved with Family Devotions.

If the husband has to go to work very early, the wife or older son could fill in the gap. But, husbands and fathers, we need to be home to lead our families in the evening devotions.

We must take out place as the spiritual leaders of our families and we have to be home to make this happen.

Be encouraged. Colin

Today we share Principle 3 for Family Devotions, that of worshipping God through the singing of hymns and spiritual songs.

In our family we do this at the end of our Family Devotions. However, it would be just as appropriate to do it at the beginning. I have noticed that when we sing at the end, everyone seems to get into the singing mood and continue singing as we clear the table and do dishes. This makes a great atmosphere.

In the tabernacle we note that the ministry of prayer, praise, and worship, typified by the golden altar of Incense, was situated at the end of the order of the service. The order…

1. The brazen altar representing Calvary.
2. The brazen laver representing the washing by baptism.
3. The candlestick representing the Holy Spirit’s work of illuminating the bread, which was opposite the candlestick and represented the Word of God.
4. Finally, the golden altar of incense representing prayer, praise, and worship which was situated directly before the Holy of Holies, representing the divine Shekinah presence of God.

I have often noticed a wonderful sense of God’s presence as we sing hymns and worship songs around our table. We often use the hymn books and ask the family to choose which one they would like to sing. Sometimes we sing up to three hymns as we end devotions.

Be encouraged. Colin

2. THE FATHER READING THE SCRIPTURES TO HIS FAMILY.

Men, when it comes to Family Devotions, I believe that fathers should exercise their spiritual headship by establishing order. All members of the family should be reverent while the father reads the Scriptures to his family. It is important for the father to visibly be seen by his family as the family’s spiritual and natural head of the home.

God has biblically declared, as far as headship is concerned, that “The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man” (1 Corinthians 1). I believe it is a good thing for every Christian wife to not be contentious over God’s creational order, but rather to humbly accept her role as her husband’s helpmeet and encourage him to take his leadership.

I believe it is healthy for families to grow up knowing that dad is the head of the home. However, all dads must learn to take this authority as being under God, with all meekness and humility, not abusing their wives or their children through being over authoritative. This only causes resistance and rejection.

As fathers lovingly read the Scriptures to their families, God will use this to establish their headship in a way that will bring about respect for their authority.

Be encouraged. Colin

Men, our family unity is shallow, and perhaps very shallow, if the Word of God, prayers, and worship are not exercised and ministered on a daily basis in our homes. To me it seems hypocritical for us to call ourselves “Christian” families if family worship, prayers, and the Word of God are not given their rightful place in our daily lives. No wonder so many “Christian marriages” end in divorce.

Family Devotions are not synonymous with arguments, tensions, separation, and divorce. Family Devotions are synonymous with true love, unity, and the commanded blessings of Psalm 133. The “Oh how beautiful” truth of godly unity is still waiting to be experienced in Christian families who feel no need for Family Devotions and who believe that their faith in Christ does not need this daily support.

But, storms will come, as they always do, and sad to say, many homes will continue to fall because their foundations are not deep enough into the daily solid Rock of the Word of Christ.

As always, and especially in these days, our families need the “Daily Bread” that will feed our spirits, keep us in beautiful unity, and repel all negative storms of destruction.

Be encouraged. Colin

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! … there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm 133:1-3). Praying together as a family unites the family in the best ways possible. Negative attitudes change when families pray together. Family unity is a blessing beyond compare and praying together will definitely preserve and increase this great virtue.

When the Christian family, for whatever reason, neglects to pray together, the family unity suffers great loss. Individual members become more isolated into their own world. The love, care, and concern for one another quickly subsides.

Families are meant to be a team that pulls together. Families are meant to have common goals and values. If one member suffers, the other members will pull together to help.

Families are somewhat held together by a common DNA. However, without daily praying together, even DNA is not be enough to keep us in the true unity that is deep and meaningful. There is such a thing as shallow unity, but who wants that? I think that multitudes of Christian families are experiencing shallow unity and think this is normal. But, when we pray together prayers of agreement our unity takes on a far greater dynamic.

Be encouraged. Colin

5. There are three principles to be maintained during Family Devotions.

1. PRAYING TOGETHER (each member praying)

The devil will do all he can to stop families from corporate praying.

Prayer is calling upon God to defeat all the devices and attacks of wicked spiritual powers. When families pray prayers of agreement, tremendous forces of God are summoned into action to bring answers to their prayers. There is no need that is too great for God to provide a victorious answer.

I believe that everyone around the table should pray—no exceptions. In this way, each member of the family exercises their highest duty and privilege in life. They are doing their part in the battle of life, not only for themselves, but for others and the nation.

It is at Family Devotions where the art of prayer is learned and developed. It is at Family Devotions where the devil’s plans are weakened.

Encourage short prayers that are to the point, in order to not drag out the time. Long prayers can kill Family Devotions. Long praying should be encouraged for individual praying on your own with God.

Be encouraged. Colin