CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Part 2

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18).

This week we continue the rest of the 31 points about caring for one another--in our home and out of the home.

16. CAR. Offer a lift to someone who doesn't have a vehicle so they can do their shopping, go to church, or visit (Romans 12:11).

17. CHILDREN. Make a point of encouraging each one of your own children every day. When visiting with families take time to talk to the children as well as the adults (Proverbs 10:21a).

18. COURTESY. Good manners show that you care for people (Proverbs 11:16; Luke 4:22; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 Peter 2:8).

19. CORRESPONDENCE. Always be ready to write and encourage someone. Write a card, letter, email, or Facebook message. Don't forget family members (especially grandparents) who live in a different city or country. And don't forget those on the mission field (Proverbs 25:25).

20. CREATIVITY. If you have a talent or hobby, use it to bless others (Matthew 25:14-30; Acts 9:36-42; Romans 12:4-8).

21. CUDDLE. Hugs do wonders for husbands and children. And other ladies you meet (Proverbs 12:10).

22. CAPTIVITY. Remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are being persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). Two hundred million Christians across the world are currently suffering from some form of persecution and over 100,000 Christians are murdered each year for their faith. If we were being persecuted, we would certainly like to know others were praying for us, wouldn't we? We like to use the book, Praying Through the 100 Gateway Cities of the 10/40 Window at our Family Devotions each evening. It gives information of the most needy cities in the world and how to pray for them.

23. CONSISTANT PRAYER. Prayer will accomplish what nothing else can. Don't give up praying. (Luke 11:6-10; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16)

24. COMMITMENT. Be committed to your husband, your family, and to the saints of God--today, and in the weeks and months ahead (Psalm 16:2-3).

25. CO-OPT. Call upon others to help you when you minister to needy situations. Enlist your family. Don't try to do it all by yourself (Romans 16:3-5, 7; Philippians 1:5; 2:25; 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1, 23-24).

26. CHARITY. Charity begins at home, but doesn't end there. Pour out God's love on your husband and children, but take His love to hurting people outside your home, too (John 3:16; 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 10:33; 1 John 3:14-18; 4:20-21).

27. CONTINUE. Keep loving, serving, and blessing people, even when you receive nothing in return. Don't get weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3;13).

28. CHECK. At the end of each day, check to see if you have spoken words of encouragement to your husband, your children, or to someone God has put upon your heart (Hebrews 3:13-14).

29. CONCILIATE. Try to be a peace-maker, rather than having a reactionary spirit (Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11).

30. CONTENTMENT. Give thanks for all things, but don't expect thanks for all that you do. Your reward is in Heaven (Ephesians 6:5-6; Colossians 3:22-24).

31. COURIER. Take an Above Rubies magazine to a friend, a neighbor, or keep some in a plastic bag in your handbag to give to mothers when you go shopping. Be a courier that spreads the good news (Psalm 60:4).

After you have looked up the Scriptures for each point for the last two devotions, you may like to share them with your children too. I am sure you will find it a great blessing to use these life-changing Scriptures at your Family Devotions. It is important for your children to embrace this vision of caring for one another and make it your family lifestyle.

You will become a caring family with a vision for caring for the world around you, too.

NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

 Resources: http://tinyurl.com/Pray10-40Window

                 http://bit.ly/EncourageYourChildren

PRAYER:

"Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for OTHERS."

~ General William Booth

AFFIRMATION:

Instead of selfish, I want to be caring,

A life out-poured, and never sparing.

CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Part 1

"And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities" (Hebrews 10:24 AMP).

How grateful we are that God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He tangibly wants to show His loving care to us, but the only way He can do it is through His people. To encourage us to fulfill these words of Scripture, let's look at different ways we can show care to one another, beginning in our home, and then reaching out to those around us. There are 31 points, one for every day of the month.

The inspiration for these caring ideas came from a dear friend of mine in New Zealand, June Louis, who has now gone to be with the Lord. I cannot think of a greater example of a godly woman who walked with God, loved His Word, never compromised, and constantly cared for people with "good works." June came to know Jesus soon after she was married and prayed continually for her husband's salvation, but never saw the answer to her prayers while she was alive, even though she passed away in her eighties. This did not stop her unwaveringly serving the Lord and being totally committed to her marriage.

Don't forget to look up the Scriptures. They are best part.

1. COMFORT. Comfort the lonely, hurting, sad, and depressed (Acts 20:35; Romans 15:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 7:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11:14). And don't forget to comfort Israel, and God's chosen people (Isaiah 40:1-2).

2. CHAT. Take time to visit with someone who is sick or lonely (Matthew 25:31-46; Philippians 4:14).

3. CHORES. Do laundry or housework for a mother with a new baby or someone who is sick. (Philippians 2:4).

4. COOK. Invite a single mother, a widow, or a family to your home for a meal. Pursue hospitality (Acts 2:46; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).

5. CHILD-MINDING. Relieve a busy mom for a few hours (1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:2).

6. CHEERFUL. Keep a cheerful spirit in your home. Smile at your husband and your children constantly. Keep a cheerful countenance when you meet people so they will be uplifted by your presence rather than depressed (Proverbs 15:13, 15; 17:22; 18:21; Isaiah 3:9).

7. CHINA/CROCKERY. If you have extra, share with those who don't (Ephesians 4:28).

8. CALL. Call your husband at work to remind him that you love him. When the Holy Spirit lays someone on your heart, call to encourage them. Your words can change their whole day. "Anxiety in a person's heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy" (Proverbs 12:25 NET).

9. COMPASSION. Words are often not enough. Show love in your actions, too (Proverbs 31:20; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:16-18).

10. COOKIES. Bake some wholesome cookies for a family in need (Proverbs 31:20; Luke 6:38).

11. CARDS. Keep a stack of encouraging cards. Look for them when you are out shopping. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to your mind, write an encouraging word and send it to them (1 John 1:4).

12. CUSTOMS. Look out for folks from other countries and taken an interest in them and their customs (Acts 2:9-11).

13. CLUCKY. Never say No to a baby from God. And take notice of all babies, even when shopping or in the street. Encourage every young mother with a new baby (Psalm 127:3).

14. CONCERN. Show concern for all, especially the elderly (Leviticus 19:32).

15. CONSIDERATION. Take time to think about the needs of others. God cannot reveal to you the needs of others if you are always thinking about yourself (Mark 8:35; Hebrews 10:24).

We will continue the rest next week.

PRAYER:

"Oh Father, please give me the same spirit or caring that you have. Save me from being self-centered. I want to give room in my heart and my thoughts for you to tell me about people who are hurting. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save."

~ Fanny Crosby, 1870

GOD WITH US

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)

The prophets revealed many different names as they foretold the birth of the Messiah  who would come to deliver Israel and the world. Isaiah 9:6 reveals His name as Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace.

God revealed to both Joseph and Mary, at separate visitations, that his name would be called JESUS “for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:23 and Luke 1:31).

But, it was also prophesied that He would be called Emmanuel—God with us. What love! What purpose God has for us in the gift of His son, Yeshua. He gave him to be the Savior of the world—to save us from our sins, deliver us from our selfishness and bondages, but also to be with us. He wants to be close to us. He wants to fellowship with us. He wants to be present in every detail of our lives. There is no greater gift we could receive than Emmanuel.

Because Jesus died to take the punishment of our sin, we have cleansing and forgiveness—and the infilling of the Holy Spirit—God with us.

This gets to the very nitty-gritty of our lives. Dear mother, God is with you in every moment of your mothering. He is with you when you feel overwhelmed and even when you feel you can’t cope any longer. He is with you in all the frustrations. He is with you as you tackle another mound of dishes. He is with you as you scrub and clean. He is with you as you face all the extra activities you take on at this Christmas season. He is with you as you sort out squabbles and sibling rivalry. You are not doing all this on your own. Emmanuel is with you. Acknowledge that He is with you. Thank Him that He is with you. It makes all the difference.

All these moments, the good and the difficult, are sacred moments because of Emmanuel. He is with you as you curl up on your sofa and nurse your baby. He is with you as you read stories to your children, and He is with you in the daily disciplines of teaching and training your children. Your whole attitude, and the atmosphere of your home, changes when you understand that God is powerfully with you in every mothering moment.

He is with you in the dark times. He is with you when you do not feel Him and think that He is far away. Your feelings have nothing to do with it. Your feelings do not change Emmanuel!

You may feel you are drowning in the waters, but in the midst of the deep waters, God says “I am with you…they shall not overflow you.” The waters of adversity may be swirling around you. They look fearful and you wonder how you will survive. But remember, you cannot drown when God is with you. It is impossible. Read Isaiah 43:2 again. Instead of talking about all that you are going through, thank God that He is with you in your trial. When you understand that God is with you, you can rejoice.

Perhaps you are going through a fiery trial. The flames are engulfing your life and family. They feel as though they are consuming you. But, once again, please remember the promise of God—“You will not be burned!” The flames will not consume you. Why? Because God is with you! God is bigger than your fiery trial. Read again Isaiah 43:1-3.

We can rejoice in Emmanuel. He is in control. I love the reference to Emmanuel in Isaiah 8:8 and 10 that He is in charge and He owns the land! Yes, Emmanuel owns the land of Israel!

The greatest gift we have in this earthly life is that God with us. We are not citizens of this world. We are only sojourners here, ambassadors for the King of kings on our way to eternity. He does not leave us here to grovel and exist on our own. He has sent Emmanuel to be with us, teaching us, guiding us, and filling us with His wisdom and His glorious presence as we fulfill our destiny.

Make this be the glorious theme of your Christmas celebrations. Share this wonderful revelation with your family. As you thank God, encourage each one in the family to thank God that He is Emmanuel--God with us.  

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL, ABOVE RUBIES

PRAYER:
“Oh God, I thank you that you are Emmanuel. I thank you that you have promised to never leave me or forsake me. I thank you that you are with me even when I do not feel your presence. I thank you that I do not need to fear any circumstance because you are with me.”

AFFIRMATION:
I can face every situation in life because of Emmanuel!

WALK IN THE LIGHT—
From the dawn into the full sunlight!

“Come and let us walk in the light of the Lord”
(Isaiah 2:5).

Blessed Hanukkah season to those who love to celebrate Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is not one of the feasts of the Lord, but was instituted during the time of the Maccabees who won the victory over the Syrian Greeks and re-occupied the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. The Talmud records the story that when they captured the Temple, they only had one day’s supply of oil, but the oil miraculously burned for eight days until fresh oil could be obtained. It is also called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by lighting the eight-branched menorah for eight days.

Because Hanukkah speaks of light, I would like to share with you a few thoughts about light. God is light and He wants us to walk in His light.

Created

We were created to walk in light. The light God wants us to walk in is the Hebrew word or and it means “illumination, brightness, daylight, sunlight” (Isaiah 2:5). This light you are to walk in, is not only between you and God, but between you and your husband, your family, and brothers and sisters and Christ.

1 John 1:7 says, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

Called

We have been called into light. 1 Peter 2:9 admonishes us to “show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous (amazing and wonderful) light.”

When we are born again into the kingdom of God, we are translated out of the kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of wonderful light. The darkness flees. Deception disintegrates. We leave the path of destruction behind to pursue a life of light. The light is amazing. But although it is such a contrast from the darkness we have lived in, we do not always experience the fullness of His light immediately. We come out of darkness into the light of dawn.

Oh how I love the dawn. I love to look out of the window each morning and watch the dawn appearing. I can go to bed tired but wake up refreshed at the light of dawn. I can go to bed with a sore throat and wake up healed at the light of dawn. The dawn awakens the excitement of a new day and all its possibilities. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness that day and night will not cease. But the dawn is not the full light. There is more. It lightens more and more as the hours go by.

In the same way, we should experience more and more of God’s light. Our Christian life is to be a “more and more” walk. As we seek after God, He continues to expose more deceptions and dark places in our lives. As we repent of them and continue seeking, He leads us into more light. As we live in His Word, He pours more and more of the light of His truth into our darkened minds. Little by little, we walk more and more in the light of the Lord until it is like the midday sun.

I have always loved Proverbs 4:18 RSV which says, “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”

David confessed, “That I might live, ever mindful of God, in the sunshine of life.” (Psalm 56:13, Moffat) Isn’t that wonderful? Don’t be content to live in the light of the dawn, as wonderful as that is. There is more! Live in the full midday sun of God’s marvelous light.

Commissioned

We have also been commissioned to shine our light. Jesus is the light of the world and amazingly He tells us that we also are the light of the world. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

May we live “more and more” in the light of God and shine His light to those around us.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“Oh God, I thank you that I was destined to live in light. Please expose every bit of darkness in my life so that I can walk in the fullness of your marvelous light. Help me to walk in the light with my husband, my family, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to shine my light to all I meet today. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I am a light-shiner to the world because the Light of the world lives in me