Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs

C. T. Studd, the famous English cricketer wrote about The Chocolate Soldier. He scorns those who run from the battle and melt when the going gets too hot. He writes that true soldiers are like children who when the school bell rings at the end of the last semester, bound out of school to begin their vacation, full of excitement. True soldiers don’t like to be confined and coped up. They just can’t wait to fight on the battlefield.

Job describes the war horse in Job 39: 19-25: “Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of this nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted: neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield He salloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smell the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.”

This is the same attitude we should as we fight the Lord’s battles against evil. We men must also teach our children to fight the good fight of faith. We must prepare them for the battles of life (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3,4 and 4:7). We must pray that 2016 will prove us all to be great warriors for the truth, that we will embrace the call God has given us to draw our swords, and that we will never back down no matter what the devil hurls at us.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

1 Corinthians 1:25-29 says: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

Simeon, an old man and obviously a humble man, being led by the Holy Spirit was told by God he would not see death before he saw the Christ (Luke 2:25-32). Why was this privilege not given to others? Could humility be the answer?

Anna, a prophetess and widow for 80 years lived at the temple serving God “with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-38). She also arrived on the scene just at the right moment and “gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

I amazed me how few were privileged to behold his first coming. How many will be chosen to behold His second coming?

May God grant to us all a revival of the true humility of Christ.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Why didn’t God the Father choose a famous city such as Jerusalem to be the birthplace of the King of kings and Lord of lords? Once again, God the Father wanted to teach the world a tremendous lesson on the subject of humility. Evidently God did not want His Son to be born in Jerusalem. There was too much religious pride in Jerusalem, especially with the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus said of them: “All their works they do for to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments. And love the uppermost rooms at feast, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi” (Matthew 23:5-8).

Little Bethlehem was the place of His humble birth, but Jerusalem was the place of his death. Pride persecutes and puts to death the humble. But the humble shall always be lifted up for God the Father deeply loves humility. James 4:6, 10 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Bethlehem was near the place of Rachael’s tomb (Genesis 35:19). Ruth, the God-fearing Moabitess made her home in Bethlehem with her second husband, Boaz and was remembered as the ancestress of David (Ruth 1:1, 2, 19, 22). King David himself was known as “the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah, whose name was Jesse” (1 Samuel 17:12, 15). It was also in Bethlehem that David was anointed king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:13).

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and explained to him how Mary had become pregnant by the Holy Ghost and he must go ahead and marry her. Joseph was humble enough to bear with the shame and carry the suspicions of all those who knew them both. Even though they both might have tried to explain it, who would believe that they had not committed fornication before marriage? Even though he was a “just man” and would have wanted to defend his character, he was humble enough to obey the angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream. By getting married to Mary, friends and family would judge he was admitting his guilt.

Joseph was not only a just and upright man, but also a humble man, willing to suffer shame on the behalf of Christ. By putting Mary away and giving her a bill of divorce, he would have cleared his name, but humility tempered his justice and enabled him to bear the consequences.

The Scriptures mention that Joseph was a carpenter. After the people had listened to Jesus teach in his own town of Nazareth Matthew 13:54,55 says: “They were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s?” They questioned his credentials. In their minds the only people worth listening to had to have cultural and theological credence.

They were familiar with his mother and his brothers and sisters, but because of his lack of credentials they were offended in him (verse 57). The Greek word is “skandalizo” and means they were stumbled or scandalized by Him. They didn’t take humility into account at all when it came to theological wisdom and mighty works. They did not know how to connect the dots. A carpenter’s son could not, in their minds, be Israel’s Messiah.

But he surely was a carpenter’s son as well as the son of God.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

Mary’s prophetic utterance made it abundantly clear that it was nothing less than her humility, her LOW ESTATE. She also prophecies: “He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of LOW DEGREE” (Luke 1:51, 52).

This is a great lesson for all who want God to lift them up. How low is our estate (regard of self) in our pursuit of humility? Have we reached the depth where God can gladly lift us up? We have just stated how God exalts them of low degree.

The question remains: How far down do we go to reach the point of low degree? Paul instructed the believers in Philippians 2:5-11: “Let this mind (attitude) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

It appears to me that the lower the depth of humility the higher the exaltation.

Men, we must take this truth to our own hearts and make sure that we impart it to our families.

To be continued.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

The western world is not all silent regarding the birth of God’s beloved Son. We publish it with carols and brilliant light displays. We observe the 25th of December as a special holiday to commemorate the wonder and glory of His birth. Personally, I am all for it. I rejoice at the birth of Christ and am glad that along with other Christians we can enjoy a special meal and the sharing of gifts.

The devil is a killjoy and does not want Christians to rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of the world. Some Christians despise Christmas trees and it decorations citing Jeremiah 10:1-5 and Isaiah 44:9-17. These Scriptures refer to the tree being used as an idol and worshipped. In all my life I have not met one Christian who worships a Christmas tree.

Legalism is always a joy robber. But God is not a killjoy. He lit up the heavens and the glory of the Lord came down. The heavenly hosts rejoiced, so why shouldn’t we?

Some say the reason we shouldn’t celebrate Christmas is because it is celebrated on a day that was once used to celebrate a pagan deity. In my mind, I think that if it replaces a pagan celebration, then it is a good thing and another victory over the devil.

However, in the excitement and joy of Christmas we must never be silent in our praises for Christ’s absolutely, amazing humility. This to me is the greatest reason why I celebrate Christ’s birth.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell

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

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