CREATED FOR CREATIVITY

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over . . .  all the earth”
(Genesis 1:26).

In the beginning, when God created each part of the world, He said: “Let there be . . .” However, when He came to the sixth day of creation, God said: “LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness.” This was something different.

Our God is the Creator and loves to create. Because He created you in His image and after His likeness, you also have within you a desire to create. The essence of “let us make” is not only in God but He has put it in His human creation.

Erick Gray writes: “Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she will make a baby. If you give her a house, she will make a home. If you give her groceries, she will make a meal. If you give her a smile, she will give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.”

Yes, it is true, cooperating with God you make babies. Some women will say, “Is that all I’m good for? Making babies and keeping house?” Of course you are good for that. You were made physically and innately for motherhood. It is your glory. It is not only glorious, but powerful! Mothers are the greatest influence upon this generation, and therefore the nation, and therefore future generations, and therefore eternity! Your children are eternal souls that will live forever.

But dear wife and mother, your whole life is creating. You were created “to make.” Because you are in the home you make it a beautiful home. You have the freedom to create it to be what you want it to be. You create a beautiful table to gather your family and visitors around. You can make it is interesting and lovely as you want. Your imagination is limitless.

You have complete freedom to develop the gifts and talents God has inherently put within you. Maybe you love to cook so you make wonderful meals, not only your family, but to invite others to join your table. You create your own recipes, and every meal is full of imagination.

You love to bake cakes or homemade bread? You can even sell them. Everything you make you can turn into a home business if you want to. Although we must guard that desire. There are seasons for everything. When we have little children around us, it is best to wait until they are older when you have more helping hands, and you have older children to help with the younger ones and even help with the home business.

You can make crafts and sell them. You can write books and sell them. You can paint pictures and sell them. Do you sew or knit? Oh I am sure you make the most amazing things with these abilities. You can create a wonderful garden.

You can make things no one has ever thought of before. That’s the wonderful thing. You are not bound by what has been done. You are created to dream up new things. Your creativity is boundless.

But here’s another thing to remember. You don’t have to make money out of everything you do! Yes, it can be a blessing (especially as you have older children) to help bring income into the family by selling your creative works. But we should never do everything for money. We do it for the joy of being creative. The joy of fulfilling the gift God has given to us. And the greatest motive of all—the joy of blessing others.

1 Peter 4:10 (HCSB) says: “Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.” Do you notice those words, “to serve others”? Yes, you may do it to make money, but the greatest purpose is to SERVE AND BLESS OTHERS. Firstly, your family members and then those around you. That’s the primary reason for your creativity.

You don’t have to leave your home to be liberated! No. You are in your glory in your home. You are also free to create in whatever gift God has uniquely given to you. The sky is the limit. Please say Hallelujah!

John Garr writes: “There is no doubt that the term ‘image of God’ . . . refers to man’s inner charismatic endowment as a creative being. Man’s likeness to God expresses itself in man’s striving and ability to become a creator.”

Be blessed as you create in your home today.

Nancy Campbell

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“I thank you, dear Father, for creating me uniquely. I am different to every other person in this universe. You have given me gifts that no one else has in order to bless my family and glorify Your name. Help me to use them wisely. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I am walking in creativity. I am dreaming up ways to bless my husband and my family. I am thinking of creative things to do to bless my family and the people around me.

Don’t miss the podcast for wives and mothers each week:

LIFE TO THE FULL w/ Nancy Campbell

https://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com

ARE WE DEGENERATING?

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see,
and ask for the old paths, where is the good way,
and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls”
(Jeremiah 6:15).

What I share with you now may seem archaic, even unbelievable in this society in which we live. However, it reveals how the bar of God's standard continues to lower in every generation.

I grew up as a child never entering a movie theater. It was considered evil. My mother, who has since passed away, never went into a movie theater in her life. Nor did my husband's mother! When I was older and began to go to a "good" movie, I remember saying to my mother, "Mother, you could come and see this movie. It is totally wholesome." But she replied, "Oh no, the Lord might come while I am there!" And she wouldn't want to be found in a movie theater if the Lord came for her!

But of course, when television came in, all standards went out the door. Now, many Christians receive into their homes all the filth and rubbish of the world. They watch adultery and fornication—and worse, without batting an eye! Many Christians go off to every new movie that comes without any discretion! No wonder we don't see the power of God moving in our midst today. We are a lukewarm people—overcome with mediocrity, complacency, ordinariness, passivity, and middle-of-the-road blindness!

What about church? When I was a young girl, we worshipped together as a family in the morning. We would never think of missing church—rain, hail or snow! Never any excuses! We were committed to the faithful g Hebrews 10:24). We came home for lunch and then we children walked back for Sunday School in the afternoon (a couple of miles). Then we attended the Sunday evening service.

Next generation . . .  instead of three times a day, we got down to two services—morning and evening church. Now, we are down to one service in the morning, and that's it! Help, with so many Christian families no longer committed the gathering of God’s people every week, will we even have one service in the next generation?

What about family life? We have so many wonderful godly families in the nation who are raising godly children. And yet sadly, across Christendom, many families have the mindset of the world. They have limited their families to two children. They are so excited when they have their son and daughter, and think, that’s it! The current average number of children per family in USA is 1.9 per family and that’s among Christians as well as the secular world.

I remember talking to an elderly gentleman on one of my flights. He told me that his father came from a family of ten children, and he came from a family of six. “How many children did you have?” I asked. “Two,” he replied. Very typical. Ten, six, two! Every generation has less children. Degeneration. Falling away from God’s original plan and purpose for mankind. We have become victims of a humanistic society. The blind leading the blind into the ditch!

It used to be normal to sit together as a family to eat meals. To communicate with one another. In our busy lifestyles today many families don’t even sit around the table to eat together! If they do, they bring their iPhones to the table! They don’t even communicate face to face. Now that really is degeneration!

Perhaps the statement is true: “Each generation is one generation away from degeneration.” In the midst of lethargy, tolerance of sin, and deception, let's keep seeking after God and His truth with all our hearts.

Dear mother, you are the transmitter of God’s truth and His ways to the next generation. If the next generation forget God’s ways, it is the mothers who are to blame! Wow. That’s a load. But it’s true. God has given us the powerful responsibility to communicate His ways to our children, our grandchildren, and the next generation.

I am always challenged by Isaiah 59:21 (HCSB): “As for Me, this is My covenant with them, says the LORD: ‘My Spirit who is on you, and My words that I have it in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouth of your children, or from the mouth of your children’s children, from now on and forever,’ says the LORD.’”

We must do more than getting into their hearts. We must get it into their mouths so that keeps coming forth out of their mouths to each succeeding generation.

NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER

“Dear Father, save me from dropping the baton. Help me to be faithful to pass on your truth and Your ways to my children and succeeding generations. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

Don’t miss the podcast for wives and mothers each week:

LIFE TO THE FULL w/ Nancy Campbell

https://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE RICH?
Part 2

“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word;
and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful”
(Mathew 13:22).

Today we continue to discover what are the true riches on this earth.

INSTRUCTION AND KNOWLEDGE

Proverbs 8:10: “Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.” To have a humble spirit to receive instruction and correction is worth more than gold and silver. You’ll be amazed what blessing it will add to your life even though it is not easy to receive.

KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING GOD

Jeremiah 9:23, 24: “Let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

We were created to fellowship with God. To know God should be the greatest pursuit of our lives. If we do not know Him, we miss out on what we were born for. What greater vision can we have as mothers than to lead our children to know God, not just to know about Him, but to truly know Him. If they come to know Him, they will not stray from Him.

PEACE WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

Philippians 4:6 (NET): “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

You can’t get better riches than peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a wretched life to live with anxiety, worry, despondency, and depression. As you get into the habit of giving every situation to God, you begin to experience the rich life. Nothing disturbs you because you know God is in control. Nothing puts you into a state of worry because you know you can trust God completely.

WISDOM

Proverbs 3:13-16: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.”

Proverbs 8:11-19: “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions . . . Riches are honor are with me: yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold; and my revenue than choice silver.”  Read also Proverbs 13:24 and Romans 11:33).

How would you like to go gold-digging and find some real gold? You’ll become richer if you go wisdom-digging. And all this wisdom is in Christ and in His Word. Colossians 2:3 says: “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

 GENEROSITY

To be liberal makes you rich. We know that Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Jesus also said in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Proverbs 11:24 (NLT): “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Do you remember reading about the Macedonia believers? They were going through abject poverty and yet still gave out of their poverty. Paul shares their story in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NET): “During a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their means and BEYOND THEIR MEANS . . . but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”

It is impossible to outgive God.

THE REPROACH OF CHRIST

We read the example of Moses who was heir to the wealth of Egypt but gave it up for Christ. The vain riches of this earth are going to be burnt up. The following lines which I memorized as a child are so true:

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Hebrews 11:24-26: By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”

I trust you have a great day living the rich life.

I love Paul's confession in 2 Corinthians 6:10: "As poor, YET MAKING MANY RICH; as having nothing, AND YET POSSESSING ALL THINGS." One translation says: "Penniless, we own the world!" What a great confession!

Nancy Campbell

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“Dear Father, please help me to understand and live in the true riches. I don’t want to be deceived by the riches of this life. They are deceitful and keep me from the true riches. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

Don’t miss the podcast for wives and mothers each week:

LIFE TO THE FULL w/ Nancy Campbell

https://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE RICH?
Part 1

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God”
(Luke 2:21).

It could be quite nice to be able to purchase whatever you want. It could be fun to purchase whatever groceries you desired instead of counting out your pennies, wouldn’t it?

However, there are only two kinds of riches, those we heap up for ourselves or those we heap up toward God (Luke 12:21). Our true riches are in the eternal realm, but did you know that there are godly riches we can have in this life too?

Let’s discover the riches we can enjoy on this earth.

A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Proverbs 12:4: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” 

A couple can live in the richest home and have money to burn, but if they don’t live in harmony and happiness together, they are poor. I think that one of the greatest riches of this life is to enjoy the bliss of marriage which is God’s beautiful plan and intention for us on this earth.

A happy and blissful marriage doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen. Think of something each new day to make life special for your husband. Think of something loving and encouraging to say to him each day. Be generous in pouring out your words of love.

A GOOD NAME

Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Also read Ecclesiastes 7:1.

CHILDREN

Deuteronomy 7:13 and Psalm 127:3-5. Our children are truly our greatest riches in this life (and praise God, we can take them into eternity with us too)! If a fire came through your home, what would you try to save? You'd forget about all your material possessions. You’d only want to save your children. And yet, isn't it amazing how many people would rather have fleeting possessions than children?

The Day is coming when we will leave every material thing behind on this earth. The only thing we’ll take with us is our eternal soul and our redeemed children. Let’s pour our lives into what is eternal.

CONTENTMENT

1Timothy 6:6: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” The NLT says: “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” Also read Psalm 37:16. If you are content and happy with what you have, even if it is only a little, you’ll live a rich life.

FAITH

James 2:5: “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”

Faith is so rich because it trusts God rather than what we can see. We don't hold back having children because of unbelief. We know that God is able to provide. We know we can trust Him in whatever situation we face. What richness! We may not have much materially but we have all we need.

FEAR OF THE LORD

Proverbs 22:4: ¨By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.” Read Psalm 112:1-3 where God promises that “wealth and riches” shall be in the house of the man who fears the Lord.  How rich we are if we have a God-fearing husband.

GOOD WORKS

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (BSB): “Instruct those who are rich in the present age . . . to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

If we do everything to serve ourselves and to please ourselves we are very poor. When we forget about our own life and serve others, always thinking of how we can bless those around us, we live a rich life.

Mark 8:35 is an eternal principle that never fails: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

GOD'S WORD

Psalm 19:9-11: “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned, and in keep of them there is great reward.”

Psalm 119:14: “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”

Psalm 119:72: “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.”

Psalm 119:127: “I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.”

Can we truthfully confess the above affirmations? Do we really love God’s word more than gold and all the things we could buy with it? If so, are we demonstrating it in our lives? The moment we wake, do we run to the Word? We can’t wait to dig for more gold. We can’t wait to hear what God will speak to us today through His living Word.

Do our children see our love for God’s Word? Or do they see that we are so busy with everything else in life that we rarely get to read it? Are we gathering our children morning and evening to hear His Word? Are we giving gold, the true riches, to our children each day as we gather them to hear His Word? Of course, we are not doing this as a ritual. Yes, it is a daily habit, but we do it with excitement. We can’t wait to hear what gold God has for us today.

Colossians 3:16 reminds us that God wants His Word to dwell in us RICHLY. If God's word dwells in us RICHLY, our spirit will be strong and steadfast. If God's Word is shallow in our hearts, our spirit will starve, and we will be weak and impotent to live this life.

I have found 15 ways to be rich in this life, so we’ll discover more next week.

Blessings from NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“Dear Father, thank you for showing me what are the true riches. I want to seek after them rather than the vain riches of this world. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I’m seeking after the true riches of this life. I am building for eternity. I can’t be bothered with the fleeting pleasures and riches of this life.

Don’t miss the podcast for wives and mothers each week:

LIFE TO THE FULL w/ Nancy Campbell

https://ARPoddy.buzzsprout.com